Chef Cheryl of Chara’s Kitchen and Catering, a Bellport-based business, joined Baldwin community members at the Baldwin Public Library for a Creole cuisine cooking demonstration on Jan. 27. Above, Chef Cheryl shows patrons how to make beignets. Story and more photos, Page 3.
By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
“Where learning takes flight” is the motto for Plaza Elementary School in Baldwin, and that phrase took on a literal meaning on Friday, when fifth graders flew drones around their classroom.
The school has adopted an aviation theme focused on collaboration, creativity and character as part of the 6Cs in education (Character, creativity, critical thinking, communication, citizenship, and collaboration.) This school year, principal Mark Gray and assistant principal Nicole Glier introduced a school-wide project incorporating drones and other aviation-related themes across all
grade levels.
As part of the Baldwin School District’s commitment to hands-on learning, the young pilots are now mastering the fundamentals of drone flight. In January, students underwent training using high fidelity, web-based flight simulators — a critical step in building muscle memory, precision control and safety awareness before transitioning to real-world flight.
“At Plaza, we’re starting to build upon our legacy,” Glier said. “Our fifth graders are working with drones, and they’re learning about the connection to our past here at Plaza.”
The school sits on the historic site where
By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Baldwin resident Alain Martin, 45, never set out to become a filmmaker, but a decade-long passion project, his documentary “The Forgotten Occupation,” is now reaching national audiences and reshaping how Haiti’s history is understood.
By day, Martin, who grew up in Jacmel, Haiti, before coming to the United States at age 13, is a banker, which makes filmmaking a nightsand-weekends pursuit for him. The documentary explores the U.S. occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934. Seeking a way to engage audiences while presenting complex history, Martin framed the film as a personal letter to his late grandfather.
ly, creatively or artistically, leaving him stuck as he searched for a stronger narrative approach. After stepping away from the project for nearly three years, inspiration struck.
“I was asking myself, ‘How can I be honest?’ when it comes to this film,” Martin recalled. “My grandfather was always someone I was thinking about, and I said, ‘What if I just write a letter to him?’”
his film feels like my gift to Haiti.
Al AIN MARTIN Filmmaker
Even after he settled on the film’s structure, completing the project remained difficult. At one point, Martin said, the film went through 19 cuts and several editors as he struggled to shape the story. “The editing was the hardest part,” he said. “We just couldn’t get the story right for a long time.”
“I uncovered such horrible facts about the U.S. occupation that I just wanted to share that with people,” Martin said.
He described an early version of the film as “bland and boring,” saying it failed to “move the needle” dramatical-
Following the assassination of Haitian President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam in July 1915, President Woodrow Wilson sent U.S. Marines into Haiti to “restore order” and “maintain political and eco -
Continued on page 13
By ALLYSON FERRARI
aferrari@liherald.com
This February, the Baldwin Public Library is inviting patrons of all ages to take part in Valentine’s Day themed activities, offering a mix of crafts, book-inspired programs and seasonal events designed to bring the community together. Programs include hands-on craft sessions and creative activities that help choose your next read, allowing children and adults opportunities to celebrate the holiday in a fun and welcoming environment. For more information and other events, visit BaldwinPL.org/events.
Until the end of February, the Baldwin Public Library is offering Blind Date with a Book, a program that invites patrons to check out a wrapped book without knowing its title or author. The concept began at Elizabeth’s Bookshop in Australia in 2018 and has since been adopted by libraries and bookstores worldwide, often tied to Valentine’s Day. According to the library’s website, patrons can fill out a “Rate Your Date” card and return it at the reference desk when the book is due, which also enters them into a prize drawing. The program encourages readers to explore new genres and authors they might not normally select, reminding participants not to judge a book by its cover. No registration is required, but a valid library card is needed to participate.
Similarly to the Blind Date with a Book program, readers can also find their next perfect match—or book match—during the library’s Book Speed Dating event on Feb. 10. The program begins at 3:30 p.m. and offers a fast paced, interactive way for participants to discover new books and genres they might not normally choose. According to the library’s website, participants will rotate through a selection of books, spending a few minutes with each title to record first impressions and rate their interest before moving on to the next option. At the end of the session, readers can decide which books they would like to check out, helping them discover new authors and styles in a fun, low-pressure setting. Light refreshments will be available during the program while supplies last. Registration is required to attend.
The Baldwin Public Library’s children’s arts and crafts room will be filled with creativity this Valentine’s Day as the library invites students in grades 6-12 to paint their own heart-shaped suncatcher on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. The program offers teens a chance to celebrate the holiday through a hands-on activity while creating a colorful decoration to take home. Suncatchers, often made from stained glass, crystals, or acrylic materials, are decorative ornaments designed to hang in windows and catch sunlight, creating vibrant reflections that add color to indoor or outdoor spaces. The program encourages creativity while providing a fun, seasonal activity for teens looking to spend time with friends and meet others in the community. Registration is required to attend.
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.
Shoreham Nuclear Plant: A Defining Turning
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 ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Chef Cheryl of Chara’s Kitchen and Catering brought the flavors of New Orleans to Baldwin during a Creole cooking class at the Baldwin Public Library on Jan. 27.
Community members gathered to learn about Creole history and cuisine while sampling dishes prepared by Chef Cheryl during the presentation.
Creole cuisine, originating in New Orleans, reflects a fusion of French, Spanish, West African, Caribbean and Native American traditions. It is known for its use of tomatoes, butter-based sauces and local seafood, as well as a refined and complex flavor profile compared with Cajun cooking.
The program featured classic dishes including jambalaya and warm beignets, which attendees enjoyed as Cheryl discussed the ingredients and cultural roots behind the recipes.
The event was part of the library’s ongoing effort to offer educational and cultural programming for the Baldwin community.
a popular Louisiana one-pot dish, merging African, Spanish, and French influences. It consists of rice cooked with vegetables, broth, and meats like sausage, chicken, or seafood. It is commonly divided into red-toned Creole and brown-toned Cajun variations.
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
A Baldwin teenager has been indicted on murder and weapons charges in connection with a shooting at a Hempstead house party that killed a 19-year-old woman and injured two others.
Jacob McMillan, 18, allegedly opened fire after being denied entry to a party on Willow Avenue late on Nov. 22, 2025, prosecutors said. The gunfire killed Amira McCleod, a sophomore athlete at Monroe University from St. Albans, Queens, and left two other people wounded.
McMillan was arraigned on charges including second-degree murder, attempted murder, and criminal use of a firearm, and pleaded not guilty. He is being held and is due back in court on Feb. 23. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
“This was senseless violence that cut short a young life full of promise,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “Amira McCleod was simply out with friends when a bullet struck her in the head and killed her instantly.”
According to the indictment, McMillan tried to enter the party shortly before 11 p.m. and was stopped by the host, who attempted to search him. When McMillan refused, he allegedly pulled a gun and shot the host twice — striking him in the arm.
As he fled the scene on Kennedy Avenue, McMillan allegedly fired another shot. That bullet passed through another partygoer and struck McCleod, killing her at the scene.
Luke Feeney/Herald
Jacob McMillan, 18, was arrested in Baldwin on Dec. 2 by the Nassau County Police Department’s Bureau of Special Operations.
Investigators used surveillance footage and doorbell camera video to trace McMillan’s movements, including footage showing him wearing the same outfit at multiple points: a dark blue and black North Face jacket, light-colored jeans, and black sneakers. He was arrested in Baldwin on Dec. 2 by the Nassau County Police Department’s Bureau of Special Operations. At the time of the shooting, McMillan was already being monitored by pretrial services for a previous felony charge. Prosecutors said he is also facing a separate burglary case that allegedly occurred just days before the party shooting.
Nassau County police are investigating a fatal aided case reported Monday morning in Baldwin.
According to First Squad detectives, officers responded to 2878 Grand Ave. at about 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 2 for an aided case.
A 79-year-old man was found outside near the rear of the building and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by hospital staff. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
— Allyson Ferrari
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 NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com
The roof of Baldwin High School nearly blew off the gymnasium as the stands were packed for the Conference AAA girls’ basketball rivalry between the Bruins and Massapequa Jan. 29.
The undefeated conference season lives on for defending state Class AA champion Baldwin after lights-out shooting performances from senior Alyssa Polonia and junior Chinaya Okogeri led to a huge third quarter, as the Bruins beat Massapequa, 58-31.
“I thought we were playing hard from the jump tonight and the difference was in the first half; we just weren’t making our shots,” Baldwin head coach Tom Catapano said. “In the second half, we settled in, and then once we started making shots, the game was going to pop open for us. I thought our effort was tremendous all night.”
The Bruins (11-2 overall, 9-0 in conference) used a 21-4 run in the third quarter to seal the outcome. Juniors
Elizabeth Hill and Ajeya Nicholas added 5 points apiece, and senior Akua Bonsu chipped in 4.
Polonia knocked down four shots from three-point land and recorded her fourth 20-plus point performance as she finished with 20 on the night. The guard averages 15.1 points per game.
“I started off shaky, but I just have to have trust in the work I put in and keep shooting,” Polonia said.
Okogeri, who averages 9 ppg, finished with her sec -
ond-highest point total with 14, while sophomore guard Malia Robinson added 10.
“They [Polonia and Okogeri] have a ton of experience,” Catapano said. “Both were brought up as middle school players. As a coach, it feels really good to know you have those two in the back court.”
Massapequa head coach Billy Herr was able to take some positives from the game. The Chiefs are 13-3 overall, 8-2 in conference.
“After the game, the first thing we looked at was the positives,” Herr said. “Baldwin’s known for its pressure, full-court press, and I think we did a really good job of breaking that. We may not have scored as well as we wanted to, but there weren’t a lot of turnovers in transition.
“I don’t think we did a good job of limiting their transition offense,” he added. “So that’s something we’ll take with us moving forward. We reminded the girls that
they got a lot of shops up, which is tough to do against this team.”
Junior Olivia Morgan had active hands-on defense, creating offensive opportunities for Massapequa in transition and finished with 8 points.
“She’s our lead guard,” Herr said. “She’s a spark that drives us defensively at the top of our zone and when we’re in man guarding the opponent’s best ball handler, she works really hard. She had a really great defensive game and did really well getting to the basket.”
The Chiefs are known for their elite size. Catapano knew that would be a challenge coming in, but he and his staff prepared their kids for the tough matchup and have now put a target on their backs.
“This was a great win for us,” Catapano said. “They’re absolutely humongous. Nobody has more size than Massapequa does. We lost six seniors this year, who all went on to play college basketball and came off a state championship. Everybody thinks this is going to be a down year and we’re slowly finding our footing, and I think we’re ready to make a deep playoff run right now.”
The Chiefs’ ‘humongous size’ came from seniors Savanna Appleton (12 ppg), Maeve Schiereck (6 ppg) and sophomore Sienna Erker (7.7 ppg.) Those three clogged the paint and held the Bruins to just 16 points in the first half.
Baldwin is back in action on the road against Oceanside this Friday at 6:45 p.m., while Massapequa heads to South Side for a non-league tilt this Saturday at 3 p.m.
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.
result of years of advocacy and scientific review.
In addition to regulating water systems themselves, Esposito highlighted a first-of-its-kind state law, passed in 2019, that limited the amount of 1,4-dioxane allowed in common household and personal care products. The law was phased in over several years and was fully implemented in 2023, reducing the amount of chemicals entering wastewater systems in the first place.
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.”
Arthur and Albert Heinrich built and flew the first American monoplane, tracing Baldwin’s aviation history to 1910.
The district’s connection to aviation, however, extends beyond Plaza. More recently, Baldwin High School alumna Jasmin Moghbeli, now a NASA astronaut, represents the next chapter in the community’s long-standing commitment to STEM, aeronautics and the exploration of the skies.
The district’s fifth-grade curriculum allows students to explore drone types, parts, history, career paths and regulations, reinforced through hands-on activities such as flight simulations and practical drone skills. Each Friday for the remainder of the school year, fifth-grade students will rotate through stations that include a discovery zone, a simulation lab and a flight school.
“The students get to see the beginning of flying, and then the future of flying,” fifth-grade teacher Lynette O’Brien said. “They get to see all of the different options of what they can do with drones — that they’re not just toys, but they’re actually learning skills that could give them the trajectory of having an amazing job in the future.”
Friday’s flight session allowed students to operate real drones following weeks of simulator training.
Working in small groups, students guided the drones through a classroom
obstacle course under O’Brien’s supervision, applying safety protocols and precision controls learned earlier in the program. Teachers and administrators observed as students took turns piloting, spotting and resetting equipment, emphasizing teamwork and responsibility.
The activity was heavy on student col-
laboration, as the young pilots helped their peers feel comfortable and confident in their flying skills, providing encouragement and tips, when needed.
Mila Salim and Tori Matthias, two students in O’Brien’s fifth-grade class who flew the drones on Friday, told the Herald they relished the experience.
“I enjoyed learning how to land the drone,” Salim said. “Usually, I don’t land in a designated spot, but I landed good this time.”
While the students in the flight school were flying the drones, those assigned to the discovery zone, a curriculum-based group, researched drone pilot careers, including roles in agriculture and wildlife conservation, and created job fair flyers to showcase their findings. Meanwhile, students in the simulation group practiced flying drones in a virtual lab environment, before it was their turn to take flight inside the classroom.
Each station would rotate every 15 to 20 minutes during the 70-minute block, allowing students ample time to tackle each activity.
“The introduction to the drone program brings Baldwin’s Future Ready Competencies to life by engaging students in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and responsible citizenship,” Superintendent Anthony Mignella said in an email to the Herald. “By connecting the drone curriculum to Baldwin’s rich aviation history, students gain a deeper understanding of the science behind aeronautics and how innovations have driven progress. These handson educational experiences help students thrive in an interconnected world, making learning more meaningful and directly relevant to the skills students need to succeed today and in the future.”
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Kevin Walter Lucia, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5, accomplished aviator and devoted family man known for his adventurous spirit and warm sense of humor, died Jan. 7 at his home in Baldwin. He was 66.
Lucia spent more than three decades in military service, retiring from the Army in 2015 after 34 years of honorable duty. An Army aviator and Afghanistan Campaign veteran, flying was his lifelong passion. After leaving military service, he continued his career in aviation as a Life Flight pilot for Geisinger Medical Center in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, providing emergency medical transport before fully retiring in 2021.
KE vIN W. LucIA
Born in Bordeaux, France, Lucia grew up in a military family and later attended St. John’s University. He eventually settled on Long Island, most recently living in Baldwin.
Family and friends remember him as fun-loving, kind and endlessly adventurous.
“He was happiest when he was flying,” his longtime partner, Susan, recalled. One of her favorite memories is a photograph he once sent her, standing proudly in front of a helicopter — an image she says perfectly captures whom he was.
Despite his tough military background, those closest to Lucia describe him as deeply sentimental and caring, someone who put family first. He remained closely connected to his children and grandchildren, embracing technology to stay in touch and never missing an opportunity to support loved ones, even when they lived far away.
Lucia embraced life’s adventures, taking up skiing at age 60 and quickly becoming an enthusiastic skier. He and Susan enjoyed traveling the world together, and he developed a strong appreciation for wine, visiting wineries globally and even considering becoming a sommelier.
A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Lucia rarely missed a workout, even while traveling. He had gone to the gym the morning of his passing, Susan recalled.
His approach to life left a lasting impression on those around him.
“If you want to do something, do it, because you just never know,” Susan said, describing the philosophy he lived by. “He lived every day to the fullest.”
Loved ones say what they will miss most is his comforting presence and warmth.
“When he hugged you, you felt it,” Susan said. “It lasted. It made everything better.”
Lucia is survived by his children, Christopher Lucia and Lauren Corrigan; their mother, Theresa;
their spouses, Kimberly and John; grandchildren Alexa, Colin and Emma; siblings Sue Schmidt, Donald Lucia and Lynn Flynn; and many extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur R. and Marilynn E. Lucia, and his brother, Arthur C. Lucia. Family and friends say Lucia’s legacy lives on through the laughter, support and adventurous spirit he shared with all who knew him.
nomic stability” in the Caribbean, according to the Office of The Historian. The occupation lasted nearly two decades, but Martin said accounts of it remain largely absent from mainstream American history. He added that many Haitians are also unfamiliar with the period because of their limited access to historical records.
“I had a hard time getting information for the story because a lot of literature on the occupation is out of print,” Martin said. “It might be difficult to get a book on the occupation, but I’m hoping it’s never difficult to look this film up, rent it or buy it, and learn about the occupation.”
Asked what reclaiming the narrative means to him as a Haitian immigrant, he said it was simple. “We get to tell the story and get to frame our own stories, as opposed to waiting for third parties to tell it for us,” he said. “That’s been the history of Haiti and the national consciousness of this country.”
During the occupation, there were negative stereotypes in American media, including portrayals of “Haitians eating human beings, eating live animals, and black magic,” Martin said.
“The Forgotten Occupation,” was made entirely by Haitians, allowing them to tell the story that the media has neglected. Now, as the film screens across the country, audience reactions have reassured him that the long journey was worthwhile.
“Every time I show it, I get nervous,” Martin said. “But afterward, people come up and tell me how much it moved them. That makes me feel like maybe I did something right.”
The film is premiering in New York on Feb. 20, at
the Brooklyn’s Children’s Museum in Brooklyn. Asked what it means to introduce the film in New York during Black History Month, Martin said, “It means the world.”
“I consider myself as much Haitian as I am a New Yorker, because although I grew up in Haiti, I spent all of my summers in New York,” he said. “New York has always been a part of my identity … that’s
Join alain martin and the team behind the film at the Brooklyn Children’s museum on feb. 20, as they present a special community screening of the documentary, followed by a discussion with martin. the doors open at 6 p.m., and the screening begins a half-hour later.
registration on eventbrite.com is required, but tickets are free, although donations are welcome.
home.”
As the film continues its national rollout, Martin hopes Long Island audiences will also come away with a deeper understanding of Haiti and the people who call it home. “I hope this film raises their awareness, and perhaps cautions them on how they talk about Haiti going forward, to be able to resist the narrative,” he said. “So maybe if they’re watching the news or listening to the radio and there’s some sort of slander about Haiti, they can say, ‘I saw this film and that’s not what it is.’”
For Martin, the documentary also represents a personal milestone — and a way to give something back to his homeland.
“I left Haiti a long time ago, and I didn’t know if I would ever be able to give something back,” he said. “This film feels like my gift to Haiti.”
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
New Release Tuesday — or Monday for James Patterson fans — is a highlight of the week for all book lovers, and the excitement is reflected in the Baldwin Public Library’s Best Seller Club. The program allows patrons to automatically reserve upcoming titles by their favorite bestselling authors, ensuring they are among the first to read new releases. According to the library’s patron reserve database, the following five books are the most anticipated upcoming titles in the Baldwin community this month.
“C ross & Sampson: An Alex Cross & John Sampson Thriller ” by James Patterson
“Cross & Sampson,” the latest novel in James Patterson’s Alex Cross and John Sampson thriller series, will be published Feb. 9. In the book, detective partners Alex Cross and John Sampson are sent to separate locations to investigate two serious crimes in Patterson’s newest thriller. Patterson’s thrillers remain among the most frequently borrowed titles at Baldwin Public Library, and staff say many patrons are already looking forward to the latest installment featuring longtime partners Cross and Sampson, due to the library’s Best Seller Club program. With a new season of the television adaptation also arriving this winter, library readers
are expected to add the novel to their must-read lists as colder weather drives demand for fast-paced crime fiction.
“Ji gsaw: An Alex Delaware Novel ” by Jonathan Kellerman
“Jigsaw” is the 41st installment in Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series that was published earlier in the week on Feb. 3. Baldwin Public Library patrons can look forward to another puzzling case, as two seemingly connected murders raise the stakes and challenge psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis like never before. As the case unravels, Delaware and Sturgis navigate unexpected leads and hidden motives that complicate what first appeared to be an open-and-shut investigation. The longrunning series blends psychological insight with complex investigations that keep readers guessing until the final pages.
lished Feb. 24. Baldwin readers can expect Quindlen’s trademark warmth, humor and insight into the power of love and hope in a story that explores family, friendship and personal discovery. The novel follows a high school English teacher whose life is upended after an ancestry test connects her to a stranger, prompting her to question what family truly means as changes also threaten the closeknit book club that anchors her life. With themes of identity, relationships and unexpected life turns, the novel is likely to resonate with Baldwin Public Library patrons, particularly book club readers drawn to character-driven stories that reflect everyday life.
“Th e Heir of Whitestone ” by Catherine Coulter
attempts on his life resume years after he was rescued from the Thames with no memory of his identity. When the sharpwitted Lady Camilla Rohman enters his life, romance quickly gives way to danger as the newlyweds face deadly attacks while racing to uncover the truth behind Alex’s mysterious past. Blending romance, suspense and historical intrigue, Coulter’s latest novel offers daring escapes, unexpected twists, witty humor and memorable characters, providing readers with a fast-paced escape filled with adventure and mystery.
“Co ld Zero: A Thriller ” by Brad Thor
“Mo re Than Enough ” by Anna Quindlen
“More Than Enough” is Anna Quindlen’s latest novel and will be pub-
“The Heir of Whitestone,” to be released Feb. 24, is Catherine Coulter’s new Victorian-era romantic mystery. Set amid the intrigue and danger of 1840s London, the novel follows brilliant young innovator Alex Ivanov, who is forced to confront the secrets of his past when
“Cold Zero,” the newest thriller from Brad Thor, co-written with Ward Larsen, will be published Feb. 10. The novel follows the disappearance of a state-of-theart airliner over the North Pole, where surviving passengers become stranded amid sabotage, espionage and a global race among superpowers to secure a piece of technology capable of shifting the balance of world power. As CIA operative Kasey Sheridan and pilot Brett Sharpe fight to escape across the Arctic ice, rising international tensions threaten to turn the region into a new front in global conflict. Blending survival drama with highstakes espionage, the novel is likely to appeal to Baldwin Library patrons who enjoy fast-paced political thrillers and page-turning adventures, offering a read filled with suspense and global intrigue.
West Bank Wings
Buffalo Potato Skins Sweet Chili Meatballs Bacon Avocado Dip
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.
Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins
This the ideal game day snack! Seriously, it’s a crowd pleaser.
• 3 pounds small russet potatoes
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse
• Almonds
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops
Preheat oven to 450 F and line baking sheet with foil.
Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave high for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly.
Cut in half and scoop out potato leaving 1/4inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.
Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with almonds and bake for 5 minutes more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with and additional wing sauce, if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.
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.
Billy Stritch and Friends celebrate Judy Garland Judy on TV! This concert shines a long-overdue spotlight on a unique chapter of Garland’s legendary career: her 1963–64 CBS television series. It’s a look at Garland’s iconic talent through the lens of her landmark 1963-64 weekly television broadcasts. Renowned entertainer and music director Billy Stritch leads this dazzling tribute that brings together a stellar lineup of jazz and Broadway favorites including acclaimed vocalists Gabrielle Stravelli and Nicolas King. The Judy Garland Show lasted only nine months and the star saw its cancellation as a devastating failure. Stritch sees it much differently, noting that the show’s 26 hours of concert material capture a crucial era of her life and legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. These terrific performers revive the unforgettable music, intimate moments and sheer star power that defined the show.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. $58, $48, $38. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
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.
Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’
Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. The immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan) features the 70-footwide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen, and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
Join naturalist Virginal Dankel for an interactive winter stroll across the Nassau County Museum of Art grounds. During this seasonal walk, participants can expand their knowledge of the natural world and strengthen their powers of observation. Adults only. $20, $20 members. Registration required.
• Where: Manes Education Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
‘Inside Out’ Headquarter Hats
Join in some creative fun relating to Long Island Children’s Museum new exhibit. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” focuses on Riley’s emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Come explore your many emotions and craft an interchangeable hat to display which emotion is “in charge” throughout the day at the drop-in program.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m., also Feb. 8
• Contact: icm.org or call (516) 224-5800
show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. Also celebrate the Year of the Horse by creating Lunar New Year lanterns, noon-3 p.m., at the drop-in program. $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
Nassau County Museum of Art hosts a special benefit concert. Renowned songwriter-composer-singer 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
Touched by Tobi presents an adults-only Valentine’s Day cake decorating experience. The session includes a cake to take home, light bites and complimentary wine and cocktails for all attendees. Decorating supplies and tools, as well as an apron, are provided. Tickets are required.
• Where: 584 Seaman Ave.
• Time: 3-5 p.m.
• Contact: Tickets available on Eventbrite under the listing
“Cake & Sip”
FEB
9
Learn Chinese calligraphy
In recognition of the Lunar New Year, join Chinese calligraphy instructor Daniel Yu at Baldwin Public Library. Discover the cultural significance of the materials, while you practice your hand with the art form. A cofounder of the New York Chinese Opera Society and a member of the Huaxia Chinese Calligraphy Association, Yu is also director and president of the Association of Chinese Calligraphy in America and director of the North American Chinese Calligraphers Association.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
12
Valentine Heart Suncatchers
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to Baldwin Public Library to paint a heartshaped suncatcher, just in time for Valentines Day.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 4-5 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
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
• Time: 8 p.m.
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.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week This week, we will be transforming clothespins into charming love-bug pals for Valentine’s fun. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Coral House’s annual Red Ball. The restaurant is providing a threecourse sit down dinner and open bar to attending couples. Musical entertainment with Vinyl Revival brings the ultimate ‘70s style dance party to life during the night of love! Tickets are required.
• Where: 70 Milburn Ave.
• Time: 7:30-11:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 223-6500
FEB
24
Let’s Meet And Network On Long Island
Join in this community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening. Free and fun. Separate checks. RSVP needed.
• Where: Oceanside IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: Register at lmnoli.com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@liherald.com.
leGal noTice pUBlic 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) 8, 10 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.
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:8 RoosevelT Ufsd
PRYCE EGBERT 5,350.89
55456 03470 347-348
GRAY GILFORD 2,769.90
55457 00250 25-26
LADSON YVONNE & LADSON LEROY (J 10,863.41
55460 01720
CAYNE ALFRED D & JACQUELINE F 12,092.38
55460 02600
LOWE LE W MAHONEY JR, R 2,110.93
55469 00530 53-55
ABEL FRANCIS & KATHLEEN 356.41 55476 05140
SMITH JOE L 9,289.72
55478 03720 372-374
119 EAST PENNYWOOD AVENUE LLC 12,065.20
55478 04190 419,421,424
GOWIE MAE ELAINE 794.91 55478 04220
RAMSEY MYRTLE LE 4,552.34
55479 05150 515-517
BELL JR CLYDE & IRIS 2,550.50 55480 05780 578-580
33 GRAND AVENUE CORPORATION 2,205.72 55483 02510 251-254
HALLORAN MARJORIE 8,177.21 55495 00010
RAPHAEL DOREEN Y 9,216.14
55496 00060
PRESTI LAWRENCE P LIFE ESTATE 6,740.64 55496 01230
BERWICK J CHIN & JEFFREY 311.69
55496 01460
ADAMS MARIE 1,929.96
55499 00230 23-26,44
PRETTY LESLIE 5,385.04
55499 00400
MAITLAND EDSON & YVONNE 12,714.78
55501 01560 156-158
SILVIE A A 12,747.26
55501 02960
NAIRDA LLC 14,793.46
55513 00130
LEWIS CARRIE 11,383.13
55527 00110
CURRY HERBERT L & HALEY 8,440.43
55527 00200
PERSON NORMAN R 8,715.29
55527 00280
KEYES ROBERT & PANSY 3,987.66
55545 00030
GIBBS THEODORE & VALERIE 2,682.15
55547 00180
MOORE MARION 2,666.81
55548 00070
RODRIGUEZ CHRISTIAN F 4,141.37 55548 00820
MELZER DOROTHY JANE 11,545.51
55550 00070
LORNA G PROPERTIES INC 12,325.04 55551 00070
REDDICK JAMES C & VELMA 2,544.22
55551 00090
BETTS ANNIE L 14,153.65
55555 00020
LADSON EDMOND & AUDREY 13,963.78
55557 00330
PHIFER FRED & ELEANOR 6,549.45 55558 00140
Town of HempsTead scHool:10 Baldwin Ufsd
Name
DUFRESNE MARLON TRUST 2,982.73
36 J 00460
BERNADEL PATRICE & 319.49
36 K0200440
CHARLES DARIO 15,520.81
36 M 00200
RUIZ CATHERINE 14,958.38
36172 00250 25,126,128
SAGASTUME AURA 8,702.40
36179 00860 86-87
MURPHY GREGORY 15,664.20
36202 01320
JOSEPH FLORENCE L 16,462.52
36211 00990
LAMAGNA JR ENRICO E & LINDA 5,487.90
36212 00970
GILLARD-JONES DARLENE 6,101.44
36212 03410
36214 01520
36218 03390
54190 03800 CALAS CHRISTOPHER
54193 01310
DANIEL JR WILLMOTH & ENA PAULIN
54195 0139UCA00120 139 CA 12 UNIT 23
DOWLING WILLIAM & KATHLEEN
54213 00320
KEANE KEVIN M & DIANE
54217 00610 BOOTH JAMES & GLADYS
54219 01200 120-122
ADRIEN (JR) & ALEXIS &
54219 04450 ALADA EMMANUEL
54219 04620 462,464 & 466 ROBINSON RICHARD
00330
54282 03930
54284 00110
54284 00160
54350 00360 36-37
03350
54352 03430
54353 00210 21-23
HEINZ & HELGA
54358 07860 786-789
54364 04490
54364 04520
54369 04220 422-423
01830
14860 1486-1489
15800 1580-1583 JEAN MILIUS
54384 18720
54386 00070
54392 00810 81-82,183
LOCKE ANTHONY 12,487.60
54401 05000 500,2825-2826
ANDRADE JAIRO & ARELLANO CLAUDI 18,840.07 54402 28830 2883-2885
BROWN ANTHONY 18,116.05 54409 00440
WILLIAMSON EVERTON & BLIDGEN JE 8,316.88 54413 02060
ENGLISH ROBERT & BARBARA 1,988.66 54413 33960 3396-3397
ODONNELL ROBERT J LIFE ESTATE 8,423.51 54427 00110
SANTIAGO ROMEO & SANTIAGO JASO 16,165.37 54429 01630 163,4365
SULLIVAN BARBARA 23,966.64 54432 00950
POTENZA ROBERT 16,276.81 54432 01380 HEINS JOHN 9,299.29 54434 00500 50-52 ILLIGASCH WALTER J 2,606.05 54435 00390 39-40 ILLIGASCH WALTER J 5,353.05 54435 01180 118-119 OTT GERALD & VARMA
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldier’s and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), 12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et. seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of
the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The rate of interest and penalty which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten percent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety percent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety percent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten percent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase be of no further effect.
Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1.The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2.The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3.The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4.If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made, in connection with, said bid shall be forfeited.
This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:
TOwn OF HEMpSTEAd
Dist 1001
Dist 1002
Dist 1003
Dist 1004
Dist 1005
Dist 1006
Dist 1007
Dist 1008
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK TREND
NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
BALDWIN HERALD
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
FREEPORT HERALD NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
BALDWIN HERALD NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND
Continued from previous page
1027
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 1028
LONG BEACH HERALD
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 1029
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 1030
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
Dist 1031
Dist 1201
Dist 1205
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
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
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST
BNH Dist 2003
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES
Dist 3006
Dist 3008
Dist 3009
Dist 3011
Dist 3012
Dist 3013
Dist 3014
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
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
SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD Dist 3203
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES Dist 3306
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST THE NASSAU OBSERVER
CiTy of Glen Cove Dist 4005
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
CiTy of lonG BeaCh
Dist 5028
LEGAL NOTICE
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities.
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
1334596
LONG BEACH HERALD
Formation of 42-36 NORTHERN BLVD LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/18/2025. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jon Halperin, 1144 Atlantic Ave., Baldwin, NY 11510. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 157558
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
Dist 2004
Dist 2005
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
PORT WASHINGTON NEWS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEW YORK POST
Dist 2006
Dist 2007
Dist 2009
Dist 2010
Dist 2011
Dist 2122
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
NASSAU
Dist 3015
Dist 3017
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3018
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3019
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 3020
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - BETHPAGE
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3021
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - BETHPAGE
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3022
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - FARMINGDALE
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
Dist 3023
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
MASSAPEQUA POST
MID-ISLAND TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3024
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA
N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST
MORTGAGE LOAN
ASSET-BACKED
CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H1, -againstTONY PERPIGNAN, 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 January 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA
N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST
MORTGAGE LOAN
ASSET-BACKED
CERTIFICATES SERIES
2007-H1 is the Plaintiff and TONY PERPIGNAN, 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 February 17, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3001 VERITY LN, BALDWIN, NY 11510-4551; and the following tax map identification: 54-415-73. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE LYING AND BEING AT BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 017145/2009. Robert A. Abrams, 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. 157797
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2005-HE3, -againstCLAIRE MARTIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA GAIL FISCHER, 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 November 14, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3 is the Plaintiff and CLAIRE MARTIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA GAIL FISCHER, 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 February 19, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 984 HAYES ST, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 54-559-1898. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
No.: 613974/2017. Scott H. Siller, 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. 157795
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 610860/2025 COUNTY OF NASSAU
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-2, Plaintiff, vs. GREGORY PITTMAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LEONIA GIPSON A/K/A LEONIA GIPSON-PITTMAN; JOYCESTINE GIPSONCANTY AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LEONIA GIPSON A/K/A LEONIA GIPSON-PITTMAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE LEONIA GIPSON A/K/A LEONIA GIPSON-PITTMAN, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally
described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA; SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS, LLC; CAVALRY SPV I, LLC; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA) N.A.; INC. VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK; MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT INC., Defendants. Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 477 DE MOTT AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510
Section: 36, Block: 236.01, Lot: 276
To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to
answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement to secure the sum of $299,845.00 and interest, recorded on August 15, 2011, in Book M 36282 at Page 620, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 477 DE MOTT AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: January 6th, 2026 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq.
900 Merchants
Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 157848
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a license, serial number NA-0346-26-101137 for beer, cider, liquor and wine has been applied for by the undersigned* to sell beer, cider, liquor and wine at retail in a catering establishment under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2754 Grand Ave Fl 1, Baldwin, New York 11510-4068, for on premises consumption.
* Alfred A. Ficalora (Post Chairman / Commander); Baldwin Post, American Legion #246, Inc. 158213
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND
SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstANDREA RICHARDS
JEAN, 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 May 27, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND
SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANDREA RICHARDS
JEAN, 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 11, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2984 VERITY LANE, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 54-542-15.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU
AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612807/2022. Adrienne Flipse Hausch, 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. 158217
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- JOHN A. MCKENZIE, SACHA SINGH, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated November 10, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, particularly bounded and described according to said map as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Van Buren Street, distant 140 feet westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Van Buren Street with the westerly side of Eastern Parkway; being a plot 100 feet by 40 feet by 100 feet by 40 feet. Section 54 Block 379 Lot 1620 & 1621. Said premises known as 1072 VAN BUREN STREET, BALDWIN, NY 11510
Approximate amount of lien $470,267.07 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the
The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a free webinar this month, n partnership with the Divine Nine Consortium, examining how Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact diverse communities.
In recognition of Black History Month, and in partnership with the Divine Nine Consortium, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free live webinar, “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What You Need to Know” on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m.
The Divine Nine serves as a coordinating body for the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, offering opportunities to advance leadership, education excellence, service, cultural heritage and social impact.
The one-hour webinar will feature a dynamic panel of clinicians, researchers, caregivers and advocates representing the Divine Nine, exploring the intersection of dementia science, health equity, and lived experience. It will examine how Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact diverse communities, discuss participation in research and clinical trials, and share culturally responsive practices to improve awareness, engagement and outcomes.
Currently, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans. Chronic health conditions associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, disproportionately affect Black Americans.
According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s
Mortgagor,
CAROLYN
Association Facts and Figures report, nearly two-thirds of Black Americans, or 62 percent, believe that medical research is biased against people of color. A history of exclusion from clinical trials and a lasting history of discrimination from the medical establishment contribute to high levels of mistrust of clinical trials among Black Americans.
“We know that Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects Black older Americans,” Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at the Alzheimer’s Association said. “We are committed to continue engaging underrepresented communities.”
Visit Alz-org.Zoom.us to register or call (800) 272-3900.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
The association has a Long Island chapter based in Melville. It runs education programs on Long Island, support groups, and offers other forms of virtual education. Annual efforts culminate in a fundraising walk, typically held in October in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Visit ALZ.org/LongIsland for more.
Help Wanted
BOOKKEEPER FOR QUICKBOOKS
Desk Top P/T, May Work Remotely. $40 Per Hour. Email Resume To: 2026paychexforgia4@gmail.com
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
Situations Wanted
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
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Situations Wanted
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
F/T CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT Lynbrook Location. Experienced Individual With Impeccable Work Ethics. Immediate Opening. Email Resume to:nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111
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
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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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How do we keep our home livable
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.
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 subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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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.
FerrAri
rHondA GlickmAn
Vice President -
2
last 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.
