East Meadow Herald 11-21-2024 by Richner Communications, Inc

Great news East Meadow!

HERALD east meadow

‘Sweet Dreams’ lantern show, now at Eisenhower Park

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo

jdalessandro@liherald.com

LuminoCity returned to Eisenhower Park for its third annual Holiday Lights Festival with a sprawling, glowing, sugary dreamland on Nov. 7. The attraction also features food and drink vendors and a gift shop and will remain open through Jan. 5.

“This is 14 acres of wonder,” LuminoCity Project Manager John Baiata said. “Our job here is to make sure that when people leave here, they’ve rekindled the sense of wonder that they grew up with.”

The Holiday Lights Festival is LuminoCity’s annual flagship event. The festival’s theme changes annually, and it takes months of production to plan and construct all the displays. The production team of about 40 members worked on 2,750 handmade displays.

Xiaoyi Chen, the founder and chief executive of LuminoCity, was inspired to create the company based on her memories of growing up with traditional Chinese lantern

Food drive aids East Meadow community members

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

Student volunteers from East Meadow High School’s Key Club are lending a hand to help feed hungry families in time for Thanksgiving by recently holding their annual fall food drive and collecting goods outside ShopRite of Uniondale.

The Key Club is affiliated with the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow, which organizes two seasonal food drives each year, one each in the spring and fall. Volunteers collected sealed food items and ingredients, from canned goods to cake mix, as

well as gift cards to purchase perishable items like dairy products and fresh vegetables.

The goal was to provide every family in need in East Meadow with at least three bags of food.

“I really love doing food drives because it’s direct,” Catherine Razzano, Kiwanis Club member who has chaired the food drive committee for six years, said. “There’s nothing in between — it’s volunteers collecting food, and that food gets sorted by the kids and goes right into the homes of people who need it, and this one is actually really embedded in the East Meadow community.”

Volunteers encouraged com-

munity members to give what they could.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the food collected will be moved from storage to W.T. Clarke High School, where students and their families will prepare the items for distribution.

“The families (who receive donations) are given to us by the social workers at each school in the district,” Razzano explained. “Last year, I actually had a family that said they’ve been on our list, and now they’re not. That’s what it’s about — getting people through a difficult time in their life so that they can be self-sufficient.”

Volunteers collected a record number of non-perishable food items at this year’s drive, which took place on Nov. 9 and 10, Razzano said. She added that multiple trips were made over two days to transport all of the food items to the holding location, where the food will be assembled for families in need.

The drive also collected

enough monetary donations to provide 55 gift cards to purchase perishable items, and Kiwanis will cover the cost for an additional 100 gift cards, to be distributed to more than 150 households in need.

The Key Club, a division of the Kiwanis Club, encourages young people to get involved in

Tim Baker/Herald

LuminoCity has returned to East Meadow for the third annual Holiday Lights Festival, with a new theme: Sweet Dreams.

HERALD east meadow

‘Sweet Dreams’ lantern show, now at Eisenhower Park

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo

jdalessandro@liherald.com

Xiaoyi Chen, the founder and chief executive of LuminoCity, was inspired to create the company based on her memories of growing up with traditional Chinese lantern

Food drive aids East Meadow community members

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

well as gift cards to purchase perishable items like dairy products and fresh vegetables.

The goal was to provide every family in need in East Meadow with at least three bags of food.

Volunteers encouraged com-

munity members to give what they could.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the food collected will be moved from storage to W.T. Clarke High School, where students and their families will prepare the items for distribution.

The drive also collected

The Key Club, a division of the Kiwanis Club, encourages young people to get involved in

Tim Baker/Herald

LuminoCity has returned to East Meadow for the third annual Holiday Lights Festival, with a new theme: Sweet Dreams.

Spreading good will ahead of the holidays

community service events.

“We have over 200 students in the club,” Carly Salzman, an East Meadow High School counselor and Key Club advisor, said. “They have such a passion for it, and it definitely drives me to do this for them.

“Often, they’ll start at the club and want it for their college resume, and then they fall in love with the service piece of it,” Salzman added. “I think that it can be life changing for the kids to see what their hard work can produce.”

Nichole Manalil, a senior at the high school and Key Club president, helped rally volunteers to participate in the event and led the organization of the donations.

“All these events have taught me who I want to be for the future,” Manalil said. “This will be my seventh year being a member of Kiwanis, and it’s just taught me so many values that I would love to live by.”

Taking part in the food drive has given students like Manalil a new perspective on life, she said, and drove her to consider how to use her position in the community for good.

“When we get donations, it’s such a heartwarming feeling, that kindness from total strangers who are going throughout their day and donate what they can,” Manalil said. “I want to be able to give back whatever I can and make people feel empowered to live their lives. I’m so glad that we have this organization that teaches young students like me how to become leaders, and how to take part and really take action in our community right away.”

The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow is involved in community events all year long. For more information, visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org.

Additional reporting by Jordan Vallone.

Catherine razzano, chairwoman of the Kiwanis food drive, and Joe parisi, past president of Kiwanis, loaded donations of food into a car.

gary fromowitz, a distinguished past president of Kiwanis, accepted donations from uniondale residents Khalil thornton and his mom, Chantal Jones.

Michael Prata/Herald photos

the Kiwanis Club of east meadow and the east meadow High School’s Key Club recently partnered for a successful food drive at the Shoprite of uniondale.

dr. Steven perrick of the Kiwanis sorted through donations outside the uniondale Shoprite.

Club member Jessica Schiavoni and Kiwanis president melody Schiller went through donations of canned products.

What’s UP NEXt DOOR aND aROUND thE CORNER

HERALD NEIGHBORS

‘Six Songs’ shows brings the Beatles to life

Fans of the Beatles flocked to the East Meadow Public Library on Nov. 10 for a special presentation: “Six Songs: The Beatles with James Coll & Friends.” The event featured members of the Long Islandbased cover band, The Arlington Drive.

Since the Beatles’ American debut in 1964, no musical act has accomplished more in terms of lasting influence and inspiration. The library’s auditorium was packed with patrons, who were eager to learn about the band’s history, and listen to tunes, synonymous with the band’s identity.

Nicknamed “The Fab Four” as a nod to their immense popularity and the cultural phenomenon the band created during the 1960s. The term was derived from “fabulous” and highlights their status as a legendary quartet comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. This name became synonymous with their identity as one of the greatest and most influential bands in music history.

The event, which was part lecture, part live performance, sought to take a deeper live into a halfdozen songs by the “Fab Four,” in order to give attendees a better understanding of the band as musicians, songwriters and artists.

The East Meadow Public Library hosts musical and cultural events all fall and winter long. For more on what’s to come throughout the remainder of this year and beyond, visit EastMeadow.info. The library is at 1886 Front Street, East Meadow.

For more on the group that performed, visit its Facebook page, The Arlington Drive, or its Instagram, @thearlingtondrive.

–Jordan Vallone

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The show at the East Meadow Public Library was part lecture, part live performance, that explored six songs that made the Beatles one of the most prolific musical acts.

Members of The Arlington Dive, Jon Abrames, Jack Megale and James Coll, performed at the East Meadow Public Library during the special presentation, ‘Six Songs: The Beatles with James Coll & Friends.’

James Coll addressed the audience during the presentation.

Jack Megale on guitar and vocals during the Nov. 10 performance.

Students share the stage with Dallas Brass

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Dallas Brass, a quintet known for its patriotic, classical, and modern music, recently visited the East Meadow School District, where they conducted a workshop for eighth-grade band members, introducing them to the world of professional musicianship. The workshop took place during the day at W.T. Clarke Middle School last month, followed by an evening concert that invited parents and community members to witness the students’ hard work.

“Dallas Brass is a world-renowned chamber music group, and they run summer workshops for professional musicians, students, college musicians,” said Jessica Shenker, chair of Woodland Middle School’s music department. “Some local Long Island music teachers, including some teachers on our staff, have attended workshops in the past.”

Shenker explained that Dallas Brass was visiting Farmingdale School District earlier in the month, so East Meadow saw a great opportunity to bring the ensemble to their own students.

“We hopped on board,” Shenker told the Herald. “We really wanted to give an opportunity to the middle school band programs. This is a way to highlight the eighth-grade band from both sides of the district.”

Founded by Michael Levine in 1983, Dallas Brass is a five-piece ensemble, including one percussionist. Based in Texas, the group tours nationwide. For the East Meadow performance, ensemble members played one piece each with Woodland and Clarke students, in addition to a separate piece they performed.

W.T. Clarke Middle School’s eighth grade band performed “Buckaroo Barn Dance,” arranged by Chris

Sharp and Michael Levine, under the direction of Michelle Cozzi. Woodland Middle School’s eighth grade band performed “Star Wars” by John Williams, arranged by Jack Gale, under the direction of John Marshall. At the conclusion of the concert, students and families received posters for autographs.

The program was made possible by Shenker; Woodland teachers Marshall and Samuel Pollenz; Clarke’s music chair Michelle Shmuel; teachers Michelle Cozzi, Nicole Rode, and Molly Tittler-Ingoglia; and the district’s director of music and art, Kelly Nixon.

Woodland’s band boasts 110 members, while Clarke’s has just over 50.

Despite Dallas Brass’s busy touring schedule, Levine told the Herald ahead of the concert that the

Myths About Estate Planning

The frst myth to explore about estate planning is that you can do it yourself over the internet. This supposes that a trust is a generic legal document where you plug in names, addresses and amounts you want to give and then off you go! However, experienced estate planning lawyers will tell you the job is ninety percent social work and only ten percent legal. Most of the time we spend with clients involves going over the social aspects of the estate plan. First, who should be in charge of your legal and fnancial decision-making in the event of death or disability? One person or more than one? Should they be required to act together or may they be permitted to act separately? How are the other family members going to feel about these choices? Who gets along with whom? What are my options and what do other people do and why? You need to be in a position to evaluate pros and cons and there’s no counselling on the internet.

Getting an estate plan from out-of-state is fraught with other pitfalls. Take the New York form of power of attorney, for example. In our experience, even trained lawyers often make

major errors in drafting and executing the complex New York form of power of attorney. What chance does a lay person have to get it right?

Then there’s the false sense of security one has in believing they have an adequate plan until it is too late – ultimately ending up with the family losing their home and life savings. Why? Because online estate planning does not address protecting assets from the extraordinarily high cost of long-term care either at home or in a facility. This involves planning with a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) -- only available from an experienced elder law frm and not from the internet.

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Eighth-grade band students from both Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools in East Meadow collaborated last month with renowned chamber group, the Dallas Brass. Students took part in an educational day with members of the group before performing the ensembles at night.

group’s true passion is working with students. “All of the members of the group are band kids,” he said. “We all went through school band, and that’s why we’re doing what we do today — because we fell in love with it. So we want to do whatever we can to inspire kids and encourage them to keep going.”.

Rather than pushing students to become professional musicians, Levine said their message is more about lifelong enjoyment.

“The message is that your instrument can be your friend for life,” Levine said. “You can play in community groups or church groups or start your own little ensembles. You can have this as a lifelong hobby. It doesn’t have to end after high school or college. It can stay with you forever.”

Courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District

Students share the stage with Dallas Brass

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Shenker explained that Dallas Brass was visiting Farmingdale School District earlier in the month, so East Meadow saw a great opportunity to bring the ensemble to their own students.

W.T. Clarke Middle School’s eighth grade band performed “Buckaroo Barn Dance,” arranged by Chris

Woodland’s band boasts 110 members, while Clarke’s has just over 50.

Despite Dallas Brass’s busy touring schedule, Levine told the Herald ahead of the concert that the

Myths About Estate Planning

Getting an estate plan from out-of-state is fraught with other pitfalls. Take the New York form of power of attorney, for example. In our experience, even trained lawyers often make

Rather than pushing students to become professional musicians, Levine said their message is more about lifelong enjoyment.

major errors in drafting and executing the complex New York form of power of attorney. What chance does a lay person have to get it right?

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offces in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow

Courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District

NUMC achieves safety grade improvement

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau University Medical Center announced a significant milestone last week, achieving its first marked improvement in the Leapfrog Safety Grade in six years.

“This is a significant milestone for NUMC and a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, physicians, and leadership in implementing effective management, financial, and operational reforms,” said Megan Ryan, interim president and chief executive of NUMC. “Over the past eleven months we’ve worked diligently to enhance the care and services we provide to our patients, and this improvement, while not our end goal, is a testament to those efforts.”

Wdelivery capabilities, along with leadership and teamwork training focused on fostering a culture of safety.

Ryan credited the hospital’s restructured Quality and Risk Department and newly established 2024 quality initiatives for driving the improvement. “While this grade represents progress, we remain committed to further elevating the standard of care and continuing our efforts to strengthen hospital operations for the benefit of our community,” Ryan said.

e’ve worked diligently to enhance the care and services we provide to our patients.

MEg RyAN Interim president and chief executive, Nassau University Medical Center

The Leapfrog Hospital Survey assesses hospitals on various safety and quality metrics, including infection rates, surgical safety practices, intensive care unit staffing, and policies to prevent errors such as medication mistakes. It also evaluates cesarean-section rates, early elective deliveries, and high-risk

NUMC’s C rating places it ahead of New York’s other public benefit hospitals, Erie County Medical Center and Westchester Medical Center, both of which received D ratings.

The Leapfrog Safety Grade is one of many improvements NUMC has demonstrated this year. The hospital is Nassau County’s only public hospital, which serves all patients — regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.

The Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of NUMC and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, has made significant strides in its finan-

Nassau University Medical Center recently achieved its first Leapfrog Grade Improvement in six years, a significant milestone for the hospital which has been making positive strides over the last year in its finances and operational reforms.

cial health over the last year, according to an audit conducted by Grant Thornton in June, a leading national public accounting firm.

The audit and related financial reports highlighted several positive trends for the health care corporation including: cash on hand increased from $23 million in January 2024 to $67 million in June; net patient service revenue rose by $76 million in 2023, from $460 million in 2022 to $536 million in 2023;

CONQUERING HEALTH CARE’S GREATEST OBSTACLES. CHALLENGE

operating loss was reduced by $30 million in 2023; and overtime costs were reduced by $4 million from 2022 levels.

“This is just further confirmation of the great work being done under new management at NUMC,” Matthew Bruderman, chairman of the NHCC said of the Leapfrog Safety grade. “Meg and her team are not only on top of the finances, they are extending and improving care.”

For more on the hospital and the services offered, visit NUMC.edu.

Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.

Performing a life-changing brain surgery without a single incision.

Helping a new mom give birth—and receive a new liver.

At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.

Bowling Green promotes disability awareness

Viscardi Ambassadors from the Henry Viscardi School visited fifth-grade students at Bowling Green Elementary School in East Meadow on Nov. 13.

The Viscardi Ambassadors are comprised of boys and girls of different ages, grade levels and hometowns. The Viscardi School in Albertson is known for serving students with physical disabilities, providing a barrierfree education environment tailored to their needs. The ambassadors act as representatives of the school, helping to promote its mission, raise awareness about disability issues and advocate for inclusivity. They participate in community outreach, public speaking engagements, or events to share their experiences — highlighting the importance of accessibility and demonstrating the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Their visits are aimed to break down the barriers that exist between the able-bodied world and those with physical challenges. The ambassadors created presentations about their lives, including their interests, disabilities, family lives and experiences at Viscardi.

At the end of their presentations, students took the pledge to become “Ability Ambassadors,” promising to do their best to look for and see abilities in others. They also pledged to do their best in inviting and including everyone to join in activities.

–Jordan Vallone

The Viscardi Ambassadors from the Henry Viscardi School visited fifthgrade students at Bowling Green Elementary School in East Meadow.

Photos courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District Ambassador visits, like the one above at Bowling Green, aim to break down the barriers that exist between the able-bodied world and those with physical challenges.

The Viscardi School is known for serving students with physical disabilities, and ambassadors act are representatives of the school.

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

HERALD SPORTS

East Meadow makes run to county finals

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

For the second straight year, East Meadow boys’ volleyball dug deep in the postseason to reach the championship stage as a lower seed.

The seventh-seeded Jets, who finished the regular season at 7-10, won three straight playoff matches to reach the Division I finals against Massapequa where the magical run would end in a four-set defeat to the number one seed. A senior-laden East Meadow squad completed a nearly identical journey last fall when it also got within one win of a title as the eight seed before falling to Syosset in four sets.

“We’re always fighting to the very last point and it’s just a great thing to see,” said first-year East Meadow coach Nick O’Malley, who was previously an assistant coach for two years. “They’ve always showed that they were quite an athletic group and would never give up until the last opportunity.”

After dropping the first two sets of the country final on Nov. 12 at Wantagh High School, East Meadow stayed alive

with a 25-22 win in the third set. The Jets nearly then forced a fifth and deciding game before Massapequa won the fourth set 25-23 to clinch the championship.

East Meadow was led in the championship by senior outside hitter Joe Steinmark, who recorded 15 kills and three aces. Senior outside hitter Joe Lanza also had a big match with nine kills.

The Jets got off the runway on their playoff journey with a 3-1 win against 10th-seeded Levittown District on Oct. 30.

The postseason magic continued on Election Day where East Meadow knocked off second-seeded PlainviewOld Bethpage JFK with a five-set road win in the quarterfinals. Lanza led the way with 20 kills in the team’s third five set match against JFK this season.

Four days after the JFK upset, East Meadow punched its ticket into the Division I finals for a second straight year with a 3-1 victory against third-seeded Jericho at Oceanside High School. The win avenged two regular season losses to Jericho.

O’Malley credits the tenacity of his team this season to his all senior start-

ing lineup which in addition to Lanza and Steinmark was led defensively by libero Michael Festa, who recorded the most digs in Nassau County.

Nick DeStefano was also a major weapon on both offense and defense at middle blocker. Setter Dylan Blanco also stepped up big following the graduation of All-Long Island Second Team selection, Justin Hendler.

The senior-led group also featured right side hitter Ihor Dekajlo and outside hitter Julian Kimak, who battled this season after tearing his ACL last year. Dekajlo and Kimak played crucial leadership roles as tri-captains with Steinmark.

Middle blocker Christian Collura and defensive specialist Gabe Newman also were part of a large senior class that guided the Jets to back-to-back championship appearances.

“This senior group has really led us to a lot a lot more than we could have asked for,” said O’Malley, who is also the men’s volleyball head coach at Nassau Community College. “We’re excited for our junior class coming up because they’ve learned a lot from this group.”

Brian Ballweg/Herald Dominant middle blocker/hitter Nick DeStefano ignited the Jets’ run to the county finals as the No. 7 seed.

Senior Expo makes its mark in Suffolk

By Alexa Anderwkavich

Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully wrapped up the final Senior Health & Beyond Expo of 2024, presented by Stony Brook Medicine, on Nov. 3, at the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack. This free community event attracted hundreds of attendees, including seniors, families and caregivers eager to explore the latest in wellness, lifestyle enhancements and valuable health resources.

The bustling expo featured a vibrant lineup of educational vendors and interactive activities that kept spirits high throughout the day. From yoga and fitness demonstration sessions to tarot readings, the event catered to diverse interests, and even offered guests an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.

“It was an incredible turnout,” Amy Amato, Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events at RichnerLIVE, said. “We are happy to bring our community-loved event to the Suffolk area, and hope to continue to bring a wealth of knowledge and fun to our senior communities Island-wide.”

One of the highlights of the day was a dynamic live performance by the Seasoned Steppers and Dazzling Divas of Ms. Senior New York America. Their energetic routines brought smiles to the crowd, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. And a performance of a number from “The Nutcracker,” by the New York Dance Company, brought a seasonal touch to the day.

Raffle drawings every half hour kept the anticipation alive, with lucky winners taking home a variety of prizes such as Floatopia gift cards, gift baskets, Natural Remedies goody bags and more, plus two grand prizes: a $250 gift card and an overnight stay for two at the Inn at Fox Hollow, in Woodbury, which included dinner, champagne, roses, chocolates and a full breakfast. Friends and families engaged with experts during panel discussions and Q&A sessions on essential topics, including financial planning, alternative medicine and estate management, gaining valuable insights to improve their well-being.

“Yet another awesome event put on by RichnerLIVE,” Host Mae Caime, RN, CEO of VIP Health Connections and Founder of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, said. “From tons of vendors and interactive activities to the incredible showcase from Ms. Senior New York America’s Seasoned Steppers and Dazzling Divas. I love that the audience got up and danced along with them. Truly put a smile on my face.”

Attendees received complimentary swag bags brimming with goodies, and the first 175 guests were treated to a delicious to-go lunch provided by Bagel Boss. Seated fitness demos also kept audience members’ blood pumping while the event’s presenting sponsor, Stony Brook Medicine, provided health screenings, including blood pressure and cognitive screenings.

A special thank-you goes to Stony Brook Medicine and the other program sponsors — Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Centerlight Healthcare PACE, Cona Elder Law, Clear Captions, NYSARC, Brightview Senior Living, Whisper Woods of Smithtown, the New York State Department of Public Service Long Island, Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, Branch Funeral Homes, Nassau University Medial Center, and Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk — for their crucial support. Ideal Home Care was the event’s Refreshment Sponsor, while the Suffolk Y JCC provided a welcoming venue.

The 2024 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series concluded on a high note, leaving attendees with a wealth of knowledge, resources and unforgettable memories.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Parker Jewish Public Relations Director Pablo Rendon.

Members of AARP with their therapy dog, Bailey.

Cona Elder Law attorney Melissa NegrinWiener.

Pierre Menard, of Centerlight Healthcare PACE, told guests about their services.

Opening keynote speaker Dr. Stephanie Jones, of Stony Brook Medicine Geriatrics.

Participants listened to the guest speakers.

elevate the Conversation

Strategic Mapping

It’s pretty simple. You start with a controlling personality. Then a single-minded obsession to map out the “must do’s” the “nice to do’s” and the “no way am I doing that” surrounding an event.

For example, if you have ever had the good fortune to go to Walt Disney World, you know how many theme parks, event choices and meal options there are in a day. So unless you are one who prefers not to make reservations for Breakfast with the Princesses or just happens upon the Main Street Parade or the Epcot light show, you need to stop reading right now.

I take the opposite path from serendipity. I prefer to go into a venue having some kind of strategic plan as to how we can reasonably get the most from it. Case in point: Target Wonderland, the pop-up shop that took place in New York City on Nov. 16 and 17.

doors open, readily available for high fives and selfies. I multitask, taking a picture with the dog and my son, while walking toward the entrance, getting my purse open to be reviewed by security and looking over the book quickly. I’m mentally noting the games, giveaways and events I think we should do. Fortunately, my son agrees and adds his thoughts and priorities, advising we get inside before we target (sorry) the first displays to go to.

L auren L ev

My son and I, eager to see any local marketing activations rise early and make our way to the LIRR. Exiting from Moynihan Train Hall, we head southwest to 28th street between 10th and 11th Avenues, arriving just in time as the 50th and 51st people in line at nine in the morning for an activity which will not start until 11 a.m. We pass the time watching everyday New Yorkers walking every breed of dog, talking with parents who are there to make memories with their young children, and watching the local deli make bank on hot chocolate and black coffees.

Just before we enter, we are given “field guides” that indicate what toys and activities will be presented by sponsor companies – a passport for chronic planners. The dog of the hour, Target’s Mascot Bullseye, greets the crowd in the last few minutes before

From this point on, in a limited space filled with hundreds of consumers, we make split-second judgement calls to judge the length of lines, the samples we want the most, the actions that will take up too much valuable time. We hang a right at the Barbie Dreamhouse Pool Party Doll House to go make mini Lego Star Wars X-Wings. This turns out to be a good decision, as we are far away from a subsequent crash minutes later that has turned the Barbie Dreamhouse into a dismantled nightmare.

Finally, an hour and a half later, we have seen and done much of what we hoped, grateful for a kind of “mapping” that has taken a lifetime of practice. It’s sort of like an unofficial sport where sometimes you can win and sometimes you lose. We exit to hundreds of people, lined for three blocks awaiting entry to Wonderland and make our way north with our candy cane patterned tote bag to Penn Station.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

News brIef

Police patrolled the area where one person was killed, following an accident on Sunday. The driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Westbury hit-and-run leaves one dead

A Hicksville man was arrested last month following a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicyclist on Old Country Road in Westbury, police said.

According to detectives, a 2006 gray Chrysler Sebring was traveling eastbound on Old Country Road when it struck a bicyclist near State Street at approximately 3:53 a.m on Oct. 27. The driver, identified as Wilfredo Blanco Molina, 41, fled the scene, continuing east on Old Country Road. The bicyclist, an adult male, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Nassau County Police paramedic.

Officers located Molina shortly after the incident near the intersection of

Old Country Road and the Wantagh State Parkway. A Standardized Field Sobriety Test indicated signs of intoxication, and he was taken into custody without incident. Further investigation revealed a white powdery substance, believed to be cocaine, in his possession.

Blanco Molina faces charges of Vehicular Manslaughter, Leaving the Scene of an Incident, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Driving While Intoxicated. He was arraigned on Oct. 28 at the First District Court in Hempstead Hempstead.

–Jordan Vallone

Courtesy John Scalesi

Festival makes local children’s art a reality

festivals. She came to New York and created her business to spread a sense of awe and wonder with familyfriendly attractions — and inspire the next generation of young artists along the way.

“By combining the heartwarming spirit of the holidays with the unique visions and creativity of the winners of Lumi’s Utopia, our event will bring the local community together and create lasting memories for all attendees,” Chen said in a news release.

This year’s festival partnered with the Long Island Children’s Museum to bring children’s artistic ideas to life. Children created drawings in the Lumi’s Utopia workshop, where the museum’s judges selected drawings to be made into light sculptures.

“Earlier this year, we were able to host a contest where many Long Island children came in and they made confection drawings of their sweet dreams,”

Aimee Terzulli, vice president of program and visitor experience for the Long Island Children’s Museum said.. “We had the hard job of having our internal judges pick only 10 out of hundreds and hundreds of young people that got to learn about the lantern process and the cultural aspects of this beautiful art form.”

The children’s art was adapted into vibrant pieces such as singing ice cream cones, ballet dancers, chocolate covered strawberries and singing candy bowls. These children and their families were able to see their art come to life for the first time on the night of the festival’s opening.

Wantagh resident Dominic Recher, 6, is one of the young artists whose work — a field of ice cream cones — was turned into a light display.

“I feel very excited, and I feel very happy,” Dominic Recher said of his art being included.

“I’m really excited that my son won — he worked really hard, and I’m really proud that he put all his time and detail into his work,” his mother, Jessica Recher, said. “He makes me a proud mom.”

Festivals like LuminoCity help the community bond and boosts the county’s.

“We want to have things that are exciting, vibrant, new and family oriented, and this light festival checks all the boxes,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “We’re extremely happy to have this beautiful exhibition here. It’s nice to bundle up and get into the Christmas and Hanukkah spirit here in Eisenhower Park.”

several luminescent holidays at once: Diwali’s theme of light overcoming darkness, Hanukkah’s lit candles and Christmas’ decorations, Blakeman added.

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips applauded Chen’s contribution to the local economy.

“Businesses drive our budget,” Phillips said. “When small businesses, large businesses, do well here in Nassau County, we do well as taxpayers.”

To learn more about the festival, where to park in Eisenhower, and how to reserve tickets, visit LumincoCityFestival.com.

The festival connects

Tim Baker/Herald photos

nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman cut the ribbon to open the attraction, encouraging support for local vendors.

dominic recher, 6, of Wantagh, came to see his ‘ice Cream man’ drawing come to life with his family.

the Holiday Lights festival featured a wintry section, capturing the spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah decorations.

mia panetta and Jolie doerbecker of massapequa came to see the Holiday Lights festival’s colorful and surreal light sculptures.

By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker

Brucia,

You bake it in the oven. My mom and dad go to the store and look for one with meat and bones — bigger than me! Then they bake it for one second.

How To Make A Turkey

You get the turkey from the store and the store gets it from the farm. You cut it up and throw it on the stove for one hour. My dad cuts the turkey into small pieces.

Madison Sinclair, age 5,

My mommy takes everything she needs to make a turkey like lettuce, mashed avocados, tomatoes, and carrots. You cut a hole at the top and stuff it in. We have to cut it and it will bleed like yuck!

The turkey comes from the wild. You put six butters in the turkey and then a lemon to make it juicy and onions. My mom and nana put the turkey on the stove. We eat it with potatoes and marshmallows.

I would go the store and I would make a list to know what ingredients I would need. But I don’t know so I would ask my mom. Then we put it somewhere, but I don’t know where. Then it gets cooked and it gets hard. My dad eats the most turkey!

Oceanside

James

age 5, North Massapequa

Evangeline Lynch, age 6, Malverne

Peter Ferrante, age 6, Valley Stream

Luna Cappadora, age 5, Baldwin

New congestion pricing plan reduces tolls

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

New York City’s congestion pricing program is back, with a revised pricing plan, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Nov. 14. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board gave a near-unanimous green light to the updated toll program this week. The decision effectively ends a roughly five-month pause the governor abruptly announced in June, just weeks ahead of congestion pricing’s anticipated launch.

At the time, Hochul raised concerns about the financial burden the program would create on motorists.

“As I said from the start, a $15 toll was just too high in this economic climate,” she said last week. “By getting congestion pricing underway and fully supporting the MTA capital plan, we’ll unclog our streets, reduce pollution, and deliver public transit for millions of New Yorkers.”

How much will drivers pay?

Originally, regular passenger vehicles traveling south of 60th Street in Manhattan were to be charged $15 on top of the tolls already paid. That toll has now been reduced to a $9 charge, a 40 percent drop. The scale-back will save regular Manhattan commuters $1,500 per year while, overall, the program will generate an estimated $15 billion in revenue for the transit agency.

While the rollout is set for January, the plan’s opponents, including the state of New Jersey and President-elect Donald Trump, are looking to block its implementation in the courts. Experts note that shelving the tolling program altogether would have left the MTA’s financial future in doubt. Because of the

pause, the agency was already facing a gaping $500 million funding hole.

But some observers are scratching their heads over what they describe as the governor’s questionable calculus — promising to deliver all of the original estimated revenue despite charging only 60 percent of the original toll.

“How does the MTA end up with $15 billion with a $9 base toll?” transportation advocate Larry Penner said. “It previously required a $15 base toll to do the same. Who did the math?”

Long Island grumbles over toll program

Time and time again, transit leaders and supporters have said the tolling program will steer transportation off city streets and onto public transit, making the streets more navigable for emergency vehicles, reduce emissions, and put the largest transit system in the country on firmer financial footing.

“New Yorkers deserve cleaner air, safer streets and ambulances that can get to them without gridlock, and the governor is stepping up for them and for riders who need trains and buses to get them where they have to go…” MTA chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said.

Nevertheless, the program remains deeply unpopular with many on Long Island. Local leaders fear that a plan designed to ease congestion in Manhattan streets could create more of it in Long Island Rail Road station parking lots. Critics also say that forking over an extra charge for doing business in the city will hurt the bottom line of Long Island trucking companies and trades workers. Large trucks and sightseeing buses are expected to pay an extra toll of roughly $22. Small trucks and non-commuter buses will be charged $14.40.

Herald file photo

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s revised congestion pricing plan lowers tolls for drivers but increases the pressure on the MTA to meet its funding goals.

welcome to

LI

David Paterson steps into the ring with Sammy Chu

Sands New York Senior Vice President and Former Governor trains Long Island Fight for Charity Boxer

On Oct. 25, Sands New York's Senior Vice President David Paterson joined community leader and volunteer boxer Sammy Chu in the boxing ring to help raise awareness for the upcoming Long Island Fight for Charity. Sands is a sponsor of the Nov. 25 event that raises funds for charities across Long Island.

Recently titled the "Real Life Daredevil," former New York State Governor Paterson brought his fghting spirit to the ring, ofering tips and even sparring with Chu.

Paterson, who recently made headlines for defending himself and his stepson during an attack in New York City, shared, “It’s inspiring to see dedicated individuals like Sammy step up for causes that truly make a diference. Sands is proud to back an event that amplifes community strength and supports so many critical organizations on Long Island.”

The training session took place at the Academy of Boxing in Huntington

just days before ofcials announced that the main event match-up will be between Chu and Rob “The Big Show” Madden. Proceeds from the event will beneft local charities chosen by the boxers, including Chu’s selections: EAC Network and the New York League of Conservation Voters.

Sands’ sponsorship of the event reinforces its commitment to supporting meaningful causes worth fghting for and strengthening the Long Island community through impactful partnerships.

To watch the promotional video visit Sands New York on Facebook. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit LIFightforCharity.org.

Scan this QR code to watch the promotional video of the Fight for Charity event or visit Sands New York on Facebook.

EAC Network’s Building Bridges Gala celebrates community champions with Sands’ Support

At the Garden City Hotel, the 2024 Building Bridges Gala came to life in a night of dancing, celebration, and fundraising for EAC Network’s essential work across Long Island and NYC. As a sponsor, Sands New York matched $25,000 in donations raised during the event’s table raise, helping to support EAC’s outreach to over 65,000 individuals through 100 critical programs.

Honoring community leaders, the gala spotlighted Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NY State Senator Monica Martinez for their public service contributions, reinforcing the evening’s mission to strengthen local support networks.

“Sands is proud to partner with EAC Network to amplify their work in empowering families, protecting children, and supporting seniors across the region,” said Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Ofcer for Sands New York. “We’re honored to stand alongside such a dedicated organization and community-minded leaders.”

The developer of a proposed multi-billion-dollar fagship hospitality and entertainment project on Long Island

Photo provided by Sands

Sands New York Senior Vice President David Patterson trains Long Island Fight for Charity boxer Sammy Chu.

Photos provided by Sands

Sands New York not only served as a sponsor of the EAC Network’s Building Bridges Gala but also matched $25,000 in donations raised during the event.

Celebrating local entrepreneurs at the Nassau Council of Chambers Legislative Breakfast

Sands New York proudly sponsored the 34th Annual Small Business Person of the Year and Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Nassau Chamber of Commerce. This important event honored outstanding local entrepreneurs while providing a platform for discussion on the challenges facing small businesses today. Sands remains committed to empowering the local economy through collaboration and support for small businesses. The breakfast was a valuable opportunity for fostering connections that will help drive future growth in the community.

Taste of the Harvest marks a celebration of community, cuisine, and compassion

Island Harvest's annual Taste of the Harvest Celebration brought Long Island’s vibrant culinary scene together for an evening of exceptional favors, all to support hunger relief and food rescue programs. Held at the spacious Crest Hollow Country Club, the event showcased a variety of tastings from top local chefs, restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

This year’s celebration not only highlighted delicious local fare but also underscored Island Harvest's critical mission to end hunger across Long Island, ofering guests an opportunity to support a powerful cause while savoring unique dishes and beverages.

"Sands is honored to support this year’s Taste of the Harvest celebration, an inspiring gathering of Long Island’s food community coming together to fght hunger,” said Tracey Edwards of Sands New York. “Island Harvest’s impact across Long Island is invaluable, and we’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates local favors while supporting such a critical mission.”

This year’s event honored outstanding community advocates and local leaders who have signifcantly contributed to advancing food security across the region, recognizing their tireless eforts in fghting hunger.

Sands New York hosted a booth at the Uniondale Community Fall Festival, held at the John J. Byrne Community Center on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The event was a day flled with fun, entertainment, and community spirit, featuring activities for all ages, local vendors, performances, and opportunities to support community organizations. The Sands booth included a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting to festival goers.

Sands New York brings community spirit to Oyster Fest

The annual Oyster Fest in Oyster Bay drew in crowds from across the region, celebrating Long Island’s local heritage with fresh oysters, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Sands New York returned as a proud sponsor for the second consecutive year, ofering free give-aways, face painting, and hosting the event’s beer tent.

Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Ofcer for Sands said, “Oyster Fest is an iconic fall event for Long Island that really celebrates the spirit and history of our magnifcent north shore—and Sands New York is thrilled to be a sponsor for the second year in a row. This event serves as a great time for families to come out and try all types of local treats, support local businesses, and enjoy the beautiful town of Oyster Bay. We are looking forward to getting to know more of our neighbors this year and shucking some oysters alongside them! “

This year’s festival ofered carnival rides, live music, and a bustling arts-and-crafts fair, providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors alike to explore and support local businesses.

Sands New York sponsors AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball

Sands New York proudly served as a sponsor for the recent AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball, an event dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ball brought together community leaders, families, and supporters to raise funds for AHRC Sufolk’s mission: to provide dynamic, innovative, and integrated services where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover and defne their own quality of life. The AHRC’s essential programs empower and enrich the lives of over 1,500 individuals across Long Island.

The evening was flled with heartfelt moments, showcasing the talent and achievements of those served by AHRC. Sands is committed to fostering community partnerships and contributing to meaningful initiatives that align with its values. This sponsorship refects Sands' dedication to supporting local organizations that make a positive impact.

Spooktacular Trunk or Treat in East Meadow

Sands New York was excited to sponsor the East Meadow Trunk or Treat, where families gathered for a festive Halloween celebration. This fun-flled event featured creatively decorated vehicles ofering treats, creating a safe and exciting environment for kids. Sands is dedicated to supporting community events that bring families together and celebrate local traditions. With laughter and joy in the air, the event was a fantastic way for families to connect and enjoy the Halloween spirit in East Meadow.

Photo provided by Sands Island Harvest’s annual Taste of the Harvest brings together Long Island to fight hunger relief and food programs.

Sands New York hosted a booth at the Uniondale Community Fall festival Photo provided by

Photos provided by Sands

For the second year running, Sands New York served as a proud sponsor of Oyster Fest.

Photo provided by Sands

The AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball is an event that supports individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York sponsored this year’s Trunk or Treat in East Meadow.

Celebrating local entrepreneurs at the Nassau Council of Chambers Legislative Breakfast

Taste of the Harvest marks a celebration of community, cuisine, and compassion

Sands New York brings community spirit to Oyster Fest

This year’s festival ofered carnival rides, live music, and a bustling arts-and-crafts fair, providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors alike to explore and support local businesses.

Sands New York sponsors AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball

Spooktacular Trunk or Treat in East Meadow

Photo provided by Sands Island Harvest’s annual Taste of the Harvest brings together Long Island to fight hunger relief and food programs.

Sands New York hosted a booth at the Uniondale Community Fall festival Photo provided by

Photos provided by Sands

For the second year running, Sands New York served as a proud sponsor of Oyster Fest.

Photo provided by Sands

The AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball is an event that supports individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York sponsored this year’s Trunk or Treat in East Meadow.

Las Vegas Sands awards hospitality scholarships

Sands teams with Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to select 13 recipients

Las Vegas Sands announced it partnered with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to award 13 students at HACU-member schools with Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships in support of their preparation for careers in the travel, tourism, and leisure industry.

“HACU is excited to partner with Las Vegas Sands in this scholarship supporting students who are working towards a career in the hospitality industry,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Our nation’s HispanicServing Institutions have always been conduits for talent to all industries and these scholarships provide fnancial assistance to students who show promise and commitment to their future success.”

Sands established the Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships with HACU, the only national association representing Hispanic-serving Institutions, as part of the company’s commitment

to building a thriving hospitality industry workforce.

“We want to help cultivate diverse and highly capable talent to support the strength of our industry,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate afairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility initiatives at Sands, said. “This program joins a number of initiatives we have to help ensure the hospitality industry can best capitalize on its continued growth with a solid pipeline of future talent, while empowering people from diferent backgrounds to enter the feld.”

Sands’ broad array of hospitality education initiatives include the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Sands Hospitality Scholarship Program in Singapore, underwriting for the 2024 University of North Texas Las Vegas Study Tour, other scholarship funding and partnerships with higher education

institutions, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship and instruction from company leaders.

The company’s focus on hospitality education is a core component of its 2021-2025 ambition to invest $200 million in

Sands Brings the Fun to Merrick Street Fair

The Merrick Street Fair, held Oct. 26-27, was a blast, and Sands New York was right there cheering on the festivities! With a lively atmosphere flled with tasty food, local crafts, and fantastic entertainment, the fair brought the community together. Families and friends enjoyed live music and fun activities, creating lasting memories. Sands is thrilled to support events like this that celebrate the spirit of local communities and encourage everyone to come together and have a great time.

workforce development. At the end of 2023, Sands had contributed $181 million toward achieving this target.

Funding for the Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships comes through the Sands Cares global community engagement program.

Photo provided by Sands

The Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarship is just one of many hospitality education initiatives, including the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York was proud to participate in this year’s Merrick Street Fair.

STEPPING OUT

A very merry celebration at UBS Arena

Explore Christmas magic with festive ﬁlms and seasonal wonders at the ﬁrst

Great American Family Christmas Festival

By Danielle Schwab

‘Tis the season: so let’s get jolly! UBS Arena’s Northwell Park is just the place to do so — with a visit to the inaugural Great American Family Christmas Festival, now through Jan. 5.

Great American Media is partnering with UBS Arena and the New York Islanders to bring Christmas joy to new heights at what is one of the largest experiential holiday festivals in the country, according to the creative team.

It involves holiday movie world premieres, traditional Christmas tree lightings nightly, TikTokworthy holiday experiences throughout — an immersive experience for the entire family. Also meet the stars of Great American Christmas movies, weekends, along with ﬁlm screenings, Q&As, panels, and scheduled photo ops.

“Over the past decade, my team and I have envisioned a Christmas festival that will attract people and offer fans a chance to meet the stars of our movies and immerse themselves in a oneof-a-kind festive experience,” Great American Media President-CEO Bill Abbott says.

With almost 100 Christmas movies produced, Great American’s Christmas franchise has warmed the hearts of audiences since its start in 2021.

“Our Christmas movies are all about an experience,” Abbott notes.

The ‘experience’ has now evolved from the screen to a fully immersive event.

“You think about what you do as a family between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and there really isn’t a lot to do. So we wanted to create that experience — when you walk in, you smell, see and feel Christmas,” he explains. “It’s a dream come true on so many levels.”

Visitors will find an ideal winter wonderland filled with five whimsical villages to explore, each offering numerous activities for all ages.

Start your journey by walking through Candy Cane Lane’s red and white arches, where you can snap some stylish “eﬂies” (Christmas selﬁes!) to add to the family Christmas album.

Next, you might want to head over to Santa’s Craft Village, where you can create personalized decorations — wreaths, holly and ornaments — to ‘deck the halls.’ Or even craft a do-it-yourself gift for someone special.

If you’re in the mood to skate, you don’t have to be on the Islanders to enjoy the rink at Frosty’s Frozen Skate. And when you need a break after gliding on the sparkling ice, cozy up at one of the ﬁre pits nearby to chase away the chill.

The holidays always involve food, of course, and you’ll ﬁnd all sorts of treats at the Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Village. Indulge in such classics as hot chocolate, giant candy canes, and gooey s’mores with peppermint twists. The village also offers private rentals of VIP igloos and ﬁrepits, by the way, creating an inviting atmosphere for corporate entertaining and socializing.

Much like Rudolph’s red nose, Rudolph’s Main Stage is a bright beacon, where the festival “community” gathers. Sing along to Christmas carols at “Carol-oke” or cheer on participants in the Ugly Sweater Contest. To add even more merriment to your day, screenings of 18 new Christmas ﬁlms will be featured along with in-person meet-and-greets with many of the stars.

Among the movies, don’t miss “Home Sweet Christmas,” premiering on Nov. 23. It follows childhood friends — Sam and Sophie — who are brought back together by the unexpected shared ownership of a charming tree farm.

“This is a beautiful, sweet story. It’s about long-lost love that’s reconnected. It’s about second

• Now through Jan. 5

• Tickets start at $15, with varied ticket packages available

• Go to greatamericanfamily christmasfestival.com to purchase tickets and for more information

• Northwell Park at UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

chances at life, and it’s about the magic and mystery of Christmas,” says Cameron Mathison, who stars as Sam.

His co-star, Candace Cameron Bure is no stranger to Christmas ﬁlm magic either.

“It’s such a beautiful genre that I have been lucky enough to be a part of since it really took off,” Bure says.“People come to love these Christmas movies, and they tune in year after year. There’s something so comforting about them, and it’s a time you can gather with your family and just be together.”

Guests can join the festivities with Bure and Mathison during opening weekend. Other star appearances include husband-and-wife duo Mario and Courtney Lopez. Be sure to check the website for a complete list of all special guests and their scheduled appearance.

And, naturally, the holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without a bright and beautiful Christmas tree lighting ceremony, when Candace Cameron Bure will help usher in the festive season at the ﬁrst lighting.

“For us, being involved in a project like this, and having the opportunity to put on something with partners who care so deeply is just fantastic,” Abbott says enthusiastically.

“And in New York. There’s no place like Christmas in New York.”

Whether you are going to take in the movies, meet the stars, or enjoy some family activities, the festival invites everyone to live their own Christmas story.

“What I’m most excited about is the essence of it. You’re almost in your own little version of a Great American Christmas movie,” Mathison adds.“You’re engulfed in Christmas.”

And who knows? While there, perhaps you’ll ﬁnd your very own Christmas miracle.

Songbird

Experience the sensational voice of Karine Hannah as she brings “Songbird: The Singular Tribute to Barbra Streisand” to life. Her musical palette and vocal capabilities are wide and varied, but her passion for singing and performing Streisand’s music has been her signature and staple since childhood. Accompanied by her band Water Colors she delivers Streisand’s hits with emotional depth and authenticity. From her humorous and bawdy onstage banter to her breathtaking renditions of timeless classics, Hannah’s tribute is more than just a concert; it’s a heartfelt celebration of Streisand’s enduring legacy. As Karine reimagines Streisand’s beloved songs, you’ll be transported through decades of unforgettable music, ﬁlled with the passion and artistry that have made Streisand a living legend.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 p.m. $54. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

The Weight Band

The Weight Band — helmed by by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band, who replaced Robbie Robertson — pays tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ensemble’s timeless and enduring 1968 album “Music from Big Pink,” on the Paramount stage. Named for the classic The Band song “The Weight,” The Weight showcases the album in its entirety, along with outtakes and other favorites by The Band. The concert also include cuts from their latest album “Shines Like Gold,” a dynamic set of classic Americana that draws upon roadhouse rock, funky swamp pop, blues, country soul, and folk music. Drummer Levon Helm urged Weider to launch The Weight Band in 2013, as a vehicle for carrying onThe Band’s musical legacy.

Sunday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

CourtesyUBS Arena/Dennis DaSilva

Unwrap some holiday cheer and immerse yourself in the wonders of the season at UBS Arena’s festive extravaganza.

Courtesy Great American Family

Screen a movie at the festival with the ﬁlm’s stars.

“Home Sweet Christmas” kicks off the ﬁlm schedule with Cameron Mathison and Candace Cameron Bure.

Dark Star Orchestra

Let’s Talk Turkey

Tea time

On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, DSO offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out each era’s unique style and sound while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations. DSO offers much more than the sound of the Grateful Dead, they truly encapsulate the energy and the experience. It’s about a sense of familiarity. It’s about a feeling that grabs listeners and takes over. It’s about that contagious energy — in short, it’s about the complete experience and consistent quality that fans enjoy. $99.50, $69.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. Nov. 29

The Grateful Dead have been resurrected in the form of Dark Star Orchestra. The band brings its Fall tour to the Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, t 8 p.m. Formed in 1997, this tribute band came up with the novel idea of recreating complete sets from The Grateful Dead’s gigantic list of concerts. They adapt their playing and sound depending on what era of Dead they’re tackling on the night, and while they slavishly recreate the sound of the band down to the minutest detail, they also embark on epic improvisations that would make their heroes proud. Performing to critical acclaim for over 3,100 shows, DSO continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians.

Long Island Children’s Museum is gearing up for Thanksgiving, Sunday, Nov. 24, 1-4 p.m. As Thanksgiving is approaching, get ready by creating a colorful turkey, at the drop-in program. Take your terrific turkey home to adorn your Thanksgiving table. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit LICM.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.

Mah Jongg

Enjoy an afternoon of Mah Jongg and canasta, every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at East Meadow Beth El Jewish Center. $5 contribution per person. Snacks are provided. No outside food allowed due to dietary laws. Bring your own games and cards. Mah Jongg lessons available. 1400 Prospect Ave. For further information call (516) 428-3693.

Kiwanis Meeting

Kiwanis Club of East Meadow will hold a general meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 26, starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. It’ll be at the Grand Stage Diner in East Meadow, at 2490 Hempstead Turnpike. For more, visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org.

The festive season is underway at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy a cream tea (featuring scones, Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and tea), then a guided tour of decorated Westbury House, Tuesday, dec. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Wednesday, dec. 4, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thursday, dec. 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. $22.50 per person. Advance registration suggested. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Senior Thanksgiving dinner

Seniors will be treated to a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, by the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow, Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m., at East Meadow High School. 101 Carman Ave., East Meadow. To learn how to get involved or more on the event, email KiwanisClubOfEastMeadow@ gmail.com.

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Holiday Tales At The Hearth

Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The familyfriendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues Saturday, Nov. 23, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Bingo at Beth-El

Get your game on at a weekly bingo game at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center starting at 6 p.m. Prizes, progressive games, bell jar prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proof of vaccination is required. 1400 Prospect Ave., in East Meadow. For information, contact (516) 483-4205.

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.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will spans various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.

Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

In concert

Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes everyone to a “Motown Holiday Dance Party,” Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. Celebrate the holidays in true Motown style. Enjoy a sensational afternoon of soulful tunes, joyful dancing, and nostalgic vibes at the electrifying concert. Get ready to groove, spread the festive cheer and make unforgettable memories. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Movie matinee

Emjoy a movie on East Meadow Library’s big screen, Friday, Nov. 29, 1-3 p.m. See “Planes, Trains and Automobiies,” the 1987 roadtrip comedy tells of an uptight businessman teams up with an irritating know-it-all blabbermouth to find any means possible to make it home for Thanksgiving when a major snowstorm strands them in the midwest. Starring Steve Martin and John Candy. 1886 Front Street. For more, visit eastmeadow.info.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Kennebec County Register of Probate Court

Filing: May 29, 2024

Docket Number: 2024-0384

State of Maine

Kennebec ss. IN Re: Elena Heim Hearing is the 4th day of December 2024 at 3:00pm at the Kennebec County Probate Court, 95 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330 MOTION FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

Pursuant to M.R. PROB.

P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e) Now comes the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (hereinafter “the Department”), the petitioner in this case, and requests that this court permit the Department to serve Robert Farley by publication, pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e). In support thereof, the Department states as follows:

1. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services fled a Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Adult for Elana Heim with this court on May 29, 2024.

2. Robert Farley is a person who requires notice of the Petition under the Maine Probate Code.

3. The Department has completed a diligent search, as outlined in the affdavit of Diligent Search attached hereto, and after such diligent search has not been able to ascertain Robert Farley’s address or current whereabouts. The Department is therefore unaware of any method available to serve Robert Farley except via publication.

4. Pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e), and in the interests of Justice, this Court may order that Robert Farley be served notice via publication in a designated newspaper of general circulation. WHEREFORE, the Department requests that Robert Farley be served notice via publication in a designated newspaper of general circulation pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e). Person being served has the right to attend the hearing and to speak at the hearing.

Dated: October 1, 2024 Judge, Kennebec County Probate Court 149929

Pursuant to an Order Confrming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 26, 2024 and an Order Assigning Substitute Referee duly entered September 26, 2024, I, 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 December 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 9 Grayston Street, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 10, Block 199 and Lot 43. Approximate amount of judgment is $890,821.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #012788/2013.

Ronald James Ferraro, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 232116-1 150013

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 10th day of December, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:

BALDWIN HOWARD PLACE - west side, starting at a point 41 feet north of the north curbline of Stanton Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-436/24)

BELLEROSE TERRACE

239th STREET - west side, starting at a point 64 feet north of the north curbline of Superior Road, north for a distance of 15 feet.

(TH-432/24)

ELMONT BLACKSTONE STREETnorth side, starting at a point 48 feet east of the east curbline of Gotham Avenue, east for a distance of 19 feet.

(TH-375(B)/24)

BELMONT BOULEVARDeast side, starting at a point 293 feet north of the north curbline of Rosalind Avenue, north for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-446/24)

JACOB STREET - east side, starting at a point 122 feet south of the south curbline of Rosalind Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-465/24)

LANGDON STREET - north side, starting at a point 37 feet east of the east curbline of Clement Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-461/24)

FRANKLIN SQUARE

HERMAN AVENUE - south side, starting at a point 188 feet west of the west curbline of Birch Street, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-507/24)

GARDEN CITY SOUTH WELLINGTON ROAD SOUTH - west side, starting at a point 45 feet south of the south curbline of Terrace Avenue, south for a distance of 18 feet.

(Tha-457/24)

LEVITTOWN BLUE GRASS LANE - north side, starting at a point 120 feet east of the east curbline of Shelter Lane, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(485/24)

ROOSEVELT

EAST RAYMOND AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 321 feet east of the east curbline of Nassau Road, east for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-472/24) (NR)VALLEY STREAM DeWITT STREET - east side, starting at a point 66 feet south of the south curbline of Oliver Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-439/24) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

(NR) LAWRENCE WEST AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 30 feet north of a point opposite the north curbline of North Street, north for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-121/12 - 7/10/12)

(TH-473/24)

SEAFORD

HICKORY STREET - north side, starting at a point 310 feet west of the west curbline of Jackson Avenue, west for a distance of 14 feet.

(TH-322/21 - 9/23/21)

(TH-495/24) WEST HEMPSTEAD PARK AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 162 feet north of Lincoln Place, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-493/02 - 12/03/02)

(TH-499/24)

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: November 19, 2024 Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARDOF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY 150092

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 10th day of December, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

BALDWIN

BALDWIN AVENUE (TH 492/24) South Side -NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 238 feet east of the east curbline of Walnut Street, then east for a distance of 30 feet.

BELLMORE

ROYLE STREET (TH 452/24) North Side - NO

PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 22 feet west of the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue, then west for a distance of 78 feet.

ROYLE STREET (TH 452/24) North Side - NO

PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 286 feet west of the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue, then west for a distance of 518 feet.

ELMONT

VIRGINIA DRIVE (TH 440/24) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Robert Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet.

ROBERT AVENUE (TH 440/24) West Side -NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Virginia Drive, north for a distance of 49 feet.

ROBERT AVENUE (TH 440/24) East Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Robert Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.

LUCILLE AVENUE (TH 475/24) West Side -NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Russell Street, north for a distance of 30 feet.

LUCILLE AVENUE (TH 475/24) East Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from thenorth curbline of Russell Street, north for a distance of 30 feet.

RUSSELL STREET (TH 475/24) North Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Lucille Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet.

FRANKLIN SQUARE

LUCILLE AVENUE (TH 498/24) East Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Russell Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.

RUSSELL STREET (TH 498/24) South Side -NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Lucille Avenue, east for a distance of 22 feet.

HERMAN AVENUE (TH 507/24) South Side - NO

PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 12 feet west of the west curbline of Birch Street then west for a distance of 176 feet.

HERMAN AVENUE (TH 507/24) South Side - NO

PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 208 feet west of the west curbline of Birch Street then west to the east curbline of Hewlett Street.

HEWLETT EAST

ROCKAWAY ROAD (TH 435(B)/24) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Milbar Heath then east for a distance of 60 feet.

LEVITTOWN HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE NORTHSIDE MARGINAL ROAD(TH 334(B)/24)North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 175 feet east of the east curbline of Loring Road, east for a distance of 56 feet.

NORTH BELLMORE

BELLMORE ROAD (TH 402(B)/24) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 22 feet south of the south curbline of McKinley Avenue, south for a distance of 48 feet.

NORTH MERRICK

JERUSALEM AVENUE (TH 501/24) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Tadmor Street, west for a distance of 30 feet.

OCEANSIDE LAWSON BOULEVARD (TH 450/24) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Weidner Avenue, north for a distance of 52 feet.

ROOSEVELT HENRY STREET (TH 438/24) North Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 97 feet east of the east curbline of Brookside Avenue, then east for a distance of 25 feet.

SEAFORD

OCEAN AVENUE (TH 444/24) East Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Somerset Drive, south for a distance of 30 feet.

OCEAN AVENUE (TH 444/24) East Side - NO

PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 30 feet

south of the south curbline of Somerset Drive, south to a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of Naomi Street.

(NR)VALLEY STREAM

ROSEDALE ROAD (TH 460/24) North Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Laurel Hill Drive, then east for a distance of 45 feet.

ROSEDALE ROAD (TH 460/24) North Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Laurel Hill Drive, then west for a distance of 50 feet.

WOODMERE NORMAN WAY (TH 511/24) West Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Carol Avenue north for a distance of 40 feet.

NORMAN WAY (TH 511/24) East Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Carol Avenue north for a distance of 38 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:

BALDWIN

BALDWIN AVENUE (TH 346/24) South Side - NO

STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 239 feet east of the east curbline of Walnut Street, then east for a distance of 25 feet.

(Adopted 9/17/24)

BELLMORE

ROYLE STREET (TH 175/92) North Side -NO

PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue, west to a point 140 feet east of the east curbline of Bedford Avenue.

(Adopted 10/27/92)

FRANKLIN SQUARE HERMAN AVENUE (TH 427/72) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at the east curbline of Hewlett Avenue, east following the curvature of the road to the south curbline of Birch Street. (Adopted 12/5/72) LEVITTOWN HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE (TH 334/24) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 175 feet east of the east curbline of Loring Road, east for a distance of 56 feet.

(Adopted 9/4/24) NORTH MERRICK

JERUSALEM AVENUE (TH 235/80) North Side - NO

STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Tadmor Street, west for a distance of 15 feet.

(Adopted 7/22/80)

UNIONDALE WARWICK STREET (TH 263/16) North Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at the termination of the dead end, then west for a distance of 88 feet.

(Adopted 9/20/16)

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard

on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: November 19, 2024

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

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 150085

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 10th day of December, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following locations:

BELLMORE ROYLE STREET (TH 452/24) South SideSection 202-15 TWO HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 7PM EXCEPT SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS - starting at a point 23 feet west of the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue, then west for a distance of 120 feet.

ROYLE STREET (TH 452/24) South SideTWO HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 7PM EXCEPT SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 324 feet west of the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue, then west for a distance of 268 feet.

LEVITTOWN

HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE NORTH SIDE MARGINAL Section 202-23 ROAD (TH 334(B)/24) North Side - 30 MINUTE PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS 7AM TO 7PM - starting from the east curbline of Loring Road, east for a distance of 170 feet.

HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE NORTH SIDE MARGINAL ROAD (TH 334(B)/24) North Side - 30 MINUTE PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS - starting at a point 40 feet west of the west curbline of Wolcott Road, west for a distance of 195 feet west of the west curbline of Wolcott Road.

OCEANSIDE HANSCOM PLACE (TH 469/24) North SideSection 202-13 NO PARKING 8PM TO 7AMstarting at a point 17 feet east of the east curbline of Long Neach Road, then east for a distance of 48 feet.

FAIRVIEW AVENUE (TH 489/24) North Side -

NO PARKING 6AM TO 6PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS - starting at a point 558 feet east of the east curbline of Long Beach Road, east for a distance of 92 feet.

WOODMERE

BRYAN STREET (TH 500/24) North SideSection 202-17 NO PARKING 9PM TO 12 MIDNIGHT - startingat a point 23 feet west of the west of curbline of Longacre Avenue, then west for a distance of 44 feet. ALSO, to REPEAL from Chapter 202 “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking from the following locations: BELLMORE ROYLE STREET (TH 03/91) South SideSection 202-15 TWO HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 7PM EXCEPT SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS - starting at a point 370 feet east of the east curbline of Bedford Avenue, east to a point 50 feet west of the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue.

(Adopted 4/16/91) LEVITTOWN HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE (TH 334/24 North SideSection 202-23 30 MINUTE PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS 7AM TO 7PM - starting from the east curbline of Loring Road, east for a distance of 170 feet.

(Adopted 9/4/24) HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE (TH 334/24) North Side30 MINUTE PARKING BETWEEN SIGNSstarting at a point 40 feet west of the west curbline of Wolcott Road, west for a distance of 195 feet. (Adopted 9/4/24) WOODMERE BRYANT STREET (TH 332/23) North SideSection 202-17 NO PARKING 12 NOON TO 2 PM - starting at a point 20 feet west of the west curbline of Longacre Avenue, then west for a distance of 70 feet.

(Adopted 9/19/23) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: November 19, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARDOF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 150084

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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. 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

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A town complicates the permitting procedure

Stunning New Construction

Q. We want to add a bathroom on our second floor, where there is currently only a half bath. We bought the house a few months ago, and want to make things right with a baby on the way. We interviewed a couple of contractors, both of whom told us that they can do the job but don’t want to get permits. The architect we spoke with warned us that it may take longer, and his fees may be much higher, because the town we live in has greatly increased the amount of work that needs to be done to get a permit. I’m sure you recommend getting a permit, but what can we really anticipate? We really need to get this done.

A. The contractors and the architect are correct. Your town went from what may have been a simpler process to a much more involved one. It isn’t unusual for them to require plans of the entire home when all you want to do is a bathroom.

The typical scenario starts with calling the architect, who stops by and looks at what you want to do. You discuss with them the possible locations for the tub or shower, the toilet and sink, and where pipes will need to run for code compliance and to logically drain properly. The roof must also be looked at, to avoid putting the vent stack too close to a valley in the roof or an upper window or wall.

The plans used to be of the area where the bathroom was going, including the adjacent rooms and hallway access. At that point, the plans typically showed where smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are located, all for your safety. The architect will set up an agreement and time to measure, set up the plans over a time period based on their workload, and prepare the paperwork to submit.

An application fee is charged when the plans are filed and, once filed, they are assigned a reviewer and a number. At that point, depending on the reviewer’s concerns about the rest of the house, they may decide that more information is necessary. No matter what experience your architect has, they know there are an endless number of things that can be asked for. It has become common for reviewers to ask for entire house plans, when only the floor area where the bathroom is to be is necessary, above and below.

Often, the architect, anticipating what can be asked for, provides more than in the past, mainly to try to keep the process flowing and to get you to the point of a permit. The basic requirements in the drawings can sometimes be much more than was ever on any checklist, and can include direct quotes of code notes, for example. One examiner asked to have notes removed after another demanded to see them, so there is a perceived randomness to the process as well. Your architect can help you through this. Good luck!

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opinions

Trump makes the comeback of all comebacks

Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory in the presidential contest marked the most astonishing comeback in American political history, and a dramatic realignment of political coalition forces.

Only one previous president, Grover Cleveland, in the 19th century, was re-elected after being defeated in a bid for a second consecutive term. And no president, of course, has been elected after being indicted in state and federal courts, found guilty of multiple felonies in one of those cases, and found liable in a number of civil cases. Bottom line: There has never been a president like Donald Trump.

He has beaten the odds at every juncture since making his famous descent down the Trump Tower escalator in 2015. He was thought to have no chance to make it through the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, never mind win the nomination. And once he was the

president-elect Donald Trump issued a number of warnings during his successful campaign to return to the White House. He talked about exacting retribution against anyone who opposed him or had the temerity to alert the public about his positions. But the most significant statement that should have been given a warning label was Trump’s pledge to give Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a significant role in the nation’s health agencies. He is now Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

As a general rule, winning candidates have every right to reward supporters with cabinet position, but the possibility of giving RFK Jr. the authority to tell Americans what vaccines you can give your children or the medications you can give your elderly parents was not on the ballot this year.

Respected scientists across the nation have been warning the public for years about the numerous conspira-

nominee, the main topic of debate was how large his landslide defeat would be.

Then, after his entirely unexpected election in 2016, he had to overcome a baseless but debilitating Russia collusion investigation and two impeachment trials. His refusal to accept his 2020 defeat, and his irresponsible delay in denouncing the Jan. 6 criminal riot at the U.S. Capitol, were thought by friend and foe to have ended his political career.

counties. The last Republican presidential nominee to do that was George H.W. Bush in 1988.

He was the frst Republican to win the popular vote on L.I. since 1988.

Yet Trump re-emerged, a political Lazarus, and reclaimed by free and open balloting the highest office in the land and the most powerful position in the world. And it was a solid, overwhelming victory, considerably more impressive than his 2016 Electoral College win, in which he had razor-thin margins in key states, aided by votes siphoned from Hillary Clinton by third-party fringe candidates. In this year’s election he had solid vote margins in all of the battleground states, and was the first Republican to win the popular vote since George W. Bush in 2004.

Here on Long Island, Trump won the popular vote in Nassau and Suffolk

While I have had differences with the president-elect, I strongly supported his candidacy this year, just as I supported so much of his agenda when I was in Congress during his first term. Despite the almost constant swirl of controversy around him for those four years, his significant accomplishments included making the United States energy-independent, crushing ISIS and its Islamist caliphate, keeping us out of foreign wars, preventing aggression by Russia and China, expanding our economy, keeping inflation below 2 percent, making our southern border more secure than at any time in decades, and brokering the Abraham Accords with Israel and its Arab neighbors. The Biden-Harris record was the opposite in almost every regard, as reflected in its unfavorable ratings, mired in the high 50s.

Trump also tapped into the alienation felt by increasing numbers of Americans, who turned against progressive policies of open borders, cash-

Beware of RFK Jr. in D.C.

cy theories that RFK Jr. has spread that inflame public opinion. At the height of the coronavirus outbreak, then President Trump initiated Operation Warp Speed to make vaccines available for public use. At the same time, RFK Jr. was warning the public of the dangers of those vaccines.

T his promoter of conspiracies is the wrong choice for our health agencies.

An example of his antivaccine mistakes was the 2019 measles outbreak on the island of Samoa. In 2018, two children had died from a vaccine mixup, and RFK Jr. met with leading Samoan antivaxxers a few months before the outbreak, and they began to warn the public about the danger of taking any measles vaccinations. Following that meeting, the measles vaccination rate dropped from 60 percent to 31 percent.

Afraid to take the vaccine, island residents reported 83 deaths from measles, many of them young children. A year later, RFK Jr. labeled a leading Samoan anti-vaxxer a “medical freedom hero.” In spite of that outbreak, which he denied being involved in, he has subsequently traveled around the United States insisting that vaccines are causing a “holocaust.”

I have crossed paths with Kennedy

in the past. He was the chair of Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy organization whose principal cause was its opposition to the Indian Point Energy Center, a nuclear-energy facility in Westchester County. Although he is an environmental attorney, he is not a scientist. During the battle to shut the plant down, he made numerous unsupported scientific claims about the facility, which were challenged frequently by its owners.

Because Kennedy has spread so many conspiracy theories, it is hard to pick his most outlandish claims. In 2006, in a Rolling Stone interview, he said he was “convinced that fraud during the 2004 presidential election allowed President George W. Bush to steal victory from Democrat John Kerry.” He asserted that Republicans had “mounted a massive, coordinated campaign to subvert the will of the people” and ensure Bush’s re-election. He claimed that “350,000 voters in Ohio were prevented from casting their ballots,” which turned out to be a glitch in the machines that was corrected.

Another of Kennedy’s conspiracy theories was his past insistence on the

less bail, anti-police bias, defunding the police, high inflation and increased gas and grocery prices. This caused traditional allies such as the Teamsters, hardhat construction unions and growing numbers of African-Americans and Hispanics to turn away from the Democratic leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Donald Trump and I grew up in Queens at the same time. Though Sunnyside and Jamaica Estates were in very different social strata, Trump definitely has working-class attitudes, and speaks the language of neighborhood families and values. As he prepares for his second term as president, he is uniquely positioned to restructure American politics and society to focus on greater empowerment for people who work hard, strive to live in safe communities and have endless belief in America’s exceptionalism. They believe that it isn’t racist or biased to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing our borders or to stand with the police. They are and will be integral allies of the 47th president as he strives to make America even greater.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

innocence of his father’s murderer. On Dec. 8, 2021, Kennedy published an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle that claimed that Sirhan Sirhan was innocent and should be released from prison. On subsequent occasions, Kennedy supported Sirhan’s release from prison despite the unanimous opposition from the Kennedy family, including his mother, Ethel.

To give you an idea of what could occur if RFK Jr. is confirmed as secretary of HHS, it’s important to understand the powers of that cabinet position. RFK Jr. would be in charge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

It should be noted that Kennedy has never held any government position, and his main claim to fame is that he is a member of a family that has been nothing less than a political dynasty. Hopefully, Congress will recognize the dangers of giving him such a major role in Washington.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

JERRY KREMER

HERALD

Established 2001

Incorporating:

SHerald editorial

Shop local Nov. 30 — and every day

mall Business Saturday is Nov.

30. Created in 2010, this annual date is both a celebration and a promotion, dedicated to supporting mom-and-pop businesses and encouraging consumers to shop locally. There are few more significant dates on the calendar to show your support of local enterprises, because whether it’s the central shopping area of one of Long Island’s villages or the multitude of strip malls that dot the Nassau and Suffolk County landscapes, small businesses are the backbone of our communities.

They are more than just storefronts or online shops — they are deeply embedded in the fabric of our towns. They are owned and operated by neighbors, friends and families that have a vested interest in the well-being of their neighborhoods.

Yet despite the critical role they play in the local, regional and national economy, small businesses often struggle to compete against larger stores. As consumers, we must recognize their importance and actively support them to ensure not only their survival, but their success.

Small businesses are significant drivers of local economic activity, making up 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses and accounting for nearly half of the country’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

letterS

Despairing? Avoid the ‘cacophony’ of the internet.

To the Editor:

Re Herald columnists Scott M. Davis (“A call for tolerance amid the acrimony”) and Will Sheeline (“What comes next? How about our neglected unity?”) and letter writer Mireille Taub (“Not giving in to ‘our season of despair’”) in last week’s issue:

For Mr. Davis, the first task is “tamping down the divisive rhetoric.” Mr. Sheeline notes the need “to heal the nation’s wounds,” and Ms. Taub feels “abandoned,” in need of a “torch” to illuminate the path to civility. Those of us who agree must realize that an opposition exists who promote divisive rhetoric for fun and profit, and who benefit from our open wounds and prefer treating them with salt rather than salve.

Among things to avoid are the cacophony of X, the empty “just askin’” stylists. Forgo the entertainments of online shouters and shills, for East mEadow

Approximately 50 percent of our country’s gross domestic product is created by small businesses.

When you shop at a local boutique or dine at an independently owned restaurant, more of your money stays in the community. Studies show that roughly 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the local economy, and every dollar spent at a small business creates an additional 50 cents of local economic activity. This “local multiplier effect” supports other businesses, schools, public services and infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth.

Small businesses also bring diversity and innovation to the marketplace. Unlike big-box stores, which often rely on standardized products and services, small businesses can adapt quickly to the unique needs and preferences of community members. They can experiment with new ideas, foster creativity and offer personalized customer service that large chains simply cannot replicate. This adaptability not only benefits consumers but also encourages healthy competition, pushing more businesses to strive for excellence.

Small businesses enrich our lives by providing a sense of identity and authenticity. Walk down the main street of any village and you’ll find unique shops, eateries and services that reflect the culture, history and per-

sonality of the area. These businesses distinguish one community from another, creating vibrant destinations where people want to live, work and visit.

Shopping at a local store instead of a large retailer, ordering from a familyowned restaurant, and posting positive reviews online are small but meaningful ways to show support. Attending farmers markets, artisan fairs and community events also help small businesses. Voting for your favorite small business for a Herald Long Island Choice Award is another small gesture to acknowledge these shops; you can vote at LIChoiceAwards.com.

Local, state and federal government have and must continue to play a crucial role in fostering an environment in which small businesses can succeed. Small businesses need more tax incentives, affordable loan programs and streamlined regulations to alleviate the burdens their owners face, especially in light of high property taxes, inflation and competition from online retailers. We hope our elected officials embrace creative solutions to ensure that Long Island’s local stores can thrive.

Supporting your favorite small business doesn’t require a big effort — simple actions can have a profound impact. We urge you to shop at your local small businesses not only next Saturday, but every day of the year.

N.Y. needs to make entrepreneurship an option for all

our economy thrives on the spirit of entrepreneurship — new businesses solve problems, create jobs and contribute tax revenue. States like new york recognize this, offering programs and funding to support startups. But an essential segment of our population is being overlooked: people with disabilities. it’s time new york state extends its support to include businesses owned by people with disabilities. entrepreneurship can be a lifeline for those with differing abilities. it can be lifechanging — not just for business owners, but also for their employees, families and communities. My son, John cronin, is a prime example.

When John entered his final year at Huntington High School, he was excited about joining the workforce. yet he quickly found that traditional paths weren’t available to him. John has Down syndrome, and like many people with disabilities, he faced an unacceptable reality: Only one in five adults with a disability is employed.

But John is a natural entrepreneur. if he couldn’t find the right job, he’d create his own. So he came to me with an idea:

He wanted to start a business together. That was the spark that led to John’s crazy Socks, a social enterprise that has since grown into a seven-figure business and the world’s largest sock store. consider the impact John’s entrepreneurism has had. We’ve created 34 jobs, and 22 of them are held by people with differing abilities. Through our Giving Back program, we’ve donated over $800,000 to organizations like Special Olympics new york, the national Down Syndrome Society, and north Shore Animal league America. Over 3,000 students and social service clients have toured our operation, finding inspiration in John’s story. And we’ve seen other entrepreneurs with differing abilities courageously follow his path. John’s story shows that entrepreneurship isn’t just an option; it’s an essential alternative for people with disabilities. When given the opportunity, they contribute, uplift others, and bring positive change to our communities.

differing abilities represent an extraordinary, untapped talent pool, ready to work and contribute.

To unlock this potential, new york state can take five specific steps:

a disability hasn’t kept my son, Mark, from leading the world’s largest sock store.

1. certification for disability-owned businesses. The state already certifies businesses owned by women and veterans, which gives these businesses crucial visibility and access to state resources. establishing a similar certification for disability-owned businesses would send a powerful message and create essential opportunities for these businesses.

2. Set-asides for disabilityowned businesses, new york has created procurement set-asides in state contracts for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. extending this to include disability-owned businesses would ensure they have a fair chance to secure state contracts and grow.

people with disabilities? By including them, we could unlock even greater economic potential.

4. Technical support for startups. The state offers technical support through various programs, and coordinating these resources for disability-owned startups would level the playing field for entrepreneurs like John.

5. Startup grants. new york provides millions in grants to encourage new businesses. Some of these funds should be earmarked specifically for startups owned by people with disabilities.

People with differing abilities are a vast, often overlooked resource. They are ready, able and willing to contribute to our economy, bringing diverse perspectives, talents and innovations. yet structural barriers have kept many from reaching their full potential.

By supporting entrepreneurship for people with differing abilities, new york has an opportunity to address one of the highest unemployment rates among any group. it’s not just good policy; it’s good business. A 2018 Accenture report found that companies leading in disability inclusion perform 28 percent better financially than their peers. People with

Letters

their game is rant, not repair. Realize there is now an economic sector of agitprop “influencers” whose income stream derives from clicks, experienced in the provocation of internet duels, ad hominem insult and scaremongering. To respond is to feed the opposition.

One example of the opposition’s subtle damage is the new version of “Snow White,” with multi-racial dwarves. The ever-ready right-wing trolls howled over this blasphemy. One of them, Benny Johnson, declared that it signified “a nation in decline.” Johnson gets clicks, and hopes that his “owning the libs” provokes many more.

Don’t fall for it. Rather, discover and share more sober, solution- oriented sources of information, for that is the only “torch” available. Help carry it by supporting organizations that seek the path of unity, provide the bandages and shun divisive rhetoric. A place to start: Make sure that all Americans can continue to share the simple childhood fantasy of “Snow White” and its dwarves, without the trolls.

BRiAn Kelly Rockville Centre

Voting is easy in New York, but elsewhere?

To the editor:

i thought i lived in a democracy, where every voice is heard. When voting in new york state, no iD is required when you show up at the polls. if for some reason you are asked for proof of residency — maybe you registered to vote and left out the number on your driver’s license — all you need to do is come back with a gas or electric bill with your name and address. Quite a few states, however, require a photo iD when you vote. The most common way to comply would be with your driver’s license. Unfortunately, people with limited incomes may not have a car or be able to afford another form of photo iD. you also may need proof of your birth date with a birth certificate. if you’ve lost or misplaced yours, you need to pay for a legal copy.

All of these hurdles can be used to suppress voting in regions where the governing party would rather not have you vote. We should all be able to fulfill our democratic responsibility, and not have to jump through hoops to do it.

JAy BlAcKMAn East Meadow

3. expand nySiD programs to include for-profits. new york State industries for the Disabled generates millions of dollars in wages for people with disabilities through nonprofit partners. But this outdated restriction excludes forprofit businesses, perpetuating the false impression that only nonprofits will employ people with disabilities. Why exclude for-profit businesses owned by

John’s crazy Socks has proven that when people with disabilities start businesses, they don’t just create jobs — they inspire others, spark change and strengthen their communities. new york state has both the resources and the responsibility to foster this kind of inclusive growth. let’s build an economy that works for everyone. By embracing entrepreneurship for people with differing abilities, our state can show the nation what’s possible when opportunity is available to all.

Mark X. Cronin is a co-founder and president of

Framework by Tim Baker

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival in Eisenhower Park — East Meadow

John’s Crazy Socks, in Farmingdale.

mark X. Cronin

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