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Hewlett coach John Palladino wins county service award By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Courtesy John Palladino

John Palladino, head coach of the Hewlett High School varsity football team, has always believed that actions speak louder than words. He has carried that attitude with him, he said, since he first picked up a football at age 7, and this year it helped him win the Jim Barbanell Memorial Service Award. Palladino got a call a week before the Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association’s 59th annual Gridiron Dinner on Dec. 10, notifying him of his recognition for his service to Nassau County high school sports. The award commemorates the life of the late Jim Barbanell, a Newsday reporter whose pas-

Palladino, second row center, has an affinity for helping his players grow, both athletically and in the classroom.

Continued on Page 7

How a N. Woodmere family turned loss into service By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

A new documentary, premiering in Manhattan this month, tells a Sept. 11 story rooted not only in loss, but also in what followed — a legacy of service that began in a Five Towns home and extended halfway around the world. “Zzaslow K-427,” set to premiere on Sunday at the Dances With Films festival at Regal Union Square, traces the journey of a black Labrador retriever that became the longest-serving mine-detection dog of the post-9/11 era. But the film’s emotional focus is on Ira

Zaslow, a North Woodmere father whose life, and death, shaped so much that came afterward. Zaslow was an assistant vice president at Lehman Brothers, on the 38th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center. He died in the Sept. 11 attacks. “Losing my dad was a catalyst to start the organization,” Ira’s son Bryan Zaslow said. Within a month after the attacks, Bryan had begun working to establish the Ira Zaslow Foundation, with the purpose of providing children a safe and encouraging environment in which to grow and play. The foundation’s goals also include

honoring the victims of the attacks and ridding the future of terrorism. “I felt it was important to keep him with me, and it felt incredible to start this to make a difference, and to remember how great of a man he was,” Bryan said. “I also was able to learn about him on a grander level.” In the years after his death, Ira Zaslow’s name became better known in the community he loved. North Woodmere honored him by renaming the block he lived on, Flanders Drive, Ira Zaslow Drive. “He was my dad before he was anything else,” Adam

Zaslow, Bryan’s younger brother and the writer and producer of “Zzaslow K-427,” said. “I wanted people to know who he was, not just how he died.” Rather than centering on the destruction of 9/11, the film opens in New York City, alive, crowded and vibrant, before the audience meets Ira Zaslow. One of its most poignant moments

is an ordinary one: Adam wakes his father late at night to talk about the basketball star Michael Jordan, unaware that it would be their last conversation. “That’s the memory I hold on to,” Adam said. “It wasn’t dramatic. It was just us, and that’s what makes it sacred.” Continued on Page 9

1328570

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

Temple Israel to host 24th annual MLK Shabbat service mberman@liherald.com

Temple Israel of Lawrence is hosting their 24th annual Greater Long Island and American Jewish community Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration Shabbat service. The multi-access service will feature a keynote address from Pastor Marc Beavers of Harvest of the Atlantic – The Soul-Stirring Church of God in Christ in Island Park, on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. “The relationship between the Jewish community and the African American Christian faith community is longstanding and built over time through six generations of Temple Israel,” said Rabbi Galina Makaveyev, of Temple Israel of Lawrence. Makaveyev said the goal is to support and uplift each other by building coalitions of hope and solidarity in order to combat hate and all forms of bigotry in society. “The Shabbat service offers an opportunity to reflect and reignite our moral calling,” Makaveyev said. “As we come together to celebrate the spirit of peace, unity and a shared purpose embracing goodness, kindness and gratitude.” As a temple tradition, she said it is deeply meaningful and inspiring to witness congregations coming together in this holy work. This service is a thought on Makaveyev’s mind throughout the year as she

Courtesy Temple Israel of Lawrence

Residents from the Five Towns and the surrounding areas attending Temple Israel of Lawrence’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration Shabbat last year. thinks about whom the temple would benefit from hearing and collaborating with. This is her second year as Rabbi and seeing her own vision to fruition. “My vision is to bring someone who is relevant to this moment to speak and to help our congregants to understand better the message of Dr. Martin Luther King,” she added. Beavers is in his 21st year as a Pastor and commends his upbringing in Long Beach for his passion for strengthening the fabric of humanity. He is looking forward to spreading the spirit of unity at

the joint service. “I love to be in the context of diverse populations,” Beavers said. “It’s my natural habitat and to see people in a crosscultural context is very rewarding to me.” In his speech, Beavers will be talking about the life and history of Dr. King and how he is connected with his legacy through his church. “King’s last speech was delivered at our church headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee,” he said. “He delivered his mountain top address from the pulpit of

the Church of God in Christ, in which I’m a Pastor.” He said growing up in Long Beach, he went to school with a lot of Jewish students, attended a Jewish camp and created strong ties to the Jewish community. “You throw me in an environment with the Jewish community 50 years later and I feel right at home,” Beavers said. “I’m honored that the temple and these two communities can come together for a common cause.” Along with the annual service, Temple Israel is joining in on the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC’s eighth annual UJA funded MLK day of service on Jan. 18. The JCC is hosting a community-wide food drive in honor of MLK day, where they are collecting cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, wacky mac, soup, rice pilaf/quinoa, canned beans, pancake mix, canned tuna/salmon and brownie/cake mix. “Our theme is ‘Five Towns fights food insecurity’,” said Laurie Brofsky, volunteer services manager at the JCC. “We have collection boxes at schools, local businesses and synagogues.” All the donated food will be sent to their Grove Avenue office and volunteers will be sorting/organizing to bring the items over to the S.H.O.P. (Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place). “We’re very fortunate that there are so many people in our community that value chesed (community service) and giving back to our community,” Brofsky said.

Hewlett High School’s Darren Chen named Regeneron Scholar By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Hewlett High School’s Darren Chen has been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, a prestigious national honor recognizing students for original, independent research in science and math. Chen’s project, conducted through the school’s Social Science Research Program, examined the relationship between vicarious embarrassment—the discomfort people feel witnessing others’ awkward experiences—on social media, and is influence on adolescents’ willingness to post on social media. His project was one of 33 selected from Long Island, and one of 300 selected nationally. “My initial idea was to examine how external pressure affects students,” Chen said. “As I researched, I became more intrigued by vicarious embarrassment and its impact on people choosing not to post on social media.” With guidance from research program coordinator Joseph Van Wie, Chen designed a questionnaire distributed among classmates and used IBM’s statistical analysis tools to conduct correlation studies. He also conducted Independent Samples, T-Tests and ANOVAs to support his hypotheses. Van Wie, who first taught Chen in 10th grade AP World History class, praised his communication skills and ability to make

Courtesy Hewlett-Woodmere School District

Darren will aim to advance to the pool of Top 40 finalists, which will be announced on January 21. He can present at the national level if f he makes it to the finals in May. complex topics understandable. “Darren has the ability to take complex material and convey the information in a clear, academic manner that’s accessible to all.” With the landscape of social media continuing to evolve, Van Wie explained that Chen’s project could offer insight for parents and adolescents navigating digi-

tal expression—including on emerging platforms. “Little research has been conducted on how the digital dynamics of adolescent self-expression based on the embarrassment experienced by another’s content.” Chen spoke highly of his teacher, explaining that Van Wie provided an

“encouraging” environment for him and his 11 other research classmates to work toward a common goal. “He was a great help throughout the process,” Chen said. “He helped me through the whole process. It was a great mentorship.” Outside of Social Science, Chen was recognized for his commitment to his community— an affinity he’s developed through his extracurricular and volunteering ventures. He helped Techinance—a nonprofit for free education in technology and finance—research and develop a cybersecurity course explaining phishing, encryption and online privacy. Within six months, his lessons reached 850 students across 24 states and 21 countries. “He doesn’t just conduct research in his field, he becomes greatly immersed in it,” Van Wie said. Chen has also gained researching experience through programs at Haylon Technologies at MIT Mites, which he says helped him learn how to research. He also participates in Key Club, giving back to the community through fundraisers. The 17-year-old will be attending Stanford University with a goal to develop innovations for community issues, and said this recognition is part of that goal. “Being a Regeneron Science Scholar comes with a responsibility,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunities this creates, as it helps prepare me with future skills and a confidence.”

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

By MELISSA BERMAN

Crime watCh

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

Brooklyn woman charged with alleged robbery at Bingo According to police, a Brooklyn woman was arrested after she attempted to steal merchandise from at Bingo Wholesale in Inwood and became combative when confronted by employees and officers on Jan. 8 at 4:25 p.m. Detectives said Tara Prentice, 38, of 142 Jamaica Ave., attempted to leave the store without paying for merchandise. When approached by a store employee, Prentice swung a wooden object toward the employee and caused damage inside the store. She continued to resist as they attempted to place her into custody, according to the police report. Prentice was arrested without further incident and charged with firstdegree robbery, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing, fourth-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest, petit larceny and second-degree harassment, police said. She was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Jan. 9. 1332134

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Brooklyn man arrested in Woodmere check fraud According to police, a Brooklyn man was arrested earlier this month in connection with a grand larceny at a Woodmere synagogue that occurred on Sept. 21 at Young Israel of Woodmere. Police said the suspect received a check in the amount of $500 and allegedly altered it to $5,000 before cashing it. Following an investigation, Israel

Amar, 36, of 1158 42nd St. in Brooklyn, was arrested when he returned to the synagogue on Jan. 8. Police said the arrest was made without incident. Amar was charged with third-degree grand larceny and first-degree identity theft. He was arraigned Jan. 9 at First District Court in Hempstead. — Melissa Berman

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

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Library patrons can discover the past, present, and future of the barrier islands on Jan. 20 with a 60-minute audiovisual tour at the Long Beach Public Library, located at 111 West Park Avenue. The tour is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Presented by Long Beach resident Joel Greenberg, the program highlights the city’s diverse neighborhoods and culture, from the Red Brick District and historic homes to the industrial district and houses of worship. The tour also showcases Long Beach’s live music venues, the iconic 2.1-mile boardwalk and the street art that lines city streets. Registration is required to attend the event. Greenberg has lived in Long Beach for the last four years, after spending 13 years as in Atlantic Beach. For nearly two decades, Greenberg has traversed the 8-mile long, 1-mile wide barrier island — encompassing Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, and Point Lookout — documenting its communities and landscapes. “So many people are unaware of the more niche things that we have here,” Greenberg said. “From the marine life to the animals we have here, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information.” In September, Greenberg partnered with the Allegria Hotel to launch free walking tours of Long Beach, creating two routes that highlight the city’s sights and sounds. The audiovisual tour builds on that concept, offering an

expanded, indoor experience. “The audiovisual tour is designed for those who are unable to tour, or guests who are interested in touring digitally,” Greenberg said. After learning about the idea, library staff encouraged him to pursue it. The Chamber of Commerce, which Greenberg is a member of, promoted the program in its monthly newsletter as a way to boost tourism during the slower winter months and encourage community engagement. Vice Chair John Boland said increased involvement from both visitors and residents can support local businesses during the offseason, when many tend to avoid beach communities. “Joel is making an effort to try and bring a focus and excitement to the city of Long Beach and its businesses for the betterment of the community,” he said. “It helps people recognize what makes Long Beach beautiful.” The tour concludes with videos on Hurricane Sandy, the Polar Bear Plunge, as well as a National Geographic features and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, reflecting pivotal moments in the city’s history. Boland, who moved to Long Beach a month before Sandy, said presenting both challenges and triumphs helps newcomers understand the community. “Focusing on people who aren’t familiar and aren’t from here is extremely valuable,” he said. “If you want to get a sense of what the community is about, our culture and how we build each other up, the audio tour is a great way to start.”

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Ortiz propels red-hot Hewlett By DYLAN BUTLER

sports@liherald.com

ASHTON PIERRE-CHARLES CALHOUN Sophomore Basketball AFTER AVERAGING 12 points per game as a freshman last winter, the Colts’ point guard has taken his game to the next level and entered this week among Nassau County’s top five scoring leaders at 22.2 ppg. A career-high 35-point performance in Calhoun’s 67-52 victory over Long Beach Jan. 7 included eight three-pointers and a game-sealing dunk. Pierre-Charles also hit a beyond halfcourt shot to beat the third-quarter buzzer.

games to watch Thursday, Jan. 15 Girls Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. South ................. 5 p.m. Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Lynbrook ................. 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Freeport ................. 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: North Shore at Seaford .......... 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: Baldwin at East Meadow........ 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: V.S. South at Wantagh ............ 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Seaford at North Shore .......... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: G.N. South at Calhoun............ 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: Plainedge at Lynbrook................. 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 16 Boys Basketball: Clarke at Elmont ......................... 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: Floral Park at Calhoun................. 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: F-Dale at Massapequa........... 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: Oceanside at V.S. Central ....... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Uniondale at Freeport............. 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: East Meadow at G.City ........... 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Bethpage at South Side .............. 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17 Girls Basketball: Elmont at Clarke...................11:45 a.m. Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Jericho ............11:45 a.m. Boys Basketball: Sewanhaka at Division.........11:45 a.m. Boys Basketball: Hewlett at Garden City .........12:45 p.m. Boys Basketball: Mineola at East Rock ............. 1:45 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.

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As a kindergartener at Franklin Early Childhood Center, Justin Ortiz made a bold proclamation about his future to Andrew DeBernardo. “I’m going to be your best player one day,” Ortiz said. DeBernardo laughed at the time, but now the Hewlett boys basketball head coach is a believer in the senior guard, who became the eighth player in the program’s history to reach the 1,000point milestone in his career. “Every year, we talk at the end of the year about what he needs to work on to get better, and every year he does that,” DeBernardo said. “He’s just relentless. He’s a competitor, he’s emotional, but he works hard. He’s a true dog.” Ortiz was presented with the game ball from the Dec. 26 win against the High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety last Saturday, before the team’s non-league tilt with Long Beach. Scoring 1,000 points, though, wasn’t Ortiz’s ultimate goal in his high school career. “My goal has always been the school record,” Ortiz said, referring to David Fogel’s mark of 1,445 points. “One thousand points is just a step towards the way, but it’s a very big accomplishment. I’m very grateful for it.” Sitting around the dinner table on Christmas, Ortiz said his family all made the plan to attend his game the next day. What better game, he thought, to reach that milestone. Trending towards a third All-County season, Ortiz got off to a hot start, scoring eight of his team’s first 12 points. On a half-court buzzer-beating heave, he had 26 points — one shy of 1,000. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Ortiz missed his first two shots of the third quarter. But then, off a pass from point guard Brendan Fahy, Ortiz shot his way into Hewlett history. “I caught it, let it go, and it was just magical,” he said. “It felt amazing.” Ortiz, who wears a wristband with “E4D” on it in memory of his father

Media Origin Inc./Herald

Senior guard Justin Ortiz joined the Bulldogs’ exclusive 1,000-career point club Dec. 26 and is eyeing the program’s all-time scoring mark. Efrain, who died when he was six months old, also has his eyes on a first county championship in Hewlett history, and he’s a big reason why the Bulldogs have won nine of their first 11 games. But he’s not the only reason. In last Saturday’s 77-59 win over Long Beach, Ortiz and senior Maxon McKenniss scored 23 points apiece. McKenniss, who returned to Hewlett after the closure of Lawrence Woodmere Academy, has been a “Godsend” according to DeBernardo. “He got right into the mix, he knows his role,” DeBernardo said. “He’s a scorer, he could shoot, he could drive. He’s our second-best defender behind Ortiz.” Gabe Bowery has been a force inside

for the Bulldogs. In a 63-50 win over Great Neck North on Jan. 5, the sophomore center had a triple-double of 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks. Stefano Borsellino, the quarterback of the football team and a Molloy-bound lacrosse standout, is a leader on the court and in the locker room. Kobe Cox is a rebounding force and tenacious defender off the bench who may slot in the starting lineup now with starting point guard Christian Champagnie sidelined for the next month due to injury. After a hot start, Hewlett now faces midterms on the court with showdowns against Roslyn, Garden City, and Mepham on the horizon. “That will be the true test of our season,” DeBernardo said.

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Hewlett High School varsity football coach John palladino was recognized for his contributions to the community both on and off the field.

sion was covering and supporting local high school sports. “It’s nice when your peers recognize you,” Palladino said in an interview with the Herald. “It was a wonderful surprise.” Beyond his responsibilities at Hewlett High, Palladino has overseen the Nassau County All-Star football game, played each Thanksgiving Day at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium for the past six years, and sells 50-50 raffle tickets throughout the year to support Nassau County football. East Rockaway varsity coach Russell Pajer, one of 10 chairmen of the Gridiron Dinner, said it was an easy decision for the association’s committee. “He’s been a huge asset,” Pajer said of Palladino. “He has been very involved.” Palladino played offensive tackle and defensive end at Lawrence High School, and went on to play at Nassau College, now Nassau Community College. He began his coaching career at Lynbrook High School in 1992, and then spent five years coaching the defense at Lawrence High before coming to Hewlett, where he has coached for 24 years. Palladino’s wife, Nicole, and his sons, Luke and Drew, have always supported him. Luke and Drew played football and lacrosse at Wantagh High, and Drew wants to become a health and phys. ed. teacher and a coach, like his father. “Their support is great. My wife takes my mom to the games,” Palladino said. “Our family calendar revolves around football season.” He strives to be a mentor to his players, and encourages them to have a positive impact on the community. Last October, Palladino and some 30 members of the Hewlett High varsity team took part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach — a display of teenage character that their coach said he was proud of. “We try to teach kids that football is important, but we’re also trying to help get the kids ready for life after football,” Palladino said.

Teaching health and phys. ed. in addition to coaching, he said, keeps him young. When school closes for extended breaks, he gets antsy: The district’s twoweek break for Christmas, he added, was too long. “I love going to work every day,” Palladino said. “I’m one of those nerds that can’t wait to go to work.” Palladino was mentored by Hewlett football legend Jay Iaquinta, for whom he served as defensive coordinator for 15 seasons. “I admired him for his passion and his love for the game,” Palladino said. He and Iaquinta remain close friends, and Palladino said that the one thing he always remembers is to “stay as evenkeeled as possible.” In recent years Palladino has become a different kind of mentor, off the field, helping new teachers at the high school get to know the building and develop their classroom management skills. He also checks their progress reports and tweaks the curriculum. “We want to make sure new teachers understand what’s expected of them and help them thrive, in both the building and the district,” he said. In a statement, the district applauded Palladino for his efforts, saying the Barbanell award was a well-deserved honor and “speaks volume” to his character. “His tireless dedication continues to make a lasting impact on our student athletes and the greater football community,” the statement read. As the years have gone by, Palladino said, his desire to help the community has been fueled by his football background and his district colleagues who help “pull the rope in the same direction.” He thanked Hewlett Athletics Director David Viegas, Secretary Melanie Rosen, and the district’s administration and board for their support. “I’m at the stage in my life where I want to be a mentor,” Palladino said. “I still want to help kids, coaches, give back and pay it forward. That’s why I love what I do.”

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Palladino a ‘huge asset’ to H-W community

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

Nostra Aetate at 60 Courtesy John Palladino

Continued from page 1

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

L.I. roots shape Blakeman’s bid for governor By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ & ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO Special to the Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced last month that he would run for governor this year. His bid attracted more media focus when his potential Republican primary contender, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, abruptly dropped out of the race a week before Christmas, and when President Trump endorsed Blakeman the following day. “As I travel around the state, one of the things that stands out is the fact that people are basically unhappy,” Blakeman, 70, told the Herald when asked why he was running. They’re miserable with [Gov.] Kathy Hochul’s leadership.” (Hochul will be challenged in a Democratic primary by Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.) “The economy is doing very badly in many portions of the state,” Blakeman added. “They need job creation, economic development. Communities are unsafe. They want more policing. They want more secure neighborhoods, and they don’t DONALD STEINERT like a lot of the policies that Kathy Hochul has, especially Former classmate, taking away a lot of the control Valley Stream over the schools from parents Central High School and trying to centralize it in Albany.” Blakeman cited a number of the county’s accomplishments under his leadership. The county tax property levy has not changed during his first term. Nassau’s bond rating has been upgraded, and it has been recognized for being a safe place to live with a low poverty rate compared with the rest of the state.

he state is long overdue for a governor like Bruce, and I would love to see it.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced on Dec. 9 that he would run for governor this year, launching a campaign focused on public safety, economic development and opposition to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s policies.

From Valley Stream to county power Blakeman, a lifetime Long Islander, was born in Oceanside in 1955. He graduated from Valley Stream Central High School, where he played basketball, and went on to attend Arizona State University and California Western Law School. As an attorney, he focused on real estate, commercial litigation, personal injury, land use, transportation, finance and insurance. In 1993, Blakeman ran for public office for the first time, and was elected to the Hempstead Town Board. Three years later, after the creation of the Nassau County Legislature, the then 41-year-old became the new body’s first presiding officer. Blakeman lost the 1998 race for state comptroller to Democrat Carl McCall, and lost his seat in the Legislature the following year. In 2021 Blakeman was appointed by Gov. George Pataki — the last Republican to hold statewide office — to be a commissioner on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a position he held until 2009. After a failed run at the U.S. Senate and an appointment to the Hempstead Town Board in 2015 — a fullcircle moment for Blakeman — he was selected by Nassau Republicans to challenge Democratic County Executive Laura Curran. He won an extraordinarily tight race by a .35 percent-point margin over the incumbent.

A familiar figure at home Steve Bello, now an executive vice president at Northwell Health, came to know Blakeman through his work at what was then Franklin General Hospital, later renamed Long Island Jewish Valley Stream. Bello, who was the hospital’s president from 2016 to 2019, said his role required close engagement with community leaders and families who had long supported the institution. According to Bello, the Blakeman family was among the most influential supporters

Blakeman, a Valley Stream native, has served as county executive since 2022. He has cited flat property taxes, bond-rating upgrades and public safety initiatives as key accomplishments during his tenure. of the hospital, particularly at times when it faced financial and operational challenges. Bello’s earliest interactions were with Blakeman’s father, Robert Blakeman, who served as a state assemblyman in the 1960s and a member of the board that approved the hospital’s transition to the Northwell system. As Robert’s health declined, Bello said, his son became more involved not only in his care, but also with the broader issues affecting the hospital and the surrounding community. “Bruce had actually been working at that time as an attorney in the area, and had lots of influence with many folks,” Bello recalled. “When there were opportunities for the hospital to do better in one way or

another, where he was getting feedback from the community, [or] if there was an opportunity for the hospital to partner with people, so we could potentially expand our services, Bruce was always helpful … when it just came down to supporting the hospital publicly as a place of really excellent care and great opportunity.” While Blakeman no longer has a formal role with the hospital, Bello said he remains engaged in health care issues and continues to support the institution. “What I know is what that family has done for that community, the hospital, in particular,” Bello said. “If he’s able to translate that really personal, philanthropic and caring kind of sentiment that was evident in his support for the hospital into a larger role for him, politically, he would be wonderful.” Donald Steinert’s connection with Blakeman dates back more than 50 years, to Valley Stream Central High School. Steinert, a Vietnam veteran who returned to finish high school in 1972, at age 20, recalled sharing a business law class with Blakeman. Steinert said that Blakeman treated him with respect at a time when he felt out of place, which Steinert credits with helping him complete his education. Steinert, who now lives in Suffolk County, supports Blakeman’s run for governor, believing his experience as county executive has prepared him for higher office. “I wish the best for his governor’s run,” Steinert said. “The state is long overdue for a governor like Bruce, and I would love to see it.” Not all Valley Stream residents see Blakeman’s candidacy through the same lens. Althea Campbell, who has lived in the village for 21 years, said she remembers Blakeman attending community events. She noted that his presence made him a familiar figure to residents, many of whom have followed his career. Campbell, a lifelong Democrat, said she supports Hochul and disagrees with aspects of Republican leadership. “I have nothing personally against Bruce Blakeman, but [Hochul is] where my vote will go,” Campbell said. “But I think with the right support, anybody can excel, and I’m sure he can make a believer out of me. But the current state of affairs,” she added, referring to the Republican Party, “is a little painful.”

Remembering Woodmere native Ira Zaslow As the attacks take place, the film resists spectacle, instead focusing on the psychological burden of waiting and, ultimately, loss. Viewers are taken on Adam’s emotional journey, and identify with the irrational wish that, somehow, his father would make it home. “As the events of 9/11 unfold, the film remains horrifying despite our knowing how it ends,” Sara Matathias, a Woodmere native and a childhood friend of Adam’s, said. “I found myself wishing irrationally and desperately that Ira would somehow make it out of the towers.” From the devastation, the story evolves toward purpose. Through Tuesday’s Children, the nonprofit that supports families impacted by 9/11, Adam became involved in a puppy-raising program that ultimately connect him to a Lab being trained for military service that was named Zzaslow. The dog was later paired with U.S. Army handler Juan J. Colón-Estrada, and went on to complete three combat deployments in Afghanistan, detecting explosives and saving lives. “To see something good come out of something so painful was overwhelming,” Adam said. “Zzaslow carried my father’s legacy in a way I never could have imagined.” Directed by Robert Ham, the film details Zzaslow’s service while emphasiz-

ing quiet heroism rather than drama. It also highlights the bond between service dog and handler, a partnership built on trust in life-and-death situations. “That emotional pull is a testament to the film’s storytelling power,” Matathias said. Since its Los Angeles premiere in June, “Zzaslow K-427” has been screened at Dances With Films LA; the Lighthouse International Film Festival, on Long Beach Island, N.J.; the Austin Film Festival, in Texas; and the Gig Harbor Film Festival, in Gig Harbor, Wash., where it received the Founder’s Award. It has also been shown at Lackland Air Force Base, in Texas, and Fort Leonard Wood, in Missouri. The New York City premiere will mark a full-circle moment for a story that began in the Five Towns. After the festival run, the filmmakers plan to pursue distribution with major streaming platforms, and there has already been discussion of adapting the documentary into a scripted feature film. For Adam, the film is both tribute and testimony, honoring his father while illuminating the men, women and animals that faced danger long after Sept. 11 had receded from the headlines. “My dad didn’t get to see what came next,” Adam said. “This film is about carrying that forward and about service, connection and what it means to keep your heart open after loss.”

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

Continued from page 1

Courtesy HAMMR Productions

director robert Ham, center, with the cast and crew of “Zzaslow K-427” at the Los angles premiere.

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What’s up next door and around the corner

HERALD neighbors

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The Rambling Roses were one of three bands that performed at the “Rocking for Israel 3” at the Israel Chesed Center.

‘Rocking for Israel 3’ benefit in Lawrence The Israel Chesed Center hosted “Rocking for Israel 3” which is a benefit concert that raises money for 1,000 fire resistant uniforms for IDF soldiers. The evening featured musical performances from three bands: Rambling Roses, Acoustic Retro and Playing Dead. Another goal of the event was to raise awareness of the organization Pens and Swords, an advocacy group for Israel run through social media. Their initiative is to help make significant change including sending mass emails to speak or against ideas. Organized by Allan Speilman, the event brings together residents of the Five Towns to raise awareness and money for IDF soldiers with music from The Grateful Dead, Phish and classic rock. — Melissa Berman

Members of The Rambling Roses took to the stage first and entertained attendees with classic rock/Grateful Dead music.

Shelly Bernstein, left, Dale Durdunas and Natasha Kaufman broke out their dance moves will listening to the bands perform, on Jan. 3.

Dale and John Durdunas clapped along to the music and enjoyed the musical performances.

Howie Corr was decked out in his Grateful Dead inspired shirt as he played percussion.

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Five Town officials sworn in for new terms By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Melissa Berman/Herald

Councilman Dennis Dunne Sr., far left, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Supervisor John Ferretti were sworn in to the Town Board on Jan. 7 at Division Avenue High School. votes.” Goosby has been a councilwoman for 20 years, advocating for communities of color. “To be serving the people of the Town of Hempstead has been one of the most generous parts of my life,” she said. “I remain eternally grateful fro the trust you have placed in me over the years.” County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder swore in both Dunne and Laura Ryder, his sister-in-law. Dunne, also a Levittown native and a Division Avenue graduate, has served on the Town Board since 2017. “Growing up in Levittown, America’s first suburb, I believe I have a unique perspective and appreciation of the American dream,” Dunne said. “I have lived the American dream here in the Town of Hempstead, and

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A quarter of a century after graduating from Division Avenue High School in Levittown, John Ferretti was sworn in as Town of Hempstead supervisor last week. Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, who serves as deputy supervisor; Councilman Dennis Dunne Sr.; Councilwoman Laura Ryder and Town Clerk Kate Murray were all inducted to another term. Former Councilman Gary Hudes served as the evening’s emcee on Jan. 7. Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight sang the national anthem, and County Clerk Maureen O’Connell led the Pledge of Allegiance. “Being with this group is not just being with my colleagues,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “These are my friends — they are people I’ve had the opportunity and privilege of serving with.” Joe Cairo, chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee, swore Murray using on a 350-year old Bible. “Years from now, residents of the Town of Hempstead will remember the one name that stands out,” Cairo said. “We’ll always have Kate Murray.” Murray began her 13th term in the town government. “As a lifelong resident of the town,” she said, “I have a deep sense of pride in giving back to the community in any way that I can.” Goosby was sworn in by Frederick Brewington, a civil rights attorney, using a Bible wrapped in kente cloth the cloth of royalty in African tradition. “She has continued to be a stalwart in regards to serving the people of the Town of Hempstead from stem to stern,” Brewington said. “She continues to be a beacon for many of us, and as a result of that, this past election she pulled more than 85 percent of the

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Local priorities frame the New York governor’s race By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Celebrating its centennial year, the Long Island Association hosted its annual State of the Region breakfast with Sen. Chuck Schumer speaking, a panel discussion moderated by LIA President Matt Cohen that included State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Bruce and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Gov. Kathy Hochul was the final speaker. Through the panel discussion at the Jan. 9 event highlighted several issues that most likely will the focal points of the gubernatorial race between Blakeman, the presumptive GOP candidate and Hochul, a Democrat. “We have been very successful in Nassau County, we have the safest county in America, Niche magazine said we’re the most desirable place to live,” Blakeman said during the panel discussion. Hochul spoke for roughly 30 minutes and used her time as part campaign stop and part preview of her State of the State address that will be delivered on Jan. 13. Unveiling a proposed five-year, $3.75 billion for water infrastructure. “The environment of Long Island, it is everything, it means more here than most places because its, an island,” Hochul said, noting the $3 million she approved for upgrading septic systems. She called the nearly $4 billion commitment to build water infrastructure, including building sewers, “historic.” Even before Hochul spoke, housing, Romaine said, must also be addressed — but through smarter planning and help from the state for vital infrastructure projects. “Affordable housing is not an issue by itself,” he said. “You have to have the infrastructure — the sewers, the roads — to support it.” Cohen noted the substantial growth the two-county region has undergone in

the 100 years since the LIA was found. “Since 1926, the population on Long Island has increased 900 percent, and we’ve really gone from a bedroom community of New York City to our own bustling, diverse, economic powerhouse,” he said in his opening remarks. “We’re home to world renowned tourist destinations, the highest ranked education and health care institutions, and we’re still the embodiment of the American dream and have an unparalleled quality of life. DiNapoli noted that while the state has a relatively strong economy, uncertainty remains as federal decisions begin to impact funding for such items as healthcare, education, energy and nutrition programs The states large reserve funds will continue to support the economic region through these challenges. “My role as comptroller is to remind everybody, at the end of the day, whatever the policy decisions are,” he said, “we have to look at the implications of our spending choice. Not just in the short run, for the coming years budget, but what will it mean a year, two, or three down the road.” And while Cohen touched on Long Island’s expansion, DiNapoli noted that the state has seen a decrease in its young adult population, however there has been a jump residents’ ages 18 to 34. A December report from DiNapoli’s office on Gen Z and millennial New Yorkers struggling with economic and affordability challenges noted the overall decline is a result of rising housing costs and a job market that lacks entrylevel positions. Schumer noted he just completed his 27th year visiting all of New York’s 62 counties. “The mantra that guides my work and all of my staff is this: when Long Island does well all of New York does well.” Madison Gusler, Carolyn James and Jordan Vallone contributed to this story.

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, left, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, LIA President Matt Cohen and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli during the State of the Region panel discussion on Jan. 9.

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NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

Grand Opening

H-W remains committed to open communication During a recent power outage, the filtration system on the Hewlett High School pool was damaged and is not functioning properly, with the district’s facilities staff working around the clock with pool contractors to complete repairs. The district apologizes for the inconvenience caused by this unexpected situation and will update the community as soon as the pool can safely reopen. By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

n Power outage causes system filtration damage

n Comprehensive safety protocols must be completed before reopening

Due to a power outage, the filtration system in the Hewlett High School pool was damaged and is not functioning properly. Power outages across the region have affected multiple school districts, with heavy winds and weather causing widespread disruptions to educational facilities. The District’s Facilities Department and custodial staff are working with swimming pool contractors around the clock to repair the filter. A pool pump motor is the heart of a pool’s circulation system and is responsible for keeping the water clean and clear by drawing water from the pool and pushing it through the filtration system. An attempt to install an external pool filter was unsuccessful, and the necessary motor has been shipped from Florida, with installation expected to begin this week. Common pool motor problems can include failure to start due to a faulty capacitor or burned-out motor, unusual noises from loose or damaged impellers, or overheating from clogged filters or malfunctioning components.

All community services swim programs, Hewlett High School and Woodmere Middle School swim teams, and Hewlett High School Physical Education Swimming are cancelled until further notice. The pool will remain closed until the necessary repairs have been completed. After reassembly of pool filtration systems, it’s critical to restart the system slowly to allow air to escape and prevent pressure build-up, while watching the pressure gauge to ensure it reads within the normal operating range and checking for leaks or unusual noises. Once repaired, the district will need to run the filtration system and ensure that pool chemicals are safe for swimmers, as safety always remains the top priority. Regular testing of pool water chemistry is essential, as incorrect chemistry can cause damage to filters and reduce their effectiveness. Mr. Viegas communicated with the HHS swim team regarding alternate locations for practices and meets.

n The district demonstrates commitment to transparent communication The district apologized for any inconvenience the pool closure may cause and emphasizes that this situation was not anticipated and was caused by a power outage, which was out of their control. Professional pool service technicians can swiftly troubleshoot and repair issues with pool filter systems, from replacing pumps and motors to filter replacement, system re-piping, and suction/discharge repairs. Facilities, maintenance, and custodial staff have been working with pool service contractors around the clock to obtain the parts needed for repair. Pool motor repairs should not be left to chance, as the pool pump motor is critical to the operation of the entire pool filtration and circulation system, making it essential to seek professional help to ensure repairs are done correctly the first time. The community will be updated as additional information becomes available and as soon as the pool can safely reopen, demonstrating the district’s commitment to keeping families informed throughout the repair process.

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NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

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January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

News briefs HALB hosts Bar Mitzvah LHS’ Speech and Debate Team represent at Moot Court tournament The Lawrence High School Speech ing, confidence and professionalism. breakfast for students and Debate Team represented the district “We are incredibly proud of our stuSeventh graders at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach started off the year of their Bar Mitzvah with a breakfast. Their parents and Rebbeim joined them in tefilah, singing, dancing and words of Torah. “It was a very meaningful start to this very special time in their lives,” the school wrote in a news release. Also, the first graders celebrated the 67th day of school with writing and math activities. — Melissa Berman

at the 8th annual Long Island Mentor Moot Court Tournament at the Islip Federal Courthouse. The event brought together more than 20 Nassau County schools and gave students the opportunity to argue a hypothetical appellate case using real judicial precedents in a courtroom setting. Lawrence’s petitioners, Dolores Tobar and Lucas Martinez, along with respondent Wynter-Mari Content and cocounsel Ja’Nay Daily, presented their arguments before panels of practicing attorneys, demonstrating legal reason-

dents,” Principal Jennifer Lagnado-Papp wrote in a news release. “Their dedication, confidence and professionalism in such a prestigious courtroom environment reflect their hard work and the strength of our program.” The Lawrence High School community congratulated the participating students and thanked the Long Island Mentor Moot Court Program for providing the experiential learning opportunity. — Melissa Berman

Courtesy Lawrence school district

Lawrence High School petitioners Dolores Tobar, left, Lucas Martinez, respondent Wynter-Mari Content and co-counsel Ja’Nay Daily at the 8th annual Long Island Mentor Moot Court Tournament at the Islip Federal Courthouse.

LHS students attend leadership symposium

Courtesy Tanya Dagan

Seventh graders at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach started off the year of their Bar Mitzvah with a breakfast.

Student leaders from Lawrence High School attended a leadership symposium at Carle Place High School, joining representatives from 20 schools for a day focused on collaboration, growth and leadership development. The conference brought together student leaders to share ideas and engage in discussions on strengthening their school communities. Huntington Councilman Dave Bennardo, who spoke about the qualities of leadership, emphasizing character, service and responsibility, delivered the keynote address. Students participated in breakout discussion groups throughout the day,

Courtesy Lawrence school district

Student leaders from Lawrence High School attended a leadership symposium at Carle Place High School. exchanging perspectives with peers from other districts. Lawrence High School was one of four schools selected to present to the full conference, with student officers highlighting the cultural diversity of the Lawrence School District and describing how the community supports

and celebrates those differences. Twenty Lawrence High School student leaders attended the symposium, including Student Government Association President Meredith Maldonado, Eliana Perez Reyes, Corey Shakur Jr., Michela Alexander and Joy Ayangbesan, among others. The group was accompanied by David Ziff and Victoria Lohwassa. Organizers described the symposium as an enriching experience that left Lawrence’s student leaders inspired and better prepared to make a positive impact in their school and community. — Melissa Berman

RichnerLIVE Announces the Long Island Business Summit Presented by Bank of America A Must-Attend Gathering for Business Leaders Ready to Grow, Scale, and Win in 2026

Expanding the Summit’s access to practical business insight and advisory expertise, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is a Workshop Sponsor of the Long Island Business Summit.

Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLIVE today announced Bank of America as the presenting sponsor for its ﬁrst-ever Long Island Business Summit. Taking place Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, this high-energy, full-day summit is designed for every entrepreneur, executive, and business builder committed to accelerating growth and unlocking new opportunities across the region.

Why Attend The Long Island Business Summit • Designed to deliver immediate ROI • Access the decision-makers who drive Long Island’s economy • Learn proven growth strategies directly from industry leaders • Discover new funding, hiring, and technology resources • Build partnerships that accelerate sales and expansion • Gain the insights and inspiration to make 2026 your breakout year

Bringing together founders, CEOs, small business owners, high-growth startups, and major corporate leaders, the Long Island Business Summit will deliver actionable strategies to scale smart, build winning teams, innovate faster, and strengthen competitive advantage in a shifting economy. “Entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes fuel our local economy and help Long Island communities thrive,” said Marc Perez, president, Bank of America Long Island. “As the nation’s largest lender to small businesses, helping businesses grow and succeed is at the core of what we do. In partnership with RichnerLIVE and Herald Community Newspapers, we look forward to bringing our region’s business leaders and innovators together at the inaugural Long Island Business Summit.” The program will feature headline keynote speakers, results-driven workshops, expert-led panels, curated networking, and a business showcase where attendees can discover partnerships, solutions, and resources to power their next stage of growth. Underscoring the signiﬁcance of the Summit, Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP – Attorneys at Law will serve as a Partner Sponsor of the Long Island Business Summit.

“As a business and transactional attorney serving Long Island business leaders for over forty years, from garage startups to multigenerational corporations, I’ve seen many changes in the marketplace and legal landscape,” said Joseph Milizo, Managing Partner of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP – Attorneys at Law. “But what I haven’t seen until now is a business expo that brings together professionals from across Long Island and across industries in one place. It’s an idea long overdue, and it’s my great pleasure to help produce it and strengthen the Long Island business community.”

Registration is open and demand is high. Organizations interested in positioning their brand at the forefront of Long Island’s business landscape are encouraged to secure sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities early. Don’t wait for growth to happen — take it. Join the leaders shaping what’s next for Long Island. For information on registration, sponsorship, or exhibitor opportunities, please contact: Amy Amato, aamato@liherald.com, (917) 559-7002.

For more information, visit “This is the place where business gets done,” said Amy www.richnerlive/li-business-summit. Amato, Executive Director of RichnerLIVE. “If you’re serious Follow us on Twitter/Instagram: @RichnerLive, LinkedIn: about expanding your network, scaling your company, https://www.linkedin.com/company/richnerlive-events/ and staying ahead of the competition, you cannot afford to sit this out. The Long Island Business Summit will give business leaders the tools and connections that lead to real results.”

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NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

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January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

2026 laws that could change life on Long Island From speed cameras and school menus to housing vouchers, Albany and county leaders passed laws aimed at daily lifeStarting Jan. 1, a

More speed cameras in school zones

A new state law expands the school zone speed camera program on Long Island. Previously limited to certain areas, the updated law lets Nassau and Suffolk counties install cameras near more schools — including private and charter campuses. Fines for speeding violations captured by the cameras will remain at $50, with violations issued only during school hours and when students are present. Local officials say the goal is to improve pedestrian safety near schools.

Cleaner menus in school cafeterias

Public schools across Nassau and Suffolk counties must begin reducing added sugars and processed meats under a new state nutrition law. Starting in the 2026–27 school year, school meals can no longer include foods with more than 10 grams of added

new batch of state and county laws will go into effect across New York — and some could have a real impact on how Long Island residents live,

sugar per serving, and items like bacon and hot dogs must be served no more than once per week.

Lithium battery safety rules for e-bikes, scooters

As of Jan. 1, all e-bike and scooter batteries sold in New York must meet new fire safety standards. The law, passed in response to a rise in battery fires statewide, requires UL-certified batteries and gives fire marshals more authority to inspect or remove noncompliant models. The law will apply to retailers and delivery services operating in [Insert town name] and throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

County-wide “no wrong door” policy for mental health help

Nassau and Suffolk counties have each adopted “no wrong door” laws to improve access to mental

“I’m honored to be recognized by The Herald and RichnerLIVE alongside so many leaders shaping the future of real estate. To me, real estate is about vision, storytelling, and creating lasting value this recognition is incredibly meaningful,” said Kelly. Kelly’s success is rooted in sharp negotiation skills, deep market knowledge, and an entrepreneurial mindset that bridges luxury, media, and investment.

health and addiction services. Starting in 2026, any county agency — from probation to housing — must be able to refer a resident to the proper behavioral health services, regardless of how they entered the system. The policies aim to close referral gaps and reduce repeated hospitalizations or arrests due to untreated mental health issues.

Flavored vape ban takes effect statewide

The statewide ban on flavored e-cigarettes, originally passed in 2024, fully takes effect in 2026 after court delays. Retailers across New York state will be prohibited from selling vape products in flavors like mint, menthol, fruit or dessert. In another law designed to protect young people, the state passed a law to regulate the sale and labeling of kratom products. No one will be able to sell kratom to anyone under 21 and kratom products will be required to

carry clear warning labels and a full list of ingredients under the new measure. According to the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom, made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses) and can led to psychotic symptoms and psychological dependency.

More to come

Other laws set to roll out later in 2026 — including updates to clean energy tax credits, public transit fares and composting requirements — may still be finalized in the coming legislative session. Long Island officials are watching closely to see how state budget negotiations may affect implementation timelines.

Her influence extends beyond individual sales; she has helped redefine how high end residential properties are positioned, marketed, and experienced, setting a new standard for client centric, strategic real estate.

The Herald and RichnerLIVE are proud to announce that Kelly Killoren Bensimon will be recognized with the Strategic Visionary in Luxury Real Estate Award at the 2026 HERALD Real Estate Achievement & Leadership (R.E.A.L.) Awards, taking place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 99 Quaker Meeting House Road in n Farmingdale. This prestigious award celebratess Kelly Killoren Bensimon’s exceptional expertise in luxury real estate and her distinctive nctive ability to combine market insight with lifestyle driven strategy. With h extensive hands-on experience in New York City real estate, Kelly approaches each property not just as a transaction but as a story, carefully blending timing, branding, and market intelligence to create lasting value.

drive, learn and work in 2026. Here are a few key changes to watch for: Five things to know:

Most recently, Kelly is known for her key role in a standout New York City transaction, stand underscoring her leadership and impact in the underscor market.

2026

“Kelly “Kell Killoren Bensimon embodies the modern moder evolution of luxury real estate where insight, t strategy intersect,” said brand, and Amy Amato, Executive Director, RichnerLIVE. “Her ability to anticipate the market while elevating the client experience makes her a natural choice for this award.” The R.E.A.L. Awards celebrate leaders across the real estate and development community who are shaping Long Island and the greater New York region through innovation and vision. The evening will feature an exclusive honoree and sponsor reception, cocktail hour, dinner, and awards presentation. For more information about the R.E.A.L. Awards, visit https://www.richnerlive.com/

- Anna Graci

Photo Credit: MIH Global LLC

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*MEET THE 2026 HONOREES* REAL ESTATE AGENT

SPECIAL AWARDS STRATEGIC VISIONARY IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Licensed Real Estate Agent Keller Williams Realty

Kelly Killoren Bensimon

REAL ESTATE BROKER

Founder & Owner, Broker Specialist Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc., Douglas Elliman

Nicholas Sforza

Licensed Real Estate Broker Manhasset Realty Group

RISING STAR

Ashley Infantino

REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson DeSimone Real Estate Agency

Marisa Filardo

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Douglas Elliman

James La Dolce

Vice President, Branch Manager Flushing Bank

TEAM LEADERSHIP Rachel King

COMMERCIAL CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Team Leader of "The King Team", & Long Island Founding Agent SERHANT

Jonathan M. Stern

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Chief Growth Officer Ackman Ziff Real Estate Group

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Rob Mannino

COMMUNITY IMPACT LEADERSHIP Gary Broxmeyer KRISTIN THORNE

Host and 5x EmmyAward Winning Investiative Reporter

SPEAKER

KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON

Founder & Owner, Broker Specialist Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc., Douglas Elliman

01.28.26

Chief Operating Officer The Kulka Group

President Fairfield Properties

DELEVOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION Joseph Picataggi Jr.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Principal Terra Construction Group

Joel Lipsky

Chief Executive Officer Lipsky Construction

INDUSTRY IMPACT AND LEADERSHIP Jeff Schwartzberg, MBA

Managing Principal Premier Commercial Real Estate, LLC

RichnerLIVE’s fifith annual R.E.A.L. Awards will spotlight entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries in Long Island’s real estate and related industries who have achieved success in their respective roles while also being actively involved in community contributions and advocacy.

PURCHASE TICKETS richnerlive.com/realawards

Chairman B2K Development

FATHER / SON DUO

Steven Krieger

John & Dylan Vitale

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Chief Executive Officer B2K Development

Keith P. Brown

Giuseppe Gregorio

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

Luca DiCiero

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Partner Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP

Founder & CEO NYSpace Finders

Robert M. Connelly Partner Romer Debbas, LLP

POWER TEAM

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE Dave Spiegel

Senior Managing Director Bluejay Management

Tom Attivissimo

CEO & Principal Greiner-Maltz Co, of Long Island, LLC PRODUCED BY

RICHNER

To sponsor or purchase a congratulatory ad, contact Amy Amato at aamato@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 Ext. 242

GOLD SPONSORS

RESIDENTIAL HAMPTONS LEADERSHIP Joe Fuer

Senior Managing Director COMPASS

Darab Lawyer

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Douglas Elliman

Vanessa Ambrosecchia

TOP INDUSTRIAL AND INVESTMENT SALES AND LEASING COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR

A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit a local charity.

Partner R&M Engineering

Managing Partner Ackerman Law

Jan Burman

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale

Matthew K. Alyward, PE EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE LAW Michael S. Ackerman

LEGACY IN REAL ESTATE

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REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE Shaan Khan

President, Long Island Board of REALTORS® Realtor Broker/Owner, RK Realty Group

TECHNOLOGY

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*List still in formation

INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN Gina Farese

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January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

STEPPING OUT

Join Mickey and friends on their latest adventure By Karen Bloom

Comic showcase

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

Search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds.

elcome the New Year with another dose of that wonderful world of Disney. The latest Disney ice extravaganza — “Mickey’s Search Party” — arrives at UBS Arena in Elmont to the delight of families who can’t get enough of their favorite Disney moments. Audiences can relive some of the iconic characters and stories — classic and new, now through Jan. 19. Families embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling — so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic • Now through Jan. 19, journey in a fast-paced, times vary • Tickets start at $35, available family-friendly production at ticketmaster.com or that follows the search disneyonice.com for Tinker Bell through • UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead stunning worlds. Tpke., Elmont With top-level skating, daring aerial stunts and memorable moments from beloved Disney tales, this all-out celebration delivers nonstop music, mischief and memories. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead. The vibrantly colorful performance involves skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises. Witness Belle lift into the sky as everyone marvels as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Also observe the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. Plus, you’ll laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. And even more fun awaits as the search party becomes an allout magical celebration. These beloved characters are, of course, joined by Mickey and his crew: Minnie, Donald and Goofy.As always, the atmosphere is electric from the get-go. “When Mickey first comes out, it’s always a big moment for everyone,” says ensemble skater Tess Terpos. Certainly so for Terpos, who’s thrilled to step into the spotlight with the rest of the Disney skaters. It’s a magical moment for her — every time. Ice skating been central to Terpos’ world, since her childhood in Maryland. After years of devotion to her craft — countless hours of practice, grueling

Known for their elite clever comedy, The Ivy League of Comedy visits the Madison Theatre. They’re a presence on late-night TV and Comedy Central and on the club circuit. The lineup features Keith Alberstadt, whose playful personality radiates.He mixes light-hearted sarcasm with southern charm and has become a favorite at comedy clubs. Also Clayton Fletcher (pictured), heard on Sirius/ XM Radio’s Laugh USA, Blue Collar Comedy, and Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole stations. He has been featured on Hulu-TV’s “Comedy Brew,” MSNBC’s “Your Business,” ESPN’s “World Series of Poker,” and Comcast-TV’s “Who’s Laughing Now?” He allows us to see the world through the eyes of the son of a poker-playing mom and a jazz musician dad. And Jane Condon, mom of two boys, has been dubbed “an uppercrust Roseanne.” She loves to tell stories about her adventures (mostly survival tales) with her husband and kids.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.

competitions and performances — the 28-year-old Terpos, a Towson University alum, found her way to the World of Mouse when she caught her break in 2021 with Disney On Ice. Now an established ensemble member with the tour, Terpos lives that Disney magic every day. “Disney on Ice is so truly special and we with our audiences see that ‘magic’ come to life in truly personal way. I have found a home here. It’s a great place to be, surrounded all these special talented skaters and creative people who are as passionate as me.” Her fondness for the stories and characters goes back to childhood. “I loved ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Jasmine, all the princesses. I’d watch them over and over. There are even photos of me dressed up as princesses.” Known for her classic yet playful approach on the ice, Terpos credits her strong foundation in basic skating skills for her versatility as a performer One of her most memorable moments came on opening night of her first professional show, when she was so overwhelmed with excitement that she cried as soon as she stepped off the ice. “Skating with Disney On Ice is a dream come true for me,” she says. “It’s so special and the connection with our audiences is amazing.” And everyone is right there with her. “There are so many interactive elements where audiences get involved up close with the characters. That’s what makes it so special. We need the audience to help solve clues to get Tinkerbell back.” As with her fellow cast members, Terpos’ skating skills enhance the high level of athleticism that is the hallmark of these spectacles. Solos, pairs and fast-paced ensemble skating with highflying jumps add to the appeal of the stories the audience knows so well. Among the highlights, Terpos talents are on full display as she takes on the role of a napkin during the aerial sequence in the “Be Our Guest” scene from “Beauty and the Beast.” “Napkins, forks, knives and spoons fly into the air. It’s really special and they [audiences] love it.” In fact, there’s not a moment that wouldn’t be described as “special.” “The show has something for everyone. It’s about magic and memories,” Terpos adds for emphasis. That Disney magic: it’s all around us.

Paul Cornish Trio Newly signed to Blue Note Records, Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Paul Cornish is making waves as one of the most innovative new voices in jazz. Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Tilles Center Atrium becomes an intimate lounge to showcase this exciting up-and-coming jazz talent. Cornish, who strives to inspire freedom and collaboration in his music and community, has performed extensively across the globe with such notable artists as Joshua Redman, Louis Cole, Mark Guiliana, and more. With Jonathan Pinson (drums) and Jermaine Paul (bass) he’ll perform selections from his Blue Note Records debut album “You’re Exaggerating. “ A Stanford Jazz Workshop alumnus, Cornish blends deep jazz roots with bold, forward-thinking vision, transforming tradition into an electrifying and inspiring musical journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Cornish’s extraordinary artistry and boundless creativity live.

Thursday, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

Epic moments on ice

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD JAN

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American artists captured the world as they saw it. This exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Paint with Eva Berger

Follow along step-by-step to create a beautiful acrylic painting of a lamppost with chickadee at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. You’ll take home that day. Registration required. • Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett • Time: 1:30 p.m. • Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

JAN

Comic showcase

Known for their elite brand of clever comedy, The Ivy League of Comedy visits the Madison Theatre. You’ve heard their brilliant comedic voices on late-night television and Comedy Central and on the club circuit. The lineup features Keith Alberstadt, who’s playful personality radiates on stage. He mixes light-hearted sarcasm with a southern charm and has become a favorite at comedy clubs and theaters. Also Clayton Fletcher, who’s heard every day on Sirius/ XM Radio’s Laugh USA, Blue Collar Comedy, and Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole stations. He has been featured on Hulu-TV’s “Comedy Brew,” MSNBC’s “Your Business,” ESPN’s “World Series of Poker,” and Comcast-TV’s “Who’s Laughing Now?” He allows us to see the world through the eyes of the son of a poker-playing mom and a jazz musician dad. And Jane Condon, mom of two boys, has been dubbed “an uppercrust Roseanne.” She loves to tell stories about her adventures (mostly survival tales) with her husband and kids. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

CALENDAR

families to get discover all that makes Olympics competition so exciting. From speed skating to alpine skiing, the Olympics are fun to watch, but did you know that they’re also filled with science? Join the Green Teens in exploring speed, balance and aerodynamics. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Ballroom dancing lessons

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

If the January frost has you dreaming of salt air and sun-drenched afternoons, it’s time to trade your snow boots for flip-flops — at least mentally. Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band are back to rescue us from the winter doldrums, bringing their high-energy “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to the Paramount stage. There’s no need to wait for the solstice to get your fix of island life. This Long Island-based powerhouse has spent over a decade perfecting the “Beach Country” genre. They masterfully blend the catalogs of the “Big Three” of tropical rock: Jimmy Buffett — for the Parrotheads looking to waste away in Margaritaville; Kenny Chesney — for the No Shoes Nation craving that Caribbean soul; Zac Brown Band — for the Zamily ready to keep their “toes” in the water and a cold beer in their hand. Led by Paul C. Cuthbert (the titular “Jimmy Kenny”) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the band delivers a lush, full sound that captures the easy-living flair of a Nashville-meets-Key-West concert. The lineup features: Linn DeMilta (Lovely Linn), bringing powerhouse lead and backing vocals; Luis Rios, with sizzling lead guitar riffs; Frank Stainkamp, with essential island vibes on the keyboards; Dan Prine and Mike Vecchione, a steady rhythm section keeping the groove alive on bass and drums. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the genre or just someone in desperate need of a “5 o’clock somewhere” state of mind, Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band offer more than just a concert — it’s an escape. Expect a lively, sing-along atmosphere where tthe spirits are high, and for a few hours, the Northeast winter simply doesn’t exist. Don’t be afraid to lean into the theme — floral shirts, straw hats, and leis are not just welcomed; they are practically the uniform of the night. The Paramount’s expansive floor transforms into a temporary shoreline where the boundary between the stage and the crowd disappears under the weight of anthemic choruses and shared nostalgia. Whether • Where: The Paramount, you’re raising a glass to the late Jimmy Buffett or swaying to a country ballad, the 370 New York Ave., Huntington infectious energy of the Pirate Beach Band ensures that the “summer state of mind” • Time: 8 p.m. isn’t just a catchphrase, but a reality. Gather your crew, and prepare to leave your • Contact: ticketmaster.com or winter coat at the door — you won’t be needing it where we’re going. paramountny.com

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

Long Island Children’s Museum’s welcomes all to the opening of its new exhibit. Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out provides interactive experiences that help visitors learn about the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives. Hands-on and digital experiences focus on the five emotions featured in the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Kids learn to recognize emotions and explore ways that we express and manage our own emotions. With opening weekend activities to celebrate the arrival of this traveling exhibit. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Shades of Grey: A musical tribute to Joel Grey

Enjoy the musical stylings of Joel Grey performed by Bob Spiotto, accompanied by Stephen Pagano, at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. From his history making performances, Joel Grey has

entertained audiences for more than 60 years on stage and screen. • Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett • Time: 2 p.m. • Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

JAN

Vinyl paint night

Make beautiful art out of old vinyl records with Shoshanah Findling at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Space is limited and registration required. • Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

Movie matinee

Stop by Peninsula Public Library for a showing of “Knives Out.” When a novelist dies under suspicious circumstances, detective Benoit Blanc uncovers the tangled motives of a feuding family. Rated PG-13, 2 hour/10 min. • Where: 280 Central Ave., Lawrence • Time: 1-3:15 p.m. • Contact: peninsulapublic.org or (516) 967-5777

JAN

‘Anastasia The New Musical’

Molloy Performing Arts Club stages the musical inspired by the films. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 7 p.m.; also Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; Jan 24, 1 and 7 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

JAN

STEM Explorers: Winter Olympics

Long Island Children’s Museum invites

Rock Hall welcomes all to learn the waltz at a beginner session. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals. The class will focus on smooth, gentle walking patterns and basic steps. The pace is relaxed and accessible, perfect for complete beginners. A partner is not required. Participants are welcome to attend alone or with a partner, and rotating partners will be optional based on comfort level. Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is recommended. Closed-toe shoes with a smooth or low-grip sole work best for this style. Participants may also want to bring a water bottle. Space limited. Reservations required. $24; $20 members/seniors. Check is to be payable to the Friends of Rock Hall. • Where: 199 Broadway, Lawrence • Time: 6 p.m. • Contact: (516) 239-1157

JAN

Reiki with Kathleen Gunning

Join Reiki teacher Kathleen Gunning at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. She will guide participants on how to relax your body, calm your mind, manage pain and reduce stress. • Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett • Time: 2 p.m. • Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

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.

Power Smarter Energy Decisions

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

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January 30th • 10:00am

MAUREEN FITZGERALD Herald Community Newspapers

What You’ll Learn: Lower and manage energy costs for your household or business

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Understand outage response & reliability priorities that impact homes and local businesses Use smart meters & Time-of-Day rates to better manage when and how you use energy

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

LOU DEBRINO Vice President of Customer Operations

Hear from Lou DeBrino, Vice President of Customer Operations at PSEG Long Island to learn about practical tools, programs, and updates designed to help customers make confident, informed energy decisions.

CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR? REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE THE RECORDING! To sponsor a webinar or for more information contact Amy Amato at aamato@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x224

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

News brief Gan Chamesh students start literacy unit Students at Gan Chamesh in the Chabad of the Five Towns began their literacy unit in connection with the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Teves (an important date on the Chabad calendar when a court ruled that the library of Frierdiker Rabbi belonged to the Chabad movement). The children brought their favorite Jewish books to school and focused on reading and writing activities. These activities highlighted the importance of reading to the development of young minds. — Melissa Berman

Courtesy Keri Naiman

Children in Gan Chamesh of the Chabad of the Five Towns started their literacy unit.

Public Notices

LNAS1 0115

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. FNA DZ, LLC, Pltf. vs. FAYE KLAUSNER, Defts. Index #604761/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered November 26, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 5, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 58, Block 84 Lot 28-30. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” PAUL MELI, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021.#102695 157575 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE C. MARTINEZ, MARIA S. ALVARENGA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 28, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 11, 2026 at

2:30 PM, premises known as 102 Roger Avenue, Inwood, NY 11096. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Inwood, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 40, Block 146, Lot 126-129. Approximate amount of judgment $824,643.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604014/2020. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polow y, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-000073 88344 157629 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Qualification of Meteorite Camillus LLC, a Delaware limited liability company formed on 12/04/25. Authority filed with New York Secretary of State on 12/09/25. County in New York: Nassau. Address: 1030R Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598. Designated agent for service of process: Joshua Jacobs, 1030R Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 157654

LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bidders BOARD OF TRUSTEES Peninsula Public Library PUBLIC NOTICE: is hereby given for single prime contract sealed bids for: Elevator Repair at Peninsula Public Library. Bids will be received by the Library, on February 5,

2026 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bently Meeting Room at the Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud. Beginning Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349). Complete digital sets of Contract Documents may be obtained online as a download for a non-refundable fee of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained through Biddy c/o Lohrius Blueprint, 226 Newtown Road, Plainview, NY 11803 (516-465-2880) upon a deposit of OneHundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the PENINSULA PUBLIC LIBRARY and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have

obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract. The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted. Each bidder may not withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof. A bidder may withdraw his bid only in writing and prior to the bid opening date. By Order of: The Board of Trustees Peninsula Public Library Dated: January 12, 2026 157806

Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced legislation to help protect children online and to help bolster mental health care for youngsters.

State aims to expand online protections for children, teens mental health By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

As part of her state-of-the-state proposals, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced legislation to help protect children from online predators, scammers and harmful AI chatbots that are integrated into online platforms. Additionally, Hochul is proposing a first-of-its-kind, statewide expansion of Teen Mental Health First Aid Training, designed to give young people the tools to identify, understand and effectively respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges among their friends and peers. “These proposals will create a nationleading standards that will ensure our kids’ safety in online and real work environments,” Hochul said in a Jan. 5 release. The legislative package to protect kids on online platforms includes expanding requirements for platforms to conduct age verification, including online game platforms; making kids’ accounts be set to the highest privacy settings on platforms by default, meaning that non-connections cannot message kids, view their profile or tag them in content; disabling AI chatbot features on social media platforms for kids; and expanding parental controls, meaning that parents must be able to set limits on children’s financial transactions. The legislative package is sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nilly Rozic. Common Sense Media founder James Steyer commended the state’s actions. “The online games kids play and the social media platforms they use for hours and hours a day become veritable

hunting groups for predators,” he said. “Kids and teens need these new protections now more than ever.” Julie Scelfo, founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, called the legislative proposals “common-sense.” “The parents of the MAMA movement are grateful for the governor’s continued national leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with her and with the state legislature to enact policies that protect our kids,” she said. The Teen Mental Health First Aid training is being proposed to be available to all 10th-graders in New York, making it available to more than 180,000 students annually. The training is designed for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 so they can identify, understand and respond to sigs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. It will equip them with skills to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges; the impact of bullying and school violence on mental health; how to have impactful conversations with classmates about mental health concerns or to seek help from an adult; formal and informal support, and self-care. “In our discussions with young people about mental health issues, one consistent thread became clear — youth reach out to their peers when they are in distress,” New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “Teen Mental Health First Aid helps young New Yorkers talk with their classmates and friends about mental health issues and provides them with the know-how to get them help when it is needed.”

W1 01/15

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

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Positions available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties Apply At: www.educationalbusjobs.com/ EOE EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted

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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com LIC Dental Associates is looking for a Dentist at our Long Island City, NY location. Must have a U.S. D.M.D., Doctorate of Dental Medicine, or a foreign degree equivalent. Must also have: Certificate in Clear Aligners Course from the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA); Spear Education Certificate in Facially Generated Treatment Planning, NYS Dental License; and, 5 years of experience as a private practice clinician. Slry $115.92/hr. Email applications to: licdentalassociates5002@gmail.com MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com Marketing Specialist: conducting market rsch projects for beauty products to create and implement appropriate strategies and responses; with mgr, collect and analyze info. about market condition of beauty products and examine and interpret market data to forecast market trends. Sal. $61797/yr. BA in Marketing, Communication or related. Send ltt/res Attn: HR, IVY Enterprises Inc. 25 Harbor Park Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050

(Salary is $17.00 per hour)

Classifieds

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Open the door to a bright future! Check the

OUTSIDE SALES

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

Job listings today!

516-569-4000 Press 5

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

HERALD

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

W2 01/15

Homes

HERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HOME OF THE WEEK

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

Oceanside

The Best of the Best

A zoning variance for a bigger den?

Q. I wanted to add on to the den on the side of my house. The den has been there since 1930. The problem I’m having is that if I want to make the addition so that it’s in alignment with the current den, the side distance to my property line is too close, by 12 inches, according to my building department. They say that I have to match the code requirement that was adopted in 1938, so instead of having a straight wall going all the way back, I either need to make a jog in the wall or go for a zoning variance. It just doesn’t make sense. I’m not adding a monster-sized addition, just 10 feet by 10 feet on the side of my house, behind tall hedges. My neighbor doesn’t mind, so what can I do about this? A. Not much, except decide whether you want a ridiculous-looking room with a jog in the wall or want to spend the money and time to go through the zoning variance process. When I see cases like this, I understand the intent of the law, but not the “spirit” of the law. The intent is to prevent the construction of buildings too close to a properonte eeper ty line, based on historical catastrophes such as the London fire and the Chicago fire, both of which saw hundreds of lives lost and tens of thousands of buildings destroyed, mainly because of their closeness to one another and their ability to burn easily. We live in a modern age in which materials have been tested, analyzed, certified and regulated to limit flame spread, and communities have been set up with strict guidelines to leave spaces between buildings for safety and appearance. But knowing, or not remembering, this, communities may invoke the strictness of the law like a stern punishment, or look at the separate conditions and merits of each case, deciding that your straight wall versus a jogged wall isn’t going to hurt anyone and, being located on the side or behind your house, isn’t going to detract from the character of the community. Some building departments have been given the flexibility to make these decisions, to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and have the authority to give approval for minor issues. Some municipalities have even gone so far as to pass ordinances allowing the discretion of building departments to allow for the alignment of built structures, previously approved, on the first story. It makes sense not to put homeowners through an unnecessary hearing process, sometimes costing thousands of dollars and many months of delay, just so they can have a straight wall. Allowing alignment with a previously approved part of a building isn’t the same as having a flammable wall too close to a property line or another building. In the long run, a variance will be worth it. Otherwise the weird wall shift won’t be understood or be beneficial to you. Good luck!

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CORY KNOPF Licensed Real Estate Broker Licensed as: Rhea Cory Knopf M:516.375.7727 O: 516.764.6060 Hal Knopf Team at Compass 2800 Long Beach Rd Oceanside, NY 11572

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own. Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Call us today!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

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

W3 01/15

Market Place • • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

HERALD

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CRAZY?

Sell your merchandise in no time! Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classiﬁed Department at

Add'l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Expires 12/27/26.

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sales@liherald.com to run a FREE "Finds Under $100"

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds... REAL ESTATE & MORE... Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION in Long Island is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements. This is a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services grant funded project. The project includes (i) installation of one or more: technology (such as CCTV, access control, alarms, sensors, X-ray machines, magnetometer, cybersecurity, networking hardware), security film, doors, locks, windows, bollards, planters, barriers, lighting, fencing, privacy fencing, gates, booth, (ii) training programs, and (iii) security personnel. Bids will be accepted until 5:00 PM on January 26th, 2026. Work is expected to commence by the week of February 16, 2026 and be completed by August 31, 2026. All interested vendors will be required to demonstrate preliminary qualifications and licensing for this work, acknowledge receipt of the proposal documents, and provide company name, business address, telephone, fax and email address, and primary contact name. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at grantbidrequests@gmail.com AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160 SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

W4 01/15

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FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 Cleaning Services WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

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Home Improvement

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HERALD

Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move. PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Br iggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

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Services AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679 INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider. PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Health & Fitness

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Junk Cars Wanted

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oPinions

ope Leo’s decision to accept the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, effective in the next several weeks, has significance for the entire New York metropolitan area. Going back to the 19th century, the archbishop of New York has played an often outsized role in the life of the city, with an influence extending beyond Catholics and beyond the city itself, into the suburbs. There was Archbishop John Hughes, in the 1860s, mobilizing support to protect PETER St. Patrick’s Cathedral from KinG threats by the Know Nothings to burn it down. In the mid-20th century, Cardinal Francis Spellman spoke out about national issues and against what he viewed as remnants of anti-Catholicism. He met regularly with government, political and business leaders, which led friends as well as critics to label him “the American Pope” and St. Patrick’s “the Powerhouse.”

Cardinal John O’Connor, who held the position from 1984 to 2000, came from a working-class and military background. He mastered the art of communicating through the media, taking outspoken stands on various issues such as workers’ rights in New York and human rights in Ireland and, most significantly, working extensively to strengthen interfaith relations with the many other religions mixed into the city’s ecumenical melting pot. Particularly memorable was O’Connor’s close friendship with Mayor Ed Koch and their joint efforts against antisemitism, including a popular book they coauthored. Also meaningful was a television special on which O’Connor and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel decried the evil of antisemitism and all religious bigotry. Personally, I had a strong friendship with O’Connor, highlighted by his refusal to back down to pressure from the British government when its consulate urged him not to review the 1985 St. Patrick’s Day Parade because I served as its grand marshal. O’Connor’s funeral, at St. Patrick’s in

May 2000 — attended by countless luminaries, including President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton, and future President George W. Bush and future first lady Laura Bush, befitted an acknowledged national leader. Dolan was chosen by Pope Benedict in 2009 to lead New York’s Catholics, and, though he was born and raised in St. Louis, he immediately established himself as a true New Yorker. My wife, Rosemary, and I got to know Dolan well, and are proud to call him our friend. We were privileged to have him as a guest for dinner in our Seaford home, and attended numerous events with him, including Midnight Mass, on Christmas Eve; private lunches at his residence, with retired New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and his wife, Veronica; and Dolan’s annual St. Patrick’s Day brunches, replete with a cross-section of elected officials including Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman as well as religious leaders such as Rockville Centre Bishop John Barres and Rabbi Joe Potasnik, of

hough he was born and raised in St. Louis, he became a true New Yorker.

the New York Board of Rabbis. Now that he has reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 and the pope has accepted his retirement, Dolan’s omnipresence in New York, and his unfailing sense of humor, will be sorely missed. He was always there, for those of all religions, especially in times of need. I distinctly recall being with him at meetings with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, trying to obtain funding to protect houses of worship from terrorist attacks. Similarly, I remember discussing with Dolan and Potasnik strategies for requesting Covid relief funds for religious entities from the Trump administration. I particularly recall Dolan being a lone voice speaking out on behalf of the police during the violent demonstrations in the summer of 2020. Dolan has been a gift to New York. Fortunately, he has chosen to remain here, and take up residency in a Manhattan parish. I wish him the best of health, happiness and peace, and congratulations on a job well done. An era has passed. Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Protecting our peace of mind, hour to hour

was looking for a sharp stick the other night, because I had promised myself that I would rather poke myself in the eye than watch another DJT pop-up press briefing. This time the president was defending our pop-up war against Venezuela, a military campaign executed flawlessly, except that it might not have been necessary. Might have been another big-time distraction from the slow creep of Epstein files. Might have been an epic waste of people power and RAnDi money. We caught KREiss the wild dog. Now what? Yet there Trump was last weekend, rambling about how we would now “run” Venezuela, and there I was, watching. He ranted and raved until I zapped him with the remote. But, dear readers, don’t we have to be very, very careful? Donald Trump may speak extemporaneously in maddening circles, but we must tune in sometimes. We marginalize him at our own peril. He still has the power, and when jacked

up on irrational impulses, he can bring down the house around us. Or bulldoze the White House East Wing. Or covet the northern slopes of Greenland. We are caught in a vise: let Trump into our lives or protect our sanity and space. In my house, my husband turns on the TV as he walks into or through a room, in the same way that one might turn on an oxygen machine in a dead zone. It’s always there, in the background, too loud, too repetitive, too blathering, too insignificant. I reach for the remote, and then stop. How will I know what the commander in chief is plotting? There is no authoritative voice for the opposition. Walter Cronkite died 16 years ago. So we must thread the needle: Try to find reliable news sources and limit our exposure. This is an urgent priority, lest we slip into complacency, or worse. To get through this fierce winter of freezing weather and cascading political disasters, let’s do our work as citizens. For most of my life, it felt OK to be an observer of the political movements sweeping across the nation, from the

unrest of the ’60s through the Obama years. My political activism has been confined to voting, writing and joining peaceful protests. These times demand more, but what, exactly? We twist in the wind, distressed by the abuses and downright meanness of the Trump administration, yet unable to do anything that feels consequential. Some people I know have turned off TV news and stopped reading the newspapers, hunkering down in their own lives to avoid the stress of watching disturbing events unfold. That, I know, is a very bad idea. We must stay informed, and at the same time, find and hold a balance. We need space in our days for peace in a chaotic world. I invite you to examine your own waking hours and consider how much satisfaction and pleasure you experience in any day, in any week. And what are those joyful moments, and how can you — how can any of us — have more of them? What is the well-spent time before and after work obligations, family duties and monitoring our democracy?

hese times of cascading political disasters demand more, but what, exactly?

The uplifting hours in our days? A simple walk around the block is doable most days. The fresh air blasts away the cobwebs and the brisk wind engages the senses. Going down to the beach, in any weather, lifts the spirit. Time in the kitchen, preparing a warm meal, feels rewarding. Something in the gathering of supplies, the cooking and the eating seems like a perfect daily experience. Connecting with friends and family registers as feel-good time, and I make room for that as often as possible. I do love my work, both my writing and my book groups. Writing, when you’re in the moment, is intense and difficult but fully engaging. And you? Your truly life-affirming moments? And are there enough of them, or are you slipping, as I have been at times, into too much TV news obsession? As creatures gifted with self-reflection (most of us, anyway), we can think about the days of our lives, a diminishing supply of a limited commodity. We can decide for ourselves, each of us, how to spend this treasure. The dead of winter is a good time to live the examined life. Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

Cardinal Dolan retires, and an era has passed

Herald editorial

Nassau

HERALD January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD

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Long Island’s priorities are bipartisan

he message that emerged from last Friday’s annual Long Island Association State of the Region breakfast was focused on ideas that matter deeply to everyone who calls Long Island home: affordable housing, clean water, reliable energy, fiscal responsibility and caring for the most vulnerable. The event brought together voices from across the political spectrum: Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, just to name a few. Unsurprisingly, with Hochul and Blakeman widely expected to face each other in November’s gubernatorial election, some of the discussion previewed the themes that will likely define the campaign ahead. But the most striking takeaway was not the contrast in party labels — it was the amount of common ground. Long Island’s growth and success were recurring themes. LIA President Matt Cohen noted that since the organization was founded in 1926, the region’s population has increased by 900 percent, transforming what was once largely a bedroom community into a diverse economic engine with world-class schools, hospitals and tourist destinations. Schumer, reflecting on decades of visiting every corner of the state, noted

letters We need the arts ‘now more than ever’ To the Editor: I read Robert Scott’s op-ed last week, “The arts on Long Island are for you,” regarding the need for regional arts infrastructure while inviting Long Islanders into the art world. I so appreciate this outreach, as I feel Long Island and the country as a whole need the arts now more than ever. As a resident of Massapequa, I’m currently in the “planting phase” of establishing an Arts Center of Massapequa here. The Long Island Arts Alliance’s data on the $330 million economic impact of Long Island arts is the backbone of our current pitch. We are building the ACM for many reasons: to bridge the “infrastructure gap” Scott identified, to ensure that our town can finally capture its fair share of state funding, and to remind our community members that art and community aren’t extreme luxuries —

that when Long Island does well, all of New York does well. Water infrastructure emerged as a point of broad agreement. In her remarks, Hochul previewed a proposed five-year, $3.75 billion investment in that infrastructure, calling it historic. On an island where drinking water comes from a sole-source aquifer, protecting water quality is not optional — it is existential. Upgrading sewers, improving wastewater treatment and replacing outdated septic systems are investments that will pay dividends for generations, regardless of who occupies the governor’s office. Blakeman pointed to Nassau County’s public safety record and quality of life, citing national recognition as one of the most desirable places to live. Housing affordability dominated much of the conversation, particularly as younger New Yorkers struggle to remain in the region. DiNapoli referenced a recent report from his office showing that Gen Z and millennials are being squeezed by high housing costs and limited entry-level job opportunities — a troubling trend for a region that depends on retaining its workforce and future leaders. Romaine underscored that affordable housing cannot be addressed in isolation; it requires smart planning and significant investment in infrastructure such as roads and sewers to support new

development. Energy infrastructure, including offshore wind, food security, support for safety-net hospitals and maintaining a strong social safety net, was also part of the discussion. These are foundational responsibilities of government. People cannot go hungry. Communities cannot thrive without reliable health care. Economic growth means little if it leaves large segments of the population behind. What was perhaps most encouraging was DiNapoli’s reminder of fiscal discipline. Even in a relatively strong economy, uncertainty looms as federal funding decisions evolve. Thoughtful, responsible budgeting — looking not just at the next election cycle but years down the road — is itself a bipartisan value. This election year will bring sharp rhetoric and clear contrasts. That is inevitable, and healthy, in a democracy. But the ideas discussed at the State of the Region breakfast should not become casualties of partisanship. They are good ideas — the kinds of ideas that all elected officials, at every level of government, should be eager to pursue. All of the state’s leaders must resist the temptation to govern by party line alone. The issues highlighted at the breakfast must remain priorities, regardless of which way the political winds blow.

opinions

’m sure that at some point in your life, someone has uttered an expression that you’d never heard or didn’t understand. There are many of these weird turns of phrase, but my favorite is, “What am I, chopped liver?” It may have ethnic overtones, but it has been used by countless comedians over the decades. No one can pinpoint exactly when the chopped-liver inquiry was born, but it is said to have emanated from Jewish families in the 1930s. Its purpose was to JerrY make it clear to kremer someone that just like chopped liver is a side dish at a dinner, nobody wants to be treated like a side dish in life. I heard the phrase for the first time at a family dinner, and then I heard the late, great comedian Jimmy Durante growl, “I ain’t chopped liver.” I can think of a few people and institutions that I can apply the comparison to, and you’ll better understand how

wonderfully it fits. Let’s start with the apparent attitudes of the owners of the Mets and Yankees toward the teams’ fans. There are no people more loyal to the cause of winning sports in New York than Yankees and Mets followers. We pack the teams’ parks throughout the season, pay ridiculous sums of money for tickets, food and souvenirs, and in the end, the Mets’ Steve Cohen and the Steinbrenners, who own the Yankees, treat us like, yup, chopped liver. All season long we slavishly follow every on-field play and off-field rumor, hoping they’ll be gameclinchers or season-changers. We argue endlessly with Dodgers and Red Sox fans about whose team is the best. Every September, we hope and pray that our squad will make it to the playoffs. We shell out even more ridiculous sums of money to attend playoff game, and pray for the miracle that will propel our Yankees or Mets into the World Series. To add to our collective chopped-liver misery, during the winter we check our

e pay absurd sums of money to pack their stadiums, but in the end . . .

Letters they belong to everyone. I would be deeply honored if Dr. Scott would keep our project on his radar as we move toward acquiring fiscal sponsorship and formal 501(c)(3) filing. Thanks to Bob for being a fierce advocate for our region’s “creative spark.” I receive the Herald and always start on the Opinion pages, and I was absolutely delighted to find his words there. KRISTA JENSEN Massapequa

Venezuela: America’s latest quagmire To the Editor: The United States’ adventures in Iran, Iraq and Libya have long been forgotten by those we trust to lead our country. With our move into Venezuela, we just gave China the political and moral approval to “liberate” Taiwan. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s promise to restore the Soviet Union to its former glory has been reinforced and justified by our government’s recent actions. Venezuela is twice the size of Cali-

phones way too often, in the hope that our team will make some trade or announce some surprise contract that will guarantee our October ticket to the Series. Late last year, the headlined departures of the Mets’ Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso were like a collective lump of coal in our Christmas stocking. To show what patsies we are, a couple of months from now, when spring training starts, we’ll ignore all the misery we’ve suffered and begin a new season of hope. We’ve screamed about the Mets losing favorite player after favorite player to other teams, and want to believe that something big will happen. Cohen says he is constantly looking for new stars and has an open checkbook, but he’s now concentrating on his new casino license and a neighboring soccer stadium. Mets fans? Chopped liver. And the Yankees owners? During the winter, the Steinbrenners sign as many players as they can find, but the big moves, like signing another front-line pitcher or Cody Bellinger (maybe) don’t

fornia, with a population of 30 million, and has had one of the highest crime/murder rates in the world. American oil companies and their employees will need protection to operate the oil fields. We already produce more oil than we need. Unlike America, the rest of the world is moving away from fossil fuels, especially China. We won’t sell to Russia or China. Where is the market that will buy the oil and generate the billions of dollars required to upgrade and protect our “interests” in Venezuela? What is our government’s plan to move forward? I fear that we are heading into the abyss as our moral compass points more toward power and self-entitlement than to compassion and lifting those who need it most. We have invaded a sovereign nation and kidnapped its leader. Nicolas Maduro certainly is corrupt and murderous, but how can we justify our illegal actions on the world stage? Guerrilla warfare, as occurred in Iraq, Libya and other countries we tried to overthrow in the name of democracy, will overtake Venezuela. What and who are we becoming?

seem to be happening right now. According to Forbes and Sportico, the Yankees are valued at $8.2 billion to $8.4 billion, making them the most valuable franchise in baseball history. They claim they’re a break-even company, but their parent company, Yankee Global Enterprises, is estimated to make as much as $150 million annually. We all know what would have happened if George Steinbrenner were still alive. The Yankees would resemble the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have an AllStar at virtually every position. But the Yankees management tells us that baseball is a business, and the sport’s luxury tax forces it to maintain a “tighter bottom line.” The counterpoint to that argument is what another baseball team owner told me: “When you win a World Series, there’s a gusher of new money to be made.” For now, though, if a friend or relative asks you what the chopped-liver line refers to, tell them it’s all about being a Mets or Yankees fan. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

ANTHONY BRANCATO East Meadow

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At South Side High, the cast of “The Actor’s Nightmare” takes a break — Rockville Centre

NASSAU HERALD — January 15, 2026

Mets and Yankees fans know plenty about chopped liver

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January 15, 2026 — NASSAU HERALD