Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 12-19-2024

Steve Sachs/Herald

Shannon Costello, center, was named chief nursing officer, at a September event with danielle pollaro, director of critical care, and Jennifer Rufle, nurse manager for special procedures.

Meg Ryan is first female chief executive of NUMC

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

The Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, voted earlier this month to appoint several new members to the leadership team of the largest public, safety-net hospital on Long Island.

Among the appointees was Megan Ryan, who was named president and chief executive of the hospital system — the first woman to lead the health care corporation.

Ryan had previously served for nearly a

decade as general counsel of the corporation and had been acting as interim president and chief executive since January.

“The more than seven years that I’ve spent working with the staff and patients of NUMC as general counsel and interim president and chief executive have (been the) greatest honor of my career,” Ryan said in a Dec. 5 news release. “I thank the NHCC board of directors for its confidence in allowing me to continue the enormous progress we’ve made toward ensuring this critical institution thrives for many years to come.”

The East Meadow-based hospital serves

Continued on page 12

Public hearing opinions on Sands casino

By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

The draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Las Vegas Sands resort and casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum was met with both resounding support and critical opposition at a public hearing at the Nassau County Legislature on Dec. 9.

Las Vegas Sands officially submitted the DEIS to the Legislature last month, after a unanimous vote by legislators confirming the document’s completion and availability for public review.

It was a

improve its sustainability and upgrading energy infrastructure to meet growing demand. Beautification initiatives are also planned to improve the area’s public spaces, as part of Las Vegas Sands’ effort to enhance both aesthetics and quality of life for residents and visitors.

very

comprehensive and a very complete draft EIS

ADRIENNE ESpoSIto

Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

The DEIS outlines a range of investments — totaling more than $150 million — aimed at modernizing Uniondale’s infrastructure and revitalizing the hamlet and surrounding communities, according to a Sands news release. The projects include expanding the Meadowbrook Parkway to alleviate traffic congestion, enhancing the Uniondale water district to

“We are grateful to the Nassau County Legislature for its thorough review of the completeness of our environmental impact statement,” Michael Levoff, the company’s senior vice president of strategy and public affairs, stated in the release. “This over 28,000-page document further demonstrates Sands’ commitment to comprehensively and holistically mitigate the potential impacts of our transformative project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum.”

At Monday’s contentious hearing, both supporters and detractors shared their opinions on the DEIS. Adrienne

Continued on page 16

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.

Popkin’s Brogna donates 5K to L.I. Cares

By TAYLOR GRAYSON tgrayson@liherald.com

Popkin’s Brogna Jujitsu held two kick-a-thons to raise money to feed families on Nov. 9. All proceeds went to the Long Island Cares organization.

The initial goal was to raise $25 per student, which, according to Long Island Cares, provides 19.25 pounds of food and 15.75 meals.

When the kick-a-thon first occurred, the donations were near $2,000. Ultimately, the dojo came together to award $5,000 dollars to Long Island Cares. The check presentation was on Dec. 9.

Theresa Redlein, Community Coordinator for LIC, presented the dojo with the facsimile check and thanked them for their hard work. Long Island Cares provides meals and services to over 221,000 Long Islanders, 65,000 of them being children.

“For every $10 raises, six meals are provided to the community,” Redlein said. “The $5,000 that Popkin’s Brogna raised will provide 3,050 meals to those in need.”

The organization was pleased to receive such a hefty donation but the kids involved were even happier to do it. It has been reported that they keep asking their dojo masters when the next one is.

“I think the kids realize how fun it was and the opportunities they had to make a difference,” Senpai Nick Brogna said. “They started asking when’s the next one? When can we do something like this again? It really showed us that the kids enjoyed it for one, and that they appreciated having the opportunity.”

According to the Long Island Cares website, children who lack access to food are more likely than their peers to experience behavioral issues, reduced ability to learn social skills, and impaired cognitive learning

From

– even permanent brain damage. Additionally, the health effects of hunger range from lack of stamina and increased illness – which increases missed work time – to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

It was Sensei Joseph’s idea to partner with Long Island Cares of all the organizations in the region.

“The company that I work for during the day did an event where we went there and we helped package all the food,” he said. “When I saw the size and how vast it was, what was going on I said you know what? We can

build it out. And I wanted to help out Long Island, you know?”

Next year, the dojo plans on asking more martial arts schools to join the kick-a-thon, in an effort to give back even more. The plan is already in motion for bigger and better donations.

With $5,000 raised in just two short minutes of kicking and some familial participation, the sky could be the limit if and when the dojo makes a whole day out of it.

Students attend top leadership conference

By TAYLOR GRAYSON tgrayson@liherald.com

Virtual Enterprise students from West Hempstead Secondary School attended the Winning Women’s Leadership Conference at Deloitte’s New York City offices on Dec. 3.

The annual event, hosted by Virtual Enterprises International LLC, provides early career development for female student leaders in the Virtual Enterprise program. Two students from select VE programs across New York state were invited to attend. Participants engaged with successful women in business, gaining insights into skills essential for career success. Deloitte partnered with Osaic Wealth Management, which sponsored the event.

Tom Smith, CEO of Virtual Enterprises, opened the conference with remarks emphasizing the growing role of women in corporate leadership, noting the rise of female executives from 17 percent in 2015 to 29 percent this year.

The event featured a Leadership Coaching session led by Amy Demchak of Westhampton Beach High School. A VE facilitator and business coach with experience in finance and an MBA, Demchak provided guidance on personal branding, business etiquette, positive communication, and networking strategies.

Stacy O’Keeffe, senior vice president of engagement at Osaic Wealth Management, gave a presentation on achieving financial independence, offering advice on budgeting, investing, and maximizing income to prepare for the future.

Students also participated in a networking lunch and a panel discussion with women leaders from diverse industries. The day concluded with breakout sessions, where participants collaborated on solving

real-world business challenges in areas such as marketing, finance, and human resources. They also developed personal budgets for their future goals and received feedback on their presentations.

“This was a fulfilling day for our students and a valuable learning experience that made an immediate impact,” said Stacy Gulisano, facilitator of West Hempstead’s Virtual Enterprise program.

Gulisano highlighted the event’s influence on students: one explored internship opportunities and resume building, another began creating a personal brand on LinkedIn, and others gained confidence in financial independence and future career decisions.

The Winning Women’s Leadership Conference continues to inspire and equip young women with tools for success in business and beyond.

Taylor Grayson/Herald

back left to right, Senpai Nick Brogna and Sensei Joseph Brogna proudly holding the facsimile check with some of the students who took part in the kick-a-thon.

West Hempstead Secondary School Virtual Enterprise junior Karen Castro, left, and senior Madison AbiAoun attended the Virtual Enterprises Winning Women’s Conference at the Deloitte offices in New York City.

Photos courtesy West Hempstead Union Free School District West Hempstead Secondary School Virtual Enterprise juniors Nicole Leon, left, and Victoria Hasan also attended the Virtual Enterprises Winning Women’s Conferences at the Deloitte offices in New York City.

HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 19, 2024

County accepts finance authority’s budget changes

Happy Holidays

To see our locations, point your smartphone camera at the QR code and tap the link.

by Susan

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.

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 20252028 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. Schneps Media Long Island has not received a copy of the amended budget from the county.

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 fund

Above, NIFA Chairman Richard Kessel.

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/malverne or www.liherald.com/westhempstead ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: mal-wheditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext.

286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

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■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Courtesy Richard Kessel Nassau County submitted a revised budget to NIFA by the Dec. 10 deadline to address noncompliance issues.

Jeffers — Part Two

Caribbean marketplace is a cultural hub

By TAYLOR GRAYSON tgrayson@liherald.com

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace in West Hempstead is more than just a retail store—it’s a cultural hub for Caribbean expatriates and those seeking authentic island products. Since its founding in the early 1990s, Sam’s has grown into one of the largest and most well-known Caribbean specialty stores in the United States. The West Hempstead location has been open since 2012.

The store offers a wide array of goods that celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures of the Caribbean. Visitors can find everything from authentic spices, jerk seasoning, and specialty hot sauces to fresh produce, snacks, and beverages. Popular items include Jamaican patties, Ting grapefruit soda, and Grace brand products. Beyond food, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace also stocks cultural items such as books, CDs, DVDs, clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs that capture the essence of island life.

“Pull up a chair,” Ruth Reithl said. “Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”

One of the standout features of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace is its commitment to representing the entire Caribbean region. The store imports products from countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Guyana,

Barbados, and the Dominican Republic, ensuring that customers from different Caribbean backgrounds can find a taste of home.

One of the most well-known and highly favored dishes at Sam’s is their Jamaican patties. The authentic bursts of flavor and quick preparation are a standout to consumers.

“They have everything in there,

curry goat, curry chicken,” customer Michael Fagan said. “Classic island dishes and you can buy things in bulk as well. They sell certain items American stores will charge you $20 for about $3 at Sam’s.”

Sam’s is more than just a walk-in store; they will ship to you upon request. Sam’s also offers catering services for events and things of that

nature.

Sam’s is not just a shopping destination but also a place for community connection. Over the years, it has hosted events such as book signings, cooking demonstrations, and cultural celebrations, strengthening ties among Caribbean immigrants in the West Hempstead area. The store has also embraced technology, offering an online marketplace that ships products nationwide, enabling customers across the U.S. to access Caribbean goods that might be hard to find locally.

The business is family-owned and prides itself on providing excellent customer service. The knowledgeable staff members are often praised for their ability to recommend products and share insights about Caribbean culture and cuisine. Their dedication to authenticity and quality has earned Sam’s a loyal customer base, which spans beyond the Caribbean-American community to include anyone eager to explore or recreate the flavors of the islands.

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace at 225 Hempstead Turnpike remains a cornerstone of cultural preservation and culinary discovery in West Hempstead. For Caribbean natives longing for a taste of home or newcomers wanting to experience the islands, Sam’s stands out as a vibrant gateway to the Caribbean right in the heart of Long Island.

Herald file photo

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2012 for the West Hempstead location.

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.

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

John o. BaRRes

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

A Christmas message of hope and unity

This time of year is a special time for people of all faiths and even for those who hold no faith at all.

It’s a season that encourages reflection, togetherness, and hope — a moment when the world seems to slow down and focus on what truly matters. For Christians, Christmas holds profound significance as we celebrate the monumental moment when God came to earth in a very special way. Unlike other faith traditions where gods may be distant or relate only symbolically, Christians believe in a God who is both loving and personal. Our God not only created us but became one of us, taking on human form in the person of Jesus Christ.

to live with compassion and grace.

The birth of Christ reminds us of the depth of God’s love and His desire to draw close to us. It’s an event that demonstrates how God fulfills His promises, remains faithful, and meets us in our brokenness. Through Jesus, we see how God heals, forgives, and teaches us how

In the midst of holiday festivities, let us not lose sight of these enduring truths. Christmas is more than presents and decorations; it is a time to open our hearts to love, kindness, and generosity. As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors, let us celebrate the hope and light that Christ’s birth brings into the world. No matter your background or beliefs, the spirit of Christmas invites all of us to reflect on the goodness we can share with one another. May this season inspire us to extend grace, build bridges, and uplift those who may be struggling. From our hearts to yours, may this Christmas bring peace, joy, and blessings to your home. Let us carry the light of this season into the new year, striving to live with the same love and faithfulness that God has shown us.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year! He leads Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K is looking

share the message of kindness

Culture Club aims to promote 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

Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Rosina Arcella, center, joined Sarah Malinka and Thomas MacLeish in coloring kindness-themed illustrations on the wall inside Marion Street Elementary on Dec. 6. The students worked together to

before creating their own friendship bracelets.

Juliette Dominguez carefully added beads to her bracelet, one bead at a time during the visit from Lynbrook High School’s Culture Club. Students expressed creativity while promoting kindness.

Lynbrook High School Culture Club member Catherine Christakos helped Chloe Macklin select beads for a friendship bracelet on Dec. 6. The pair joined other students in crafting personalized bracelets to promote kindness.

Seth Albert and Ryan Salazar created unique friendship bracelets with colorful beads. They worked with younger peers to craft personalized creations.

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

News brief

Students selected for county music festival

A quintet of fourth grade students from Malverne’s Davison Avenue Intermediate School were recently selected to participate in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County P.E.A.K. Music Festival at Freeport High School.

Anushka Seelall, Harper Hunt, Cameron Bjelland, Eva Beltzer and Liam Akou joined student musicians and teachers from across the county for a full day of interactive and collaborative music workshops led by music educators.

The festival is a celebrated annual event in Nassau County, New York, designed to inspire and nurture the youngest musicians in the region.

P.E.A.K., which stands for Parents, Educators, and Kids, focuses on introducing elementary-level students to the joys of musical collaboration and performance.

Founded in the early 2000s, the festival was created to provide an enriching, non-competitive environment for budding musicians. Unlike traditional festivals aimed at older, more advanced students, P.E.A.K. emphasizes musical exploration, creativity, and the foundational skills of ensemble performance.

Participants, selected from schools across Nassau County, experience a day of workshops, rehearsals, and performances under the guidance of professional music educators and guest conductors.

The festival highlights the importance of community support in music education as parents and educators playing an integral role. It’s an entry point for students who may later participate in NMEA’s prestigious All-County festivals at higher-grade levels.

The P.E.A.K. program accepts students as young as 9. The NMEA All County Festival spans two weeks and includes seven different concert events.

In the PEAK Division, music teachers may nominate up to 7 students and as long as all paperwork is received by the deadline, ALL 7 Students are accepted! Students must prepare the Chorus music in advance, and all other fun musical workshop materials are taught the day of the festival.

Each PEAK Student attends with a parent and the nominating music teacher. All other family members are invited to watch the performance at the end of the Festival day! The 2024 P.E.A.K Festival was held on Nov. 23.

Held annually, the P.E.A.K. Music Festival reflects NMEA’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of music and supporting young talent. It continues to grow as a cornerstone event for music education in the county.

Students joined their choral peers on stage and performed a concert in front of hundreds of proud parents and teachers –Taylor Grayson

Advancing care and finances amid lawsuits

all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.

“Nobody works harder than Meg, and nobody cares more about the success of the hospital than she does,” Matthew Bruderman, the health care corporation chairman, said. “As the first woman to lead this critical health care facility, she is an inspiration to so many, including the next generation of health care professionals being trained at NUMC.”

Other appointments included NUMC veteran physician, Dr. Grace Ting, as chief medical officer, and Shannon Costello as chief nursing officer. Like Ryan, both had been serving in those roles as interim appointments.

The hospital’s board said compensation packages approved for the new executives are all in line with industry and area standards, or are below those of their counterparts at other major safety-net hospitals in New York state.

At last week’s board meeting, the board also approved the appointment of in-house chairs for cardiology and pathology, a move aimed at fostering full-time development in these divisions and boosting hospital revenue.

NUMC has long been under fire for financial and operational mismanagement, but has made significant strides this year. The hospital’s board has attributed these reforms to Ryan and her leadership team.

Last month, the hospital system earned its first Leapfrog Safety Grade, a hospital safety rating, improvement in six years, and earlier this year, an audit conducted by Grant Thornton revealed the hospital’s finances were heading in a positive direction.

In addition to operational improvements, the hospital has enhanced its services by opening new wings, an outpatient behavioral health suite and a dedicated wig room for cancer patients, along with other additions that have significantly elevated the quality of care at NUMC.

Ryan said the hospital system has made “tremendous progress,” by expanding patient care, inaugurating new facilities and dramatically improving its financial position.

“It is a testament to the work of our leadership team and the commitment of our more than 3,600 employees,” she said, “including our talented doctors, nurses, and support staff.”

The Nassau Health Care Corporation and NUMC are currently pursuing legal action against New York state and the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, or NIFA, which oversees NUMC’s finances.

The hospital is alleging that the state orchestrated a scheme to withhold Medicaid reimbursement payments NUMC was entitled to, since at least 2001. On Nov. 20, a notice-of-claims was sent to

the state, outlining NUMC’s plan to file a $1.06 billion lawsuit. The suits against NIFA, which were announced on Dec. 2., claims the finance authority made arbitrary and capricious decisions, violated public trust, and acted to advance its own or the state’s agenda at the expense of NUMC’s reputation and financial stability.

“We are continuing to work with Nassau County on an appropriate solution for the future of NUMC,” a spokesperson from the state told the Herald. “Our concerns are the fiscal health of the hospital and patient care. Everything else is just noise.”

NUMC provides $1 billion in health care services annually to more than 270,000 patients, including those who are uninsured and undocumented.

“While (the state) and NIFA work overtime to prevent the progress we’re making here, scheme about power grabs, and cover up their malfeasance, Meg is working to ensure NUMC is saved,” Bruderman said. “Together with Dr. Ting, Chief Nurse Costello and the rest of this team, NUMC is in an outstanding position to serve everyone who needs care.”

John Desmond, an NHCC board member, congratulated Ryan and her “outstanding” leadership team.

“Meg Ryan’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence have significantly enhanced NUMC’s

role in the community,” Desmond said, “ensuring it remains a vital resource for those in need.”

Holden Leeds/Herald megan r yan the new president and Ceo of the nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of numC. She is the first woman to lead the public hospital system.

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 Dec.

Jan. 3

‘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.

Countdown to 12

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back its popular “Noon” Year’s Eve family party, Sunday, dec. 31, noon4 p.m. This year’s event will be making an intergalactic leap with activities starting at 11 a.m., the addition of a third ball drop, plus space-themed crafts, entertainment and a confettifilled dance party. The day’s celebration starts and ends with Times Square-style ball drops (noon, 2 and 4 p.m.). In between the opening and closing ball drops, families will make themed crafts and enjoy the DJ-led dance party.

All activities are drop-in and run through 3:45 p.m. $20 adults and children, $18 seniors, members free. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Holiday family show

The Town of Hempstead invites all to ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Children’s Show, Saturday, dec. 21, 1 p.m., at Levittown Hall. 201 Levittown Pkwy., Hicksville. Contact (516) 292-9000, ext. 7211 for more information.

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, dec. 21, starting at 9 a.m. The group will meet in parking lot #3. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 4679498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.

Mad Science: Spin … Pop … Boom

Families can enjoy some fun with science Mad Science visits West Hempstead Public Library, Sunday, dec. 22. Choose from 1:30-2:15 or 3-3:45 p.m. showtimes. Witness amazing feats of chemistry as you explore all sorts of spectacular reactions. Recommended for those in Grades K and up. Registration required. 500 West Hempstead Ave. Visit whplibrary.org to register or contact (516) 481-6591.

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.

Town of Hempstead’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

Dancers, singers, a guest speaker and a traditional Kwanzaa chief will discuss the seven principles of the holiday, Thursday, Dec. 19, starting at 6 p.m., at Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion at Hempstead Town Hall. 1 Washington St., Hempstead. Free for all. Contact (516) 489-5000, ext. 4303, for more information.

Hanukkah Concert

Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, unity and light to celebrate with a concert with Jewish music duo Zusha, at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec. 22. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50 and include latkes, donuts, sushi and more. 240 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead. For registration and more ticket information, go to chabadwesthempstead. org.

Having an event?

Holiday concert

Celebrate the season with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. The intergenerational orchestra of 60 L.I.-based musicians performs with the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir as special guests. The program, at Brookside School in North Merrick, includes “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Sing-A-Long,” “Greensleeves,” “Chanukah Festival Overture,” and much more. Suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door (kids are free). 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Visit symphonicpopsli.org for more.

Malverne Menorah Lighting

Celebrate with neighbors and friends at the village’s annual Menorah Lighting, Thursday, Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m., at the Malverne LIRR station. 280 Hempstead Ave.

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. 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.

Mah Jongg

Get in the game. Bring your mah jongg card and set to Malverne Public Library, Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. Players of all experience levels welcome. For more information, visit malvernelibrary.org or call (516) 599-0750. 61 St. Thomas Place.

Concerns raised over environmental factors

Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said she had analyzed environmental impact statements for 40 years, and approved of how thorough Sands’ is.

“It was a very comprehensive and a very complete draft EIS,” Esposito said. Referring to the proposed improvements, however, Esposito suggested that the document be “strengthened” with plans for how to handle water withdrawal and conservation, and solid waste. She also suggested the creation of a

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CMG MORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, Against JANICE COGHLAN, AS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM S. GROOMS A/K/A WILLIAM GROOMS, et al, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/12/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 1/16/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 17 Hopatcong Avenue, West Hempstead, New York 11552, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 35 Block 462 Lot 508

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $274,404.81 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 17-001008 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573

Dated: 11/19/2024 File Number: 16-303695 MB 150439

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JOAN MORRIS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee

Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 24, 2023 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on October 29, 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 January 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 77 Alden Court, Malverne, NY 11565. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Malverne, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 20 and Lot 474. Approximate amount of judgment is $754,838.70 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003452/2014. Cash will not be accepted.

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee

Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road,

Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150433

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. GESNER SEJOUR, et al, Defts. Index #608202/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 35, Block 456, Lots 582-584. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. MARY ELLEN DIVONE, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #101944 150425

community advisory board “that looks at the metrics to see how they’re doing on energy and water and solid waste management.”

Many attendees expressed their support for the statement and for the casino project as a whole. Ryan Stanton, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, shared his appreciation for the DEIS and how Sands is going about the project.

“Long Islanders care about traffic, taxes and economic opportunity,” Stanton said. “When we make investments in infrastructure, it creates economic opportunity for the people behind it, reduces taxes for the people behind them, and when people have a reduced tax burden and money in their pockets, they can make good environmental and economic choices.”

On the other side, the Say No to the Casino Civic Association has been vocal in its longstanding opposition to the project, repeatedly making the argument that it will harm the community and environment in a variety of ways. The group claims in a news release that the extensive infrastructure changes needed for the casino would permanently alter the landscape and exacerbate traffic congestion. Members also expressed concerns about the environmental impact, highlighting the expected water consumption and carbon emissions in a news release that followed the DEIS submission.

Concerns about the local impacts of the casino project on surrounding towns, including Uniondale, Hempstead, Garden City and East Meadow, led the Garden City village board to file a lawsuit against Sands, asking the Nassau County Supreme Court to void the 42-year lease agreement for the Colise-

um between the county and Sands because, the suit claims, lawmakers did not closely examine the potential impact a casino could have on the environment. Hofstra University also took legal action against the county for initially violating the Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) during the initial approval process for the Nassau Coliseum lease in March 2023. The case is now back in the hands of the Nassau County Supreme Court.

Karen Riordan, a member of the Say No association, said she believed the environmental impact statement “failed to take into account the full regional impact the casino project will have on saltwater intrusion on shore communities.” Riordan referenced a study released in August by the United States Geological Survey that indicates that Long Island’s only freshwater aquifer is in danger of saltwater intrusion, and that the language used in the DEIS to describe this potential problem is “too vague.”

Other association members also spoke at the hearing, including Steve Rolston, a member of the Sierra Club, who said that people’s concerns go beyond the environment.

“There are environmental reasons, plus economic and social reasons, that a casino is considered nothing more than legal fraud,” Rolston said.

The draft environmental impact statement is available for public review on the Legislature’s website, and a public comment period will extend until Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. Submissions can be sent via email to sandscomments@nassaucountyny.gov, or by mail to the Nassau County Clerk of the Legislature, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola, NY 11501.

Continued from page 1

Kelsie Radziski/Herald

Supporters and opponents of the Sands project filled the county legislative chamber for the public hearing on the project’s draft environmental impact statement on dec. 9.

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

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

to careers@liherald.com

Homes

A Dream Home

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?

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!

Stuff HERALD

Finds Under $100

FABRIC LIFT/ RECLINER Chair, perfect for the physically challenged. FREE. 516-554-3643 leave message

Exterminating

Telephone Services

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BLACK LEATHER SWIVEL chair, good condition, $95. Call Pam 516 - 554 -3643

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TUPPERWARE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Vintage set, lights up, 12 pieces total including 5 buildings, $60, 516-884-9994.

WOMAN REVERSIBLE, GENUINE shearling coat, black (L) $99.00. Very good condition, picture upon request. 516-668-7286

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

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Home Improvement

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FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

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opinions

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.

Also serving Lakeview Established 1994

Incorporating: Malverne Community Times 1964-1994

Suffolk C.C. is shortchanging journalism

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

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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.

We can reform school funding without harming schools

the needs of our public schools, teachers, students and parents are constantly evolving. Yet despite these changes, New York state continues to rely on an outdated funding formula based on old data.

This month, the Rockefeller Institute of Government released a comprehensive report analyzing the state’s intricate foundation aid formula, the mechanism that allocates operating aid to school districts across the state. Its recommendations demand our collective attention — not just mine, as a policymaker, but also yours, as educators, parents and taxpayers. Together we can advocate for a fairer, more effective funding system that meets the needs of today’s students.

New York’s foundation aid formula, devised in 2007, was designed to create a fair and predictable school funding system. In the 17 years since, however, the formula has remained unchanged, relying on outdated data, such as population figures from the 2000 census and antiquated measures of poverty and student

needs. For Long Island, where property taxes are among the nation’s highest, this outdated system places an unfair burden on local taxpayers. Despite the fact that we host some of the state’s topperforming schools, the current formula fails to properly account for rising costs or the growing demand for mental health and special-education services.

oGov. Kathy Hochul’s approach to addressing the outdated foundation aid formula during this year’s budget negotiations more than missed the mark. Her proposal to eliminate the “hold harmless” provision — which ensures that school districts do not receive less foundation aid than they have in previous years — may have made headlines, but it failed to tackle the core issue: The formula itself is fundamentally flawed. The governor didn’t take into account increased costs, and the reality that many expenses remain fixed, even as student enrollment fluctuates. The widespread unpopularity of Hochul’s proposed cuts, including opposition within her own party, ultimately led to the decision to commission the Rockefeller Institute to review the formula and provide recommendations in a report.

The report offers the following recommendations to modernize the foundation aid formula:

■ Phase out 50 percent of “hold harmless” over five years as Foundation Aid formula reforms are made.

n Long Island, an outdated aid formula unfairly burdens local taxpayers.

■ Allow districts to increase their unrestricted year-end fund balance to 10 percent.

■ Replace the current outof-date poverty measures with new sources of community and family-level wealth metrics.

■ Provide aid for English Language Learner students based on their level of need.

■ Update the Regional Cost Index so it provides a more localized measurement of labor market conditions.

■ Update measurements of the wealth capacity of school districts to better align their expected local share of school funding with current local economic conditions.

■ Eliminate the minimum $500-perpupil foundation aid allocation for the wealthiest districts, and reallocate the $41 million that would be saved through this measure.

■ Remove funding for students with

disabilities from the foundation aid formula, and consolidate all funding for those students under existing categorical aid structures.

While these recommendations warrant further analysis to assess the impact they would have on Long Island school districts, any changes to the foundation aid formula included in next year’s budget must be phased in gradually to prevent sudden disruptions in funding. Equally important, the process must be transparent, enabling school districts to plan effectively and adapt to adjustments.

The five public hearings held across the state during the research phase of the institute’s report underscored a consistent message from advocates and administrators: School districts and communities desperately need reliable and predictable funding streams from the state.

Education is one of the most critical investments in our future, and the way we fund it reflects our values and priorities as a state. Reforming the foundation aid formula is no small task, but it’s one we can no longer afford to delay. For Long Island families, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and we need to ensure that our schools are equipped to meet the needs of every student.

Ed Ra represents the 19th Assembly District.

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. ANTHoNY BRANCATo East Meadow

Framework by Tim Baker

Rockville Centre Girl Scout Troop 864 at Dees’ annual Trees for Troops — Oceanside