Merrick Herald 02-05-2026

Long Island High School for the Arts students prepared for their performances of ‘Big Fish’ since September, rehearsing for hours every week after school.

BOCES brings ‘Big Fish’ to stage

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

Bellmore’s Jerusalem Avenue Elementary School hosted some of Long Island’s best aspiring performers, who took the stage for their first professional-grade production of the 1998 novel turned Broadway classic and Tim Burton film, ‘Big Fish.’

The troupe of students are enrolled in the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts, which offers career and technical programs for half of a student’s school day, ranging from music and performing arts to video game design and animation.

BOCES is an alternative education program for young people who want to begin training for their careers as soon as possible. For the theatrical students, performing Big Fish allowed students to collaborate with

professionals in the industry, including Broadway professionals and career sound designers.

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

“These CTE programs meet the district arts programs and then take them to the next level, we are able to provide students two and a half hours of just arts education every single day,” she continued.

The goal of this intensive artistic education is to prepare students to enter competitive colleges and fields with years of training to support them. Chris Brick, a teacher

Rotary Club steps in to aid Merrick family

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club recently donated $900 to a Merrick family whose Decker Avenue home was destroyed by fire , part of the organization’s continued effort to expand its community outreach in Merrick.

Spearheaded by Rotary Club secretary and Merrick resident Kerry Esmay, who is set to become the club’s president later this year.

ofamily to assist with immediate needs.

“When you lose everything, there are so many things you don’t even think about at first — basic household items like a can opener, clothes, a hair dryer,” Esmay said. “We just wanted to give them a little help to get back on their feet.”

ur motto is ‘Service Above Self.’

JoRDAN PECoRA

“I had heard about the fire through some connections in the community, and it really tugged at my heartstrings,” said Esmay, who joined the club two years ago. “They lost their home, their belongings and several pets. I just couldn’t imagine going through something like that and not trying to help.”

Immediate Past President, FreeportMerrick Rotary Club

In addition to the Rotary Club’s donation, a GoFundMe fundraiser was created to support the family. As of press time, more than $19,000 had been raised through community contributions.

Jordan Pecora, the immediate past president of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club, said the effort reflects the organization’s core mission of service.

Esmay brought the situation to the Rotary Club, which quickly organized a collection among its members. The funds were recently presented to the

“Our motto is ‘Service Above Self,’” Pecora said. “We want to give more of ourselves and make sure people know we’re here to support both Freeport and Merrick.”

Pecora, who served as club president during the 2024–25

ContInued on pAge 13

Courtesy Chris Brick

Hablamos Español

Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC

Jerusalem Ave. hosts iconic musical

in the performing arts department and director of Big Fish, supervised the productions.

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

Two 30-person teams of students performed Big Fish on Jan. 27 and 28 at Jerusalem Avenue, each with over 30 student members from cast to crew. This LIHSA production is designed to focus heavily on storytelling in the absence of Broadway embellishments.

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

Student auditions for the musical began in September, leading into five hour rehearsals after school each week, where students worked on set design, line readings and choreography.

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

The three LIHSA students, each 17, were excited to put class theory to practice.

Cora Jones of Freeport played Amos Calloway. Going through the rigorous rehearsal pro-

cess was an incredible experience, she said.

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

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

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

Jackson Reiser of Lynbrook plays one of the leading roles, Edward Bloom. He celebrated the team’s accomplishments.

“I feel very proud of how it’s come together and how hard everyone works and how we come together to make things work,” he said. “Coming to LIHSA, I just feel like I’ve grown so much, and I’ve learned so much… I feel like I’m closer to where I want to be as a performer.”

Marilena Castoro of Smithtown played Sandra Bloom, also a central role.

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

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

Students bring ‘The Big One-Oh’ to the stage

Students in Chatterton School’s upper grades have been working for months to bring this year’s after-school theater production, “The Big One-Oh”, to life.

Fifth- and sixth-grade cast members prepared for their roles through September auditions and have been rehearsing twice a week since. Chatterton On Stage, the school’s self-sustaining annual theater program, presented three performances of the show.

The production, adapted from the book by Dean Pitchford, Oscar-winning songwriter of hits including “Footloose”, “Fame”, “Holding Out for a Hero” and “After All”, is a heartfelt and comedic story celebrating friendship, growing up and milestone moments.

Before performing, the cast had the opportunity to speak with Pitchford via Zoom. The conversation offered students insight into the writing process and inspiration behind the story and characters.

The production was supported by parent volunteers, student helpers from Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s On

Tour Co., and Shira Voulgarakis, Chatterton’s reading teacher and director of Chatterton On Stage.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Courtesy Chris Brick

Long island High School for the arts students Jackson reiser and Jackson parker gill review their notes during a rehearsal session.

Photos courtesy of the Merrick Union Free School District.

anya, ethan and Lea.

Zoe, noa and noah.

Questions we’ve been asked...

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There is absolutely no fee or other charge in New York State when you make “pre-arrangements”. Moreover when you pre-fund those arrangements through the Pre-Plan Trust there is no additional expense in establishing the trust account. A trust account that remains under your control and your funds are FDIC insured.

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Review: “Feel the Fear and Do It

by Susan Jeffers – Part Two

Alzheimer’s Association to aid 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.

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

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a free webinar this month, n partnership with the Divine Nine Consortium, examining how Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact diverse communities.

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.

Courtesy Metro

Thomas L. Kearns

Valentine’s Day traditions and origins

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Valentine’s Day, celebrated each year on February 14, is a holiday recognized around the world as

1Valentine’s Day has ancient roots that predate romantic love.

Although Valentine’s Day is now strongly associated with romance, its origins are much older and not originally about love. The holiday traces back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was celebrated in midFebruary. Lupercalia was linked to fertility, health, and the coming of spring. During this festival, rituals were performed to promote fertility and ward off evil spirits. When Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, many pagan festivals were adapted into Christian holidays. Over time, Lupercalia was replaced with a day honoring Saint Valentine, helping shift the holiday’s meaning from fertility rituals to something more symbolic and moral.

2

There was likely multiple “Saint Valentines.”

One interesting fact is that historians are not certain which Valentine the

a time to express love and affection. Its roots trace back centuries, blending religious tradition with cultural customs that have evolved

holiday refers to. There were at least two Christian martyrs named Valentine who lived during the 3rd century. One popular legend claims that a priest named Valentine secretly performed marriages for couples when marriage was banned by Emperor Claudius II. Another story suggests Valentine helped imprisoned Christians and signed letters “from your Valentine,” which may explain the phrase still used today. While these stories are difficult to confirm historically, they contributed to Valentine becoming associated with love, devotion, and kindness.

3

The holiday became romantic in the Middle Ages.

Valentine’s Day did not become strongly linked with romantic love until the Middle Ages, especially in England and France. During this time, people believed that birds began mating in midFebruary, which helped connect the date with romance. Famous writers such

over time.

From ancient legends to modern-day chocolates and cards, here are five things to know about the holiday and its traditions:

as Geoffrey Chaucer wrote poems that linked Valentine’s Day to love and courtship. This literary influence played a major role in shaping how people viewed the holiday, turning it into a day for expressing affection rather than simply honoring a saint.

4

Valentine’s Day cards—and chocolate— have a long history.

Exchanging Valentine’s messages has been popular for centuries. The oldest known Valentine’s card dates to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orléans, wrote a poem to his wife while he was imprisoned. By the 18th and 19th centuries, printed Valentine’s cards became common, especially in Europe and the United States. Improvements in printing technology and cheaper postage helped make cards widely accessible. Today, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular card-giving holidays, with millions exchanged each year.

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day are

also loosely connected, but this wasn’t always the case. In the 1800s, a chocolate maker named Richard Cadbury began selling chocolates in decorative, heartshaped boxes. These boxes were often kept as souvenirs after the chocolates were eaten. This idea helped turn chocolate into a classic Valentine’s Day gift, a tradition that continues today.

5

Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently around the world.

While many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, traditions vary widely. In Japan, it is customary for girls to give chocolate to boys, while boys return the favor a month later White Day. In Finland and Estonia, the holiday focuses more on friendship than romance and is often called “Friend’s Day.” In some cultures, Valentine’s Day is less commercial or not widely celebrated at all. These differences show how the holiday has been adapted to fit local customs and values.

spotlight athlete

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

Kennedy wrestles to 22 victories

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

When Kennedy wrestling coach Brian DeGaetano addressed his boys before the season, he told them to prepare for defeat. His intention was to use a tough schedule to season a young lineup for future successes, which left him all the more flat-footed when the Cougars approached the Nassau County Division 1 dual meet championships with a 16-0 record.

“I thought next year, we would be having the success we’re having this year,” DeGaetano said. “But it turned out that the kids have worked and gone above and beyond in the offseason, so this year was the breakout year for us. It’s exciting, and on the whole team, we’re only losing two seniors from the starting lineup next year. We’re going to be very strong again.”

After a slightly unexpected run of brilliance, DeGaetano’s words finally rang true when Kennedy fell to Manhasset 46-22 in the D-1 quarterfinals Jan. 22. It had the sharpening effect the coach always expected it would, and the Cougars are now 22-2 and rolling into this Saturday’s county qualifier tournament. Last Saturday, they capped off a three-meet run to win the South Side Duals.

“The loss was good. It just came at the wrong time,” DeGaetano said. “I thought we would have lost earlier, but we didn’t. It stung, and the kids were really upset about it, but they came back to practice Monday.”

Though he might have a gap or two from meet to meet, DeGaetano said the key to success has been a tight lineup. The coach has a top option at nearly every weight, which often allows him to craft a lineup in line with the Cougars’ preparation. He also noted their competitive tenacity.

“These guys really love to compete and they love to wrestle the best kids,” DeGaetano said.

Kennedy’s three All-County wrestlers all returned with strong 2025-26 campaigns. Sophomore Jason Brodack

boasts a 23-12 record at 118 pounds, while junior Harlan Chugerman, a state qualifier last year, stands at 28-6 at 150.

Peter Mikedis, another sophomore standout for the Cougars at 165, is currently 33-2 and steamrolling his way through Section VIII.

Between Chugerman and Mikedis, Wyatt Saldarelli is 18-8 at 157 pounds. Brodack and Mikedis are not the only up-and-coming forces in the Kennedy lineup, as youth was largely responsible for DeGaetano’s tempered expectations at the start. So many wrestlers have far exceeded those early projections, including freshman Tak Rodger, who’s currently 24-11 at 126 pounds. Sophomores

Sivin (103) and Christian Bribitzer (110) are currently 26-10 and 22-10, respectively.

Junior Hendrick Capo, the reigning league champion at 144 pounds, is handling business against with a 30-6 record, while fellow junior Jared Eisenberg commands even more presence at 138 with a 36-3 record. The Bachisin brothers, Miles and Ryder, keep the Cougars strong at higher weights, earning 39 combined victories at 175 and 165. For such a young core of talent to succeed so early, it becomes tempting to consider the possibilities far down the road. For those involved, however, the next meet is all.

Alex

Paul Grassini/Herald

Peter Mikedis, one of Kennedy’s sophomore standouts, takes a record of 33-2 into the county qualifier where he’ll compete at 165 pounds.

AFA Health Screening Day

THURSDAY

February 12 10 AM - 2 PM

AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center

149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Memory screenings to help identify early signs of cognitive changes

Blood pressure screenings to support cardiovascular health

Balance screenings to assess fall risk and mobility

Information on other health screenings and resources for older adults

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

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

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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.

Detailing the threats to L.I.’s drinking water

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.

Iresult 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.”

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

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.

A press conference held at Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant.

Merrick Chamber holds installation

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce recognized several local leaders and businesses during its 2026 Annual Installation and Awards Celebration, held Jan. 29 at Mio Posto Restaurant in Merrick.

The evening event highlighted individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Merrick community and surrounding areas.

Berta Weinstein was named Woman of the Year, while Seth Pitlake received Man of the Year honors.

The Professionals of the Year award

went to Andy and Megan Fox for their work with Project Thank A Cop, an initiative supporting law enforcement officers.

Merchant of the Year was awarded to Olive It Boutique, a Merrick-based business recognized for its service and community involvement.

The celebration included a formal dinner and installation of chamber leadership, bringing together business owners, civic leaders and residents to mark the start of the chamber’s 2026 term.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Ira Reiter was sworn in as president.

Man of the Year - Seth Pitlake.

Andy and Megan Fox.

Merchant of the Year - Melissa Briscoe of Olive It Boutique.

Woman of the Year - Berta Weinstein.

Young clarinetist headed to Carnegie Hall

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Annalisa Milia, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School, has been selected to perform in the Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall this summer, placing her among the highest-rated young musicians from around the world.

Annalisa, a clarinetist with seven years of formal music training, will perform with the Honors Band in July following a competitive nomination and audition process reviewed by the Honors Selection Board.

“She was over the moon excited,” said her mother, Elizabeth Dogbe. “When I told her she got in, she thought I was lying. She kept saying, ‘Oh my God, oh my God.’”

Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to top student performers who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication and academic achievement. Nearly 10,000 nominations are processed each year.

“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We have selected the

most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-alifetime experience.”

Annalisa began studying piano in early elementary school before choosing the clarinet in fourth grade when students were asked to select band instruments.

“She didn’t really know anything about the clarinet — she just decided that was what she wanted to try,” Dogbe said. “But she took to it right away. Her teacher noticed how good she was and encouraged her to try for higher levels.”

She has since earned consistent “Outstanding” ratings in New York State School Music Association evaluations for both piano and clarinet and has participated in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Band ensemble.

For the past two years, Annalisa has also been a member of Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts, where she currently performs in its Honor Band.

While attending Old Mill Road Elementary School, she played in concert band, jazz band and a woodwind ensemble. Her dedication earned her the Dr. Irene H. Lenhart Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music for Band,

presented to one graduating student across the North Merrick Union Free School District.

In addition to music, Annalisa maintains a 98.4 academic average and plays on the Merrick Avenue Middle School girls volleyball team.

“I don’t even know how she balances everything,” Dogbe said. “She actually

gets bored when she doesn’t have activities. She thrives on being busy.”

Annalisa was also recognized last year with the New York State Attorney General’s Triple “C” Award, which honors students for commitment, character and courage. She participates annually in community service efforts supporting veterans.

In response to her Carnegie Hall selection, Annalisa said, “This is so amazing. I can’t wait to play at Carnegie Hall. I’m so excited.”

The Honors Performance Series brings together student musicians from across the United States and abroad for a week of rehearsals, workshops with world-renowned conductors and a culminating public performance at the historic Manhattan venue.

For Dogbe, the opportunity carries special meaning.

“That’s the pinnacle of performance,” she said. “To see my daughter on that stage is going to be incredible.”

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished young performers on an international level and is presented by WorldStrides, an educational travel organization.

The public performance is scheduled for late July, with tickets available through the Carnegie Hall box office approximately 60 days in advance.

Courtesy Elizabeth Dogbe

Annalisa Milia was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall this summer.

News brief

Applications for pre-K lottery are live

The North Bellmore School District is accepting applications for its universal prekindergarten program for the 2026-27 school year.

While the district has received expanded grant funding and anticipates having enough seats for all applicants, a lottery will still be held to assign placements. The program is contingent on state funding.

Children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2026, and eligible to enter kindergarten in September 2027 may apply. The program is administered by the North Bellmore School District and offered through community-based preschools. It is funded by the New York State Education Department through a UPK grant and is provided at no cost to families.

The district expects to offer primarily full-day programs, with limited halfday placements. Half-day programs run 2 1/2 hours per day, five days a week, while full-day programs run five hours per day, five days a week. Daily attendance is expected. Families cannot choose school locations, and transportation is not provided.

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 13. Applications are available online at northbellmoreschools.org and at each elementary school from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days. For more information, contact the Curriculum Office at (516) 992-3000, ext. 3009.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Club highlights commitment to local service

Rotary year and has been a member since 2020, said the club has historically focused more of its projects in Freeport but is now working to build a stronger presence in Merrick.

“We’re a club for both communities, not just Freeport,” Pecora said. “A lot of what we’ve done in the past has been more Freeport-based, but we want to make sure Merrick feels represented and supported as well.”

The donation to the Merrick family is part of a broader effort to balance the club’s outreach. The Rotary Club has previously supported Merrick-based organizations, including local food pantries, and hopes to continue strengthening those relationships.

Esmay said being a Merrick resident and parent in the school district has helped her become more aware of local needs.

“I’m involved in the PTA and have a lot of connections in the community, so I hear about situations where people might need help,” she said. “We always want to respond thoughtfully and in ways that actually make an impact.”

Both Pecora and Esmay noted that the club has assisted families affected by fires before, including a recent effort in Freeport where members collected clothing and other essentials.

The family who received the dona -

tion expressed deep gratitude, Esmay said. “They were incredibly appreciative and really moved by how many people in the community came together to help them,” she said. Looking ahead, Esmay said the Rotary Club hopes to become more involved in Merrick and partner with local organizations.

“If people have ideas for ways we can help or work together, I’d love to hear them,” she said. “We want to have the greatest impact possible in the community.”

Courtesy Kerry Esmay the freeport-merrick rotary Club recently donated $900 to a merrick family whose decker avenue home was destroyed by fire

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

North Bellmore BOE meets The Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district issues.

• Where: 2616 Martin Ave.

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

FEB

7

Winter Forest Walk

Join naturalist Virginal Dankel for an interactive winter stroll across the Nassau County Museum of Art grounds. During this seasonal walk, participants can expand their knowledge of the natural world and strengthen their powers of observation. Adults only. $20, $20 members. Registration required.

• Where: Manes Education Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

FEB

10

Pasta Amore with Chef Dell’Amore Stop by North Bellmore Public Library for a tasty workshop. Learn how to make an all-time great pasta dish with Chef Dell’Amore

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

Book talk

FEB

12

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

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,

‘So don’t stop me now’

‘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

Art talk

FEB

22

• 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.

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

14

Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores installation

The Chamber of Commerce welcomes members to the annual installation and awards dinner. $125 per person. Registration required.

• Where: Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Turnpike

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: bellmorechamber.com FEB

Lunar New Year program

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

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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

Valentine’s Day Story/ Craft

Families can visit Bellmore Public Library for storytime and craft to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Registration required.

• Where: 2288 Bedford Ave.

• Time: 11-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

16

Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of FEB

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! Our special youth emcee will be interviewing VIP’s 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. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. 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

Bath bomb workshop

Create custom bath bomb using kitchen and pantry ingredients at Merrick Library.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.org

Nassau County Museum of Art hosts Dee Shapiro, a New York–based artist, is known for her richly detailed paintings exploring geometry, architecture, and place. She discusses works from her City and Landscapes series featured in The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal exhibit, which capture the rhythm and structure of urban and natural environments.. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Pokémon club

FEB 25

Bellmore Library welcomes kids ages 5-12 for some Pokemon fun. Meet other trainers while playing at the library.Bring your cards to trade or play. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by parent, caregiver or responsible person over 14. Space is limited and registration required.

• Where: 2288 Bedford Ave.

• Time: 7-8 p.m.

• Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

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.

‘I’m here to be a voice for women’

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Genevieve Kreindel, of South Bellmore, became pregnant at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and the years that followed left her feeling exhausted, isolated and struggling to recognize herself beyond motherhood.

“I lost a huge part of myself,” said Kreindel, the mother of a now 5-year-old. “My mojo was gone.”

But Kreindel has turned that difficult period into something positive, founding Off Duty Moms Club, a Long Island-based community she launched to support women navigating similar struggles. The club, she said, is rooted in the idea that motherhood does not have to erase a woman’s identity.

Pandemic restrictions forced her to attend medical appointments alone and cut off the in-person support many firsttime parents rely on.

“All of the things you hear about — mommy-and-me classes, building a mom community, celebrating milestones — that was all taken away,” she said.

She gave birth in the summer of 2020, when hospital restrictions were still being enforced and social gatherings were limited. Visits from friends and family required quarantines, and outings that once felt routine — trips to the park, family holidays, even casual social interactions — suddenly felt impossible.

Like many parents during the pandem-

ic, Kreindel said she entered survival mode. Sleep deprivation, burnout and a loss of hobbies compounded over time, and the sense of disconnection lingered well beyond the height of the pandemic.

“I would love to say I bounced back in a few months,” she said. “That wasn’t the case.”

By the time her son turned 4, in September 2024, Kreindel realized something had to change. Burned out and overwhelmed, she made a deliberate decision to prioritize her mental and physical health — something she said can feel counterintuitive and even stigmatized for mothers.

“There’s this idea that moms have to martyr themselves,” she said. “Putting myself first felt scary.”

She began making small but intentional changes. She returned to the gym, started walking outdoors regularly, picked up reading again and revisited creative hobbies she had long abandoned.

“These were things that fed my soul,” she said.

Over roughly 16 months, Kreindel lost 70 pounds, but she said the physical transformation was secondary to the emotional lift she received.

“I felt reborn,” she said. “I finally felt like myself again.”

That personal journey became the foundation for Off Duty Moms Club, which offers both online content and inperson events designed exclusively for women — not “mommy-and-me” activi-

ties — with a focus on affordable, accessible self-care.

“This is about giving moms permission to be off duty,” Kreindel said. Through social media, Kreindel shares content about fitness, nutrition, relationships and managing guilt — all framed around realistic, manageable changes rather than perfection. In just over two months, the club’s Instagram account has grown to nearly 1,800 followers.

Offline, the club hosts curated events such as flower-arranging workshops, Pilates classes and candle-making sessions, with price points intended to be accessible for working families.

“Long Island is expensive,” Kreindel said. “I’m very intentional about making these events easy to say yes to.”

She said the response from the community has been immediate and personal, with members frequently reaching out to share how the content has encouraged them to exercise again, reconnect with partners or reclaim old hobbies.

“I’ve had women stop me in public because they recognized the name,” she said. “That’s when it really hit me that this was resonating.”

Kreindel’s husband, Lee Kreindel, said her passion for helping other mothers has brought a renewed sense of positivity into their home.

“Genevieve is so passionate and gets so much joy in helping out other moms like her, and that joy carries over to our home life,” he said. “Her joy is my joy, and this club has brought a lot of positivity into our home since she started Off Duty Moms Club.”

Kreindel said she hopes to grow Off Duty Moms Club intentionally, without sacrificing authenticity or community trust. While expansion and partnerships are part of her long-term vision, she said the focus remains on serving women who feel unseen or overwhelmed.

Courtesy Genevieve Kreindel

Follow @OffDutyMomsClub_LI on Instagram

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) 25, 29 in the 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.

Town of HempsTead scHool:25 merrick Ufsd

TAHMAZ AYDIN & NURIYE

55 P 00110 11-13

DILORENZO ANTONINO & LEONARDA

55 P 03180 318-320 FRANCIS RICHARD & MARY

55109 06370 637-638 VERGATOS ATHANASIA LIFE

55115 02890 289-291 VALSAMIDES MARY

55117 00010

55118 04510

MALIA KELLI & VOLPE STEPHEN JOS 2,778.56 63135 00270 27-28,864

WERNER KENNETH & TAMMY W 19,539.34 63142 00140 14-16

GAON MARTIN A & AMY D 21,891.78 63143 00530

Town of HempsTead scHool:29 norTH merrick Ufsd

Name Parcel Group Lot Amount

HEINS JOHANNES & MARLENE 6,256.27

50287 00410 41-42,122

CHAUDHRY MUHAMMAD UMER & PERVEE 6,250.94 50347 06750

ROURKE LE P ROURKE ETAL,W 13,016.70 50354 00160 16,25

DECOLATOR JOHN & NADINE 7,724.32 50356 00020

MARTI DONNA 5,378.35 50577 02270

CHAUDHRY KHALID I & RAMLAKHAN D 9,327.84

50589 00030

APPEL GRETA LIFE ESTATE 3,801.95 50597 00360

SCHEAFER DENNIS R & TONI 6,220.68

55 B0100560

LEITENIS GEORGE & CAROLYN 12,574.42

55004 00090

WANG RUI 4,750.26

55004 00210

RAMNARINE LATCHMI N & SATTIE T 6,164.16

55006 07060 706-707

ELLENBOGEN HYMAN & EDITH 14,395.70

55007 06860

SILVERMAN VICTOR 5,369.92

55012 05110 511-512

HASSLER ELIZABETH G TRUST & ROT 2,574.60

55015 03260 326-327

BOETTGER CRAIG & LISA 1,035.74

55024 02390 239-240

SCHLOWINSKI DANIEL & MAUREEN 10,998.03

55024 02650

SWAWITE ALEX & ARONOVA SOFIYA 4,366.28

55029 06340

PERVEEN SAJIDA & MALIK MOHAMMAD 3,296.28

55030 06010

CUI YELIAN & CUI YEHE 10,507.72

55045 01020

ARSENIS HARITINI 16,909.13

55048 10530

MURRAY PAULINE M LIFE ESTATE 7,335.23

55052 00200 20-22

COSTANZA MICHAEL D 13,212.54

55075 11900 1190-1191

NOLAN WAYNE E 4,695.69

55078 09120 912-914

BHNV REALTY 2 CORP 17,897.06

55081 03640 364-365

MUSSO JOSEPH SIMON 3,841.03

55526 00240

HUMET ALI & ERBUR 5,829.69

55540 00670

PHILLIPS DAVID & JENNIFER 11,950.79 55544 00430

METZGER JOYCE A 2,769.10 56022 00470

WINNICK MARK 10,235.46 56034 09720 972-973

TIEDGE ROBERT R 3,389.84 56046 01430

BUCETI SALVATORE & JEANINE 9,591.62 56068 02420 242-245

CHARHAN CORP 6,814.81 56071 00330 33,332

VACCACIO JAMES R & ANN MARIE TR 16,379.28 56077 00010 1-3,84-85

56 THIRD AVENUE LLC 883.23 56306 00410

56 THIRD AVENUE LLC 6,678.43 56310 00060

LOMBARDO LOUISE 2,839.54 56437 00670

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.

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

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

Dist

Public Notices

BELLMORE HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS NEW YORK POST

NASSAU OBSERVER

1006

1007

1011

1012

1013

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST

SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN

WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN

BELLMORE HERALD MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

COUNTY WEBSITE

BALDWIN HERALD

HEMPSTEAD BEACON,

COUNTY WEBSITE

FREEPORT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

BALDWIN HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

YORK POST

OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

COUNTY WEBSITE

YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN Dist 1024

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

Dist 1025

Dist 1026

Dist 1027

Dist 1028

Dist 1029

Dist 1030

MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NASSAU OBSERVER

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

LONG BEACH HERALD

LONG BEACH TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

Dist 1031

Dist 1201

Dist 1205

Dist 1014

FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)

NEW YORK POST Dist 1015

FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

1016

1017

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

1018

1019

1020

1021

GARDEN CITY NEWS

GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

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

CENTRE HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD ROCKVILLE CENTRE TRIBUNE

NASSAU

NASSAU

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

Dist 3004

ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD

EAST MEADOW HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST

Town of norTh hempsTead

Dist 2001

Dist 2002

Dist 2003

Dist 2004

Dist 2005

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

BNH

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROSLYN NEWS TIMES

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST

Dist 2006

Dist 2007

Dist 2009

Dist 2010

Dist 2011

Dist 2122

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

GREAT NECK NEWS RECORD

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

Dist 3006

Dist 3008

Dist 3009

Dist 3011

Dist 3012

Dist 3013

Dist 3014

Dist 3015

Dist 3017

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET ADVANCE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET ADVANCE

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET ADVANCE

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

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

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:

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION of OPPROS LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/10/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 21 Richard Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Purpose: any lawful act.

157822

LEGAL NOTICE

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

BELLMORE U.F.S.D.

MERRICK U.F.S.D.

NORTH BELLMORE

U.F.S.D.

NORTH MERRICK

U.F.S.D.

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU

NOTICE TO BIDDERS:

In accordance with provision of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Transportation Consortium hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for:

Bellmore-Merrick Cooperative 2025-2026 School Year Bid

Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, on Tuesday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 am. Specifications and Bid Forms may be obtained from the office of Tom Volpe, Director of Transportation, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in or to reject in whole or in part all bids or to accept any bid which in its judgment is in the best interest of the school district. By order: Board of Education

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

BELLMORE U.F.S.D.

MERRICK U.F.S.D.

NORTH BELLMORE

U.F.S.D.

NORTH MERRICK

U.F.S.D. 158233

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO PARENTS OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

Bellmore-Merrick

Central High School District parents are reminded that New York State Law requires a written

transportation request annually by April 1st from parents or guardians of students (Grades 7-12) who plan to attend private or parochial schools. Requests must be submitted prior to April 1, 2026 for the school year beginning September 2026. Transportation application forms for the 2026-2027 school year are available at the Brookside School Security Desk, located at 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York 11566 or at the District website under District/Transportation: www.bellmoremerrick.k12.ny.us

All students requesting non-public school transportation who did not previously attend one of our component elementary districts: Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore or North Merrick Union Free School Districts or one of the Bellmore Merrick Central High School District’s (BMCHSD) schools, must register with the BMCHSD. Please call 516-992-1003 to schedule an appointment with the Central Registrar, at the Brookside School, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Registration is By Appointment Only. 158234

LEGAL NOTICE RE: 2026-2027

TRANSPORTATION

REQUESTS DEADLINE

Requests for transportation to PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL schools outside of the North Merrick Union Free School District must be received by APRIL 1, 2026. Children must be REGISTERED in the North Merrick District first before submitting an application.

Families moving into the district after April 1, 2026 are given 30 days after moving in to submit such a request. Transportation is NOT provided by this district for: Children who have completed 6th grade. Children who will NOT be five (5) years old by December 1, 2026. To schools located more than 15 miles from the child’s home. To schools located less than 2 miles from the child’s home. All requests for transportation should be addressed to: North Merrick U.F.S.D

Dr. Irene H. Lenhart

Administrative Center 1057 Merrick Avenue North Merrick, NY 11566

APPLICATIONS may be picked up at the Business Office at the Fayette School between 8:00AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Friday.

Students entering Junior High or High School should contact the Bellmore Merrick Central High School District, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, NY 11566

PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL ONLY BE CORNER BUS STOPS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR. THERE WILL BE NO HOUSE STOPS. ALSO, ALL STUDENTS MUST BE OFFICIALLY REGISTERED WITH THE DISTRICT. 158238

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 16214

RESOLUTION NO. 83-2026

Adopted: January 27, 2026

Councilmember Schneider offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ADOPTING TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD PUBLIC PARKING FIELD MAPS SHOWING PARKING REGULATIONS AT CERTAIN PARKING FIELDS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 72-2026, adopted January 13, 2026 a public hearing was duly held on the 27th day of January, 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed adoption of the following public parking field maps showing the repeal of five (5) “No Parking 6 AM - 8 AM” signs and the adoption of five (5) “No Parking 3 AM - 5 AM” sign in parking field M-4, Merrick; the repeal of three (3) “12 Hour Parking” signs and the adoption of three (3) “8 Hour Parking” signs in Parking Field M-4, Merrick; the repeal of three (3) “No Standing Taxi Only” signs, repeal of two (2) “15 Minute Parking Only” signs, repeal of one (1) “Two Directional Arrow on 15 Minute Parking Only” signs and the adoption of one (1) “Directional Arrow on 15 Minute Parking Only” signs in parking

field M-8, Merrick; all in accordance with Section 80-4 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead; WHEREAS, after due consideration this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to adopt the following Town of Hempstead public parking field maps showing the revisions thereon; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the following Town of Hempstead public parking field maps showing the repeal of five (5) “No Parking 6 AM - 8 AM” signs and the adoption of five (5) “No Parking 3 AM - 5 AM” sign in parking field M-4, Merrick; the repeal of three (3) “12 Hour Parking” signs and the adoption of three (3) “8 Hour Parking” signs in Parking Field M-4, Merrick; the repeal of three (3) “No Standing Taxi Only” signs, repeal of two (2) “15 Minute Parking Only” signs, repeal of One (1) “Two Directional Arrow on 15 Minute Parking Only” signs and the adoption of one (1) “Directional Arrow on 15 Minute Parking Only” signs in parking field M-8, Merrick; all in accordance with Section 80-4 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead:

MERRICK

M-4

Franklin Place Parking Field

Merrick Public Parking District (TH-594/25)

MERRICK

M-4

Franklin Place Parking field

Merrick Public Parking District (TH-602/25)

MERRICK

M-8

Commuter Parking Field

Merrick

Town of Hempstead TH-628/25 ; and and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and the Ordinance Book and shall publish a copy of this resolution once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was

North Merrick hosts Wellness Retreat

Students painted snowflake-shaped crafts during the North Merrick School District’s Wellness Retreat held at Old Mill Road School on Jan. 14.

Public Notices

seconded by Councilmember Dunne and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 158199

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 11-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 11-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 11-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include & repealing “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158192

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 12-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 12-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 12-2026, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158193

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 14-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 14-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 14-2026, amending Section 197-2 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “U-TURNS PROHIBITED” at various locations.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158195

LEGAL NOTICE MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

New York State Law requires written transportation requests annually from parents or guardians of children (Grades K - 6) who are residents of the Merrick School District and attend non-public schools. The application must be filed by April 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year or within 30 days after residency is established. A separate application is required for each child. Transportation is provided only to those schools within a 15-mile radius of the child’s home. Transportation applications for the 2026-2027 school year are available at the Administrative Offices of the Merrick School District, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, NY 11566 or on the district website www.merrick.k12.ny.us under District/Transportation. Please contact Merrick Schools Transportation at (516) 992-7285 with any questions. Applications for students entering grades 7 through 12 can be found on the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD website or call (516) 992-1024. 158236

Courtesy North Merrick Public Schools

OUTSIDE SALES

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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

Out of practice, but not out of resolve

last 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

letters

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

LeTTers

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

miCHaeL BLiTZ