Long Beach Herald 01-29-2026

HERALD LONG BEACH

long Beach endures a snow emergency

For the better part of three days, maintenance crews were clearing dangerous roads, plowing nearly a foot of snow in temperatures far below freezing. With schools shut down to start the week, the frigid weather didn’t stop 2½-year-old Riley Rothman from enjoying sledding time with her mom on the boardwalk.

Courtesy Robyn Rothman

Queens of the mat: LBHS girls’ wrestling

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

When Long Beach High School inaugurated a girls’ wrestling team last fall, its 30 athletes joined girls around the country in what has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing high school sport. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, there are now more than 74,000 female high school wrestlers nationwide.

On Jan. 13, the Long Beach High team captured the Girls’ Nassau County Conference B championship.

the girls have gotten closer, spending more time together,” Rodriguez said. “They’re like a family.”

I want kids to try something

Before the season started in November, many students approached Rodriguez and expressed interest in joining the team. For someone who has coached the Long Beach Gladiators, a youth wrestling club, as well as the middle school soccer team, that meant a lot.

new.

MIguEl RoDRIguE z Head coach, LBHS girls’

wrestling team

Head coach Miguel Rodriguez said that the program has seen success in its first year despite the inexperience of its wrestlers. He noted that while some of the girls have competed in other sports — mostly soccer and lacrosse — others have not, and only five had wrestling experience. But that clearly hasn’t deterred them from building a unique camaraderie.

“As the season has gone by,

“I want kids to try something new and create memories,” said Rodriguez, who has a 4-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old step-daughter.

Similar to the boys’ high school squad, the girls practice for two hours after school every day during the week, and have learned technique and mat strategy as well as mat and body awareness.

As a male coach, Rodriguez said, getting to know his athletes has been a challenge. He has had to adjust his mindset from stern to supportive, and focus more on personal

Continued on page 3

City of Long Beach/Facebook

Historical Society earns $101K in grants

By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, but those who want to learn about the past just need a trip to West Penn Street. There, the Long Beach Historical Society has operated for nearly 30 years and, with a pair of grants from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation totaling $101,160, the 117-year-old building can undergo crucial renovations.

The Gardiner Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Riverhead, NY, which supports the study of local history throughout New York state. The foundation provided one grant worth $91,000 for the dedicated purpose of renovating basic building structures — floors, roofing, etc. — and delivered additional funds for the remaining amount, which will be specifically used to update and upgrade the museum’s exhibit room.

The Long Beach Historical Society was founded in 1980 and has been headquartered at its current location since 1997. The building on West Penn Street was built in 1909 — one of the first homes in the area — and, in 2008, was itself added to the National Register of Historic Places. Due to its landmark status, a restoration expert thoroughly assessed and documented the needed repairs. Society President Jeanne

Browne said that the wood floors, roof, electrical system, boiler, and windows are all in need improvement or general repair.

The work is planned to begin imme-

diately and, under ideal conditions, will conclude by the end of the year. The various projects aren’t expected to interrupt the museum’s operating hours, as the multiple projects can be performed

as needed instead of requiring a significant shutdown period. “Most of the restoration projects are independent. The floors can be done without affecting anything else,” Browne explained. “We need a new boiler. That can be done without anything else. Upgrading the electric is another thing to do.”

The structural improvements are only one part of the museum’s overall goal. The museum is also home to historical documents, maps and photographs, which are undergoing the arduous process of being digitized and uploaded for easier access and more efficient research.

“We have quite an extensive archive collection. People work up there all the time because we’re constantly getting new material in. And now we’re digitizing it,” Browne said of the museum’s extensive collection. “It used to be that you’d get CDs, DVDs and beta tapes. It’s a huge project and it’s ongoing.”

The museum is run by an all-volunteer staff and relies on a steady stream of fundraising projects to maintain basic operations and present educational programs — including participating in the annual Porchfest, hosting film festivals and showcasing guest speakers.

To learn more about the city’s history and the museum’s efforts to continue preserving Long Beach memories, visit longbeachhistory.org.

Courtesy Long Beach Historical Society

Kathryn Curran, executive director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner foundation, left; presenting the grant to Historical Society President Jeanne Browne and Vice President Lynne Turner.

Captain Sofia Calle poised for strong finish

improvement.

“You can’t be as hard,” he said. “You’ve got to show a little bit of love, some TLC. It’s just different.”

While the team has attracted many newcomers to the sport, it also gave those who know wrestling — including sophomore captain Sofia Calle — a new opportunity to compete. Calle has had plenty of experience with individual sports, having practiced jiu-jitsu since she was 7 and having wrestled with the Gladiators before becoming more seriously about the sport at 14. Her younger brother, Lorenzo, 12, wrestles on the middle school team.

Rodriguez has high expectations for Sofia, and described her as a good, tough leader. “We believe she’s going to get the job done this year,” he said. “I think she’s going to be ‘the girl to be’ for sure.”

As a freshman last year, Sofia was one of four girls who wrestled on the boys’ varsity team. Despite the initial challenge of meshing with them, she said, their energy made the sport a lot more fun and made her “feel at home.” She was a county finalist, and has her sights set on becoming a girls’ county champion and placing at the girls’ state championships next month.

When she joined the new team, Sofia said, her experience made her feel more

comfortable. Now she helps some of her teammates with new techniques in practice, teaching them moves like headlocks.

“It’s not the simplest thing to do,” she said. “I would just go over and help them.”

Rodriguez has known the Calle fami-

ly for over 20 years. He and Sofia’s father, Christian Calle, graduated from Long Beach High in 1999. Rodriguez initially recruited Sofia to the Gladiators after seeing her jiu-jitsu skills on Christian’s Facebook page, and has been there throughout her entire wrestling career.

Christian Calle described his longtime friend as a caring and giving person, and said he wasn’t surprised that he was chosen for the girls’ wrestling job. Sofia said that Rodriguez knows how to talk to her teammates, given his experience as a “girl dad.”

Sofia’s father has been to all nine of the team’s meets this season, and said it was inspiring to see Sofia and her teammates trying something new. “Wrestling is historically a male sport,” he said. “It’s a great source of pride for me and my wife. Sofia being on the first team is really awesome.”

Part of the reason why Christian and his wife, Tatiana, let Sofia take up both jiu-jitsu and wrestling was to help her “walk more securely,” as he put it.

“We wanted to help her understand self-defense,” Christian said. “I knew it would help her confidence. It gives her a good basis for being able to protect herself.”

Even as the season winds down — the girls’ state championships will take place in Albany on Feb. 26 — Rodriguez continues to encourage more girls to try out, saying it’s a good way to develop friendships and get stronger, both mentally and physically.

“I hope that people remember this team as one of the first girls’ wrestling teams to ever exist,” he said. “They are capable of doing it.”

Locals join in fundraiser for boy with cancer

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Dozens of Long Beach residents packed Sherry Blossom, on Park Avenue, last Saturday for a fundraiser to support East Atlantic Beach’s Austin Neugeboren, 10, who has recurrent brain cancer. Neugeboren first started experiencing symptoms last February. Brian Neugeboren, Austin’s father, said he was having headaches. He was diagnosed with strep throat despite not having a sore throat. After three unsuccessful rounds of antibiotics, the family found themselves in the emergency room.

On Feb. 25, 2025, doctors at NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola discovered what Brian described as “a plum-sized mass.” The following Friday, Austin underwent surgery to remove the grade 4 glioblastoma.

Over the next three months, Austin completed multiple chemotherapy and radiation cycles at Winthrop, including a 42-day period in which he went to treatment five times a week — all while attending his school in Merrick.

Austin’s cancer returned nearly a year later, on Jan. 11, when doctors discovered a tumor’s progression after he suffered a seizure while in the bathroom. In the ambulance to the hospital, Brian said that Austin’s eyes were wide open, but he couldn’t speak or move his eyes.

“That was the scariest thing I’ve seen in my life,” he said.

After undergoing surgery at NYU Langone Hospital in New York City to remove part of the tumor on Jan. 28, Austin will begin a clinical trial with Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Sherry Zheng, the owner of Sherry Blossom, has known the Neugeboren family for eight years. She described Austin as a reserved, polite and well-

Long Beach residents gathered on Jan. 24, rallying to support Austin and the

behaved kid. Zheng first met the family when Austin’s mother, Yim, asked about the shop’s rewards program. Both families have built a tight bond, even meeting as much as four times a week during the summer.

“They’re like my family,” Zheng said. “They always invite us over for dinner.”

Wayne Whitaker, Zheng’s partner for nearly a decade, spends much of his time with Austin and his father. Whitaker visits their home on Mark Lane and they play bowling on a Nintendo Wii. The duo, along with Brian, participates in a cornhole league at South Shore Brewery and Bright Eye Beer Company twice a week.

“Austin’s a sweet, caring kid,” Whitaker said. “It

family.

touches my heart to see people wanting to support him.”

More than 19 businesses and individuals from Long Beach and nearby communities donated items for the fundraiser’s raffle. There were gift cards from restaurants on Park Avenue, as well as gift baskets of wine, club seat tickets to a Mets game, and even a bike.

Brian and Yim thanked everyone who donated and were present for the fundraiser. “We are so fortunate to live in a place where people are so kind,” he said. Sherry Blossom has organized a Venmo that will directly benefit the Neugeboren family to offset the cost of treatments. Those interested can send donations to Austin-Fundraiser-2026.

Courtesy Miguel Rodriguez

Harley Eidens, far left, coach Ally Fitzgerald, Sofia Calle, Head coach Miguel Rodriguez, coach Lina Diamond and Presley Eidens are some of the 30-plus members and staff of Long Beach High School’s first girls’ wrestling team.

Courtesy Sherry Blossom/Facebook

Neugeboren

CoNtiNuED FRoM PAgE 1

News briefs

Arrest made in Sept. vacation rental scam

The City by the Sea is a tourist destination year-round. Unfortunately, the allure can also be a breeding ground for criminals looking to capitalize on eager vacationers. On Jan. 14, Long Beach resident Kyle Savage was arrested in connection with a fraud scheme involving a shortterm rental property.

arrived in New York, citing an unauthenticated water main break at the location. Savage then allegedly severed communication with both parties and did not provide refunds for the booked private rental.

In Sept. 2025, around the time of the Ryder Cup golf tournament held at Bethpage Black golf course in Farmingdale, Savage allegedly listed one property on the vacation booking website VRBO — Vacation Rentals By Owner. After securing payment from a pair of out-ofstate prospective renters — one from New Jersey and one from Iowa — Savage allegedly performed a type of bait and switch, removing the initial listing from the site and offering to book a discounted private rental.

Both parties accepted the offer, paid for the new arrangement, and received short-term rental agreements. Savage then allegedly cancelled the bookings just two hours before their expected check-in time, after both parties had

The Long Beach Police Department’s homicide squad reported that, around 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 11, Thomas Maloney, a 79-year-old Long Beach resident, was struck and killed while attempting to walk across West Park Avenue. According to detectives, a 2019 blue BMW SUV was traveling east and was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian.

Maloney was transported to the emergency department of South Nassau

The Long Beach Police Department maintains an ongoing commitment to fully investigating and prosecuting rental fraud schemes that target visitors to the city. If convicted of the felony charges — two counts of grand larceny in the third degree — Savage faces a potential sentence of up to 14 years.

A representative from VRBO explained that their standard policy in the event of a lastminute host cancellation is to work to relocate the guest in a comparable, local alternative. They couldn’t discuss specifics of the case leading to Savage’s arrest and were unclear whether alternative accommodations were made or offered for the guests’ initial cancellation in September.

–Chris Colucci

hospital before dying from his injuries. The 58-year-old driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or believes they have information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Long Beach Police Department.

–Chris Colucci

E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

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

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Kyle Savage

spotlight athlete

MEAGHAN CAMPBELL

MacArthur Senior Basketball

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

games to watch

Thursday, Jan. 29

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

Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Uniondale 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Friday, Jan. 30

Boys Basketball: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Girls Basketball: Westbury at Uniondale 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Long Beach knocks on playoff door

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

In the thick of the regular season, the Long Beach boys basketball team is executing well, but it’s just a small sample of its true potential.

“Season’s been going really well,” said Marines head coach Scott Martin, citing a five-game win streak at the start of the season, and the squad’s current four-game streak. “We are in a good spot for a possible playoff spot, which we missed last year, so it looks promising,” he added.

To make it to the Nassau Class AA playoffs, Long Beach needs at least six wins over conference rivals. Currently, the Marines are just one away thanks to their 52-43 win over MacArthur last Friday. Jaron Burns led the offense with 18 points and 4 steals; flanking Burns were Zack Brymer’s 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, and Andrew McCartney’s 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Burns and McCartney, both guards, typically lead the offense.

“Jaron is one of our top athletes, he’s doing a great job running transition and he is our leading rebounder too, averaging about six rebounds a game,” Martin said of Burns. “Andrew has been shooting the ball really well. He’s deadly from the outside and when [defenses] cover his three, he gets a little bit of room to make it to the basket,” he added of McCartney.

Last Friday was the second meeting this season between the two teams, the

first this season on Dec. 13, where Long Beach won 67-58. For Martin, fixated on improving, no win is assured.

“[MacArthur is] a tough team! I just watched them against Jericho, who is our first place team in the league, and they played them hard for three quarters,” Martin reasoned. “They played us really hard last time. They’re really tough and wellcoached, and they’ve definitely gotten better since the last time we’ve played them.”

There were technicalities involved too: size comparison, rebounding battle, the

details on paper that have real-life implications, but Martin felt assured that if the team shot well and stayed aggressive on the glass, they’d have a shot of going into the locker room with a win.

Martin said that he relies on Alex Michaels, a towering 6-foot-7 freshman, who typically sets up real estate down low.

“It took him a little while to get acclimated to playing varsity level basketball, but last game he played the most minutes he’s ever played and we’re going to try to put him

[in] a little bit longer than the last time we played him,” Martin explained. “Just get a big body in the lane and help with the boards and defend the basket.”

Martin also lauded senior forward Colin Liguori, who has a penchant for doing damage in the paint. There’s also Nathan Hall and Gavin O’Grady, all defensively oriented players.

Now, with sights set on a playoff spot, there are no plans of hitting the breaks anytime soon.

Long Beach is 5-2 in conference games and 9-5 overall.

Jeff Wilson/Herald

The Marines moved one step closer to clinching a playoff berth with a 52-43 victory over MacArthur last Friday.

AFA Health Screening Day

THURSDAY

February 12 10 AM - 2 PM

AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center

149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Memory screenings to help identify early signs of cognitive changes

Blood pressure screenings to support cardiovascular health

Balance screenings to assess fall risk and mobility

Information on other health screenings and resources for older adults

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

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

SPONSORS

Future doctors learn pain, addiction care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.

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

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

gating professional expectations and fear of judgment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Medical students at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell practiced femoral nerve blocks, a pain management technique, during PACE Week, Jan. 13-16.

LBHS graduate leads Oceanside gymnastics

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

It’s a new year and a great year for Oceanside’s gymnastics team. It’s tough to put a finger on it, but something wasn’t spectacular last season for the Sailors. Fifth-year coach Dakota Ejnes, a former Long Beach High School star who did gymnastics a Cortland State, called it a “mediocre’’ campaign. But 2026 is jumping.

“This year the girls really stepped up, worked really hard in practice and that’s why we’re seeing such success at our meets,’’ Ejnes said. “We are all working for each other rather than working for ourselves. It’s being more than themselves is the theme of the season. We’ve progressed and everyone’s matured mentally.’’

The season’s highlight came on Jan. 17 at the “Cartwheels for a Cure’’ meet when the Sailors posted a season-high team score of 163.425, which was good for second place among the 20 Nassau schools. (The Cold Spring Harbor High event raises money for cystic fibrosis.)

“This year the whole team is a lot closer,’’ said senior captain Sofia Loscalzo, “The energy is a lot higher and more hard working. Everyone’s a lot more positive.’’ Loscalzo has already qualified for the state meet in floor.

“Sophia’s biggest quality is her leadership and positivity at every practice and meet,’’ said Ejnes. “She leads by example, a great role model to the girls. She’s really stepped up her game on the floor.’’

This is Loscalzo’s fifth season on the squad so she’s seen all the highs and lows that accompany this acrobatic sport.

“Before meets, I talk to the team and hype them up,’’ Loscalzo said. “A lot of gymnastics is mental, so I make sure everyone believes in themselves.’’

A gymnast for the last 11 years, Loscalzo likes the floor category most. “I like to perform, show a bit of my personality and make it fun,” she said.

Another Oceanside star is Adrianna Auleta, a junior dual athlete also on the cheerleading team. She’s committed to Baylor and will be part of the Acro and Tumbling team.

The most improvement Auleta has shown is on floor. “She got a new routine that spiced it up,’’ Ejnes said. “It’s super energetic and she loves to put on a show.’’

In the season’s first meet, Auleta posted her highest score – 9.45 versus North Shore.

Then there is freshman Anna Quinn, who performed as an eighth-grader. “She’s a tremendous asset to the team,’’ Ejnes said. “Her confidence brings us so much success. And she’s our queen beam.’’

At the Cartwheel event, Quinn posted her highest beam score of 9.05. Two other contributors are juniors Sydney Moskowitz and Bobbi Thorne.

Oceanside has scheduled 12 dual meets. The match against Bethpage on Jan. 15 was its finest. “Every one of my girls were hitting their best performance - the vibe was so high in the gym,’’ Ejnes said.

The Sailors will compete in another huge meet to kick off this week at Ejnes’ alma mater, Long Beach. The extravaganza raises awareness for pediatric cancer.

“It’s my fifth year and each year the program is improving and growing,’’ Ejnes said.

Teaching Parashat with STEAM at Brandeis

Students at Brandeis Hebrew Academy brought the story of Parashat Noach to life through a hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) challenge that blended Torah learning with science, creativity and teamwork.

As part of a school wide competition, mixed-grade teams designed and built miniature boats inspired by Noah’s Ark, testing their buoyancy in the school’s atrium. The project encouraged collaboration across grade levels while introducing students to principles of science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Each team was challenged to construct a vessel capable of floating, with the final boat remaining afloat declared the winner. The activity sparked enthusiasm throughout the school, with students cheering on their classmates during each round of testing.

The first-place team included eighth graders Emily Gordon and Tamar Tabari, along with first grader Noam Harosh. Second place was earned by eighth grader Izzy Newman and first grader Tommy Mesika.

“Parashat Noach offers a perfect opportunity to connect timeless lessons of faith with modern learning,” Gabriel Berger, the school’s STEAM educator wrote in a news release. “Our students didn’t just study the story — they experienced it through teamwork, design thinking and innovation.”

School officials said the project highlighted Brandeis Hebrew Academy’s commitment to integrating Judaic studies with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences that engage students of all ages.

–Melissa Berman

Sue Grieco/Herald

From left, Anna Quinn, Adrianna Auleta and Sofia Loscalzo have led Oceanside’s resurgence.

Courtesy Leslie Gang

Students at Brandeis Hebrew Academy brought the story of Parashat Noach to life through a hands-on STEAM challenge.

Harsh weather creates snow emergency

As the first major snowstorm of 2026 rolled along the entire East Coast, the City of Long Beach took proactive measures by declaring an official snow emergency from 9 p.m. on Jan 24 until 10 a.m. on Jan 27.

The National Weather Service initially warned of nearly 24 hours of continuous snowfall — beginning before dawn on Jan. 25 — with an expected accumulation of 8 to 15 inches across all of Long Island. The predicted window was ultimately accurate, as 11 inches would hit Long Beach with the majority falling in the first few hours.

Familiar with how to handle harsh weather, Long Beach administration deployed 70 pieces of snow removal equipment and utilized a stockpile of 400 tons of salt, as the sanitation department and emergency management team coordinated to maintain more than 115 lane miles of roadway.

As with any winter storm, Long Beach residents are strongly encouraged to visit longbeachny.gov/snow to re-familiarize themselves with snow emergency procedures and evacuation routes, and to sign up to receive emergency community notifications by phone, text or email.

–Chris Colucci

City of Long Beach/Facebook City Council members Tracey Johnson and Michael Reinhart helped to coordinate plans to maintain clear, safe roadways.

BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS

Creating the Ortiz family book collection

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Angela Ortiz never considered herself a writer until after she self-published her son Thomas’ book and has since released three more for her two other children and niece.

Ortiz, 34, has published four children’s books inspired by her family beginning with her son Thomas and his book, “Thomas Makes a Promise,” which published in October.

Together, Ortiz and Thomas wrote and self-published his book about a six-year old boy who makes a promise to himself: making new friends everywhere he goes.

“It turned into more than what we thought it could,” Ortiz said. “We started getting picked up and did book readings at the Peninsula Public Library and Oceanside Library.”

The Inwood resident was inspired to write books about her other children, Paisley and Ace. “Paisley Girl” for her three-year old daughter and “Coach Ace and the Crocodile Kickers” for her eight-year old son.

“’Paisley Girl’ is my second book I wrote about the true meaning of being a daddy’s girl,” Ortiz said. “This book touches the hearts of dad’s and their special bond with their daughters.”

The Inwood resident said her daughter is a daddy’s girl and she wanted to showcase their relationship and connection.

Ace’s book is about a team that doesn’t give up no matter how hard it is and they end up beating the best team in town.

“This book is inspired by Ace and his soccer journey over the years with his team the Blue Eagles,” she said. “It’s a story of teamwork, practice, big dreams

and how giving up is never an option.”

Her fourth book, “Analisse and the Magic Sketchbook” is dedicated to her niece and her love for creativity.

“Analisse’s book is about a young girl whose imagination, artwork and love for music amazes us everyday,” she added. “It’s a book that allows children to travel to different worlds through colorful pages.”

All the books are available for purchase on Amazon and illustrated all the books with assistance from Zunaira Tariq. She is proud of who she has become and her books’ popularity.

As someone who was never big into reading, Ortiz said these books never would have happened if it weren’t for her son Thomas.

“I got really into it,” Ortiz said. “I started reading more, meeting more authors and seeing people take an interest in us. It turned into the Ortiz book collection.”

She said it took almost one year to get Thomas’ book out and since the release she has published three more.

Her husband, Tommy Ortiz has been supporting her from day one and served as a sounding board during the creative process.

“I am beyond proud of her and all our kids for the work they put into doing their books,” Tommy said.

Since the books “Paisley Girl” was about him and his daughter, he provided input and personal opinions.

“I’m always present alongside her and Thomas for every book signing event,” he said. “I can’t pick a favorite of all the books because they are awesome with different stories.”

Ortiz has learned it’s not easy to put a book together and that you need to be open to opinions. She is proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone to publish these books.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us from day one,” she said. “Our community, schools, family and fellow children’s authors who have guided me in the right direction.”

(Fried Cutlet or Grilled)

Includes: Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw THIRD

Serves 4-6 People

2 FOOT HERO Choice of American, Italian or Chicken (Fried Cutlet or Grilled) 1/2 TRAY WINGS

Touchdown Event Menu

SECOND DOWN!!

Serves 16-20 People

6 FOOT HERO or Two 3 FOOT HEROS

Choice of American, Italian or Chicken (Fried Cutlet or Grilled)

Includes: Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw

TRAY WINGS

Hot, Sweet or Mixed

Includes: Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw $23999

CARTE MENU

Buffalo Wings

BBQ Wing • Grilled Wings (Lemon & Garlic)

• Boneless Chicken Bites (Buffalo Style, Garlic & Parmigiano, Asian Style)

• Baked Ziti

• Sicilian Riceballs

• Cheese Riceballs

• Prosciutto Balls

• Potato Croquettes

• Sausage, Peppers & Onions

• Fried Ravioli

• Baby Back Ribs

• Chicken Tenders

• Italian Eggrolls (Sausage Broccoli Rabe, Eggplant Mozzarella, Philly Cheesesteak)

or coupons “No Substitutions”

Courtesy Angela Ortiz Inwood resident Angela Ortiz self-published four books, each inspired by one of her children and her niece.

STEPPING OUT

‘Metamorphosis’ unleashed

South Shore Symphony reinvents familiar melodies — and itself

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

Pete Correale

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

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

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

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

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

• Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.

• Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy Rachel Papo

Music Director Adam Glaser conducts the Juilliard Pre College Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

Long Island Children’s Museum’s welcomes all to its new exhibit. Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out provides interactive experiences that help visitors learn about the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives. Hands-on and digital experiences focus on the five emotions featured in the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Kids learn to recognize emotions and explore ways that we express and manage our own emotions. With related activities.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

A Cappella Festival

Michael Carbonaro

the day of the race, the fee is $45. Remember to bundle up, as it promises to be a chilly day!

• Where: Begins at Long Beach Catholic Regional School, 735 West Broadway

• Time: Day-of registration begins 7 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 431-3890

Sea City Vintage Market

Stop by Bright Eye Beer Company for another curated indoor vintage market! Join us alongside 20+ vintage dealers for an all day shopping experience

• Where: 50 W. Park Ave.

• Time: Noon-6 p.m.

• Contact: brighteyebeerco.com or (516) 543-5736

FEB

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

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

• Time: Varied, through Feb. 1

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

JAN

JAN 30 Winter Farmers Market

31

The market comes indoors for January and February at Bright Eye Beer Co. Come sip and shop your way through the colder months with an incredible lineup of local farmers, makers, food vendors, and small businesses you know and love. Grab a craft beer, stock up on local goodies, and support the community.

• Where: 50 W. Park Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m-1 p.m., also Feb. 14 and Feb. 28

• Contact: brighteyebeerco.com or (516) 543-5736

FEB 1

Polar Bear Plunge Beach Cleanup

Volunteer at the annual polar beach cleanup. All are welcome and all supplies provided (garbage bags, protective gloves, sanitizer, garbage pickers and nets). Make sure to grab a volunteer crew shirts to wear at the event. Let’s make sure the shoreline is clean for the BIG polar bear plunge event. Make sure to bundle up!

• Where: Boardwalk Access, Laurelton Blvd.

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: lbcleanup.com

Long Beach Historical Society Pop-Up Book Fair/Gift Shop

Long Beach Historical Society presents The Culture Club. Whether you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s gift or just want to soak in the local talent, there’s something for everyone. Browse and shop stunning works, find your next great read or beautiful coffee table addition. Dig through crates of vintage records to find what you’ve always been looking for. A DJ spins sounds all afternoon. Get a museum tour by one of the knowledgeable docents. Light refreshments served. Donations are always welcome and appreciated to

keep the museum thriving.

• Where: 226 West Penn St.

• Time: 1-4 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 432-1192

Amazing Animal Encounter

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

FEB

2

Long Island Choral Society Audition

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

• Where: Garden City Community

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

Church, 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City

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

FEB

3

City Council Meeting

The Long Beach City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month. The public may make comments or ask questions pertaining to specific agenda items at the appropriate time. “Good and Welfare,” an opportunity for the public to speak on any topic pertaining to the City, is held following each regular meeting. Those who wish to speak must sign in prior to the start of the meeting.

• Where: 6th Floor, City Hall

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 431-1000

FEB 7

Snowflake 4-Mile Race

The Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation invites all to participate in the annual 4-Mile Snowflake Race in memory of Joseph F. Farrell. Race registration will take place in the Long Beach Catholic Regional School gymnasium. Preregistration is available for $35 until Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. If registering

Polar Bear Splash

8

The Long Beach Polar Bears make their annual plunge, with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish. Every year, brave participants like you jump into the icy Atlantic to honor Paulie Bradley and help grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses. Brave the Atlantic together, create memories and change lives — one splash at a time.

• Where: Laurelton Boulevard and Broadway, Long Beach

• Time: T-shirt sales begin at 8:30 a.m.; Polar Bears gather at 10 a.m. and go in the water at 11 a.m.

• Contact: (631) 585-9474

FEB

10

Long Beach BOE meets Board of Education trustees meet to discuss agenda items and issues. Members of the public may address the Board regarding any specific agenda item during the meeting. Meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month throughout the school year.

• Where: Lido Elementary Multipurpose Room

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: District Clerk Susannah Familetti sfamiletti@lbeach.org or (516) 897-2108

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@liherald.com.

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO

America’s most-known groundhog

azingariello@liherald.com

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

Phil’s “birthday” and origins

Phil does not have an actual, documented birth date recognized by zoological or veterinary records.

No scientific or reliable registry shows the exact date this specific groundhog was born. Instead, the day that Phil appears each year, Feb. 2, is symbolically treated as his “birthday” because that is Groundhog Day, the annual event when he is presented to the public to make his traditional weather signal.

The idea that the same animal has been making predictions since the late 19th century comes from folklore maintained by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, which plays up the legend that Phil is “immortal” and survives by drinking a mythical “elixir of life.”

Phil’s diet — what groundhogs eat

There are no official records documenting a unique favorite food for Phil himself; the Groundhog Club does not publish a food preference list for him.

What scientists and wildlife experts do know is that groundhogs are primarily herbivores. In nature, they eat a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, clover, leaves, vegetables, fruits and other plant matter, and build up fat before hibernation.

Groundhogs may occasionally ingest small invertebrates such as insects or snail larvae, but this is rare and incidental; their diet is overwhelmingly plant-based. Because the species’ eating habits are documented across North America, it can be inferred that Phil, as a groundhog, feeds on the same sorts of plants and greens.

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

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

Our experts handpicked this highly acclaimed collection to pair perfectly with your favorite dishes from Omaha Steaks. Uncork 12 bottles with bonus gifts for just $79.99 (plus shipping and tax) as your introduction to the Omaha Steaks Wine Club – saving you $155.

Then, look forward to 12 new selections every three months and enjoy a $30 Omaha Steaks E-Reward Card with each future club case. You’ll also save 10% on every 12+ bottle purchase and get free delivery every time you order. There’s no commitment to continue and every bottle comes with our 100% guarantee.

Order now at GetOSWine.com/Sip304 or call 1.516.973.7683 and

Nominate a student under 18 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

Submit a nomination of approximately 100 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE LONG BEACH TOWNE HOUSE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff, vs. DEBRA INDICK A/K/A DEBRA INDECK, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 10, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 651 Shore Road, Unit 3B a/k/a 202, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 190 and Lot 255. Approximate amount of judgment is $8,200.26 plus interest and cost together with an undivided .055555 percent interest in the Common Elements. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609094/2025.

Paul L. Meli, Esq., Referee Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, & Peddy, P.C., 400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 320, Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157724

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Writing with Dana LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 09/22/2025. 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: Entity Protect Registered Agent Services LLC, 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor - #3000, New York, NY 10013 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 157726

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, 2007-1 ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, -againstJOANNE RABUFFO, 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 8, 2025, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, 2007-1 ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 is the Plaintiff and JOANNE RABUFFO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 17, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 37 BLACKHEATH ROAD, LIDO BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-65-34. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT LIDO BEACH, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617656/2022. Lisa S. Poczik, 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. 157827

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

INDEX #618363/2025

Original Filed with Clerk August 26, 2025

Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Nassau County Premises: 545 W Olive Street, Long Beach, NY 11561

PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, -againstNASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ROGER B. RAUCH AND ROGER B RAUCH’S UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL RROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; SECRETARY OF HOUSEING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complain, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is

not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered Dec. 24, 2025 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF

SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the amount of $585,000.00 recorded in the office of the clerk of Nassau County on July 11, 2011 in Book M 36181 page 852 covering premises known as 545 West Olive St, Long Beach, NY 11561 a/k/a Section 59, Block 025, Lot 53-55. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop

this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATIONAND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York

October 27, 2025

Respectfully submitted, Pincus & Tarab, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. By:

Linda P. Manfredi, Esq.

Attorneys for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556 516-699-8902 #102720 157825

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale

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

auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer. A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/527/AnnualTax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05th, 2026. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 22, 2026 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest

Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation,

January 29, 2026 — LONG

Public Notices

communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA MICHELL, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 29, 2008 and an Order duly entered on May 2, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 26 East Market Street a/k/a 26 Market Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 96 and Lot 218. Approximate amount of judgment is

$647,819.24 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #023192/2007.

Melissa Levin, Esq., Referee

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157965

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law

Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/11/2026 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 104/26. POINT LOOKOUT - Louis Tiglias, Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, rear yard, construct additions, 2nd floor additions, 2nd floor breezeway open below connecting dwelling to garage with 2nd story above & rooftop decks all attached to dwelling., W/s Inwood Ave., 170’ S/o Lido Blvd., a/k/a 55 Inwood Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Point Lookout within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above

time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

158022

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. 1900 CAPITAL TRUST II, BY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE, Pltf. vs ROBERT PRINCE, et al, Defts. Index #610845/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered July 7, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 37 Anchor Road, Long Beach, NY 11561 a/k/a 35-37 Anchor Road, Lido Beach, NY 11561 a/k/a Section 60, Block 59, Lot 3. Said property lying and being at Lido Beach, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of NY, known and designated as Lot No.3 in Block 59 as shown on a certain map entitled, “Map of Channel Homes, Section No, 1 surveyed January 1956 by Donald C. Voorhies, C.E. & S.” and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on March 29, 1956 as Map No. 6643. Approximate amount of judgment is $590,476.88 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. TIFFANY FRIGENTI, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 020292-01432#102743 158107

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-BC1, -againstEARLIE TEEMER, 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 February 7, 2024, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2007-BC1 is the Plaintiff and EARLIE TEEMER, 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 2, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 80 E FULTON ST, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 005900093-00 - 00045 & 00046. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612208/2017.

Samantha L. Segal, 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. 158098

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

State Comptroller

Thomas P. DiNapoli announced continuation of the state’s tax cap at 2 percent. Above, DiNapoli at the Long Island Association’s State of the Region breakfast on Jan. 9.

L.B. school budget sees growth cap for fifth year

By CAROLYN JAMES & CHRIS COLUCCI Of The Herald

Long Beach schools may be managing familiar budgetary constraints in the coming year. New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently 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.

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

“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’s deputy press secretary, 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.

“We’ll know more in March when we’re further along in the budget process,” said Michael DeVito, the Long Beach School District’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations. “The school board will have a better

sense of its needs. They’re still meeting to discuss staff projections. The board may not need to reach the cap.”

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.

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 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; court-ordered 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. DeVito pointed out that the Long Beach School District typically presents budgets below the capped rate, making the need for an override less likely.

The 2 percent allowable levy growth affects tax cap calculations for 675 school districts and 10 cities statewide, including those on Long Island, with fiscal years beginning July 1. The Long Beach Board of Education is currently discussing the proposed budget and they are expected to adopt a plan by April, ahead of the community’s vote on the finalized budget in May.

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

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

Wanted

PART-TIME For The Baldwin Public Library. Up to 17 hours / week; Sundays optional at 2X. For more info. contact rduccilli@baldwinpl.org. Send resume to employment@baldwinpl.org or visit Library to complete an application by 2/12/26.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

Situations Wanted

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

F/T CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT

Lynbrook Location. Experienced Individual With Impeccable Work Ethics. Immediate Opening.

Email Resume to:nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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

HomesHERALD

Modern Coastal Luxury

Real Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

WYOMING LEGACY ESTATE: 14.5 horse-zoned acres bordering Bridger-Teton National Forest. South of Jackson Hole. Custom lodge, 360° mountain views, hot tub, access to four-season outdoor recreation. https://2antelopetrailpinedalewy.com

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Keeping indoor air clean

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

Discover the ultimate beachside lifestyle, where coastal luxury meets modern sophistication. Located just 1,000 feet from the sands of Long Beach, this FEMA-compliant 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence sits on a rare double lot and is designed for entertaining and everyday comfort, blending high-end finishes, generous scale, and seamless indooroutdoor living. Exceptional curb appeal includes a full-size garage with EV charging, five additional parking spaces, and covered carports—an uncommon offering in Long Beach. Inside, the open-concept main level is flooded with natural light, anchored by a gas fireplace and a showstopping chef’s kitchen. A wraparound deck extends the living space outdoors, overlooking a private, fully fenced yard. The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring vaulted ceilings, a spa-like bath, oversized walk-in closet, and a private terrace. Four additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, family, or home offices, and the ground level provides versatile bonus space with a full bath and walkout access. Additional highlights include tankless hot water, 200-amp electric, and roof deck access with sweeping ocean, channel, and skyline views—just an hour from Manhattan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

Monte Leeper

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!

Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

NIKON EQUIPMENT FOR Sale: D300S Body Only $125; Nikon 80-400mm Lense $555; Nikon 300mm Lense $250; Nikon 18-200mm Lense $150; Nikon 55-200mm Lense $75; Nikon 35-105mm Lense $100; Nikon 500mm F8 Lense $150; Sigma 600mm F2.8 Mirror Lense $150. Call Leonard 516-252-8402

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

BEDSPREAD: BRAND NEW Macy's Charter Club Size: Twin Matching pillow sham. $80 516-432-5699

EPICURE MODEL 4: 2 Speakers: Vintage, High Quality Audio, 20" height, Great Condition, $90 516-279-7696

ERGOBABY BABY CARRIER 360, all positions, 12-45 lbs in box, $50, 516-884-9994.

SEIKO SCHOOLHOUSE CLOCK, 21Hx13Wx4D, VGC, Battery Op, Chimes, hardly used, light oak. $90 (516)486-2363

STANDING/ SITTING DESK, manually adjustable with hand crank. White metal, great condition. $40 Call 516-782-6103

STROLLER GRACO MODES Bassinet LX, 2019 with instructions, very good, on YouTube, $65, 516-884-9994.

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Cleaning Services

WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC.

All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?

Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606

Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos Wanted

BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277 GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-484-3467 today! WE BUY 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374

oPinions

What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?

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

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

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

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

If we simply allow Greenland to

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

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

except the U.S.

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

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

cessfully than at any time in recent memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health care reform is a failure from top to bottom

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

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

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

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

Talive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PETER KinG

JERRY KREMER

History’s lessons demand lifelong vigilance

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

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

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

Remembrance days such as these are often accompanied by moments of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Yorkers deserve more retirement investment options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Patrick Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREE WEBINAR

Power Smarter Energy Decisions with PSEG Long Island

January 30th • 10:00am

Lower and manage energy costs for your household or business

Understand outage response & reliability priorities that impact homes and local businesses

Use smart meters & Time-of-Day rates to better manage when and how you use energy

Learn what makes PSEG Long Island #1 for Small Business Electric Service in the East, and how those service improvements benefit all customers