Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 12-19-2024 by Richner Communications, Inc

Lynbrook/east rockaway

Students reflect on year of music, quantified by Spotify Wrapped

By Ainsley Martinez amartinez@liherald.com

For many high school students, music is more than just entertainment: It can provide a soundtrack to their lives, some Lynbrook and East Rockaway high schools students say. From late-night study sessions to car rides with friends, the songs they play often become intertwined with memories, moods and milestones.

So when the streaming platform Spotify releases its ‘Wrapped’ feature each December, summarizing users’ listening habits for the year, many students view the even as its own holiday of sorts, a personalized look back at how their tastes have evolved.

“When I look at my previous Spotify Wrapped, it’s definitely changed,” Gianna Longo, a senior at Lynbrook High, said. “In the beginning of high school, I listened to what everyone else was listening to, but now I’ve been able to cultivate my own music taste, which I’m very proud of.”

An informal survey of 44 students at the two high schools conducted by the Herald revealed a cross-section of teenage music culture. The results offer a glimpse into the artists, genres and moments that shaped the students’ year in music.

The popularity of Billboard Top 100 artists

The most common artists among the stu-

ContinuEd on paGE 5

By Ainsley Martinez amartinez@liherald.com

Margaret E. Becker, a mother, nurse and educator, died at her home in Lynbrook on Dec. 14. She was 87. She was surrounded by her family, a reflection of the deep bonds she nurtured throughout her life, her son Greg Becker, 59, said.

“She wanted to die in her own house, and she did, and so it was a wonderful sendoff,” Becker said. “We will miss her greatly, and look forward to seeing her when we enter the next life as well.”

Born on March 19, 1937, in Lynbrook, Margaret Howell attended Sacred Heart Academy High School, and went on to earn a nursing certification from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in 1957.

Her career in nursing began at Mercy Hospital, in Rockville Centre. She later returned to her studies at Molloy College,

now Molloy University, earning a master’s degree in nursing. At age 26, she married Robert Becker, a lifelong resident of Lynbrook and a former leader of the local Republican Party. Their mothers were both members of a local bridge club, and Becker’s mother asked him to deliver something to Howell’s mother, hoping the two would meet. The encounter proved fateful: Becker invited Howell to the Mercy Hospital Ball for their first date — a gala event that was a social highlight for the young couple. Howell happily accepted, and their connection was instant, Greg Becker recalled from childhood stories.

“And the rest was history,” he said.

The couple had seven children: Dana Becker Della Rocca, Greg Becker, Elizabeth Gaudet, Christopher Becker, Matthew Becker, Kathleen Whitmer and

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Gathering in the Lynbrook High School music department in September were, clockwise from upper left, Liam Mylan, Eric Reilly, Jack Ceglie, Brandon Haviken, Sophia Schoen, Gianna Longo and Molly Schutzman.

Students collaborate on Christmas project

Ainsley Martinez amartinez@liherald.com

Kindergarten students from Centre Avenue Elementary School and students from East Rockaway High School recently worked together to create a life-sized snowman as part of a special holiday project delivered to the kindergarteners’ parents on Dec. 18.

The project involved kindergarteners from Brianne Allgier and Linda Grace’s classes and high school students from Hugh Howard’s construction class. The high school students measured each kindergartener and cut wood to match their heights. After painting the wood white to resemble snow, the students added details such as buttons, scarves, and hats to complete the snowman.

The schools took safety precautions to ensure elementary students did not interact with heavy machinery. Teachers allowed the younger students to measure themselves, and asked them to step back while high school students cut the materials.

Once finished, the kindergarten students presented the life-sized snowman to their families as a holiday keepsake.

The kindergarten students benefited from the guidance of the older students, while the high school students practiced leadership, patience and problem-solving skills, Allgier said.

“This project is innovative because it fosters collaboration between two groups of students who typically don’t interact: kindergarteners and high school students,” she said.

The project combined elements of technology, math, art, and social studies, supporting the district’s broader goals of promoting social-emotional learning and creating hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences.

“By bringing these diverse age groups together, the project encourages mentorship, teamwork, and communication across developmental stages,” Allgier said.

Photos courtesy East Rockaway Union Free School District

Centre Avenue students Noah Kaleli, left, Brien Mayo, Nicholas Kemp, Alaia Diaz, Jimmy Mirando visited East Rockaway High School for a special Christmas project.

High school students Katie Adames and Madison Benoit help kindergartener Devin McGuinness with measuring herself for the Christmas project.

Edwin Abreu Lopez, Charlie Bouderau, Gavin Gulino and Frandy Peralta Trinidad cut wood for the Centre Avenue students.

Jameson Aue, left, Kamryn Edwards, Devin McGuinness, Isabella Piazza and Aria Zurita sit at a table in the construction class.

EDITOR/REPORTER

County accepts finance authority’s budget changes

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

the Fear and Do It Anyway”

Emerson, who wrote a great deal about overcoming fear, said: “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment and the more experiments the better. What if they are a little coarse and you may get your coat soiled and torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.”

Author Jeffers’ book explains that until you fully understand that you, and no one else, create what goes on in your head, you will never be in control of your life. When you blame any outside force for any of your experiences of life, you are literally giving away your power thus creating pain, paralysis and depression. Always ask yourself what am I doing or not doing that is causing this to happen to me. You don’t have to condone the behavior of others, but simply not to allow it to be the source of your upset. Jeffers teaches how to overcome your biggest enemy — your “chatterbox” and replace it with a loving

internal friend. “It is reported that over 90% of what we worry of never happens,” says Jeffers. We create our own reality.

The author moves on to decision-making and the fear of making the wrong decision. Here, she explains how there are no “wrong” decisions. Your writer has often advised clients that it is better to make the “wrong” decision than none at all. You learn from mistakes -- you learn nothing from inaction. Learn and correct or, as Emerson said, “The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks.”

Jeffers writes that there is a lightness to positive people. They have learned not to take themselves so seriously and they are a joy to be around -- they are those who have learned to make lemonade out of lemons. As Emerson rightly said, “We seldom see anybody who is not uneasy and afraid to live.” By adopting the lessons in “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”, you too can become one of those seldom found people.

LAW FIRM

Nassau County submitted an amended budget to the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority by the Dec. 10 deadline to address noncompliance issues.

For the first time in six years, NIFA declined to approve the county’s 2025-2028 fiscal plan. NIFA Chairman Richard Kessel said the rejection was due to the budget’s failure to comply with legal requirements, such as generally accepted accounting principles, and concerns over funding for Nassau University Medical Center.

Bruce Blakeman’s $4.2 billion 2025 budget passed the GOP-led legislature on Oct. 30, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats opposing.

Kessel said NIFA is reviewing the county’s budget amendments and revenue estimates, but expressed satisfaction with the changes made.

He noted that NIFA was particularly concerned about the budget’s inclusion of $30 million in reserves as revenue. Kessel said the amended budget now meets those standards.

However, Kessel did not provide details on what revenues have replaced the $30 million in reserves.

The funding of NUMC also remains a concern for NIFA.

Kessel said the issue is unresolved, as NIFA has not received additional information from NUMC’s parent organization, Nassau Health Care Corporation, regarding its responsibility for certain funding obligations.

“We are concerned that NUMC could create a significant liability for the county,” Kessel said.

NUMC is Nassau County’s only publicly funded hospital, primarily financed through taxpayer dollars.

The federal government currently covers 50 percent of the hospital’s Medicaid costs, with the remaining balance to be covered by Nassau County and/or NHCC.

In a Nov. 21 letter to NIFA, NHCC’s council rejected any obligation to

submitted an amended budget to the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority by the Dec. 10 deadline to address noncompliance issues. NIFA Chairman Richard Kessel said the rejection was due to the budget’s failure to comply with legal requirements.

fund the local share of the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital and Medicaid Upper Payment Limit programs. This funding gap could total tens of millions of dollars annually.

The future of NUMC is uncertain due to long-standing financial problems and disagreements among the hospital’s management, the state, and Nassau County over how to address its funding needs.

On Nov. 19, NUMC filed a notice of claim against the State of New York, alleging the hospital was defrauded of millions of dollars.

Kessel said NIFA is awaiting the results of the Nassau County Legislature’s budget vote, scheduled for Monday.

NIFA will hold a meeting Thursday to decide whether to accept or reject the county’s budget amendments.

— Ainsley Martinez

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/lynbrook or www.liherald.com/eastrockaway ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com

EDITORIAl

Richard Kessell/Herald File Nassau County

Susan Jeffers — Part Two

‘Everything is romantic’ about music

dents were some of the most streamed worldwide: Drake, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Olivia Rodrigo.

Lamar’s “Not Like Us” surpassed 2Pac’s “Hit ’Em Up” as the moststreamed diss track on Spotify, while Drake and SZA have had multiple songs on the Billboard Hot 200. Rodrigo earned a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2022, and Swift has 12 Grammy wins.

Students debate the accuracy of Spotify Wrapped

Some students said their top artists did not reflect their personal musical tastes.

“I do not listen to SZA and Drake that often anymore,” a Lynbrook student in the anonymous survey said. “I don’t think they should be in my top five.”

For others, Spotify Wrapped was a spot-on reflection of their year.

“It was 100 percent accurate, because I listened to the playlist with all these artists and songs for most of the year,” a East Rockaway student in the anonymous survey said.

Despite arguments over the accuracy of the platform’s analytics, music was a constant companion, most of the students said. The median number of minutes spent listening to music in the past was 33,484, and some students neared

200,000 minutes.

“I listen to music 24/7,” said Noemie Rivera, a junior at Lynbrook High who listened to over 150,000 minutes — most often to the Swedish rapper Bladee.

For many, music serves as both a social glue and a source of personal identity. Lynbrook senior Chloe O’Callaghan, whose No. 1 artist was Swift, said that musical helped her connect with friends this year.

“Music is a very important part of my life, and it’s brought a lot of my friends and I together,”

O’Callaghan said, reflecting on summers spent at camp with friends, singing along to Swift and other favorites.

Music as a journey of selfdiscovery

Mproduced music with deeper meaning and artistry.

“Music from those time periods is a lot more raw,” Longo said. “They use a lot less autotune, and they’re longer songs. It goes to show the lengths of dedication to music writing from the ’70s.”

She added that she has an affinity for the complexity and creativity of older music. “I think I definitely would’ve been at Woodstock,” she said.

important part of my life, and it’s brought a lot of my friends and I together.

Chloe

o’Callaghan

Lynbrook High School senior

For some students, Spotify Wrapped, “like a mirror,” reflects how their tastes have evolved over time.

Longo, who plays trumpet in the Lynbrook High band and sings in the chorus, said that her top five artists — Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, Queen and Swift — tell a story of musical exploration that reaches back to the 1960s and ’70s, a period that she believes

create a good playlist,” she said. “So having Spotify do it for you is very helpful.”

The novelty of the Spotify Wrapped feature itself added an element of fun, Longo said. “I think some of the categories are so funny,” she said with a laugh. “When they were doing the music evolution, and it said my vibe in March was ‘pink Pilates princess cowboy,’ I have no idea what any of those words mean.”

Her band class, Longo said, has discussed the commercialization of modern music, and how it seems to value quick profits over artistry.

“A lot of pop music is in a 4/4 time signature, but older music had more variety and complexity,” she explained. “I think artists in the ’70s worked harder to make music they were passionate about rather than just trying to get listeners.”

The role of playlists and algorithms

Longo gave Spotify’s algorithm credit for helping her discover new songs, with its personalized recommended playlist.

“I struggle to find a playlist of songs I really like, and it takes a lot of work to

Although most students agreed that their Wrapped was fairly accurate, a few noted discrepancies. Some mentioned that they sometimes forgot to pause Spotify overnight, leading to inflated listening times, while others were surprised by how certain songs or artists made it to the top. One unidentified student even speculated that AI-driven mistakes might have affected the Wrapped feature, commenting in the survey:

“I feel like it’s not the most accurate because AI created this year’s Wrapped. Also, AI messed up everyone’s top 100 songs, so if that was messed up, how do I know if my Wrapped was also messed up?”

Wrapping up the school year

Many students view their Wrapped playlist as a time capsule of memories, a reflection of personal growth and an ongoing journey of musical discovery. For them, it serves as a personal yearbook in the form of sound.

Chanukah arrives during the darkest time of the year, reminding us that even a small flame can illuminate a vast expanse of darkness. Each night, we add another candle to the menorah, signifying the power of growth, hope, and collective strength.

The Talmud presents a fascinating debate about whether one Chanukah candle can light another. Rav argued no, fearing it would diminish the first candle by spilling wax or oil.

us that when we give, we also receive. When we empower others, we too are empowered. Chanukah inspires us to see the success of others as our own. Lighting the menorah becomes a metaphor for the ways we can bring warmth and brightness into the world. By sharing our light, we create a ripple effect that transforms not just ourselves but also those around us.

Rabbi Michel SchleSingeR

Shmuel, however, disagreed, emphasizing that spiritual light is different: the more we share, the more it grows. The law ultimately follows Shmuel, teaching us that sharing knowledge, faith, and inspiration does not diminish what we have—it enriches us and empowers others.

This profound teaching reminds

As we light the menorah, let us reflect on its message. It urges us to share our faith, our kindness, and our wisdom with others, igniting sparks of hope and strength. The flames remind us that even in the darkest of times, a shared light can brighten the world.

Happy Chanukah! May your light inspire others and grow ever brighter.

Schlesinger leads the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre.

Merry Christmas to the people of God

Last Christmas, we celebrated the 800th anniversary of that glorious and historic night when St. Francis of Assisi arranged the first Nativity creche scene in a small cave outside the Italian village of Greccio in Italy.

St. Francis was inspired to do this after visiting the historical place of Christ’s birth on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land - the humble stable in a Bethlehem cave.

The large creche set in St. Peter’s Square last year commemorated this 800th anniversary by having the figure of St. Francis of Assisi expressing adoration, awe and wonder across the Crib from Mary and Joseph.

Last September, we celebrated the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis receiving the gift of the “stigmata”the mystical wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side. In 2026, we will celebrate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

There is always a powerful connection between the Manger Crib and the Golgotha Cross of our Savior. St. Francis of Assisi lived this connection so powerfully.

In Admirabile Signum, Pope Francis writes: “Indeed, the place where this first nativity scene was enacted expresses and evokes these sentiments.. From the time of its Franciscan origins, the nativity scene has invited us to ‘feel’ and ‘touch’ the poverty that God’s Son took upon himself in the Incarnation. Implicitly, it summons us to follow him along the path of humility, poverty and self-denial that leads from the manger of Bethlehem to the Cross. It asks us to meet him and serve him by showing mercy to those of our brothers and sisters in great need (ef. Matthew 25:31-46).” (3)

and in all countries.

St. Francis of Assisi understood the problems of the world and more than 800 years later, after he created the first creche, he is still close to the Church and to the world.

John o. BaRRes

As we spiritually draw near to Bethlehem at the end of this year, we pray for those who suffer in the Holy Land and the Middle East, in Ukraine and all war-torn areas of the world.

We pray too for the persecuted Church around the world and we pray for religious liberty in our country

Many of you have seen the bronze statue of Atlas directly across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

It was created by the sculptor Lee Lawrie and installed in 1937. The sculpture portrays the mythical ancient Greek Titan Atlas holding the burden of the heavens on his shoulder.

St. Francis of Assisi is no myth, but at times he has been compared with Atlas in how, through the centuries, he carried the burdens of the Church on his shoulders with his radical and pure Gospel witness.

In fact, Pope Innocent III, after meeting St. Francis, had a dream that St. Francis was holding up St. John Lateran Basilica, the visible sign and

symbol of the universal Church, amidst the storms and earthquakes of history and crisis.

Configured to Christ crucified and having lived daily with the stigmatic wounds of Christ, St. Francis helps to animate and inspire the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church through the centuries.

St. Francis of Assisi intercedes for each of us at every moment to help rebuild the Biblical and Eucharistic evangelizing mission of the Church that Jesus, himself, founded on Long Island and beyond.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families! May the Light and Love of the Christ Child animate and guide our global Catholic Missionary Spirit this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend John O. Barres

Bishop of Rockville Centre

The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

ReveRend

High school Culture Club promotes inclusion

Lynbrook High School students from the Culture Club visited Marion Street Elementary School on Dec. 6 to promote kindness through creative activities.

Students from all grades at Marion Street participated in the event, led by their older peers.

The students began by coloring illustrations that emphasized the importance of kind deeds. They then created unique

friendship bracelets, adding beads in various sizes, colors, and styles. Beads with initials were also distributed, adding a personalized touch to each bracelet.

Marion Street students enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the high schoolers, who regularly host educational and engaging activities at the school.

— Ainsley Martinez

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Lynbrook High School Culture Club member Catherine Christakos helped Chloe Macklin select beads for a friendship bracelet. The two students were part of a larger group participating in a creative, kindness-themed activity.

Marion Street Elementary fourth graders Aurora Maguire and Isabella Andon worked together to promote kindness with Lynbrook High School peers on Dec. 6.

100-year-old patient celebrates medical discharge from therapy

Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing hosted a celebratory “clap-out” ceremony for 100-year-old Muriel Levine of Hempstead on Dec. 13, who was discharged after a successful rehabilitation stay. Levine moved to The Bristal in East Meadow.

Levine arrived at Lynbrook Restorative on Sept. 16 after being transferred from St. Francis Hospital. She had been diagnosed with respiratory failure, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and pleural effusion.

At Lynbrook Restorative, Levine participated in the facility’s Cardiopulmonary Program. Upon arrival, she required supplemental oxygen to breathe and was unable to stand or walk. After several weeks of therapy with program director Adam Schwartz, Levine no longer needs supplemental oxygen and can now walk with a rollator walker.

Levine, originally from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and raised in Woodside and Sunnyside, Queens, moved to Hempstead in 1956, where she lived in her first and only home until her rehabilitation at Lynbrook.

— Ainsley Martinez

Courtesy Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing hosted a celebratory ‘clap-out’ ceremony for 100-year-old Muriel Levine of Hempstead on Dec. 13, who was discharged after a successful rehabilitation stay.

HanukkaH MESSaGE

Chanukah instills dedication

Every year as December continues, the days get colder and the nights get longer. It becomes harder and to get out of bed and start our days, to leave our homes and go about our days.

Is it any wonder, then, that so many religions and ethnicities have a holiday involving light at this time of year? Especially in dark times (literally or metaphorically), people are drawn to congregate around light and all it represents.

Light is central to Chanukah. The Maccabees and Israelites had just finished fighting a war against their oppressors, the Syrian Greeks, finally regaining their ancestral homeland.

They expected to be able to celebrate, to go back to the way they had lived before the Syrian Greeks had interfered with their lives.

But when they went to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship, they found the Temple ransacked and desecrated. If the Syrian Greeks couldn’t have Jerusalem, they would make it impossible for the Jews to truly regain it either.

Luckily, the Syrian Greeks were as good at desecrating temples as they were at holding territory. The Jews were able to clean up the Temple and rededicated it.

However, they could not resume worship without sacred oil to light the lamps. They found enough for one day, but it lasted eight days – enough time

for more oil to be found so that sacred rites could continue. This light created illumination, but more than that it symbolized hope and faith.

Lighting the menorah in the Temple, even when it would be logically impossible to continue after the first day, showed dedication both to God and the whole community.

There was no expectation that the oil would last beyond the first night. But it was more important to do what they could to support each other and their traditions, even if was only for one day. One flame, no matter how briefly lit, is better than complete darkness.

Today, it is easy to look at what one person can do to effect change in the world and be disheartened.

But remember, we are not alone. Our rabbis have said, “It is not for you to finish the work, but neither are you free to neglect it” (Pirke Avot 2:16). We must continue to improve our world, no matter how much we can accomplish, great or small.

During this cold and dark season, make sure to keep your light burning bright, and most importantly, to share it with others. Any light we can bring to the world will help make it a better place for us all.

Rabbi Caroline Sim leads Temple Am Echad in Lynbrook.

Lynbrook rings in Christmas with tree lighting

The Lynbrook Village hosted a tree lighting and Blessing of the Creche event at the 5 Corners Plaza on Merrick Road Dec. 14. The Blessing of the Crèche , or manger scene, is a ceremony that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach, the Dance Workshop of Long Island and Lynbrook Recreation and Oceanside To The Stage Singers attended the event.

— Ainsley Martinez

Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

Lynbrook Recreation and Oceanside To The Stage Singers performed at the Lynbrook Christmas tree lighting event on Dec. 14.

Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach gave a speech about celebrating the holidays at the village’s tree lighting.

Rylee Blyskal, 11, Lexi Blyskal, 9, Allie Blyskal, 7, and Charlee Blyskal, 5, ate food and celebrated the holidays at the Lynbrook tree lighting.

Dance Workshop of Long Island performed a Christmas-themed dance in red festive costumes at the Lynbrook Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 14.

The lighting of the Christmas tree was the main event at the 5 Corners Plaza on Merrick Road in Lynbrook.

Varsity football team honored for service to E.R.

The East Rockaway varsity football team received the 2024 Conference 4 Community Service Award at the 58th Annual Nassau County Gridiron Dinner on Dec. 9.

This honor recognizes the team’s dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field.

Under the guidance of their coaches, the East Rockaway football program has long emphasized the importance of community involvement.

This year, the players demonstrated leadership, compassion, and teamwork through various initiatives.

As part of a leadership group, the varsity players visited elementary schools in the spring, inspiring younger students to excel in all areas of life.

The team also organized a successful fundraiser, selling T-shirts to support the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Society.

Their efforts raised over $3,000 for the cause, highlighting their commitment to supporting health initiatives.

“We weren’t just successful on the field, but off the field too,” said Coach Russell Pajer, reflect-

Coaches Pajer and Tesoriero with players Joseph Ventura, Edwin Abreu Lopez, James Lewald, Conor O’Hagan, Nick Hickam, and Anthony Grimaldi. They fundraises for breast cancer awareness.

ing on the team’s impact. This focus on service and community engagement has become a defining characteristic of the East Rockaway football program.

— Ainsley

Martinez

The community service award recognizes the team’s character and the strength of a program that prioritizes not only athletic success but also the development of young men committed to making a difference.

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District

Joseph Ventura and Patricia Refino, who helped coordinate T-shirt sales. Their efforts contributed to the team’s successful fundraiser for breast cancer awareness on Dec. 9.

Remembering Margaret E. Becker

Karen Hynes.

My mother taught me to be courageous enough to speak the truth, but to do it with love and compassion.

Margaret Becker’s passion for the nursing profession extended beyond her work, her son said. She became an educator in the Board of Cooperative Educational Services system, where she taught li-censed practical nurses, many of whom came from disadvantaged communities. Known for her high expectations and her compassionate care, she was committed to both the technical and human aspects of nursing, Greg Becker said. “She was a tough teacher in the sense that she really had high expectations of them, because she knew they could definitely do it,” he said. “And they ended up learning a lot and going on to be very successful.”

sion,” Greg Becker said.

Margaret Becker was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Lynbrook, and her Catholic faith was central to her life. Whether caring for her family or guiding her students, her dedication and kindness were evident to all who knew her.

She found great joy in spending time with her family, especially at her summer home on Indian Lake in upstate Millerton. She cherished the quiet beauty of nature and the company of those she loved.

Robert Becker died in 2016. In addition to her children, Margaret Becker is survived by 15 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren were a source of great pride, and many other extended family members and friends will remember her for her unwavering faith, her nurturing spirit, and her selfless service to others, Greg Becker said.

News brief Kindergarten registration opens on Friday

The Lynbrook school district will open kindergarten registration in two stages, beginning with online registration on Dec. 20. Families will then schedule an appointment for onsite registration in January and February at the Central Administration Building, at 111 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook.

Important dates:

Online registration begins: Dec. 20.

Onsite registration appointments: West End School: Jan. 14 & 16

Marion Street School: Jan. 21 & 23

Waverly Park School: Jan. 28 & 30

Incoming kindergarten student information meeting: Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.

Lynbrook High School auditorium

degree. She died on dec. 14, at age 87.

Becker retired in 1998, but she continued to have an influence on her children and grandchildren, who say she instilled many life lessons.

“My mother taught me to be courageous enough to speak the truth, but to do it with love and compas -

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County in memory of Margaret and Robert Becker. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, at 9:45 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace, 25 Fowler Ave. in Lynbrook. For more information, visit FlinchAndBruns. com/Obituary/Margaret-Becker/ Sympathy-Landing.

Families must complete the online registration and upload all required documents before attending their onsite appointment.

To be eligible for kindergarten, children must be five years old on or before Dec. 1, 2025, and reside within the Lynbrook Union Free School District.

For families with children currently receiving special services or those who did not attend Universal Pre-K, please ensure you begin the registration process through LynbrookSchools. org/ParentsStudents/Registration — Ainsley Martinez

Courtesy Karen Hynes

Born on march 19, 1937, in Lynbrook, margaret Becker attended Sacred Heart academy High School, and went on to earn a nursing certification and a bachelor’s

GreG Becker

Son of Margaret Becker

Do You Know an Extraordinary Young Leader Making a Difference in Their Community?

Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability:

The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.

Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!

What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

STEPPING OUT

Merry eatings

‘Tis the season for a

By Karen Bloom

ost of us would agree that there’s almost nothing better than the aroma of fresh-baked goodies wafting through the house. Especially during holiday time. Nothing says “love” like fresh baked cookies and treats. So give the gift of homemade goodness, whether it’s a gift platter or by hosting family and friends for a cookie exchange. Everyone can get in on the act and share their creations all around.

Your gang will enjoy tasting these luscious creations in your makeshift holiday workshop.

Chocolate Mint Squares

Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the ﬂavors of coffee in this festive alternative to a brownie. Add some crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.

Dough

• 1/3 cup baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose ﬂour

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chopped pecans, optional

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil

Frosting

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar or glazing sugar

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil

• 2 tablespoons milk

Glaze

• 3 tablespoons baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate

• 1 tablespoon butter

Garnish

• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9” x 9” pan.

To make the dough: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, salt and eggs.

Add the chocolate mixture, stirring to combine, then the ﬂour, nuts and peppermint, mixing until well-blended.

Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the squares for 25 minutes. Remove them from the oven, and

‘Holiday Joy’

cool to room temperature. Remove them from the oven, and cool to room temperature. While cooling make the frosting and glaze.

To make the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter or margarine, peppermint and milk. Spread the frosting over the cooled squares in a thin layer.

To make the glaze: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter or margarine. Drizzle this over the frosted squares, and sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candy. Refrigerate the squares until they’re well-chilled. To serve, cut into 1 1/2” squares.

Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies

You can’t spin these dreidels, but you sure can gobble them up. The versatile dough that can be customized to create chocolate or colored cookies.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose ﬂour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• Dreidel-shaped cookie cutter

• Piping bag

• Blue frosting

Cookie dough

In a medium-size bowl, mix the ﬂour and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, stir in the egg, then the corn syrup and vanilla extract. One third at a time, add the ﬂour mixture until thoroughly mixed.

Pat the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until ﬁrm enough to roll. If it is too ﬁrm, soften at room temperature for 5 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Roll one disk of dough between two pieces of waxed paper or

plastic wrap, 1/4 inch thick. Remove the top sheet and cut out the cookies with cookie cutters.

Using a metal spatula, transfer the shapes to baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies start to brown lightly around the edges. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.

Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to racks and cool completely before frosting and decorating. Makes 12 to 50 cookies, depending on their size.

For chocolate dough: After the last third of ﬂour has been added to the dough, mix in 1 ounce melted, slightly cooled unsweetened chocolate. Use your hands to knead in the chocolate.

For colored dough: Divide the dough into portions and use a toothpick to add food coloring paste (available at party supply stores) to each one. Knead until the color is evenly distributed. For a ﬂavor surprise, omit the vanilla extract and add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the yellow dough, mint extract to the green dough, and strawberry extract to the red dough.

How to prepare

Cut out the dreidels from the rolled-out dough and bake as directed (if you cant ﬁnd a dreidel cookie cutter, make a pattern out of lightweight cardboard). When cooled, pipe one of the four classic dreidel symbols on each cookie (either gimel, shin, nun, or hay) with blue frosting.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1-1/2 cups ﬂour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 44 candy-coated chocolate pieces

• 88 semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

• 44 pretzels, broken into 1-inch pieces

Heat oven to 350° F.

Beat peanut butter, butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer until light and ﬂuffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Add combined ﬂour and baking soda; mix well.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets. Bake 7 to 9 min. or until cookies are just set.

Place 1 chocolate piece immediately in center of each cookie for a nose (press down slightly if cookies aren’t ﬂat enough), 2 chocolate chips for eyes, and 2 pretzel pieces at top of cookie for antlers. Carefully remove cookies to wire rack; cool completely.

Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s holiday celebration. The cast of 48 performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this show, now in its 11th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The vibrant cast includes Broadway performers. and Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students “Holiday Joy” invites everyone to take a journey through the many worlds of the holidays — through song and dance — in the fast- paced spectacle. Timeless songs such as “We Need A Little Christmas” are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a live band.

Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ; Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny. org.

Yellow Brick Joel

Relive the classic songs that deﬁne generations. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat,” “Funeral For A Friend,” “Miami 2017,” and “Captain Jack.” A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! Groove along to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship.

Friday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.

Chocolate Mint Squares

Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

THE Your Neighborhood

‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’

Keep those winter doldrums at bay with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. It may seem like we’ve got much too long to wait ‘til we’re back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Friday, Jan. 3 , 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — has been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively l mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer on a Friday night, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Nassau BOCES GC Tech Open House

Nassau BOCES, Long Island’s stateof-the arts career and technical education high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for hands-on careers, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Nassau BOCES GC Tech prepares students for a future in the workforce by providing them with the skills, knowledge and professional qualities they will need to be successful in their chosen career fields. The school boasts a new spa where aspiring estheticians learn skin care and massage techniques. There is also a newly revamped auto shop. Prospective students and families from Nassau County are invited to tour the GC Tech campus and to meet with expert teachers, counselors and administrators. Additional open house sessions are offered in February and March. Interested students and their families can register for an Open House at nassauboces.org/gctech or call the school for more information at (516) 604-4200. 150 Abbey Lane, Levittown.

Deck the halls and light up East Rockaway

The Village of East Rockaway invites all to travel the neighborhood to see festively lit up homes for the holiday season, throughout December. The map is available at VillageofEastRockaway.org.

An Evening of Excellence

Lynbrook’s Chamber of Commerce hosts its gala, Thursday, Jan. 16, 6-10 p.m., at the Coral House. Honorees are Mary Kirby, Lynbrook Public Schools; Joseph Cipolla, Lynbrook Police Department; Danny Ambrosio, Lynbrook Fire Department and Polly Talbott, outgoing president. This is the organization’s annual “not to be missed” Gala. The Chamber will also induct officers and board members for the New Year. Visit lynbrookusa.com for more information and to reserve a spot. 70 Milburn Ave., Baldwin

Lynbrook Winter Concert

Lynbrook High School hosts its Winter Concert featuring students from all schools in the district, Thursday, dec.19, starting at 7 p.m. 9 Union Ave, Lynbrook. Visit lynbrookschools. org for more information.

East Rockaway High School Alumni Day

Alumni of East Rockaway High School are invited back to reconnect, celebrate shared experiences, and see how the school has evolved, Friday, dec. 20. 443 Ocean Ave., East Rockaway Visit eastrockawayschools.org for more information

Children’s Christmas Movie

Bring the little ones to enjoy a Christmas movie , at Regal Lynbrook, Saturday, Dec. 21, 9-11 a.m. hosted by Village fo Lynbrook. Check with the theater for the movie lineup and holiday magic on the big screen. Visit LynbrookVillage.net for more information. 321 Merrick Road, Lynbrook

Lynbrook and East Rockaway Public

Schools Closed for Holiday Break

Lynbrook and East Rockaway Public Schools will be closed for the Holiday Break from Monday, Dec. 23 –Wednesday, Jan. 1. Schools will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2

Fire Truck Christmas Rides

Hop aboard the fire truck for a special Christmas ride through Lynbrook, Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on Earle Ave. The Lynbrook Fire Department will offer free rides for children and families. Visit LynbrookVillage.net for more information.

Home for the Holidays Adoption

There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during, “Home for the Holidays” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, now through Sunday, Jan. 5. Licensing feels still apply. Prospective adopters can browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter and also on the shelter’s Facebook page. 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 785-5220.

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, with Holiday Break for Art, Saturday, Dec. 28. Choose from Session I, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or Session II,1-2:30 p.m. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Having an event?

Catch up with Kiwanis

Lynbrook Kiwanis Club meets twice monthly. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each mont, 6:30 p.m., at Lynbrook Library; the third Thursday, at 7 p.m., at Savino’s, 88 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit Facebook. com/KiwanisLynbrook.

An Evening of Excellence

The Chamber will also induct officers and board members for 2025. Visit lynbrookusa. com for more information and to reserve a spot. 70 Milburn Ave., Baldwin

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 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.

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 20, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.; 6: 15 p.m.; also Dec. 28-30. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Long Island Comics delivers graphic novels

By Ainsley Martinez amartinez@herald.com

A new comic book store, Long Island Comics, has officially opened its doors in Lynbrook, offering a fresh, communityfocused destination for comic book enthusiasts. The store, on 1 Stauderman Ave., founded by Tes Choudri and Jim Michalak, aims to breathe new life into the Long Island comic scene, blending nostalgia with modern fandom.

Choudri, a Franklin Square resident, and Michalak weren’t sure what to expect when they first opened their store, but were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming turnout.

“It was really a nice, pleasant surprise,” said Choudri. “We had a steady stream of comic creators, artists, and writers, and the place was packed all day.”

While Long Island Comics is a new venture, its owners bring years of experience as collectors, hobbyists and fans themselves. Before launching the shop, Choudri and Michalak worked in the corporate world, including finance and operations. However, their passion for comic books led them to shift gears.

“We wanted to be part of the hobby, not just outsiders looking in,” Choudri said.

The store features a wide range of comic books, from high-end collectibles to new weekly releases. Choudri notes that the customer base spans all ages, with many parents bringing their children

into the store to share their love of comics.

“We’re seeing families come in, with parents introducing their kids to comics, and even grandparents with their grandchildren,” he said. “It’s really great to see that generational connection.”

In addition to comics, Long Island Comics also caters to collectors by offering rare and valuable items. One of the most prized possessions in the store is a first appearance of an X-Men comic, which Choudri described as one of the most exciting finds in their collection.

Long Island Comics stands out not only for its wide selection, but also for its deep engagement with the local community. The owners have forged close relationships with neighboring businesses, including the Lynbrook Bagels and Elsie Lane.

Social media has played a pivotal role in the store’s success so far. With a strong presence on Instagram, Long Island Comics has connected with fans not just on Long Island, but across the country. While the store is still in its early stages, Choudri and Michalak are already planning to expand its reach through online streaming events and partnerships with local conventions.

“We’ve done some sales through Instagram, and we’re looking to do more livestreaming sales and events soon,” Choudri said.

The store’s location in Lynbrook, nes-

tled between bustling shops and restaurants, offers a central spot for fans and collectors. The owners worked tirelessly to get the shop up and running, with significant effort spent on renovations, inventory management and ordering stock. Choudri admits that sourcing items for the store has been a mix of reaching out to people looking to sell collections and buying items online.

“We’ve been buying collections for years, and when we knew we were going to open the store, we started reaching out to people more actively,” he said.

The new comic shop is expected to serve as a hub for both local comic fans and collectors alike. With weekly shipments of new titles, a growing pull list for regular customers, and events planned for 2025, Long Island Comics is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for fans in the area.

Looking ahead, Choudri and Michalak are excited about the potential for growth and expansion.

“We want to make sure we build something that lasts and is meaningful to the community,” said Choudri. “This is a labor of love, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life.”

For more information on Long Island Comics, visit their Instagram page: LIComicShop.

A new comic book store, Long Island Comics, on 1 Stauderman Ave., has officially opened its doors in Lynbrook. One of the most prized possessions in the store is a first appearance of an X-Men comic, which Choudri described as one of the most exciting finds in their collection.

FAITH-BASED BREAKFAST

Ainsley Martinez/ Herald

21st are

Rhame Avenue students deliver trees for veterans

Students from Rhame Avenue School in East Rockaway participated in the annual Trees for Troops event at Dee’s Nursery in Oceanside, contributing to U.S. service members stationed overseas. The event has become a significant community effort, involving local schools, organizations and first responders.

The Trees for Troops program began 21 years ago when a mother asked Dee’s Nursery if they could send a Christmas tree to her son, who was deployed abroad. With the support of DHL, the carrier company, the tree was delivered, and the program has since sent over 12,000 trees to troops in locations such as Bahrain, Kuwait, and Djibouti.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Shenandoah Studio, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 5/10/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 48 West Blvd. East Rockaway, NY 11518. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 149992

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST FLOYD KLEINERT, VAITIARE RAYMOND, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 14, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 6, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 47 Wood Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37 Block 304 Lot 62. Approximate amount of judgment $812,294.32

plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605885/2023. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-000763 83118 150234

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC, -againstCHRISTINE L. CUSICK AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF FELICIA H. CUSICK, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 28, 2024, wherein LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC is the Plaintiff and CHRISTINE L. CUSICK AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF FELICIA H. CUSICK, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY

SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 22, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 12 HEWLETT POINT AVENUE, EAST ROCKAWAY, NY 11518; and the following tax map identification: 42-049-0101.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT HEWLETT POINT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008637/2016. David S. Ziedman, Esq. - Referee. The Referee does not accept cash or third party checks and only accepts bank checks or certified checks made payable to David S. Ziedman, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150564

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CHRISTIANA TRUST AS CUSTODIAN FOR GSRANZ LLC, Plaintiff against KAREN SCHEPPERLE, AS TRUSTEE OF THE HUTTER

FAMILY 2013

IRREVOCABLE

TRUST, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s)

Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 31, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 318 Vincent Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. Sec 38 Block 065 Lot 32. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $9,549.84 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 603283/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Lori Beth DeCapua, Esq., Referee File # 19-4733 150558

Dee’s Nursery, founded as a flower cart 70 years ago by Tom DiDominica, has grown into an essential part of the Oceanside community. Today, it is operated by his son, Joe, with four generations of the DiDominica family involved in its legacy.

This year’s event included a collaborative effort from several community

groups, including local police departments, the TSA, border control, and veterans’ organizations like the Patriot Riders and the American Legion. The Girl Scouts of Nassau County also participated, with a member singing the national anthem and the CEO speaking about Operation Cookie.

Students from Rhame Avenue School, along with students from Lynbrook, Hewlett, Hempstead’s Academy Charter School, and Oceanside High School, took part in the event. Two Rhame Avenue students, Chase Kearns and Alexis Merceus, read letters they had written to troops. Fifteen of their classmates, members of the student council and world culture clubs, also represented their school.

The event featured musical performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a flyby by a DHL helicopter. After the ceremony at Dee’s Nursery, participants helped load the trees onto a DHL cargo plane bound for troops stationed overseas.

—Ainsley Martinez

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway School District

Students participate in the 21st annual Trees for Troops organized by Dee’s Nursery. at JFK Airport. The Nassau County Police Department escort the trees from Oceanside to JFK Airport.

Alexis Merceus, left, Derek Nowakowski and Leah Mackney carry a Christmas tree on the tarmac at JFK Airport.

Chase Kearns and Alexis Merceus read a letter they had written for a service member.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

Data Analyst- Business Risk- Port Washington, NY. Examine, compile, analyze data trends for business intelligence (BI) risk. Identify quantitative patterns, model, log trends for dashboards. Prepare and present analytical reports to optimize efficiencies. Measure KPIs to evaluate risks. Develop, conduct validation tests, troubleshoot BI analysis and support training. Require Master’s degree in Financial Risk Management. Salary: $70,000.00 to $85,000.00/yr. Resume to Yaraghi, LLC, Attn: Kevin Yaraghi, 40 Harbor Park Drive, Port Washington, NY, 11050

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES: Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.

REQUIREMENTS: Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.

POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.

Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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

A Dream Home

Retail Space For Rent

Real Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT WANTAGH AVENUE High Traffic Successful Strip Shopping Center, Near Two High Schools Suitable For Medical/ Office 516-967-5805

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Making an old home newer

Q. We looked at a home to buy, and saw that the stairs from the first to the second floor were leaning. We keep seeing this in homes that we’re interested in. Even though we will get a home inspection, can you tell us, more specifically, what causes this, and whether it’s a reason not to be interested in any particular house?

Professional Space/Rent

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A. Leaning stairs are usually improperly supported. Because stairs go through an opening between floors, their weight must be supported all around the opening. Unfortunately, this leaning and sagging condition is not uncommon, especially in older homes that were built before there were building codes and official building inspections by trained individuals who had to sign off on the way a home was framed. Many homes were framed by carpenters who had knowledge of materials and how to join them to create beautiful homes, without necessarily being formally educated in the engineering, science and math required to predict, and thereby avoid, failure.

To the trained professional, the stair condition you describe is considered a failure, because the weight of the stairs and the surrounding structure were not resolved to keep everything aligned. The leaning staircase was predictable, but not avoided. In some modern cases, when inspectors aren’t called before the framing is covered in finishes such as wallboard or woodwork, an official inspection isn’t done, and many inspectors will rely on a letter from a licensed architect or engineer.

You should be made aware that this practice of asking for letters may not be of much assurance, because not seeing the conditions and still writing a letter can be a problem. Letters don’t hold up buildings, but the shifting of the task is meant to shift responsibility, and unless the licensed professional really examines the conditions fully, you may just go through a shifting of blame similar to the shifting stairs.

The remedy is to lift the stairs into position while remediating the structure. In some cases, a column at the lowest level was required and not installed; in others, the horizontal floor joists surrounding the stairwell weren’t the right size; and in other cases, the stair may have been framed and attached to the surrounding structure incorrectly. Many people never consider the impact of an adult transferring their weight, with gravity, to the next step, literally falling a step at a time, multiplying their mass plus gravity.

In one instance I investigated, an air conditioning installer “needed” to cut through the main beam just below the stair landing so that only the air duct was holding the stairs’ weight, which, by the time I arrived, had dropped 4 inches. The air duct was redirected and the beam had to be replaced, which turned out to be an involved procedure. If the house has plaster walls, the repair is more expensive and, in either case, the added framing may be costly. It might be a reason to keep looking. Good luck!

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Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly

Atelevision era has ended. Last Friday night’s “Blue Bloods” episode was the last. It has been canceled by CBS despite having consistently high ratings and, in my opinion, having been the best show on television during its 14-season run on the network. I don’t profess to be a media critic, but I am a lifelong New Yorker who appreciated the firstclass acting of a cast led by Tom Selleck, and the show’s proud espousal of support for the police and its advocacy of traditional family values.

“Blue Bloods” focuses on four generations of the Reagan family in New York law enforcement — the “Reagan family business.” Frank Reagan, played by Selleck, is the NYPD commissioner. His father, Henry, is a former commissioner. His sons, Danny, a detective, and Jamie,

a sergeant, as well as Jamie’s wife, Janko, are all NYPD, and his daughter, Erin, is a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office. An older son, Joe, was killed in the line of duty. His son, Joe Hill, previously unknown to the family, recently appeared on the NYPD scene using his mother’s last name.

Besides the expected emphasis on crime solving, “Blue Bloods” shows the realities of cops’ lives and the impact that those often harsh realities have on their families’ day-to-day lives. Unlike almost every other crime drama series, “Blue Bloods” never succumbed to political or corporate pressure to portray cops in a negative light, even at the height (or the depth) of the Defund the Police movement, which was all the rage in 2020.

consequences, including being secondguessed by critics who have never had to confront professional killers, violent drug dealers or crazed madmen.

W as it canceled for resisting corporate pressure to be more ‘woke’?

Not that it shows cops to be perfect. Just human — people who are willing to put their lives on the line for all the rest of us. People who have to make lifechanging decisions and live with the

iAs a recent Newsday story pointed out, “Blue Bloods” has a particularly strong following on Long Island, where many police officers and their families and friends live, as well as the many thousands of commuters who regularly travel to the city for work or entertainment.

I admit to having a bias. My father was a member of the NYPD for more than three decades before he retired as a lieutenant. I also have friends who have been officers in the NYPD as well as the Nassau and Suffolk County police departments. It was most impactful to be able to closely observe police work during my 18 years on the House Homeland Security Committee.

I had the chance to meet the “Blue Bloods” cast during several visits to their studio in Brooklyn, where they filmed the Sunday-family-dinner scenes,

and other shooting locations on Long Island. All are outstanding people, especially Selleck; Donnie Wahlberg, who played Danny; and Will Estes, who played Jamie. So, too, is Steve Schirripa (Anthony Abetemarco), whom I’d met before, a great guy who’s as genuine as the investigator he plays on the show. Believe me, I’m not a star-struck guy. Being in public life, I’ve met a number of famous people and celebrities who are jerks. The “Blue Bloods” guys are the real deal.

The unanswered question is why CBS canceled a show that had consistently positive ratings for so many seasons and such a loyal, supportive fan base. Was it because “Blue Bloods” resisted corporate pressure to be more progressive and ‘woke’? Were its traditional values, exemplified by support for the police, the family dinner and strong patriotism, too out of touch for some of its advertisers? No matter. “Blue Bloods” fans will always have the memories.

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

At least Governor Hochul got the message

n case you’re still counting, Election Day happened six weeks ago, and all of the post-mortems on both sides reached the same conclusion: The No. 1 issue for voters was the economy, and the Democrats failed to pay attention to that issue, even though James Carville has been telling his party that “It’s the economy, stupid,” since 1992.

As we approach a new year, nothing has changed. The voters voted their pocketbooks, and they will judge all national and state politicians by what they do to ease people’s financial tensions. Incoming President Donald Trump says he hasn’t forgotten about his promise to cut the price of basic necessities, and his legacy will be judged by the promises he will keep.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, has gotten the message, and will propose a 2025 budget that will be loaded with pro-

grams to help wage earners on many levels. Her first salvo into the coming year is an interesting one. She wants to give every family that makes less than $300,000 a check from the state for $500, and individuals who make less than $150,000 a onetime payment of $300.

Fiscal conservatives and budget hawks jumped on the plan with all kinds of criticism, but it will take more than a few barbs to kill Hochul’s one-shot anti-inflation proposal. Why is this plan being proposed, and where would the money come from?

when she announces her proposed budget in late January. Every one of the ideas in her plan will be aimed at saving people money.

s he’ll propose a 2025 budget loaded with programs to help wage earners.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the state collected a bonanza of tax revenue. Housebound voters purchased billions of dollars’ worth of necessities, and the state was the beneficiary. Those funds are sitting in some budget account, and if the governor doesn’t spend them first, the State Legislature surely will.

The rebate proposal is just one of many taxpayer benefits that Hochul will announce. There are numerous ways to reward consumers, and the governor can be the first one to offer them

Aside from the fact that Hochul is paying attention to the message of this year’s election, she is also keeping an eye on the political calendar. She will be seeking re-election in 2026, and now is as good a time as ever to make proposals that appeal to the average voter. The timing is important, because there are always a few ambitious Democrats who think they can do a better job, as well as some Republicans who are looking for promotions.

Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams has climbed on the tax-cutting bandwagon. He has proposed a modest cut for people on the lowest rung of the income ladder, but a check in the mail can be a much more potent gift for a voter in 2025.

Is a rebate check a new political idea? Some years back, when the state was running the Long Island Lighting Company, then Gov. George Pataki

approved a one-time payment for utility customers. It was an instant hit. Are there many ways to put money in voters’ wallets? From personal experience, I can think of a few. While serving as chair of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I Iearned a lot about sales taxes. New York’s tax laws cover thousands of day-to-day household items. Some of those taxes could be eliminated, and consumers would know very quickly why their expenses went down. The flip side of sales tax cuts is that they cost the state money, but if there’s money in the cupboard, why not spend it?

In the weeks ahead, New York voters will be romanced with one proposal after another. The trick for the governor is to be the first one to come up new ideas that the Legislature will have a hard time rejecting. It’s time for the state to start giving back, even if that comes in small pieces.

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.

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iSuffolk C.C. is shortchanging journalism

n a decision that has left many Long Island journalists and educators dismayed, Suffolk County Community College has chosen to eliminate its journalism major.

HERALD

The move, characterized as a cost-cutting measure in response to declining enrollment and the purportedly dim career prospects of students who study journalism, is not only shortsighted, but runs counter to the college’s mission of preparing students to transfer to fouryear institutions where they can follow their chosen paths to future success.

For years, SCCC has prided itself on serving as a launching pad for students aiming to continue their education at schools such as Adelphi, Hofstra and Stony Brook universities — institutions with thriving journalism and communications programs. Suffolk’s own commercials proclaim how proud the school is to propel two-year students to fouryear schools.

Journalism is not only a viable academic path at these schools; it is also a critical discipline that is nothing less than the backbone of a functioning democracy. By shuttering the journalism major, SCCC sends a troubling message about the value it places on media literacy, civic engagement and students’ preparation for essential careers in public service, accountability and compelling storytelling.

The college’s decision is proving to be a controversial one, given that it came despite opposition from SCCC’s own faculty. In three separate votes, educators overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to discontinue the program. Such strong opposition suggests that those closest to

letters

Those excessive red-light-camera fines

To the Editor:

the educational process, who teach, mentor and advise students, understand the importance of maintaining a journalism program, even at a time when there couldn’t be more challenges for the profession.

The executive dean ultimately overrode those votes, citing enrollment declines and data from the New York State Department of Labor projecting limited growth in journalism jobs.

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, show a more robust industry despite the decline in the number and readership of newspapers. The SCCC decision fails to account for the evolving nature of journalism and its continued relevance in a mediasaturated world. The field is not disappearing; it is being transformed, and students deserve the opportunity to learn the skills needed to adapt to this new media landscape.

Content creation, social media management, podcasting, multimedia reporting and data journalism are just a few of the avenues now available to those with a foundation in journalism. Furthermore, the skills taught in a journalism program — writing, research, critical thinking and ethical reasoning — are transferable to a wide range of careers.

As it happens, the State University of New York has a system-wide community journalism program, the Institute for Local News, that provides students with real-world experience at local media outlets. Ironically, SCCC is the largest college by enrollment in the SUNY system. And we should note that its sister school, Nassau Community College, also offers journalism classes, but has no

If you haven’t heard, it seems a state appeals court has found that Nassau County has been adding illegal fees to red-light-camera tickets over the past 10 years — $100 on a $150 ticket. Ouch. I know — just like you, I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell ya. OK, not really.

But here’s the thing: Some of our dear legislators don’t wanna give back the money that was taken from us! Yeah, another shock.

I guess we’ll just see how that little bit of business plays out, but there is one more thing I’d like to bring up again. One of the biggest complaints about the redlight cams is the rear-end collisions they cause. Not being one to complain without offering a solution, I’d like to re-introduce my simple solution that would solve the problem immediately. Simple countdown clocks! There is absolutely no excuse why there shouldn’t be one hanging from every traffic light at a

journalism major.

The Herald Community Newspapers have for years invited journalism students from colleges across Long Island to work as interns, and the company is currently in partnership with Hofstra on a program in which students will join forces with Herald journalists on a series of stories, as well as with Stony Brook’s Working Newsroom, in which students will pitch and write stories. All of the stories will be published in the Heralds.

SCCC is targeting other programs and majors that fail to meet certain enrollment and job market criteria, and those decisions signal a troubling trend of prioritizing short-term metrics over longterm educational value. While budget constraints are an undeniable reality for most institutions, their decisions about academic programs should be guided by more than just numbers. They should reflect a commitment to the colleges’ missions and to the needs of their students.

If SCCC is truly committed to preparing students for transfer and future success, it must reconsider the elimination of its journalism major. A flourishing journalism program would not only support the college’s academic reputation, but also affirm its dedication to producing graduates who are informed, articulate and passionate about engaging with the world.

Bottom-line-focused decisions may balance budgets in the moment, but they risk undermining the broader purpose of education: to prepare students not only for jobs but also for meaningful, informed lives.

opinions We need the Department of Education

the U.S. Department of Education

was established as a cabinet-level agency in October 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, and officially began operations in May 1980. For nearly 45 years, the department has soldiered past many attempts to break it apart, or disband it altogether, most notably by conservative politicians who believe that the federal agency oversteps states’ rights.

While calls to do away with the agency have persisted through the early 21st century, the effort has never been successful, and here’s why: Many educators, parents, advocacy groups and politicians on both sides of the aisle support a federal role in education to ensure equity and civil rights enforcement.

I’m not an educator or a politician, but I can tell you this: Education, and at the very least a high school diploma, is imperative to one’s success in life. What’s even more important is that the Department of Education has played a vital role in making access to education possible for countless people, ensuring that opportunities for learning and growth are within reach for all.

The DOE oversees and coordinates national education policies, but it also works closely with state and local governments to assess needs on a state-bystate basis.

There are many avenues on which I could diverge to highlight some of the department’s key components, but I’ll focus on just a few things, the first being Title I — the largest federal education program, which is aimed at improving the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. It provides financial assistance to schools and districts with high percentages of children from low-income families.

sprovides them with specific protections and resources, like individualized education plans, mandating that schools develop tailored plans for these students, outlining their unique needs and goals and the services required to meet those goals.

hutting it down would have profound consequences for students all over the nation.

Over the years, Title I has garnered bipartisan support, because both Democrats and Republicans recognize the need to address education inequities. Debates have arisen over funding distribution and outcome measurement, but Title I remains a central component of federal education policy because of its critical role in supporting vulnerable students.

The DOE also oversaw the implementation of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. In simplest terms, the act guarantees free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities, and also

red-light-cam intersection. Problem solved. You’re welcome.

FRED GEFEN Woodmere

More local memories of Jimmy Breslin

To the Editor:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Peter King’s column “Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism” (Dec. 5-11). It brought back so many memories. Breslin used to call my late husband, Marvin Bernstein, every Sunday night for the news about the Nassau County Supreme Court. Marvin was the public information officer at the courthouse, and Jimmy kept him busy! Thanks for the column, Mr. King!

SANDY BERNSTEIN East Meadow

The Sands proposal: ‘right location, wrong project’

To the Editor:

Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for an

integrated casino-resort in the Nassau County Hub a very bad idea. Right location, wrong project! Are the risks to our suburban lifestyle and environment worth the grossly exaggerated benefits projected? There were so many assumptions in the draft environment impact statement, and so much information omitted.

I am strongly opposed to the proposed project at the Hub. There are better alternatives that would benefit all Nassau County residents, but the people we rely on to protect our interests and preserve our suburban way of life are looking for a quick fix. They will bankrupt your future in more ways than you could imagine.

Hard Rock’s application to develop Citi Field has been approved by local community boards. Much better location, very accessible public transportation and a much better independent operator than Sands. That “Metropolitan Park,” if built, would compete with Sands and other downstate casinos for the same pool of gamblers and people seeking entertainment options. Somebody’s going to lose, and it will be the residents of Nassau County.

The act stretches beyond primary and secondary education, also requiring schools to help students transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment or independent living — ensuring that no one’s future is negatively impacted by a learning or physical disability.

I’m detailing all of this because I, like many others, find it extremely alarming that President-elect Donald Trump has once again vowed to shut down the Department of Education.

He first proposed to do so during his 2016 presidential campaign, but even his own secretary of education during his first term, Betsy DeVos, didn’t see that idea through.

The DOE has faced its share of woes over the course of seven presidencies, and yet it steadfastly continues its work. Shutting it down isn’t just a matter of politics — it’s a decision that would have profound consequences for students across the nation.

If Trump succeeds in dismantling the department in his second term, experts in the field have indicated that its programs could survive or operate under other federal or state agencies, but the transition would likely cause massive disruptions in services, negatively impacting students.

Ninety percent of all K-12 students in the U.S. are publicly educated, due to education’s accessibility and widespread availability, and who would we be, as a nation, if we took that accessibility away?

I’ve said this many times, and I’ll say it again: If you voted for Trump because you believe in his vision for America, that’s fine, and it’s your right as an American.

Putting that aside, however, I now ask you to think about students — perhaps even your children — and what the shutdown of a massively important department could mean.

The Department of Education exists to ensure that education is not a privilege for few, but rather a right for everyone, and to close it down would risk reversing decades of progress. Rather than dismantle it, we should be focused on strengthening it for generations to come, prioritizing children, their futures, and the promise of opportunity for all.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

Rockville Centre Girl Scout Troop

864 at Dees’ annual Trees for Troops — Oceanside

ANTHONY BRANCATO East Meadow

JorDan VaLLone