Amityville Herald 01_01_2025

HERALD AMITYvIlle

ReCORD

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Village of Amityville gathered to celebrate the first night of Chanukah with the lighting of the Menorah at the Village Triangle, Dec. 25.

Mayor Dennis Siry and his wife Nancy, along with Village Trustees Michael O’Neill and Owen Brooks gathered with neighbors and friends to share in the ceremony. They joined in as Amityville Men’s Shop owner Warren Cohn said the Chanukah prayer lighting the candle. He pointed out the significance of the

menorah to the children and adults in attendance.

Chanukah is Judaism’s “festival of lights.” On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one candle in the menorah —a multibranched candelabra. In Hebrew, Chanukah means “dedication,” and

All cheer Babylon’s holiday event

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Despite frigid temperatures, the Town of Babylon’s annual Holiday Lights and Market attracted large crowds on Dec. 13 and 14. Attendees bundled up against the cold to enjoy what has become one of the town’s largest light displays.

“The Parks Department does a great job turning the holidays into a festive and joyful time for residents to appreciate the beautiful work of our Public Works and Parks departments,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer.

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Amityville Village celebrates first night of Chanukah

the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces.

With the tiny supply of ritually pure oil that they found in the temple, they lit the menorah — and it stayed lit for eight days. The ritual of

lighting a nightly candle, as well as the emphasis on cooking foods in oil such as potato pancakes called latkes, memorialize this miraculously long-lasting oil.

The dates of the holiday are based on Hebrew month of Kislev, which usually coincides with November-Decem -

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Danny Canales with his wife Mercedes and children Jade and Wesley.

Holiday Lights, making spirits bright

It may seem that people have always decorated their Christmas trees and the outside of their homes with lights, and the tradition, in fact, does go way back.

According to the Smithsonian, in 1882, the owner of a townhouse at 136 East 36th Street in New York City, Edward Hibberd Johnson, fromed a new company, the Automatic Telegraph Company. At his shop, Johnson set up a tree by the street-side window of his parlor, hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and strung them together around it, and placed the trunk on a revolving pedestal, all powered by a generator. Then he called a reporter who helped spread the word about the brilliant Christmas display. The lights drew a crowd as passers-bys stopped to peer at the glowing marvel. Johnson turned

his stunt into a tradition; he also pioneered the practice of doing more each year: An 1884 New York Times article counted 120 bulbs on his dazzling tree.

Johnson’s lights were indeed ahead of their time—electricity was not yet routinely available—and they weren’t cheap. A string of 16 vaguely flame-shaped bulbs sitting in brass sockets the size of shot glasses sold for a pricey $12 (about $350 in today’s money) in 1900. But in 1894 President Grove Cleveland put electric lights on the White House tree, and by 1914, a 16-foot string cost just $1.75.

By the 1930s, colored bulbs and cones were everywhere and have grown to be a holiday tradition that gets bigger—and brighter—every year.

Beautifully decorated home in multi colored lights at the corner of County Line Road and Oakley Street in Massapequa.

Home on Somerset Road in North Amityville greeting passersby.

The religious and traditional themes are highlighted in this beautifully decorated home on Brown Avenue, North Amityville.

Home on Bennett Place, Amityville is a picture-perfect holiday setting.

Babylon Town hosts festive holiday market and light show

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The two-day event featured about a dozen vendors, food trucks, and photo opportunities with Santa, all under a gazebo adorned with stunning white lights. Displays included an archway of lights, a path lined with lit candy canes, a menorah, and a large, colorful Christmas tree. The front of Town Hall was illuminated with rainbow lights spelling out “Happy Holidays.”

Vendor Jeanette Cruz, of SC Candle Co., said this was her second year at the event and she was thrilled to return. “I love everything about this event,” Cruz said. “It’s beautiful and so well-organized.”

Jennifer Moise of JGM Photography added, “I like being able to sell during the holiday season. This is the only event I do at this time of year, and I enjoy supporting the town.”

Maria Graham, of M Squared Delights, noted, “I love how this event

brings all the families together.”

Attendee Katie Schaefer, who was there with her husband Kevin, said she comes every year. “They do a really nice job,” she said.

“The decorations are my favorite,” added 6-year-old Lia Nicolini of West Babylon.

The event also featured performances by local school choirs, who sang holiday classics on the steps of Town Hall. One of the groups, the Copiague Middle School Chamber Chorus, was led by choir teacher, Jacqueline Angier. “This is my first year, and I’m excited for the kids,” Angier said. “The kids are so excited to perform.”

The holiday lights and displays will remain at Babylon Town Hall throughout the season. Town Hall is located at 200 East Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3000.

Dana Mencarelli, Matthew Mencarelli, Lauren Nicolini, Lia Nicolini, Mikey Nicolini and Emma Reusch.

Maria Graham of M Squared Delights with friend Marie Svedi. Nothing says Christmas like a litte chat with Santa. Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Katie and Kevin Schaefer with Santa and Mrs. Claus..

After a rocky start, Senior Yorkie finally gets her forever home

This is a story of loss— and triumph.

Negrita, a 14-year-old Yorkie mix, spent more than a month in the care of Last Hope Animal Rescue, her temperament initially described as that of a toysized, senior dog Scrooge. At the Wantagh adoption center, Negrita, who weighs just a few pounds, was defensive, quick to snap or growl at anyone trying to help her. Her behavior, though, stemmed from a heartbreaking past.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

She had lived with the same couple her entire life until their circumstances changed, leaving them unable to care for her. The couple, who did not speak English, struggled to get help rehoming Negrita, facing cold and judgmental treatment at a nearby shelter. Desperate, they contacted Last Hope’s bilingual dog coordinator, who understood their plight and feared for Negrita’s future without proper support. Last Hope took the senior dog in, but adjusting to kennel life proved difficult for her. Despite her small size, Negrita remained fearful and defensive, snapping at volunteers. Attempts to place her

in a quiet foster home also failed, because she only bonded with one person.

Just before Christmas, a dog-savvy family with three older children and three larger dogs stepped forward to foster Negrita. The new home was busier than what she had been used to, but it worked. Within a week, Negrita, now renamed Rita, was thriving. She bonded quickly with her new “Dad,” jumped into his lap, and became comfortable with the rest of the family. The resident dogs left her alone, and she began to relax. She is getting tons of attention.

On Christmas Eve, Rita was welcomed into the home for a family gathering, enjoying Chinese food. She was fine with the crowd and treated to a fortune cookie as her reward. The fortune read, “Connect with others who understand your mental struggles,” which seemed to perfectly capture Rita’s journey to find her forever home.

On Saturday Dec. 28, Rita›s new family finalized her adoption, and her connections became forever.

Book Club builds their reading skills

To help build their literacy skills and foster collaboration, fourth graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School in the Copiague School District are participating in a classroom book club.

After completing their selected novel, classmates gather with those who read the same book for a discussion. Students review different aspects of the book, including characters, setting and themes.

The group then works together to create a large drawing of a water bottle and add “stickers” that represent the literary elements they discussed. Book clubs provide students of all reading levels an opportunity to work collaboratively and share their ideas. They also encourage engagement, expose students to books they might not typically choose and help them develop stronger conversational skills.

Photos courtesy/ Copiague School District

IFourth graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School sharpen their literacy skills during classroom book clubs

Negrita reads her appropos fortune cookie message on Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus lands at Northeast Elementary right before Xmas

Santa Claus arrived at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville a week before Christmas to greet the district’s pre-kindergartners. Throughout the day, each class at Northeast got to meet and greet the jolly man.

And he made sure to hug every student before he left to return to the North Pole. Northeast is proud to report that all the students made Santa’s nice list, and each student received candy canes as a treat.

Photos Courtesy/Amityville School District

Santa Claus arrived at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville a week before Christmas to greet the district’s pre-kindergartners.

HERALD SPORTS

Impressive start for Copiague

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

Copiague’s girls’ basketball team is off to a phenomenal start in 2024-25. After winning just two games last season, the Eagles have already doubled that win total in their first seven games.

For head coach Kia Wright, her connection to the program runs deep. A former standout player for Copiague, she began her varsity career in eighth grade and played from 1999 to 2003. During her playing days, Wright helped the team secure its first-ever New York State championship, an achievement that continues to serve as a benchmark of excellence for current players.

Now, as head coach, she is focused on continuing the tradition. “I want to continue maintaining the standards,” she said. “The best way to do that is with consistent hard work.”

Though the standards remain unchanged, the current roster features a new generation of players stepping up to fill key roles and carry the torch forward. One of the most important players is Madison Mais, a dynamic point guard who is starting as an eighth grader and already proving to be a leader on the court. “It has been awesome to see her step into a leadership role right away,” said Wright.

Also playing pivotal roles are the versatile forward/guard combo of junior guard Ja’Nyah Martin and the very reliable, as Wright calls her, freshman forward Janiya Morris. “She has been an essential part of the team’s frontcourt,” Wright said. “Together, Martin and Morris provide the balance the team needs to compete at a high level.”

Senior guard Chloe Allen-Jackson stands out not only for her talent but for her vocal leadership. “While we do have a lot of young players who have become leaders, AllenJackson is just as important in that category,” Wright said. She is one of only three seniors on the roster, along with guard Ashani Barnes and forward Keila Corona.

Another key contributor is sophomore guard Kamryn Fells. “She has shown her ability to step up when the team needs it most,” said Wright. “She is very versatile and has played multiple positions for us

Influx of youth at North Babylon

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

North Babylon’s girls’ basketball team has gotten off to a good start, winning four of its first six games.

Head coach Matt Giannelli, in his fourth season at the helm, has done all he can to build the program after going from what was a 4-15 team just two seasons ago. “We brought a lot of these girls up as eighth graders and allowed them to develop,” he said. “The chemistry they have built has been fun to watch.”

In her senior season, Jasmine McKay continues to shine with her dominance on the court. After leading all of Long Island last season averaging 28.5 points per game, she once again leads her team in scoring through six games.

which is huge.”

Despite the early success, with wins over William Floyd, Amityville, Ward Melville and West Islip, the mindset has not changed. “We’re going into every game full throttle,” Wright said. “This team is committed to pushing hard, no matter what position we’re in or who’s on the floor.”

The challenges of coaching high school athletes, especially in today’s environment, are ever-present. Wright acknowledges the difficulties of connecting with each player individually and keeping them motivated. “Everyone has different personalities, different ways to get motivated,” she said. “Reaching all 12 kids at the same time has been the biggest challenge for me.”

To address these issues, Wright is focused on creating incentives and building a team culture that keeps players engaged and focused on their goals. “Avoiding distractions can be difficult,” she said. “But by providing individualized support and finding creative ways to overcome those distractions, it ensures that the team will remain motivated throughout what is a long yet exciting season ahead.”

With McKay leading the charge, the other standout players on this young squad are Olivia Rush, Dakota Rivers, Molly Oak, and Madison Murdocco. They have all been on varsity since eighth grade and have been huge contributors in the program getting to where it is today. “Each of them have brought their own unique skill set to the team,” said Giannelli. “They all complement each other so well.”

Additionally, Malia Coakley has also shown potential, contributing both offensively and defensively. One of the key additions was Carriana Prunell. “She was such a big pick up for us as a transfer from Copiague,” Giannelli said. “She is so valuable coming in as the sixth player off the bench.”

Another with the team since her freshman year is Brianna Robinson. “Brianna has developed into one of the team’s most consistent contributors,” said Giannelli. “Her development over the last three years has been great.”

The Bulldogs have had a challenging schedule so far, including a grueling nonleague slate where they played almost every other day for two straight weeks. The experience is crucial, as the team continues to get better, especially with the younger roster that it has. “We’re still learning as we go,” said Giannelli. “We have nine sophomores on this year’s roster so with

the help of veteran leadership, we are aiming to get better everyday.”

During his tenure at North Babylon, Giannelli has learned some things about how to grow as a head coach as well. “What I learned is that if I show the commitment, then they’ll show the commitment,” he said. “The program has grown so much but the biggest thing about coaching at the varsity level is continuing to grow together.”

After going 14-7 overall and 9-5 in league play a season ago, North Babylon has set the bar high. While they have gotten off to another positive start that included victories over Ward Melville, West Babylon, Elmont and Huntington (League III opener), there is still plenty of work to do.

In addition to Huntington, the Bulldogs battle Northport, Half Hollow Hills East, Smithtown East, Copiague and Newfield in league play.

“Playing these games will only make us better in the long run,” Giannelli said.

Media Origins Inc. /Herald Eighth-grader Madison Mais is the starting point guard for the Eagles, who won four of their first seven following a two-win 2023-24 campaign.

Erik Lee/Herald Senior Jasmine McKay, left, is a prolific scorer who last season averaged 28.5 points per game to lead all of Long Island.

up for monster truck mayhem

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Show is back at Nassau Coliseum for another year of car-smashing, ramp jumping, wheel-revving action

By Danielle Schwab

Get ready, everyone. Gather up the kids and shake up those January doldrums when the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow party lights up Nassau Coliseum once again. Witness the raw power of epic machines when the iconic Hot Wheels toy vehicles transform into unstoppable monster trucks for the “Glow-N-Fire” competition.

“Kids” of all ages can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the action returns to Long Island, Jan. 20-21. As the arena darkens for this glow-in-the-dark party, each truck revs up with its unique LED lights. And, in true “It’s Not The Same Without The Flame” fashion, pyrotechnic effects light up the arena, adding even more intensity to the action.

• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18-19; times vary

• Tickets start at $63.85 adults, $35. 15 children (also “Me + 3” family discount option); available at ticketmaster.com and hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com

• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

It’s an especially big day for one particular truck: The classic blue vintage-style pick-up Bigfoot turns 50. Everyone is invited to the birthday bash. Plus, have the chance to be celebrated alongside the iconic monster truck. Bigfoot would love to see everyone’s creativity — so fans are encouraged to bring homemade birthday cards to wish Bigfoot a happy birthday. And show off those homemade birthday signs at the show for a chance to win prizes during the bash.

“Bigfoot is known as the original monster truck because this monster truck is what started monster trucks in general,” says Caleb Janezich, Bigfoot’s driver since July.

Owner-operator Bob Chandler first began building Bigfoot in 1975, and a legend was born. The modified 1974 Ford F-250 started its career at local mud runs and truck and tractor pulls. It quickly launched a worldwide phenomenon and its legions of fans. Chandler continued to make improvements and modifications until it grew into the massive behemoth known and loved today by multiple generations of fans.

STEPPING OUT

“There are people that come up to us and the dad knows who Bigfoot is, and then maybe the kids are exposed to Bigfoot for the first time. Even the grandpas come up and they remember Bigfoot,” says Janezich, on Bigfoot’s popularity.

There’s surely no better way to commemorate the original monster truck than with incredible stunts performed by Bigfoot along with all his mechanical monster pals, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Boneshaker, and Gunkster.

Expect to see wheelies, donuts, and long jumps, along with a freestyle Motocross demonstration.

And of course, be prepared for plenty of good ol’ car crushing!

Also witness as the show unleashes its newest addition, Skelesauraus, a truck that takes the spine-chilling form of a giant skeleton head.

This is Janezich’s first time appearing at Nassau Coliseum, however he is no stranger to the Hot Wheels monster truck circuit. An avid collector of Hot Wheels since childhood, Janezich worked as a Bigfoot crewmember before taking up the driver’s seat.

“Bigfoot was always my favorite. I grew up around pickup trucks and four-wheel drives. My dad got me into it.” he says.

“It’s pretty humbling, and it’s really a dream come true. Honestly, they say, ‘if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life’ and that’s pretty much what I live by now.”

While the trucks may seem invincible, it take a dedicated team behind the scenes to keep them crushing to the max.

“The stuff that can be challenging is the unknown. You never know what these trucks are going to do sometimes, and the biggest challenge sometimes can just be just keeping them going and just making sure that we’re ready for the next show all the time, which we try to do very well,” Janezich adds.

Opportunities to go behind the action add to the spectacle. At the Pre-Show Party, held two-and-a-half hours prior to every performance, get up close and see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels behemoths on the arena floor. Meet favorite drivers and performers. Also check out the new VIP Backstage Experience. It’s a behind the scenes guided tour of what goes on before all the smashing and crashing.

Everyone becomes a kid at the show, which is geared to five to 10-year-olds.

“That’s the part that’s always cool because families are coming down and the parents get involved. When the parents are having fun, the kids are having fun, that’s what keeps them coming year after year,” Janezich says.

Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Photos: Bigfoot, driven by Caleb Janezich, headlines the latest edition of the spectacle. The iconic truck is joined by many Hot Wheels favorites to thrill fans with exciting car-crunching feats, flying more than 35 feet in the air. Plus, the fiery Skelesaurus roars into the arena ready to “chomp.”

‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’

Keep those winter doldrums at bay with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. It may seem like we’ve got too long to wait ‘til we’re back on the beach, but Kenny comes to the rescue. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — gets everyone into the groove as only they can.

Friday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

‘…Your voice is heard’ Broadway comes to Tilles Center. “Dear Evan Hanson,” the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it, has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere. If you’ve yet to see it, now’s your opportunity. Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post, it’s the first musical to take a groundbreaking look — from the point of view of both the parents and young people — at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives. It features an uplifting score, including some of the most iconic musical theatere songs from the last decade: “You Will Be Found,” “Waving Through A Window,” and “For Forever.”

Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

THE Your Neighborhood

Yacht Rock Revue

The kings of ‘70s tribute hit the road with an authentic throwback to the era, on the Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10-11, at 8 p.m. Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the sun-soaked melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The dynamic Atlanta-based 10-piece ensemble blends impeccable musicianship with a deep reverence for the yacht rock genre. Their original album “Escape Artist” is a bold homage to this iconic sound. Each side of the album encapsulates the band’s ability to transport audiences to a simpler, more carefree time. Lead singles like “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers” set the tone, evoking sunsets and salty breezes with their lush instrumentation and ethereal vocals.

Collaborations with yacht rock legends Elliot Lurie and Robbie Dupree underscore the band’s status as innovators within their genre. YRR continues to captivate audiences nationwide with their infectious energy and unabashedly joyous performances. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, YRR has emerged as a pivotal figure in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Whether performing in intimate venues or rocking arenas, their concerts promise an immersive musical journey that celebrates the timeless allure of smooth grooves. $55, $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Movie matinee

See a movie on Copiague Memorial Public Library ‘s big screen. Enjoy the classic “Casablanca,” Wednesday, Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., movie begins at noon. Feel free to bring a beverage and snack. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague. For more information and to register, call (631) 6911111.

‘A Christmas Carol’

The Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village presents, “A Christmas Carol” with performances now through Sunday, Jan. 5

Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale. 34 W. Main St., Babylon. To reach the box office, call (631) 230-3500 or email boxoffice@argyletheatre.com. To purchase tickets online, go to: ci.ovationtix.com

In concert

The Hopelessly Olivia Band Experience debut, an Olivia Newton-John tribute band, is held at The Warehouse in Amityville, Thursday, Jan. 9, 9 p.m. Tickets are available now, but there is limited seating. For tickets, visit o the Hopelessly Olivia Facebook page or call (631) 394-8296. 203 Broadway, Amityville.

St. Martin of Tours religious education classes

St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville offers religious education classes for grades 1-8. Classes meet once a week and sacrament preparation is offered for all ages, including high school level. Religious education begins in grade 1 and First Communion and First Reconciliation is a two-year preparation. Sacraments are received at the end of the second year. All are welcome to register. Online forms can be found at stmartinamityville.com/ religious-education/ 41 Union Avenue, Amityville. For information, call (631) 6911617.

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have 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 is looking for...

2025 NYS Parks Winter Run Series

Plan to run in the New Year at Heckscher State Park, Sunday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $20 fee. Registration also open for the full 2025 NYS Parks Winter Run Series for $50 for the following dates: Robert Moses Jan. 19, Sunken Meadow Jan. 26, Jones Beach Feb. 2, All races start at 11 a.m. For more information contact Brendan Sagan at (516) 531-3323 or go to events.elitefeats. com/25nyswinter. Heckscher State Park, East Islip, Field #2.

Gathering Time at LIMEHOF

See Gathering Time at Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame and Museum, Sunday, Jan. 5, 3 p.m. The internationally touring folkrock harmony trio plays original, classic 20th-century, and trad tunes. Best described as a rocked-up Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, Gathering Time is known for astute songwriting, spirited and accomplished musicianship and a stellar vocal blend. For more information or tickets visit limusichalloffame.org, or call (631) 689-5888. 97 Main St., Stony Brook.

English Conversation Class

Copiague Memorial Public Library hosts an English Conversation Class, Monday, Jan. 6, 10:15 a.m.-noon. A Copiague library card is required. To register, visit copiague.librarycalendar. com/event/englishconversation-class-49319. For more information call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Get your Amityville Flag

Did you know that the Amityville Historical Society, housed in the lauder Museum, has the famous Amityville Flags in stock? Museum is open every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Cost is $65; if you are a member or join the Historical Society, you receive a 10% discount on not only the flags but all items in the gift shop. Stop by the museum at 170 Broadway, Amityville, to purchase one of these flags and tour the Museum. Admission is free. For questions,call (631) 598-1486.

Having an event?

Model Train Show

The TMB Model Train Show opens Saturday, Nov. 30. It features its everexciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings, Saturdays, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., Jan. 5, 19 and Feb. 9, at the Upper Room Church. With new scenic areas to discover as well as familiar sights and a wide variety of trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains, all set in 6,500 square feet of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. So, mark your calendars now. 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. For more information go to tmbmodeltrainclub. com.

Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.

Art League of Long Island’s 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition

Art League of Long Island presents its 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition, a showcase of the remarkable talents within its vibrant community of artists. The exhibit, hosted in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, features an array of works from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts. This annual event is a cherished tradition that highlights the diversity and creativity of ALLI’s over 400 memberships. From emerging artists embarking on their creative journey to seasoned professionals, each participant demonstrates the profound artistic spirit that fuels the Art League of Long Island’s mission.

It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate creativity across mediums and generations. Due to the high volume of submissions, the exhibition is split into two parts, with Part I showcasing artists with last names M-Z and Part II with last names A-L. This format alternates each year, ensuring equal opportunities for members to shine. Part I dates runs through Jan. 24; Part II runs Feb. 1-28. For more information about the exhibition, upcoming events, or how to support the Art League of Long Island, visit .artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400. Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills.

Cookies, Coffee and Karaoke

Let’s start the new year with some karaoke. Copiague Memorial Public Library hosts a Cookies, Coffee and Karaoke event, Saturday, Jan. 4 , 3-5 p.m. Sing your favorite song or enjoy the tunes sung by your family and friends. Refreshments provided. Registration required. For more information and to register, call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Adult Anime

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Jan. 4, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and making art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum. org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Are you a proud otaku? If so, come to Copiague Memorial Public Library, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7-8 p.m. for a viewing of some classic anime shows and a brief discussion if time permits. For more information and to register call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Marking first night of Chanukah in the Village of Amityville

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ber in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Chanukah is celebrated from Dec. 25, 2024, through Jan. 2, 2025. It’s only the fifth time since 1900 that Hanukkah has fallen on Christmas Day.

In photo, Amityville residents, friends, neighbors and officials gather at the Village Triangle to mark the first night of Chanukah

Powell Funeral Home Inc.

Babylon Town’s 2025 Property Tax Exemption booklet is now available

The Town of Babylon’s 2025 Tax Exemption Booklet, prepared by the Department of Assessment, is a basic look at the most popular real property tax exemptions available to homeowners. The booklet is free and is designed to illustrate the requirements for each exemption offered by the Town of Babylon. For more information on real property tax exemptions go online to the town’s website https://shorturl.at/ Y2yoW. For more information call the town at (631) 957-3000.

Local Worship Schedules and Services

ST. PAUL’S

LUTHERAN CHURCH

147 Park Ave., Amityville Office Tel. 631-264-0763

Rev. Thomas W. Cusanelli

WORSHIP SERVICES: Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship 7:30 p.m.

Accessible to the Physically Challenged “The Friendly Church” www.stpaulsamityville.com

MARY’S

CHURCH

175 Broadway, Amityville 631-264-0004

Fr. Randolph Jon Geminder, Rector www.facebook.com/ StMarysAmityville

Sunday: Matins 7:30 am Low Mass: 8:00 am Sung Mass 10:00

SIMPSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

30 Locust Ave., Amityville 631-789-2569

Rev. Akio Iyoda, Pastor

Worship Service • 11:00 am “Here you are a stranger but once” Handicapped Accessible

Notice of formation of: Hair Life Regeneration LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on: 11/17/2024

Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.  SSNY shall mail a process served to:

Hair Life Regeneration LLC (Hazel de Guzman), 125 Cabota Ave., Copiague, NY 11726

Purpose: any lawful act. 24-556. 12/4, 11, 18, 25/24; 1/1, 8/25

Notice of Formation of HEALING ISLE LLC

Articles of Organization filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 8/1/24. Office: Suffolk County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: 47 Woodland Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Purpose: Any lawful act. 24 -560. 12/4, 11, 18, 25, 1/1, 8/25

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Plaintiff AGAINST John Ikhihibhojere; Bola Asemota; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 10, 2023, and Amended August 16, 2023, and Amended June 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 21, 2025 at 11:00AM, premises known as 508 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Amityville in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District: 0100 Section: 173.00 Block: 01.00 Lot: 134.000. Approximate amount of judgment $632,544.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 624177/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th

Public Notices — Your right to know

Judicial District. Pamela J. Greene, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: October 28, 2024

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 24-566. 12/18, 25, 1/1, 8

Herkimer Realty Enterprises II, LLC, Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/12/2024. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to Westermann Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie LLP, Attention: Leonard M. Ridini, Jr., Esq., 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802, East Meadow, NY 11554. 24-567. 12/18, 25, 1/1, 8, 15, 22

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS

RFP No. 24-02, Downtown Branding, Wayfinding and Signage, Village of Amityville

The Village of Amityville is seeking proposals with expertise in wayfinding and community branding to create a recognizable brand for Downtown Amityville. Instructions to bidders are provided at Amityville.com and AmityvilleDRI.com and may be seen or procured at Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville NY 11701. The Village encourages minority and women-owned businesses to participate.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Village Clerk, Village of Amityville, at Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, 2nd fl., Amityville, New York, 11701 by Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at 2 p.m. (prevailing time).

See link to Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) at https://www.amityvilledri. com

By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Amityville

Catherine C. Murdock

Village Clerk/Treasurer 12/25/24   24-568 12/25, 1/1

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Village of Amityville requests qualifications from construction firms to perform various construction projects for commercial façade improvements for RFQ 24-01, Village of Amityville Downtown Revitalization Initiative Storefront Façade Program.

Information and scope of services are available at Amityville.com and AmityvilleDRI.com and may be seen or procured at Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville NY 11701. The Village encourages minority and women-owned businesses to participate.

Proposals may be sent electronically in PDF form by June 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. (prevailing time). to Projects@visionlongisland.org or mailed to : Vision Long Island 24 Woodbine Ave., Suite 2, Northport, NY 11768

Link to online submission: https://www.amityvilledri. com/facade-program

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Village of Amityville Catherine C. Murdock

Village Clerk/Treasurer 5/18/24   24-569. 12/25. 1/1

NOTICE is hereby given that the PLANNING BOARD of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 6:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, January 9, 2025, to consider the following applications:

Application of Keith Wood. Applicant seeks architectural review and approval for the proposed construction of a 14’ x 25’ detached garage with an 8’ x 25’ patio pursuant to Section 24-6 A. (1) (h) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the North side of Perkins Avenue approximately 208 feet West of South Bayview Avenue in an “Residential A” District known as 19 Perkins Avenue a/k/a SCTM #101-10-2-53. Application of David Duval on behalf of Matthew Kagiwada. Applicant seeks architectural review and approval for the proposed construction of a 20’ x 25’ detached garage pursuant to

Section 24-6 A. (1) (h) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of County Line Road approximately 130 feet North of Willis Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 293 County Line Road a/k/a SCTM #101-3-3-61.

Application of MR Property Builders LLC. Applicant seeks site plan and architectural review and approval for the proposed construction of a 14 unit multiple dwelling pursuant to Section 24-16 and Section 24-6 A. (1) (h) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the Southwest corner of Broadway (Rt 110) and Maple Drive in a “B-2 Business” District known as 550 Broadway a/k/a SCTM #101-1-1-65.

By Order of the Planning Board, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/ Treasurer 24-570 12/25, 1/1

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-A3, -againstKAHN GRANT, 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 Suffolk on January 7, 2021, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-A3 is the Plaintiff and KAHN GRANT, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 29, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 56 EAST SMITH STREET, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701; and the following tax map identification: 0100-169.0002.00-051.000. ALL THAT CERTAIN

PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE LYING AND BEING AT AMITYVILLE, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 603622/2019. James A. Pascarella, 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.

24-571. 12/25, 1/1, 8, 15

Notice of the Annual Meeting of Wellwood Cemetery Association, Inc. The Annual Meeting of the Wellwood Cemetery Association, Inc. (“the Corporation”) for the election of Directors and for transactions of such other business as may properly come before this meeting, will be held in the office of Pryor Cashman LLP, 7 Times Square, New York, NY 10036 Borough of Manhattan, City of New York on the 21st day of January 2025 at 2:00 in the afternoon. Dated December 2024 Anthony Biolsi Secretary 25-200 1/1, 8, 15

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA ASSET ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff AGAINST CHRISTINE SPENCE INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF WILLIAM SPENCE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 4, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY

11757 on January 31, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 41 Madison Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 164.00, Block 03.00, Lot 049.000. Approximate amount of judgment $639,422.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611124/2015. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the District and SUFFOLK County Auction Plan in effect at this time. Richard Lavorata Jr., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 15003253 83441 25-201. 1/1, 8, 15, 22

The Town of Babylon Rental Review Board will hold a Public Hearing at The Town of Babylon, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York (East Wing Board Room) on Wednesday, January 8, 2024 at 6:00pm NEW APPLICATION

1. Paul Wilimczyk

146 Caboto Ave. Copiague NY 11726

SCTM NO: 0100-1993-33

RENEWALS

1. Shoreline Industries LLC 95 Schmeelk Place Copiague NY 11726

SCTM NO: 0100-1922-42

2. Mary Candiano Revoc. Trust

3408 Great Neck Rd. Amityville NY 11701

SCTM NO: 0100-171-3-15

3. Christopher Lynch 537 Secatogue Ave. E. Farmingdale NY 11735

SCTM NO: 0100-69-1-34

4. Wyandanch Homes & Property

39 S. 25th St. Wyandanch NY 11798

SCTM NO: 0100-551-123

5. Wyandanch Homes & Property

146 N. 27th St. Wyandanch NY 11798

SCTM NO: 0100-39-3-20

6. Shataria Zeigler 122 Washington Ave. Wheatley Heights NY 11798

SCTM NO: 0100-39-3-97 25-202. 1/1

5 New Year’s resolutions to benefit the brain

Resolutions made at the start of a new year often focus on personal improvement. Giving up poor habits like smoking or drinking too much alcohol and losing weight through diet and exercise are some popular resolutions. Health and wellness certainly dominates the resolution landscape. Improvement-minded individuals interested in gaining long-term benefits from their resolutions this year may want to consider ways to improve brain health and function. Here are five ideas to consider.

1. Get moving: Exercise does the body good and even positively affects the brain. The American Academy of Neurology has found aerobic exercise may play a significant role in reversing and preventing cognitive decline. Researchers have found that even a little exercise each day can result in improved brain function in less than six months. Andrew E. Budson, M.D., a professor of neurology at Boston University, also says aerobic exercise releases growth factors in the brain, which can help grow new brain cells.

2. Start a new hobby. When doing the same activities over and over, you eventually learn how to do those activities better. But doctors can’t confirm this is actually helping the brain in a meaningful way. Rather, there is evidence that doing new things can be beneficial to the brain. So learning a new

hobby, taking a class, or even learning to play a musical instrument can push the brain to improve from a cognitive standpoint, indicates The Healthy, a Reader’s Digest brand.

3. Make more time for fun. Repeated stress can have detrimental effects on the body and mind. Harvard Health says stress has been linked to cognitive problems and a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Taking time to relax and enjoy oneself can tame stress, and in turn, alleviate issues affecting memory and cognition.

4. Practice mindfulness more often. Mindfulness is an exercise in paying attention to one’s surroundings, senses and more. Too often people are multitasking and never fully devoting their attention to one thing. Mindfulness gives the brain a break and brings a person into the present.

5. Eat a better diet. The benefit of eating healthy foods extends beyond the waistline. Many of the foods that are good for the heart are important for preventing cognitive decline and dementias. A 2015 systemic review found strong evidence for a protective effect of the Mediterranean diet, according to researchers at Deakin University School of Medicine in Australia.

By making brain health a priority when coming up with New Year’s resolutions this year, individuals can benefit for years to come.

Fresh air pays dividends, even when it’s cold

The great outdoors beckons millions of people each spring, summer and fall, but far fewer individuals spend as much time outside in winter. However, spending time outdoors can help to improve mood just as much when the mercury drops as it can when temperatures are warm. The United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation reports that nature helps to generate positive emotions such as calmness, joy and creativity. The MHF also notes that connectedness with nature has been linked to lower levels of poor mental health, particularly depression and anxiety.

LAMI2

Public Notices

Pursuant to Chapter 213, Article II of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Babylon, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at TOWN BOARD ROOM (Located in the East Wing) at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.

6:00 p.m.

1. Application #24254 Costantino Cice, P.O. Box 938, Westbury, NY. Permission to increase total building area from 15% to 35.8% (over by 3,399.55 sq. ft.); diminish distance to south side lot line from 2’ to 0.3’ (for shed ((accessory structure)). All in connection with legally maintaining an in-ground pool, paver patio, and roofed over patio. Property located on the southeast corner of Yorkshire Drive, Wheatley Heights, NY.

SCTM#0100-16-3-50

Zoning District: Residence A Subject Premises: 14 Yorkshire Drive, Wheatley Heights, NY

6:05 p.m.

2. Application #24256 Robert S. & Arlene J. Flotz, 15 Winthrop Place, Deer Park, NY. Permission to increase total building area from 20% to 24.73% (over by 473.58 sq. ft.). All in connection with legally maintaining a rear yard deck. Property located on the north side of Winthrop Place, 100’ east of Woodlawn Avenue, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-20-1-27.002

Zoning District: Residence B

6:10 p.m.

3. Application #24251 Happy Days Dispensary Inc. (tenant)/Richard Capri Real Estate Corp. (prop. owner), 105 Farmingdale Road (Route 109), Farmingdale, NY. Renewal of a special exception permit for a retail recreational marijuana dispensary. All in connection with a portion of an existing building (previously approved for one (1) year, expired November 2, 2024). Property located on the northeast corner of Broad-

hollow Road (Route 110) & Farmingdale Road (Route 109), East Farmingdale, NY.

SCTM#0100-70-1-7.003 & 8

Zoning District: Industry G

6:15 p.m.

4. Application #24257 Ann Marie’s Kitchen, LLC (tenant)/ACA Development LLC (prop. owner), 38 Dogwood Road, Searingtown, NY. Requesting a special exception permit to operate a retail use (deli). All in connection with an existing building (previously approved for five (5) years, expired December 20, 2024). Property located on the east side of New Highway, 335.09’ south of Central Avenue, East Farmingdale, NY.

SCTM#0100-4-1-21.008

Zoning District: Industry Ga

Subject Premises: 1855 New Highway, East Farmingdale, NY

6:20 p.m.

5. Application #24258 Kidstrong (tenant)/SoHubbards Commons, LLC (prop. owner), 713 Sunrise Highway (NYS Route 27), West Babylon, NY. Renewal of a special exception permit to operate a children’s gym and development center. All in connection with a portion of an existing building (previously approved for one (1) year; expired October 19, 2024). Property located on the north side of Sunrise Highway North Service Road, 310’ east of Lenox Road, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-159-132.001 and 34.001

Zoning District: Business Eb ALL PERSONS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING. ALL CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNED CASES. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

MICHAEL KANE, CHAIRMAN

Dated: Babylon Town Hall Lindenhurst, New York December 19, 2024 25-204. 1/1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD

Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s): PUBLIC HEARING/SITE PLAN REVIEW

JOB# 24-36A; 42 Schleigel Blvd., LLC: SCTM# 0100173-01-016: Zone – G Industry: SEQRA – Type II Action: Applicant proposes to legally maintain building alterations and site improvements for the establishment of a bus depot at a vacant site. : Property is located on the south west corner of Schleigel Boulevard and Commerce Boulevard, North Amityville, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York

JOB# 23-48A; A&D Entrances, Inc.: SCTM# 0100080-02-119.009: Zone – GA Industry: SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant proposes to construct a 7,000sf (footprint), 2-story, rear addition to an existing industrial building for additional warehouse space, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the north side of Wyandanch Avenue, 660’ west of Belmont Avenue, Wyandanch, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York

All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New Yor PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

Amityville Record 1/1/25 25-203 1/1

Help Wanted

Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers PT/FT

Responsibilities- Food preparation & service, sanitation awareness, other duties as assigned by the District.

Qualifications- Knowledge and experience with cooking, inventory, cashiering, recordkeeping, customer service, computer skills **Suffolk County Food Manager's Certificate preferred. Salary range starting at $20,980. Email resume to: humanresources@amityvilleufsd.org or apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland

Amityville UFSD

Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers Elementary & Secondary Level

Qualifications: NYS Certification Salary: $150 per day

Application: Interested candidates please apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

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 multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@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

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have 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 fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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 $34,320 + 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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health

Our brick walls aren’t what we expected

A Waterfront Beauty

Welcome to an extraordinary waterfront home that masterfully blends contemporary design with unmatched resilience. Constructed on 42 pilings with steel-reinforced block concrete, this 5,600-square-foot residence is built for exceptional energy efficiency and minimal maintenance. Inside, you'll find 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 luxurious baths, and three expansive decks, two front-facing and one rear, complete with a gas hookup. The open floor plan is beautifully appointed with hardwood floors, a gas-burning fireplace, and high-end appliances. For year-round comfort, the ground and lower levels are equipped with radiant heat. The expansive yard is a true retreat, with a versatile cabana that can be enjoyed in any season. Perfectly located close to the LIRR and the west end, this home is on the open bay, adjacent to a scenic waterfront walking path, and minutes away from a platinum selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, and more.

Q. After much research, we chose brick for our new house. It has been a nightmare getting satisfaction from the mason who did the work. We noticed after only a few months that there were white powder-like streaks across the brick walls in many places. We spoke with the brick manufacturer, who said it sounded like an installation problem or streaking from other materials around it. The mason came back and looked at it. He used acid and brushed one spot and it lightened up but didn’t go away. He seemed annoyed with us, and said he could “send someone” to brush and put more cleaner on, but the whiteness would remain and it would have to “weather” after that. We had a sample wall built to make sure the color was right, and really went to a lot of effort for our choices. We are upset that the mason acted like it was our fault for complaining. We selected brick for high durability, weather resistance and low to no maintenance, and now we have this problem. What could have caused it, and is there any other remedy?

A. Brick was a great choice for all the reasons you described, and will outlast generations of occupants if installed correctly. The whiteness may be caused in a few ways. You have to first know what caused it.

Trim materials, above and around brick, will streak from the wrong paint on roof-edge or topof-wall trim. If the paint used was interior latex water-soluble paint, it will separate and run. Prefinished metal, factory finished, will also start to chalk and run. If a highly pigmented paint with low-resin binder was used, then the same results occur. The brick will be somewhat cleanable, but will have to be exposed to many cycles of rain, heat, freezing, etc., also known as weathering.

Because the mason did not mention the runoff of paint from trim, I suspect that your problem is the worst-case scenario, and all the cleaning with muriatic acid and a steel brush will not solve the staining entirely. Wire brushing or high powerwashing actually harms brick, because that amazingly strong fired-finish on the brick, the reason brick is such a good resister of the elements, is now going to be broken down to a grainy finish that can harbor mildew.

Sadly, the issue was completely preventable, either by using trim that did not lose color or by the brick installation. Yes, the brick installation. It starts with not having the correct width of the foundation to carry the brick, so it is installed too close to or right against the exterior plywood. That airspace is supposed to be 2 inches, clear, behind the brick, so rain that gets sucked into the mortar joints can drop behind the brick and “weep” from weep holes at the bottom of the wall. If you do not have weeps, then the wall was installed incorrectly and the problem will continue. Good luck!

© 2025 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.

Stuff HERALD

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opinions

Trump and Hochul can cut a deal to end congestion pricing

As Gov. Kathy Hochul prepares to implement her revised congestion-pricing plan to extract from motorists an additional funding source to feed the MTA’s insatiable appetite, it must be underscored that the agency doesn’t have a revenue problem — it has a spending problem. Ultimately, the only means by which this behemoth can be brought under control is via the implementation of a financial control board to monitor its expenditures.

The Center for Cost Effective Government think tank, for which I serve as executive director, issued an opinion piece in September calling for the state to impose such a board as an alternative to enacting the new congestion pricing fees and tolls. Fortunately, our suggestion did not fall on deaf ears. In recent weeks, State Sen. Dean Murray introduced legislation to do just that. While Hochul may be reticent to pull the trigger on such a monitor due to potential municipal union fallout, there is a good chance she can be incentivized if the feds provide a carrot, by infusing a

Aone-shot outlay of funds in return for the state agreeing to impose a control board that could finally rein in the uncontrolled spending and inefficiencies of this seemingly unaccountable quasi-governmental entity.

President-elect Donald Trump has already expressed his opposition to congestion pricing, but he may be limited in his authority to curtail its implementation. He may, however, be willing to entertain an infusion of cash to the struggling MTA if it is linked to a long-term plan to streamline the agency, along the lines of what is being promoted in his new Department of Government Efficiency.

We need a control board that can rein in the MTA’s escalating spending.

Control boards come with the authority to rescind onerous contract provisions and inefficient rules and regulations that otherwise could only come about through collective bargaining. They can also put the brakes on excessive borrowing and establish oversight on expenditures. Control boards were used to revive New York City in the 1970s, as well as various New York counties, including Nassau, when they were on the precipice of financial collapse.

This is especially necessary for an MTA that lost an estimated $690 million

in unpaid fares and tolls in 2022, while compensating engineers and conductors $283,000 annually, and awarding $10,000-per-month pensions. More than 1,100 employees double their salaries in 2023, as the agency’s overtime bill skyrocketed to nearly $1.3 billion. One year, one MTA employee earned $344,000 in overtime alone. All this inefficiency has led to a budget gap of $2.5 billion and a tripling of subway service delays between 2012 and 2017.

Is it any wonder that constructing a mile of subway in New York City costs seven times what it costs to do the same in other parts of the country?

The MTA is so devoid of oversight that at one point, nearly 97 percent of Long Island Rail Road retirees took advantage of the disability system.

Without a control board that can rein in the agency’s continually escalating spending, it won’t be long until state leaders come back to taxpayers, transit riders and motorists to seek yet another increase in fees and taxes to keep the MTA afloat.

The proposal to link federal aid to a control board would solve all the problems inherent in this congestion-pricing dilemma. If successful, all sides could

declare victory, especially beleaguered taxpayers and motorists.

In other transit-related news, our center’s white paper, issued in 2023, calling for Long Island to be designated as its own Metropolitan Planning Organization, has also gained traction. Our study noted that the Island is shortchanged by billions of dollars in highway and transit aid because we fall under the umbrella of the New York City plan. When billions flow to the Second Avenue Subway or the Hudson Yards project, the feds count that as money coming to Long Island. With a population of 3 million, the Island would be the nation’s third largest city, yet we get a mere fraction of aid that flows to comparable locales such as Los Angeles or Chicago.

Last year, County Executive Ed Romaine, Assemblyman Steve Stern, Congressman Nick Lalota and a bipartisan assortment of elected officials joined at a news conference to urge state and federal leaders to adopt our center’s proposal for a separate MPO for the Island. A new MPO and an MTA control board could dramatically improve our transportation system, while saving us a bundle.

Steve Levy is executive director of the Center for Cost Effective Government, a fiscally conservative think tank. He served as Suffolk County executive, as a state assemblyman and as host of “The Steve Levy Radio Show.”

Helping Ukraine fight for justice

s the season of giving comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on not just all we have to be thankful for, but on those who still need our support. While there are certainly plenty of domestic issues, and Americans in need, we cannot forget the people of Ukraine, who are nearing the end of their third year of war with Russia.

The conflict, which has cost the lives of roughly 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers and over 11,000 civilians, has put on display the very real threat authoritarianism is posing to democracies all around the world today. And the people of Ukraine, who spent decades under Soviet rule and centuries under czarist rule before that, know how important their right to self-determination is, because they know what it means to live under a regime without rights.

Here in America, where we’ve had the luck and privilege to live under a democratic government for our entire history, it can be easy to brush aside these kinds of conflicts by claiming that certain areas

or certain cultures are used to conflict. We hear it about the Middle East all the time: so-called “experts” who assert that the region has “always been at war,” and that one ethnic group or another “doesn’t understand democracy.”

I don’t buy it.

As our Founding Fathers knew too well, human beings are born with an innate desire, and a right, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While we may think of these words as uniquely American, I’ve always believed that they were written not just with our country’s population in mind, but as a fundamental fact of the human condition.

Zelensky chose to stay in Kyiv in 2022, when the capital city refused to fall, and every day since, his people have had one message for Putin and the world: We will not go quietly.

W

e can’t turn our backs on a country that is fighting for its sovereignty.

And the people of Ukraine have shown their desire for these universal rights with a determination and tenacity that has allowed this country of only 37 million to face down, and frequently defeat, a richer and larger nation with nearly five times its population. And Ukrainians are fighting not just for their own rights and sovereignty. They are the first line of defense against the deranged, ahistorical and plutocratic worldview that Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian oligarchs are so desperate to spread.

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr

When our nation was in its infancy and fighting for its existence, we relied heavily on the support not only of foreign nations like France and Spain, but on the extraordinary efforts of individuals from around the world who recognized that our fight for independence wasn’t just a local conflict, but a global one, that of freedom vs. tyranny.

The analogy isn’t perfect. Ukraine isn’t fighting to win its independence from its mother country, but is fighting instead to maintain its sovereignty in the face of foreign aggression. But the fact remains that its people, who have seen family members’, friends’ and loved ones’ lives destroyed by the aggression of a brutish dictator, deserve not only our respect and admiration, but our help.

You may think, “But I’m only one person — what could I possibly do?” And obviously, no one person can end this conflict overnight (except maybe Rocky Balboa). But there are plenty of ways for us to do our part.

There are hundreds of international charitable groups that are on the ground in Ukraine providing humanitarian aid, from UNICEF to the Red Cross. Other organizations, such as United Help Ukraine, Nova Ukraine and Razom for Ukraine, provide medical aid to tens of thousands of people and soldiers across the country.

There are also nearly 300,000 Ukrainian refugees now living in the United States, part of a diaspora of nearly 4 million Ukrainians, predominantly women, children and seniors, who have been forced to flee their homes in the face of ruthless Russian aggression. While many of these people have been kindly fostered by Americans, Europeans and people everywhere, there are always more people in need.

To learn more about how to host Ukrainian refugees, visit SupportUkraineNow.org. Ukrainians are fighting not just for their own right to exist, but for the rights of people around the world struggling against conquest and the threat of extermination. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously declared, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” — and we can all do more to help Ukrainians restore peace in the country they love.

Will Sheeline is an editor covering Glen Head, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@liherald.com.

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Stepping into a new year with hope and resolve

anew year always arrives freighted with emotion. It carries the accumulated hopes, frustrations and lessons of the previous 12 months, paired with the tantalizing possibility of transformation. This year, as we look ahead, we find ourselves grappling with familiar challenges while daring to believe in the promise of better days.

One challenge we must confront is the growing fragmentation of our shared experiences. Increasingly, the global and local spheres seem to exist in parallel universes. A catastrophe halfway across the world — whether a climate disaster, political upheaval or humanitarian crisis — has the power to shape economies and policies closer to home, yet often feels distant, reduced to a fleeting headline.

Meanwhile, our more local and personal concerns — the cost of living, caring for family and doing well at work — demand urgent attention but risk being overshadowed by the constant churn of global issues. Bridging this gap requires a recalibration of priorities. The new year demands both outward-looking empathy and a renewed focus on strengthening the foundations of our own communities.

Economically, the year ahead will likely test the resilience of all levels of

letters

She’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods,’ too

To the Editor:

I agree with everything that Peter King wrote in “Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly” (Dec. 19-25).

Though I never had the chance to meet the cast of “Blue Bloods,” they did feel like family. There has to be a show for people like us — born in Queens, my grandfather was with the Manhattan mounted police in the late 1920s, my cousins were with the Port Authority Police during the Colin Ferguson bloodbath on the LIRR and on Sept. 11.

We love the Police Department and everything they stand for. They are our angels on earth in these crazy times. I appreciated grace before meals as a practicing Catholic. So there are many people who loved “Blue Bloods,” but I’m sure the network needed to try to make even more money! No one cares about the audience, just the dollar sign.

NANCY ALBERTELLI East Meadow

our government. Trust in institutions has eroded, but there are also glimmers of progress worth celebrating: advancements in green technology, a renewed emphasis on workers’ rights, and shifting societal attitudes toward mental health and well-being. These trends suggest that positive change, while slow, is possible.

We need to be optimistic, but that demands resolve. The climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future threat but an immediate reality, underscored by the fires, floods and record-breaking temperatures of recent years. The urgency to act cannot be overstated, and yet real solutions remain politically fraught and logistically complex. We face the challenge of balancing personal responsibility with the recognition that systemic change requires collective action.

At the same time, the new year also offers a chance to reimagine what progress means. Growth, long equated with economic expansion, is being reconsidered in light of its environmental and social costs. These ideas challenge deeply entrenched narratives about success and prosperity, but they also open up the possibility of more inclusive, equitable futures.

Many of us also enter 2025 grappling with uncertainty. The relentless pace of

technological change, the aftershocks of a pandemic and the simple unpredictability of life can feel overwhelming. Yet amid this turbulence, we find moments of connection and meaning. A neighbor’s kindness, a shared laugh, the rediscovery of an old passion — these small, often overlooked moments remind us why we persevere.

How do we handle the bad while making room for the good? We need to balance action with rest and contemplation, and ambition with gratitude. This requires recognizing that while we cannot solve every problem, we can contribute to their solutions.

As we step into the new year, we should resolve to move beyond empty platitudes. Instead of vague aspirations for “better days,” let’s strive for tangible progress: a stronger sense of community, a commitment to justice, and a willingness to adapt to changing realities. We should allow ourselves moments of joy, not just as a distraction from life’s difficulties, but also as a reminder of its possibilities.

It isn’t easy. There are always setbacks and frustrations, but there are also breakthroughs, large and small, that remind us of our capacity to endure, to grow and to create a better future. The new year’s gift gives us the opportunity to begin anew.

L.I. deserves its fair share of transportation funding

Long Island is known for many things, from our beautiful beaches and lighthouses to historic sites, great seafood and wineries. Yet, beneath the charm and attractions, Long Island grapples with a major obstacle: an aging and insufficient transportation network that can’t keep pace with our growing population.

As Long Island continues to grow, our region faces a challenge that threatens both its economy and quality of life, with a transportation and infrastructure network that is underfunded, poorly maintained, and inadequate to meet the needs of our residents.

Yes, but the show was clearly fiction

To the Editor:

My father, like Mr. King’s, wore NYPD’s blue. Like Mr. King, I consider ‘Blue Bloods’ more nuanced than many cop shows. But his speculations about imagined opponents of the show, and his “unanswered questions,” are dubious.

No doubt, the cast members are all outstanding people and first-class actors, but they were performers acting out dramatic scripts. It’s all fiction, and we can enjoy “as if” for the hour, but to extend the imaginary past the credits is delusional.

Americans generally tend to romanticize both our lawmen and our criminals, clouding our view of reality. Our fiction is out of sync with our nonfiction, and we get confused. If real police were “Blue Bloods” police, we would not have had a Bernie Kerik as commissioner; there would be no need for civilian complaint review boards, body cameras and millions spent on misconduct settlements; and less turnover in the top brass. “Courtesy cards” would be in museums, not wallets.

Distractions from reality allow speculations like Mr. King’s suggestion that scriptwriters were pressured “to portray cops in a negative light,” as if any producers care at all about what viewers see between the commercials. There are other shows for that. Equally dangerous is his question about the series’ cancellation. Instead of noting the fact that the noble cast accepted a 25 percent pay cut to subsidize season 14, Mr. King conjures the demon of “woke” from nothing.

Currently, transportation funding is overseen by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes New York City and several surrounding counties. This arrangement leaves Long Island competing for resources with the largest metropolitan center in the county, a challenge that often means Long Island’s needs are underrepresented and underfunded.

approach to transportation planning, empower Long Island to secure its fair share of federal transportation funding, streamline project execution, and drive long-term economic growth.

we have the population and economic output of many states, but not the infrastructure.

The Long Island region’s share of transportation funding has dropped from 23 percent to just 6 percent. We’re in dire need of a fairer allocation that meets the region’s unique needs. This is why we need a dedicated Nassau Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The creation of a Long Island-specific planning organization would ensure that our region has a clear, coordinated

Long Island would have direct access to apply for federal dollars, bypassing state-level bottlenecks and allowing for tailored projects that address our specific challenges, including solutions to the Oakdale merge, the deadly Southern State Parkway and the electrification of the Port Jefferson line of the Long Island Rail Road.

Smaller regions of the state — including Ithaca with a population of about 107,000 — have their own transportation planning organization that allows them to apply for federal funding directly. And yet, Long Island’s 3 million

residents — more people than most major American cities — are grouped in with New York City and other regions. This is more than a call for funding; it’s a call to recognize Long Island’s unique position as a vital economic and cultural hub. Our region has the population and economic output of many U.S. states — we need infrastructure that reflects that.

Long Islanders share a vision for better roads, bridges, and tunnels, expanded transit options, reduced congestion, and an improved quality of life. We deserve a Metropolitan Planning Organization to secure our region’s future. Thanks to Assemblyman Steve Stern and Senator Monica Martinez for introducing legislation—now we need the legislature to act and pass A.10705/S.9918 and make this vision a reality.

Mark Herbst is executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association.

Framework by Tim Baker

It’s true that the show’s fans will always have the memories, but we must hope our nostalgia doesn’t distract from the realities of 21st century law and its enforcement.

BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

The MTA should rethink its spending priorities

To the Editor:

Long Island Rail Road commuters should be concerned about insufficient funds being earmarked to bring bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other basic infrastructure that are in poor or marginal condition up to a state of good repair in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed $68 billion 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan. This also applies to Metro-North Railroad and New York City Transit.

It’s questionable whether $600 million is sufficient funding for LIRR critical infrastructure projects under the proposed plan. Can this eliminate the growing backlog of critical infrastructure repair? Too many critical capital assets remain in daily service beyond their anticipated useful life. There is still a $33 billion shortfall to fully fund the plan.

Safety, state of good repair, and reliable, on-time performance with a minimum of service disruptions at a fair price should be higher priorities than system expansion projects. The $7.7 billion Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, the $5.5 billion Brooklyn-Queens light-rail Interborough Express and the $3.1 billion Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access projects all

need to be put on hold. Funding for all three would be better spent on critical infrastructure projects benefiting over 4 million NYC Transit subway, 200,000-plus LIRR and 200,000-plus Metro North daily commuters. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and board members have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of riders

and taxpayers.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

At the Electric Light Parade — Long Beach

marC HerBst