Freeport Herald 02-12-2026 by Richner Communications, Inc

Andrew Francis/Herald demonstrators called for more humane and compassionate treatment of immigrants, documented or not.

Residents

take

on icy,

frigid weather, demanding ‘ICE out’

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

Residents took to the streets of Freeport and Baldwin on Sunday for a mobile demonstration calling for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from their neighborhoods. The protesters stated that the goals of the demonstration were to raise awareness of what they deem to be injustices in local communities, and to stand in support of immigrant neighbors across the county.

Demonstrators gathered outside Christ Lutheran Church in Freeport. Organizers from the Long Island Immigrant Justice

Alliance gave them the details of the protest’s route and instructions for placing protest signage on their vehicles.

The signs had demands such as “ICE Out,” “No Human is Illegal” and “Love thy Neighbor.” The protesters drove along Merrick Road, which organizer Rebecca Maines explained was intentional because of reported ICE activity and arrests along the major street.

Richard Koubek, a representative of the Immigrant Justice Alliance, explained that there was a great need for these demonstrations, focused not only on ICE’s actions, but also on the Nassau County Police Depart-

Continued on page 10

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

The Freeport school district has filed a lawsuit against currently reassigned Superintendent of Schools Fia Davis, leveling several accusations against her, including that she allegedly misrepresented her qualifications during the hiring process. Her current reassigned position has not been publicly disclosed and includes full pay and benefits.

You can’t come in here and think just because we hired you, you can come in here and do whatever you want

The suit was filed to the Nassau County Supreme Court on Monday on behalf of the school district by the Garden City law firm Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran, district officials announced at a town hall meeting at Freeport High School that same day. Davis has not yet responded to the suit directly or via representation. According to the lawsuit, the district is seeking to void its employment agreement with Davis, and is requesting reim -

bursement for $100,000 for what it describes as unauthorized renovation of the superintendent’s office. This reimbursement is in addition to her salary, $295,000 according to New York State Department of Education data, that she has been paid since she was hired in August 2024, as well as other expenses that she incurred while on the job.

The district is also requesting reimbursement for fees paid to a vendor that had undisclosed affiliations with Davis, the lawsuit states. The district seeks nearly $20,000 for those costs.

SCoTT RIChARDSoN Vice President, Freeport

School Board

During the town hall, district attorneys specified that Davis misrepresented herself to the school board and the district by claiming to be receiving her doctorate degree in September 2024. The board determined this to be untrue and seek to void her employment agreement based on this allegation.

Continued on page 7

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Freeport student stars in ‘Big Fish’ play

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

A troupe of students from Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts displayed their acting chops during a performance of the Tim Burton film “Big Fish,” at the Jerusalem Avenue Elementary School in North Bellmore.

The professional-grade production, which served as a notable first for many of the young actors, was performed on Jan. 27 and 28. Both nights featured lively audiences who were able to get tickets for $12.10 each.

BOCES is an alternative education program for young people who want to begin training for their careers as soon as possible. Performing “Big Fish,” the fantasy-drama and 1998 novel turned Broadway classic, allowed students to collaborate with Broadway professionals and career sound designers.

The story of “Big Fish” follows the troubled relationship of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman known to tell tall tales, and his pragmatic son, Will. The story shifts between Edward coming to terms with his mortality and Will coming to appreciate the truth behind his father’s fantastical stories.

Cora Jones, 17, of Freeport, played Amos Calloway, a circus ringmaster and werewolf in the fantastical world in which the story takes place. Going through the rigorous rehearsal process was an incredible experience, Jones expressed.

“It’s really fast-paced, and we get to work at a professional speed,” she said. “It feels like what we’re doing is really important, and like we’re working at the (professional) level.”

While producing the musical, traditional classroom activities were worked into the process.

“We had to do a character analysis and write a paper about our character and our character’s impact on the plot line, things we don’t really get to work on at our home school,” Jones explained.

The goal is to prepare students to enter competitive colleges and fields with years of training to support them. Chris Brick, a teacher in BOCES’ performing arts department and director of “Big Fish,” supervised the production.

“It’s a more truncated version of the musical that people saw on Broadway,” he said. “The film and the musical are both really beautiful stories. It’s a story about family, it’s a story about finding who you are.”

Two, 30-person teams of students performed “Big Fish,” each with more than 30 student members from cast to crew. The LIHSA production is designed to focus heavily on storytelling in the absence of Broadway embellishments.

“That was kind of the concept going into this for me, was how do we make this feel big without it being big? How do we tell this really gigantic story through minimal design, which has been a challenge?” Brick said. “It’s been really, really great to work with kids in the process.”

Student auditions for the musical

The student actors put together a professional-grade production,

intricate choreography and music.

began in September, leading into fivehour rehearsals after school each week, where students worked on set design, line readings and choreography.

“A lot of our students are going to college or going right into work, starting auditioning right after high school,” Brick said. “Our goal is to give them that professional experience so that they know what’s expected of them when they graduate from high school.”

In addition to Jones, two other LIHSA students, Jackson Reiser, of Lynbrook, and Marilena Castoro, of Smithtown, both 17, were excited to put class theory into practice.

Reiser, who was cast as Edward Bloom, one of the leading roles, celebrated the team’s accomplishments.

“I feel very proud of how it’s come together and how hard everyone works, and how we come together to make things work,” he said. “Coming to LIHSA, I just feel like I’ve grown so

much, and I’ve learned so much … I feel like I’m closer to where I want to be as a performer.”

Castoro played Sandra Bloom, also a central role. “It’s a really beautiful story … the music is just like, wonderful, and it’s like, just great to just get a chance to work on it all,” she said. “I’ve always struggled a little bit with insecurity, but coming here, I feel more confident in myself, and I’m growing into the person that I’m supposed to be.”

LIHSA Principal Lindsay Rogan celebrated the student performances, stating, “This is just one of the many opportunities that is offered to students at Long Island High School for the Arts. The school provides students an opportunity to study at a pre-college and preconservatory level when they are still in high school.”

For more information, visit LongIslandHighSchoolForTheArts.org or follow @lihsaofficial on Instagram.

Photos courtesy Chris Brick

Students enrolled in Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts had been preparing for their performances of “Big Fish” since September, rehearsing for hours every week after school.

Jackson Reiser and Jackson Parker Gill, Long Island High School for the Arts students, go over notes during rehearsal.

Freeport resident Cora Jones, center in red, starred in the role of Amos Calloway, circus ringmaster-turned-werewolf.

Photos courtesy Nassau BOCES

complete with

Crime watCh

drug possession

On Jan. 28, Freeport Police Officers arrested a subject who, after stopping a person for a traffic infraction, was found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. The defendant was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.

On Feb. 2, Freeport Police Officers arrested a subject who, after stopping a person for a traffic infraction, was found to be in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine. The defendant was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.

physiCal harassment

On Jan. 29, Freeport Police Officers secured a report for an individual who was involved in a verbal dispute over wait times at a local healthcare facility when the dispute became physical. A report was taken for documentation. No arrest was requested.

On Jan. 31, 2026, Freeport Police Officers secured a report for 2 individuals who engaged in a verbal argument that became physical by one pushing

the other without permission or authority to do so. No injuries. A report was taken for documentation. No arrest was requested.

shoplifting

On Jan. 31, Robert Sawyer, 57, a Roosevelt resident, was arrested for shoplifting at a Target store in Westbury. The arrest was booked approximately around 4 p.m.

petit larCeny

On Feb. 1, Freeport Police Officers secured a report for an unknown individual who opened a Target package that was delivered to a local residence and removed items from within without permission or authority to do so. A report was taken for documentation. No arrest was requested.

dwi investigation

On Feb. 1, Freeport Police Officers arrested a subject who, after being stopped for a traffic infraction, was found to be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The defendant was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.

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

news brief

Roosevelt schools aids family after fire

On Feb. 9 a house fire devastated a two-story home on West Centennial Ave in Roosevelt. One of the residents is a fifth-grade student from Centennial Avenue Elementary School, who lives with her two parents and a 2-year-old sister.

In response to the tragedy, Superintendent Shawn Wightman in a letter to the school community confirmed that the family is safe and requested community support to help the family recover.

“In moments like these, Roosevelt

demonstrates what it means to be a true community, showing compassion, generosity and unity when our neighbors need us most,” Wightman wrote. Please send the following items for donation to Centennial Avenue Elementary: size 5T clothing, size 11 baby shoes, size 12 girl’s clothing, size 4 shoes, large adult shirts and pants, size 10 women’s shoes, and size 10.5 men’s shoes.

–Andrew Francis

Fax: (516) 622-7460

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail:

Nassau girls wrestling takes center stage

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Reese Adams experienced a wave of emotions for the second time in as many years at the Nassau County girls wrestling championships.

While recovering from knee surgery last February, the thenCalhoun High School junior was devastated to be a spectator for the inaugural tournament. This year, however, she was elated to not only participate but to capture a title in what would be her lone opportunity.

Adams rallied from behind to pin MacArthur’s Olivia Rausenberger in 1:52 of the first period of the finals to win the 126-pound crown Feb. 1 at her home away from home — Long Beach High School. Her father, Ray, has coached the Marines’ wrestlers for 30 years.

“It was thrilling and a relief at the same time because I put so much pressure on myself,” Reese said. “To finally accomplish what I’ve worked so hard for is exciting.”

She underwent surgery the day before Thanksgiving in 2024 and missed all of last season. That didn’t stop her from attending the county championships at Bethpage High School, but it wasn’t easy to watch.

“I cried a lot, but I wanted to support some of my best friends who were competing,” said Reese, who is Calhoun’s lone female wrestler and practiced with the boys team every day. “I’m glad it was at Long Beach this time,” she added. “I practically grew up watching wrestling in that gym so it was a comfortable environment.”

Adams fell behind Rausenberger 5-0 before scoring a take-

down to get on the board, followed by the pin.

“It was a rough year for her rehabbing and I’m so proud to see her win a county title,”

Ray Adams said of his Lehigh University bound daughter. “She worked so hard to get back on the mat.”

Long Beach girls coach Miguel Rodriguez said the vibe for the finals was “incredible.”

The Marines had five finalists and saw seventh-grader Brooke Varian finish a surprise runner-up at 94 pounds, and freshman Harley Eidens repeat as a county champ, taking the 107pound title.

“We had a lot of great performances and those two really had a day,” Rodriguez said. “Brooke is a great athlete who loves lacrosse and is so coachable. Harley was familiar with her opponent in the finals and was very strong defensively at the end to hold on.”

Harley’s sister, Presley, was second at 114 to MacArthur’s Grace Palumbo and earned a wild-card berth to join her twin at the state tournament Feb. 26 in Albany. Junior Goddiss Hodge and Arianna Balsamo and also reached the county finals stage.

Uniondale, which captured the Nassau dual meet team title with a 34-30 victory over Long Beach Jan. 21, continued its spectacular season with three county champions and two runners-up. Coach Tim Godoy said the Knights began the campaign with 45 girls as interest in the sport has exploded.

“The girls are excited to be a part of something new and they really put the work in,” he said. “We had great support from parents and family members as well as about half of

Uniondale’s Angeline Bonilla, won the first finals bout of the tournament at 94 pounds.

our boys team showed up. It was a special day.”

Uniondale junior Angeline Bonilla, who took third place last season, captured the 94-pound title over Varian with a 12-5 decision.

“The impossible doesn’t seem that far away if you keep pushing,” Bonilla said. “It was the first match of the finals and not going to lie, I was a little nervous. Brooke is a tough wrestler and I felt it was a 50-50 match. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches.”

Also for the Knights, junior Brianna Marquez captured the 100-pound championship and junior Keishara Tulloch was a repeat county champ, winning at 152 over junior teammate Gabrielle Christian. Senior and first-year wrestler Emely Ramos reached the finals at 165, pulling several upsets along the way.

“The support these girls have for each other is awesome,” Godoy said. “They were all screaming at the top of their lungs.”

Arianna Balsamo, top, was one of five Long Beach finalists.

Terry Uellendahl/Herald photos Calhoun’s Reese Adams, top, rallied to capture the 126-pound title.

School board seeks salary reimbursement in lawsuit

Before being hired by the Freeport district, Davis served as superintendent of school districts 8, 10 and 11 in the Bronx.

The Freeport Board of Education suspended Davis in April of 2025, while investigating the allegations. Since last fall, many parents and district employees have expressed anger over what they say is the district’s failure to publicly clarify the superintendent’s status.

During Monday’s meeting, Scott Richardson, the school board’s vice president, sought to dispel what he described as “lies” and misconceptions about Davis that have circulated on social media. He also emphasized the importance of allowing the district’s attorneys to work toward a favorable resolution of the lawsuit.

dent until the lawsuit is resolved.

Alice Kane will continue to serve as interim superintendent until a formal search is done. Kane was appointed in April 2025, having previously served as an assistant superintendent for educational and administrative services in the district. She had retired in 2023 before being asked to serve in the interim role. She was paid $94,000 from May 1 through September of last year alone while Davis continues to receive payments from the district.

“You can’t come in here and think just because we hired you, you can come in here and do whatever you want,” Richardson said of Davis. “That’s not how it works.”

After the meeting, the school board provided answers to questions from the Herald that it couldn’t conduct a formal search to replace Davis as superinten-

The board has promised a more thorough search to find the next superintendent.

“When it is appropriate to begin a search process,” reads a statement from the School Board, “the board will work with its superintendent search firm to ensure comprehensive vetting of all final candidates is incorporated into the final selection decisionmaking process.”

The school board declined to provide further information on Davis’s reassignment or the timeline for the lawsuit to be brought before a judge.

Have an opinion on the Freeport superintendent controversy? Send letter to afrancis@liherald.com.

Village tax hike subject to renewed cap regulations

By CAROLYN JAMES & ANDREW FRANCIS of the Freeport Herald

Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced that property tax levy growth for school districts and 10 cities statewide — including those on Long Island — will again be capped at 2 percent, marking the fifth consecutive year the limit has remained in place. The Village has announced that the recent tax hike from about 2 percent to 4 percent on property taxes falls into that margin.

The continued cap comes as everyday costs have climbed sharply. The cost of living on Long Island has increased an estimated 24 to 26 percent over the past five years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, using the New York metro region as the standard measure for Long Island.

cent,” DiNapoli said. “School district and municipal officials must continue to find ways to deliver services efficiently as they deal with higher costs and the potential impact of federal actions.”

The cap applies to a district’s total annual property tax levy, not to individual budget lines. It generally covers taxes that fund core operations, including salaries, supplies, utilities and contracts; dependent special districts such as water, sewer and fire districts; voterapproved public libraries; and most general debt service.

“The Comptroller’s office does recognize the cost of providing services and the challenges facing school districts and local governments and encourages local officials to take advantage of various training events and OSC resources, such as local government management guides, to assist them with a wide variety of accounting and management topics,” said Rebecca Dangoor, DiNapoli, DiNapoli’s deputy press secretary, said about maintaining the 2 percent cap.

The tax cap, first imposed in 2012 on school districts and local governments outside New York City, limits annual property tax levy increases to the lesser of 2 percent or the rate of inflation, with limited exceptions. While the law allows districts and municipalities to override the cap, DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 2.63 percent for governments with a June 30, 2027, fiscal year end, meaning the 2 percent cap will apply.

“For the fifth consecutive year, the property tax levy for school districts and 10 cities will be capped at 2 per-

The law includes narrow exclusions from the cap calculation, including portions of employer pension contribution increases above two percentage points for the Employees’ Retirement System and Police and Fire Retirement System; courtordered judgments from tort actions that exceed 5 percent of the prior year’s levy; the local share of voterapproved capital expenditures and related debt service; and adjustments for tax base growth from new construction and physical property improvements.

While individual spending categories are not capped at 2 percent, governing bodies must manage overall spending and revenues to keep the total levy within the limit unless voters or elected officials approve an override. School districts are currently assembling their proposed budgets, which voters will be asked to approve or reject during school budget votes and board of education elections on May 19 across New York state.

Despite having the opportunity to raise property taxes prior, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy has attempted to keep the tax rate consistent since he first took office in 2013. He will look to avoid further tax increases after his proposed budget was amended by village trustees to include a new tax rate increase.

ThOMAS P. DINAPOLI

FIA DAvIS

Top real estate professionals honored at Heritage Club

By HAILEY FULMER

The Herald’s Real Estate Achievement +Leadership Awards at the Heritage Club on Jan. 28 celebrated professionals whose leadership and innovation have shaped the region’s real estate landscape.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon, founder, owner and broker specialist of Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman was honored for her impact on real estate leadership. A former model and reality television personality, Bensimon has successfully transitioned into a successful real estate career. Her keynote speech reflected on her path into the industry.

After her mother became ill, Bensimon said she sold her family home by herself — a moment that inspired her to shift from television to real estate. Today, she focuses on client relationships and enhancing the value of the properties she represents.

I became licensed because I needed to protect my family — and today, that instinct drives everything I do,” she said.

Steven Krieger, chief executive officer of B2K Development, was named Real Estate Visionary of the Year, while Jan Burman, chairman of B2K Development, received the Legacy in Real Estate award.

The Rising Stars category recognized emerging professionals. Honorees included James La Dolce, vice president and branch manager at Flushing Bank, and Ashley Infantino, a licensed real estate salesperson with DeSimone Real Estate Agency.

Awards for construction, development and engineering recognized Rob Mannino, chief operating officer of The Kulka Group, who received the Commercial and Residential Construction Management award.

“It is such a pleasure to go to work every day and be surrounded by those people,” Mannino said, crediting his team’s growth over the past two years. He also expressed gratitude to partner Devin Kulka, chief executive officer of The Kulka Group, and his father, citing their guidance and leadership.

Joseph Picataggi Jr., principal of Terra Construction Group, received the Development and Construction award, while Matthew K. Aylward, a partner at R&M Engi-

neering, was recognized for excellence in engineering.

Michael S. Ackerman, managing partner of Ackerman Law, took home the Excellence in Real Estate Law, PLLC. Keith P. Brown, a partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP, received recognition in the Legal category, and Robert M. Connelly of Romer Debbas, LLP, earned the Excellence in Real Estate Law award.

“We are proud to honor Long Island’s most accomplished real estate professionals — individuals whose vision, dedication and innovation continue to shape the towns where we live, work and raise our families,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications for 26 years.

The Father/Son Duo award was presented to John and Dylan Vitale, president and vice president of Vitale Properties, recognizing multigenerational leadership.

The Next Gen Brokerage category recognized Luca Di Ciero, founder and CEO of NYSpace Finders, and Giuseppe Gregorio, an associate broker with the firm. Gregorio, who began his real estate career 12 years ago, said he was drawn to the industry’s evolving challenges. he Power Team honor was awarded to Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia, licensed real estate salespersons with Douglas Elliman. Ambrosecchia highlighted the impact of her work on clients.

“I just like helping people,” she said, “to change more lives.”

Additional awards recognized

leadership across the industry.

Shaan Khan, president of the Long Island Board of REALTORS® and broker-owner of RK Realty Group, received the Real Estate Excellence award. Denise Savino-Erichsen, president and CEO of Automatic Industries, was honored in the Technology category.

In the commercial sector, Jonathan M. Stern, chief growth officer of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, was recognized in celebration of the firm’s centennial anniversary. Michael Tucker, associate broker at DGNY Commercial, received the Commercial Brokerage award. Joel Lipsky, chief executive officer of Lipsky Construction, received the Construction Management award.

Tom Attivissimo, CEO and principal of Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island LLC, was named Top In-

dustrial and Investment Sales and Leasing Counselor of the Year. Shalom Maidenbaum, founder and owner of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group LLC, received the Property Tax Reduction award.

Additional residential awards were presented to Nicholas Sforza of Manhasset Realty Group and Marisa Filardo of Douglas Elliman, both recognized for Real Estate Excellence. Filardo, a mother of two, serves clients across Long Island and Queens.

The Team Leadership award went to Rachel King, a licensed associate real estate broker and team leader of The King Team at SERHANT.

For photos, go to RichnerLive. com/realawards/2026-photos/ For more on RichnerLive events visit RichnerLive.com.

Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The real estate movers and shakers networked before the awards ceremony.

Keynote speaker Kelly Killoren Bensimon from Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman.

The Kulka Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Rob Mannino.

R&M Engineering, Partner, Matthew K. Aylward, PE.

Interior Motives New York, Founder and Principal Designer, Susan Mandel.

Awarded the Father/Son Duo Award, President and Vice President, respectively, Dylan and John Vitale from Vitale Properties.

DGNY Commercial, Associate Broker, Michael Tucker walking up to accept his award.

From NYSpace Finders, Founder & CEO Luca Di Ciero and Associate Broker Giuseppe Gregorio took home the Next Gen Brokerage award.

Licensed Real Estate Salespersons Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia from Douglas Elliman won the Power Team award.

From Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP, Partner, Keith P. Brown.

Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, Chief Growth officer, Jonathan M. Stern with his award.

From Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island, LLC, CEO & Principal, Tom Attivissimo heads to accept his award.

Protestors call on local police to cut ICE ties

ment’s collaboration with the agency.

“One of the goals is to call attention to the unjustifiable collaboration between the Nassau County Police and ICE through the 287(g) agreements, which allow them to collaborate with ICE,” Koubek said. “We’re also calling attention to the immorality of the roundups of immigrants, three-quarters of whom have no criminal record.”

ICE’s 287(g) program authorizes it to request that state and local law enforcement officers undertake “specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight,” according to ICE’s website. The program is intended to promote more seamless immigration law-enforcement efforts. The agency has at least one active agreement with state or local officials in 40 U.S. states, including, in New York state, Nassau County.

The Nassau County Police Department said it would respond to questions whether it would consider reviewing or repeal its 287(g) agreement with ICE, but had not done so by the time of publication.

One protester, Cheryl Keshner, a member of the Immigrant Justice Alliance, said that a public demonstration of compassion and support for migrant families living in fear is an important way to show more humanity than she believes ICE and many government officials are displaying.

“They’re separating families — they’re violently tearing people out of the communities,” Keshner said. “These are not people who are a danger to us. These are our friends, our neighbors, our family. So we’re here to say enough is enough. We need this to stop, and we want our immigrant community to know that they’re not alone and that we support them.”

Keshner added that she believed

immigration law enforcement ought to be handled by local police, particularly when dealing with criminal offenders.

At Christ Lutheran, Immigrant Justice Alliance volunteers offered people information on dealing with ICE agents and other immigration concerns. (A representative of the church said it was not part of the protest, and had agreed only to allow the program to use the building and to let the caravan begin in its parking lot.)

The event did not have a religious theme, but participants were from a variety of denominations and faiths, including Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Buddhists. Maines said that despite the rhetoric of some Christians justifying the actions of the federal government and ICE, she felt called to follow the principal of loving your neighbors.

“It’s very important to me to look at the words that Jesus actually said, tell-

many of the demonstrators stated that their religious beliefs guide their opinions on how the government, and society, should treat the marginalized.

the vehicles of the protest caravan displayed signs calling out what demonstrators deemed to be immoral, unwanted and possibly illegal practices by iCe

who

ing us to welcome our neighbor, and that is what we do to the least of us,” Maines said. “I think it’s very important to me as a Christian to

are suffering, the people in need.” Similar demonstrations are planned in the coming months in Freeport and nearby communities, she said.

stand with people

Andrew Francis/Herald photos the caravan protest started in freeport, made its way west along merrick road and ended at the Baldwin train station.

at the heart of the protesters’ message was a call for loving neighbors, immigrant, refugee or otherwise.

Icons. Insights. Impact.

Students bring Seuss books to life on stage

Freeport High School’s Performing Arts Center was transformed into the colorful world of famed author Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, as the J.W. Dodd Middle School Drama Company presented ‘Seussical JR’ to audiences on Jan. 23 and 24. Dodd students made up the talented cast and crew, who delighted audiences with energetic, imaginative and heartfelt performances. Through lively music, choreography and storytelling, students brought to life beloved Dr. Seuss characters and timeless messages.

The Seussical JR storyline brought together characters from several of Dr. Seuss’ most famous children’s books. The play follows the journey of Horton the Elephant, whose compassion and determination leads him to protect the tiny Whos of Whoville, proving that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” The ever-playful Cat in the Hat guided audiences through the story and introduced the rest of the colorful cast of characters from the Jungle of Nool and beyond.

The production was directed by Dodd Middle School teacher Christina Cuevas and produced by Hannah Bentivegna, providing students with valuable opportunities to build confidence, collaboration and musical theater skills.

Memorable musical numbers such as “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think,” “Horton Hears a Who,” and “Solla Sollew” highlighted the remarkable talent of the student performers.

“This production of Seussical JR showcased the incredible creativity and commitment of our students,” said Cuevas. “They embraced the spirit of Dr. Seuss and delivered a performance filled with joy, heart and an important message about kindness.”

–Andrew Francis

Courtesy Freeport Public Schools

The cast and crew of ‘Seussical JR’ put on an inspired production at Freeport High School on Jan. 23.

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER

1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

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Snack station for all

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Love your heart… And it will love you back Your HealtH and Wellness

Change is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it. A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol earns you a lecture on healthy lifestyle changes. Heart attack and stroke survivors are often told to alter a lifetime of habits.

Some people manage to overhaul their exercise pattern, diet, and unhealthy habits with ease. The rest of us try to make changes, but don’t always succeed. Instead of undertaking a huge makeover, you might be able to improve your heart’s health with a series of small changes. Once you get going, you may find that change isn’t so hard. This approach may take longer, but it could also motivate you to make some big changes.

Here are important small steps to get you on the road to better health.

Take a 10-minute walk. If you don’t exercise at all, a brief walk is a great way to start. If you do, it’s a good way to add more exercise to your day.

Give yourself a lift. Lifting a hardcover book or a two-pound weight a few times a day can help tone your arm muscles. When that becomes a breeze, move on to heavier items or join a gym.

Eat one extra fruit or vegetable a day. Limit the sweet treats and go for the fruit instead. Fruits — and vegetables — taste good and are good for everything from

your brain to your bowels.

Make breakfast count. A good breakfast is one that supplies plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Protein should be the main focus to start the day, with additions of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and good fats.

Stop drinking your calories. Cutting out just one sugar-sweetened soda or calorie-laden latte can easily save you 100 or more calories a day. Over a year, that can translate into a 10-pound weight loss.

Have a handful of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts are good for your heart. Try grabbing some instead of chips or cookies when you need a snack, adding them to salads for a healthful and tasty crunch, or using them in place of meat in pasta and other dishes.

Sample the fruits of the sea. Eat fish or other types of seafood instead of red meat once a week. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline.

Breathe deeply. Try breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes a day. It can help you relax. Slow, deep breathing may also help lower blood pressure.

Wash your hands often. Always important, this matters so much more since the pandemic. Scrubbing up with soap and water often during the day is a great way to protect your heart and health. Flu, pneumo-

infections

Count your blessings. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start tapping into other positive emotions. These have been linked with better health, longer life and greater well-being, just as their opposites

nia and other

can be very hard on the heart.

— chronic anger, worry, and hostility — contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Photo: Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, lifts your mood and promotes mental well-being. And if you have diabetes, regular physical activity can actually lower your blood sugar and raise your life expectancy.

DEC head discusses state’s goals, policies

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

More than 200 people attended the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 5 at LIA headquarters in Melville. The highlight of the program was a discussion with the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Amanda Lefton.

“Long Island’s environment is our economy,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.

Lefton previously served as the director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the Department of the Interior. She has over 15 years of experience working on energy and environment in both the public and private sector.

“As Long Islanders, we know that things like water quality and our natural resources are critical to our livelihood,” she said. “We know these things aren’t in competition, but actually complement each other if done correctly. That is the perspective that I bring to the department.

“We continue to move forward,” Lefton added, “to make sure that we’re not just delivering on our mission of protecting the state’s environment, protecting water quality, delivering on clean air, protecting our natural resources,

but also doing so in a way that there’s transparency.”

Billy Haugland, vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, who led the discussion, praised Lefton’s ability to bring government and industry leaders together, leading to productive outcomes, increased collaboration, and reliable environmental stewardship.

Lefton discussed aspects of the state’s policy proposals and 2026 executive budget, and highlighted its steps to reduce pollution, its transition to clean energy and investments in infrastructure and transportation. She contrasted state actions with federal efforts to dismantle environmental protections. “The jobs and benefits that could be lost on Long Island through the stalling of offshore wind projects are one of the many causalities of this chaos,” she said.

Lefton pledged to continue communicating with stakeholders around New York. The DEC is prioritizing accessibility, streamlining its processes and improving data navigation, supported by investments from Gov. Kathy Hochul to modernize its website and technology.

Hochul’s 2026 budget proposal also supports a robust environmental agenda, and Lefton complimented the tangible results for New Yorkers. The governor’s “Let Them Build” agenda includes a series of reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure projects and reduce costs. The initiative includes adopting

common-sense reforms of the State Environmental Quality Review Act to speed up construction of zoned and permitted housing while preserving environmental safeguards. It also aims to reduce delays in building critical infrastructure, including clean-water projects.

“The governor’s common-sense approach to securing more certainty in environmental review timelines,” Lefton said, “will help advance more critically important projects.”

She discussed Hochul’s investments in water infrastructure, a commitment of $3.75 billion to clean-water projects over the next five years, including improving sewer infrastructure. “We can ensure that we’re continuing to tackle urban contaminants, protecting clean water, and delivering on the funding for our municipalities,” Lefton said.

The Hochul administration has authorized a critical resiliency project on Long Island, with a $1.7 billion investment in protecting the expanse from Fire Island to Montauk against storms and erosion. Additional investments have been made for various other Army Corps of Engineers resiliency projects in the Rockaways and Long Beach.

Lefton also mentioned a state grant award to Freeport, supporting the expansion of its advanced stormwater system, which is designed to reduce chronic flooding of the village’s lowlying streets.

“We have strong programs in place to protect our air and water while encouraging investment in our communities,” Lefton said. “We’re ensuring that we have these programs available specifically to deliver for Long Islanders.”

Madison Gusler/Herald Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, spoke at the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 5.

STEPPING OUT

Our nation 250 years later

An artistic perspective

By Abbey Salvemini

The American Revolution might have happened 250 years ago, but the conversation about who really benefited from it is far from over. That’s the idea behind Hofstra University Museum of Art’s newlly opened exhibition, “Our Unfinished Revolution(s).” On view, through July 24, it invites visitors to reflect on the promises of liberty, exploring how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have shaped the nation.

July 4, 1776, has long been ascribed as the date that the United States was formed, Presley Rodriguez — the museum’s assistant director of exhibitions and collections — writes in her essay in the exhibit catalog. There are other events that could have represented the birth of the nation — perhaps first battles of the Revolutionary War, or the signing of the treaty that formally ended the conflict. But it is the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified that is credited with changing the world as we know it.

‘RENT’ in concert

Today, many consider the Declaration of Independence as the document that proclaimed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as guiding priorities of the United States. As signiﬁcant as the signing of the Declaration of Independence was, however, it was also a rebellious act that those loyal to the English king viewed unfavorably in 1776.

“The Declaration of Independence is the North Star of liberty, democracy and freedom,” says Hofstra Museum Director Sasha Giordano. “The exhibition explores who most beneﬁtted from the Declaration of Independence. Although women, Black and enslaved people, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants played instrumental roles during the Revolution and were closely connected to the events surrounding the Declaration, they were not granted the same liberties at the nation’s founding.”

The 250 years of history are organized into four dated sections: 1776, 1876, 1976 and 2026. The artworks and archival materials on view illuminate the ways in which the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted, challenged and defended over time. Works drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, alongside loans featuring artists such as Faith Ringgold, demonstrate the diversity of artistic responses to the Revolution’s legacy across 250 years. Included are a mix of 18th-century prints, mid-century works and contemporary pieces by artists such as Alexander Calder, Larry Rivers and Jeremy Dennis, the show’s featured artist.

Groups whose liberties were initially denied come into focus: women, Black, Indigenous and immigrant communities. Rodriguez — who curated this exhibit — searched Hofstra’s database for art that best captures their stories.

“This is really an homage to 250 years of freedom,” she explains. “There are walls in the gallery dedicated to each of these anniversary years, and the artwork was created around these moments.”

Beginning with 1776 section, works reﬂect the founding ideals and the exclusion of certain communities, while later sections show how those

Map of New England, 1676, ink on paper. Gift of unknown donor, HU62.7.

Washington Crossing the Delaware, Evening Previous to the Battle of Trenton, December 5 (sic), 1776, 18001900, hand-colored lithograph. Gift of Mary Estabrook, HU64.98.

Bill of Sale for Enslaved Person, 1779. Courtesy of Special Collections/ Long Island Studies Institute, Hofstra University Library.

struggles continued and evolved.

For Giordano, framing the Revolution as “unﬁnished” allows us to revisit and reclaim its milestones. It’s presented as an ongoing conversation, rather than a closed chapter in history.

“Anniversaries are a way to remind us of what we celebrate and how we honor our country’s life,” she says. “This exhibition meets viewers where they are. You bring your own ideas and thoughts, and it encourages reﬂection. It could challenge you, or it could reafﬁrm what you already feel.”

Jeremy Dennis, an enrolled member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio Inc., brings an Indigenous perspective into the narrative of America’s evolving freedom through his photography.

“As a leader making art representing Indigenous people, his work speaks to current times and shares a relevant story,” Giordano adds. “Through his art and photography, he takes us into that world.”

Another standout is Faith Ringgold’s 2009 series, “Declaration of Freedom and Independence.” Her work perfectly embodies the exhibition’s theme and reﬂects the ongoing struggle to make liberty a reality for all, according to Rodriguez.

“The exhibition invites you to consider your own role in shaping the nation’s future. The response wall allows visitors to contribute their perspectives, and those ideas will literally be on display for others to see,” she adds.

Her aim is that visitors reﬂect not only on the past but think hard about what our future holds. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the Wish Wall Project, the collaborative response wall developed by a nationwide network of museums and libraries, where all can leave their thoughts, reﬂections and reactions to the exhibition.

“Our Unﬁnished Revolution(s),” connects to the broader Untold Stories of Revolution: A Hofstra University Initiative for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, a campus-wide exploration of the Revolution’s lesser-known narratives. Related programming tied to the exhibit invites students, faculty and the public to engage with themes of democracy, equity and civic responsibility.

Events include a conversation with Dennis on March 5 and a curator-led gallery tour on April 9; programs that allow participants to engage more deeply with the exhibit.

“During the gallery tour, visitors will have a chance to notice details they might miss on a casual visit, and they can hear the stories behind why speciﬁc works were included,” Rodriguez says.

The unforgettable music of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical ﬁlls Tilles Center in a powerful symphonic concert setting. RENT is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades since its Off-Broadway debut in January 1996 and subsequent move to Broadway. Experience the music of Larson’s landmark work through its original Broadway legacy as Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger, hosts the evening and returns to the stage for a special encore performance. Presented in a symphonic concert format with full orchestra, the event celebrates the iconic songs that changed musical theater forever. “To be able to host RENT in concert and then step back on stage for an encore is incredibly special, Pascal says. This concert is about honoring Jonathan Larson’s voice, the community that formed around this show, and the power of these songs to still speak, loudly and honestly, to audiences today.”

Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘So don’t stop me now’ 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. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, including, of course, classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

• Now through July 24 Programs require advance registration; visit events. hofstra.edu to RSVP or call (516) 463-5672

• Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra University’s South Campus, Hempstead

Courtesy Hofstra University Museum of Art

Jeremy Dennis’ Cloak of Divisibility, from the series Rise, 2025, archival inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

FEB

Tween Trivia Night

Fifth and sixth graders are invited to Freeport Memorial Library to battle it out in this pop culture trivia competition. Come out and compete.

• Where: 144 West Merrick Road

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274

Community Drum Circle

Certified Drum Circle Facilitator Laura Cerrano leads an interactive music-making experience at Freeport Memorial Library. This session is meant to reduce stress, build community, and provide a positive outlet for self-expression.

• Where: 144 West Merrick Road

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274

FEB

Baby Jam Families are welcome to Freeport Memorial Library for song, play and hands-on activities. It includes musical instruments, colorful parachutes and plenty of sensory play and musical fun. For ages nine months through four, accompanied by an adult.

• Where: 144 West Merrick Road

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274

The Love Letter: Valentine’s Day Soirée Dinner

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with gospel, R&B, and soul at this all-day event. With entertainment, DJ, dance floor, 3-course soul food dinner, open bar, selfieready décor, giveaways for the ladies, valet parking, and more. Hosted by mother-daughter team Sherlett and Diamond of Soul Full Restaurant. Tickets required. $124.

• Where: The Factory, 124 Woodcleft Ave.

• Time: 2 p.m.–12 a.m.

• Contact: eventbrite. com/e/the-love-letterregistration-1968311091460

Monster Jam Freestyle Mania

See the world’s best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles of speed and skill when Monster Jam roars into UBS Arena. Get ready for the event that will change everything

Wild days in the Bronx

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

FEB

‘The Wedding Singer’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stage the musical comedy based on the iconic film. The show will have you partying like it’s 1985! Travel back to the outrageous 1980s, when hair was huge, neon ruled fashion and everything MTV was “like, totally tubular.” Based on the mega-hit Adam Sandler movie, this Broadway romance about a heartbroken rock star wannabe finding love again is jam-packed with big laughs, dazzling dance numbers, and a score as bold and electric as the decade itself. From popped collars to power ballads, “The Wedding Singer” is a nostalgic, feel-good celebration of love, friendship, and all things ‘80s.

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on Palminteri’s own bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that would forever shape his view of the world. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro — and later a hit Broadway musical. Born and raised in the Bronx, Palminteri stands firmly in the lineage of iconic Italian-American artists who redefined New York storytelling in the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese, De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Like them, he brings grit, muscle and an unflinching realism to his work, capturing both the violence and the humanity of life on those sidewalks. This return engagement offers audiences a chance to experience the original, powerhouse performance that started it all — up close, uncompromising and unforgettable.

you thought you knew about freestyle. Monster Jam trucks team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravitydefying skills and thrills. It’s an adrenaline rush not to be missed.

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

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

Coral House Annual Red Ball

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Coral House’s Red Ball. Attending couples emjoy a three-course sit down dinner and open bar to. 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

Lunar New Year program

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove

puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. $5, $4 members, $10 theater only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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

FEB

Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! A special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and catwalk experience only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.

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

FEB

BioBus Mobile Lab

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to climb aboard the newest BioBus Mobile Lab sponsored by National Grid. Community scientists show visitors how to use one of the highpowered microscopes to explore samples such as bugs, dirt, water, flowers, and other organic matter from your neighborhood! You can even look at your own skin, hair and clothing up close with a microscope.

• Where: 11 Davis. Ave.,, Garden City

• Time: 8 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Feb 22, 3 p.m.

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

FEB

Little Learners Art Lab

Each week in this engaging workshop at Long Island Children’s Museum, 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, use paper towels to watch colors burst and designs reveal themselves. $4 with museum admission.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Having an event?

Items on te 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.

Courtesy Village of Freeport

Attending the monthly clergy lunch with Mayor Robert Kennedy were Phil Prestamo, pastor of Cornerstone Church, Marie Carmel Houanche, chaplain of American Legion William Clinton Post 342, Oral Walcott, lead pastor of Freeport Community Church of the Nazarene, and Harold Banarsee, pastor of the Freeport Church of God.

Mayor invites clergy to voice community concerns

Members of the clergy within the Freeport community have been invited to attend a monthly meeting with Mayor Robert Kennedy and members of his staff at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Village Hall. The meetings provide an opportunity for clergy to discuss various subjects of interest to the community and their congregations, and receive answers from Village leadership.

Mayor Kennedy has consistently expressed willingness to answer any

questions or concerns in real time from all who attend, and has done so in past meetings. For example, one clergy member who was concerned about permits for an upcoming fair in a parking lot this coming spring was able to have the permit process and the pros and cons of particular locations explained to them by the mayor and Village Attorney Rob McLaughlin.

“We want to make sure that entities have successful events,” Mayor Kennedy explained. “So, taking the time beforehand to discuss their concerns translates to a better, smoother-running event.”

During each clergy meeting, Mayor Kennedy invites a member of his administration to come and discuss what the responsibilities of their department and how the local government can assist with any clergy or congregational needs.

I don’t think people realize just how helpful it is to have this back and forth with the Mayor and his staff.

PhIl

Prestamo Pastor, Cornerstone Church

Other topics discussed were the 250th anniversary of the United States and how the various houses of worship could be involved. Harold Banarsee, pastor of the Church of God in Freeport, voiced his appreciation for the meeting after attending it for the first time.

“I think it is great having this meeting,” said Banarsee. “It is a great chance to understand how government works and also to get information out about what is going on with the clergy community.”

Banarsee was one of several attending clergy members who expressed interest in having their church be involved with the local celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Pastor Phil Prestamo of the Cornerstone Church, a regular attendee of the clergy meetings, also appreciates the time being carved out by Village leaders to host such meetings.

“They’ve been great meeting, and the Mayor has done a great job of making himself available,” Prestamo said. “We had a problem with a streetlight and the mayor sent someone over that day to take care of it. I don’t think people realize just how helpful it is to have this back and forth with the Mayor and his staff. We also get to hear about what is going on in the Village from his perspective.”

The meetings, which provide lunch meals, are open to all clergy from all religious congregations in Freeport. For more information, or to RSVP to one of the next meetings, please call the mayor’s office at 516-377-2252.

–Andrew

Francis

12,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF ADOPTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that in accordance with §5-508 of the Village Law of the State of New York, after a public hearing on January 30, 2026, with due notice, a budget showing revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year 2026/2027 has been duly adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York, on January 30, 2026. A copy of the budget is available at the office of the Village Clerk, where it may be inspected by interested persons during office hours.

Incorporated Village of Freeport Summary of Budget

Fiscal Year Ending February 28, 2027

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York.

Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk Issue Date:January 30, 2026 158375

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 18 Bedell Street LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 9/19/25 NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: Law Office of Howard Colten, 53 E.Merrick Rd 237, Freeport, NY 11520 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 157734

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE

BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR

STEARNS ASSET

BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2007-HE2, ASSET

BACKEDCERTIFICATES

SERIES 2007-HE2, Plaintiff against

NINA DEMOSTHENES, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 25, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 915 Van Buren Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. Sec 54 Block 386 Lot 7. 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.

Approximate

Amount of Judgment is $530,475.40 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000879/2016. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper

social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Andrew K Preston, Esq., Referee File # SPSNY448 157973

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2006-HE8, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE8, -againstMARCIA LANDS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES SPEARMAN

LEAKE A/K/A JAMES LEAKE A/K/A JAMES SPEARMAN, 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 December 15, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2006-HE8, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE8 is the Plaintiff and MARCIA LANDS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES SPEARMAN LEAKE A/K/A JAMES LEAKE A/K/A JAMES SPEARMAN, 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 24, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 101 WEST FULTON AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 0055 - 00412-0000093. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008919/2015. Michael Alpert, 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. 157975

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, As Trustee For The Certificateholders CWALT, INC., Alternative Loan Trust 2006-32CB, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-32CB, Plaintiff AGAINST James A. Crittenden, Jr. a/k/a James Crittenden, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 65 Sagamore Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 55, BLOCK: 375, LOT: 1186-1189.

Approximate amount of judgment is $367,839.74 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgmen t Index # 609700/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Fay Mattana, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-100333-F00 88430 157868

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-SHL1 Plaintiff, Against DOROTHY WATERMAN, PAULINE BROWN, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered

12/01/2025, 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 2/24/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 48 Pleasant Ave, Roosevelt, NY 11575, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0055 Block 00351-00 Lot 00031 And 00032. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $904,395.60 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 002787/2015 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 1/6/2026 File Number: 560-1419 CA 157971

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Grassi Advisory Group, Inc., Office of the New York State Attorney General, Jasper Surety, Joyce Leblanc, Judith Billard, John Billard, Sue Sims, David Engel, Anna Mitchum, Mary Mills, Donald Engel, Estate of Sherry Engel, And any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-atlaw and next-of-kin of the said Brian Joseph

McLoughlin, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.

A petition having been duly filed by Nassau County Public Administrator, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on March 4, 2026, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Nassau County Public Administrator, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Corwyn G. Billard, should not be judicially settled. [X] Further relief sought (if any):

1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings; 2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 5,273.70 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 1,068.42 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);

3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 32,361.98 as and for legal fees and $ 2,981.99 as and for disbursements, for a total of $ 35,343.97, of which $ 7,843.97 has been paid and $ 27,500.00 is unpaid; 4. Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 7,850.00, of which $ 1,850.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid; 5.Releasing and discharging the surety; 6.Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish

proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Corwyn G. Billard, decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship;

And further directing that the share determined to be payable to the estate of Sherry Engel, if any, be deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Corwyn G. Billard, post deceased alleged distributee, should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship;

7.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper

Dated, Attested, and Sealed, January 9, 2026 (Seal)

HON. S/:David P. Sullivan

Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach

Chief Clerk

S:/Richard T. Kerins

Signature of Attorney

Richard T. Kerins, Esq. Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm Name (516) 538-1111

Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530

Address

Email (optional)

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 158105

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

ONEWEST BANK N.A., -againstWELLINGTON ROY

MAHONEY, JR., 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 6, 2025, wherein ONEWEST BANK N.A. is the Plaintiff and WELLINGTON ROY

MAHONEY, JR., 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 27, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 176 MIRIN AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 55-469-53, 54 & 55. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 005727/2014. Jaime D. Ezratty, 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. 158102

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstMICHAEL J. WEISS, 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 August 13, 2024, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL J. WEISS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 3, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 31 WEST 3RD STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 62-63-114. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 614333/2022.

Kenneth Lawrence Gartner, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 158100

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT

SECURITY BY VIRTUE OF A DEFAULT In a Loan Security Agreement dated December 7, 2021 executed by Kim T. Fakira, debtor to Wells Fargo, N.A., secured party via assignment, will cause a public sale of the security consisting of 490 shares of stock plus Parking Space and/or Garage, if applicable, of Hawthorne Gardens Owners Corp. all right title and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease between said Corporation and debtor for Apartment F26 in

the building known as 153 SMITH ST FREEPORT, NY 11520 together with all fixtures and articles of personal property now or hereafter affixed to or used in connection with said apartment on February 27, 2026 at 10:15am on the North Facing Front Steps of the Nassau County Court House, 262 Old Country Rd. Mineola, NY 11501, in satisfaction of an indebtedness.

Apartment is sold “AS IS” AND POSSESSION TO BE OBTAINED BY THE PURCHASER. Said sale is subject to: payment of all sums due, if any, to Hawthorne Gardens Owners Corp. and the consent if necessary, of said corporation; any existing tenancy; payment of all expenses and fees of the secured party with respect thereto; terms of sale and auctioneers fees; flip tax; State, City and County transfer tax. The secured party reserves the right to bid. Terms: an official bank or certified check made payable to Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC., for ten (10%) percent of the price bid. No cash accepted. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC. 900 MERCHANTS CONCOURSE WESTBURY, NEW YORK 11590 (516) 280-7675 158259

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. FIRST START, LLC, Pltf. vs. TRIDENT EQUITIES LLC, et al, Defts. Index #600121/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Oct. 1, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 325 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 62, Block 44, Lot 430. Approximate amount of judgment is $370,585.75 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health of safety concerns, then the court appointed referee

will cancel the foreclosure auction. Sale will be held, “rain or shine.” MERIK AARON, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102769 158265

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust 2006-NC3, Plaintiff AGAINST

Claudio Garzon; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 7, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 9,2026, at 2:30 PM, premises known as 452 Ray Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of York, Section 54 Block 312 Lot 34. Approximate amount of judgment $253,778.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608078/2022. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”

Howard Eric Colton, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: January 15, 2026 158261

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2006-NC2 MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-NC2, -againstSTEVEN TAYLOR A/K/A STEVEN A. TAYLOR, 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 December 2, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2006-NC2 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-NC2 is the Plaintiff and STEVEN TAYLOR A/K/A STEVEN A. TAYLOR, 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 64 MOUNT JOY AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 55-399-52.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 618117/2023. Christine M. Grillo, 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. 158257

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regularly

scheduled meeting of the Site Plan Review Board for February 24th 2026 at the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, HAS BEEN CANCELLED. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD

Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 158374

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. in the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, 2nd Floor, Freeport, New York 11520, Board of Trustees Conference Room, adjacent to the Mayor’s office. Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk

DATED: February 12, 2026 Freeport, New York 158376

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. KATHRYN BLOOM A/K/A KATHRYN A. BLOOM A/K/A KATHRYN ANN BLOOM, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report, Amend the Caption, Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 29, 2025 and an Order For Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale and Amend Caption duly entered October 15, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 28 Howard Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 106 and Lot 391-392, 426. Approximate amount of judgment is $843,228.86 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011828/2014. The original sale was scheduled for January 20, 2026 at the same time and location.

Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158368

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTOPPEL NOTICE

The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on February 9, 2026 by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Nassau County, New York (the “Village”). The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of publication of this notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.

Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk, Incorporated Village of Freeport

SUMMARY OF BOND RESOLUTION

Set forth below is a summary of said resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Nassau County, New York (the “Village”) on February 9, 2026.

1.The resolution is entitled “BOND RESOLUTION OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 9, 2026, AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF VEHICLES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE VILLAGE, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $851,288, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $851,288 BONDS OF SAID VILLAGE TO FINANCE SAID

APPROPRIATION..”.

2.Object or Purpose: acquisition of vehicles for the Department of Public Works in the Village.

3. Period of Probable Usefulness: 5 years

4. Amount of Debt Obligations Authorized: $851,288. The resolution summarized herein shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the offices of the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, located at Village Hall, Freeport, New York. 158378

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NEW YORK PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on February 9, 2026, the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted a bond resolution entitled: “BOND RESOLUTION OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 9, 2026, AUTHORIZING FINANCING FOR THE COST OF THE ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE VILLAGE WATER DEPARTMENT, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $203,165, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $203,165 BONDS OF SAID VILLAGE TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION.” an abstract of such bond resolution concisely stating the purpose and effect thereof, being as follows: FIRST: AUTHORIZING said Village to finance the cost of the acquisition of equipment for the Village Water Department; STATING the estimated maximum cost thereof, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, is $203,165; APPROPRIATING said amount therefor; and STATING the plan of financing includes the issuance of $203,165 bonds of the Village to finance the said appropriation, and the levy of a tax upon all the taxable real property within the Village to pay the

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE SUPREME COUNTY

12, 2026

Public Notices

principal of said bonds and interest thereon;

SECOND:

AUTHORIZING the issuance of $203,165 bonds of the Village pursuant to the Local Finance Law of the State of New York (the “Law”) to finance said appropriation;

THIRD: DETERMINING and STATING the period of probable usefulness applicable to the purpose for which the bonds are authorized is forty (40) years; the proceeds of the bonds herein authorized and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds may be applied to reimburse the Village for expenditures made after the effective date of this resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized; and the proposed maturity of said $203,165 bonds will exceed five (5) years;

FOURTH:

DETERMINING that said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes shall be general obligations of the Village; and PLEDGING to their payment the faith and credit of the Village;

FIFTH: DELEGATING to the Village Treasurer the powers and duties as to the issuance of said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, or the renewals thereof; and SIXTH: DETERMINING that the bond resolution is subject to a permissive referendum.

DATED: February 9, 2026

PAMELA WALSH BOENING Village Clerk 158377

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU,

UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. SAMINA ASAD, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 19, 2025 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM, premises known as 644 GUY LOMBARDO AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 62, Block: 102, Lot: 222. Approximate amount of judgment is $640,750.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 620490/2023. 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 Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee.

PAUL MELI, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158369

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURTNASSAU COUNTYNEW YORK

SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION

File No. 2025-2068

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent.

TO: Michael Slass, Pamela Slass, Elizabeth Slass, and to the

unknown heirs at law, and the next of kin of Spencer Michlow, deceased, if they be living, and if they be dead, to their Executors, Administrators, Creditors and Lienors, their husbands or wives or successors in interest.

A Petition having been filed by Barbara Selwitz, who is domiciled at 320 Central Park West, New York, New York 10025, praying for a decree that the Last Will and Testament of Spencer Michlow be admitted to Probate and that Letters Testamentary be issued to said Barbara Selwitz. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York on March 11, 2026 at 9:30 AM in the forenoon of that day why a decree should not be made in the Estate of Spencer Michlow, lately domiciled at 335 Arthur Street, Freeport, New York 11520 admitting to probate a Will dated December 23, 2023 as the will of Spencer Michlow, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to Barbara Selwitz, 320 Central Park West, New York, New York 10025. NOTICE: THIS SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR IT WILL BE ASSUMED YOU DO NOT OBJECT TO THE RELIEF RQUESTED. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY APPEAR FOR YOU.

Dated, attested and Sealed, January 13, 2026 Hon. David P. Sullivan Judge of the

Surrogate’s Court

Attorney for Petitioner: William F. Chimeri, Esq., 113 W. Sunrise Hwy., Freeport, New York 11520

516-238-7145

wchimeri@gmail.com 158372

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

LEGAL NOTICE

BOARD OF EDUCATION

BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUPIL

TRANSPORTATION

Section 1

The Board of Education Of The Baldwin Union Free School District. County of Nassau hereafter invites The Submission of Sealed Bids for the SouthWest Quadrant Consortium PUPIL

TRANSPORTATION

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 At 11:00 A.M.

At the office Of the Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District, Baldwin N.Y. 11510

At which time and place All bids will be publicly Opened and read aloud Specifications and bid Forms may be obtained By Telephone 516-4346040

Between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM

Weekdays

The Board of Education reserves the Right to reject any or all Bids, or to accept any bid Which is in the opinion of The Board of Education Will be in the best Interest of the School District Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District.

By: Pamela Pratt District Clerk 158383

Andrew Francis/Herald

After student complaints during an after-school program, an unnamed teacher has been fired after making threats to call ICE on students.

Teacher fired for threats to call ICE on students

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

After a substitute teacher admitted they would threaten to call ICE on students on Feb. 4, the Roosevelt Union Free School District removed the teacher from further assignments and “will not serve in any capacity,” according to a letter from Superintendent of Schools Shawn Wightman to the Roosevelt community.

The incident was first reported by senior Daniel Battle after he stated that during an in-school suspension class, a substitute teacher threatened to call ICE on students after being frustrated with students improperly signing into the class.

Battle said he immediately went to the principal’s office to report the threat.

“I was like, ‘That’s not OK. Why would you say that?” Battle said. “Especially in a classroom with a lot of Hispanic kids. That’s not something you should say.”

After, Wightman’s office promptly released a letter the same evening to Roosevelt families, students and staff, detailing the accusation made by Battle and adding that “several students reported that the comment was offensive and caused harm.”

After initiating what the district described as an immediate review and investigation into the incident, the teacher admitted to making the threat. In a letter sent to the Roosevelt community on Feb. 5, Wightman reports that the teacher acknowledged that the ICE comment was inappropriate and offered an apology.

Wightman continued in the letter, stating that providing safety, well-being, dignity and a sense of belonging to students is a top priority for the district.

READ THEM

“We also recognize, deeply, that references to immigration enforcement can be frightening and harmful for students and families,” Wightman wrote. “In listening to students, we heard clearly that such references can feel threatening and destabilizing, regardless of intent.”

Wightman went on to write if students ever feel like they are not receiving a certain standard of well-being

while at school, they are encouraged to speak with school counselors, social workers, building administrators or other trusted adults.

Roosevelt High School has been impacted in the past by ICE and the threat of ICE arrests, with at least two students being detained by the federal organization in less than a year.

The Roosevelt Teachers Association in a brief statement stated that they do not represent substitute teachers and “can’t comment on an ongoing staffing or disciplinary matter.”

In response to further questions, Wightman stated that he could not disclose the names of the teacher, students or other specific personnel decision details. He did explain, however, that district employees are “not authorized to coordinate with ICE regarding students or families.” School administrators do not ask for immigration status during enrollment and all student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

“Additionally, the District’s expectation is that law enforcement may not remove or interrogate a student on school property without parental/guardian consent,” said Wightman, who also mentioned that in limited circumstances where lawful warrants are involved this expectation would be altered.

According to Wightman, the Roosevelt school district is “reviewing and strengthening” its program sign-in procedures to ensure student accountability and continued staff professionalism.

With ICE continuing to expand its operations across Long Island, decreases in student attendance have become a growing concern in many school districts. Student walk out protests and demonstrations against ICE have also taken away time from classes. Wightman said that the Roosevelt school district can not definitively say if ICE has specifically attributed to student absences, but added that they still want to provide support in the event the district becomes aware of such circumstances.

“If families are experiencing fear or uncertainty that is affecting attendance, we want to hear directly so we can connect students to supports and problemsolve barriers to attendance.”

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NWhat do we do about cold spots in a new house?

Q. We are in our house for the first winter, and are noticing lots of cold spots. Our concern is pipes freezing. Is there anything we can do, temporarily, before spring comes, when we can open outside walls to see where insulation is missing? Also, we have a lot of creaking in the stairs and doors, and even just when the wind is howling. Is there anything we can do?

A. With freezing temperatures comes the reveal of lots of cold spots. As you stated, the biggest concern, immediately, is whether cold areas are near pipes, such as heat pipes or bathroom plumbing. Cold air outside will radiate cold to anything not protected, and if you see that the heat has dropped and the pipes feel cool or cold to touch, that should be the first place to start.

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Sometimes people just add a jacket of pipe insulation, but this may worsen the problem in some instances, because the warmer interior air must reach the pipes to keep them from being jammed with ice from the cold-air exposure. In situations like this, it’s best to open the walls where the pipes have frozen and get the pipes warmed up. Don’t use anything with extreme heat or an open flame. A hair dryer may work, but be careful not to make the heat intense enough to start any kind of melting or scorching of the surrounding materials.

I once felt around heat pipes, found the specific spot by touch, and before heat could be applied, the pipe actually split right there in front of me. My plumber used an electric heat clamp to thaw the pipe before cutting the section and replacing it.

As for other parts of the house where it just feels chilled, check for visible gaps around windows, walk barefoot to feel the cool spots and make a list. Some may be almost unreachable without tearing out large sections of interior gypsum or plaster, while others may be able to be filled with insulation. I recommend blown-in cellulose instead of foam, because the foam may encase wires or pipes that later will take much more effort to remove.

Apply foam to areas you can see. Be careful not to use expanding foam in areas that will cause the materials around to move too much, such as around window frames, unless the windows and doors are tightly closed in the frame. Expanding foam will bow the door and window frames so that you can’t close doors and windows later.

This is a good time to use a silicone lubricant, adding a few drops to hinges of doors. The stairs need to be addressed with care, especially hardwood finished treads, so as to not damage them. If you can get under the stairs, try using construction glue at joints before moving on to screws. Only treated, finished nails, adhesive-coated, will work from above. Be prepared to match the wood finish over the tiny nail heads. Good luck!

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,

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There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis

The raging debate over Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s policies and practices has potential long-term consequences for the nation that transcend the political partisanship of the moment. Let me say up front that I support ICE, and believe it serves an important national purpose. I also believe that constructive changes can be made in those policies and practices that will not undermine the agency’s underlying mission to enforce America’s immigration laws. As a grandson of immigrants who grew up in an immigrant environment, I strongly support legal immigration, which I believe is the lifeblood of our nation and has made us unique in the world. I emphasize “legal” because, especially in today’s world of drug cartels and violent gangs, it is vital that we know who it is we are inviting to live among us. There is also the reality that a country without borders isn’t really a country. It is generally accepted that the Biden administration allowed at least 10 million immigrants to enter the country illegally. If only 1 percent of that number were bad actors, it would mean that at least 100,000 potential drug dealers,

sex traffickers and gang members are loose on our streets and in our neighborhoods.

Some historical perspective: President Obama determined that 5 million undocumented immigrants in the country constituted a crisis, and during his administration more than 3 million were deported. Not only was there little or no media hysteria about Obama’s reliance on ICE, but it was actually hailed.

ICNN, which now runs antiICE stories almost 24/7, not only supported ICE, but had star reporter Pamela Brown accompany ICE agents on raids as they broke into homes in a sanctuary city in the dark of night to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

tions in Minneapolis is a major step in that direction. Administration officials like Stephen Miller setting arbitrary quotas of apprehensions makes no sense and is inevitably counterproductive.

CE remains an essential component, but raids no longer need to be as extensive.

In dealing with Minneapolis, however, it must be noted that almost no other city or state where ICE is operating has seen these kinds of disturbances, primarily because other elected leaders, and local and state law enforcement, cooperate with ICE. At a minimum, that means keeping demonstrators from getting in the faces of ICE agents or interfering with their operations.

will be accepted and implemented. But I would strongly oppose any requirement that ICE agents remove their masks. Despite the hysterics of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and others who shamelessly label ICE agents “Nazis” and “Gestapo,” wearing masks has become absolutely essential for them. There are well-organized, systematic efforts to identify and “dox” ICE agents and their families. In cases of their alleged improper actions, they can be identified for investigation by numbers on their uniforms.

While ICE remains an essential component of immigration enforcement, raids no longer need to be as extensive. President Trump’s strict border-enforcement policies have brought illegal immigration to the lowest levels in decades. It is virtually nonexistent.

While the law must be enforced, however, there is always room for reasonable discretion. There is no longer the need for dragnet-style raids. The time has come for a more surgical strategy, focusing almost entirely on criminal elements. Trump’s designation of border czar Tom Homan to oversee ICE opera-

Also, Minnesota, and Minneapolis, must agree to honor ICE detainers and turn over undocumented criminals in their prisons and jails before their release. This minimizes the possibility of fatal interactions. (It is slanderous and irresponsible for officials and critics to describe ICE agents as “murderers.” While investigations are ongoing, the reasonable interpretation of the multitude of videos we’ve all seen is that, at worst, there were heat-of-themoment reactions to unexpected incidents.)

Various “reforms” of ICE are being suggested, and I’m sure a number of them, such as the use of body cameras,

Now that the border is secure and the crisis is past, our elected officials should make reasonable immigration reforms. Those who are undocumented, but were brought to our country as children and have lived here for a specified period of time without incident, should be given a path to citizenship. There should be no attempts to track down undocumented people who are living here without bothering anyone. They should be urged to register and, after a certain period, be allowed to apply for residency.

It is to everyone’s benefit, and society’s gain, for people to be brought out from the shadows. With proper leadership and cooperation, we could be approaching a reasoned resolution of this divisive crisis.

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

Keep driverless cars off Long Island roads

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the state plans to test driverless forhire cars outside New York City. I’m a Long Island resident, and the idea of robot cars on our streets is scary. As a transportation professional with over 25 years of experience on the roadways of our communities, I know how extraordinarily unsafe a plan like this would make us. On Long Island, our cars are how life happens. Parents, kids, commuters and seniors are on the road every day, often navigating heavy traffic, construction and unpredictable weather. Spend five minutes on the Long Island Expressway at

rush hour, or near a busy school zone at the beginning or end of a school day, and it becomes clear why safety cannot be left to unproven technology.

And let’s be honest about what’s really going on here. The goal for these tech companies is New York City. Testing driverless cars just outside the city line is a sneaky way to move closer to that goal without facing the complexity, scrutiny and opposition that would come with starting in the city itself. In the meantime, Long Island is expected to carry the risks as the testing ground.

of the country. When you complicate that track record with a February snowstorm or a rainy evening rush hour here, the risks become obvious.

T he safety of so many drivers cannot be left to unproven technology.

Safety is where this proposal really starts to fall apart. Driverless cars have already stalled in traffic, blocked emergency vehicles, sped past school buses loading children and failed to handle basic roadway situations in other parts

And these risks aren’t just on paper — driverless cars are already hurting people. Reuters reported three weeks ago that a Waymo self-driving car hit a child during morning school drop-off near an elementary school in California. Federal regulators were investigating the incident, which raised serious questions about whether this technology can safely operate around children, parents and busy school zones. It should give every Long Island family pause.

The pressure behind the proposal to deploy more driverless cars is coming from powerful technology companies and executives like Elon Musk, who are focused on expanding their platforms

and opening new markets. Their priorities are driven by growth and investors’ demands, not by the realities of Long Island roads or the safety concerns of the families who live here.

Long Islanders tend to be practical. We care about safety, accountability and systems that work. Decisions that affect our roads and neighborhoods should reflect those values, not treat our communities as a steppingstone to somewhere else.

Governor Hochul should listen to the people who live and work here and understand these roads firsthand. Long Island should not be asked to bear unfair risks so that technology companies can inch closer to New York City. Transportation policy should put safety first. For Long Island, that means protecting our roads, our workers and the people who rely on them every day. We’re nobody’s guinea pigs.

Tom Gouldsbury is president of the Long Island Limousine Association.

Black History is Long Island history

every February, Black History Month arrives with familiar names and stories. We rightly honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and other giants whose courage reshaped the nation. Their legacies deserve remembrance.

But for many people on Long Island, those stories might feel distant — heroic, yes, but abstract, having unfolded somewhere else, in another place at another time.

What often goes missing is the understanding that Black history did not only happen on the National Mall or in Southern courtrooms. It happened here. It happened in the neighborhoods we walk every day, in the schools our children attend, in churches tucked onto residential blocks, and in town halls where decisions quietly shaped who could live where, who could teach, who could lead and who could serve.

On Long Island, Black residents confronted segregated housing patterns long after the law said discrimination was over. Veterans returned home from fighting for democracy abroad only to find out that it did not fully extend to them in their own communities. Black educators pushed open doors in school districts where they were once excluded from classrooms except as students. Black churches became organizing centers, social safety nets and sources of political power when other institutions shut their doors.

King spoke at Rockville Centre’s South Side Junior High School — now

South Side Middle School — on March 26, 1968, just nine days before he was assassinated in Memphis. In his remarks, he spoke of poverty and injustice, and urged unity. People like Roslyn’s Hazel Dukes, who served as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1990 to 1992, made it their life’s work to combat pervasive housing discrimination in many of our communities.

These are not footnotes to history. They are history.

Local athletes who broke color barriers on high school fields, teachers who became the first Black faces in faculty rooms, small-business owners who built livelihoods despite limited access to credit, and community leaders who advocated for basic services all helped shape what our communities look like today. Their contributions did not always come with applause or recognition. Many are remembered only by those who lived through the changes, if they are remembered at all.

That absence matters. When history is presented only as something that happened “somewhere else,” it becomes easier to disconnect from it. It becomes symbolic rather than instructive.

But when Black history is grounded in familiar places — the elementary school you attended, the block where you grew up, the library or park you pass without a second thought — it becomes harder to ignore and easier to understand.

It also forces uncomfortable but necessary questions. Why do some figures

receive plaques and street names while others fade from memory? Why are certain struggles celebrated as defining moments, while local battles for fairness are overlooked? And what does it say about us if we fail to acknowledge the people who made our own communities more just, more open and more representative?

Black History Month should be an invitation to look closer, not just farther away. It should prompt school districts to examine whose stories are included in local curriculums. It should challenge libraries, historical societies and news organizations to document and elevate the experiences of Black residents who helped build these communities. It should encourage towns, villages and neighborhoods to ask whether public recognition truly reflects their full history.

This is not about diminishing national heroes. It is about completing the picture. National change is always the sum of local actions, people showing up to meetings, organizing neighbors, mentoring students, opening businesses and insisting on dignity in places where they were told to wait their turn.

For Black history to matter, it cannot live only in textbooks or documentaries. It must live where people live.

On Long Island, Black history did not unfold at a distance. It unfolded on our blocks, in our schools and in our town halls. Remembering that truth honors the past, helps us understand the present and reminds us that the next chapter of history is still being written, right here.

Framework by Tim Baker

Let’s redouble our commitment to Nassau’s veterans

As the ranking member of the Nassau County Legislature’s Veterans and Senior Affairs Committee, I am tasked with the vital responsibility of overseeing the services and programs that we provide for people who have given so much of themselves to build the foundations of communities throughout the region. Their commitment to service often carries through into their civilian lives — and that is something we should all take notice of.

Following a recent death in my family, I attended the funeral at Calverton National Cemetery, and the efforts to ensure that the experience was one of dignity and reverence were unmistakable. When we arrived, our procession was met by scores of volunteers who helped escort our family to the gravesite. En route, veterans lined the roadway, saluting the cars as they traversed the path to a final farewell.

It was deeply touching to see how freely these patriots continue to give back to the greater community after they’ve concluded their service in our nation’s armed forces. We not only owe each of them a debt of gratitude; we also have a responsibility to implement policies and create programs that ensure that their needs are met throughout the year.

isaw their commitment at a funeral at Calverton National Cemetery.

As a longtime Freeport resident, I am extraordinarily proud that our village has been a host of countless county veteran stand-down events. Last Thanksgiving, more than 600 veterans received winter essentials, food, and support with employment, education, housing, PTSD and much more.

The fact that this event was sponsored and presented with the backing of so many local organizations demonstrates how our veterans are valued, cared for and respected in Nassau. As the lines wrap around the block, the sobering truth is clear: There are so many veterans in need, and we must do more to meet their unique challenges.

In Island Park, the site of a former motel is being transformed into a supportive housing community for veterans thanks to a $20 million investment by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This project will yield at least 50 permanent homes for former service members. I was proud to cast my vote as a legislator in favor of this project, and I hope it will become a model across the county to address this crucial need.

For the vast majority who will not be able to live in a veteran-focused community with wraparound services, however, Nassau’s Veterans Service Agency is an essential lifeline. Based at Nassau University Medical Center, Ralph Esposito and his amazing team do yeoman’s work coordinating informational seminars, observances and social events for veterans and their families. They also coordinate transportation to the Northport VA Hospital and clinics and provide nutrition assistance through the VetMart to ensure that no veteran goes hungry.

With NUMC undergoing major

changes as part of its long-awaited revitalization, there is an opportunity to create new synergies with the hospital and expand the services we provide for former service members. Nassau would be well served to coordinate with our state and federal partners to identify funding for expanded health care resources, veteran-focused mental health programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of America’s growing population of female veterans.

Nassau County is home to one of our nation’s largest populations of veterans. My experience in the Legislature, my training as a social worker and being the daughter of a veteran intersect meaningfully as I work to meet their needs. This unique perspective informs my passion for the cause, and I am more committed than ever to strengthening bonds with trusted community partners and elevating the county’s service to the men and women who gave freely of themselves to defend our rights and protect all that we hold dear as Americans.

Debra Mulé, of Freeport, represents Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.

Thirty days of the good, the bad and the ugly

The year 2025 was a dizzying one for all Americans. So many things happened in Washington that it would take about 50 pages of the Herald to walk readers through every one. Rather than take on that project, I prefer to write about January, and how we were impacted by the news of the month. I declare January the month of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Of the good things that happened, I’ll focus on the Cinderella story of Indiana University football quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Every time I think about him and his accomplishments, I can’t help but smile. If you love an example of perfection, Mendoza is exactly that. It starts with his decision to enroll at Indiana, which was roundly criticized by all of his supporters. Why would you go to a school that has never won a national championship? But Mendoza defied the taunts and joined that muchmaligned Hoosiers team.

Then, with smarts and determination, he guided the team to a 16-0 season and a national championship. He won the coveted Heisman Trophy and charmed all of America with his mature and impressive interviews. His displays of love for his wheelchair-bound mother were touching and memorable.

So the Mendoza story tops the good. The decision to send thousands of ICE and border-patrol agents to Minneapolis definitely tops January’s bad news. The Trump administration’s actions were poorly handled by Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security. Her instant labeling of Alex Pretti, the second Minnesotan shot by ICE agents, as a “domestic terrorist” was a reckless reaction to the death of a U.S. citizen with no criminal record.

crowds of protesters. The 600 members of the Minneapolis police force, who handled the George Floyd demonstrations, were the best people to deal with such a crisis, but they were bypassed.

F rom Fernando Mendoza to Alex Pretti to federal buildings in Philadelphia.

The White House staff, headed by close Trump adviser Stephen Miller, bungled every stage of the Pretti shooting, and poured more gasoline on the fire by labeling him an “assassin.” Miller and Noem were the wrong people to juggle a political crisis, and every step they took proved it. President Trump, who ordered the mass invasion into Minneapolis, was eventually forced to say he wanted to “de-escalate” the situation, but he’s stuck with the optics of a horrible event.

any references to slavery in numerous federal facilities.

The attempts to erase this sad chapter of American history are part of the run-up to the July Fourth observation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Apparently, some people in the White House have decided that we must reflect only on the happy things that have happened during the past 250 years, but slavery is part of our history, and it can’t be wiped away. There are people who promote the idea that the Holocaust never happened, which is why we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day each year.

The idea of drowning a major American city with thousands of law enforcement agents never made sense to begin with. Ask any respected police official about how the situation in Minneapolis was handled and he or she will tell you that the vast majority of the officers sent there were not trained to handle

There are so many things I could classify as ugly, but one stands out, because it has largely escaped public attention. A few weeks ago, a group of federal employees in Philadelphia were captured on local television removing historical materials relating to the history of slavery. This on top of media reports that the administration is taking a number of measures to eliminate

It’s hard to predict what the next 11 months are going to be like in our nation’s capital. There’s new evidence every day of our bitter partisan divide. The president’s postings on social media are often inflammatory. The tone that dominates the daily news is depressing. I wish there were a little more happy talk in our political world, but that, as Shakespeare said, is devoutly to be wished.

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

JerrY Kremer