HERALD LONG BEACH
By CHRIS ColUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com
Saying “Long Beach is a beach community” is like saying “There’s some sand on the shore”: It’s a glaring understatement. Not only is the city closely associated with waves, water and warm weather, but the beach and the boardwalk are inherent parts of city life — even in February, when the ground remains hidden by piles of snow.
lpickup trucks to support land operations.
The proposal to acquire the WaveRunners, for a total of just over $35,500, was approved at a November council meeting, and funded by the city lifeguards’ machinery and equipment budget. The two new personal watercraft will replace two of the three units currently owned by the city, which have outlived their usefulness.
ast year, we had 25 afterhours rescues and
jet skis were involved in some of them. They’re invaluable.
By AIDAN wARSHAVSkY awarshavsky@liherald.com
When James “Jimmy” Finch started working at Country Boy Bakery in 1984, the entirety of his baking experience was a pilot program at BOCES. Now, at age 58 and with over four decades of much more practical experience, he is retiring.
Starting at 18, Finch learned from Country Boy veterans like Mark Albert, Ralph Giunta and Toney Steinway. He described Albert as a mentor, and said that Steinway helped him learn how to work in the back of a bakery.
“They took the time with me,” Finch said.
“They knew it was something that I wasn’t just playing around with.”
In 1995, Finch purchased the bakery, on East Park Avenue, from Albert, at a time when the business was growing. Many Jewish families were moving to Long Beach, Finch explained, and while Country Boy already had some Jewish customers, they were looking to attract more with a wider range of kosher options.
“It was an opportunity to expand our clientele,” Finch said.
He regularly reminded his staff that they all shared a common goal to make the workday enjoyable, just like their products. Dur-
Continued on page 11
The City Council understands that while the beach closes for the offseason, that doesn’t mean the city’s professional water-rescue team — more than 150 paid service people including lifeguards, EMTs and officers — treat the winter as a four-month-long vacation. The council recently authorized the purchase of two 2025 Yamaha WaveRunners to facilitate lifeguard activities on the water, and also agreed to buy two Nissan Frontier 4x4
RICH BoRAwSkI Chief of Lifeguards
Chief of Lifeguards Rich Borawski reinforced how important the watercraft are, saying, “Last year we had 25 after-hours rescues, and jet skis were involved in some of them.” Though the older craft are also WaveRunners, Borawski used a more common, catchall term popularized by Kawasaki and its Jet Ski.
“During our lifeguard hours on high-surf or high-rip-current days,” he said, “we put both jet skis in the water to patrol. They’re invaluable.”
Continued on page 14
Courtesy Francesca Garguilo
James Finch, far right, will turn Country Boy over to Jackie, Frank and Francesca garguilo.
By CHRIS COLUCCI
February is Black History Month
ccolucci@liherald.com
Each year, the US celebrates dozens of month-long observations including Women’s History Month in March, Jewish American Heritage Month in May and National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Every February, Black History Month turns a spotlight toward countless Black figures who’ve influenced society, as well as the issues they faced which continue to impact the population of 51 million Black Americans today.
Black History Month is 100 years old
February’s designation as Black History Month has been formally recognized across the United States for 50 years. In 1976, President Gerald Ford was the first president to declare it as a way to honor what he called, “the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
However, its foundation traces back to 1926 when historian and journalist Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week. Woodson chose the second week in February to capture the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, Feb. 12, and Frederick Douglass, Feb. 14 — two men crucially influential to Black history. The week was informally acknowledged for decades, with Ford ultimately recognizing the entire month.
It’s for education, activity and community
Schools use February as a chance to dive into age-appropriate lessons regarding Black history, contributions, and key personalities. Whether it’s elementary schools teaching about George Washington Carver’s peanut-based innovations or high schoolers learning about the hard-fought Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, educators take the opportunity to explore topics more in-depth than general lesson plans can fit.
The month-long acknowledgment isn’t limited to school settings. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History — the organization founded by Woodson in 1915 — suggests watching documentaries created by Black filmmakers, supporting local Black-owned businesses, and attending educational events.
Each year has a theme chosen by the founding organization
Black History Month is often used to reflect on the general work of notable people, but every year is actually given a specific theme determined by the ASALH. Beginning in 1926, Woodson believed that focusing on specific concepts could be more beneficial than thinking broadly. According to ASALH.org, the 2026 theme is, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
The ASALH wrote, “We have never had more need to examine the role of Black History Month than we do when forces weary of democracy seek to use legislative means and book bans to excise Black history from America’s schools and public culture. Black history’s value is not its contribution to mainstream historical narratives, but its resonance in the lives of Black people.”
Chilly conditions in Long Beach take a toll
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
Lingering snow and ice from the Jan. 25 storm have forced the postponement of the Polar Bear Splash and Snowflake 4-Mile Run in Long Beach.
Informally known as Fern, the storm dumped 11 inches of snow in whiteout conditions. Because of the prolonged subfreezing conditions, it’s making the snow and ice more difficult to clear.
The Polar Bear Splash, which was initially scheduled for Feb. 8, was postponed for the first time in its 26-year history. Pete Meyers, a cofounder of the event, cited health and safety risks as the reason. “It’s going to be too cold,” he said. “My weather app is predicting 36 mph winds on Sunday, and we don’t want people slipping or falling on the ice.” The new date will be March 15.
Long Beach Chief of Lifeguards Rich Borawski applauded Meyers for making the decision, and explained that the current water temperatures could cause hypothermia to set in nearly as soon as someone enters the water. “We don’t want to put anybody in harm’s way, and that includes the people that are generous enough to donate the money and go in there,” he said.
With some residents posting on social media that they would be going ahead with unofficial, personal plunges, Police Commissioner Richard DePalma
Sheets of snow and ice have blanketed the city, including the beach, forcing the postponement of the popular Polar Bear Splash.
announced the city would be taking preventive steps to stop the idea.
DePalma said officers, along with employees from the Department of Public Works, will block off beach entrances on the boardwalk and increase security to deter people from entering the waters.
Like the plunge, the annual Snowflake 4-Mile Race has also been rescheduled, and will take place on March 7.
At the city council meeting on Feb. 3, Ken Arnold, the commissioner for Long Beach’s Department of Public Works, said hardened snow creates a risk for
employees and equipment. He also noted that salt has limited ability to melt ice and snow when temperatures drop below 20 degrees.
During the initial cleanup, 40 to 60 residents were reported to have not moved their vehicles off the snow emergency routes. Arnold said that navigating streets with parked cars prevents trucks from adequately clearing snow, especially on dead ends.
As the city enters the next phase of its snow removal efforts, they reminded residents and business owners to ensure their sidewalks are cleared. Crews will
be spending this week and next going block-to-block along Broadway, from New York to Maple. They will also be addressing sidewalks and other critical areas that need further attention.
On Facebook, residents in a group titled “Long Beach City” were divided on the city’s snow removal plan. Marlo Knox questioned the need for multiple cleanups, and called them redundant and a duplication of efforts.
“Plowing the roads effectively doesn’t have to translate into the entire city digging out, or sidewalks becoming an American Ninja Warrior episode,” Knox wrote. “Our services can do better.”
Other users like Laura Colona came to the defense of the workers, saying that Long Beach “did a great job given the circumstances.”
“Roads were drivable the day after the storm,” she said. “There’s nothing anyone can do about snow that won’t melt with the freezing temperatures.”
At the city council meeting, Long Beach City Manager Dan Creighton thanked public works employees for working “around the clock” during the storm, and acknowledged the frustrations of residents.
“This has been a very challenging storm,” he said. “We acknowledge there are lessons to be learned to improve our operations and implementations for future storms. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.”
Cookie sales teach more than business
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
From wagons rolling door to door to decorated booths outside supermarkets, Island Park and Long Beach Girl Scouts are once again turning cookie season into a lesson in leadership, community service and perseverance.
For Elizabeth Ruderman, a 9-year-old third-grader at Francis X. Hegarty School in Island Park and a member of Island Park Troop 2005, selling cookies is about more than reaching a goal — it’s about connection.
“I wanted to be a Girl Scout to see the smile on people’s faces when they got a box of Girl Scout cookies,” Elizabeth said.
Now in her fourth year as a Girl Scout, Elizabeth has already sold about 100 boxes this season and is aiming high, with a goal of reaching 1,000 by the end of the selling season in March. Her favorite method is old-fashioned door-todoor sales, a tradition she and her family began after realizing many neighbors — particularly older residents — have limited access to cookie booths.
“We pack up her wagon and go to the houses we would normally trick-or-treat at,” said Amanda Ruderman, Elizabeth’s mom. “Some neighbors were so happy. They said it was hard for them to buy cookies any other way, and that made it special.”
Elizabeth said being a Girl Scout has impacted various aspects of her life.
“It helps me a lot with my math, counting money and I get to meet and see a lot of different people,” she said.
For older Girl Scouts like Cathy McGuire, a 17-year-old Long Beach High School senior, cookie season represents years of experience and long-term goals. McGuire is a member of Troop 2356, an Ambassador-level troop, and is completing her 13th and final year as a Girl Scout.
McGuire’s troop opted out of traditional prizes several years ago in favor of earning more money per box to fund trips and badge workshops. She has already sold 30 boxes early in the season and hopes to reach 750.
“I always approach customers with a smile and a recommendation,” McGuire said. “It helps start the conversation.”
She credits much of her success to booth sales, neighborhood walkabouts and creative posters she designs for her mother’s workplace. McGuire’s favorite selling locations include supermarkets and sporting events, where customers often stop to share personal connections to the cookies.
“These are the best places to see people just doing what they do, and to be able to add some joy to that,” McGuire said. “The people at our stores are also very generous, especially with donations for Operation Cookie.”
Operation cookie is a program run by Girl Scouts of Nassau County where donations are used to send cookies to military stationed in the U.S. and abroad.
Another standout seller is Kelsey Parker, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Long Beach Middle School and a member of Troop 2268. A Cadette in her seventh year as a Girl Scout, Parker has sold an estimated 8,500 boxes over the years, raising nearly $50,000.
“I didn’t just sell cookies,” Parker said. “I also gathered donations so I could buy cookies for the local police and fire departments.”
Parker often sets up on a nearby corner or brings a cart of cookies to the park, creating a visible and welcoming presence. She emphasized that staying motivated can be challenging, but focusing on the positive makes all the difference.
“Don’t focus on all of the customers that didn’t come, but focus on the ones that will come,” she said. “That will give you motivation, which would automatically make you happy and excited which makes the customers buy.”
Through years of selling cookies in all kinds of weather, Parker said the experience has led to some of her strongest and most meaningful friendships.
“A Girl Scout troop is like a family,” Parker said. “You help each other grow, succeed and make memories together.”
Cathy McGuire, a 17-year-old of Long Beach Girl Scout Troop 2356, is one of the top cookie sellers in the Island Beach Girl Scout Unit.
As cookie season continues across Nassau County, these local Girl Scouts are proving that each box sold carries lessons that last far beyond March.
Chris Colucci/Herald
Courtesy Tricia McGuire
LBFD renewed to dispatch Lawrence/Cedarhurst FD
By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com
Fire engines don’t roam the streets on constant lookout for emergencies — they’re dispatched from a firehouse when citizens call in to report a situation. While emergency dispatchers don’t directly affect residents themselves, the trained crew working the phone system is a critical, if sometimes overlooked, part of the emergency response team.
At the Jan. 20 Long Beach City Council meeting, board members unanimously agreed to authorize City Manager Daniel Creighton to renew the Long Beach Fire Department’s contract with the Lawrence/ Cedarhurst Fire Department. This allows the LBFD to continue providing fire, ambulance, and emergency dispatch services for the nearby community.
During the meeting, Creighton explained, “This brings income to the city and helps to offset the costs for equipment and salaries for dispatchers, while not degrading our capacity to field emergency calls.”
Under the terms of the five-year arrangement, the LBFD will receive $27,000 per year in quarterly payments, increasing 3 percent each year until reaching just over $30,000 in 2030. Under the terms of the department’s previous contract, the annual increase was limited to 1 percent. Long Beach Fire Commissioner Joseph Miller says the LBFD has been providing the paid service for roughly 20 years and the contract renewal includes a modest rate increase to reflect comparable services.
Miller clarified that Nassau County Fire Communications, aka Firecom, handles emergency dispatching for many fire departments throughout the county, but it’s not uncommon for some departments to outsource the service and utilize the dispatch system of other areas. The Long Beach Fire Department
currently provides emergency call management for Atlantic Beach, Inwood, Lawrence/Cedarhurst, and Woodmere, in addition to the immediate Long Beach area — Lawrence/Cedarhurst was one of the first departments taken on board when the LBFD began offering the service to outside departments. The multiple service areas require no additional LBFD personnel — the current trained staff handles all calls — and the additional workload does not strain department resources. In 2025, the LBFD dispatched a total of nearly 10,000 alarm calls for Long Beach and the surrounding areas. The department handles 1,200 to 2,000 calls per year for the Lawrence/Cedarhurst Fire Department. Representatives from LCFD could not be reached for comment, but the decades-long cooperation between Lawrence/Cedarhurst and Long Beach is a strong testament to the professionalism and efficiency found in their joint effort maintaining public safety with fast emergency response.
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long beach
Courtesy LCFD
The Lawrence/Cedarhurst Fire Department is always prepared to keep residents safe.
Driver faces felony charges in AB crash
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a Brentwood man has been indicted after a December 2025 drunken driving crash in Atlantic Beach.
Job Giuliani, 30, was arraigned before Judge Colin O’Donnell on a grand jury indictment charging him with multiple counts of aggravated vehicular assault, assault, driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and a drug, and reckless driving.
Giuliani pleaded not guilty. Bail was continued at $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or a $1.5 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court on March 5. If convicted, he faces up to 7 to 15 years in prison.
The crash occurred on Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m., as a 52-year-old father, 49-year-old mother and their 11-year-old son were traveling westbound on Beech Street in Atlantic Beach on their way to a restaurant.
The Nassau County Police Department Fourth Precinct arrested him that night.
Prosecutors allege that Giuliani was leaving a holiday party at a local beach club when he made a right turn onto Beech Street, drove eastbound on the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with the family’s vehicle in the left westbound lane.
According to police, the child and his mother were airlifted from the scene to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital. The 11-year-old boy sustained a lacerated liver and spleen, loss of function to one kidney, a leg fracture and a rib fracture. He was placed in a medically induced coma for nearly two weeks and remains hospitalized.
The child’s mother suffered multiple spinal fractures and a rib fracture and was hospitalized for more than a week.
The father was transported to Mount Sinai South
Nassau University Hospital, where he was treated for pain to his wrist and knee.
was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Blood drawn from Giuliani at the hospital showed a blood alcohol concentration of .10 percent, prosecutors said. Testing also revealed the presence of active Delta-9-THC in his blood approximately 40 minutes after the crash.
“There is always another way to get to and from a party and there is never an excuse for driving drugged or drunk,” Donnelly wrote. “This defendant destroyed a family’s sense of security with his alleged selfish actions and now faces significant prison time.”
of 3,674, this home offers 3 levels of living with elevator,
Giuliani
–Melissa Berman
Herald file photo
Job Giuliani, 30, was indicted for a drunken driving crash in Atlantic Beach on Dec. 10.
MIA DISALVO
SOUTH SIDE Senior Gymnastics
A MEMBER OF SOUTH SIDE’S varsity for five seasons, DiSalvo is considered one of the most talented gymnasts in Nassau County. She earned All-County honors on vault in the 202122 campaign and has been All-County in three events (vault, balance beam and floor exercise) in each of the past four seasons. Her career highs are 8.45 on vault, 8.95 on beam and 9.3 on floor. She’s also one of the Cyclones’ captains.
games to watch
Thursday, Feb. 5
Girls Basketball: Sewanhaka at Carey 4:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Roosevelt at Mepham 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Calhoun at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: South Side at Clarke 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Seaford 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Long Beach at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Clarke at South Side 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: G.N. South at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6
Boys Basketball: Carey at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Carle Place at West Hemp 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Baldwin at Oceanside 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lo. Valley at North Shore 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Seaford at Lawrence 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Freeport 11:45 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Massapequa at Uniondale 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Massapequa at South Side 3 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Baldwin 4 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
Long Beach wrestling aims high
By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com
With a conference championship and a runner-up finish in the Nassau dual meet playoffs providing momentum, Long Beach enters the most important stretch of the wrestling season with high hopes and expectations.
The Marines head into the county qualifier tournament this Saturday with a 16-3 record and will look to make another deep run at the Nassau Division I championships the following weekend at Hofstra University, led by standout senior Dunia Sibomana and sophomore Ethan Andreula.
“We’re very excited for the qualifier,” said head coach Ray Adams. “That’s the first round of the state qualification process, so we’re hoping to punch a lot of kids into the county tournament. We’re hoping to qualify close to 20 guys.”
Long Beach fell to Massapequa Jan. 24 in the finals of the Nassau dual meet playoffs, 39-33. Casey Powers (103), Andreula (118), Sibomana (132), Brody Franklin (138), Gavyn Vicente (190) and Kasir Morgan (215) all won matches against Massapequa.
“It was a great match, back and forth,” Adams said. “One of our senior kids, Morgan Kasir, stepped in at 215 after our starter got hurt and got a huge pin to tie the score going into the last match. Unfortunately, we lost the final match. They had the number oneranked heavyweight, but it was just a great high school match.”
In the dual meet semifinals, the Marines thumped Manhasset, 42-25. Powers (103), Andreula (118), Sibomana (126), Franklin (138), Matthew Diamond (144), Josiah Gibson (150), Jason Andreula (157), Vicente (215) and Brandon Galeano (285) all came out victorious.
“We bumped Gavin Vicente from 190 up to 215, and he reversed the kid and put him on his back with less than five seconds left to win it,” Adams said. “The place went nuts. It was incredible.”
In addition, Long Beach captured the Conference 2A title, but Adams has bigger expectations for his kids.
Brody Franklin powered Long Beach
to bring home a county title Feb. 15.
“It feels great,” Adams said. “That’s always one of our goals to win, to win the league title. We have a very tough league with the likes of MacArthur and East Meadow in there. That was our first step, then our next step was to try to win the county championship.”
Sibomana, Ethan Andreula, Franklin and Powers are all “in the conversation,” Adams said, regarding who can take home an individual county title Feb. 15 at Hofstra. Sibomana has won four county titles in a row, as he goes for his fifth and Ethan Andreula has dominated and already looking for a third.
“[Sibomana] is our team leader on and off the mat,” Adams said. “He’s the guy who sets the tone for our team. We’re going to miss him next year when he goes to the University of North Carolina to wrestle.”
“[Ethan Andreula] has been on varsity for four years,” Adams said. “He’s a three-time All-State wrestler already, and a two-time county champ. He won as a seventh and eighth-grader and was the first seventh-grader ever to win a Nassau County Division I title. He’s a lightweight, and along with Sibomana, they really get us started in our matches.”
Paul Grassini/Herald
into the dual meet finals Jan. 24 and is looking
Long Island’s fragile drinking water system
Experts explain what lies beneath the surface, and detail the threats to our crucial aquifers
By JORDAN VALLONE, WILL SHEELINE & ABIGAIL GRIECO of the Herald Community Newspapers
First installment in a series about water.
On Long Island, we’re not talking enough about water.
From the drops coming out of our taps to the waves breaking along both shores, myriad water-related issues have the potential to impact Long Islanders’ day-to-day lives.
The water system is not a single pipeline or policy, but a web of underground aquifers, aging infrastructure, coastal ecosystems — and policymakers — that together determine who has access to clean, affordable water — and who faces the greatest risk when that system begins to fail.
This series will break down how Long Island’s water system works, from aquifers to coastal bays, and clarify how policy, infrastructure and governance shape access to clean, affordable water. It will also examine the environmental pressures facing that system, from contamination and climate change to the health of bays, fisheries and drinking water supplies.
Through global reports that demonstrate the rapid growth of freshwater use over the past century, and interviews with environmental experts and regional advocates who connect these issues locally, this first installment examines what lies beneath the surface: the water we drink, and how contamination and access may disproportionately affect certain communities.
The sole source beneath Long Island
In order to understand Long Island’s relationship with drinking water, it’s essential to understand where the water comes from. The island relies on aquifers, underground layers of sand, gravel and clay that store billions of gallons of water accumulated over tens of millions of years. More specifically, Long Island relies on three: the Upper Glacial, the Magothy and the Lloyd (as well as a fourth, significantly smaller one, the Jameco).
These aquifers together are designated a single-source aquifer system by the Environmental Protection Agency, which means that “your groundwater supply is provided by an aquifer that serves at least 50 percent of your water needs,” according to Sarah Meyland, a former professor at New York Institute of Technology.
Meyland explained that both Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on this single aquifer system for 100 percent of our freshwater, whether it comes from a tap, shower or sprinkler. While this has meant that Long Islanders have had access to clean, easily accessed drinking water for decades, the aquifers, particularly in Nassau County, have one major downside.
“This aquifer needs to be particularly well protected, because if you damage it,
or if you ruin it, you don’t have any other source of water,” Meyland said. “And that’s exactly the situation Long Island is in. We don’t have a secondary backup source of water.”
Since the federal government began measuring water usage in Long Island’s aquifers in 1900, roughly 5 percent of drinkable water has been consumed or lost due to salinization, the process by which freshwater is turned into saltwater. It occurs in aquifers due to overpumping, as water is taken out faster than it is replaced, causing saltwater from the Long Island Sound and the ocean to fill in the missing volume.
tion of the aquifer system is already nonfunctional, Queens is barely better, and both now get their water from the New York City water system, which pumps freshwater in from upstate. Nassau is well on its way to following them; the difference is there is no municipal entity to bail Nassau out.
as of 2021, the United States withdraws the third-highest amount of freshwater from underground globally, roughly 444.4 billion cubic meters per year.
A key conclusion from the university’s report put the crisis in simple terms: “The world is already in the state of ‘water bankruptcy.’” In many basins and aquifers, long-term overuse and degradation, the report says, means that “hydrological and ecological baselines cannot realistically be restored.”
What areas are more affected?
If Long Island continues on the same path of aquifer depletion without any intervention from state authorities, such as the Department of Environmental Conservation, Meyland said, Nassau County will suffer more than Suffolk within the next 50 years.
“It’s about a third of the size of Suffolk with roughly the same number of people,” she said. “The Town of Brookhaven is the same size as the county of Nassau. So Nassau County will continue to experience saltwater intrusions. That’s going to put pressure on virtually all of the water suppliers along the north and south shore.”
Meyland singled out Long Beach as an area that would likely lose its entire local water supply because of saltwater intrusion to the Lloyd Aquifer, the only aquifer the city draws from.
The vast majority of the used water is consumed by private sprinklers and irrigation systems, many of which are automated to water yards and home gardens. According to Meyland, Long Island has the highest per-capita water use of any community from New York to North Carolina, and the vast majority of that use occurs from spring through fall, when sprinklers turn on and swimming pools fill up.
There is no known way to create new water, or to speed up the natural replenishment process. Desalination plants, which remove salt from water, are becoming more common globally, but they are expensive projects, according to Meyland.
“It’s like a bank account,” Meyland said. “The water, the money coming in, needs to be at least equal to the money going out.”
Water bankruptcy
While a 5 percent loss may seem inconsequential, the real problem is there’s no way to efficiently and cheaply replenish that loss. And the damage is not evenly distributed: The vast majority of the loss takes place in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau, which have not effectively stewarded their portions of the aquifers.
Suffolk, which has the lowest population density of the four counties, has proactively monitored and managed its water intake and outflow for years, leaving its portion of the aquifers “a system in balance,” as Meyland described it.
She pointed out that Brooklyn’s por-
The issues impacting drinking water supply are not unique to Long Island. According to a report released by the United Nations University last month, the world is entering an “era of global water bankruptcy” — a new, formal definition of a reality for billions of people. The report called for a “fundamental reset” of the global water agenda, as irreversible damage pushes sources of fresh drinking water beyond recovery.
“This report tells an uncomfortable truth: Many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, and many critical water systems are already bankrupt,” said the report’s lead author, Kaveh Madani, the director of the UN University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health.
Numbers published by Our World In Data, a nonprofit publication that uses data to explain global issues like poverty, disease and climate change, showed that
“They will have already been forced to look for other sources of water, whether they make arrangements from New York City, or they make arrangements and buy water from some of their neighboring water suppliers,” Meyland explained. “I’m sure there will be a lot of pressure to desalinate water, but that will be very expensive.”
On the North Shore of Nassau County, she said, areas of the Great Neck and Manhasset peninsula, including Sands Point, are at risk of losing their supplies of water, also due to salinity. And their options are limited, she added, because some of these communities are already piping water from other parts of Long Island.
Water suppliers are aware of the risk the future holds, Meyland said, but it is unfair to put the burden on them to fix the situation. “They are not at fault for what is happening to the water supply for coastal communities,” she said. And water supplies are not only depleting on Long Island, but they are also contaminated.
The Environmental Working Group affiliated with Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for stronger environmental policies in New York and Connecticut, released a report in 2025 showing that a least 189 New York water systems — primarily serving residents of Long Island — detected high levels of toxic so-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, in tap water.
The report showed that 702,000 residents in Nassau County and 122,200 resi-
Herald file
Long Island’s drinking water supply is solely dependent on aquifers. Sarah Meyland, a retired professor at the New York Institute of Technology, spoke about the impacts of chronic water depletion on the region’s water supply.
LONG ISLAND’S WATER BLUEPRINT
Detailing the threats to L.I.’s drinking water
Continued from PreViouS PAGe
dents of Suffolk have elevated levels of PFAS in their water supplies. Some particularly vulnerable communities include those serviced by the Lynbrookbased Liberty Utilities, the Water Authority of Western Nassau and the Hempstead Town Water District.
What can be done?
According to Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, geography and land use play a major role in why some Long Island communities experience more severe water quality issues than others.
“The biggest driver for water quality in the marine environment is land activity,” Esposito said, noting that polluted stormwater runoff, fertilizer use and marine debris all flow from developed areas into surrounding bays and waterways.
Highly populated and heavily developed regions — particularly along the South Shore — generate greater amounts of runoff, which carries excess nitrogen from lawn fertilizers, bacteria and debris into nearby bays. That nitrogen fuels algae growth, which depletes oxygen levels and can lead to fish kills and damage to shellfish populations.
Aging infrastructure in some coastal communities continues to pose challenges. Esposito pointed to the Long Beach’s sewage treatment plant, which discharg-
es roughly 5 million gallons of wastewater per day into Nassau County’s Western Bays. While the wastewater is treated, Esposito said the facility is old and in need of major repairs.
The Western Bays have been among the most degraded areas, in part due to decades of treated sewage discharges and runoff from surrounding communities. Marine debris, including plastic bottles, cigarette butts and food packaging, often originates farther inland, and makes its way through tributaries before washing into coastal waters, Esposito said.
On the North Shore, in areas that still rely on septic systems, groundwater contamination presents another challenge, as pollutants can leach directly into aquifers and nearby waterways.
I
result of years of advocacy and scientific review.
In addition to regulating water systems themselves, Esposito highlighted a first-of-its-kind state law, passed in 2019, that limited the amount of 1,4-dioxane allowed in common household and personal care products. The law was phased in over several years and was fully implemented in 2023, reducing the amount of chemicals entering wastewater systems in the first place.
f you want to protect our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out
AdrIenne d’esposIto Executive director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Esposito pointed to several major policy changes that have reshaped how New York addresses water contamination, particularly by emerging chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.
She noted that the state now has some of the nation’s strongest drinking water standards for these chemicals — standards that are fully implemented across Long Island’s public water systems, the
Esposito also emphasized the importance of preventing pollution at its source, rather than relying on expensive treatment systems after contamination occurs. Citizens Campaign has spent several years advocating for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, a significant contributor to marine debris found in Long Island’s bays and waterways.
One of the most significant steps underway is the long-awaited redirection of treated sewage from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, in Bay Park, away from the Western Bays and into the Cedar Creek ocean outfall pipe — a nearly $600 million project more than a decade in the making. The change is expected to dramatically improve
water quality in the Western Bays once the Bay Park Conveyance Project is completed.
At the local and state level, municipalities are also tapping into grant programs designed to reduce stormwater pollution. These initiatives fund upgrades to stormwater systems, filtration devices that remove nitrogen and bacteria before runoff reaches waterways. Environmental organizations, including Citizens Campaign, Operation SPLASH and the Nature Conservancy have played a key role in advocating for these measures through long-term collaboration and public pressure.
Looking ahead, Citizens Campaign plans to launch a new marine debris prevention campaign this spring, focused on public education and outreach, emphasizing that litter discarded anywhere on Long Island can ultimately end up in coastal waters. The organization is also continuing its push in Albany for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste and monitoring contaminants entering waterways through wastewater systems.
Residents can make a difference, Esposito said, by limiting fertilizer use, properly disposing of trash and supporting redevelopment over construction on green spaces.
“We encourage people to get up, show up and speak up,” she said. “If you want to protect our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out.”
Planning for emergencies now, not later
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
With extreme weather events and other emergencies becoming more frequent, residents gathered at the Oceanside Library on Jan. 28 for an in-depth emergency preparedness workshop aimed at helping families plan for disasters before they strike.
The program, hosted by State Senator Siela Bynoe, was presented by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Citizen Preparedness Corps in the Iovino Theater at the library. The training covered how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and man-made disasters, with a focus on issues most relevant to Long Island.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Kelly of the U.S. Army said the program was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which exposed how unprepared many New Yorkers were for large-scale emergencies.
“That storm showed us that we weren’t as ready as we thought,” Kelly said. “This program is about spreading awareness, reducing injuries, protecting property and lowering casualties the next time disaster hits.”
Presenters reviewed the wide range of emergencies Long Islanders may face, including hurricanes, flooding, winter storms, extreme heat, power outages, cyber incidents, fires and public health threats. Human-caused emergencies such as fires, active violence and terrorism were also discussed.
A central focus of the workshop was preparation, which speakers emphasized should begin long before an emergency occurs. Residents were encour-
Abigail Grieco/Herald
Staff Sgt. Ryan Kelly demonstrated how to properly use a fire extinguisher in the case of emergency at the Oceanside Library’s Emergency Preparedness program held on Jan. 28.
aged to create a family emergency plan, identify local hazards, choose meeting locations, establish communication plans and coordinate with schools and workplaces.
“Meet with your household,” Bynoe said in a statement. “Developing a plan is critical to being prepared for when disaster strikes.”
Kelly stressed that in a major disaster first responders may be overwhelmed.
“You’re going to be your own first responder for at least the first 10 days,” he said.
Attendees were advised to assemble
emergency kits with enough supplies to last at least ten days, including food, water, medications, first aid supplies, batteries and important documents. Presenters recommended one gallon of water per person per day and urged residents to check expiration dates annually, particularly during National Preparedness Month in September.
The second half of the workshop focused on how residents should respond once a disaster occurs and how to recover safely afterward. Sgt. First Class Wayne Stevens with the U.S. Army led that portion of the presentation.
“When a disaster happens, you have
two main options: you can shelter in place, or you can evacuate,” Stevens said. “The key is knowing ahead of time which choice makes sense for your situation.”
Stevens stressed the importance of following official evacuation orders, staying off flooded roads and keeping loved ones informed of plans and locations. He encouraged residents to check on neighbors when it is safe to do so and to use emergency services only for lifethreatening situations.
In discussing recovery, residents were advised to assess structural damage before reentering homes and to shut off damaged utilities until inspected by professionals. He also urged residents to document property conditions with photos or videos before and after an evacuation to assist with insurance claims.
“Having that documentation can make a huge difference when you’re dealing with insurance companies,” he said. “The sooner you report the damage, the better.”
Stevens also addressed emotional recovery following disasters, noting that the stress and disruption can linger long after physical damage is repaired.
“Some people bounce back quickly, and others need more support,” he said. “There’s no wrong reaction and help is always available.”
The program ended with an emphasis on empowerment rather than fear, reminding residents that preparedness can restore a sense of control during uncertain times. Attendees received starter emergency kits and were urged to take immediate steps at home, reinforcing the message that being informed and prepared is a critical part of any effective disaster response.
Raising funds with annual Hoops for Hope
SIBSPlace, in partnership with Hewlett High School, hosted its annual Hoops for Hope Basketball Fundraiser. SIBSPlace is a support program for children ages 5 to 17, sponsored by Mount Sinai SouthNassau.
The program provides free support to children with siblings with cancer or another devastating medical diagnosis, a parent with a cancer diagnosis, or to children coping with the death of a sibling or parent. SIBSPlace, based in Rockville Centre, is an affiliate of Mount Sinai South Nassau based in Oceanside.
The basketball tournament on Jan. 23 showcased the Hewlett boys basketball team against Roslyn High School.
Hoops for Hope is a cornerstone of fundraising for SIBSPlace, raising more than $15,000 annually for the nonprofit organization. Funds are generated through ticket sales and donations that support critical programs that provide mental health care to children and families throughout Nassau County.
–Melissa Berman
Tim Baker/Herald
Vic Horowitz, left, Judie Horowitz, Jamie Sklar, Michael Schamroth, founder of SIBS Place, Suzanne Kornblatt and Felicia Singh at the annual Hoops for Hope Game.
Looking to future, a bakery changes hands
ing his 30 years of ownership, Finch said, his greatest challenge was learning to understand the variety of personalities and cultural backgrounds of his employees. He most enjoyed when they worked hard, were accountable and “didn’t tolerate nonsense,” he added.
One of the things that kept Finch going was his faith. Throughout his years at Country Boy, he said, he felt he was “called to be there.”
On Sept. 11, 2001, he could see the billowing clouds of smoke drifting east from Lower Manhattan through the bakery’s front doors. And when Hurricane Sandy forced him to close for a month, his spirit didn’t waver.
“My God, Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, lifted me up and carried me through it,” he said.
Finch and his wife, Esmerelda, also own the Coffee Nut Café, also on East Park. While that started as a way to make his wife happy, Finch said that the experience of co-owning a business furthered his knowledge of both the Long Beach business community and the needs of a diverse clientele.
Even though Finch is stepping back, the cannolis, red velvet cake and rye bread will still be in plentiful supply, as he entrusts the operation to 23-year-old Francesca Garguilo and her family. Garguilo, the new chef, brings a range of experience. She studied French and Ital-
ian cuisine in culinary school at Monroe College in New Rochelle from 2022 to 2024.
During her time there, she took a course on the fundamentals of baking, and said it sparked her desire to make the switch. She worked at Blacksmith Breads, in Long Beach, while in school, helped open Long Beach Bistro in 2024,
and most recently worked at Fiorello Dolce, in Huntington.
Owning her own shop has always been Garguilo’s dream. When her father, Frank, got a call from the Country Boy storefront’s owner, Benito Ferrante, in December, Francesca said she “knew this was really happening.”
Frank Garguilo said that Ferrante
acted as a matchmaker, and couldn’t have facilitated it any better. “He knew Francesca’s background,” Frank said. “He had her on his radar, that she was looking for something.”
Frank and Jackie Garguilo, Francesca’s stepmother, also knew Ferrante as the landlord of Long Beach Yoga, a business they own. The two will help Francesca oversee operations at Country Boy.
Finch said the transition had been smooth thus far, and that the Garguilos are committed to maintaining the traditions that have helped Country Boy thrive for 75 years. “I was looking for people who would carry on the legacy,” he said.
As Francesca takes over, Finch said, he’s looking forward to seeing her grow, and hopes her family will bring in new and exciting products. He and the Garguilos have already begun discussing adding more dairy options to the menu.
“I wanted to go to a level that I didn’t go,” Finch said. “I want to see each one be maxed out to their potential, because that’s what Country Boy deserves.”
In his retirement, Finch wants to learn Spanish, and aims to take some college classes. He also looks forward to swimming when it gets warmer, and taking kickboxing and yoga classes.
And as far as Country Boy’s future is concerned, he said, “It was here before me, and it’ll be here after me.”
Courtesy Francesca Garguilo
Country Boy Bakery owner James f inch, above with francesco garguilo, is retiring.
Cradle of Aviation to host “Airman” documentary documentary legacies
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
The Herald sat down with director Amy Serrano from Florida and associate producer Helen Dorado Alessi, of Long Beach discuss the making of AIRMAN, a documentary about Louisiana’s last Tuskegee Airman, Calvin G. Moret. A behindthe-scenes screening of the project will take place at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free with reservation.
Q: What is the goal of the AIRMAN project?
Serrano: The project requires approximately $500,000 to complete. The budget covers filming, travel, archival research, post-production, and preparing the film for festivals, streaming platforms, and educational distribution.
Dorado Alessi: AIRMAN is designed as a multi-platform educational project. In addition to festival and streaming releases, it will include school study guides, community engagement programs, and an online archive for students and educators.
Q: What will audiences see in the 21-minute preview of AIRMAN?
Serrano: This is a 21-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of AIRMAN. I would say it’s highly educational because it gives you a background on the Tuskegee Airmen history. You will learn so much about the role of the Airmen in World War II, within the Civil Rights Movement and how their success was won through merit and hard work. There are tidbits of interviews with Mr. Moret — he’s a very
respected man, a very singular man. He’s an important storyteller for the Tuskegee Airmen. Dorado Alessi: You’re also going to meet Mr. Moret, and his lovely wife at the end of the film, and you’ll hear him singing.
Q: Who was Calvin G. Moret, and why is his story central to the film?
Serrano: Calvin G. Moret was a Tuskegee Airman and a powerful storyteller whose life embodied resilience, love, and integrity. He helped desegregate the U.S. military and remained deeply committed to unity despite experiencing discrimination. I spent the last three years of his life documenting his story, capturing personal moments, public talks, and reflections even his own family hadn’t heard before.
Q: Were you with him the last three years of his life personally?
Serrano: I met him and we thought it would just be one interview on a Friday morning. I remember telling my thenfiancé that I’d be home by 1 p.m. for lunch — but I stayed until 8 p.m. I followed him with my camera on road trips — we flew together three times with his children. His daughter said
BRANDED CONTENT
in an interview, “Amy got to know Dad better than we did.” I have three years’ worth of material to shape into a 90-minute documentary on Mr. Moret and the Tuskegee Airmen.
Q: Why is this documentary considered urgent right now?
Dorado Alessi: It has an educational component. We need more examples of people who show courage, who show love. My job is to tell people the reality that there are only so many trusted messengers. And when you get to hear the words from Mr. Moret’s own mouth, and his thoughts on truth and integrity, it matters.
Q: What kind of footage and interviews did you gather?
Serrano: We’re entering phase two now. We’re speaking with people he impacted personally and those carrying on the Airman legacy — including Black Pilots of America. We’re also talking to historians and others he influenced.
Q: What kind of questions did you ask those interviewees?
Serrano: We just completed five interviews. I always end with two questions: “What was Calvin G. Moret’s legacy?” and “What made him extraordinary?” One man broke down crying just talking about him. From Black pilots to a journalist who once challenged David Duke on air, the answers were remarkably consistent.
Powering Long Island: A History of Resilience and Reinvention
The story of Long Island’s energy infrastructure is one of growth, ambition, missteps and resilience.
From the development of the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to handle a growing need, to key historical events like
A
the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant saga and Hurricane Sandy, Long Island’s power grid has a storied history.
The Formation of LILCO
Around 1910, LILCO was created by combining four small Suffolk County utility companies to make improvements on the existing system to deliver electric power. For much of its history, LILCO focused on
large, centralized fossil-fuel power plants supported by an expanding grid.
Long before the adverse effects of climate change would be felt, the dangerous choice to rely on fossil fuels was evident in the Bay Shore gas explosion in 1919, knocking out power for three days.
Through the 1950s and 60s, negative effects were felt to a greater impact. Most famously the New York smog event of 1966, where air pollution from coal power plants and other sources led to poisonous air quality, severe health impacts and deaths.
While plagued by these negative public health circumstances, this system did meet the energy demand of the day. But, in the 1960s and ‘70s, the development of air conditioning made demand for electric power skyrocket. LILCO’s answer? The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant.
The Shoreham Nuclear Plant: A Defining Turning Point
The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant was constructed, but was met with public opposition and significant safety concern studies. The 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania amplified these concerns.
Though completed, and still reflected on Long Island ratepayers utility bills, Shoreham never operated commercially, and it became a national symbol of failed centralized energy planning. Ultimately, the plant was decommissioned, leaving Long Islanders with debt—and a lasting skepticism toward large, single-point energy solutions.
Storms, Blackouts and a Grid Under Stress
From 1985’s Hurricane Gloria that knocked out electricity to two-thirds of LILCO’s customers, to the Northeast blackout of 2003 that halted the Long Island Rail Road, to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 where 90 percent of Long Island lost power, to every tropical storm and weather event in between, these natural disasters continued to expose deep flaws in the aging infrastructure. Each event compounded existing wear on the system, accelerating the need for reinforcement, storm hardening, smarter grid design and diversity of energy sources— while costing a premium to do so. These moments also reshaped public expectations: reliability is no longer just about everyday demand, but about resilience under extreme conditions.
From LILCO to Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
As a result of the Long Island Power Act of 1985, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) was created to assume responsibility for LILCO’s debt, which totaled around $7.3 billion, and the infrastructure. LIPA inherited a vast, but inadequate grid that must be upgraded.
Now, as the AI and data-center revolution demand more and more of our power grid, and new technologies have become available, namely renewables like wind, solar and battery storage, Long Island has the opportunity to transform to a modern, affordable and resilient power grid.
press conference held at Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant.
Herald file photo
Director Amy Serrano stepped behind the camera to tell the story of Louisiana’s last Tuskegee Airman, Calvin G. Moret.
Lifeguards welcome new emergency vehicles
The WaveRunners arrived at the Long Beach city garage last month, and will be ready for active deployment in the upcoming beach season. They are fitted with specialized collars that improve the rider’s stability when cresting sizable waves en route to swimmers or surfers in distress.
The resolution to purchase the Nissan pickups was approved at the Jan. 20 council meeting. The funds — a total of just over $86,700 — will also be drawn from the machinery and equipment budget. The new trucks will replace two of the lifeguards’ four current service vehicles — both well-used, though relatively low-mileage, 2013 models, one with 19,599 miles and the other with 28,460.
While a civilian vehicle with that age and mileage might not warrant urgent replacement, beach-based emergency vehicles must meet unusual demands.
“The salt and the ocean do a tremendous amount of damage to the undercarriage,” explained Michael Robinson, Long Beach’s director of fleet management, who oversees the city garage and its vehicle supply. He added that trucks have a shorter functional lifespan.
“With these vehicles, you’re not looking at the mileage — you’re looking at the wear and tear of the undercarriage. Especially the emergency equipment — the lighting, the electrical system.”
“The salt air and sand does a number on anything that’s metal,” Borawski emphasized, “and those trucks are in the sand and in the wind 24/7, from Memorial Day until the end of September.”
Robinson noted that the city will have a renewed focus on extending the life of all new vehicles, treating their undercarriages with a specialized undercoating to improve their durability.
Both 2013 trucks were put in service after Hurri -
the Long Beach lifeguards use a full range of vehicles for land and water emergencies.
cane Sandy destroyed the city’s previous emergency service vehicles. Of the four trucks now in operation, one is used for maintenance — such as removing all 24 lifeguard towers from the beach at the end of the season. The three others operate as emergency vehicles — handling challenges like deploying the WaveRunners via trailer for after-hours operations, or following EMT-driven John Deere Gators — heavy-duty utility vehicles resembling overpowered golf carts — as backup emergency response. The lifeguards have four Gators in their service fleet as well, operated by EMTs and fitted with backboards and other medical equipment.
Though the truck purchase has been authorized, their delivery has not yet been finalized. Robinson added that one of the trucks to be replaced may be repurposed for non-emergency needs, extending its service life.
“Summer is just around the corner,” Councilman Michael Reinhart said in a statement. “Our team works year-round to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach season for our residents and visitors. These major upgrades will go a long way toward assisting our beach patrol and ensuring the best team on the beach has the best equipment to keep our beachgoers safe.”
Eesha Butt/Herald
STEPPING OUT
West Bank Wings Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins
Chili Meatballs
Big game, big flavor
Score from kickoff to crunch time
By Karen Bloom
It’s the biggest sports day of the year — and a perfect excuse to throw a bash that’s almost as exciting as the game itself. The Super Bowl on Sunday isn’t just about touchdowns, commercials and the halftime show: it’s about friends, fun and food that’s worth a victory dance.
Sure, the game on the big screen is the main event, but let’s be honest — some of the best plays happen around the snack table. Wings, dips, even desserts are all part of the strategy to keep your fans happy (and maybe even sneak a second helping before halftime). When it comes to dessert, fuss-free is the way to go. An array of cookies, brownies and dessert bars will satisfy the sweet tooth. You can take your dessert table to the next level by icing your treats in team colors. Here’s your playbook for scoring big with game-day treats that’ll make your party a championship-worthy hit.
West Bank Wings
No football party is complete without a generous serving of wings. Try these Asianinspired chicken wings, with a spicy Creole twist.
• 3 pounds chicken wing pieces
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup cane syrup or molasses
• 1/4 cup ZATARAIN’S® Creole Mustard
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss chicken wings with oil and Creole Seasoning in large bowl. Arrange wings in single layer on foil-lined large shallow baking pan.
Bake 35 minutes or until wings are cooked through and skin is crisp.
Mix remaining ingredients, except cilantro and sesame seeds, in large skillet. Bring to boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer about 15 minutes or until sauce is reduced by a third and is a “syrup” consistency. Add wings; toss to coat with sauce. Transfer wings to serving
platter. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Cajun Buffalo Wings
Here’s another zesty take on the footballwatching favorite.
• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces
• 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tsp. Cajun seasoned spice blend
Bake wings in foil-lined pan at 500 °F on lowest oven rack for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, turning once.
Mix Buffalo Wings Sauce, ketchup and spice blend.
Toss wings in sauce to coat.
Tip: You may substitute 1/2 cup Red Hot Sauce mixed with 1/3 cup melted butter for the Wings Sauce.
Alternate cooking directions: Deep-fry at 375°F for 10 minutes or broil 6-inches from heat 15 to 20 minutes turning once.
Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins
This the ideal game day snack! Seriously, it’s a crowd pleaser.
• 3 pounds small russet potatoes
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse
• Almonds
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops
Preheat oven to 450 F and line baking sheet with foil.
Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave high for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly.
Cut in half and scoop out potato leaving 1/4inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.
Avocado Dip
Billy Stritch and Friends celebrate Judy Garland
Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with almonds and bake for 5 minutes more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with and additional wing sauce, if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.
Sweet Chili Meatballs
Round out your lineup with this tasty addition to your game day spread.
• 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef
• 1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs. Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker or Dutch oven to keep warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over meatballs. Gently stir to coat meatballs and serve.
Bacon Avocado Dip
Game day requires guacamole. Try a new twist on the must-have dip.
• 1 large avocado, peeled and mashed
• 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/3 cup Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse
• Almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 3 strips cooked bacon, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or other favorite dippers, such as carrots, bell peppers and broccoli.
Judy on TV! This concert shines a long-overdue spotlight on a unique chapter of Garland’s legendary career: her 1963–64 CBS television series. It’s a look at Garland’s iconic talent through the lens of her landmark 1963-64 weekly television broadcasts. Renowned entertainer and music director Billy Stritch leads this dazzling tribute that brings together a stellar lineup of jazz and Broadway favorites including acclaimed vocalists Gabrielle Stravelli and Nicolas King. The Judy Garland Show lasted only nine months and the star saw its cancellation as a devastating failure. Stritch sees it much differently, noting that the show’s 26 hours of concert material capture a crucial era of her life and legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. These terrific performers revive the unforgettable music, intimate moments and sheer star power that defined the show.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. $58, $48, $38. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Feel the beat with Step Afrika!
The acclaimed dance company visits Hofstra University with a high-octane performance, Step Afrika! 101. Since its 1994 founding, Step Afrika! has been recognized as a cultural ambassador for this percussive dance tradition rooted in African American communities and historically linked to Black Greek-letter organizations. Their signature style fuses precise footwork and rhythmic movement with contemporary African dance, AfroBeats and popular music, in a powerful celebration of culture and community. Everyone is encouraged to clap, stomp, and join in calland-response moments that make the show feel as communal as it is electric. In keeping with Step Afrika!’s emphasis on service and community, it’s requested to bring non-perishable food items or basic toiletries to benefit the Hofstra Pantry and the Mary Brennan INN.
Sunday, Feb. 8, 3:30-5 p.m. Free admission. John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/academics/culturalcenter or call (516) 463-5669 or email hofculctr@hofstra.edu.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
FEB
American Legion Law And Order Night
All are invited to attend an esteemed evening hosted by the Joint Veterans Organization and the City of Long Beach. Gather to pay tribute to the outstanding first responders who have gone above and beyond in their service to barrier island residents at the second event.
• Where: City Hall, 6th floor, 1 W. Chester St.
• 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 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! Check out 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
Polar Bear Splash
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
‘So don’t stop me now’
FEB
16
Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk
Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! A special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and catwalk experience only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
FEB
Long Beach BOE meets Board of Education trustees meet to discuss agenda items and issues. 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
Little Learners
Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week This week, we will be transforming clothespins into charming love-bug pals for Valentine’s fun. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Book talk
Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior advisor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr., visits Hofstra University to discuss her two books published last year, “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America” and “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House Outside the Party Lines.” Copies of both books will be available for purchase, and her talk will be followed by a book signing. Advance registration is required.
• Where: John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University South Campus, Hempstead
• Time: 11:15 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.
• Contact: events.hofstra.edu to RSVP
FEB
14
Lunar New Year program
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly
• Time: 8 p.m.
Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. $5, $4 members, $10 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania
See the world’s best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles of speed and skill when Monster Jam roars into UBS Arena. Get ready for the event that will change everything you thought you knew about freestyle. Monster Jam trucks team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravity-defying skills and thrills. It’s an adrenaline rush not to be missed.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.
• Time: Noon and 6 p.m.; also Feb. 15 and Feb. 16
• Contact: ticketmaster.com
FEB
20
‘The Wedding Singer’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stage the musical comedy based on the iconic film. The show will have you partying like it’s 1985! Travel back to the outrageous 1980s, when hair was huge, neon ruled fashion and everything MTV was “like, totally tubular.” Based on the mega-hit Adam Sandler movie, this Broadway romance about a heartbroken rock star wannabe finding love again is jam-packed with big laughs, dazzling dance numbers, and a score as bold and electric as the decade itself. From popped collars to power ballads, “The Wedding Singer” is a nostalgic, feel-good celebration of love, friendship and all things ‘80s.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 8 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Feb 22, 3 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 17, 2026, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 12, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges, against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per cent per six month’s period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 17, 2026 lien sale, Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February, 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2024 - 2025 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2025. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 28 in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2024/2025 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.
IMPORTANT
THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2024/2025 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER.
DEMEO MICHAEL & MIRANDA 1,124.96
59015 00140
KNAPP VICTORIA 3,309.56
59015 00330
110 GRAND BOULEVARD LLC 20,005.85
59017 00060 6,7
FOX MARCIA 806.98
59019 00220
DEFONTE DANIEL & KELLY 1,772.57 59019 00590
HUMMINGBIRD HOME SOLUTIONS LLC 4,510.37 59022 00050 5-6
TURTURRO MICHAEL 562.26
59023 00310
576 PARK AVENUE LLC 42,496.01 59024 00010 1-5
RAUCH ROGER B 789.54
59025 00530 53-55
WEST END MANAGEMENT LLC 1,130.95
59028 01920
WEST END MANAGEMENT LLC 993.46
59028 01930
WEST END MANAGEMENT LLC 1,049.25
59028 01940
MURPHY IAN 1,399.94
59035 00430 43-45 DE SANTO CARMINE & MARY 2,663.17
59039 0150UCA00800 150 CA 80 UNIT 11 436OF LLC 16,817.86
59040 0232UCA01940 232 CA 194 UNIT 106
SANTANA SR LUIS 9,919.95
59044 00220 22,23
CAIOZZA JOSEPH C 8,703.66
59044 00650 65-66
BARBATO STEVEN A & PATRICIA A 1,367.29
59045 00320 32-33
LEVINE L MALLON & H 1,352.12
59045 00410 41-42
DONNA MILLS LIVING TRUST 1,505.92
59053 00010 1-3
MEYERS DIANE 1,002.80
59053 00820 BEST ANNIE 1,539.43
59056 00150 15-16 LB SPAC LLC 1,035.77
59057 00590 59-60
RUDERMAN BARBARA 806.36 59057 00690 69-70
CORDERO PEDRO GILBERTO LIFE EST 10,142.56
59058 00120 12-13
EDWARD SABRY REALTY LLC 3,460.03 59059 00290 29-31
GREENHUT MARC & DEBORAH 4,620.92
59060 00610 61-62
MANN ROBERT & ILYSA 1,004.99
59064 0038UCA01490 38 CA 149 UNIT 406
SHEININ ARKADY D & NINA 4,284.49
59064 0038UCA01490 38 CA 149 UNIT 510
PILINKO TRUST 934.17
59064 0039UCA02200 39 CA 220 UNIT 203
BASSIN MARC S & CHEN BETTY 1,290.77
59064 0039UCA02200 39 CA 220 UNIT 401 122 WEST FULTON REALTY LLC 1,250.49 59067 01310
BUNCHE WILLIAM & VICTORIA 363.75 59067 01480
BRUNETTI JOSEPH 1,053.63
59070 0071UCA01060 71 CA 106 UNIT 418
GELSOMINA PROPERTIES LLC 1,627.60 59071 00090
RAPPEL SUSAN 13,490.11
59071 00110 11-13,114
PAGAN CARMEN 13,473.28
59071 00520 52-53
PROIOS A ZORBAS & MARIA 8,142.86 59072 00650 65-67
WASSERMAN MORRIS & JOANNE 10,775.07
59075 0165UCA01910 165 CA 191 UNIT 207
BECCARELLI DANIELLE 524.56
59076 0038UCA01460 38 CA 146UNIT 105
HOCKLEY CATHERINE & NEVILLE 1,084.85
59076 0038UCA01460 38 CA 146 UNIT 703
GANESH HARIRAM & JESSICA R 5,422.49
59076 0038UCA01460 38 CA 146 UNIT 729
YARWOOD ELEANOR & YARWOOD NANCI 1,750.28
59076 0040UCA01750 40 CA 175 UNIT 203
ARUM DAVID LIFE ESTATE 4,811.82
59078 00610
CHERNOFF CHRISTOPHER & PHAEDRA 1,070.36
59082 0133A
WOLKENBERG EDITH 331.98
59082 0134A
SUSINO DOMINIC & SUSINO GINA
59082 0139A CHERNOFF
59082 0232A
00170
59092
Public Notices
59191 0046UCA00040 46 CA 4 UNIT 311
59191 0047UCA00170 47 CA 17 UNIT 14
59191 0047UCA00170 47 CA 17 UNIT 37
59191 0047UCA00170 47 CA 17 UNIT 46 SULLIVAN
47 CA 17 UNIT 65
59192 00150 LYNCH WALTER & MARIS
00210
59195 00420 CANCELLIERE THOMAS F
59199 00270 27,28 REICHMAN
59201 02480
00450
59215 00720 WIEN ROBERT & ERIN
59216 00290 29,241,244
59216 00310 31,242
KIM & TODD
59218 00290 29-30 LIDO
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldier’s and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), 12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et. seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The rate of interest and penalty which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten percent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety percent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety percent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten percent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase be of no further effect.
Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1.The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2.The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3.The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made, in connection with, said bid shall be forfeited.
This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:
TOwn OF HEMpSTEAd
Dist 1001
Dist 1002
Dist 1003
Dist 1004
Dist 1005
Dist 1006
Dist 1007
Dist 1008
Dist 1009
Dist 1010
Dist 1011
Dist 1012
Dist 1013
Dist 1014
Dist 1015
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK TREND
NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
BALDWIN HERALD
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
FREEPORT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
BALDWIN HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)
NEW YORK POST
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
Dist 1016
Dist 1017
Dist 1019
1020
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
ROCKAWAY JOURNAL
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEW YORK POST
Dist 1018
4.If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided
GARDEN CITY NEWS
GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST
Public Notices
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEW YORK POST
Dist 2301
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 2315
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
Town of oysTer Bay Dist 3001
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
Dist 3002
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3003
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3004
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3006
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3008
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3009
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET ADVANCE Dist 3012
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET ADVANCE
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3013
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET ADVANCE
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3014
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3015
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3017
HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3018
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3019
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 3020
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - BETHPAGE
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3021
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - BETHPAGE
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3022
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - FARMINGDALE
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3023
MASSAPEQUA POST MID-ISLAND TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3024
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD Dist 3203
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES Dist 3306
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
CiTy of Glen Cove Dist 4005
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
CiTy of lonG BeaCh Dist 5028
LONG BEACH HERALD
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities.
Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in braille, large print, audio tape other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.
Dated: February 05, 2026
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1334636
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 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.
February 5, 2026 —
Public Notices
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 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
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000
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
LEGAL NOTICE Notice to Bidders
PUBLIC NOTICE: is hereby given for separate sealed bids for LONG BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SED No. 28-03-00-01-0-011-056
- LONG BEACH HIGH SCHOOL
Bids will be received by the LONG BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, on FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the District Administrative Offices, 235 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY 11561 at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The work shall be as follows: CONTRACT #1GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT #2ELECTRICAL RECONSTRUCTION
SED # 28-03-00-01-0-011-056
- LONG BEACH HIGH SCHOOL
Complete digital sets of the Contract documents may be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) at the following website www.jagplanroom.com under ‘public projects’ beginning on FEBRUARY 5, 2025. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from Island Digital Reprographics, 200 Broadhollow Road, Suite One, Farmingdale, New York 11735 (631-753-3000) upon a deposit of Fifty ($50.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to LONG BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS. All Bid Addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced website. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. The bid
deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within 30 days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract. Bids must be made on the standard proposal form in the manner designated by the Instructions to Bidders. Bids must be sealed in an opaque envelope clearly marked with name and address of Bidder, contract name and number, opening date for bids, and addressed to the LONG BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Bids received after the time stated in this Notice will not be considered and will be returned unopened to bidder.
Each Bidder must deposit, with their sealed bid, security in an amount not less than 10% of the base bid and all Alternate Bids in the proper form subject to the conditions set forth in the Instructions to Bidders (Section 8). All certified checks or bid bonds must be paid to LONG BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities in, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion, the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted. Bidder may not withdraw its bid until 45 days after the bid opening, except in accordance with General Municipal Law § 103(11).
By Order of: Board of Education LONG BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 158267
Alzheimer’s webinar helping older Black Americans
In recognition of Black History Month, and in partnership with the Divine Nine Consortium, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free live webinar, “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What You Need to Know” on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. The Divine Nine serves as a coordinating body for the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, offering opportunities to advance leadership, education excellence, service, cultural heritage and social impact.
The one-hour webinar will feature a dynamic panel of clinicians, researchers, caregivers and advocates representing the Divine Nine, exploring the intersection of dementia science, health equity, and lived experience. It will examine how Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact diverse communities, discuss participation in research and clinical trials, and share culturally responsive practices to improve awareness, engagement and outcomes.
The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a free one-hour webinar this month examining how Alzheimer’s and related dementias can impact diverse communities.
Currently, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans. Chronic health conditions associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, disproportionately affect Black Americans.
According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, nearly two-thirds of Black Americans, or 62 percent, believe that medical research is biased against people of color. A history of exclusion from clinical trials and a lasting history of discrimination from the medical establishment contribute to high levels of mistrust of clinical trials among Black Americans.
“We know that Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects Black older Americans,” Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at the Alzheimer’s Association said. “We are committed to continue engaging underrepresented communities.”
Visit Alz-org.Zoom.us to register or call (800) 272-3900.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
The association has a Long Island chapter based in Melville. It runs education programs on Long Island, support groups, and offers other forms of virtual education. Annual efforts culminate in a fundraising walk, typically held in October in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Visit ALZ.org/LongIsland for more.
Public Notices
CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-BC5, -againstPATRICIA BERKELEY, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION
MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-BC5 is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA BERKELEY, 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 10, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 520
LAURELTON BOULEVARD, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-56-1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE 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.: 610508/2020. James Pascarella, 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. 158255
Courtesy Metro
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
BOOKKEEPER FOR QUICKBOOKS
Desk Top P/T, May Work Remotely. $40 Per Hour. Email Resume To: 2026paychexforgia4@gmail.com
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour.
For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
Situations Wanted
CLEANER PART-TIME For The Baldwin Public Library. Up to 17 hours / week; Sundays optional at 2X. For more info. contact rduccilli@baldwinpl.org. Send resume to employment@baldwinpl.org or visit Library to complete an application by 2/12/26.
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
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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 are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
RETAIL SALES P/T
Standard Clerical Work, Filing, Phones, And Light Computer Work. Flexible Hours. Call 516-766-5277 email:17northvillage@gmail.com
Health Care/Opportunities
HEALTHCARE WORKER with 40Yrs Experience is Seeking Position Caring
HomesHERALD
A House You'll Call Home
Welcome to this beautifully updated and spacious 5-bedroom, 3 full bath expanded Ranch in Hewlett Harbor! The most desirable section of the Five Towns! Low taxes, no Sandy damage and no flood insurance required! Step into an atmosphere enhanced by brand-new wall-to-wall windows that fill every room with natural light and custom-built blinds. The primary bedroom offers a private ensuite bath with a triple door closet. The eat-in kitchen is newly renovated with gorgeous countertops, modern new appliances, a wine cooler, and a butler’s pantry with additional counter space for effortless entertaining. A mudroom with ample storage provides the perfect spot to keep seasonal and holiday items neatly organized and out of the way. There are two additional updated bathrooms, new air conditioning and gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout the home. The second floor is a private oasis, complete with two bedrooms and a full bath, and a stand-up attic for extra storage. The outside is beautifully landscaped with oversized fenced-in backyard. There is plenty of room for a pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, swing set, and even a basketball hoop. The ultimate space for entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy new siding, a newer roof under 10 years old, freshly installed pavers, and a beautiful patio that’s perfect for gatherings or outdoor relaxation under the stars. Well water for sprinklers. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your Home sweet
REAL ESTATE
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
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Apartments For Rent
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How do we keep our home livable
during renovations?
Q. Do you have any suggestions on how we can guarantee our house won’t be damaged while we have a renovation done? We’re doing a lot of work to add a back family room and a second floor. Our house is a cape that already has a second floor, but we want a full second floor. Everyone we spoke to called it a dormer, but we read your column in which you clarified that a dormer is pushed out through the current roof and a second floor is the whole thing, so we know. We want to stay on the first floor, and even though we’ll get a POD for the driveway, we’re concerned about staying on the first floor. The contractor showed us the plastic curtains he uses, but is there anything else? Our daughter has asthma, and we’re very concerned.
A. It’s tough to guarantee that dust won’t get in, since there are many ways dust travels and the average home, without any air filtration, usually get dusty, anyway. I have seen countless projects with zippered air curtain separations, sealed at the walls, floors and ceilings — even double curtains separated by 4 feet to create a vestibule, with a fan drawing air to the outside just before people open the first zipper. This is called a negative air method, and the fan should only be turned on when someone is about to enter the vestibule from the clean side, because if the fan is left on, it’s drawing air from the dusty side to the clean side.
Several clients purchased boxes of disposable booties to slip over shoes to keep from tracking in dust and dirt. If you have carpeting or just want to protect your finished floors, it’s best to have the walking paths covered in plywood and heavy plastic. Lift the plastic and fold inward to discard periodically, or vacuum with a brush attachment so as not to suck up the plastic. Also, if the path is highly trafficked, it will tear and may be slippery from the booties and dust, so monitor the surface and how affected it will be.
Sometimes just a smooth fiberboard, without splinters, is best. One client even used a spray bottle to spray the air and then the booties before discarding them in a plastic bag. Unfortunately, some people did not completely understand the air flow issues, and left their exterior windows open in the clean areas, adjacent to where the work was being done, allowing the dust to float in through the windows from outside.
Depending on how much you want to spend, there are elaborate portable units with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters that will rid the air of a large amount of dust as well as less-visible matter such as pollen. You may want to consult your child’s doctor for advice about filtered respirators, or whether it’s a good idea for her to be there during the construction at all. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
FINDS UNDER $100
Finds Under $100
BABY'S CHANGE TABLE. Gently used; white, 3 drawers. $15. Lido Beach. (516)705-8398
BEDSPREAD: BRAND NEW Macy's Charter Club Size: Twin Matching pillow sham. $80 516-432-5699
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
STROLLER GRACO MODES Bassinet LX, 2019 with instructions, very good, on YouTube, $65, 516-884-9994.
SERVICES
Cable/TV/Wiring
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Cleaning Services
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Electricians
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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
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Telephone Services
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Satellite/TV Equipment
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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
OpiniOns
Extremist green policies have made electric rates soar
Anew report issued by our Center for Cost Effective Government confirms that progressive policies implemented by New York’s Legislature designed to tackle climate change have caused energy rates in the state to skyrocket, with few environmental benefits.
In fact, these policies increased electric bills by roughly 50 percent in the six years since their implementation.
In 2019, Albany enacted a sweeping law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, imposing mandates seeking a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It also calls for 100 percent renewable electricity use by 2040.
But recently, New York’s government has been quietly telling the utilities to slow-walk the decommissioning of gasfired power plants. And after the November election, Gov. Kathy Hochul officially retreated from the unrealistic mandate requiring electric heat in new buildings until a lawsuit on the issue concludes.
The state’s progressive policies
included numerous initiatives many now regret, including shutting down nuclear plants; refusing to frack in New York; refusing to approve natural-gas pipelines; requiring all new buildings be heated with electricity; imposing carbon penalties on utilities, passing costs to consumers; and mandating that all cars be electric by 2035.
OIronically, New York’s carbon footprint wound up being worse after passage of this bill, while electric rates soared. Curtailing natural gas had devastating consequences, both economically and environmentally. It was the transition from dirtier coal and oil to cleaner natural gas that dropped U.S. greenhouse emissions by 14 percent from 2005 to 2019, while emissions were increasing worldwide. Rates are slated to increase further, with the New York State Electric & Gas company saying it will charge 23.7 percent more in 2026, while National Grid is seeking increases that could raise bills upstate by $600 a year. And Con Edison is seeking increases that would increase average gas and energy bills more than $150 higher than in 2020. This reduced supply is exacerbated by the enormous energy required for the A.I. revolution. Large companies at the forefront of A.I. innovation put
immense strain on the grid. A.I. data centers are becoming large energy users, outpacing even electric vehicles in their power demand growth.
verly ambitious initiatives have had negative consequences worldwide.
Overly ambitious policy initiatives to shut down traditional power generation and replace it with less-reliable wind and solar energy have resulted in significant negative consequences worldwide. In Germany, an optimistic energy transition plan involved shutting down nuclear plants. In 2011, Germany’s 17 nuclear reactors generated over 33 percent of the country’s electricity. Their shutdown led to a return to fossil fuels. Consequently, greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign energy sources actually increased.
These extreme policies have been mirrored in California, resulting in electric costs that are roughly 50 percent higher than the national average and gasoline costs that are 47 percent above the average.
The typical residential customer in New Jersey, which also promulgated extreme green policies, saw an increase of 17 to 20 percent last year. One resident of Clark, N.J., claimed that her bill rose from $174 in June to over $300 in July — this despite New Jersey’s Public Service Electric & Gas having told her
to expect an increase of 17 percent. Even once-touted wind projects are losing their luster when they come under greater scrutiny. According to NY Energy Ratings, “Developers are looking for a way to pay for the mounting costs of new wind energy projects. They have even asked the [Public Service Commission] to increase New York electric rates.” This is estimated to result in an increase of 4 percent, or $4.67 per month for ratepayers. Some projects are costing double what they were expected to.
Billionaire Bill Gates, who previously sided with the climate doomsday faction, has tempered his position, noting that the trillions of dollars being funneled to climate initiatives could be better spent relieving worldwide poverty.
Are you a better person if you pay an arm and a leg for extreme green policies that will have little impact on reducing the carbon footprint decades down the road? Or is it more cost-effective to concentrate those funds on saving lives today, via better health care and economic opportunity, while simultaneously investing in innovations that can provide cheaper, cleaner energy over a rational, gradual period of time?
Steve Levy is president of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm, and has served as Suffolk County executive and as an assemblyman. He can be reached at steve@commonsensestrategies.com.
We can make our school cafeterias safer
in recent years, we’ve seen stories on the news of everyday heroes who have saved the lives of choking children. There have been incidents all over Long Island, from Elmont to East Setauket, yet New York does not currently require cafeteria monitors to be certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver.
My new bill, SS6127A, known as Stella’s Law, would correct this oversight. The legislation is named in honor of Stella Tsimis, a teacher’s aide in the Connetquot school district who, in February 2023, saved the life of a 7-year-old boy in the school cafeteria by performing the Heimlich maneuver on him while he
was choking.
Tsimis received the New York State Liberty Medal for saving the boy’s life.
The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by New York state, and is presented only for extraordinary, heroic and life-saving acts.
Tsimis’s actions that day highlighted the need for all adult cafeteria monitors in school cafeterias to be trained in and hold current certifications for first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, to help ensure the safety of the children who eat there. Requiring the First Aid for Choking poster to be displayed in all school eating areas further supports this goal by providing clear, life-saving instructions that can be followed in an emergency.
such posters, but it’s important for teachers, monitors and staff to be able to successfully intervene in an emergency.
s taffs need to be trained in first aid for choking and the Heimlich maneuver.
Many rescuers have learned the Heimlich maneuver in school health classes, workplace training or even from
Stella’s Law would ensure that personnel are trained, and that informative posters showing the Heimlich maneuver are displayed where students are at the greatest risk of choking. The instructional posters help make sure students are not fearful or afraid if a choking emergency occurs, because they understand this life-saving technique.
There are many resources available in your community. Organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association hold classes to help people be prepared for such emergencies. We hosted our first CPR-Heimlich maneuver training in cooperation with the West Babylon Fire Department on Jan. 24.
In 2024, a Patchogue-Medford math
teacher, Chris Schiefer, came to the rescue of one of his students. Schiefer noticed the student choking on a gumball and quickly went into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and helping to dislodge the obstruction. After making sure the student saw the nurse to confirm he was all right, Schiefer turned the incident into a learning opportunity by teaching his students about the Heimlich maneuver and pointing out a chart on the wall demonstrating how to handle a choking incident.
This was a great effort made by a responsible educator, but we should have standard training in place, as well as step-by-step signage for school staff, so they can be frontline administrators of these life-saving techniques.
Please contact your local school district, state senator or Assembly member and encourage them to support Stella’s Law, and to make our schools safer.
Alexis Weik represents the 8th State Senate District.
sTEVE LEVY
ALEXis WEiK
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lOut of practice, but not out of resolve
ast week, for the first time in three years, Long Island was forcefully reminded that winter isn’t just a suggestion. The Jan. 25 snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow, whipped it around with high winds and then sealed it in place with a deep freeze, making it the most significant storm in these parts since Jan. 29, 2022. For a region that had grown used to mild winters and more rain than snow, it was a rude, icy wake-up call.
Within hours, schools and businesses were closed, and familiar streets transformed from wet pavement to skating rinks masquerading as thoroughfares.
Snow shovels were unearthed from garages, boots were rediscovered in the backs of closets and many residents wondered, “Wait, how do we do this again?”
The storm highlighted the dedication of emergency workers and the importance of preparation, but it also revealed something else: After a few relatively snow-free winters, Long Island was a little out of practice.
Emergency crews, plow drivers, sanitation workers, police officers, EMS personnel and other essential workers put in long hours in harsh and dangerous conditions. Their efforts kept major roadways passable and ensured that critical services remained available. These people don’t get snow days, and Long Island is better off because of it.
Elected officials also moved quickly. Roads were treated with pre-storm brine to prevent ice from bonding to
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pavement. Hundreds of plows were deployed across towns and villages. Gov. Kathy Hochul sent more than 100 members of the National Guard to assist with snow removal, including on major parkways that thousands of drivers rely on every day.
County Executives Bruce Blakeman and Ed Romaine, in Nassau and Suffolk, respectively, declared states of emergency, helping streamline coordination and resources.
Many residents noticed and appreciated responders’ efforts. Social media was filled with thank-yous to plow drivers and sanitation crews, often described as “the backbone of the operation.” Credit where it’s due: Without their efforts, the storm’s aftermath would have been far worse.
Still, once the snow stopped falling, patience began to melt, unlike the ice. Complaints poured in about side streets that weren’t plowed quickly enough, leaving cars stuck and neighbors frustrated as snow hardened and became virtually unmovable. In some areas, plows managed little more than a single narrow lane, pushing snow into piles that quickly froze into what might as well have been concrete barriers.
The storm’s heavy mix of snow and sleet didn’t help. Parked cars made matters worse. Town officials, including in Oyster Bay, pointed to vehicles left on streets despite parking restrictions as a major obstacle to proper plowing. And then there was the Long Island tradition of shoveling snow into the street
Our foreign policy ‘is heading in the wrong direction’
To the Editor:
I read Peter King’s opinion piece last week, “What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?” about the administration’s various foreign policy accomplishments and failures during the first year of President Trump’s second term. I agree that the approach that’s being taken in regard to Greenland is not wise. Our current treaty with Denmark gives the United States great leeway for the use of Greenland’s territory for U.S. bases in the defense of the U.S. and our NATO allies.
I feel that our foreign policy in general is heading in the wrong direction. The “America First” policy that’s being promoted by the administration is doing great damage to our peaceful relationships around the world. We may have the greatest military in modern history, but we live in a complex world. We need to preserve NATO and make sure that treaties established at the end of World War II remain strong. We need cooperation, not condemnation of friends.
I agree that we need secure and safe borders, and
— illegal, counterproductive and, in Nassau County, potentially a $200 mistake.
All of this slowed cleanup, especially when you consider the scale of the task. The Town of Hempstead alone is responsible for clearing roughly 1,200 miles of roadway. That’s not a quick lap around the block — it’s a marathon in snow boots.
Snow removal is a team sport. Municipalities can plan routes, deploy equipment and send alerts, but residents have to do their part, moving vehicles, following restrictions, staying informed and resisting the urge to dump snow where plows just cleared it.
After three quiet winters, Long Island’s collective snow-day muscle memory had weakened. The key takeaway from Jan. 25 is that the storm exposed gaps while providing a muchneeded refresher. Main roads were cleared. Most neighborhoods were eventually serviced. Emergency operations held up under pressure. With better coordination, clearer communication and stronger public cooperation, the next response can be even smoother. Snowstorms on Long Island are inevitable, and we should be ready for them. If everyone — from county and state governments to towns, villages, businesses and residents — gets back in practice, the next big storm can be met not with surprise and frustration, but with confidence, coordination and maybe even a little less slip-sliding around.
The political distraction industry — and its cost
something’s wrong. It’s hard to put a finger on it. We live in a political world, and something about the way that world slides between the foreground and the background of daily life just seems off — not dramatic, not mysterious, just persistently wrong.
That unease has a source.
Contemporary politics now functions within what can fairly be called a political distraction industry. Large, highprofile controversies generate a media fog that draws our attention toward whatever is loudest or most immediate, while steadily pulling our focus away from decisions that more directly shape our lives.
In any given week, we may be urged to fixate on the latest scandal, to listen to conflicting stories about exploding motorboats off the coast of South America, to dissect executive orders that change little in practice, to scroll through a flood of presidential social media posts, or to follow lawsuits filed theatrically against judges and officials with no realistic chance of success.
Each story is framed as urgent. Each demands our attention. It’s hard to keep up, and it’s harder to see through the fog of information to discern things that may be far more important.
This isn’t an accident. Distraction has become a strategy.
The incentives aren’t difficult to see. Media outlets compete in an overcrowded attention economy. Social media platforms reward speed, outrage and repetition. Political fundraising thrives on alarm. Issues and decisions are boiled down to simplistic either/or choices. Complexity doesn’t travel well. The most consequential changes tend to arrive quietly, already dressed as routine.
w here every problem is a ‘crisis,’ and every disagreement ‘unprecedented.’
scrutiny. Constant conflict fragments potential coalitions. Attention jumps from flare to flare, rarely lingering long enough for consideration of the most basic questions: What has actually changed? Who benefits? What precedent has just been set? Distraction works in part because it enlists us. We share the clips, repost the provocations, argue over headlines designed to provoke argument. It feels like engagement, but reaction isn’t the same as agency, and outrage — however understandable — doesn’t substitute for influence.
chasing.
The result is a loss of perspective. Minor controversies swell into national emergencies, while decisions affecting housing costs, public education, health care access, environmental protections and local governance are made quietly. We debate the tone of a speech while overlooking the budget it obscures. We argue about personalities while the machinery of government is adjusted — often in ways that prove difficult to reverse.
It’s no secret: a distracted public is easier to manage than an attentive one. Constant motion prevents sustained
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those who illegally entered our country should be dealt with through our justice system. But I hope that the constant rhetoric we see daily in our news media starts to abate, and that cooler heads prevail. We need the direction of our politics, and our policies, to return to a sense of normalcy.
JErOME I. rOSEn Hewlett
Where have all the plows gone?
Editors’ note: The following letter was sent to the Herald on Jan. 29, after last week’s issues went to press.
To the Editor:
It’s frustrating that nearly five days after the significant snow we had on Jan. 25, our neighborhoods, thoroughfares and side streets are still not cleared. Did the plows come? Yes, they did. Main roads have been cleared. But who’s responsible for the mess left behind along Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Avenue and other highly traveled streets that could certainly benefit from another pass of the plow?
Why are cars forced to park next to huge mounds of snow that haven’t been removed? The plows should still be out there, helping to widen the streets. Instead I’ve seen multiple town highway trucks with plows removed.
An example is Goldenrod Avenue in Franklin Square, which leads to both Washington Street School and H. Frank Carey High School. During school hours, Goldenrod is almost impassable, whether you’re driving north or south, because it
Even our political vocabulary has been thinned by overuse. Everything is a “crisis.” Every disagreement is “unprecedented.” When every day is framed as an emergency, real emergencies become harder to recognize. Fatigue follows. People disengage — not because they don’t care, but because constant alarm is mentally exhausting. There is no need to tune out — but there is a need to slow down. When a story breaks, a few stubborn questions help restore a sense of scale: Does this materially change how power is exercised? Does it affect people’s rights, safety, or economic security? Will it still matter a year from now? If not, it may be worth keeping an eye on — but not
has at least 4 feet of snow sticking out into the street on both sides.
Why are all the corners leading to crosswalks not cleared? This is a safety issue. Are people expected to climb a snow mound to get to businesses on Hempstead Turnpike?
If the curb outside a store is still piled with snow and the crosswalk at the corner of that street isn’t cleared, how are people expected to get to the store? Businesses are clearing their own sidewalks, but it seems that curbs, corners, crosswalks and some bus stops are orphans of the storm.
When talking to the Town of Hempstead Highway Department, I was told they are only responsible for “residential areas.” They did offer to put in a “ticket” to replow Goldenrod Avenue. I was told that the state Department of Transportation is responsible for large thoroughfares like Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway. I called the DOT, and an employee repeated “from curb to curb” when I asked what snow clearing they were responsible for.
It seems to me that during these storms, the town, as the “first responder” agency, funded by our tax dollars, should do more to make traveling in our community easier — especially since the town isn’t responsible for plowing main thoroughfares. Why can’t they send crews out to dig out street corners and crosswalks when a storm is over? If we’re expected to take our kids to school, go to work and go about our daily lives, we should get better assistance from the town in order to return to our normal routine.
ELIzABETH MUrPHY Franklin Square
The normalization of continuous distraction carries a cost most of us have experienced without quite naming it. The news and social media flood the airwaves with stories and endless commentary about the latest nasty thing the president has said about a celebrity — who insulted whom, who clapped back. Meanwhile, we hear only a sidebar about a court decision that permits the administration to empower ICE agents to arrest U.S. citizens as though they were undocumented immigrants, the decision mentioned only briefly before disappearing from coverage. One story dominates our attention for days; the other slips past almost unnoticed. Again, the imbalance is not accidental.
Distraction isn’t merely noise, but leverage. The point is not to stop us from seeing anything at all, but to keep us looking in the wrong direction long enough for other, potentially more consequential, decisions to settle into place. By the time our attention shifts back, the argument is over, the paperwork is filed and the change is treated as a fact rather than a choice. What is lost is not awareness, but the chance to intervene at the moment when our scrutiny might have made a difference.
Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Framework by Mallory Wilson
And then she kissed the stone — Blarney Castle, Ireland
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