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Fighting back against scams Upcoming seminar in Levittown aims to protect residents of all ages County residents, are affected by scams each year. According to a recent survey by AARP, With scams and identity about 41 percent of adult Amertheft on the rise, a Feb. 9 semi- icans, roughly 110 million peonar in Levittown will aim to ple, reported that they have had help residents of Wantagh, Sea- money stolen through fraud or ford and nearby communities misuse of sensitive informaprotect themselves from those tion. looking to scam them. “The first thing I tell peoThe free event will take place ple,” McKevitt said, is “if you at 7 p.m. at the Levittown Pub- don’t know the number, do not lic Library. It is orgapick up. Your docnized by State Sen. tor’s office will leave Steve Rhoads, Nasa voicemail. Your sau County Legislachild will leave a tors Tom McKevitt voicemail.” McKevand Kayla Knight, itt has done scamand the Kiwanis p reve n t i o n s e m i Club of Levittown, nars for the past five and will feature years, he said. “We e x p e r t s f ro m t h e get more and more county’s Office of stories all the time Crime Victim Advo- StEVE RhoAdS about seniors being cate, the Family & State sentor taken for tens of Children’s Associathousands, if not tion and the Nassau hundreds of thouCounty Police Department. sands of dollars due to scams,” Attendees will learn how to rec- he added. ognize scam red flags, report The Federal Trade Commisincidents and recover from sion reported that in 2024, confraud. sumers lost over $12.5 billion to “Whether it’s text messages, fraud and scams — a 25 percent e m a i l s , t e l e p h o n e c a l l s , ” increase over 2023. A broader Rhoads said, “residents are report from AARP estimated being victimized by scams that identity fraud and scams every single day.” cost U.S. adults a combined $47 M i l l i o n s o f A m e r i c a n s, billion in 2024. And according including thousands of Nassau CoNTiNued oN pAge 11

By lUKE FEENEY

lfeeney@liherald.com

Courtesy Charlie Wroblewski

Legionnaires Kevin Tirman, far left, Commander Terry Murphy, Lance Lundquist, Chaplain Charlie Wroblewski and Tony Heckel visited with veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center.

A visit filled with thanks and honor Seaford legionnaires uplift fellow veterans at VA center By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Legionnaires from the Seaford American Legion Post 1132 brought the holiday spirit to veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center in a visit that featured presents and sharing memories. “Our group received an initial cordial but reserved reception from the Veteran residents,” Post Commander Terrence Murphy said of the Dec. 28 visit. “When we started talking with them, however, they responded with stories of humor, military histories, and home. We all were grateful for the experience.” Post members delivered Adult Lego Sets—designed for cognitive stimulation and recreation—to support the center’s Lego Club. They also sat with veterans to swap

stories and share in fellowship. Kevin Tirman, a Post 1132 member and a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1979 to 1983, said that the sets are a positive tool for patients in the center. “It is very therapeutic for those veterans that live at the home,” Tirman said The Northport VA Medical Center is a skilled nursing facility owned and operated by the New York State Department of Health for veterans and their dependents. The Health Department operates four veterans homes, in Batavia, Oxford, Montrose and St. Albans, Queens. Post Chaplain Charlie Wroblewski likened the visit to going to the home of a friend. “It’s something that posts want to do to actually visit [veterans] at their home turf,” Wroblewski said. “Going to see them CoNTiNued oN pAge 8

esidents are being victimized by scams every single day.

Students spread holiday cheer through toy drives

January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Students at Saw Mill Road Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District helped brighten the holiday season for hundreds of children through three toy drives held in December. T he school’s Students Ag ainst Destructive Decisions club and Danielle Brocco’s second-grade class collected toys for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, while Michelle Mittler’s third graders donated toys to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The John Theissen Children’s Foundation is a Wantagh-based nonprofit founded in 1992 to support sick and underprivileged children and their families. Established after founder John Theissen was hospitalized as a teenager, the organization began with a small holiday toy drive and has since grown to distribute tens of thousands of new toys each year to hospitals, child-care facilities and community organizations across Long Island. The foundation also provides year-round assistance and resources aimed at bringing comfort and joy to children facing medical and financial hardships. Theissen visited the school on Dec. 18 to collect the donations. Sixth-grade members of SADD and Brocco’s second graders gathered in the lobby to hear

Photos courtesy of the North Bellmore School District

SADD club members brought the toys to John Theissen’s car so he could give them to sick and underprivileged children across Long Island. Theissen share the story behind the organization. He told students that the foundation began after a young girl named Tasha,

who was hospitalized with him, gave him a teddy bear. Inspired by the gesture, Theissen organized his first toy drive, delivering 800 toys to children

that year. The effort has since grown to distribute about 130,000 toys annually. Students helped empty donation boxes, bag the toys and load them into Theissen’s car. “I feel really good about how our school is helping other children and giving them a good holiday,” said SADD club member Nathan Smith. “I hope they know that people care about them.” Angelina Chen said she was inspired by the foundation’s origins. “It’s amazing how he started this because of another person’s nice gesture,” she said. “It feels awesome to know that these gifts can help underprivileged children.” The SADD club, under the direction of Keara McNamara, promoted the toy drive with handmade signs displayed throughout the school and daily morning announcements. The drive ran from Dec. 1 through Dec. 17. Mittler said she has involved her students in a toy drive each year for about a decade. Her family makes an annual holiday donation to Cohen Children’s Medical Center in appreciation for the care the hospital provided to her daughter. Students were encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, which Mittler personally delivered on Dec. 15. “I like to involve my class,” Mittler said, “because it teaches them about generosity and compassion.”

Sixth graders from the SADD club and second graders from Danielle Brocco’s class filled up bags with donated toys.

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SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026 Courtesy Seaford School District Photos

Seaford High School’s 2026 NMEA All-County musicians were congratulated by administrators and their music teachers.

20 Seaford student musicians selected for festival By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Twenty Seaford student musicians will represent the school district this month at a countywide festival celebrating musical achievement. The annual All-County music festival, hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association, runs from Jan. 7–18 and includes students from across the county. Participants were chosen for their musical aptitude in band or chorus following a competitive selection process. Seaford High School seniors Corinne Gustavson and Molly Restivo were selected for the Division 5 Treble Choir, joined by fellow high schooler Erin McAndrew in the Division 4 Chorus. Brandon Siegel will perform with the Division 4 Instrumental Jazz Band, and Brian Karaman will play in the Division 5 Concert Band. At Seaford Middle School, Sofia Cadena and Logan Rackow will sing with the Division 2 Chorus, while Peyton Hujber and Leanne Gregorek are in the Division 3 Chorus. Jonathan Lau was selected for the Division 2 Band, and Samantha Juan for the Division 3 Band. Fifth graders from the district’s elementary schools will join the Division 1 East ensembles. Seaford Harbor School’s Celia Hanshe will play in the band, and Cillian Perry, Sogna Santana, Ariana Speizer and Jerry Zong will sing in the chorus. From Seaford Manor School, Brayden Dubler was selected for band, while Francesca

Seaford Middle School will send five students to perform at the annual All-County music festival. Guigno, Zoie Polyzogopoulos and Lillian Schatz will sing. Seaford’s music faculty includes Richard Adams, Yvonne Bendzlowicz, Pamela Brinkman, Nicholas Coacci, Christopher Coniglio, Amanda Ferguson, Caroline Feryo, Daniel Krueger, Charlotte Loake and Dr. Anthony Romeo.

Four Seaford Manor Elementary School students will represent their school at the annual All-County music festival.

“Congratulations to all students who have been accepted into the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Festival,” said Dr. Patrick Kennedy, Seaford’s coordinator of fine and applied arts. “This is an incredible recognition of the hard work and dedication that these students and their teachers have dedicated to their craft.”

Similarly to Seaford Manor Elementary School, four Harbor Elementary School students will perform at the annual All-County music festival.

News briefs

January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

Call for 2026 Patriot Award nominees The Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee is accepting nominations for its 2026 Honorary Patriot Award, which honors individuals whose character and contributions reflect the spirit of five Seaford High School alumni who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nominees may be anyone who meets at least one of several criteria, including: exemplifying the spirit of the late Thomas Haskell (Class of ’82), Timothy Haskell (’85), John Perry (’82), Robert Sliwak (’77) or Michael Wittenstein (’85); having made significant contributions to the Seaford schools, community or the 9/11 SHS Memorial Committee; or being a Seaford graduate or past Patriot Award winner who has since gained distinction. Contributions to society more

broadly are also considered. Typically, two to three recipients are selected each year. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, along with the name, address, phone number and email of the person submitting the nomination. The deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. All nominations should be sent to TCondonshs911@ Gmail.com. More details about the Honorary Patriot Award, including biographies of Seaford’s fallen heroes and the history of the award, are available at www.seaford911.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/Seaford911 —Luke Feeney

Minimum wage increase hits paychecks New York state’s minimum wage increased on Jan. 1, marking the third straight year of increases. In New York City, Westchester and Long Island, the wage increased to $17 per hour, and in the rest of the state to $16 per hour. This adjustment of $.50 per hour is part of a planned series of increases, which will be indexed to inflation starting in 2027. “From the tip of Montauk to Niagara Falls, this increase reflects our promise to put money back in New Yorkers pockets and uplift our hard workers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By continuing these investments and indexing wages to inflation, we’re making sure New Yorkers can keep up with rising costs by taking home more money.” “As costs rise, wages must keep pace,” State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents parts of Queens and is chair of the committee on labor, said. “Indexing the minimum wage to inflation was not radical, it was responsible, and it’s how we make sure that work is rewarded with dignity today and in the years ahead.” The ability for the state to increase its

minimum wages traces its roots back to a 2023 agreement between Hochul and the state legislature. Minimum wage was also boosted by $0.50 per hour in 2024 and 2025. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region — the most accurate regional measure of inflation. The state’s Department of Labor is working to educate employers and employees about wage changes. It offers free education seminars to help employers better understand labor laws and ensure compliance. Workers can visit the Department of Labor’s minimum wage webpage for more information, including an interactive minimum wage lookup tool to verify their correct pay rate. If you earn minimum wage and do not see an increase reflected in your paycheck, wage complaints can be filed at DOL.NY.gov or by calling (833) 910-4378. “With costs rising, this increase is crucial for workers looking to make ends meet,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said.

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SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026

THANKS TO THE CONGESTION RELIEF PROGRAM, NEW YORK IS ON THE MOVE! One year of the congestion relief program means real results for Long Island. Commute times are down 22% from the LIE to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel— meaning less time wasted in traffic and more time back in your day. [SOURCE: Newsday, 8/6/25]

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spotlight athlete

January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

BRiNgiNg local spoRts home eVeRY weeK

HERALD SPORTS Seaford brings high expectations By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

For a Seaford wrestling team that last winter had five kids qualify for states, it has all five returning. With the ‘ability to do great things,’ it starts at practice for coach Dave Takseraas’ group. “I tell a team every year to come in every day, get better, practice hard and every match we wrestle in to compete hard,” Takseraas said. “We have the capability to do some great things if everybody’s putting in the work that they need to. Competing in the way that they know how to compete and the way that we expect them to comp e t e, we g e t s o m e g o o d results.” Freshman Colden Friedman (110), sophomore Joel Diaz (118), senior captain Connor Murphy (132), junior Brendan Fox (126) and sophomore Brock Conway (157) are the five returning state qualifiers from a season ago. Friedman is coming off a season in which he won the Division II county championship as an eighth-grader in the 101-pound weight class. In addition to Friedman, Diaz was named an honorable mention, Murphy brought home his second county championship, Fox won a county championship (116) and Conway finished as a runner-up. Senior captain Yianni Thomas (144) comes off a season in which he recorded the most wins for his team, with 38. “Friedman, Thomas, Diaz and Conway put a lot of time in doing offseason practices and offseason tournaments,”

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Connor Murphy, top, is a captain and a returning state qualifier for the experienced and talented Vikings. Takseraas said. “A lot of them have gotten stronger in the weight room and have put on muscle, filling out the weight class a little stronger.” Friedman has finished in first place through two tournaments thus far. He won the 110 championships in the Uniondale Knight Classic To u r n a m e n t a n d t h e Manhasset JV Tournament. Seniors Ayden McNamara (190), John Saboni (215) and Tom Mirenda (175) round out the senior class. Eighth-grader Connor Hanly (103) and junior Joe Lynch (165) will

have a chance to make an impact. “We have most of our starting lineup returning this year,” Takseraas said. “We’re just more experienced and we got a good mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen filling out the lineup. Another year of [a lot of experience], so [we’re] hoping to top what we did last year.” The long-awaited wait for Hanly has come to an end, as he leaps varsity. “Connor is somebody that’s been wrestling since he was five-years old, he came up through our

youth program,” Takseraas said. “He’s competed in so many tournaments. We know him, he’s a great wrestler, so we’re excited to pull him up.” He’s already had success wrestling at 103 for us, so he’s somebody we knew a lot about. We’re excited to get him onto the high school team, and he’s finally arrived.” As for the season ahead. “There are high expectations for this team,” Takseraas said. “We’re hoping we’ ll even exceed those expectations.”

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Sharing stories, and Legos, with veterans Continued from page 1

there was really a treat for them, and it was a treat for us,” The Northport VA Center is affiliated with the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine and offers fully integrated residency programs in general medicine, general surgery, and specialties such as cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. “I think you find out the commonality between all veterans and how we take care of our own,” Wroblewski added. Seaford’s chapter of the American Legion is a part of the nation’s largest wartime veterans organization. It is devoted to mutual helpfulness, and is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring community programs, advocating for patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continued devotion to fellow servicemembers and veterans. Each year around Thanksgiving the post also welcomes veterans from nearby institutions, such as the Stony Brook veterans home and Northport VA hospital, for a turkey dinner with all the fixings. While Wroblewski enjoys hosting fellow veterans at the post, visiting veterans at the VA Medical Center allows for more time spent with fellow veterans. “It made us feel like we were reaching out to friends,” he said. “We were reaching out. When they come to post, you don’t have that much time with them.” “We get to hear their life stories,” Tirman said. “Some of these stories are sad, but these guys are actual heroes.” While there can be heavy moments, Tirman also acknowledged humor in the trip. He shared a joke he would tell veterans of the Vietnam War after asking them where they were deployed. “I love it when they say Pleiku,” he said. “Because

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Luke Feeney/Herald

the northport Va medical Center, which members of Seaford’s american Legion post 1132 visited, cares for veterans and their dependents, and provides rehabilitative services as well. my answer to them is, do you know where I was when you were there? I say I was in the play pen.” Tirman, a retired police officer, began his career in New York City in 1985 and transferred to Nassau County two years after beginning; he retired from the NCPD

in 2015. “I met four individuals that were veterans from Vietnam, but also were retired police officers from New York City, and one was a New York State Trooper,” Tirman said. “It’s just a good feeling being there, visiting them.”

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Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on neW You for tHe neW Year

By Francesca Coltrera A veritable avalanche of influencers, news headlines, and well-meaning friends and family offer conflicting advice on wellness. If you’re overwhelmed by fads and hype around wellness, read on. Dr. Wynne Armand, a primary care physician at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham health care, recommends simple habits to boost health and wellness in everyday life. Quick fixes and fads may do little for our health, and some even prove harmful. Try to work healthy habits into your daily routines. If you’re a parent, sharing and modeling them can help children and teens embrace wellness, too. Bring mindfulness into your day Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration. “Anxiety and stress are very common issues in my practice,” says Armand. Worrying too often about the past or future is rarely helpful. The too-frequent release of stress hormones affects our heart, brain, and sleep, all of which have downstream consequences for our health. Practicing mindfulness — whether simply by appreciating birds and plants on a walk in green space, or using apps like Calm and Headspace — anchors you in the present moment. This can calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and amp up positive feelings. When applied to eating, mindfulness may help with weight loss by encouraging people to slow down to savor meals. Meditation knits together body and mind by focusing

on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works equally well for adults and younger people is box breathing. The rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, reining in anxiety and stress, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus. The rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, reining in anxiety and stress, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus. Prioritize sleep Sleeping poorly can leave you feeling awful — snappish, foggy-headed, slow moving — and take a toll on your health over time. By contrast, getting sufficient, restful sleep supports the immune system, helps control weight, and aids physical well-being, mental well-being, memory, judgment,

Eat real, whole foods A wealth of evidence shows that diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and pulses like lentils, peas, and beans, and minimally processed foods support longevity and vitality. Plant-based and plant-forward diets are better for our health: research links them to lower rates of heart disease, certain cancers, and chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity. They’re better for the planet, too. Move more, sit less The hurry of life often short-circuits opportunities to be active. So, swap out the thought “What saves me time?” for a healthier one: “What keeps me mobile, flexible, and functioning well within my world?” Polishing off exercise requirements through a 30-minute block once daily is great, but you may reap even greater health benefits if you seek out ways to stay active throughout the day. Photo: Adopting a healthier way of life moves us beyond quick fixes and fads

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Timeless habits for better health

and other cognitive functions. It may even extend longevity. But how much sleep do you need? That varies with age and other factors: most adults need at least seven hours per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, sleep quality (a measure of refreshing, uninterrupted sleep versus tossing and turning) may be more important than nailing seven hours. And it’s worth noting that too much sleep — nine hours or more in one analysis of multiple studies — is linked to higher risk for early deaths, too. Be aware that sleep patterns and circadian rhythms that help rule sleep and wakefulness change over time. Good sleep hygiene can help. Tips include getting regular exercise, setting regular bedtime and wake-up times and turning off screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026

Go the distance

January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

Hundreds celebrate Hanukkah in Wantagh By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

More than 200 people filled Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh last month for its annual Hanukkah celebration. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of light. It celebrates the legend of a single flask of pure oil found in the Temple that was sufficient for just one day, but miraculously burned for eight. The word means ‘dedication’ and celebrates one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history. The dates of Hanukkah change every year, but it will always fall in November or December and lasts for eight days. The synagogue welcomed congregants, families, friends and community members for an evening of tradition, together ness and light on Dec. 21. “Seeing all the people here warms our hearts,” Rabbi Moshe Weisblum said. “The size of this gathering speaks volumes. It tells a story of connection, belonging, and a community that chooses to come together.” Weisblum led a ceremony to light the menorah alongside synagogue staff and congregants. After the lighting, he reflected on the deeper meaning of the holiday. “Surrounded by music, laughter, dancing and generations sharing one space,” Weisblum said. “We celebrate not only the miracle of the oil, but the miracle of showing up for one another. Each candle pushes back a little more darkness, and each person here adds to that light. May the spirit of this beautiful turnout carry into our homes, our hearts, and the year ahead.” Throughout the celebration, attendees enjoyed dancing, potato latkes with applesauce, food and drink, gifts and games — and even a Hanukkah clown. “Hanukkah teaches that even something small can make a great difference, and tonight we see the opposite truth as well,” Weisblum added. “When many people bring their light, the warmth becomes overwhelming.”

Courtesy Ab Roher photos

Leah Hartman, Co-Religious Activities Vice President lights the menorah with Hebrew School children.

During the celebration a menorah was lit up indoors, and outdoors.

Rabbi Moshe Weisblum, far left, with members of the CBT Band, who provided the music for the celebration.

Throughout the evening congregants and guests enjoyed dancing, potato latkes with applesauce, food and drink, gifts and games — and even a Hanukkah clown.

Continued from page 1

to a 2023 report by the FBI, more than 3,000 scams were reported across Long Island in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, and Nassau County residents lost about $73.9 million. McKevitt shared three key tips: treat all unsolicited or unknown phone calls as suspicious; create a secret family code word to verify identities among relatives; and report anything suspicious to the police. According to the State Department of Taxation and Finance, scammers often use scare tactics to get you to reveal your personal or financial infor mation to them. They may demand immediate payment for a fictitious tax debt; threaten police action or deportation; or demand payment in a specific way, such as through prepaid debit cards, gift cards or in person. “You are not bothering us — do not feel you’re bothering us,” McKevitt said of his advice to attendees to contact their elected representatives about suspicious calls. “After you’ve lost $75,000 in gift cards, now you’re bothering us, because to get that money back sometimes is almost impossible.” Gift cards are especially risky because they function like cash, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Misuse is hard to trace, and most purchases can’t be reversed. Rhoads and

McKevitt both explained that the emphasis is on preventing being scammed, because once someone is scammed, it is almost impossible to recover the stolen money. “The real problem is that most of these scammers are outside of the jurisdiction — United States,” Rhoads said. “Which makes it incredibly difficult to try and bring those who are responsible to justice.” Linda Crozier, president of the Levittown Kiwanis Club, said she believed it would be beneficial for the entire community to learn about how to detect potential scams. “It’s for seniors,” she said of the upcoming seminar, but added, “It’s for anybody.” Crozier recalled that her own brother was scammed out of “a few thousand dollars,” and she shared a story of a friend of hers who lost money in an online scam. “I thought it was an important thing for our club to do,” she said of the seminar. “It’s our first time hosting something like this.” Rhoads, McKevitt and Crozier all agreed that vigilance is the best way to prevent being scammed. “The best offense is a good defense,” Rhoads said. “Take a minute to attend,” Crozier said and “find out what’s going on.” Residents are encouraged to RSVP for the event by calling Rhoads’s district office, at (516) 882-0630.

Courtesy The Office of Senator Steve Rhoads

the free event was organized by State Sen. Steve rhoads, along with other local leaders and community groups.

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February seminar will focus on scams

Experts warn public of winter ‘tripledemic’ By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The “tripledemic” — influenza, Covid19 and the respiratory syncytial virus — is at the heart of Northwell Health’s battle against contagious disease this winter. According to Northwell’s team of doctors, researchers and other medical professionals, Long Island is facing a challenging flu season: While the number of flu cases increases dramatically every week, the rate of hospitalizations jumped 75 percent in a single week, between Thanksgiving and Dec. 5. The outbreak has created a surge in emergency department and urgent care visits throughout the region. “Northwell typically runs about 2,800 to 3,000 patients in our hospital beds,” its president and CEO, John D’Angelo, said at a news conference on Dec. 18. Currently Northwell has 3,500 patients, about 10 percent of whom are suffering from the flu. While Northwell’s surge planning helps it handle the larger volume of patients, D’Angelo warned that flu season was far from over. “We haven’t plateaued yet — we haven’t seen a bump,” he said. “We’re still on kind of that rapid-ascent part of the curve, and we have to see where it goes.” Bruce Farber, Northwell’s chief public health and epidemiology officer, said he focuses on ways to keep people out of the

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Northwell Health’s Annemarie Stroustrup, left; Bruce Farber; President and CEO John D’Angelo; and Dwayne Breining shared their expert advice on staying safe during flu season. hospital. Regarding this year’s flu vaccine, Farber said, “It is very good at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.” Farber anticipates 25,000 flu deaths this year, exceeding those related to Covid, with a higher concentration of pediatric and senior deaths. Though this year’s flu cannot stop the transmission of the disease, it can effectively reduce its severity. “I’ve not seen a death in somebody who’s been vaccinated, and I have seen plenty of deaths in people who have not been vaccinated,”

Farber said. “I strongly encourage everybody to get the vaccine.” The Northwell team’s other advice for members of the public is to use commonsense strategies in addition to vaccination to avoid spreading diseases. Dwayne Breining, senior vice president of lab services, described tests as an important way of catching and responding to cases before they escalate. Northwell conducts 25 million tests each year in its 100,000-square-foot laboratory, making use of cutting-edge machin-

ery and artificial intelligence partnered with medical experts. Even with this processing power, there has been a broader need for results. The Northwell team announced LabGold, a free three-in-one “tripledemic” test that can be picked up and dropped off at the system’s various patient service centers. “You can get one of our PCR tests at any health care site,” Breining said. “We recommend the triple test for flu, RSV and Covid, because, symptom-wise, they look the same, so you may not know what you have if you feel sick. … Usually within 24 hours, you’ll have the definitive PCR result.” As the senior vice president of pediatric services at Northwell, Annemarie Stroustrup oversees Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where sickness has spread. “The story that you hear for adults is virtually the same for children,” Stroustrup said. “There is a lot of flu in the community.” Northwell’s pediatric patients show a much lower rate of RSV infection, however. “I think part of that is because there are new products on the market for babies and for pregnant women to get vaccinated or prophylaxed against RSV,” Stroustrup said. “The vaccine does help keep kids out of the hospital.” To learn more about Northwell’s testing and LabGold, visit nwhlabs.Northwell.edu/Covid-19-testing.

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STEPPING OUT

Fettucine with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

Hearty Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables

Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder

New year, fresh flavors Your kitchen beckons By Karen Bloom

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

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

Consider adding these recipes to your repertoire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026

Yacht Rock Revue

January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD JAN

Elated Eagles

CALENDAR images from that era and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.” The program is part of the AdvoKids monthly series that focuses on teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and others and teaching adults how to support their kids’ advocacy efforts. For ages 5 and up. Free with museum admission, but tickets required.

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to discover the mighty eagle. Since 1782, the bald eagle has been the United States’ national emblem and mascot. These amazing animals have an impressive wingspan of 7 feet and use their strong wings to soar 10,000 feet in the air. Come learn all about these majestic birds and make your own flying eagle craft in honor of National Save the Eagles Day. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

JAN

Talking art

Nassau County Museum of Art hosts Stanley Lewis with Chief Curator Franklin Perrell. Lewis is a distinguished American painter, teacher, and Guggenheim Fellow known for his richly layered, perceptual works that explore light and place through complex surfaces and on-site observation. His practice is deeply rooted in sustained looking and revision, emphasizing the physical and experiential process of painting. His work has been exhibited widely, including major retrospectives such as at the Katzen Arts Center, and he is represented by the Betty Cuningham Gallery in New York. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

JAN

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday. • Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh • Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m. • Contact: (516) 221-2370

Seaford BOE meets Seaford Union Free School District’s Board of Education holds its next meeting.

JAN

per person.

Paul Cornish Trio

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

• Where: 1590 Washington Ave. • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: (516) 592-4000

JAN

Game time

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution. • Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh • Time: Noon-4 p.m. • Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

Disney on ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party

Enjoy the magic of ‘Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party,’ an action-packed adventure filled with beloved characters, dazzling skating and immersive storytelling at UBS arena. Mickey and friends journey through exciting worlds as they search for clues, bringing the audience along for an unforgettable, high-energy experience. Perfect for all ages who love Disney magic on ice. • Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7 p.m., through Jan. 19, times vary. • Tickets: ticketmaster.com

JAN

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

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

Let Freedom Ring with MLK

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of

Holiday party

The League of Women Voters of East Nassau hosts their annual holiday luncheon at the Wantagh Inn. $35

• Where: 3264 Railroad Ave., Wantagh • Time: 12:30-3 p.m. • Contact: eastnassaulwv@gmail. com or (516) 431-1628

JAN

Wantagh BOE meets Wantagh Board of Education holds its next meeting.

• Where: 3200 Beltagh Ave. • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: (516) 592-4000

JAN

Icebreaker 5K

Step into the New Year with a frigid run through Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park Field 5 • Time: 9:15 a.m. • Contact: Events.EliteFeats.com

Because Jonah Would Benefit

Enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks and fun to raise money for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in honor of Jonah Gruda. Tickets are $125. • Where: Mulcahys Pub & Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh • Time: 1-5 p.m. • Contact: GiveButter.com

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.

things to know state’s online safety push Gov. Kathy Hochul is doubling down on her push to protect children’s mental health — both online and in schools. In her first State of the State proposals of the year, Hochul announced a legislative package aimed at keeping kids safe from online predators and AI-driven content, along with a major expansion of youth mental health training. Hochul will deliver her full “State of the State,” address on Jan. 13 in Albany. Here are three things to know about the proposals on online safety and youth mental health. — Luke Feeney

n New online safety laws to imrpove protections for kids on social media

n Mental health training coming to every 10th grader

n A “mom governor” focused on digital-era dangers

The governor l unveiled proposed legislation to better protect children on social media and gaming platforms from predators, scammers and harmful AI tools. The proposal calls for stricter age verification requirements, default privacy settings that block strangers from contacting kids, and disabling certain AI chatbot features for minors. Parents would also gain control over in-app purchases and financial transactions. These proposals build on the governor’s earlier work to ban smartphones in schools, implement social media warning labels, and limit addictive content feeds. The package draws inspiration from bills introduced by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic, and has support from Attorney General Letitia James.

Hochul plans to expand Teen Mental Health First Aid training to all 10th graders statewide—reaching m o r e t h a n 1 8 0 , 0 0 0 s t u d e n t s e a c h ye a r. The program equips teens ages 15 to 18 with skills to identify and respond to signs of mental health and substance use issues in friends or classmates. Lessons focus on recognizing symptoms, understanding the impact of bullying and school violence, holding supportive conversations, and knowing when to seek adult h e l p. New training for adults who work with youth will also roll out, teaching a five-step action plan to support students in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Research shows trained peers can recognize issues early—and sometimes save lives.

Hochul said her proposals reflect a deep commitment to protecting children from the mental health harms of growing up online. She cited the real-world risks posed by digital platforms that expose kids to explicit content and online predators. “These proposals will create a nationleading standard,” Hochul said, “that will ensure our kids’ safety in online and real-world environments where they spend time.” In the press release annoucing the proposal, the governor touted herself as a “mom governor,” focused on digital-era dangers. In addition to legislation, her administration has expanded school-based mental health clinics, community care programs and peer-to-peer support—positioning New York as a national leader in youth mental health policy.

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Hochul targets online threats, youth mental health

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 01/21/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: -----------------------------THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 44/26. SEAFORD Monika Kumar, Maintain pool & pool equipment not permitted in side yard., N/s Alken Ave., 809.75’ W/o Hicksville Rd., a/k/a 4021 Alken Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Seaford within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 157636 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY VELOCITY COMMERCIAL www.liherald.com

January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

LSEA1 0108

CAPITAL, LLC, Plaintiff against 3971 DARBY LANE LLC, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 4, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 3971 Darby Lane, Seaford, NY 11783. Sec 65 Block 253 Lot 19. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, and lying and being at Seaford, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $757,936.96 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 612229/2024. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Fabiana I Talarico, Esq., Referee File # 24-001340-01 157651 LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUSTagainstLAURIE K. VON GLAHN

A/K/A LAURIE VON GLAHN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 13, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and LAURIE K. VON GLAHN A/K/A LAURIE VON GLAHN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 9, 2026 at 3:30PM, premises known as 3970 DARBY LANE, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 65-252-17. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 615237/2022. Paul L. Meli, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157649

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE

SECURITIES BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiff against - SUZANNE M. BRADY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 15, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 26th day of January, 2026 at 2:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. Premises known as 3677 Smith Street, Wantagh, NY 11793. (SBL#: 57-89-105) Approximate amount of lien $614,197.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 010340/2015. John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: November 6, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 157376

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Courtesy Wantagh School District

Wantagh High School senior Analise Keym, joined by last year’s AP Research teacher Heather Naughton, recently had her paper on badminton racquet strings published in the Journal of High School Science.

Students badminton research published in science journal By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Wantagh High School senior Analise Keym turned her passion for badminton into a groundbreaking research project — and now, a published academic paper. Keym, who has been on the varsity badminton team since her sophomore year, spent nearly a year studying the impact of different racquet strings, work she began as part of her Advanced Placement Research class. That effort culminated in her research being published Dec. 5 in the Journal of High School Science. “I wanted to find the right strings for my racquet,” she said. “There was a gap for me to fill in.” As an attacking-style player, Keym sought to determine which racquet strings produce the most effective results. Using an accelerometer, she tested the acceleration of the shuttlecock across three different string types — gathering empirical data to answer a question that, to her surprise, hadn’t been thoroughly studied. “Now I have empirical-based evidence, supporting which ones are best,” she said. Her work earned her a 5 — the highest possible score — from the College Board on her 5,000-word AP Research paper and accompanying 20-minute presentation. Wantagh launched its AP Capstone program a decade ago. Keym is only the second student in the program’s history to have her research accepted for publication. Getting her paper journal-ready took time — she spent the summer and early part of the school year expanding

her methodology and revising her work for a professional science audience, nearly doubling the paper’s original length. Her published paper is titled, “Polymer microstructure effects on impact response, frequency dynamics, and vibrational signatures in high-performance badminton racket strings.” Heather Naughton, who teaches AP Research, said she encouraged Analise to explore publishing options and was thrilled to see her student’s work reach a wider audience. “Analise is probably one of the most motivated students we’ve had in the 10 years of this program,” Naughton said. “The quality of the work and the dedication over the year and a half that she put into her research is exemplary. Analise really is the epitome of the determination and drive and intellect expected in AP Capstone.” In addition to badminton and research, Keym is co-president of the Creative Writing Club, vice president of the Heroes Among Us Club, and an editor for Escapers, the school’s creative writing magazine. She’s also a member of Mathletes. By the time she graduates in June, she will have taken 15 AP classes — including one via self-study — and scored a 3 or higher on every AP exam through her junior year. She is on track to earn both the AP Capstone Diploma and the Seal of Biliteracy. Keym is still exploring college options, but says she hopes to continue pursuing academic research in the future. — Luke Feeney

S1 01/08

Employment

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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.

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.

BUS NOW HIRING IVERS AND VAN DR The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.

Call (516) 379-4245.

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

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

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January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

S2 01/08

Homes

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

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

Ask The Architect

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

S3 01/08

Market Place • •

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SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opinions

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

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

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

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

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

The arts on Long Island are for you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026

Documenting a formidable L.I. journalist, Amy Goodman

Herald editorial

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January 8, 2026 — SEAFORD HERALD

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Without January pressure, change works better

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

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

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

opInIons

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

CorreCTIon In the “Year in Review” section in both the Seaford and Wantagh editions of the Dec. 25-31 issue, the photo at upper left on the September page was accompanied by a mistakenly duplicated caption titled “5K honors 9/11 heroes.” The photo was taken at Seaford’s Sept. 11 memorial event, not at the Wantagh Memorial 5K. In addition, on the November page, the caption for the photo at bottom right, “Tackling hands-free robotics,” was incorrect. The photo was taken at a Wantagh Elementary School STEAM activity, not at Seaford Middle School.

SEAFORD HERALD — January 8, 2026

Health and Human Services: less healthy, more disservice

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