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$100K grant aids Island Harvest’s mission on L.I. Initiative, a year-long effort designed to bolster food banks and social service organizaWhile the surge of generosi- tions through a multifaceted ty that marks the holiday sea- approach. The initiative also son fades once the decorations reflects the foundation’s comc o m e d ow n , t h e mitment to affordneed facing food ability and commubanks and families nity well-being, struggling to make while reinforcing ends meet continthe volunteer ues year-round — a efforts of employreality prompting ees at PSEG Long renewed investment Island. from organizations Island Harvest seeking to sustain Food Bank is a leadthat support well ing hunger-relief beyond winter. organization with a Addressing that mission to end hunneed, last month, ger and reduce food PSEG Foundation, a waste on Long nonprofit supported Island. The organiand funded by zation boasts food PSEG, announced and product collec$1.5 million in tion and distribugrants to more than tion systems, hun25 community orgager awareness and nizations that proeducation provide critical assis- CAlViN lEDfoRD JR. grams, a Workforce tance to households President, Skills Development facing economic Institute, as well as PSEG Foundation hardship, including targeted services a $100,000 award to for specific populaIsland Harvest, a longtime com- tions, outreach activities, and munity partner of PSEG Long advocacy initiatives. Its work Island, a major electricity pro- supports a wide network of vider for the region. community-based nonprofits, The funding is part of the as well as individuals, families, foundation’s Community Relief Continued on page 5

By JoRDAN VAlloNE

jvallone@liherald.com

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Ringin’ in the ‘Noon’ Year! East Meadow children and families celebrated New Year’s Eve a day — and a few hours early — counting down to noon instead of midnight. The event seeks to provide youngsters with a family-friendly way to soak up New Year’s fun while looking ahead to 2026. Above, Ariya Sam, 7, and Jayce Sam, 5, completed New Year’s crafts. Right, Lucas Qu, 4, showed off fun tattoos and a traditional party hat. Story, more photos, Page 3.

uring times of economic challenges and hardship, these collaborations allow us to deliver meaningful solutions that directly benefit families.

New year, new reads in East Meadow By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Book lovers, unite. East Meadow Public Library is kicking off 2026 with a lineup of book-themed events designed to inspire reading, spark conversation and bring the community together. From bestselling fiction discussions to a chance to meet a rising literary voice, the library’s winter schedule offers something for every kind of reader.

A feminist bestseller launches the 2026 reading calendar

Meet a debut author behind a Library Reads Top Pick

Readers can start the year with a lively discussion of “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. Set in the early 1960s, the novel follows chemist Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant and unconventional scientist navigating sexism in a male-dominated field. After life takes an unexpected turn, Elizabeth becomes the reluctant host of a popular cooking show, using science — and sharp wit — to quietly challenge societal norms. The book blends humor, romance and social commentary, making it a rich choice for group discussion. Registration details will be announced. The eBook and eAudio versions are available through the Nassau Digital Doorway, and a discussion guide will be provided to help guide conversation.

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Rounding out January, East Meadow Public Library will host author Julie Doar for a meetand-greet and book signing on Jan. 27 at 7:45 p.m. Doar, who grew up in New York and now lives in Brooklyn, is a middle school English teacher and the author of “The Gallagher Place,” a Library Reads Top Pick. The novel follows an illustrator who returns to her family’s Hudson Valley home for the holidays and uncovers a murder connected to a decades-old disappearance. The event offers readers a chance to hear about Doar’s writing process and the inspiration behind her debut. This event is great for book lovers seeking to learn about a new book. Registration opens Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

A cozy mystery brings intrigue to February’s book club Mystery lovers can mark their calendars for Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., when the library hosts a discussion of “The Busybody Book Club” by Freya Sampson. The novel centers on a struggling book club in a small Cornish seaside village whose members can’t agree on what to read — until they find themselves caught up in a real-life crime. When money goes missing, a member disappears and a body is discovered, the unlikely group bands together to solve the mystery. Equal parts cozy whodunit and celebration of community, the book explores friendship, belonging and the power of stories. Registration details will be announced. Digital eBook and eAudio versions are available through the Nassau Digital Doorway, along with a discussion guide.

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Cheers to the ‘Noon’ Year, East Meadow!

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

The East Meadow Public Library rang in the New Year a few hours early, in a kid- and familyfriendly event, dubbed “Noon Year’s Eve.” Noon Year’s Eve celebrations are typically held on Dec. 30 or Dec. 31, and include a countdown to 12 p.m., instead of midnight; traditional New Year’s activities like noisemakers and party hats; a “balloon drop” or bubble release at the stroke of noon; and kid-friendly refreshments and entertainment. These parties allow younger children to experience the fun and festivities of New Year’s Eve without staying up later the day of. At the East Meadow Public Library, families gathered to celebrate the New Year with neighbors and fellow library patrons. Noon Year’s Eve is about more the entertainment — it’s about celebrating traditions and new beginnings in an age-appropriate way. The library created meaningful spaces where families can forge connections while participating in time-honored New Year’s customs — demonstrating how libraries serve not just as repositories of books, but as vital community hubs where neighbors come together to mark important occasions. –Jordan Vallone

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Griffin Maxwell, 22 months, had his faced painted by Jeanine Pendgrass. East Meadow celebrated the New Year on Dec. 30, counting down to noon instead of midnight. Alex and Chris Medina, 2, had a fun time celebrating 2026.

Christine and Roman Solomonyuk with Jack, 3.

Why travel to Times Square when you could visit the library? Kyle Su, 8, in front of East Meadow’s very own ‘ball drop.’

Alexandra Arebu, 4, got a tattoo from Cecilia Rosenberg.

Giovanni Graci, 9, with Massimo Graci, 4.

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n a family that has been steeped in be removed. But it wasn’t, no matter my marketing and customer service as relentless follow up. our work, it appears that I have no At one point it became a matter of leg up as a consumer. I have been pride to get this adjustment. Then sudsubject to and suffered through cycles denly, I mentally “threw in the towel” of positive and negative customer serafter it was suggested I write to the comvice experiences in all areas —products, pany’s customer escalation department utilities, communications, media — and via snail mail. Incredibly, I did what I the process has either gone terribly was told, and the letter prompted their right really fast, or horribly wrong realcallback and immediate resolution. ly slow. What often starts out In between the phone as my silent prayer that I calls and correspondence, will be able to resolve an I’ve been reading a few conissue rapidly can morph sumer behavior textbooks into hours of inquiry I can’t lately. They are filled with a get back. lot of marketing jargon and To start, it’s always the labels defining different issue on how to best contact kinds of consumers. In the company: is there an short, understanding what option to use a toll-free consumers do when it comes phone number, write a to their purchases and relaresponse via website or tionships with companies is email or a “here to help you” the key to profitable success. auren ev computer bot that is often Dissatisfied customers typiavailable on all three choiccally tell a lot more people es. I am a traditionalist who prefers live of their negative experiences (compared conversation but recently, it was a disap- with happy customers and their positive pointing series of conversations with ones) but never to the company itself. my cell phone service provider (ironic, Therefore, more often than not, we huh?) that amounted to nothing and must actively fight dissatisfaction to get nowhere. to a good solution. Unfortunately for This magenta company had always many companies, when unhappy cusbeen pretty solid both in store and on tomers walk away — they take their the phone when it came to my account. money with them without another word. And that’s a good thing because this category is riddled with decisions: what A contributing writer to the Herald since phone, what service plan, what fees, 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ how long for contract — it often advertising executive who teaches marrequires more brain cells than this colketing fundamentals as well as advertislege graduate can commit. ing and marketing communications But this time, they assured me that courses at the Fashion Institute of Techthe questionable charge to my bill would nology and SUNY Old Westbury.

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January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: emeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 246 E-mail: emeditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: (516) 569-4000 Press ”7” E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The East Meadow Herald (USPS 336580), is published Weekly on Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to East Meadow Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $52 per year auto pay or $65 one time payment within Nassau county (excluding qualified zip codes) or $76 outside of Nassau County or qualified request in zip code 11554, 11555, 11590,11756. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Island Harvest strives to help those in need

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

Continued from page 1

and seniors in need. At an event in 2024 in Nassau County’s headquarters in Mineola, Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and chief executive of Island Harvest, and a former East Meadow Herald Person of the Year, explained that even though Nassau County has some of the wealthiest residents living within its zip codes, Island Harvest helps more than 100,000 neighbors in need. Annual distribution efforts have topped 10 million pounds in Nassau County. Many neighbors in need who receive food from Island Harvest are working, sometimes multiple jobs, to make ends need. “We’re on the side of action,” Shubin Dresner said of Island Harvest’s efforts. “We are providing support, and importantly, we’re providing 10 million pounds of food so we can be sure that our neighbors don’t have to worry about where their next meal comes from.” David Lyons, interim president and chief operating officer at PSEG Long Island said the company has long partnered with Island Harvest to collect, sort and distribute meals to Long Islanders facing food insecurity. “We have seen first-hand the good work Island Harvest has done, and we are thrilled that the PSEG Foundation is ensuring that even more good can be done through this $100,000 grant,” he

Courtesy Metro Courtesy PSEG

island Harvest food Bank received a $100,000 donation from the pSeg foundation, a nonprofit that is supported and funded by pSeg, a major utility provider in the Long island region. randi Shubin dresner, president of island Harvest with david Lyons, interim president of pSeg. said in a December release. Calvin Ledford Jr., president of the PSEG Foundation, said its work extends beyond providing clean and reliable energy to Long Islanders. “During times of economic challenges and hardship, these collaborations allow us to deliver meaningful solutions

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that directly benefit families,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for each of our partners and for the impact these initiatives will have in helping local communities access the critical resources needed to stay safe, healthy, and secure.” “On behalf of the 240,000 people we serve who face food insecurity and

as the holidays come to a close, the need for food banks persists. organizations like island Harvest serve over 100,000 Long islanders. uncertainty of when their next meal will come, we are incredibly grateful to direct the PSEG Foundation grant to our Hunger Relief Action Fund,” Shubin Dresner said. “The strong, longterm partnership we have with PSEG Long Island and the PSEG Foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Long Islanders.”

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Support memory, focus and total wellness

t is that time of year again. A time for new beginnings. A time to start fresh and take control of our lives. A time to make positive changes in our lives to help improve our health, and to make better decisions on how we live our lives. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to improve our overall physical and cognitive (mental) health. It never makes sense to attempt dramatic change in our behaviors, because we are likely to break our New Year’s Resolutions if the challenge is too great. Like many people, you may have made some resolutions for 2023. Perhaps you’re determined to improve your health by joining your local gym or drinking less alcohol. The good news is that making healthier choices can also help reduce your risk of dementia. While some things that affect your risk of dementia can’t be changed, such as your age or genes, there are many things you can change. Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself, and your loved ones, improve your overall wellness. They’re especially important if you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s – although they are certainly relevant to everyone. Stop saying ‘huh? And ‘What?’: It’s true, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia is taking part in regular audiology exams and to treat a hearing condition at the first signs of loss. Get moving: Another easy way to take care of yourself and to reduce the risk of dementia is taking part in regular physical exercise. It’s good for your heart, circulation, weight and cognitive (your brain!) wellbeing. Eat well: A healthy, balanced diet is likely to reduce your risk of dementia, as well as other conditions including cancer,

type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke and heart disease. Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol: If you smoke, you’re putting yourself at much higher risk of developing dementia later in life, as well as other conditions such as cancer and stroke. But you likely already knew that. Lets make 2022 the year you quit, or helped your loved one get over their nicotine addiction. Keep your mind active: Much like exercising your body, it is important to workout the brain as well — and doing so

can also help reduce your risk of dementia! Years of research suggests that regularly challenging yourself mentally seems to build up the brain’s ability to cope with disease. Find an activity you enjoy, as you’re more likely to keep it up.

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Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on neW You for tHe neW Year

By Francesca Coltrera A veritable avalanche of influencers, news headlines, and well-meaning friends and family offer conflicting advice on wellness. If you’re overwhelmed by fads and hype around wellness, read on. Dr. Wynne Armand, a primary care physician at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham health care, recommends simple habits to boost health and wellness in everyday life. Quick fixes and fads may do little for our health, and some even prove harmful. Try to work healthy habits into your daily routines. If you’re a parent, sharing and modeling them can help children and teens embrace wellness, too. Bring mindfulness into your day Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration. “Anxiety and stress are very common issues in my practice,” says Armand. Worrying too often about the past or future is rarely helpful. The too-frequent release of stress hormones affects our heart, brain, and sleep, all of which have downstream consequences for our health. Practicing mindfulness — whether simply by appreciating birds and plants on a walk in green space, or using apps like Calm and Headspace — anchors you in the present moment. This can calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and amp up positive feelings. When applied to eating, mindfulness may help with weight loss by encouraging people to slow down to savor meals. Meditation knits together body and mind by focusing

on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works equally well for adults and younger people is box breathing. The rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, reining in anxiety and stress, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus. The rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, reining in anxiety and stress, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus. Prioritize sleep Sleeping poorly can leave you feeling awful — snappish, foggy-headed, slow moving — and take a toll on your health over time. By contrast, getting sufficient, restful sleep supports the immune system, helps control weight, and aids physical well-being, mental well-being, memory, judgment,

Eat real, whole foods A wealth of evidence shows that diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and pulses like lentils, peas, and beans, and minimally processed foods support longevity and vitality. Plant-based and plant-forward diets are better for our health: research links them to lower rates of heart disease, certain cancers, and chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity. They’re better for the planet, too. Move more, sit less The hurry of life often short-circuits opportunities to be active. So, swap out the thought “What saves me time?” for a healthier one: “What keeps me mobile, flexible, and functioning well within my world?” Polishing off exercise requirements through a 30-minute block once daily is great, but you may reap even greater health benefits if you seek out ways to stay active throughout the day. Photo: Adopting a healthier way of life moves us beyond quick fixes and fads

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Timeless habits for better health

and other cognitive functions. It may even extend longevity. But how much sleep do you need? That varies with age and other factors: most adults need at least seven hours per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, sleep quality (a measure of refreshing, uninterrupted sleep versus tossing and turning) may be more important than nailing seven hours. And it’s worth noting that too much sleep — nine hours or more in one analysis of multiple studies — is linked to higher risk for early deaths, too. Be aware that sleep patterns and circadian rhythms that help rule sleep and wakefulness change over time. Good sleep hygiene can help. Tips include getting regular exercise, setting regular bedtime and wake-up times and turning off screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

HERALD — January 8, 2026

Go the distance

spotlight athlete

BRiNgiNg local spoRts home eVeRY weeK

HERALD SPORTS Century club grows for Clarke By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

justIN oRtIz Hewlett Senior Basketball ORTIZ ADDED HIS name to Hewlett boys’ basketballl lore Dec. 26 by becoming the eighth player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. He entered the game needing 27 for the milestone and accomplished the feat in the third quarter. A third-year starter with a pair of All-County seasons under his belt, Ortiz averaged 17 points per game as a sophomore and 18.8 last season with 63 threes to rank among Nassau’s leaders.

games to watch Thursday, Jan. 8 Girls Basketball: Carey at Sewanhaka............... 4:30 p.m. Boys Basketball: Sewanhaka at Carey .............. 4:30 p.m. Girls Basketball: Seaford at Lawrence............... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Kennedy............. 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Calhoun at Long Beach .......... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Clarke at South Side .............. 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: South Side at Clarke .............. 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 9 Boys Basketball: V.S. South at V.S. North................ 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: Lawrence at Seaford ................... 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: Carle Place at West Hemp........... 5 p.m. Girls Basketball: Mineola at Lynbrook ............... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: V.S. South at V.S. North ........... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Hicksville at Oceanside .......... 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne.............. 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10 Boys Basketball: Division at Mepham .............11:45 a.m. Girls Basketball: Syosset at Baldwin ...............11:45 a.m. Girls Basketball: East Meadow at F-Dale ........11:45 a.m. Girls Basketball: Freeport at V.S. Central .........11:45 a.m. Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Massapequa .......... 1 p.m. Boys Basketball: Baldwin at Oceanside ................. 1 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.

Reaching 100 career varsity wins is always a special milestone for high school wrestlers, and Clarke celebrated another addition to that exclusive list last weekend. Senior Marcus Rosario reached the century mark on Jan. 3 at the Cove Cup in Glen Cove, highlighting a strong team performance that saw Clarke finish third with 190 points. Rosario was one of five Rams — along with Richard King, William Grassini, Sebastian Mejia and Gabriel Taveras — who won championship final matches at the event. “We actually just had Marcus [Rosario] get his 100th win today, so that makes four kids on our team with 100 varsity wins,” Clarke coach Mike Leonard Jr. said. “Richard [King] got his earlier this year, Sebastian Mejia got his last week at the Clarke Duals, and Will [Grassini] is right there as well. That’s a pretty special group.” Leonard said Clarke’s season has gotten off to an encouraging start, with strong individual performances at the Battle of the Beach, the Sprig Gardner Tournament, the Clarke Duals and now the Glen Cove Cup, where multiple wrestlers went undefeated. “We don’t want to be our best on Dec. 5 at the Battle of the Beach,” Leonard said. “We want to be our best at the county tournament, or hopefully the state tournament. The progress we’re seeing now is exactly what we want.” Mejia, a senior, is a returning allcounty wrestler and is on his way to another such honor. After earning an award for the most pins in the least amount of time at the Battle of the Beach – he collected four in just under six minutes -- Mejia has faced top-tier competition and shown steady improvement as the season has progressed. “When Sebastian gets rolling, he’s a really hard guy to stop,” Leonard said. “He’s a pillar of stability in our program.” King, who qualified for the state

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William Grassini was one of five Rams to capture titles at the Cove Cup in Glen Cove last Saturday. tournament last winter, advanced to the finals at both the Battle of the Beach and Sprig Gardner tourneys in the 126-pound category and won all eight of his matches during the Clarke Duals from Dec. 29-30. Rosario has been a steady presence at 190 pounds, continuing to develop after winning at Long Beach and advancing to the championship match at the Sprig Gardner. Leonard said Rosario’s leadership and work ethic have been invaluable, particularly for the younger wrestlers. “He’s everything you want in a kid,” Leonard said. “He makes everyone around him better, he works hard, and no matter what happens in a match, he

gets up and goes right after the next one.” Clarke has also benefited from contributions throughout the lineup. Freshman Lucas Ciani has gained valuable experience at 103 pounds, while junior Taveras has emerged as a reliable anchor at 215 after dropping down from 225. Another boost has come from 2025 county champion Justin Gonzalez, who returned this season as a volunteer coach while attending LIU Post, providing mentorship and technical guidance. “He’s been an extension of our coaching staff for years,” Leonard said. “We’re just lucky to still have him in the room.”

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January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

‘Out-of-this-world’ lesson in Meadowbrook

–Jordan Vallone

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

Meadowbrook Elementary School’s first graders in East Meadow recently kicked off their first science unit of the year, Earth’s Systems, with an unforgettable, out-of-thisworld experience right in their own gymnasium. Hosted by That Planetarium Guy, students stepped inside an in-house planetarium that transfor med the space into a glowing dome of stars, swirling weather patter ns, and dazzling Earth visuals. The mobile planetarium brought science lessons to life through visually stunning projections, engaging storytelling, and interactive activities that encouraged every student to participate. From spotting constellations to following Earth’s changing landscapes, students were eager explorers, asking questions, sharing observations, and soaking up every moment. If the smiles leaving the g ym were any indication, Meadowbrook’s planetarium adventure was a stellar success.

Photos courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District

That Planetarium Guy recently visited Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow where they featured an in-house planetarium in the school’s gymnasium.

The mobile planetarium brought science lessons to life through visually stunning projections, engaging storytelling, and interactive activities.

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January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Comedians hit the stage at the East Meadow library on Dec. 29 for Mark Brier’s popular ‘Laughs at the Library’ show.

Good times at ‘Laughs at the Library’ in E.M. Laughter filled the East Meadow Public Library on Dec. 29 as comedian Mark Brier brought his popular “Laughs at the Library” show to an in-person audience. Brier, a Long Island comedy staple, was joined by a cast of fellow local comics for an afternoon of stand-up that delivered plenty of humor and lighthearted moments. Known for his quick wit and crowd-pleasing style, Brier kept the audience engaged throughout the performance. The show offered residents a chance to enjoy live comedy close

to home, reinforcing the library’s role as a hub for community entertainment as well as learning. Brier has been voted Best Comic on Long Island by Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s — now Four Leaf Federal Credit Union’s — Best of Long Island, a distinction that added to the event’s appeal. “Laughs at the Library” is part of East Meadow Public Library’s ongoing effort to offer diverse programming for adult patrons. –Jordan Vallone

Arlene Kyler entertained audiences at the show.

Isabella DeFrancesco and Patrick Temple laughed along from their seats.

Alex Callender enjoyed the show.

The afternoon show just ahead of New Year’s featured many local comics including Bob Greenberg.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

THANKS TO THE CONGESTION RELIEF PROGRAM, NEW YORK IS ON THE MOVE! One year of the congestion relief program means real results for Long Island. Commute times are down 22% from the LIE to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel— meaning less time wasted in traffic and more time back in your day. [SOURCE: Newsday, 8/6/25]

$500 million in transit improvements this year. [SOURCE: CBS News]

$1.5 billion-dollar LIRR funding increase coming down the track.

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January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

STEPPING OUT

Fettucine with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

Hearty Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables

Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder

New year, fresh flavors Your kitchen beckons By Karen Bloom

he holidays may be behind us, but winter’s cozy rhythm is in full force. January invites us to nest at home and gather in the kitchen, where comforting, flavorful dishes warm both body and spirit — and gently set the tone for healthier habits in the new year. It’s the perfect time to experiment “Top Chef”–style, playing with bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. After all, few pleasures rival a hearty, nourishing meal shared on a cold winter evening.

additional 1-2 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. (If pasta is too dry, add reserved cooking water a tablespoon at a time.) Season with salt and pepper and serve garnished with Parmesan cheese and reserved bacon.

Consider adding these recipes to your repertoire.

• 1 cup cubed butternut squash • 1 cup cubed carrots • 1 cup cubed parsnips • 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes • 1 cup cubed onion • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 1/2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes • 3/4 cup chicken stock • 3 bay leaves • 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup dry red wine Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss vegetables with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Arrange in single layer on large baking sheet. Roast 20 minutes or until vegetables are golden brown. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches. Return all beef to skillet. Add roasted vegetables, stock, wine, salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Fettucine with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries A satisfying plate of pasta is especially welcoming on a cold winter day. • 4 slices bacon (approximately), cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 2 cups (about 12 ounces) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and vertically halved • 1 medium onion, sliced • 1 cup chicken broth • 1⁄4 cup dry vermouth • 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped • 6 ounces fettuccine (or another long pasta like spaghetti) • 2 ounces. Parmesan cheese, coarsely shredded • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste Slowly cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set bacon aside. Increase heat to medium-high, arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the rendered bacon fat and cook, without stirring, until sprouts begin to crisp and brown on the cut face, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and toss to combine with the sprouts; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the broth, vermouth, and dried cranberries, scraping up any fond from the bottom of the skillet, and bring to a fast simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook until the sprouts soften, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until just al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Transfer pasta to the skillet with the sprouts and liquid and toss continuously over medium-high heat for an

Hearty Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables This classic stick-to-your-ribs stew is a terrific winter warmer-upper, served with a hearty bread or corn bread.

Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder A rustic, flavorful soup can be flavorful centerpiece to healthy, satisfying meal. This filling soup is packed with vegetables. • 1/2 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch dice (about 2 cups) • 3 medium parsnips, peeled, cut into 1-inch dice (about 1 cup ) • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch dice (about 1 cup) • 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch dice

(about 1 cup) • 1/2 fennel bulb, quartered & sliced thin (about 1 cup) • 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt • 2 tablespoons plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 medium onion, diced (about 2 cups) • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4inch dice (about 2 cups) 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs • 1 cup milk or unsweetened plain almond milk • Additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • More pepper and thyme leaves for garnish Heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and fennel with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast until tender and browned in places, about 40 minutes, turning a couple of times while roasting. While the veggies are roasting, prepare the base of the soup. To a large saucepan over low heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion along with a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the vegetable broth. Add the potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Remove from heat. Pick out the thyme stems and discard. Stir in the roasted vegetables. Carefully transfer about 3 cups of the chowder to the pitcher of a blender. Puree until smooth. Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir to combine. The soup should be thick, rich, and creamy. Stir in the milk. Place the pot back on the burner, and, with the heat on medium-low, return to a simmer, stirring often to prevent burning. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve garnished with an additional turn of cracked pepper and thyme leaves.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” Yacht Rock Revue invites audiences on a nostalgic voyage through the melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, Atlanta, Ga.-based YRR has emerged as a pivotal figure in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Inspired by soft rock’s golden era, the 10-piece band has mastered the art of recreating the breezy laid-back tunes that defined a generation. From the sun-kissed melodies of Steely Dan and Michael McDonald to Hall & Oates’ velvety harmonies, their repertoire spans beloved hits that evoke memories of palm trees, ocean breezes and carefree summers. But Yacht Rock Revue isn’t just a tribute band. Their original compositions are a modern ode to the genre, capturing the essence of those bygone days while infusing it with a fresh and invigorating twist.

Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 8-10, 8 p.m. $82, $60.25, $49.25 $37.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

V is for Violet Families are welcome to Nassau County Museum of Art for a special storytime with children’s author Valerie Goldstein. During the interactive reading of her inspiring picture book “Violet’s Victory!”, young audiences will follow Violet — a determined girl with lavender hair — as she discovers her inner strength, perseverance as she chases her dreams. Violet wants to participate in Sports Day at her school. She walks with crutches for support, which she calls her “magic sticks.” Violet knows she will not be able to keep up with her classmates using crutches. Then she spots a purple handcycle! With determination and perseverance she participates in Sports Day. Every hue of purple is mentioned and makes for a perfect art connection. Following the reading, children and caregivers can meet the author during a book signing and participate in a handson craft inspired by Violet’s journey. Designed to spark imagination and open the door to meaningful conversations, the session celebrates resilience, self-belief and the joy of trying something new. Saturday, Jan. 10, 1:30-3 p.m. $20 adult, $10 members and children. Register at nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

Yacht Rock Revue

January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD JAN

CEC Health Care Community Mental Health

CALENDAR JAN

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of images from that era and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.” The program is part of the AdvoKids monthly series that focuses on teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and others and teaching adults how to support their kids’ advocacy efforts. For ages 5 and up. Free with museum admission, but tickets required.

Representatives from CEC Health Care Community Mental Health Wellness and Support team visit East Meadow Public Library. Stop by for assistance. • Where: 1886 Front St. • Time: 4-7 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadow.info

JAN

Elated Eagles

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to discover the mighty eagle. Since 1782, the bald eagle has been the United States’ national emblem and mascot. These amazing animals have an impressive wingspan of 7 feet and use their strong wings to soar 10,000 feet in the air. Come learn all about these majestic birds and make your own flying eagle craft in honor of National Save the Eagles Day. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Rosa Reyes presents Bachata

Rosa Reyes of Los Amigos del Amargue discusses and demonstrating the Bachata at East Meadow Public Library. • Where: 1886 Front St. • Time: 2 p.m. • Contact: East Meadow.info

Morse Code Moniker

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day. Stop by to learn about Samuel Morse, the telegraph and learn how to spell your name in dashes and dots while making a bracelet. This is a drop-in program. Also discover more about Morse code in Communication Station on the second floor. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Kiwanis Meeting with Key Club

Kiwanis Club of East Meadow holds a meeting hosted by Key Club members at Borrelli’s. • Where: 1580 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow • Time: 7;15 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadowKiwanis. org

Let Freedom Ring with MLK

JAN

Paul Cornish Trio

Newly signed to Blue Note Records, Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Paul Cornish is making waves as one of the most innovative new voices in jazz. Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Tilles Center Atrium becomes an intimate lounge to showcase this exciting up-and-coming jazz talent. Cornish, who strives to inspire freedom and collaboration in his music and community, has performed extensively across the globe with such notable artists as Joshua Redman, Louis Cole, Mark Guiliana, and more. With Jonathan Pinson (drums) and Jermaine Paul (bass) he’ll perform selections from his Blue Note Records debut album “You’re Exaggerating. “ A Stanford Jazz Workshop alumnus, Cornish blends deep jazz roots with bold, forward-thinking vision, transforming tradition into an electrifying and inspiring musical journey. A standout talent from Houston’s renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cornish went on to earn degrees from USC and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA. Now a member of Joshua Redman’s band, he has toured the • Where: LIU Post campus, 720 world and was featured on Redman’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert. “Paul is one of the most Northern Blvd., Brookville innovative pianists to come along in quite a while,” says Blue Note President Don • Time: 7:30 p.m. Was. “He is the next purveyor of that hallowed legacy.” Don’t miss this opportunity to • Contact: tillescenter.org or witness Cornish’s extraordinary artistry and boundless creativity live. (516) 299-3100

JAN

It Came From The Radio

East Meadow Public Library hosts It Came from the Radio, the official show of the Big Apple Con. The hour long syndicated entertainment radio show focuses on the work of independent artists. Once a month (the second Wednesday) a special guest joins in the news segment and interview portion of the show in front of a live studio audience! Registration required. • Where: 1886 Front St. • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: East Meadow.info

JAN

Narcan training Former U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito hosts a Narcan training session.

• Where: 745 East Meadow Ave. • Time: 6 p.m. • Contact: Register at TOH311. net/Narcan-Signup

Disney on ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party

Enjoy the magic of ‘Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party,’ an action-packed adventure filled with beloved characters, dazzling skating and immersive

storytelling at UBS arena. Mickey and friends journey through exciting worlds as they search for clues, bringing the audience along for an unforgettable, high-energy experience. Perfect for all ages who love Disney magic on ice.

of a poker-playing mom and a jazz musician dad. And Jane Condon, mom of two boys, has been dubbed “an uppercrust Roseanne.” She loves to tell stories about her adventures (mostly survival tales) with her husband and kids.

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7 p.m., through Jan. 19, times vary • Tickets: ticketmaster.com

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

JAN

Comic showcase

Known for their elite brand of clever comedy, The Ivy League of Comedy visits the Madison Theatre. You’ve heard their brilliant comedic voices on late-night television and Comedy Central and on the club circuit. The lineup features Keith Alberstadt, who’s playful personality radiates on stage. He mixes light-hearted sarcasm with a southern charm and has become a favorite at comedy clubs and theaters. Also Clayton Fletcher, who’s heard every day on Sirius/XM Radio’s Laugh USA, Blue Collar Comedy, and Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole stations. He has been featured on Hulu-TV’s “Comedy Brew,” MSNBC’s “Your Business,” ESPN’s “World Series of Poker,” and Comcast-TV’s “Who’s Laughing Now?” He allows us to see the world through the eyes of the son

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

Long Island Children’s Museum’s welcomes all to the opening of its new exhibit. Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out provides interactive experiences that help visitors learn about the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives. Hands-on and digital experiences focus on the five emotions featured in the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Kids learn to recognize emotions and explore ways that we express and manage our own emotions. With opening weekend activities to celebrate the arrival of this traveling exhibit. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Chamber Installation

The Chamber of Commerce holds its 70th annual installation dinner at the Coral House. • Where: 70 Milburn Ave., Baldwin • Time: 7-11 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadowChamber. com

JAN

Art talk

Nassau County Museum of Art hosts Dee Shapiro, a New York–based artist, is known for her richly detailed paintings exploring geometry, architecture, and place. She discusses works from her City and Landscapes series featured in “The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” exhibit, which capture the rhythm and structure of urban and natural environments.. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

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.

Minimum wage increase to hit this month

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

New York state’s minimum wage increased on Jan. 1, marking the third straight year of increases. In New York City, Westchester and Long Island, the wage increased to $17 per hour, and in the rest of the state to $16 per hour. This adjustment of $.50 per hour is part of a planned series of increases, which will be indexed to inflation starting in 2027. “From the tip of Montauk to Niagara Falls, this increase reflects our promise to put money back in New Yorkers pockets and uplift our hard workers,” Gover nor Kathy Hochul said. “By continuing these investments and indexing wages to inflation, we’re ROBERtA REARDON making sure New Yorkers can Commissioner, keep up with rising costs by taking home more money.” New York State “As costs rise, wages must Department of Labor keep pace,” State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents parts of Queens and is chair of the committee on labor, said. “Indexing the minimum wage to inflation was not radical, it was responsible, and it’s how we make sure that work is rewarded with dignity today and in the years ahead.” The ability for the state to increase its minimum wages traces its roots back to a 2023 agreement between Hochul and the state legislature. Minimum

ith costs rising, this increase is crucial for workers looking to make ends meet.

Courtesy Metro

Minimum wage increased in New York for the third year in a row. The wage increased to $17 per hour, with the state looking to help workers make ends meet. wage was also boosted by $0.50 per hour in 2024 and 2025. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region — the most accurate regional measure of inflation. The state’s Department of Labor is working to educate employers and employees about wage changes. It offers free education seminars to help employers better understand labor laws and ensure compliance.

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Workers can visit the Department of Labor’s minimum wage webpage for more information, including an interactive minimum wage lookup tool to verify their correct pay rate. If you earn minimum wage and do not see an increase reflected in your paycheck, wage complaints can be filed at DOL.NY.gov or by calling (833) 910-4378. “With costs rising, this increase is crucial for workers looking to make ends meet,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said.

Public Notices

January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

LEME1 0108

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CMSI REMIC SERIES 2006-01-REMIC PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-01, Plaintiff against - ADIBA KHAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 21, 2025. 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, N.Y. 11501 on the 29th day of January, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 538 Ellison Avenue, Westbury, (Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead) NY 11590. (SBL#: 10-338-4) Approximate amount of lien $1,176,631.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 602724/2023. John Boklak, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 Dated: November 25, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 157494 Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST RICHARD ORTIZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 7 Mockingbird Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Levittown, near Hicksville, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 172, Lot 0048. Approximate amount of judgment $585,728.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604115/2018. Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-001737 87556 157290

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU SELENE FINANCE, LP, Plaintiff - against LORETTA KELLY A/K/A LORI KELLY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 21, 2025. 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, N.Y. 11501 on the 15th day of January, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 727 Fillmore Road, East Meadow, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11554. (SBL#: 50-434-18) Approximate amount of lien $279,412.86 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of

filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 614072/2023. Cheryl Mintz, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: November 20, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 157279

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff -againstJennifer Small, Mark Axente, if living and if any be dead, any and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienor, heirs, devisees, distributees, or successors in interest of such of the above as may be dead, and their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residences are unknown to Plaintiff, United States of America-Internal Revenue Service, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, “John Doe”, (Refused Name), Defendants. Index No. 613385/2025 Filed: 12/8/25 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the Mortgage premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED

DEFENDANT(S) YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $373,500.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 24, 2018, in Book Bk-M Vl-42856, Page 12, covering premises known as 521 Gardiners Avenue, Levittown, NY 11756. 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. 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 your Mortgage company will not stop this 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: Bay Shore, New York

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

New York State Sen. Steven Rhoads; Nicholas Zgombic, a Barry Tech Police Science student and intern from the Bethpage School District; and Rhoads’ chief of staff, Christopher Dalton, attended the brunch.

State Sen. Steve Rhoads speaks at Barry Tech brunch State Sen. Steve Rhoads was a guest speaker at the recent Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Industry Advisory Brunch, an annual event that brings together educators, students and business leaders from across the county. Rhoads’ office employs a Barry Tech graduate and currently hosts a Barry Tech Police Science student as an intern during the semester, highlighting the school’s connection to workforce development and public service. More than 100 business leaders were recognized during the event, which provides an opportunity for Nassau BOCES board members, administrators, faculty and staff to thank industry partners for their mentorship, guidance and continued support of career and technical education programs. Barry Tech is a Nassau BOCES career and technical education high school offering more than 40 hands-on

courses designed to help students gain practical skills and get a head start in their chosen career fields. Classes are taught in a state-of-the-art facility that simulates real-world work environments and meets current industry standards. Instruction may take place in settings such as an airplane hangar, horsetraining stable, carpentry shop or culinary arts kitchen. Faculty members are professionals in their respective fields who bring real-world experience into the classroom. After completing their studies, students may attend two- or four-year colleges, enter the workforce or continue advanced career training at technical schools. For more information, visit NassauBOCES.org, like Nassau BOCES on Facebook and follow the organization on Instagram. –Jordan Vallone

Public Notices

December 9, 2025By: Deana Cheli, Esq. September 22, 2025 Frenkel, Lambert, Weisman & Gordon, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.:01-102088 157281 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CABANA SERIES V TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT WINKLER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County

Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 524 Pontiac Road, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being at North Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51,

Block 479 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment is $719,717.83 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616227/2022. Matin Emouna, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 222115-1 157303

E1 01/08

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

BUS NOW HIRING IVERS AND VAN DR The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.

Call (516) 379-4245.

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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286 OIL DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED P/T-F/T, Weekdays/ Weekends/ And Nights. Experienced Only. Twic Card A Plus. Spanish Speaking A Plus. 631-264-8800

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

HERALD

January 8, 2026 — HERALD

E2 01/08

Homes

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elcome to the ultimate coastal retreat, where luxury, comfort, and entertainment meet. Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of modern design and beachside living. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the enclosed four-season room, and step outside to your private backyard oasis with a heated in-ground pool, a relaxing hot tub, cozy firepit, and an impressive outdoor kitchen. This home showcases quality finishes throughout, including stainless steel appliances, Andersen windows, washer and dryer on the second floor, blackout and pull-down bedroom shades. The thoughtful layout offers three spacious bedrooms and two full baths upstairs, plus a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bath, ideal for guests or multi-generational living. Experience the best of the Long Beach lifestyle, just moments from the boardwalk, pristine beaches, and the vibrant coastal community that makes this area so desirable.

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Don’t people understand how important permits are? Q. I notice you write about getting building permits all the time. You would think it was obvious, yet you devote many of your columns to reminding people to get permits. Is this because you find that people don’t already know this? I like the details about buildings that you give, and wish you could write more about that.

A. You would probably be amazed at how often I hear from people wondering if they need a permit for something. Or maybe you wouldn’t. Either way, I started writing this column, which some only see as an advertisement or a blog, in December of 1989, after speaking with a young lady from the Herald who came to speak to my local onte eeper Chamber of Commerce. I was a young architect with a toddler and a kindergartner, both of whom have long since finished college, married and provided my wife, Mindy, and me with grandchildren. When I first spoke to the local editor that day, it was about how I naively started my own practice after leaving an international firm in Manhattan. I realized right away that people are investing the largest amount of what they will ever spend on having a home, and need guidance on how to avoid the pitfalls of shoddy practices, dangerous work done by amateurs and getting ambushed by finding out the work they had done can’t pass a building inspection. She asked me to write a sample column, which wasn’t difficult, since local architects are challenged daily with trying to figure out the best way to get people out of the messes they’re dealing with. I noticed that different building departments had different instruction sheets and different ways of handling the permit process, and that some were extremely helpful, while others basically pushed the responsibility of explaining onto the architect. Some even referred architects, but mostly referred to unlicensed services, which became another problem for many homeowners when plans were incomplete or code-deficient, or where there was only a rubber stamp from an elderly retiree who needed a few extra bucks but wouldn’t be around to answer questions or resolve more technical problems. Basically, the system has no real guidance on whether the most expensive thing homeowners will ever undertake is being done safely, correctly or legally, or whether it will last. I approached bigger building departments about coming up with their own manuals to explain what needs a permit and the best way to get one. Not one, to this day, has either put together such a guide for their department, and not one municipality has ever informed their constituency in one of their newsletters about how important it is to avoid doing things the wrong way, having to go to court, pay a fine, and still have to file for a permit. One government leader even suggested that I write the manual for them. Instead, I write for you. So I try to inform people about how to avoid the hassles for better success — permits and all. Thank you!

Ask The Architect

© 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.

E3 01/08

Market Place • • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opinions

t’s a common mistake to confuse ambition with planning. New York state has fallen into this flawed approach, nowhere more clearly than in our energy policy. Gov. Kathy Hochul has charged ahead (forgive the pun) with sweeping, expeditious mandates without ensuring the infrastructure, affordability or reliability to support them. As the ranking Republican on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, I’ve spent countless hours reviewing budgets, projections and long-term plans. One lesson ed I will continue to repeat is that rA ignoring warnings doesn’t make problems disappear. It makes them more expensive and a bigger burden down the line — a burden that families and businesses here in Nassau County will ultimately bear. In her 2022 State of the State address, Hochul announced an aggressive push to electrify our cars, our kitchens and our heating systems, despite not having the grid capabilities to fulfill her radical agenda. Green energy may be a goal

worth pursuing, but rushing it without a reliable grid or a focus on affordability is a recipe for failure. The New York Independent System Operator — the independent, nonpartisan organization responsible for managing our electric grid — has warned repeatedly that New York is not ready for the pace of electrification being pushed by state policy. Reliability margins are shrinking statewide, especially as fossil-fuel plants retire faster than new power sources and transmission lines can come online. NYISO made clear that electrifying buildings, transportation and heating all at once would dramatically increase demand beyond what the system could safely handle. Energy demand is increasing exponentially from rushed electrification and new energy-intensive industries, and it’s projected to nearly double by 2040 while infrastructure upgrades lag. The return on this agenda simply doesn’t add up: Increased risks to grid reliability, higher housing costs driven by all-electric building mandates, and growing affordability concerns for ratepayers do more to hurt than help. And after all that, New York’s unilateral actions have little mea-

surable impact on climate outcomes, despite the huge price New Yorkers are being asked to pay. This pressure ultimately forced the state to pause implementation of the AllElectric Buildings Act and acknowledge the need for reliability safeguards. The 2025 New York State Energy Plan, directed by the State Energy Planning Board, provides broad policy direction that guides energy-related decisionmaking in the state. During a series of public board meetings held between September 2024 and December 2025, and several hearings held between November 2024 and September 2025, all of the aforementioned concerns were raised routinely, resulting in changes to the draft that seem to move us toward grid reliability, expanded transmission, a mix of energy sources and more realistic timelines for electrification. An all-of-the-above strategy recognizes that we still need natural gas, and we need to invest in nuclear power. And we need dispatchable energy sources that can keep the system running when renewable generation isn’t available. Most important, such a strategy puts affordability and reliability back at the

hat strategy recognizes that we still need natural gas and nuclear power.

center of the conversation. That’s how we set ourselves up for success. Which is why it’s troubling that, at the same time, Hochul recently signed into law a repeal of New York’s longstanding “100-foot rule” for natural gas service, a move that runs counter to this more balanced approach. The rule required utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections within 100 feet of an existing main, a policy that has supported housing development, controlled construction costs and ensured that essential energy service remains accessible and affordable for families across our state. Eliminating this rule shifts thousands of dollars in new hookup costs (estimated at $3,000 to $15,000 per connection) directly onto households, builders and renters. New York’s residential electric rates are already nearly 50 percent higher than the national average. Attempting to reach a goal by wishing it into existence and sorting out the consequences later almost always leads to collateral damage. Planning today with affordability, reliability and long-term success in mind will ensure that today’s decisions don’t create tomorrow’s crisis. That’s the discipline New York should apply to its energy policy to prepare for success, not failure. Ed Ra, of Franklin Square, represents the 19th Assembly District.

Documenting a formidable L.I. journalist, Amy Goodman

my Goodman, an intrepid journalist and a Long Island native, explained after a recent screening of a documentary about her that she is “committed to independent media being the oxygen to a democratic society.” The documentary “Steal This Story, Please!” had its premier at the DC/DOX film festival in Washington, D.C., in June, and has been shown at other film festivals, at which it has also received awards. And now she was “here on Long Island!” she exclaimed after kArl the documentary grossmAn was featured last month as the opening-night presentation of the Hamptons Doc Fest. Being on Long Island was “really a thrill,” Goodman said following the showing at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. She is a 1975 Bay Shore High School graduate, and after graduating from Harvard with an anthropology degree, she went to work at WBAI, the listener-sponsored radio station in New York City, part of the Pacifica network. It was there that Goodman co-founded

and became — and still is — host and executive producer of “Democracy Now!” It began as a radio program, and subsequently expanded to television, too. Goodman has not only been a journalist on radio and TV, but has authored or coauthored books including “Standing Up to the Madness,” “The Exception to the Rulers,” “The Silenced Majority” and “Democracy Now! Twenty Years Covering the Movements Changing America,” published in 2017. As the website for it then related: “In 1996 Amy Goodman began hosting a show on Pacifica Radio called Democracy Now! to focus on the issues and movements that are too often ignored by the corporate media. Today Democracy Now! is the largest public media collaboration in the U.S., broadcasting on over 1,400 public television and radio stations around the world, with millions accessing it online at democracynow.org.” A documentary is different than a book. I’ve authored books and also written and presented documentaries, and as a journalism professor at SUNY Old Westbury, I taught for years a course called “Documentary: Theories and Techniques.” As John Grierson, the

Scottish filmmaker credited with coining the term “documentary” in 1926, explained, a documentary focuses on an “actuality” — capturing and showcasing the real-life issues of real people, with the “original” people involved, and “original” scenes, conveying a truer picture of reality, he felt, than actors and a set could provide. That’s what the documentary about Goodman does. It starts with her trying to question Wells Griffith, the representative of the first Trump administration at a 2018 United Nations climate conference in Poland. She asks Griffith about President Trump’s claim that climate change is a hoax. Griffith scrambles away up a series of stairways, with Goodman keeping up, and charges her with “harassment.” “A reporter asking you a question,” Goodman responds, “is not harassment.” The documentary then shifts to Goodman’s reporting on the 1991 killing of more than 200 independence protesters in East Timor by Indonesian troops, and shows her and fellow journalist Allan Nairn badly beaten. It includes her arrest, with other journalists, in a police sweep of an anti-war demonstration at the 2008 Republican National

his 1975 Bay Shore High grad is seen and heard by millions on public media.

Convention in St. Paul, Minn. It presents scenes of Goodman covering Native Americans in Standing Rock, N.D., in 2017, protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline, which brought with it the threat of oil spills that could contaminate the Missouri River and the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation’s water supply, as Goodman faced arrest. These are just some of the elements of “Steal This Story, Please!” The archival footage illuminates. The directing, by Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, is superb. The words of Goodman running through it are eloquent. Here’s the description of the documentary in the Hamptons Doc Fest program: “Undeterred by armed soldiers, smooth-talking politicians and riot police, journalist Amy Goodman has reported some of the most consequential stories of our time. ‘Steal This Story, Please!’ is a gripping portrait of Amy, the trailblazer whose unwavering commitment to truth-telling spans three decades of turbulent history. The film is both a call to action and a celebration of resistance, posing the question: What happens to democracy when the press surrenders to power?” Carl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

New York needs an all-of-the-above energy approach

HERALD

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Without January pressure, change works better

January 8, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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very January, we perform the same ritual. We draw a hard line between who we were and who we intend to become, armed with resolutions that sound decisive and hopeful: lose 20 pounds, save more money, finally become more disciplined. And yet, by February, or sooner, many of these goals quietly dissolve. This isn’t a personal failure. It’s a structural one. Traditional goal-setting asks too much of willpower and too little of reality. It assumes that motivation is stable, that life will cooperate, and that change happens neatly within arbitrary timelines. Behavioral research consistently shows the opposite. Willpower fluctuates. Stress, fatigue and unexpected events derail even the most sincere intentions. A goal like “exercise five times a week” collapses the moment work runs late, a child gets sick or winter motivation disappears. The problem isn’t laziness; it’s designing change by focusing on outcomes instead of behavior. Consider the familiar stories of those who set weight-loss goals. For weeks they follow strict rules, track every calorie and push through workouts fueled by January enthusiasm. Then, when the scale stalls or life intervenes, frustration sets in. The goal becomes a source of shame rather than support, and quitting feels inevitable. Contrast this with someone who

builds a simple system instead: walking for 20 minutes after dinner, cooking the same three nourishing meals during the week, keeping snacks visible and convenient. No dramatic target, no deadline, just repeatable behaviors that fit real life. One approach relies on intensity; the other relies on design. The same pattern shows up at work. Professionals set ambitious annual targets — revenue milestones by the third quarter, promotion by December — tying their sense of progress to metrics largely outside their control. When external conditions change, motivation craters. A systems-based approach looks different: a weekly ritual of deep work, a monthly feedback loop, a principle of saying no to low-leverage tasks. These don’t guarantee a promotion, but they dramatically increase clarity, energy and long-term momentum. What replaces resolutions isn’t a lowering of ambition; it’s a smarter framework. Instead of obsessing over outcomes or focusing on inputs, what’s important are the actions you can show up for even on imperfect days. Instead of intensity, prioritize consistency. Ten minutes completed daily beats an hour attempted sporadically. Instead of perfection, build adaptability. Systems that can bend won’t break when life gets messy. This reframing also forces us to rethink what progress means. In 2026, progress doesn’t look like constant

acceleration or public metrics that reward burnout. It looks like sustainability. It looks like habits that support physical and mental health, boundaries that protect attention, and routines that make good choices easier over time. Progress is waking up with less dread. It’s energy that lasts past Wednesday. It’s the ability to course-correct without starting over. The myth of the January fresh start persists because it’s comforting. It promises a clean slate, a dramatic reset. But meaningful change rarely respects the calendar. People quit smoking on random Tuesdays. They start therapy after breaking points, not countdowns. They rebuild routines in April, September or the middle of a chaotic week. When we tie improvement to a date, we also tie failure to missing it. A healthier approach is permissionbased rather than deadline-driven. You can begin again at any point. You can adjust systems without declaring them broken. You can measure progress by how supported you feel, not how perfect your execution looks. This January doesn’t need another list of resolutions destined to expire. It can be a moment to design a life that works beyond motivation — one built on systems, rituals and principles that make showing up easier than giving up. For those tired of trying harder and ready to live better, that shift changes everything.

opInIons

t shouldn’t be necessary to say this: Every day that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains in charge of America’s public health system, the health of every American is at greater risk. The Department of Health and Human Services exists to protect Americans from disease, contamination and preventable death. It depends on science, expertise and public trust. RFK Jr., now its secretary, has long questioned the scientific consensus on vaccines and other core publichealth tools. The tension between those views and MICHAEL the mission of HHS isn’t theoretiBLITZ cal; it is immediate and consequential. HHS oversees vaccines, food and drug safety, disease surveillance, medical research, and emergency health responses. Much of its work happens quietly, noticed only when it fails. Its effectiveness rests on credibility: the public’s confidence that health guidance is grounded in evidence rather than ideology. That confidence is harder to sustain when the agency’s leader has built a public profile on skepticism toward established science. For years Kennedy has worked not

simply to question specific vaccines or treatments, but to cast doubt on the scientific enterprise itself — on research, on data and on the idea that fact-based medicine should guide health care decisions. He regularly portrays medical science as suspect, and institutions built on evidence as fundamentally untrustworthy. Those claims, long rejected by scientists and physicians, once lived at the fringes of public discourse. They now carry institutional weight — not because they have become more credible, but because leadership determines which facts are defended, which expertise is respected and which truths are allowed to blur into doubt. This matters because vaccine skepticism isn’t an intellectual exercise; it is a public health failure in slow motion. Declining vaccination rates are directly tied to the return of diseases once considered under control. Measles outbreaks are no longer theoretical; they are occurring now. When the HHS secretary consistently undermines confidence in science itself, the signal to the public is destabilizing: Evidence is optional, expertise is suspect, and facts are just other opinions. Parents are left navigating fear and misinformation instead of receiving clear guidance, and the consequences fall most heavily on children

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On the ice at Milburn Pond, no scarves or skates needed — Baldwin

and vulnerable communities. This is what irresponsible, reckless anti-science posturing looks like when it moves from rhetoric to governance. The greatest risk of RFK Jr.’s leadership isn’t dramatic upheaval. Public health rarely unravels overnight. More often, it weakens gradually. Guidance becomes less decisive. Research is second-guessed in ways that stall action rather than improve it. Fringe ideas receive attention in the name of balance. The result is delay — and in public health, delay costs lives. The administration’s decision to put Kennedy in charge of HHS reflects a troubling willingness to treat scientific expertise as negotiable. HHS was created because societies learned, often through painful experience, that coordinated, evidence-based action saves lives. Undermining that foundation doesn’t lead to better outcomes; it invites preventable harm. That harm will not be shared equally. Children, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and communities with limited access to care are always the most vulnerable when public health falters. Doctors and nurses will confront illnesses they shouldn’t be seeing. Hospitals will absorb the strain. Families will bear the consequences of uncertainty that should never have existed.

he greatest risk of RFK Jr.’s leadership isn’t dramatic upheaval. It’s a weakening.

Kennedy frequently presents himself as an advocate for children and health. But protecting children requires more than questioning authority; it requires responsibility. It requires clear communication, respect for evidence, and a willingness to act decisively in the face of risk. Confusion isn’t empowerment, and skepticism isn’t a substitute for leadership. Viruses and bacteria don’t respond to debate. They exploit hesitation and mistrust. History makes this painfully clear: Public health failures occur not because science is wrong, but because leaders choose not to rely on it. RFK Jr.’s tenure at HHS is already reshaping how Americans think about health guidance at a time when trust is fragile and the stakes are high. The likely outcomes — more preventable illness, more avoidable death and deeper public confusion — aren’t matters of opinion. They are the foreseeable results of weakening the bond between science and policy. Government has many responsibilities, but one should be beyond dispute: to protect the public using the best knowledge available. Anything less risks turning one of the nation’s most important health institutions into something it was never meant to be — an experiment whose costs are paid in human lives. Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — January 8, 2026

Health and Human Services: less healthy, more disservice

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