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So, how are you doing on your resolutions? activities that he enjoyed. This year, Rinaldi said, the goal feels different — grounded in curiosMillions of Americans step ity instead of pressure. Others in Lynbrook, in into January with resolutions shaped by hope and self-reflec- response to a post on FaceBook, say they have shaped their resotion. By midmonth, many of those promises quietly fade, lutions around internal change undone by unrealistic expecta- rather than exter nal benchtions or the weight marks. Jeanne Baal of daily life. Some s a i d s h e wo u l d Lynbrook residents, focus this year on however, describe a the people she different approach allows into her life, — one less focused and surround heron dramatic reinself only with those vention and more who bring her joy. rooted in self-awareHer resolution ness, boundaries reflects a broader and sustainability. shift toward emoRe s i d e n t L u ke tional boundaries, Rinaldi is starting prioritizing quality the year with a goal over quantity in that feels both perher relationships. J. RYAN FUllER sonal and attain- Executive director, Nicole Soricelliable. Rather than New York Behavioral Gonzalo’s focus is cha si ng a s in gl e authenticity. Her Health measurable outgoal for 2026, she come, he wants to said, is to be comdeepen his relationship with pletely true to herself — a commusic. For Rinaldi, that means mitment that suggests letting playing the piano more consis- go of expectations and embractently, and exploring the possi- ing honesty in everyday decibility of turning a long-held sions. For her, the resolution is passion into a career. less about change and more He acknowledged that past about alignment. resolutions have gone unfulFor Kimberly Nieder man filled, often because they felt Pontrelli, also of Lynbrook, the forced or disconnected from

By AINSlEY MARTINEZ

amartinez@liherald.com

Courtesy Steve Grogan

Fire crews stretched hose lines outside a Vincent Avenue home early New Year’s Day after flames spread from outside the structure into the kitchen walls and ceiling. Firefighters cleared the scene shortly before dawn.

Two house fires in Lynbrook on New Year’s Day leave three injured By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Lynbrook firefighters responded to two house fires on New Year’s Day, the only such fires reported in Nassau County that day, according to Fire Department spokesman Steve Grogan. Command requested that the Nassau County fire marshal respond to investigate the causes. The first fire was reported at about 3:30 a.m. on Vincent Avenue. Flames that began outside the home spread into the walls and ceiling of the kitchen, causing damage to the room. Firefighters were released from the scene at about 5 a.m. The second fire was reported at 1:12 p.m.

at a home on Hendrickson Avenue and involved a fully engulfed bedroom on the second floor. Engine Company 1 was first to arrive, and Chief of Department Clayton Murphy transmitted a Signal 10, indicating a working fire, Grogan said. The engine company secured a hydrant up the block after dropping a hose line at the house, and a second line was stretched by other arriving units. Firefighters advanced the first line to the second floor and battled fire in a bedroom and the roof area. During overhaul operations, a member of the truck company fell through a portion of the burned-out floor of the fire room but was not injured, Grogan said. Lynbrook received mutual aid from all CoNtiNueD oN pAge 13

ou want to make sure you’re picking things that align with your longterm goals, and be realistic

CoNtiNueD oN pAge 7

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 passes The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, which will restore whole and 2 percent milk to America’s school cafeterias for the first time since they were banned in 2012. Every serving of whole milk provides 13 essential nutrients including protein, calcium, and vitamin D, with recent scientific research showing that higher-fat milk consumption by children is associated with lower childhood obesity and other positive health outcomes. — Melissa Berman

n Historic return of whole milk to schools after 13-year ban

n Nutritional benefits and overwhelming parent support

n Significant benefits to New York’s dairy industry

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 by voice vote in December 2025, delivering final congressional approval for legislation that will restore whole and 2 percent milk to America’s school cafeterias for the first time in more than a decade. Schools participating in the USDA national school lunch and breakfast programs have not been permitted to serve whole milk since 2012, when they aimed to align school meal menus with Dietary Guidelines that proposed limiting fat consumption in children. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Trump and will give schools the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored organic or conventional whole, 2 percent, 1 percent, skim and lactose-free milk.

Recent national polling shows 91 percent of parents serve their children whole or 2 percent milk at home, and 81 percent of them support Congress passing legislation to reinstate these options in school meals. Recent scientific and medical research indicates that higher-fat milk consumption by children is associated with lower childhood obesity and other positive health outcomes. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act highlights health benefits milk provides to students, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. Since whole and 2 percent milk were banned from school meal menus more than a decade ago, school milk consumption and meal participation have declined; meaning children are consuming fewer essential nutrients.

The dairy industry is one of New York’s largest contributors to the agricultural economy, with nearly 3,000 dairy farms in New York that produce over 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state. Schools served nearly 4.9 billion lunches in 2024, with 85 percent of students choosing milk, and school milk accounts for nearly 8 percent of all fluid milk sales, making it a significant market driver. Senator Chuck Schumer announced the passage of the legislation, stating it will help bring more milk from Upstate NY dairy farms to school cafeterias across America. The legislation provides a meaningful outlet for dairy farmers while ensuring students have access to the nutritious milk options they prefer at home.

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January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

things to know whole milk returns to schools

A Bat Mitzvah 63 years in the making

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

In Judaism, it is a rite of passage for a girl to become a bat mitzvah ⎯ an adult in the eyes of God ⎯ at age 12. Pnina Knopf became one 63 years later, at 75. As a girl takes her place in the Jewish community, it is celebrated with creative projects, parties and other gatherings. Most important, the girl prepares for months for a special bat mitzvah service. Knopf, of East Rockaway, the mother of three grown children, a grandmother of three and a member of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, has wanted to b e c o m e a b at mitzvah her entire life. “I’ve been counting down the years my whole life, since I was 12 years old,” she PNINA KNoPf Member Hewlett-East said. “Growing up in the 1950s Rockaway Jewish and ’60s, in a Centre conservative Jewish family, only male children had a bar mitzvah.” Knopf fulfilled her dream on Dec. 20, the day before her 75th birthday. She had searched for a deeper connection to Judaism after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. “After Oct. 7 I was distraught,” she recounted. “I have 40-plus relatives living there, and I was terrified for my family. I did not belong to a temple, and after the war broke out, I felt a need for a community of people who understood me and believed in what I did.” Her journey began when she met the Jewish Centre’s executive director, Lisa Stein, and then Rabbi Michael Schlesinger, on Nov. 3, 2023. “Lisa was my first liaison to HERJC,” Knopf said. “It was really a retuning home, because my children went to HERJC when they were 3 and 4 years old. We were members until my daughter was in fourth grade.” After her meeting with Schlesinger, Knopf was invited to attend services, and she became a member in January 2024. “I felt I had found my spiritual home, and I found my community,” she added. “I found people who felt the way I felt, and I made new friends. I felt like this is where I belong.” In November 2024, she approached Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin, the temple’s cantor, about becoming a bat mitzvah. She studied with Zakarin for over a year by learning how to read Torah and special prayers. Each week she learned a new line from her Torah portion and prayers to lead the bat mitzvah service. “Pnina is a beautiful soul and amazing volunteer in our community,” Zakarin said. “When she came to me and said she wanted to become a bat mitzvah, I was super excited for her. I

’ve been counting down the years my whole life since I was 12 years old.

Courtesy Pnina Knopf photos

Pnina Knopf, second from left at bottom, surrounded by family on her bat mitzvah, which was 63 years in the making. wanted to support her and challenge her to do more than what was in her comfort zone.” During the service last month, Knopf read two Torah portions, one from Miketz, in the book of Genesis, and the Maftir portion of a special Hanukkah reading — because her bat mitzvah took place during Hanukkah. Zakarin said her favorite part of working with Knopf was her caring attitude and building a closer relationship with her. “I consider her like family,” Zakarin said, “and she’s been such a big part of my life this past year.” For her mitzvah project, a good deed that involves volunteering or donating, Knopf partnered with SIBSPlace, a support program for children with siblings or parents who have cancer or other devastating medical diagnoses, or children who are coping with the death of a family member. “I started volunteering with SIBSPlace in 2001, one year after it was created,” Knopf said of the program, an affiliate of Mount Sinai South Nassau h o s p i t a l . “ S I B S P l a c e h a s a lw ay s remained close to my heart. The goal of my mitzvah project is to bring awareness of SIBSPlace to the HERJC congregation, the community and my family and friends.” Although Stein has known Knopf for only two years, they had an immediate connection when it came to their desire to support Israel and the Jewish community. “We are so happy to have her here,” Stein said. “She is such a positive, warm, dedicated person. She’s brought so much to our community by using her voice to make connections.”

Pnina Knopf, a member of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre and an East Rockaway resident, became a bat mitzvah at age 75 on Dec. 20.

January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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Freezing temperatures were blamed for a water main break that disrupted service for dozens of customers in Lynbrook over the weekend, the latest incident highlighting the growing strain on aging infrastructure across Long Island — both above and below ground. Liberty Water said it was notified around 11 p.m. Saturday of a break on Mill River Avenue near Ocean Avenue. C rew s re s p o n d e d ove r n i g h t a n d repaired the damaged pipe, restoring full water service by about 10 a.m. Sunday. The utility said approximately 25 customers were affected. Company officials said prolonged cold weather likely caused the pipe to crack, a common winter problem as water inside aging mains expands and contracts. Utilities nationwide have reported spikes in water main breaks during periods of sudden cold, as underground pipes are stressed by sharp temperature changes, making older pipes more brittle and prone to fracture. A 2024 report by the Utah State University College of Engineering found that utilities across the U.S. and Canada experience an estimated 260,000 water main breaks annually, with the average failed pipe about 53 years old. More than a third of water mains have exceeded their intended useful life, highlighting a _______

widespread need for replacement and modernization. Older materials, such as cast iron, are particularly vulnerable. Over time, corrosion and environmental stress weaken pipes, and when combined with shifting soil, pressure changes, or freeze-thaw cycles, the likelihood of rupture increases, according to Miriam Rafailovich, a Stony Brook University professor of materials science. Addressing these issues requires both maintenance and long-term investment, Rafailovich said, but funding remains a major challenge. A report from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2024 estimated that North American municipalities need hundreds of billions of dollars to replace aging water mains, and many local utilities struggle to keep pace with necessary repairs. For Lynbrook and other Long Island communities, the recent break highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to extreme weather and age. Experts say proactive upgrades and ongoing investment are essential to reduce future disruptions, particularly as winter temperatures continue to fluctuate. “This isn’t just an engineering problem,” Rafailovich said. “It’s a problem that intersects biology, toxicology, and energy policy. We need more interdisciplinary solutions.”

lynbrook/east rockaway ______

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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/lynbrook or www.liherald.com/eastrockaway ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 E-mail: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald USPS 323040, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $52 per year auto-pay or $65 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

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spotlight athlete

HERALD SPORTS

Lynbrook wrestlers showing promise By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

A pair of heavyweights are doing the Owls’ heavy lifting as Lynbrook wrestling wades into the season’s second half – while an unexpected third wrestler is making a racket at middleweight, boosting the hopes of coach Rich Renz for a formidable troika at next month’s county tournament. Juniors Fabian Vanegas and Richard Tinyes – ranked Nos. 3 and 4 in Nassau Division I at 215 and 285 pounds, respectively – have gone a combined 24-4 so far, with 21 total pins, Vanegas (12-3) the Owls’ team leader with 11 wins by fall. Tinyes, a two-time All County honoree, notched four of his team secondleading 10 pins en route to winning Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Frank Giampaolo Cyclone Tour nament at South Side Dec. 20, rolling 4-0 in a combined time of two minutes, eight seconds to also earn the tournament’s Most Pins Least Time award and a second straight championship at Giampaolo (having taken last year’s title in the 215pound class). “Richard cleaned house (at Giampaolo),” Renz said of the Owls super heavyweight, whose lone loss this season was a decision against Massapequa’s James Mulhern (No. 2 in Nassau at 285) in the Battle at the Beach at Long Beach final on Dec. 6. “He’s become our best wrestler. He lost a close match, but hopefully he’ll see that kid at the county tournament.” Looking ahead to February’s Nassau Division 1 Wrestling Tournament at Hofstra, Renz sees Vanegas and Tinyes poised for possible deep runs, with a surprise third contender also emerging from his club’s ranks. At 16-1, as-yet-unranked Gabriel Taveras boasts the Owls’ best record. The breakout 157-pound senior has podiumed at three tournaments this winter, taking first place at Giampaolo and second at Battle at the Beach. Having moved up a weight class from last year, Taveras turned heads early with his showing at the Knight’s Classic at

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Anthony Caputo was one of three Owls to capture titles at Uniondale’s Knights Classic to open the season. Uniondale Nov. 29, joining Vanegas, Tinyes and teammate Anthony Caputo (138 pounds) in placing first at the tournament. “(Taveras) has been the biggest improvement on the team this year,” said Renz, whose team is 2-0 in Conference 3B dual meets, 3-7 overall. “He went from wrestling JV at the start of last season to one of the best wrestlers in the county. I’ve never seen it in 39 years of coaching.” “Gabriel’s one of the best hopes we have for the county tournament,” Renz added. “Right now he’s on fire.” Renz also pointed to sophomore Bryce LeMonier, Giampaolo’s 103-pound champion who took fifth place at BATB

and went 4-0 combined at the Cliff Clark Duals Dec. 13 and the Parick J. Butler Memorial Duals last weekend. “Bryce is really improved also,” Renz said. “He’s our smaller guy, and he’s really tough. We’re looking for him to keep doing well, maybe win at more tournaments.” “We’re a team that’s built for tournaments,” Renz added. “Better at tournaments than dual meets. We’ve got guys who can win their weight class, which looks good at tournaments, to have two or three champions, as opposed to being able to win at every weight in duals. “And we’re still pretty young,” Renz said. “With guys who do a lot of work and keep getting better and better.”

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January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

Resolutions benefit from ‘self-compassion’ new year is about subtraction rather than addition. Her goal is to eliminate unnecessary stress from her life, an idea that resonates with many but proves difficult in practice. “It’s a lot harder than it sounds,” she said. Mental health experts say these types of resolutions — personal, flexible and rooted in lived experience — are more likely to last. J. Ryan Fuller, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and the executive director of New York Behavioral Health, a practice with multiple locations in the state, said the downfall of many resolutions isn’t a lack of discipline, but rather the way people interpret setbacks. “New Year’s resolutions can be either beneficial or destructive,” Fuller said, explaining that resolutions become destructive when they are framed as rigid tests of character instead of evolving goals. When people miss a day, break a streak or fall short early, they often abandon the effort entirely. “The important thing is not to see yourself as the failure if you don’t immediately succeed,” Fuller added. “Keep working toward progress.” According to Fuller, willpower alone is rarely enough. Sustainable change comes from designing goals

Courtesy J. Ryan Fuller

according to J. ryan fuller, ph.d., a clinical psychologist and the executive director of new York Behavioral Health, the key to sticking with resolutions isn’t just willpower. that fit naturally into a person’s life. He emphasized that there is no universal timeline for habit formation, despite popular claims that habits take a fixed number of days to develop. The complexity of the behavior matters far more than the calendar. “If it’s a really simple habit, that’s a habit that could develop really quickly,” he said. Fuller advises starting small — with changes that feel almost too easy — and building from there. That approach, he said, helps reduce the

pressure that often derails motivation early in the year. When making a resolution, Fuller stresses the importance of long-term “alignment.” Goals that clash with a person’s values, schedule or identity are less likely to stick, no matter how appealing they sound in January. “You want to make sure you’re picking things that align with your longterm goals, and be realistic,” he said. For health-related resolutions in par ticular, Fuller said, success depends on personal motivation rather than comparison or external expectations. Unrealistic targets can quickly lead to frustration, while achievable steps help create momentum and confidence. A central part of his approach is self-compassion — treating oneself with patience rather than criticism when setbacks occur. Resilience, Fuller said, is built not by avoiding failure, but by responding to it constructively. “Practicing self-compassion allows you to practice resilience,” he said. When people are kinder to themselves after missteps, they are more likely to return to their goals instead of giving up entirely. Progress, Fuller said, is rarely linear — “engineering success by making it something achievable,” he said.

Tips for making resolutions last Start small. Large, sweeping goals can feel inspiring, but they are difficult to sustain. Breaking a resolution into smaller, manageable actions makes it easier to build momentum and reduces the pressure to be perfect from the start. Align goals with real life. resolutions work best when they fit naturally into your routine, values and long-term priorities. goals that conflict with work schedules, family responsibilities or personal interests are more likely to be abandoned. Focus on progress, not streaks. missing a day, or slipping back into old habits, does not erase progress. treating setbacks as part of the process helps prevent the all-or-nothing mindset that causes many people to quit entirely. Practice self-compassion. responding to mistakes with harsh self-criticism often undermines motivation. allowing room for imperfection makes it easier to return to a goal after setbacks and continue moving forward.

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

Continued from page 1

News brief

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Marianne P. Stone/Herald

Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach inducted new members into the Chamber of Commerce at the organization’s 2024 gala at the Coral House in Baldwin on Jan. 18.

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Chamber sets board meeting, gala event

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The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly board meeting Thursday, Jan. 8, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Bristal Assisted Living at Lynbrook, 8 Freer St. The meeting is open to board members, the village representative, chamber members and prospective members. Attendees are asked to park at Starbucks. Later this month, the chamber will host its annual Evening of Excellence on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Coral House, 70 Milburn Ave., Baldwin. Photos with government officials will be taken at 5:30 p.m., prior to the start of the event.

The gala will honor community members for their contributions to Lynbrook, including Amy Ezagui of Lynbrook Schools, Christopher Skartsiaris of the Lynbrook Police Department and Scott Bien of the Lynbrook Fire Department. Breslin Realty and Field’s Grade will be recognized as Business of the Year. The evening will also include the installation of new officers and board members, along with dinner, live music and dancing. Tickets cost $125 per person. Attendees are encouraged to register online so organizers can provide an accurate count to the venue. —Ainsley Martinez

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Three local girls earn Eagle Scout rank All-female Troop 99 highlights growing role of girls in Scouting By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Three local young women were recognized for achieving one of the highest honors in Scouting, as Abigail Guiheen, Nina Munafo and Alexa Kosinski were formally awarded the rank of Eagle Scout during a ceremony held at Holy Name of Mary School in Valley Stream. Their accomplishment is especially significant given that only about 4 percent of Scouts nationwide reach the Eagle Scout rank, and fewer than 2 percent of those Eagle Scouts are girls. “The program has not been watered down by anything; it hasn’t been made easier,” Guiheen said. “It’s still an amazing accomplishment. But I just hope this shows girls that you can do it. And if this is something that you would like to do, you should do it. Because every moment that we’ve had in scouting and every memory that I’ve had in scouting has made this journey well worth it.” The ceremony marked a ABIGAIL GuIhEEN milestone not only for the three Troop 99, Scouting Scouts, but also for Troop 99, America Scouting America, the allfemale troop to which they belong. Girls were first allowed to join Cub Scouts in 2018, followed by the rebranding of the Boy Scouts of America’s older youth program as Scouts BSA in February 2019, which opened the path for girls to earn the Eagle Scout rank in separate, gender-specific troops. Even years later, all-female troops remain scarce, making the presence and success of Troop 99 particularly notable in the Valley Stream area. Guiheen, 18, of Malverne, joined in 2022 while she was a sophomore in high school. She currently attends Loyola University Maryland and is a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset. Guiheen’s path to Scouting was shaped by family tradition, as she grew up surrounded by the program through her brother’s involvement and her father, who is also an Eagle Scout. After completing her time in Girl Scouts, she decided to pursue Scouts BSA when the opportunity became available to girls. Guiheen’s Eagle Scout project focused on environmental protection and water quality in the Village of Malverne. Her project involved identifying approximately 250 storm drains and attaching educational markers, including “Do Not Dump” stickers and pet

he program has not been watered down by anything; it hasn’t been made easier.

Juan Alzamora/Herald Photo

Nina Munafo, Alexa Kosinski and Abigail Guiheen were recognized during their Eagle Scout ceremony at Holy Name of Mary School in Valley Stream, celebrating their achievement of Scouting’s highest rank. waste medallions, to raise awareness about how storm drains connect directly to local waterways. The initiative was designed to discourage pollution and highlight the impact of everyday actions on marine life, reflecting her long-standing interest in environmental conservation. Munafo, 16, of Lynbrook, is a junior at Valley Stream South High School. She joined in 2019, the year the program opened for girls. “I wanted to do more outdoorsy things, and I saw all the stuff that my brother is doing in Boy Scouts,” Munafo said. “So, when the troop started, I tried to join as soon as I could, and I started as a Webelo and bridged over.” Munafo’s Eagle Scout project took place at Holy Name of Mary Church in Valley Stream. Behind a statue of Mary on the church grounds, an outdoor gathering space that had been heavily used during the COVID-19 pandemic had fallen into disrepair. Munafo organized efforts to clear overgrown vegetation, remove trees, plant rose bushes and install pavers, transforming the area back into a welcoming community space. The project aligned closely with the needs

Abigail Guiheen, Alexa Kosinski and Nina Munafo participated in the Honor Guard, adding solemnity and tradition to the Eagle Scout ceremony.

of the parish and reflected her connection to the church community. Kosinski, 17, of Valley Stream, is a senior at Valley Stream South High School and will attend Vassar College next year. She joined in 2019 after being encouraged by Munafo. Like the others, she had previously been involved in Girl Scouts and was drawn to the opportunity to learn new skills and take on new challenges. Kosinski’s Eagle Scout project centered on creating a pollinator garden at a senior living facility in Lynbrook, where she had volunteered for several summers. Through the project, she combined environmental stewardship with community engagement by involving residents in hands-on activities such as planting flowers and decorating garden elements. “I got close to the residents, and I realized that a lot of them not only missed their old lives before they moved in, but they also talked a lot about their old flower gardens and vegetable gardens,” Kosinski said. “I’m also very environmentally conscious, and I really have a passion for working with the environment and so I wanted to combine those two things.” All three Scouts credited the guidance of Scoutmaster Lisa Burke and Committee Chair Pat Burke for helping them navigate the demanding Eagle Scout process. They also highlighted the importance of Troop 99’s supportive structure, particularly given the challenges of balancing school, leadership responsibilities, project planning, and extensive documentation within a limited time. Beyond the projects themselves, the Scouts emphasized that the journey to Eagle Scout helped them develop leadership, confidence, organization, and communication skills. Their experiences included managing teams, working with adults in formal settings and leading peers in outdoor and community activities. Their achievements underscore both the rigor of the Eagle Scout requirements and the expanding opportunities now available to girls through the program. For Troop 99 and the broader Valley Stream community, their success stands as a milestone in the continuing evolution of Scouting.

Minimum wage increase soon to hit paychecks

By JORDAN VALLONE

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

jvallone@liherald.com

New York state’s minimum wage increased on Jan. 1, marking the third straight year of increases. In New York City, Westchester and Long Island, the wage increased to $17 per hour, and in the rest of the state to $16 per hour. This adjustment of $.50 per hour is part of a planned series of increases, which will be indexed to inflation starting in 2027. “From the tip of Montauk to Niagara Falls, this increase reflects our promise to put money back in New Yorkers pockets and uplift our hard workers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By continuing these investments and indexing wages to inflation, we’re making sure New Yorkers can keep up with rising costs by taking home more money.” “As costs rise, wages must keep pace,” State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents parts of Queens and is chair of the committee on labor, said. “Indexing the minimum wage to inflation was not radical, it was responsible, and it’s how we make sure that work is rewarded with dignity today and in the years ahead.” The ability for the state to increase its minimum wages traces its roots back to a 2023 agreement between Hochul and the state legislature. Minimum wage was also boosted by $0.50 per hour in 2024 and 2025. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region — the most accurate regional measure of inflation. The state’s Department of Labor is working to educate employers and employees about wage changes. It offers free education seminars to help employers better understand labor laws and ensure compliance. Workers can visit the Department of Labor’s minimum wage webpage for more information, including an interac-

Minimum Wage: What to Know New rates as of Jan. 1 ■ $17 per hour: New York City, Long Island and Westchester ■ $16 per hour: Rest of New York state How much did it increase? ■ Wages rose by 50 cents per hour, marking the third straight annual increase. What’s next? ■ Beginning in 2027, New York’s minimum wage will be indexed to inflation, adjusting annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Courtesy Metro

Minimum wage increased in New York for the third year in a row. The wage increased to $17 per hour, with the state looking to help workers make ends meet. tive minimum wage lookup tool to verify their correct pay rate. If you earn minimum wage and do not see an increase reflected in your paycheck, wage complaints can be filed at DOL.NY.gov or by calling (833) 910-4378. “With costs rising, this increase is crucial for workers looking to make ends meet,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said.

Need to check your pay? ■ Visit the New York State Department of Labor’s minimum wage webpage for an interactive lookup tool to confirm your correct rate. Not seeing the increase? ■ Workers can file a wage complaint at DOL.NY.gov Or call (833) 910-4378

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January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

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Lynbrook firefighters battled a second-floor bedroom fire at a home on Hendrickson avenue on new Year’s day. the blaze caused major damage and drew mutual aid from neighboring fire departments.

Firefighters respond to pair of local house fires

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departments in the Fourth Battalion Fire District, as well as from Valley Stream. The homeowner was later taken to a hospital by the de par tment’s Emerg ency Medical Company for observation. Firefighters remained on the scene for about 90 minutes. The home sustained major fire damage.

Multi-Organization Women’s Networking Breakfast firefighters from Lynbrook and surrounding departments responded to one of two working house fires reported on new Year’s day. Both incidents prompted investigations by the nassau County fire marshal’s office.

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January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

STEPPING OUT Yacht Rock Revue

Fettucine with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

Hearty Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables

Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder

New year, fresh flavors Your kitchen beckons By Karen Bloom

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

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

Consider adding these recipes to your repertoire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JAN

Tasting Club: Herbal Tea Tasting

CALENDAR • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Enjoy a cozy night sampling caffeine-free herbal teas at East Rockaway Public Library.

AARP Defensive Driving

• Where: 477 Atlantic Ave. • Time: 7-7:45 p.m. • Contact: EastRockawayLibrary. org

JAN

A full-day certified AARP defensive driving course at East Rockaway Public Library. Improve skills, obtain insurance discounts and point reducation. $25 AARP members, $30 non-members.

Family Chess Club

• Where: 477 Atlantic Ave. • Time: 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. • Contact: EastRockawayLibrary. org

Join anytime and attend as often as you like at Lynbrook Public Library. Adult attendance required and participation encouraged. Chess sets provided or bring your own. Open to grades K and up • Where: 56 Eldert St. • Time: 2:30-4 p.m. • Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

Tunes with the John Fogarty Tribute Project

Plaza Theatrical invites to all to its stage at Elmont Memorial Library for a high-energy celebration of the music of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival.. Known for their authentic, bluesy, swamp-rock sound, the John Fogarty Tribute Project prides themselves on faithfully capturing the spirit of both the classic Creedence years and John Fogerty’s solo career. Their shows deliver the music fans love, performed with accuracy, energy and heart. $40, $35 seniors. • Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

‘Violet’s Victory’

Families are invited to Nassau County Museum of Art for a special story time with children’s author Valerie Goldstein, who shares her inspiring picture book Violet’s Victory! Follow Violet, a determined young girl with lavender hair, as she discovers her strength, perseverance, and the power of adaptive sports on her journey to achieve her dreams. After the reading, meet the author for a book signing and enjoy a fun, hands-on craft inspired by Violet’s story of creativity, courage, and confidence. Children must be accompanied by an adult care giver.; $20 adult, $10 members and children. Advance registration preferred. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 1:30-3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

JAN

Paul Cornish Trio

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

Elated Eagles

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

JAN

Morse Code Moniker

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day. Stop by to learn about Samuel Morse, the telegraph and learn how to spell your name in dashes and dots while making a bracelet. This is a drop-in program. Also discover more about Morse code in Communication Station on the second floor. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Village Board Meeting

Lynbrook Village Board holds its next meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: TBD • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: LynbrookVillage.net

JAN

welcome.

Lynbrook Library Board meets

The Lynbrook Library Board holds its next meeting. All are

• Where: 56 Eldert St. • Time: 7-9 p.m. • Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

JAN

Disney on ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party

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

dazzling skating and immersive storytelling at UBS arena. Mickey and friends journey through exciting worlds as they search for clues, bringing the audience along for an unforgettable, high-energy experience. Perfect for all ages who love Disney magic on ice. • Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7 p.m., through Jan. 19, times vary. • Tickets: ticketmaster.com

JAN

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

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

Evening of Excellence Gala

Join the Chamber of Commerce for this festive event to honor some of Lynbrook’s finest people who help make the community the great place it is to live work and play! Honorees include Amy Ezagui, Lynbrook Schools; Christopher Skartsiaris, Lynbrook Police Department; and Scott Bien, Lynbrook Fire Department. Breslin Realty & Fields Grade is also honored as Business of the Year. New officers and board members are celebrated. With dining, entertainment and dancing. $125 per person. • Where: Coral House, 70 Milburn Ave. • Time: 6-10 p.m. • Contact: lynbrookusa.com or Michela Argento at (516) 3127719

FEB

Lunch and Learn Gala

Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts an informative luncheon with Mayor Beach as guest speaker, providing updates on what’s happening in the village. • Where: Pearsall’s Station, 479 Sunrise Highway • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: lynbrookusa.com or Michela Argento at (516) 3127719

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.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Public N

January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

LLYN1 0108

LIRR, Metro-North set otices yearly ridership records

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village Board of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Monday, the 12th day of January 2026 at 7:00 P.M., will conduct a Public Hearing under Village Code #212-1.1 at which time the Board will take proof of the unreasonably dangerous condition of sidewalks, curbs, etc. contiguous to the properties set forth below and will determine whether said conditions must be repaired by the owner(s) of said properties or, upon failure to so repair, that the Village will do so with the cost thereof to be assessed against said properties: House Number and Street Section, Block and Lot 21 Carter Court 18-01-05 60 Marion Street 44-03-11,13 133 Bixley Heath 32-05-01 By Order of the Board of Trustees John Giordano, Village Administrator Lynbrook, New York 157658 LEGAL NOTICE including, but not Meeting of January 12, SUPREME COURT OF limited to, social 2026 to start at 8:00 THE STATE OF NEW distancing and mask PM. YORK wearing. *LOCATION JOHN GIORDANO, COUNTY OF NASSAU OF SALE SUBJECT TO VILLAGE WILMINGTON CHANGE DAY OF IN ADMINISTRATOR SAVINGS FUND ACCORDANCE WITH LYNBROOK, NEW SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN COURT/CLERK YORK ITS INDIVIDUAL DIRECTIVES. 157659 CAPACITY BUT SOLELY 157579 AS TRUSTEE FOR LWFT LEGAL NOTICE I TRUST 2020-1, PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE -againstVILLAGE OF EAST NOTICE OF SALE ROY ESCOBAR, ET AL. ROCKAWAY SUPREME COURT NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY COUNTY OF NASSAU NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning US BANK NATIONAL GIVEN pursuant to a Board of Appeals of the ASSOCIATION, AS Final Judgment of Incorporated Village of TRUSTEE FOR THE Foreclosure entered in East Rockaway, Nassau STRUCTURED ASSET the Office of the Clerk County, New York, will INVESTMENT LOAN of the County of hold a Public Hearing TRUST SERIES 2005-6, Nassau on November at the Village Hall, 376 Plaintiff AGAINST ERIC 14, 2025, wherein Atlantic Avenue, East EISENLAU, MARK WILMINGTON Rockaway, NY on FAUSER, ET AL., SAVINGS FUND Wednesday, January Defendant(s) Pursuant SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM on to a Judgment of ITS INDIVIDUAL the following Foreclosure and Sale CAPACITY BUT SOLELY application: duly entered June 7, AS TRUSTEE FOR LWFT #01-2026 Application 2016, I, the I TRUST 2020-1 is the of Paul & Linda undersigned Referee Plaintiff and ROY Mascioli, Owners, will sell at public ESCOBAR, ET AL. are requesting a variance auction at the North the Defendant(s). I, the of: Side steps of the undersigned Referee, Section 288-7 Uses. A. Nassau County will sell at public Permitted uses. (1) of Supreme Court, 100 auction RAIN OR SHINE the Village Zoning Supreme Court Drive, at the NASSAU code, to alter, relocate, Mineola, NY 11501 on COUNTY SUPREME and maintain a twoFebruary 4, 2026 at COURT, NORTH SIDE family dwelling, where 2:00 PM, premises STEPS, 100 SUPREME only one-family known as 5 John COURT DRIVE, dwellings are Street, East Rockaway, MINEOLA, NY 11501, permitted. NY 11518. All that on February 4, 2026 at The premises are certain plot, piece or 2:00PM, premises located at 45 Clinton parcel of land, with the known as 153 MAIN Avenue, as described buildings and STREET, EAST on the Official Tax Map improvements thereon ROCKAWAY, NY as Section 4, Block 3, erected, situate, lying 11518; and the Lot 16. and being at East following tax map TAKE FURTHER NOTICE Rockaway, Town of identification: that all interested Hempstead, County of 42-1-226 & 227. parties will have the Nassau and State of ALL THAT CERTAIN opportunity to be heard New York, Section: 42 PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL at the aforesaid time Block: 89 Lot: 104. OF LAND, SITUATE, and place. Approximate amount LYING AND BEING AT BY ORDER OF the of judgment “BAY PARK” ON Zoning Board of $368,273.90 plus HEWLETT BAY, TOWN Appeals of the interest and costs. OF HEMPSTEAD, Incorporated Village of Premises will be sold NASSAU COUNTY, East Rockaway. subject to provisions of NEW YORK Terrence Riecker filed Judgment Index Premises will be sold Superintendent #012428/2012. Jane subject to provisions of Department of Shrenkel, Esq., Referee filed Judgment Index Buildings Gross Polowy, LLC No.: 612623/2023. Dated: January 8, 2026 1775 Wehrle Drive Janet Deluca, Esq. 157656 William sville, NY Referee. Robertson, 14221 00-293459 Anschutz, Schneid, LEGAL NOTICE 88140 Crane & Partners, PLLC, NOTICE OF DECISIONS 157507 900 Merchants NOTICE IS HEREBY Concourse, Suite 310, LEGAL NOTICE GIVEN that the BOARD Westbury, New York NOTICE IS HEREBY OF ZONING APPEALS 11590, Attorneys for GIVEN that the Board will hold DECISIONS on Plaintiff. All foreclosure of Trustees of the Thursday, January sales will be conducted Incorporated Village of 22ND, 2026 at 5:30 in accordance with Lynbrook have P.M. in the Court Room Covid-19 guidelines rescheduled the Board at the Village Hall, One

Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following cases: #1026 - Edwar R. Sierra Hernandez, 69 Winter Street, Lynbrook, #1027 - Capital Home Builders, 110 Stella Court, Lynbrook. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 157657 LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2006-6, HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6, -againstELIZABETH WOLK, 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 29, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2006-6, HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6 is the Plaintiff and ELIZABETH WOLK, 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 10, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 FOREST AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563; and the following tax map identification: 38-464-28A & 28B. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 605955/2022.

The Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth Railroad capped off 2025 with extraordinary performance and ridership growth, setting new records for both services. The LIRR led the charge with a 9 percent increase in ridership, totaling 81 million customers. In December alone, the railroad hit several milestones, including its highest post-pandemic Saturday ridership with 183,250 riders on Dec. 13, and the highest Sunday ridership since the pandemic with 152,661 riders on Dec. 21. This growth reflects a larger trend throughout the year, as the LIRR reached over 300,000 passengers in a single day on Sept. 24 for the first time since the pandemic. With a 96 percent on-time performance rate, the LIRR also achieved its best reliability score in over a decade, an increase of one percentage point from 2024. Rider satisfaction surged to 81 percent, an 11-point boost from the previous year. Not to be outdone, Metro-North Railroad also posted impressive results. With OTP reaching nearly 98 percent in 2025, Metro-North achieved its highest levels of reliability in recent years. The railroad carried 69 million riders, a 6 percent increase over 2024, with notable spikes in ridership during the winter holiday season. The week of Dec. 15 saw Metro-North’s highest post-pandemic ridership, with 827,015 total riders. Metro-North’s “Super-Express” service, launched ahead of schedule on Oct. 5, further enhanced the passenger experience, cutting travel times between Poughkeepsie and Grand Central to under 90 minutes. These gains were part of a larger, region-wide growth in MTA ridership in 2025, which saw nearly 1.9 billion trips across all services, including the subway and buses.

Gov. Kathy Hochul praised the MTA’s achievements, highlighting the significant improvements in service and ridership across the system. Reflecting on the milestone year, she emphasized how investments in mass transit are driving both performance and growth, benefiting riders and the broader region. “This is what happens when you invest in mass transit: better service, faster trips, and increasing ridership, benefitting the entire region,” she said “[The year] 2025 was a record-breaking year for the MTA and a great year for riders, who took almost two billion trips, powering the entire region. Transit is the lifeblood of New York, and in 2026, we will build on these results to continue improving service, saving New Yorkers precious time and powering our economy.” Improved reliability and record ridership in 2025 were the result of sustained investments in infrastructure and service enhancements, including a focus on increasing subway and bus frequencies and expanding rail services. On the LIRR, for instance, new schedules and more trains helped accommodate the surge in demand, while Metro-North’s modernized “Super-Express” services added new options for commuters. However, as the MTA looks ahead to 2026, fare hikes are on the horizon. Starting Jan. 4, all MTA services—including the LIRR and Metro-North—will see a price increase. This move is intended to help offset rising operational costs and ensure continued improvements to service and infrastructure.

Louis B. Imbroto, 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. 157677

Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 2/10/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 299 Peninsula Boulevard, Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, New York 11563, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0042 Block 00230-00 Lot 00120 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $383,348.12 plus

— Brian Kacharaba

Public Notices

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2003OP1, Plaintiff, Against DANIEL P. MULVEY JR. A/K/A DANIEL. MULVEY A/K/A DANIEL P. MULVEY, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/17/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County

interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 610938/2020 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. JOHN P CLARKE, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 12/26/2025 File Number: 20-302674 CA 157673

W1 01/08

Employment

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

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

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

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

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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

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January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

W2 01/08

Homes

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

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

Ask The Architect

© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

W3 01/08

Market Place • •

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

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W4 01/08

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

executive producer of “Democracy Now!” It began as a radio program, and subsequently expanded to television, too. Goodman has not only been a journalist on radio and TV, but has authored or co-authored books including “Standing Up to the Madness,” “The Exception to the Rulers,” “The Silenced Majority” and “Democracy Now! Twenty Years Covering the Movements Changing America,” published in 2017. As the website for it then related: “In 1996 Amy Goodman began hosting a show on Pacifica Radio called Democracy Now! to focus on the issues and movements that are too often ignored by the corporate media. Today Democracy Now! is the largest public media collaboration in the U.S., broadcasting on over 1,400 public television and radio stations around the world, with millions accessing it online at democracynow.org.” A documentary is different than a book. I’ve authored books and also written and presented documentaries, and as a journalism professor at SUNY Old Westbury, I taught for years a course called “Documentary: Theories and Techniques.” As John Grierson, the Scottish filmmaker credited with coining the term “documentary” in 1926, explained, a documentary focuses on an “actuality”

— capturing and showcasing the real-life issues of real people, with the “original” people involved, and “original” scenes, conveying a truer picture of reality, he felt, than actors and a set could provide. That’s what the documentary about Goodman does. It starts with her trying to question Wells Griffith, the representative of the first Trump administration at a 2018 United Nations climate conference in Poland. She asks Griffith about President Trump’s claim that climate change is a hoax. Griffith scrambles away up a series of stairways, with Goodman keeping up, and charges her with “harassment.” “A reporter asking you a question,” Goodman responds, “is not harassment.” The documentary then shifts to Goodman’s reporting on the 1991 killing of more than 200 independence protesters in East Timor by Indonesian troops, and shows her and fellow journalist Allan Nairn badly beaten. It includes her arrest, with other journalists, in a police sweep of an anti-war demonstration at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. It presents scenes of Goodman covering Native Americans in Standing Rock, N.D., in 2017, protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline, which brought with it

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

the threat of oil spills that could contaminate the Missouri River and the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation’s water supply, as Goodman faced arrest. These are just some of the elements of “Steal This Story, Please!” The archival footage illuminates. The directing, by Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, is superb. The words of Goodman running through it are eloquent. Here’s the description of the documentary in the Hamptons Doc Fest program: “Undeterred by armed soldiers, smooth-talking politicians and riot police, journalist Amy Goodman has reported some of the most consequential stories of our time. ‘Steal This Story, Please!’ is a gripping portrait of Amy, the trailblazer whose unwavering commitment to truth-telling spans three decades of turbulent history. The film is both a call to action and a celebration of resistance, posing the question: What happens to democracy when the press surrenders to power?” In kicking off the 18th year of the Hamptons Doc Fest with the documentary about Goodman, Jacqui Lofaro, the festival’s founder and executive director, spoke of “journalism’s vital role in revealing truth.” Carl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

The arts on Long Island are for you

he arts — literature, music, drama, painting, sculpture — form a narrative that helps explain the origins and promises of a society. The arts help us explore our history and imagine our future. While Long Island is well known for health sciences and aerospace technology, it is also a major home for culture — the arts and artists. Think of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Great Gatsby,” Stanford White and the Gold Coast, Harry Chapin, Chuck D roBErT A. and Public Enemy, Adelphi sCoTT Professor Paul Moravec’s Pulitzer Prize for Music, Billy Joel and countless others. We are fortunate to have the Long Island Arts Alliance, a regional arts service organization dedicated to strengthening the arts and arts education across Nassau and Suffolk counties. It does this through advocacy for private and public funding, research into best practices and innovations, programming for people of all ages as well as for performance and

recognition, and promoting collaboration across sectors. LIAA partnered with the Center for an Urban Future to report on the condition of the arts and arts education on Long Island. The report, “Sustaining Long Island’s Creative Spark,” offers important insights. Among them are: ■ Arts and culture employment on Long Island grew 21.8 percent from 2014 to 2024, more than five times the region’s overall job growth.

received about 3.2 percent of awards. Yet Long Island is home to 15 percent of New York’s population. In addition, grants to Long Island arts organizations were about 21 percent lower than the statewide average. So Long Island not only receives a small share of the total; it also receives smaller average awards than the rest of the state. The size of grants to Long Island artists, however, increased about 375 percent over 2024. This reflects a small but targeted pilot program that LIAA ran this year. It acted as a fiscal sponsor and outreach coordinator, met one-on-one with artists, reviewed proposals, and helped first-time applicants navigate the process. LIAA submitted 14 artist applications; nine were funded, and all nine were first-time state grant recipients. The pattern is clear: when Long Island has the support and infrastructure to compete, it can bring in substantially more state funding. Without that support, the region continues to be underrepresented. LIAA is now advocating for Nassau and Suffolk to seed a Long Island grants

hat do F. Scott Fitzgerald and Chuck D have in common? Take a guess.

■ Long Island’s resident artist and design workforce increased to over 10,500, even as the under-65 population declined.

■ Nonprofit arts and culture organizations generate $330 million in annual economic activity on Long Island, supporting 4,905 jobs and $81 million in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. The center found that Long Island’s arts sector is performing at a high level, but state funding lags. For example, Long Island received about 2.5 percent of the total grant funding awarded, and

academy for the arts. The goal is to build a reliable, long-term pipeline of grant-ready organizations and artists so the region finally gets its fair share of state and federal arts funding. The proposed academy would provide training and coaching for artists and small or midsized nonprofits; offer shared tools, templates and guidance for preparing competitive applications; and deliver cohort-based workshops and one-on-one support tied to the New York State Council on the Arts and other public funds. LIAA is seeking an initial investment of $50,000 from each county to scale this model. The results to date suggest that even this modest local investment can unlock hundreds of thousands of additional state dollars for Long Island’s creative sector. To date, more than 50 organizations and individual artists have indicated support for the grants academy concept. LIAA will continue to advocate for this resource at the county and state level. It is imperative to step up advocacy for Long Island arts, and essential for the LIAA to expand its influence in promoting the value of culture to the community. Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and the author of “How University Boards Work.”

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

Documenting a formidable L.I. journalist, Amy Goodman

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Ainsley MArtinez Editor

Without January pressure, change works better

January 8, 2026 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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

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

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

opInIons

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

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

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

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

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — January 8, 2026

Health and Human Services: less healthy, more disservice

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