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Celebrating unity on Kwanzaa

Honoring heroes with wreaths

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Vol. 76 no. 2

JAnUARY 8 - 14, 2026

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Blending fruit flavors into her own lip gloss of eating more fruit — and her conclusion was to promote lip gloss. “Not only did I like lip gloss,” Jessica Barnes launched her own line of fruit-flavored lip she said, “but so did a lot of the gloss, branded Jus Jess and other girls at my school.” Now, Jus Jess based in Uniondale, offers glosses in in the summer of more than two 2024 — an ambitious dozen fruit-inspired venture sparked by a flavors, includingdesire to encourage strawberry, mango, her fellow students watermelon, guava, at Lawrence Road passion fruit and Middle School to eat blueberry. As for the healthier. colors and glitter, During lunch Jessica recommendperiod at school, the ed using a color 12-year-old noticed based on the fruit that many classthe user chooses. A mates skipped the pink or red tone daily offerings of matches a strawberapples, oranges and ry or watermelon carrots and just gloss, while passion went straight for the fruit could be main meal — or just applied for an stuck to snacks. JeSSICA BARneS orange or yellow “I always took the Founder of Jus Jess hue. fruit, because I think products She has even that fruits are imporlaunched an aloe tant,” Jessica said. “I noticed a lot of kids just walked vera lip oil line, inspired by a past it and weren’t taking the friend’s suggestion during a car fruits. I wanted to change that, ride. It comes in a larger gloss but thought, ‘How can I change bottle, is popular among her classmates and can be used by that?’” She began brainstorming boys or men because it’s a ways to connect something stu- smooth moisturizer. All larger dents already liked with the idea

By STACY DRIKS

sdriks@liherald.com

Steve Sachs/Herald photos

Welcoming the new year In keeping with its permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories,” the Long Island Children’s Museum hosted a sea-themed New Year’s Eve bash, inviting families to three countdown ball drops, starting at noon, as well as crafts and confetti-filled fun to “O-FISH-ally” ring in the new year before their bedtime. Above, kids jumped for joy as confetti rained down during one of the Times Square-style countdowns. At right, Francesca Donovan and her children celebrated with party props near the sock ice rink as they welcomed 2026. Story, more photos, Page 10.

noticed a lot of kids just walked past it and weren’t taking the fruits. I wanted to change that, but thought, ‘How can I change that?’

Continued on page 9

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January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Kwanzaa celebration brings music and positivity

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

Roosevelt Field Mall — one of Long Island’s most visible public spaces — was transformed into a space of reflection, culture and unity on Dec. 31, as the sounds of drums echoed through the North Court and shoppers paused to watch a vibrant Kwanzaa celebration. The event was led by parishioners from Zion Cathedral Church of God in Christ, based in Freeport, and supported by the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic caucus. The annual program has become a tradition, marking the final day of the year with music, ceremony and community connection. “Kwanzaa is about us coming together, talking about positive things and how we can implement these principles out there — any religion could be part of Kwanzaa. It’s not religious or political, it’s a cultural celebration,” said Shelley Brazley, director of Zion Cathedral’s Social Action Ministry, who led the program. Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by scholar Maulana Karenga in the aftermath of the Watts uprising in Los Angeles. His goal was to reduce violence and build community through shared cultural values that foster pride and unity among Black Americans. Observed annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa centers on the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Each day highlights one of these values, marked by lighting a candle on a kinara, or candle holder. Rather than formal speeches, the event unfolded through cultural expression: drumming by Fred Berryhill and dance led by Sabra Baily, a procession through the mall’s central court, followed by Kelsie Spears delivering “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem, spoken word by Linda Michelle Baron, and moments of reflection.

Stacy Driks/Herald photos

A framed artwork depicting dancers and drummers was displayed as part of the Kwanzaa presentation at Roosevelt Field Mall, reflecting themes of movement, music and cultural celebration. Zion Cathedral Bishop Frank A. White opened the ceremony, followed by a libation led by Rev. Sedgwick V. Easley. “We come today to remember our ancestors,” White said. “We gather in the spirit of Kwanzaa to remember to honor and give thanks.” During the program, members of Zion Cathedral and the Democratic caucus lit candles on the large mosaic kinara to represent each principle. Uniondale Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks lit the first — a black candle representing Umoja, or unity. Following Nicks, Legislator Scott Davis — who represents Rockville Centre

A large mosaic kinara stood at the center of the Kwanzaa display at Roosevelt Field Mall, with red, black and green candles symbolizing the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa during the public celebration.

and parts of Hempstead — lit the second candle. “Before I got here I was saying it all wrong – Kujichagulia!” he said. “And the principal behind that is self-empowerment and that word has more meaning than today.” “God, we thank You, Lord, for this day, for bringing us to the very last day of the year,” said Pastor Jykolyn White of Zion Cathedral, who led the opening prayer. “We thank You, Lord for our ancestors who come before us. We thank You, Lord for those who will come after us.” Hosted in the North Court of Roosevelt Field Mall, the midday gathering transformed the bustling shopping destination into a space for cultural reflection and shared experience. Rather than formal speeches, the program unfolded through music, movement and ritual, offering striking visuals and natural sound as shoppers and community members paused to watch. “Today, as we gather in this place, we call the names of freedom fighters and truth tellers such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth,” said Rev. Sedgwick Easley the leader of the Union Baptist Church of Hempstead, who gave the libation. “We pour libation for the ancestors of Africa, for the kings and queens and scholars and builders and those who have paved the way for us,” he added. Zion Cathedral members guided each part of the program, from music to ritual. Organizers said hosting the celebration at Roosevelt Field was intentional — giving visibility to Kwanzaa while reinforcing its core message of unity. While rooted in African American heritage, the organizers emphasized that

he president of the NAACP Zion Freeport chapter Donna Raphael holds a community calendar during a public Kwanzaa celebration at Roosevelt Field Mall, where parishioners from Zion Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Freeport helped lead the observance centered on unity, culture and community. Kwanzaa welcomes all. “It’s for everyone,” one participant said. “It’s just us coming together, talking about positive things, and how we can implement these principles in our lives.” As the final candle was lit and the year came to a close, the gathering served as both a celebration and a reminder of Kwanzaa’s enduring purpose — a tradition born in the 1960s that continues to bring people together through shared culture and values.

Crime watCh

January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

75-year-old Uniondale man killed in hit-and-run, police say A 75-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed Saturday afternoon in a hit-andrun crash in Uniondale, and police say the driver fled the scene before being arrested a short time later. Nassau County police said, Cross Kim Young, was crossing Maple Avenue at Hempstead Boulevard when he was hit by a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. Young suffered severe

injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers later arrested 71-year-old Cesar Manzo on 859 Goodrich Street, and charged him with leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death. He was scheduled to be arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Hempstead. — Stacy Driks

arrests

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Send your resume to Herald Community Newspapers Managing Editor Jeffrey Bessen at jbessen@liherald.com

Help Wanted

Petit LarCeny

On Oct. 1, a victim reported that a man stole two cases of beer from Walgreens, at 603 Uniondale Ave. in Uniondale. On Oct. 1, Deseree Kendra Henderson, 30, of Brooklyn, was arrested for shoplifting at Walgreens Pharmacy, at 12 E. Jericho Tpke. in Mineola. On Oct. 1, a victim reported that a man stole two cases of beer from a busi-

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ness at 603 Uniondale Ave. in Uniondale. On Oct. 31, Charlaine Ferguson,36, of Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at a Target in Westbury. On Nov. 1, Hector M. Barajas, 60, of Uniondale, was arrested at the Home Depot in Levittown, at 3350 Hempstead Turnpike.

CriminaL misChief to auto

On Nov. 2, a victim reports an unknown subject damaging the side middle passenger window while parked at 597 Irene St. South Hempstead.

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On Sept. 26, Cristofer J. Leon Pizarro, 18, of Hempstead, was arrested for driving while intoxicated at Eisenhower Park. On Sept. 27, Angel Banegas Sosa, 20, of Uniondale, was arrested for driving while intoxicated near Kingston Boulevard and Austin Boulevard in North Long Beach. On Sept. 28, Ian Joel Rampaul, 48, of Uniondale, was arrested for driving while intoxicated at the Belmont Retail Village North, at 2501 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont

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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On Nov. 1 Jorge A. Espinosa,49, of Uniondale was arrested for shoplifting at Marshalls near the mall in Westbury. On Nov. 2, Juan Guardado,37, of Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at JC Penny. On Nov. 2, Mexroj Ortigov, 20 and Ismoiljon Sultonkulov, 20, both from Brooklyn were arrested for shoplifting at Macys. On Nov. 3, a victim reported an unknown subject remove two handbags from Roosevelt Field Mall. On Nov. 4, Natalia Lipari,35, of East Meadow was arrested for shoplifting at Macys. On Nov. 5, Lanajsia Powell, 20 of Freeport was arrested for shoplifting at JC Penny.

Cesar Manzo

Uniondale Herald Beacon Newspaper (PP#), is published Weekly on Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Uniondale Herald Beacon, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $60 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County or qualified request in zip code 11514, 11530, 11550, 11553, 11555, 11556, 11590. Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

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spotlight athlete

HERALD SPORTS

Uniondale optimistic through rebuild By MICHELLE RABINOVICH 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.

After finishing 13th in Nassau Division I last season, Uniondale wrestling is in for an uphill battle for the 2025-26 season. With an overall record of 7-2, coach Tim Godoy sees a brighter future for the program in the coming weeks. “The boys team is okay this year,” Godoy said. “We have a couple of talented individuals but otherwise we’re pretty young, so we have to wait and see how we develop over the course of the season.” The bulk of the team is underclassmen according to Godoy. “Most of it is freshmen and sophomores rounding out the lineup in a lot of different spots,” he said. “We’re competitive but we’re finding our way this year.” Godoy is still assessing his options on the mat, with no clear standouts amongst the freshmen and sophomore recruits. Widening the scope to the rest of the Knights, a few athletes have left an impression already. “Our first three weight classes usually stand out, Tajae Tamar at 103, he gets most of our matches started,” Godoy explained. “He’s a senior, looking to finally get onto the podium as All-County this year, [that] would be great. “At 110, we have Brayan Bautista, he’s another senior that we have,” he said. “He’s been pretty talented over the years and just hasn’t gotten it fully done yet at the county tournament. “And then we have our returning state qualifier, Joshua Pierre-Paul,” Godoy said. Pierre-Paul has seen success in the 108 weight class, now between the 112 and 118 this year. Bautista and Pierre-Paul are the go-to figures for senior leadership, according to Godoy. There’s also senior Thierry Robergeau at 190 who showed particular excellence in a match against Calhoun before winter break. Godoy also mentioned sophomore Jesus Castillo, who operates in the 126pound weight class, as someone who the coaching staff regards well.

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Aiden Lee, right, and the youthful Knights will look to make noise as the wrestling season unfolds. On the heavyweight side, there’s sophomore brothers Jayden and Joshua Armstead, at 215 and 285, respectively. Assistant coach Harry Coffin spoke highly of the team’s sophomore class, saying how they showed potential at a tournament before winter break. “We exceeded expectations, I feel like we could compete,” Coffin said. “We beat a team in Tapan Zee and they went on to win the tournament… so that was kind of an eye-opening tournament for us.” Like any other coach, Godoy wants to shoot for the stars. Like any other coach, he has to be pragmatic to get his team where he wants it to be. “I think it’s just a rebuilding couple

of years for us,” he explained. “We’ve had a few shining stars over the last few years, but we just haven’t had the whole team aspect come together yet. I think this 9th and 10th grade group is coming through, we’re hoping in the next couple of years that they do what previous teams have done. We’d like to get back into the top 10 in the county and have the same success that we used to have.” Coffin has a glass-half-full outlook. “Between sickness and injury and kids getting down in weight, we haven’t really been full-strength yet, so I think the best wrestling is yet to come,” he said. “I think we’re trending in the right direction.”

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January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

News briefs The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that both Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road have achieved new post-pandemic ridership records this December. Metro-North’s ridership reached 827,015 customers during the week of Dec. 15, marking the highest recovery week since the pandemic, representing 88 percent of pre-pandemic ridership in December 2019. The weekend of Dec. 20-21 also saw MetroNorth’s strongest weekend performance with 245,638 customers. The LIRR also saw significant ridership gains, with 183,250 riders on Dec. 13, and 152,661 on Dec. 21—both marking the highest post-pandemic weekend figures for the railroad. Rob Free, the president of the LIRR, attributed the increase to improved service and a focus on customer experience. “The LIRR is the best way to travel during the holiday season and year-round,” he said. Metro-North President Justin Vonashek echoed this sentiment, highlighting service enhancements like super express and holiday lights trains. “We’re thrilled to see record ridership on Metro-North,” Vonashek said. “From Super Express trains to delighting customers with our holiday lights trains, we’re always finding new ways to enhance the rider experience. We look forward to welcoming even more riders in the new year and encourage everyone to take advantage of the new dis-

lichoiceawards.com

D’Esposito confirmed by Senate as Labor Department watchdog By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Herald File Photo

The MTA announced that both Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road set new post-pandemic ridership records in December, driven by increased service, customer satisfaction, and enhanced experiences. counts taking effect in January.” The surge in ridership comes as both railroads maintain record-breaking on-time performance, consistently near 97 percent in 2025. Customer satisfaction is also at all-time highs, with LIRR reaching 81 percent and Metro-North at 85 percent. Both railroads will implement new ticketing policies starting on Jan. 4, including universal reduced fares for seniors and those with disabilities, expanded family fare options, and new flexible ticketing choices designed to enhance the customer experience and save money. — Brian Kacharaba

Island Park resident and former U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 18 to serve as inspector general for the federal Department of Labor. D’Esposito’s nomination was advanced earlier this month by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on a narrow, party-line vote of 12–11, before receiving final confirmation by the full Senate. Despite his confirmation to the oversight role, it is widely understood in political circles that the former Republican congressman is expected to challenge Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen of Rockville Centre in the 2026 election, setting up a potential rematch in New York’s 4th Congressional District. D’Esposito and Gillen have already faced off twice. D’Esposito defeated Gillen in the 2022 election, flipping the South Shore Nassau County district for Republicans. Two years later, Gillen reclaimed

the seat, defeating D’Esposito in the 2024 election. In a post on his official Facebook page following his confirmation, D’Esposito wrote, “Thank you President Donald J. Trump for your trust and leadership.” A former NYPD detective, D’Esposito served in law enforcement for more than two decades before entering politics. He later held local elected positions as an Island Park fire commissioner and as a Town of Hempstead councilman. During his single term in Congress, D’Esposito served on the House Homeland Security Committee, the Committee on House Administration, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. As inspector general, D’Esposito will be responsible for overseeing audits and investigations within the Department of Labor, with a mandate to prevent waste, fraud and abuse and ensure compliance with federal laws protecting workers and employers. He succeeds Larry Turner, who was dismissed shortly after Trump took office.

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

Metro-North and LIRR set ridership records

Community places wreaths on fallen soldiers By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

Wreaths Across America returned to Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale on Dec. 13, where dozens gathered to honor fallen service members from every branch of the military. More than 50 wreaths were placed along designated veterans’ rows, each laid after the service member’s name was read aloud.

The Uniondale and Roosevelt High School JROTC programs led the effort, organizing cadets by cemetery section and moving in formation to place wreaths with care. Representatives in full uniform stood for each military branch and honored each branch — including the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and National Guard. “Wreaths Across America is very

Billy Harrison/Herald photos

Cadets from Uniondale and Roosevelt High School JROTC programs placed wreaths at the graves of fallen service members at Greenfield Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.

important. It allows us to never forget those who served our nation and so that those heroes never alone or forgotten,” said JROTC Anthony Telesca of Uniondale High School. Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti and Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby attended, along with members of the Uniondale Early Recognition Committee, Girl Scouts and veterans’ families.

The ceremony aimed to preserve the memory of those who served, honor those who continue to serve, and teach younger generations the meaning of sacrifice — values reflected in each wreath placed. “Having the future generation such as the Uniondale cadets participate in events like this is very important,” he added. “It’s about dedication, respect, honor, sacrifice and commitment to the Uniondale community.”

The color guard was presented by cadets from Uniondale and Roosevelt High School JROTC programs during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Greenfield Cemetery.

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Turning a lunchroom observation into a business

bottles sell for $6, while smaller sizes such as the flavors go for $4. “We’re still trying to find out more things to do for the boys, but that is what we have right now,” Jessica said. “My brother likes it (and) is using it when he plays video games,” she said of her 21-year-old sibling. On Dec. 29, Jessica brought her brand to the Uniondale Public Library, where she led a DIY lip gloss-making workshop for teens and younger children. Many of her friends showed up to support her. During the hands-on demo, kids added stickers, colorants and glitter to their own gloss blends — while learning about entrepreneurship, ingredients and self-care. One parent, Rashida Lawson, said she left work early to take her daughters, Aliyah, 9, and Samiyah, 5, to the workshop. Lawson said an event like this gives kids an alternative to screen time. “Anything that can keep them busy, active and positive — something to keep their mind stimulated,” she said. She added that the experience would probably inspire her daughters to keep exploring. “I can imagine them asking me if they can order lip-gloss kits online, so they can do it at home,” Lawson added. The Lawson sisters often model for Jus Jess products on TikTok and Instagram. “We do different things,” said Jessica’s mother, Claudia Barnes, who’s also the Lawrence Road Middle School PTA president. “We had a butterfly collection, a floral collection, even a book-lover’s collection.” Themed stickers on the bottle mark each collection, and a book collection would state “Just one more chapter.” While the flower collection would have different type of flower stickers. Jessica also has sold lip gloss at resource fairs and community events, capturing the attention of local teens

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

ConTinued from page 1

What you need to do it yourself ■ Base: clear, plant-based wax instead of beeswax ■ Moisturizer: vitamin oil, used to adjust thickness ■ Color: added with safe pigment drops ■ Glitter: for shimmer and visual appeal ■ Charms: small decorations placed inside the bottle ■ Tools: a syringe is used to neatly transfer gloss into the tube — Jessica Barnes Stacy Driks/Herald

Jessica Barnes, 12, and her mother, Claudia, after leading a lip gloss-making workshop. The event capped a year of community outreach through Jessica’s self-started brand, Jus Jess. and families. “She’s supposed to save for college,” Claudia Barnes said of her daughter’s profits. “But she uses some of her sales to replenish the materials she needs to make more lip gloss — and to reward herself with things she needs.” “It’s fun to see kids excited about something you made,” Jessica said, gesturing to a table of finished bottles as a showcase for her work. Jessica began experimenting with lip gloss at age 11,

learning through trial and error. Her creations — like mango fusion, strawberry banana, and aloe vera lip oil — have become a source of pride, joy and empowerment. By the end of the workshop, participants left with their own custom lip gloss. The room buzzed with laughter, fruity scents and excitement, as parents thanked Jessica and kids admired their creations. Jessica smiled when asked about her future plans. “I love gymnastics and performing arts,” she said, “but I’m definitely going to keep making gloss on the side.” For more information about Jus Jess and how to support a small business, visit tinyurl.com/JusJess or her social media at Jus Jess.

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Steve Sachs/Herald photos

As the ball dropped and confetti rained down, children and families at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Uniondale rang in 2026 — a few hours early — during the annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration.

Kids celebrate the New Year before their bedtime Families filled the Long Island Children’s Museum over winter break, exploring hands-on exhibits and taking part in a midday celebration to welcome 2026. LICM’s popular “Noon Year’s Eve” event featured a countdown, ball drop and confetti blast — letting children celebrates without staying up past bedtime. Beyond the party, families explored exhibits like “Feasts for Beasts”, where children learned how animals eat by

comparing the teeth and tongues of herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. Other exhibits such as the sock skating rink, a temporary exhibit make its final appearance on Sunday celebrating with ice cream. The museum remained open throughout the holiday week, offering a chance for children to play, learn and burn off energy indoors. — Stacy Driks

Thea Hayes, 5, took a closer look at the leopard’s menu inside the Animal Diner, part of the Feasts for Beasts exhibit at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Uniondale.

Adriana Moreno joined Luz Perez and her children — 3-month-old Isaac, 6-year-old Geovanna and baby Isaac — as confetti filled the air during the ball drop at the Long Island Children’s Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration in Uniondale.

Retro gaming nostalgia draws families

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

Uniondale families joined thousands of gaming fans at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Dec. 10 for the Festival of Games, a daylong celebration of retro gaming, cosplay, collectibles and community. Hosted by Cradle-Con and the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo, the second annual event featured more than 100 classic arcade and console games, many of them housed inside the museum’s popular Arcade Age exhibit. Families and longtime gamers alike played titles that once defined entire generations — from Pac-Man to Mario Kart. Holiday-themed games, cosplay contests and interactive panels added seasonal cheer, while vendors lined the museum with retro video games, toys, comics and collectibles. Admission included access to all games and activities. Organizers said proceeds from the event help support the Cradle of Aviation’s education and preservation programs. The Festival of Games marked another collaboration between Cradle-Con — the museum’s fan-run pop culture convention — and the LI Retro Gaming Expo, known for spotlighting video game history through immersive exhibits. — Stacy Driks

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Jorge Crespo, 12, played Rock’em Sock’em Robots during the Festival of Games. The bots — renamed Blue Bomber and Red Rocker — became Basher Bonker and Biffer Bonker for the day.

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Adelaide Newton, 7, paused her gameplay to take a festive photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

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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.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

Yacht Rock Revue

January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD JAN

Firefighter Storytime

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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.

Join Chief Jessica Ellerbe and the Uniondale Fire Department for a special storytime and an upclose tour of a real fire truck. Free. All ages welcome • Where: Uniondale Public Library 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Contact: (516) 489-2220 or uniondalelibrary.org.

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7 p.m., through Jan. 19, times vary. • Contact: ticketmaster.com

‘Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. The exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director and renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan) is a completely immersive experience. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater. • Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook • Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

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. From dreamlike landscapes and uncanny portraits to images so exact they look like photographs, works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. 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

JAN

Little Readers Club

The John J. Byrne Community Center hosts storytime and activity club for children with big imaginations and parents looking to nurture a

JAN

Paul Cornish Trio

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

love of reading. Sessions feature interactive storytelling, themed crafts, puzzle games and a kidfriendly snack break. • Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 800 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale. • Time: Ongoing Saturdays, noon- 2 p.m. • Contact: byrnecenter.org or (516) 554-8124

‘Violet’s Victory’

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

Elated Eagles

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

JAN

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

MLK Day of Service

Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a meaningful evening of service and reflection. Teens will pack care packages to be donated to those in need while watching part of the powerful documentary King: “A Filmed Record...Montgomery to Memphis”. A quote from Dr. King will anchor the event: “The time is always right to do what is right.” • Where: Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: 6:30-8 p.m. • Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

Disney on ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party Enjoy the magic of ‘Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party,’

Furry Friend Story time

North Shore Animal League America visits Long Island Children’s Museum with a storytime and craft with the Mutti-grees Team, focused on the bond between dogs and humans. Children make a “paw-pledge” badge to support rescue animals. A rescue pup will be present. Free with admission. Ages 3 and up. Workshop limited to 20 participants per session; tickets available day-of at box office. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

JAN

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

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

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.

‘Professional Fair’ comes to Turtle Hook sdriks@liherald.com

Eighth graders at Uniondale’s Turtle Hook Middle School stepped out of their usual routines and into the professional world during the school’s 8th Grade Career Day, known as “The Professional Fair”, held during third period in the gymnasium before the holiday break. The annual event gave students a chance to meet professionals from a variety of fields, ask questions, and begin thinking about future career paths. One station featured an orthodontist, who brought skull models to demonstrate how braces are adjusted. Students gathered closely as she explained how wires are replaced and rubber band colors are selected. “It helped me know what to expect,” said Arianna James, who’s prepping to get braces. Naiomi Sisneros said seeing the process up close made the career feel more approachable. Officer Sammy Juarez from the Port Authority Police Department spoke with students about his law enforcement duties at a busy transit hub. “At LaGuardia I wear a lot of hats, for example I’m medically trained where there is a passenger on an inbound flight, possibly someone will have a heart attack I will go to the flight when it lands, then we go directly to the NYPD,” Juarez said.

Stacy Driks/Herald photos

Nurse practitioner Trina Ogletree-Bellamy shows Turtle Hook eighth graders how she treats skin wounds using a silicone medical model. One student arrived with concerns shaped by news coverage of police brutality but left feeling more informed. “I always saw videos online about officers and I was like I want to find out the truth. I always wanted to be an officer and

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a doctor, so I’m in the stage of choosing what I want to do,” said Izabella Chavez, an eighth grader. Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, a Uniondale native, shared her experience in public office.

“Kids want to know what I do and when they find out they think it’s the coolest thing ever,” she said. “I told them about budgeting and the laws we make. There are so many weird terms of office that sometimes people don’t know what it is.” A nurse practitioner that specializes in wounds also attended showcasing silicone skins, some showing interest while others shocked at what they saw. “A lot of them want to know what medicine was and how the skin works,” said Trina Ogletree-Bellamy, a nurse practitioner. She showed students various wounds and explained what she does daily. Many expressed interest in nursing or becoming a doctor — especially in skin care and treatment. The fair also highlighted creative fields. Stations such as drama organizations showcased how performance and communication skills can lead to careers on and off stage. “A lot of students wanted to know how to start in the business, and it’s good because it’s different from, ‘What do you do?’ Starting can be difficult, but I say once you get an idea just write it down,” the organizer said. By the end of the period, students left with pamphlets, new perspectives, and a clearer sense of the many paths available to them.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

By STACY DRIKS

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF TIKI SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. BERNICE OSUJI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 712 Campus Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 265 and Lot 67. Approximate amount of judgment is $525,746.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610628/2022. Fabiana Ida Talarico, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 221656-1 157573 LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff - against - ALICE B. MARR, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 18, 2025. 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 3rd day of February, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon www.liherald.com

January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

LUNI1 0108

erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 868 Smith Street, Uniondale, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11553. (SBL#: 50-427-19) Approximate amount of lien $322,890.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 612309/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: November 25, 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. 157497

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-NC2 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-NC2, -againstCLAUDIO RODRIGUEZ, 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 March 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-NC2 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-NC2 is the Plaintiff and CLAUDIO RODRIGUEZ, 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 11, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 763 COLERIDGE ROAD, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-450-21. ALL THAT LOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT UNIONDALE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606080/2019. John J. Fellin, 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. 157681

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff - against JAMES H. WATSON, JR. A/K/A JAMES WATSON, JR., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February

21, 2025. 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 22nd day of January, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Unincorporated Area of Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 2 Second Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575. (Section: 55, Block: 450, Lot: 55, 56) Approximate amount of lien $250,721.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 617500/2023. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee. 516-510-4020 McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 Dated: November 18, 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. 157373 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to:

things to know whole milk returns to schools

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 passes By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

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

n Historic return of whole milk to schools after 13-year ban The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 by voice vote in December 2025, delivering final congressional approval for legislation that will restore whole and 2 percent milk to America’s school cafeterias for the first time in more than a decade. Schools participating in the USDA national school lunch and breakfast programs have not been permitted to serve whole milk since 2012, when they aimed to align school meal menus with Dietary Guidelines that proposed limiting fat consumption in children. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Trump and will give schools the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored organic or conventional whole, 2 percent, 1 percent, skim and lactose-free milk.

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

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

legalnotices@liherald.com

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Let us Know News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

E1 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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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

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

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

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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250 PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

HERALD

January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

E2 01/08

Homes

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elcome to the ultimate coastal retreat, where luxury, comfort, and entertainment meet. Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of modern design and beachside living. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the enclosed four-season room, and step outside to your private backyard oasis with a heated in-ground pool, a relaxing hot tub, cozy firepit, and an impressive outdoor kitchen. This home showcases quality finishes throughout, including stainless steel appliances, Andersen windows, washer and dryer on the second floor, blackout and pull-down bedroom shades. The thoughtful layout offers three spacious bedrooms and two full baths upstairs, plus a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bath, ideal for guests or multi-generational living. Experience the best of the Long Beach lifestyle, just moments from the boardwalk, pristine beaches, and the vibrant coastal community that makes this area so desirable.

Joyce Coletti Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Douglas Elliman Real Estate 30A West Park Avenue, Long Beach 516.313.2700

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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)

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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.

E3 01/08

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

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

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January 8, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

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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.”

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

Documenting a formidable L.I. journalist, Amy Goodman

Herald editorial

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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

hank you to residents of Legislative District 11 for re-electing me and giving me the honor of continuing to serve you for another

term. A new year always gives me a spark of hope, and that fuels my determination to see Nassau County operate in a more equitable and responsible manner. With many of us contemplating our 2026 resolutions, it’s an exercise that would benefit county leaders and the constituencies they serve. These are but a few of the issues DELiA that county govDeRiGGi-WHiTTon ernment should prioritize as we set our goals: To finally get the opioid funds into the hands of frontline agencies. Nassau County has been far too slow in its efforts to get nearly $100 million in opioid settlements to agencies providing lifesaving prevention, treatment and recovery resources. A review of Nassau’s financial system shows that, as of December, less than 7 percent of that money had made it out of county bank accounts and into actual treatment initiatives. With hopes of getting this vital pro-

gram onto a better path, the Legislature authorized the use of $1 million of the funds to bring in an outside agency to cut through the red tape. But the funds have languished for years while lives continue to hang in the balance — and that must change. Remove politics from community grants. Over the past two years, the Legislature’s Democratic minority has fought tooth and nail to secure equitable resources for our communities. We have had to take this approach because County Executive Bruce Blakeman continues to act as though only the districts served by members of his party are entitled to those funds. By sticking together as a caucus, we delivered $1.3 million to equip our first responders and firefighters, and advanced long-delayed grants from the Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Fund to support cultural agencies, such as the Sea Cliff Arts Council, that boost regional tourism. Despite Blakeman’s hyper-partisanship and stubbornness, we are delivering for our constituents. But there is much more work to be done in 2026. To date, Republican districts have received approval for 58 Community Revitalization Program grants — for

FRAmEWoRk by Tim Baker

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

schools, libraries, parks and more. Democratic districts? Just two. In the new year, let’s judge these projects by how they will enrich the lives of children and protect our first responders — not whether the applicant is Democrat or Republican. Invest equally in Nassau’s infrastructure. The Democratic minority secured a 2025 capital plan that invests in our law enforcement and medics, strengthens vital infrastructure and delivers tens of millions of dollars in resources for critical improvements in our districts. Looking ahead to the 2026 plan, I will continue to prioritize these upgrades for District 11:

know that generous Nassau County residents can more than meet the challenge.

■ Glen Cove, Glen Head and Sea Cliff: We remain focused on advancing the Shore Road flood-mitigation, traffic safety and beautification project. ■ Shore Road seawall, Baxter Estates: I continue to work with many levels of government to secure the roadway, protect the beach from erosion, add ADAcompliant sidewalks, improve lighting and provide amenities such as benches. ■ Baxter Pond, Baxter Estates/Port Washington: We are cleaning the basins to improve water flow, and are working

to secure approvals for dredging. ■ Crescent Beach, Glen Cove: Our test results at the end of the summer were very promising, and we hope to share more good news in the spring. Extend a helping hand all year long. A project nearest to my heart during the Legislature’s last term was our successful efforts to secure $43,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding that equipped Glen Cove’s Nosh food pantry, and $50,000 for Plant A Row for the Hungry, in Port Washington, to feed families throughout our region. With President Trump’s megabill, underfunding of federal nutrition assistance programs was rampant, making it more critical than ever to support local hunger-fighting organizations. That’s where each of us comes in — and I know the generous hearts of Nassau County residents can more than meet the challenge. Please consider supporting one of the many toy drives that will put a smile on a child’s face in 2026, and give what you can to your local food pantry throughout the year. Together we can give families the greatest gift of all this year: a chance at a new start and better days to come. I wish all of you a joyous New Year! Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — January 8, 2026

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