Massapequa Herald Post 11-27-2024

Inside Front Panel

SAME TRUSTED LOCAL NEWSPAPER FRESH NEW LOOK

HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

MASSAPEQUA MIRACLE!

Massapequa won the Nassau County Conference I football championship in dramatic fashion last Saturday afternoon, defeating Farmingdale, 35-34, in overtime at Hofstra University. Story, additional photo, PAGE 8.

Farmingdale schools set key bond vote

District seeks public approval for critical upgrades

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Farmingdale School District plans to hold a bond referendum vote on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 on two propositions that address critical facility upgrades across the district.

Proposition One focuses on roof repairs and replacements at all six school buildings in the district. The current roofs are original to the buildings and have exceeded the 20-year expected lifespan of the materials. They are also out of warranty, making maintenance more costly and difficult. Additionally, Proposition One includes upgrades to the district’s electrical infrastructure to support future curricular activities, ongoing technology upgrades, and increasing power requirements. The cost of Proposition One is estimated at $22.15 million.

Proposition Two aims to improve the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and Fine and Performing Arts program. The proposition seeks to

replace outdated facilities for over 1,000 students, providing modern spaces that will better support education and skills development. It also includes a new health office and enhanced security features, such as a new vestibule and expanded front entrance. The cost for Proposition Two is set at $55.85 million.

The total proposed bond is $78 million, with state aid covering more than 55% of the costs—about $43 million. The tax impact on the average Farmingdale homeowner is estimated at $70 per year for the life of the bonds.

Superintendent Paul Defendini highlighted the importance of these upgrades. “In 2016, the Farmingdale community approved a referendum that allowed us to give our growing varsity and junior-varsity athletes the facilities they deserved,” he said. “Equally important, our sports complex, including our aquatic center, created opportunities for our community that did not exist before.” He added, “With Proposition Two of this referendum, the district is looking to do the same thing for the over 1,000 students in our CTE and Fine and Performing Arts high school

programs—replace aging and inadequate facilities in these two areas with updated, modern spaces that will better serve students’ education and skills development.” Michael Motisi, Assistant to the Superintendent for Business, noted, “Because current district debt will be coming off the books as new debt will be coming on, the tax impact on Farmingdale residents will be greatly reduced. Based on current market conditions and projections of what the bond market will be when these bonds are sold, it is estimated the annual tax impact for the average Farmingdale School District homeowner of both propositions being approved will be limited to $70 per year for the life of the bonds.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Eric Dunetz/Herald

LI Air & Space Force Association presents Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony

December 7, is the 83rd Anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The event, “Dropping of the Roses,” will feature a vintage World War II AT-6D Texan military aircraft which takes off at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 from Hangar 3 at the American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale. The vintage aircraft flies to the Statue of Liberty to drop roses at 12:55 p.m., the exact time in New York that Pearl Harbor was attacked.

The public will witness a solemn ceremony remembering all who served and those who perished at Pearl Harbor, including the honoring of WWII veterans, plus a Color Guard from the Navy Reserves and veterans’ organizations. Guests will watch as our Chaplain conducts the blessing of 83 American Beauty Roses (including one extra white rose for 9-11) to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Taps will be played and Roses presented to our pilot, who then departs AAM’s ramp in a vintage military aircraft to drop the Roses over New York’s Statue of Liberty.

The public is encouraged to attend and there is no charge, but they must arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on December 7th. After 12:00 p.m., admission to AAM is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for children ages 5 to 12. Tickets and/or pre-registration

are not required. American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735, (631) 293-6398,

www.americanairpowermuseum.org

For more information about this historic event, please contact Fred DiFabio, President of the Long Island Air & Space Force Association, (631) 754-6383, fdifabioafa202@ hotmail.com

Curtain rises on Unqua’s new musical theater troupe

A new drama club at Unqua Elementary School, led by teacher Connor Hubbard, debuted with a trio of shows on Nov. 20 and 21.

Fourth and fifth graders are getting an expanded look into the performing arts at Unqua Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Many students already are members of the band, chorus and orchestra, and now they are adding theater to their repertoire.

Director Connor Hubbard said that he hopes this will spark interest among students to take advantage of arts opportunities in the district when they get older like the musicals at Berner Middle School and Massapequa High School.

Farmingdale’s Original Gossip headlines event

in celebration of LIMEHOF’s 20th anniversary

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will celebrate its 20th anniversary this weekend with two days of music, comedy, and surprise guests. The celebration, on Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Presented by Catholic Health, the event will showcase performances by Kerry Kearney, DMC with Johnny Juice, Stanton Anderson, American Idol’s Christian Padavan, and Farmingdale’s own classic rock band Original Gossip.

Tania Purpora, lead singer of Original Gossip, said she is excited to return to LIMEHOF for the third time. “I love the history there,” she said. “It’s very overwhelming, and I appreciate that all ages come to the shows.” Purpora noted the band’s commitment to giving back to the community, adding that they will raffle off an acoustic guitar, courtesy of Murphy’s Music in Melville.

Charity will play a central role in this holiday celebration. LIMEHOF and

Catholic Health are teaming up with the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, which serves 1,500 children in need across Long Island, to host a Christmas toy drive. The event will collect unwrapped toys, dolls, sports equipment, makeup, jewelry, and other items for children ages 1 to 12.

Tickets for the event, which include refreshments, access to the Billy Joel exhibit, and a visit with Santa, are available at limusichalloffame.org/ticket-and-gift-cards/. Admission is free for children under 12.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 20th anniversary with a two-day celebration featuring Long Island’s top musicians and entertainers in our beautiful Hall of Fame building,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with great music, laughter, and family-friendly entertainment.”

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at 97 Main St., Stony Brook. For more information, visit limusichalloffame.org or call (631) 689-5888.

O’Bay seeking DVD donations f or troops and children’s hospitals

The Town of Oyster Bay will be hosting a collection drive through Sat., Nov. 30 to benefit U.S. troops and children’s hospitals. They will be collecting DVD’s, which will be delivered to troops stationed overseas and to children’s medical centers.

The Town of Oyster Bay is requesting exciting, suspenseful, comedy, classic and children’s DVDs. The

drop-off locations are Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa. Donations can be brought to either of those locations Monday through Friday, any time between 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

For more information, visit oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.

One-Stop

passport weekend

set at O’Bay Town Halls Dec. 7-8

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Sat., Dec. 7 and Sun., Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 7 th and 8 th precincts and other fire and law enforcement agencies:

PETIT LARCENY

Farmindgale: A resident of Merokee Place reported on Nov. 7 that someone removed an assortment of items from his vehicle, which was parked at his home. The incident was reported at 9 p.m.

South Farmingdale: A resident on Lambert Avenue called police Nov. 7

at approximately 3 a.m. to report that someone removed a mini shield from his vehicle, which was parked in front of his home.

North Massapequa: A shopper at Marshalls store, 1304 Hicksville Rd., reported that someone damaged the front emblem of her vehicle while it was parked in the store’s parking lot. The incident occurred Nov. 9. ARRESTS

Petit Larceny: Michael LaBarbara, 53, of Massapequa Park.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for applying for a passport include:

• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls during Passport Weekend.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification

of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

• Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), current Government ID (city, state or federal), current Military ID (military and dependents).

• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your passport is expired for at least 5 years.

LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special Passport Weekend.

For appointments in Oyster Bay, call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, call (516) 797-7962. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov

Photo Credit: Original Gossip

Farmingdale’s Original Gossip: Tania Purpora, vocalist; Al Cubisino, guitar; Jeff Frohman, bass; Rob Coren, drums.

“From the Mayflower to the New World: The untold story of the Pilgrims’ Mastiff and Spaniel

Were there any dogs or cats on the Mayflower? Presumably so. When the Mayflower reached Massachusetts in 1620, there were 102 human passengers plus two dogs and several cats. The dogs are described as a Mastiff and a Spaniel.

Cats were brought along as nautical rodent control. But how do you verify the dogs? First, document that the dogs boarded the ship in England, then confirm their presence in New England. I used two primary sources about the Pilgrims. Although some say the dogs boarded in Southampton, England, I could not find any mention of them in Of Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford's journal chronicling the Pilgrims from 1608 in the Netherlands to 1647 in the New World. I may have missed them.

The other primary source, Mourt's Relation, cites these dogs in America. Mourt's Relation is the earliest known eyewitness account of the Pilgrims through November 1621 (the first Thanksgiving). It was written primarily by Edward Winslow, with the first section possibly penned by Bradford. Originally published in London in 1622, the version I reviewed was an 1865 reprint in Old English from Harvard College Library, complete with annotated footnotes and handwritten notes in the margins.

Besides companionship, the dogs were helpful during the harsh winter of 1620. On page 37 of Mourt's Relation, the Pilgrims, writing about following Indian tracks, state that inside a tree they found "peeces of Venison, but we thought it fitter for the Dogs than for us."

These two dogs, or at least the Spaniel, belonged to John Goodman, a passenger seeking religious freedom. Goodman set sail as a linen weaver and traveled on the Mayflower alone. He supposedly died without descendants, though his exact death date is disputed. Bradford notes in his passenger log that Goodman died of illness after the first winter, even though a "John Goodman" is listed in a 1623 division of land.

Peter Browne, another Pilgrim mentioned with the dogs, came as a carpen-

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

Santino the Mastiff and Ruby the English Springer Spaniel are similar to the two dogs who accompanied the Pilgrims in Plymouth 1620.

ter whose skills were crucial for building the settlement. Browne succumbed to an illness in 1633 that spread through Plymouth Colony. He was survived by his second wife and three children. Both Goodman and Browne signed the Mayflower Compact.

In Mourt's Relation, on Jan. 12, Goodman and Browne got lost after leaving the Plantation to gather thatch for roofing. A search party could not find them. The missing Pilgrims, "having a great Mastiffe bitch with them and a Spannell" [Mastiff and Spaniel], strayed further into the woods when the dogs chased deer. Upon their safe return, the men recounted how they were forced to spend a cold, wet night up a tree because they thought they heard lions. They could not climb too high, as they had to hold the Mastiff by the neck, "for shee would have beene gone to the Lyon." The "lions" were likely bobcats, which still roam New England.

Goodman had to have his shoes cut off his swollen, frostbitten feet. On Jan. 19, he and the Spaniel ventured out again "to use his lame feete." This time, two wolves pursued the Spaniel. The dog ran between Goodman's legs for comfort. Goodman, unarmed, picked up a stick and threw it at the wolves. They ran off but not before "they sat both on their tayles, grinning at him."

A Mastiff was a plausible breed in 1620. Mastiffs have existed since ancient Babylonia, with the Romans bringing them to England around 55 B.C. By the 15th century, English nobility used Mastiffs to deter hunters from their property. The Plymouth Mastiff would likely have been up to the task of confronting a "lion" or wolves.

Goodman's dog could have been a Spaniel. Spaniels, believed to be the oldest hunting dogs, likely originated in Spain to find, flush, and retrieve game. Early Spaniels varied in size and color, with distinct breeds emerging in Britain by the early 19th century.

If you happen to have a Mastiff or a Spaniel, sneak them a little extra white meat this Thursday in honor of their Plymouth ancestors. Happy Thanksgiving!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

• Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia. org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

• Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia. org

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

A link to your online portfolio or social media 2.

Please send your application to Tim Baker at: tbaker@liherald.com with the subject line or call "Freelance Photographer ” 516-784-8135

Massapequa Philharmonic holding annual holiday concert Sun.,

The Massapequa Philharmonic Or chestra will be holding its annual holiday concert in the Alfred G. Berner Middle School auditorium on Sun., Dec. 8 from 3

The concert will feature Broadway vocalist Sarah Ellis. Additionally, this season the Philharmonic will be partner ing with the Long Island Composers’ Al liance, and every concert will feature an

Dec. 8

Tickets are required to attend all con certs. The admission is $20; for seniors and students, there is a suggested dona tion of $20. Tickets can be purchased on

To purchase tickets in advance, visit eventbrite.com/cc/massapequa-philhar monic-orchestra-2024-2025-season-3480249.

Alfred G. Berner Middle School is lo cated at 50 Carman Mill Rd., Massapequa.

O’Bay’s 2024 Holiday Experience is coming to town December 4-8

The Town of Oyster Bay will be hosting its Holiday Experience December 4 through 8 at Marjorie R. Post Community Park.

The event will feature a Holiday Village, festive lighting displays, special appearances by friends from Arendelle and the North Pole, a performance by The Massapequa Chiefettes, and attendees will be able to mail their letters to Santa. The free event is open to

Town of Oyster Bay residents only.

For more information and to register, visit oysterbaytown.com/holiday.

Reserving a time slot in advance is mandatory; one reservation per household. Reservations will be accepted until each time slot is filled.

For more information, call (516) 797-7925. Marjorie R. Post Community Park is located at 451 Unqua Rd., Massapequa Park.

Celebrations to ring in the New Year vary by traditions across the globe

It is time to turn the page on one year and usher in another. Each December 31, people all over the world reminisce, celebrate, plan, and party in honor of the changing calendar.

Many are probably familiar with some of the common ways to ring in the new year, which include champagne toasts, fireworks and watching the ball drop in Times Square. Yet, there are many other ways to celebrate this occasion and welcome a new year with hope and good luck. Enjoy these ways to commemorate the start of 2025.

• Make some noise. Although fireworks are commonplace on New Year’s Eve in various locales around the world, in Thailand it once was traditional to fire guns to frighten off demons. National Thailand reports that it is no longer legal to fire weapons during New Year’s Eve festivities, but other noisemakers can simulate the ancient tradition. Thailand also has its own New Year celebration in April called Songkran, a three-day event. It’s customary to splash water and shoot colorful water guns, which is another idea for ringing in the new year.

• Smash pomegranates for luck. Many have heard of smashing grapes to make wine, and the band Smashing Pumpkins has millions of devoted followers across the globe. The comic Gallagher used to smash watermelons on stage. But in Turkey, smashing a pomegranate outside your front door is said to bring good luck. The fruit is seen as a symbol of prosperity, abundance and health.

• Make some good luck “Hoppin’ John.” Hoppin’ John is a traditional New Year’s

Day dish from regions of the southern United States. The dish is made with black-eyed peas and pork bacon and is said to bring good luck to those who consume it for the new year, according to the Old Farmers Almanac.

• Choose honey-dipped apples. People can take a page from the Jewish New Year tradition, which sees celebrants dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah takes place in late summer or early fall because it follows the Hebrew lunisolar calendar. However, anyone can apply similar customs to the New Year’s celebrations taking place each January 1.

• Put on some polka dots. In the Philippines, wearing polka-dotted clothing on New Year’s Eve is a tradition said to bring good fortune in the new year, according to Philstar Life.

• Watch a sunrise. Chances are many revelers are staying up late on New Year’s Eve and into the next day, so they’ll have ample opportunity to catch the sunrise. In Japan, watching the first sunrise of the new year is called “hatsuhinode,” and is a practice thought to bring good fortune.

• Grab some cash. There’s a perpetuating superstition that it’s better to have some extra money in your wallet to enter the New Year full of financial prosperity. Also, it’s best to wipe out any unpaid debts before December 31 disappears; otherwise, the months ahead might not be financially sound.

New Year’s traditions have persisted throughout the years and are borne of customs from all over the world.

Rita Hartung, award-winning Massapequa professional, dies at 80

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Hilary Rita Hartung, a long-time Massapequa resident, community leader, and former director of marketing for Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, died Oct. 5, 2024, after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 80.

A “multi-tasker before multi-tasking was a term” is how her son David describes her. She was known for her ability to juggle family, work, and community involvement with energy and dedication.

Born Hilary Rita Like in Hollis, Queens, on Aug. 10, 1944, she moved to Massapequa in 1956 with her parents, William and Ruth Like. She attended Massapequa High School, where she met her husband, Don Hartung. They married on July 31, 1965, at the Huntington Townhouse and raised three sons. The couple maintained strong ties to their high school friends and to the Massapequa community throughout their lives.

“Massapequa was a huge part of their lives,” said their son Brian. Hartung’s career spanned several decades and industries, beginning with a position at Community Nursery School in Massapequa Park. She later spent 15 years at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, rising to the position of director of marketing. Her sons

recalled that she was a well-known and well-respected figure at the Coliseum, often attending concerts and events with her family. “The Coliseum was such a big part of our lives,” Brian said. “We went to many shows and concerts there, and she knew everyone. She was a force of nature in everything she did.”

After leaving the Coliseum in 1998, Hartung joined the Education and Assistance Corporation (EAC), a nonprofit, where she served as vice president of marketing and public relations for more than 14 years. She was responsible for raising awareness of EAC’s programs and promoting its fundraising events. Lance Elder, a colleague from EAC, described her as “a spectacular woman who everybody knew and loved.” He added that she had friends across the country and was deeply devoted to her family.

In addition to her professional work, Hartung was actively involved in the Massapequa High School Hall of Fame and served on its board for many years. She also helped plan the school’s 50th reunion at her home. “That was one of her absolute passions,” said David.

In 1999, she was inducted into the Massapequa Hall of Fame and received the Town of Hempstead’s Pathfinder Award for Excellence in Business. She also earned the Town of Oyster Bay’s Woman of Distinction Award in 2003,

and in 2007, was named one of Long Island Press’s Fortune 52, which honors women who have made lasting contributions to their communities and workplaces. That same year, she received the Women of Distinction Award from Newsday’s Distinction Magazine and the Jack Rettaliata Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island.

Hartung was also a founding member of the Long Island chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association, where she served as president in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, she received the prestigious Gigi Award of Excellence from the Event and Venue Marketing Association.

Even with her many accomplishments, Hartung’s family and close friendships were always her top priority.

“We’ve been friends since we were 12,” said Kathy Annar. “She was a beautiful woman, and I feel blessed to have had her in my life.”

Annar recalled their junior high school talent show performance, where they did a Charleston routine with friends. What set Hartung apart, Annar said, was how she kept in touch with everyone from that group. “She stayed connected with all of us, and I miss her every day. We shared so many memories and laughs,” she added.

Hartung also remained deeply involved in her sons’ lives, coaching soccer and attending lacrosse games, even when they were in college. “She was always there for us, always supporting us,” said Brian. “She was a great communicator and connector, and she made sure everyone stayed involved with each other.”

Hartung’s love for her family extended to her eight grandchildren, whom she adored. “She would make sure we never forgot a birthday or event,” said David.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Don Hartung. She is survived by her brother, Harvey Like, and his partner, Linda Panetta, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; her sons Eric and his wife, Heather, of Indianapolis, David and his wife, Adrienne, of Amityville, and Brian and his wife, Jessica, of Fairfield, Connecticut; and her grandchildren: Greta, Aidan, Ava, Cole, Will, Eli, Louisa, and Luke.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024 at the Massapequa Funeral Home South Chapel, 4980 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park.

The family has requested that donations in Mrs. Hartung’s name be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition at ovarian.org or by mail at National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 12221 Merit Dr., Suite 1950, Dallas, TX 75251.

Hilary Rita Hartung

Massapequa’s Birch Lane students show their unity with heart

Kindness is a year-round expectation for students at Birch Lane Elementary School in the Massapequa School District and one day a year it receives an extra spotlight. The school celebrated World Kindness Day recently with an assembly and recess activities.

Singer and songwriter Jared Campbell visited Birch Lane for a pair of programs that emphasized kindness, compassion and responsibility through sing-alongs. During recess, students from grades K-4 took a kindness pledge by signing one of the letters in “Unity,” while fifth graders added their names to a large heart. These will hang in the cafeteria along with the words from the past two years, “Kind” and “Include.”

The PTA hosted games that fostered collaboration and cooperation. Students also wrote kind messages and drew cheerful pictures on the blacktop with sidewalk chalk. There was also a Be the “I” in Kind photo station.

“While we celebrate World Kindness Day on Nov. 13, kindness is something that is celebrated every day at Birch Lane,” said Principal Stephen Aspetti. “Educating children about the importance of kindness and empathy is one of our greatest responsibilities. When we see our students going out of their way to help a classmate, it fills us with pride and reminds us that the efforts we are making are having positive results.”

Above: Birch Lane second graders added their names to the letters in “Unity” to pledge to be kind for World Kindness Day.

Emma Angelillo poses at the Be the “I” in Kind photo station.

From left, Nikki Nicolaou, Christian Polanco, Angelo Ottaviano and Naya Raghunath showed the large heart signed by everyone in fifth grade.

HERALD SPORTS

Massapequa beats Farmingdale in OT thriller

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Tyler Villalta called it a “just in case” play, one practiced about three times a week for three weeks but never used in a game.

And fourth down in overtime of the Nassau Conference I championship game with the season on the line proved to be the best time to debut that for Massapequa.

The call came from Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Mike Ambury, and Villalta, the star running back, put it into motion. Operating out of a Wildcat set, which debuted in the semifinals against Oceanside last week, Villalta rolled left and connected with quarterback-turnedwide receiver Joey Diesso for a 17-yard touchdown.

Chris Bascetta kicked the extra point to seal second-seeded Massapequa’s thrilling 35-34 win over top-seeded Farmingdale last Saturday at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.

The Chiefs captured a second straight county title, fourth in the last five years and 10th overall. Massapequa (10-2) will take on William Floyd in the Long Island Class I final this Saturday at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium at 4:30 p.m.

It was the first Nassau County championship game decided in overtime since 2005 and the first Conference I final since Farmingdale beat Baldwin in 1999.

“It feels amazing,” said Villalta, who rushed for 109 yards on 25 carries. “All the hard work. I’m so proud of this group. We’ve been grinding forever, this senior class. We faced so much adversity, and we just answered the bell every single time.”

The Dalers (9-2) had won four of the previous five meetings against Massapequa in a county final. In head coach Kevin Shippos’ first county championship, Zach Kolodny kicked a winning 32-yard field goal as time expired for Farmingdale in 2013.

“It went through my head a little bit today. I hope it doesn’t come down to it, but it did in our favor,” Shippos said. “So it was nice to finally be on the other end of that coin.”

It’s the second consecutive season the rivalry game went to overtime, with Massapequa winning on the road last October. In that game, Villalta rushed for the tying touchdown in overtime and the winning two-point conversion.

Villata again provided the heroics, this time with his left arm.

“I just wasn’t going to let it go by. I

knew I had to make a catch,” Diesso said. “The ball’s in the air, and I just watched it into my arms. Tyler made a great throw, though. I owe it all to him. He could do everything, absolutely everything.”

Josh Kama, who rushed for 313 yards on 27 carries, accounted for all five Farmingdale touchdowns, including a 20-yard rush on the Dalers’ first play in overtime.

Farmingdale head coach Buddy Krumenacker opted to go for the conversion, but Kama was stopped one yard short by Massapequa junior defensive tackle Lucas Banushi.

Diesso rushed for two yards, Villata gained one yard, and Diesso’s pass to Frank Romano was incomplete. The defending champions’ season came down to one play. “Just in case” because “absolutely necessary.”

That Massapequa miracle wouldn’t have even come about if not for Diesso’s 11-yard tying touchdown run on 4thand-9 with 6:22 left in the fourth quarter.

“My adrenaline was pumping. I got flushed out of the pocket, and there was just no way I was going down without getting in the end zone. I just had to. I owed it to my team. I owed it to my coaches. I just had to get in.”

Wantagh runs by Plainedge for county title

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

A 13-yard run from Dylan Martini on the first play from scrimmage was a precursor for Wantagh’s explosive ground game in last Friday’s Nassau County Conference IV football championship at Hofstra.

Led by 232 yards rushing from Martini and 108 by John Gendels, the Warriors rolled to a 48-21 win over Plainedge for the program’s first county crown since the spring of 2021. The convincing victory also avenged the only regular season loss for Wantagh (10-1),who dropped a 33-27 overtime thriller to the Red Devils Oct. 10.

“We have worked our tails off since losing to Floral Park last year in the semifinals and it hurt and it stung,” said Martini, whose three-touchdown performance propelled Wantagh into the Long Island Class IV title game against Suffolk County champion Bayport-Blue Point this Friday at Hofstra at noon. “We have bigger goals with the LIC next week and that is what we really want, but right now this feels great.”

Gendels kicked off the scoring with a 48-yard touchdown on the first play of Wantagh’s second possession after the defense created solid field position forcing

a punt from Plainedge’s own end zone.

Plainedge answered back with an eight-play 56-yard drive capped by a Dimitris Vardamarkos nine-yard touchdown run with three minutes left in the first quarter.

The momentum didn’t last long however after Gendels then picked up a squib kick moments later and raced down to the Plainedge 11-yard line. Two players later quarterback Ryan Conigliaro tossed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Cole Spinelli for a 14-7 lead.

After Wantagh’s Tommy Wunderlich and Shareef McMillian combined to stuff a fourth-and-two run attempt from Plainedge at the Warriors’ 43-yard line, Martini dashed 47-yards into the endzone for his second touchdown and a 21-7 lead.

The Warriors continued to take command of the game with Conigliaro finding Oliver Iacobazzi for a 48-yard touchdown pass to make it 27-7 with 3:46 left before halftime.

Plainedge went into the locker room with the game still within range thanks to quarterback Jaxson Torres throwing a 46-yard touchdown pass to Jake Tarpan late in the second quarter.

Wantagh quickly put the game out of reach though early in the third quarter with touchdown runs of 65 and 53 yards

for a 41-13 lead. Gendels added a further explanation point with a 4-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

“It’s been nice to see all the adjustments the kids have made and how hard they worked,” said longtime Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs, who has now won five county crowns.

“Dylan is one of the best players I have ever had,” Sachs added of his star running back. “Johnny also broke some great early runs when they were trying to take away Martini.”

Plainedge, which defeated Wantagh 38-13 in the 2022 Conference III title game, saw its season end on the county finals stage for a second straight season after falling to South Side in the championship last year.

The Red Devils reached the county finals for a fourth straight season thanks to some heroics in the semifinals at Hofstra when in a tie game against Seaford, Torrres threw a 38-yard hail marry touchdown pass to Alec Anderson on the final play for a dramatic 33-27 triumph on Nov. 14.

Wantagh, which crushed Cold Spring Harbor 55-6 in the semifinals, will vie for its first Long Island championship since 2016 when it faces unbeaten Bayport-Blue Point back at Hofstra this Friday at noon.

“It’s been nice to see all the adjustments the kids have made and how hard they have worked,” Sachs said.

Michelle Ebel/Herald Quarterback Jaxson Torres threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Jake Tarpan in the Red Devils’ loss to Wantagh in the Conference IV title game.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Joey Diesso’s touchdown catch off a gadget pass from Tyler Villalta lifted the Chiefs to the county title over Farmingdale.

Local leaders reject regionalization plan

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, other local elected officials, school district superintendents and school board trustees gathered in the Nassau County executive building on Nov. 21 to oppose the recent State Education Department Regionalization Plan.

The plan, introduced as an emergency rule on Sept. 25, directs school districts to pool resources, programs and services, which critics say threatens the independence of local districts. State Sen. Jack Martins, one of the plan’s main opponents, talked about fighting to preserve local control of districts.

“Long Island schools are regularly ranked among the very best in New York state,” Martins said. “That fact is due in large part to our local control and educational structure, which prioritizes our students’ success. We join our local communities in opposing any effort to force regionalization and fight to preserve local control.”

Blakeman echoed Martins’s sentiments, saying the plan was an attack on suburban school districts, and that he and others would continue to fight to keep power in the hands of the districts.

“Isn’t it interesting that cities such as Yonkers, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and New York City are all excluded from their plan?” Blakeman said. “This is just

Sen. Jack Martins, along with other local elected officials, challenged the NYSED’s Regionalization Plan at a news conference on Nov. 21.

another attack on the suburbs by state government, which is completely controlled by left-wing politicians, and we will not stand by and let the Department of Education gut our school districts.”

Many opponents of the plan are questioning the decision to make it an emergency measure. State Sen. Steve Rhoads called it a rushed, and added that the language contained in it could lead to local districts’ complete loss of control of their operations.

“The State Education Department’s self-created emergency regionalization

mandate is vague and can lead to a complete usurpation of local control of schools budgets, tax dollars, and educational opportunities and resources vested in local boards of education,” Rhoads said. “Long Islanders pay some of the highest school taxes in the state, and their local and state officials should and must have a voice in where those dollars are being spent, and that voice is being jeopardized with the SED’s rushed, topdown regionalization plan.”

Sschool districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties are preparing to chal -

lenge the plan. Roslyn school board President Meryl Waxman encouraged other districts to join the fight.

“Superintendents including mine have been told that this is a great big nothing, but what one says and what one does have to align,” Waxman said. “If you take the time to read the regulations and see what they say, they should be self-explanatory. These are emergency regulations, but what was the emergency? Roslyn wasn’t having an emergency until they created one.”

Nonetheless, many people believe that the plan can be beneficial for Long Island school districts. Responding to a rally against the plan on Oct. 31 at Locust Valley High School, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine said that districts can voluntarily participate in shared services, and that the protest was nothing more than political theater.

“The State Education Department website makes it perfectly explicit that any district desiring to engage in shared services with any other district can do so completely voluntarily,” Lavine said. “Held on Halloween, the Oct. 31 rally was nothing more . . . than political theater designed to frighten the public.”

Under the plan, school districts are required to submit surveys to the state by Dec. 6, identifying areas for collaboration. There will also be a comment period before the plan becomes final in January.

Brian Norman/Herald

AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR BOLETAS DE VOTO EN AUSENCIA, POR CORREO ANTICIPADO Y MILITARES Y REGISTRO PERSONAL

Distrito Escolar Libre de Farmingdale Union

Ciudades de Oyster Bay y BabiloniaCondados de Nassau y Suffolk, Nueva York TENGA EN CUENTA que el 7 de enero de 2025 (la "Fecha de las Elecciones") se llevará a cabo una Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, las ciudades de Oyster Bay y los condados de Babylon, Nassau y Suffolk, Nueva York, en el West Gymnasium de la Escuela

Secundaria Weldon E. Howitt, en Farmingdale, Nueva York, a las 6:00 a.m. y las urnas se mantendrán abiertas para votar por máquina de votación electrónica entre las 6:00 a.m. a.m. y 9:00 p.m. hora prevaleciente, con el propósito de votar sobre las siguientes proposiciones:

PROPUESTA DE BONO NO. 1: REEMPLAZOS DE TECHOS Y SISTEMAS ELÉCTRICOS

Adopte la siguiente resolución, a saber:

SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, por la presente se autoriza a reemplazar techos y mejorar los sistemas eléctricos y relacionados en varios edificios e instalaciones del Distrito Escolar, incluidos los muebles originales, equipos, maquinaria, accesorios, aparatos y mejoras incidentales y gastos relacionados con los mismos a un costo máximo estimado de $ 22,150,000, y que dicha cantidad, o la cantidad que sea necesaria, se recaudará mediante la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible de dicho Distrito Escolar y se recaudará en cuotas anuales según lo dispuesto en la Sección 416 de la Ley de Educación; y, en anticipación de dicho impuesto, se emitirán obligaciones de dicho Distrito Escolar.

PROPUESTA DE BONO NO. 2: MÚSICA Y EDUCACIÓN TÉCNICA

PROFESIONALMEJORAS EN LOS EDIFICIOS E INSTALACIONES DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

Suponiendo que se

Public Notices — Your right to know

apruebe la Proposición Nº 1, se adoptará la siguiente resolución, a saber: SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, Ciudades de Oyster Bay y los Condados de Babylon, Nassau y Suffolk, Nueva York, por la presente se autoriza a construir mejoras y adiciones y reconstruir la Escuela Secundaria Farmingdale, incluyendo mobiliario original, equipo, maquinaria, accesorios, aparatos y mejoras incidentales y gastos en relación con los mismos para la mejora de la educación técnica musical y profesional, a un costo máximo estimado de $55,850,000 y dicho monto, o tanto como puede ser necesario, se recaudará mediante la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible de dicho Distrito Escolar y se recaudará en cuotas anuales según lo dispuesto en la Sección 416 de la Ley de Educación, y en anticipación de dicho impuesto, se emitirán obligaciones de dicho Distrito Escolar.

DETERMINACIÓN DE SEQRA: Ambos proyectos de capital han sido determinados como una Acción No Listada de conformidad con las regulaciones del Departamento de Conservación Ambiental del Estado de Nueva York promulgadas de conformidad con la Ley de Revisión de la Calidad Ambiental del Estado ("SEQRA"), cuya implementación según lo propuesto, se ha determinado que no resultará en ningún impacto ambiental adverso significativo. Los materiales de cumplimiento de SEQRA están archivados en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, donde pueden ser inspeccionados durante el horario regular de oficina.

VOTANTES CALIFICADOS: Los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar tendrán derecho a votar en dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar. Un votante calificado es aquel que: (1) un ciudadano de los Estados Unidos de América, (2) dieciocho (18) años de edad o más, y (3) residente dentro del Distrito Escolar durante un período de treinta (30) días antes de la elección especial, y que no tenga prohibido votar (es decir, mentalmente incompetente o delincuente convicto). Los votantes calificados deben ser votantes registrados para

poder votar en dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito.

INSCRIPCIÓN PERSONAL ADICIONAL: Por la presente también se notifica que, de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación y el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes para dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar a partir de entonces cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro del Distrito Escolar o en las listas de registro personal permanente aplicables del Condado de Nassau o el Condado de Suffolk. Las personas calificadas para votar, que han sido registradas previamente para votar en el Distrito Escolar y votaron durante estos últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, no necesitan registrarse personalmente para esta elección especial. Las personas que se han registrado para votar en las elecciones municipales, del condado o nacionales de conformidad con la Sección 352 de la Ley Electoral no necesitan registrarse personalmente para esta elección especial. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. Cualquier persona de dieciocho años de edad o más, y que sea ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, y residente del Distrito Escolar durante los treinta (30) días inmediatamente anteriores al día para votar (y que no tenga prohibido votar) tiene derecho a registrarse y votar. El registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el 2 de enero de 2025, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la oficina del Secretario del Distrito está en funcionamiento, ubicada en la Escuela Secundaria Weldon E. Howitt, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicho Secretario de Distrito que tiene derecho a votar en esa elección o en lo sucesivo en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el registro. El registro así preparado de conformidad con §2014

de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, Escuela Intermedia Weldon E. Howitt, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York, y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del 3 de enero de 2025, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en días laborables, y cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 4 de enero de 2025 con cita previa, y en el lugar de votación el día de la votación.

Dicha inscripción no se llevará a cabo menos de cinco días antes de la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar.

De conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el jueves 2 de enero de 2025, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en la Escuela Secundaria Weldon E. Howitt, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la Reunión Especial del Distrito. en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho a votar en la Reunión y Elección de Distrito Especial para la cual se prepara dicho Registro, o cualquier reunión especial de distrito que se lleve a cabo a partir de entonces.

BOLETAS DE VOTO AUSENTE Y POR CORREO

ANTICIPADO: También se notifica que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo temprano se pueden solicitar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Cualquier solicitud de este tipo debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete días antes de la fecha de la mencionada Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante. Las boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado deben recibirse antes de las 5:00 p.m. del 7 de enero de 2025, la fecha de la elección, en

la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les hayan emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y de votante anticipado por correo estará disponible para inspección pública en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, 50 Van Cott Avenue, en Farmingdale, Nueva York, no menos de cinco días antes de la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito (excluyendo sábados y domingos) durante el horario regular de oficina que es entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. hasta la fecha de lo mencionado anteriormente Reunión y Elección Especial del Distrito Escolar. Además, dicha lista también se publicará de manera visible en el lugar de votación durante las horas de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar. Cualquier votante calificado puede, al examinar dicha lista, presentar una impugnación por escrito a las calificaciones de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en la lista de votantes ausentes o por correo anticipado y proporcionar las razones que por lo tanto conoce el Secretario del Distrito antes de la elección para su transmisión a los Inspectores de Elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas o directamente a los Inspectores de Elecciones el día de la votación antes del cierre de la votación. Encuestas. Cualquier impugnación por escrito de una boleta electoral anticipada por correo no se puede hacer sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto en ausencia.

VOTANTES MILITARES: Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito pueden solicitar una boleta militar solicitando una solicitud al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por fax al (516) 756-6893 o rfullam@farmingdaleschools.org o por correo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York 11735. Para que a un votante militar se le emita una boleta militar, el Secretario del Distrito debe haber recibido una solicitud de boleta válida a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 12 de diciembre de 2024, la fecha 26 días antes de la fecha de la elección. En una solicitud de una solicitud de

boleta militar o boleta, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud o boleta por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta militar a menos que se devuelva por correo o en persona y (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas en la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar y que muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recibo por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. en la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo de la misma, con una fecha que se determina que es a más tardar el día antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar.

CANCELACIÓN POR NIEVE U OTRA EMERGENCIA: En el caso de un clima u otra emergencia que requiera la cancelación de la reunión del 7 de enero de 2025, dicha Reunión Especial de Distrito se llevará a cabo el 14 de enero de 2025 a la hora y lugar antes mencionados. Fechado: Farmingdale, Nueva York, 9 de octubre de 2024. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE FARMINGDALE UNION, LAS CIUDADES DE OYSTER BAY Y BABYLON, CONDADOS DE NASSAU Y SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK.

/s/Rosemarie Fullam Secretario del Distrito Escolar 24679B. 11/20, 27, 12/ 4, 11

Notice of formation of BELTAGH REALTY, LLC.  Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/06/24. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process.  SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 1430 Horseshoe Drive Bellmore, NY 11710,USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 24-680. 11/20, 27, 12/4, 11, 18,25

STEPPING OUT

Don’t miss the beats, the energy and the vibe when Secret Agent 23

launches the museum’s Musical Explorers! Concert series.

Acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Andrés and Christina’s — known as 123 Andrés — catchy songs and lively concerts impart the joy of music, movement and language.

Memories with melodies at Long Island Children’s Museum

Reach for the rhythm in you with a colorful spectrum of musical performance

By Danielle Schwab

After everyone polishes off the turkey, families can embark on a musical adventure to usher in the holiday season, courtesy of Long Island Children’s Museum. The stage is set for a new concert series, “Musical Explorers!,” which kicks off this weekend, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Young audiences are introduced to an excitingly diverse music scene, featuring an array of global sounds, culture, and artistic legends from the world of jazz, hip hop, Latin music, and more. Families will surely get in the groove at the museum’s inaugural series of concerts, which represent the vibrant genres of jazz, hip-hop and Latin music. Performers add their unique touch, blending imaginative storytelling into musical masterpieces.

“Music speaks to human nature, the human soul. Every culture has music. Everybody celebrates it. Everybody taps to the rhythm. So that’s what we’re looking to provide,” James Packard, the museum’s theater program director says. “Musical Explorers offers our audiences the opportunity to dive deeper into the many ways that music speaks to us.”

In curating the concerts, he selected Grammy-winning artists and top talents in family music so that a diverse range of genres reflecting the power of music are represented.

“We encourage families to use these performances to introduce their children to the rhythms of hip-hop, the soul of jazz, and the vibrant beats of contemporary Latin music,” he says.

The series begins this weekend with Grammy-winning hip-hop funk sensation Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. This dynamic three-person rap ensemble offers their young audience a fun and engaging introduction to hip-hop. Known for their electrifying blend of hip-hop with sci-fi-inspired storytelling and feel-good tunes, the band combines the raw energy of funk with the surreal magic of animation-inspired performance. Imagine a band with Jim Henson playing guitar or Shel Silverstein writing the bass lines and you’ve got Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Prepare to get up and dance with larger-than-life stories through upbeat songs.

“We just came out with an album in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony. We took folk tales from around the world from various cultures and turned them into hip-hop songs to tell these stories,” Joel “Cactus” Sullivan, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s lead singer, says.

Sullivan and his bandmates journey back thousands of years, drawing from the rich traditions of Japan, West Africa and Persia to tell timeless life lessons.

And, it wouldn’t be hip-hop without some creative freestyle — with the help of members from the audience, of course.

“We get words from the crowd and then make up a song on the spot right there. There’s something magical about the improvisation that can happen with hip hop,” Sullivan adds.

Heading into New Year, everyone can jive to some outstanding jazz grooves with the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center Quintet, on Jan. 19 and 20. The top-flight musicians swing into the sound of America. Their performances explore the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, examining the great Louis Armstrong’s journey from New Orleans to Chicago and New York — all from the museum’s intimate stage.

“Lincoln Center is a new connection for us,” Packard notes. “It will be a more traditional concert style, but geared at school-age kids, with interactivity and conversation going on between the musicians and the audience.”

Another performance to keep an eye (and an ear) out for is husband-and-wife duo 123 Andrés. The pair — Latin Grammy winners for Best Children’s Music Album earlier this year —

Dark Star Orchestra

• Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1

• $11 with museum admission; available online at licm.org/ theater or in person at the museum box office

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

will arrive in June with their interactive bilingual performance that speak to the joy, energy and cultural richness of Latin America.

They’ll be sure to get everyone singing, clapping and dancing along to rhythms from across the Latin music spectrum.

“Music is a universal language the world over. It is a part of who we are spiritually. And so it goes on all the time, a thing that goes into your soul,” Packard adds.

The concert series reinforces the museum’s mission to bring musicians into kid-accessible spaces. It’s an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a world of rhythm, melody and cultural appreciation — all within the welcoming environment of the LICM Theater.

“Music is a form of social-emotional learning,” Packard continues. “You can let out happiness or sadness. Exposing children to different styles they might find, ‘Oh, I really like hip hop,’ or ‘I really like the Latin beat’, or ‘I really like the jazz,’ and that can have an impact where they go in life.”

The Grateful Dead have been resurrected in the form of Dark Star Orchestra. Formed in 1997, this tribute band came up with the novel idea of recreating complete sets from The Grateful Dead’s gigantic list of concerts. Over 3,100 shows later DSO continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience to acclaim. On any given night, the band performs based on a set list from the Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. In this way DSO offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within the Dead’s musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m. $99.50, $69.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Long Island Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

The holiday treat returns, Audiences will once again be transported by the Sugar Plum Fairy to The Land of Sweets in this familyfriendly classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. LIBT’s production opens “Nutcracker” season here, sparkling with a talented cast of adult professionals and aspiring young student dancers. This version is both narrated and abridged, to introduce youngster to the story of Clara, her magical nutcracker and her enchanting winter adventure..

Saturday, Nov. 30, noon and 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m. $37.50. Purchase tickets at liballettheatre. com or by phone at (631) 2714626. For more information, visit landmarkonmainstreet.org. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.

Courtesy LICM

Skidoo

Courtesy Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Jazz at Lincoln Center quintet introduces young audiences to a cherished musical tradition.

Courtesy David Rugeles

THE Your Neighborhood

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, visits the Paramount stage, Monday, dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. He showcases his musical journey and family legacy, celebrating his father’s legendary career, with a concert featuring hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, and highlighting Jason’s own notable contributions to rock history. Encompassing hits from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” “Led Zeppelin IV,” and “Physical Graffiti,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to Jason’s father, with “…a band that recreates Led Zeppelin’s music to such a degree that one can’t help but close their eyes and simply listen…” [-Classic Rock Revisited]. Jason displayed musical talent from a young age. By age five, he could skillfully play drums, and at 17, he joined the band Air Race. Over the years, he contributed to various musical projects, including a Led Zeppelin reunion in 1988, touring with Jimmy Page, and forming his band “Bonham.” He collaborated with notable artists, recorded successful albums, and participated in a Muddy Waters tribute that earned a Grammy nomination. Throughout the years, Jason collaborated with different artists, recorded with Foreigner, and participated in the highly anticipated Led Zeppelin reunion in 2007 at London’s O2 arena. His musical journey showcases a blend of family legacy, collaborations with rock legends and a commitment to preserving and celebrating iconic rock history. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo for a myriad of the most legendary artists of all-time. It’s the place where he initially realized his destiny as a kid. It’s a triedand-true safe harbor for the expression of his purest emotions. Ultimately, Jason remains forever at home on the drums. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Movie time

Enjoy a movie on Massapequa Public Library’s big screen. See “It Ends with Us,” Thursday, dec. 5, 1- 3 p.m. Starring Blake Lively. It tells the story of a woman’s first love reentering her life when she is in the midst of an abusive relationship with someone else and she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for her future. Registration required. To register, visit massapequalibrary.org or call (516) 799-0770. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

Tree and Menorah Lighting

The Village of Massapequa Park hosts their annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 30, beginning at 5 p.m. There will be special performances by the Massapequa High School Cheerleaders and Kickline team, along with a special guest from the North Pole! Along Front Street and Park Boulevard. Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 1. For more information call the village at (516) 798-0244.

Ornament Wire Jewelry Class

The Massapequa Public Library hosts an Ornament Wire Jewelry Class, Wednesday, dec. 4, 3-5 p.m. Join Donna Irvine as she shows participants how to make a beautiful wire jewelry ornament. To register and for more information call (516) 7984607 ext. 6304. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

Make Football Cake Pops

Them’s the Breaks Chocolate comes to Farmingdale Public Library to teach participants how to make football cake pops, Friday, Nov. 29, 10-11 a.m.This program is for UFSD #22 residents only and is for all ages. You must use your child’s library card to register for this event. Registration is required, in person or by calling (516) 249-9090. 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.

Christmas Tree

and

Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosts a Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, dec. 7, in Klestinec Park. Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 8. Enjoy festive music, local entertainment, hot chocolate and a guest appearance by Santa Claus. Everyone is invited. Broadway in Massapequa.

Center Panels

SAME TRUSTED LOCAL NEWSPAPER

FRESH NEW LOOK

The Massapequa Post has joined the Long Island Herald family and is now the

• Things to do and places to go

• The best in local shopping and dining

• Coverage of local government

• News about your PTAs, houses of worship, clubs, fraternal organizations & more.

Middle Back Panel

Full of Good Cheer

Wine Totes

Customize a wine tote using a heat press machine in this hands-on program, Monday, Dec. 2, at Farmingdale Public Library, 10-11 a.m. All materials are provided. Register by stopping by the library or calling (516) 249-9090 ext. 204 or 206. Preference is given to UFSD #22 residents. 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.

Model Train Show

The TMB Model Train Show opens Saturday, Nov. 30. It features its ever-exciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings, Saturdays, Nov. 30, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., on Dec. 1, 15 and Jan. 5, 19 and Feb. 9, at the Upper Room Church.

With new scenic areas to discover as well as familiar sights and a wide variety of trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains, all set in 6,500 square feet of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. So, mark your calendars now. 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. For more information go to tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Tree Decoration event at Fire Island

Lighthouse

Kick off the holiday season by helping the Fire Island Lighthouse decorate their holiday tree, Saturday, Nov. 30,10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring a handmade ornament relating to the sea, nature or the Lighthouse to hang on the tree. Free hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, call the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society at (631) 583-5327. 4640 Captree Island, Fire Island.

Thanksgiving Weekend Evening Tower Tour

Experience the Fire Island Lighthouse at night while working off some of those holiday calories, Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at sunset. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. $25, $20 FILPS members. Reservations required. For more information, call the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society at (631) 583-5327. 4640 Captree Island, Fire Island.

Having an event?

Woman’s Club

Holiday Open House

Take part in the Holiday Open House tour in Amityville, Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a holiday tradition that has been a part of the village for more than 56 years. All proceeds from the tour go towards ascholarship award program and various local and charitable organizations.

This year’s event features the homes of the Thompson family, at 200 Bayview Ave; Joe Volkens and Aaron Eury, at 142 Bayview Ave.; the EscobedoAnsanelli family, at 65 Franklin St.; and the Cecere family, at 116 S. Ketcham Ave. For more information, call Allie McGlone at (631) 357-9762.

In concert

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Distinguished Artists Libraries Concert Series presents Nina Et Cetera, a blend of music from the past with a modern twist, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., at Bethpage Public Library. For more information, call (516) 931-3907. 47 Powell Ave., Bethpage.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span 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.

Annual Holiday Concert

Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra’s presents their annual holiday concert at Berner Auditorium, Sunday, Dec. 8, 3-5:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with Broadway vocalist Sarah Ellis. Additionally, this season, MPO partners with the Long Island Composers’ Alliance, and every concert will feature an original work. Tickets will be required to attend all concerts. Admission is $20. For seniors 65 and over and students, a donation of $20 is suggested. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information or tickets, go to. https://rb.gy/h7jb97. 50 Carman Mill Road, Massapequa.

Holiday on Ice

The Town of Oyster Bay presents “Holiday on Ice,” Saturday, Dec. 21, 4:30 p.m. at the Town of Oyster Bay’s rink, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage. For more information call (516) 797-4121.

Farmingdale schools set vote on bonds to fix facilities, roofs

Defendini also expressed excitement about the project. “We are excited to take this step into the future and provide our students with the best opportunities to reach their full potential. Just as we have made great strides in our physical education and sports programming with the creation of our sports complex, we are looking to move our CTE and Fine and Performing Arts programming to a higher level, offering greater opportunities for our students to follow their passions and career inter-

To help residents make an informed

decision, the district has scheduled a series of presentations and workshops. and has also created a dedicated bond referendum section on its website, where residents can submit questions and find information about upcoming meetings. A newsletter will also be mailed to the community.

The referendum vote will take place at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School West gymnasium from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on January 7, 2025.

For more information, visit the district’s website at www.farmingdaleschools. org.

Both Cardinale and O’Pharrow

hold out hope in 11th AD race

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD AND CAROLYN JAMES cbabirad@lliherald.com and cjames@

The race for New York State’s Assembly District 11 seat remained undecided as of last week, with Democrat Kwani O’Pharrow and Republican Joseph Cardinale awaiting the final count.

In Nassau County, O’Pharrow earned 53.77% of the vote, or 1,877 votes, compared to Cardinale’s 36.5%, or 1,269 votes. In Suffolk County, O’Pharrow garnered 46.23%, or 23,855 votes, while Cardinale secured 41.36%, or 21,345 votes. Districtwide, O’Pharrow led with 46.7% of the vote, or 25,732 votes, against Cardinale’s 41.05%, or 22,614 votes.

Despite O’Pharrow’s slight margin of victory, the race is too close to call between both candidates, who are retired police officers.

There are approximately 400 affidavit ballots yet to be counted. These ballots are filled out by voters whose names did not appear in the system as registered but are included in the final tally once their registration is confirmed.

The results are expected to be announced mid-week.

Suffolk County Democratic Chairman Richard Schaffer, who is also Babylon Town Supervisor.

Assembly District 11 covers parts of Suffolk and Nassau counties, including Lindenhurst, Amityville, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, and East Massapequa.

The seat is currently held by Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, who has served since 2015 and chose not to seek reelection.

Cardinale acknowledged that the 11th District is a challenging one for Republicans but expressed pride in offering voters a clear choice. He cited his conservative platform, particularly on bail reform and funding for migrants, as distinct from O’Pharrow’s positions.

“I ran the strongest race possible,” Cardinale said. “I’m getting phone calls every single day from people I met on the campaign trail, and I truly appreciate it.”

Although he has not ruled out running again if the final tally shows a loss, Cardinale said he would continue to advocate for the police, veterans, and the people.

“We are confident that we will be victorious and are thrilled because it is important to have a representative in the Assembly with a moderate voice in the Democratic caucus who can deliver money and important services to our town that might not otherwise be available to us in the minority party,” said

O’Pharrow, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the results would show him as the clear winner.

“We’re in the lead right now, and I don’t foresee this going to court, though we have an attorney on standby,” he said. “I feel good about the race. I’m excited and ready to get to work for the people.”

to bring a smile to a child this holiday season. Santa Claus will also be there and will be accepting children’s letters. John Burns Park is located at 4990 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. For

NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

ABSENTEE, EARLY MAIL-IN AND MILITARY BALLOTS AND PERSONAL REGISTRATION

Farmingdale Union Free School District

Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special School District Meeting of the Farmingdale Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, will be held on January 7, 2025 (the “Election Date”) in the West Gymnasium at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, in Farmingdale, New York, at 6:00 o’clock A.M. and the polls shall be kept open for voting by electronic voting machine between the hours of 6:00 o’clock A.M. and 9:00 o’clock P.M. Prevailing Time, for the purpose of voting upon the following propositions:

BOND PROPOSITION NO. 1: ROOF REPLACEMENTS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Farmingdale Union Free School District, is hereby authorized to replace roofs and upgrade electrical and related systems at various School District buildings and facilities, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, appurtenances, apparatus, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith at a maximum estimated cost of $22,150,000, and that said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District shall be issued.

BOND PROPOSITION

NO. 2: MUSIC AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Assuming Proposition No. 1 is approved, shall the following resolution be ad-

Public Notices — Your right to know

opted, to wit: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Farmingdale Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, is hereby authorized to construct improvements and additions to and reconstruct Farmingdale High School, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, appurtenances, apparatus, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith for music and career technical education improvement, at a maximum estimated cost of $55,850,000 and said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law, and in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District shall be issued.

SEQRA DETERMINATION: Both capital projects have been determined to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), the implementation of which as proposed, it has been determined will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact. SEQRA compliance materials are on file in the office of the District Clerk where they may be inspected during regular office hours.

QUALIFIED VOTERS: The qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote at said Special School District Meeting. A qualified voter is one who is: (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen (18) years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the special election, and not otherwise prohibited from voting (i.e., mentally incompetent or convicted felon). Qualified voters must be registered voters in order to vote at said Special District Meeting.

ADDITIONAL PER -

SONAL REGISTRATION:

Notice is hereby also given that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and Article 5 of the Election

Law, personal registration of voters is required for said Special School District Meeting and no person shall be entitled to vote thereafter whose name does not appear upon the register of the School District or on the applicable permanent personal registration lists of the County of Nassau or County of Suffolk. Persons otherwise qualified to vote, who have been previously registered for School District voting and voted during these last four (4) calendar years, need not personally register for this special election. Persons who have registered to vote in town, county, or national elections pursuant to Section 352 of the Election Law need not personally register for this special election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Any person eighteen years of age or over, and a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the School District for thirty (30) days next preceding the day for voting (and not otherwise prohibited from voting) is entitled to register and vote.

Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through January 2, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., prevailing time, on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation, located in the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on January 3, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, January 4, 2025

by appointment, and at the polling place on the day of the vote.

Such registration shall not take place less than five days preceding the date of the Special School District Meeting.

Pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Thursday, January 2, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M., prevailing time, at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Special District Meeting, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the Special District Meeting and Election for which said Register is prepared, or any special district meeting held thereafter.

ABSENTEE AND EARLY MAIL BALLOTS: Notice is also hereby given that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the office of the School District Clerk. Any such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the date of the aforesaid Special School District Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before such Special School District Meeting, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by 5:00 P.M. on January 7, 2025, the date of election, in the office of the School District Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued shall be available for public inspection in the office of the School District Clerk, 50 Van Cott Avenue, in Farmingdale, New York not less than five days prior to the date of the Special District Meeting (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) during regular office hours that are between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. until the date of the aforesaid Special School District Meeting and Election. In addition, such list shall also be posted con -

spicuously at the place of voting during the hours of such Special School District Meeting. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge to the qualifications of any person whose name appears on the list of absentee or early mail voters and provide reasons therefore known to the District Clerk prior to the election for transmittal to the Inspectors of Election before the close of the polls or directly to the Inspectors of Election on the day of the vote before the close of the polls. Any such written challenge to an early mail-in ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

MILITARY VOTERS:

Military voters who are qualified voters of the District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk in person, by fax at (516) 756-6893 or rfullam@ farmingdaleschools.org or by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, Farmingdale Union Free School District, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application not later than 5:00 P.M. on December 12, 2024, the date 26 days prior to the date of the election. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on the date of the Special School District Meeting and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on the date of the Special School District Meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the Special School District

Meeting. SNOW OR OTHER EMERGENCY CANCELLATION: In the event of a weather or other emergency which necessitates cancellation of the January 7, 2025 meeting, said Special District Meeting shall be held on January 14, 2025 at the aforementioned time and place.

Dated: Farmingdale, New York, October 9, 2024. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE FARMINGDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWNS OF OYSTER BAY AND BABYLON, NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTIES, NEW YORK. /s/ Rosemarie Fullam School District Clerk 24-679A 11/20, 27, 12/4, 11

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: FRONTLINE PERFORMANCE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. 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: KHEMCHAN SEWNARINE 712 LINCOLN STREET BALDWIN NY 11510

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 24-674. 10/30, 11/6, 13, 20, 27, 12/4

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Matthew A. Knee, Consultants, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY} on 10/25/2024. 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: 2840 Rosebud Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 24-678. 11/13, 20, 27, 12/4, 11, 18

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592

- TELEPHONE: (516) 6246232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –

KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA

–ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI

*************************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on DECEMBER 5, 2024, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

HEARING NO. 1

APPEAL NO. 24-234

MASSAPEQUA PARK

ANTHONY CIERVO:

(A) Variance to allow existing wood deck with 6 ft. high privacy screen having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

(B) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high privacy screen on top of existing wood deck exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing one story addition having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

(D) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 95-396 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated November 30, 1995.

NW/ cor. of Prade Ln. & Surrey Ln., a/k/a 17 Prade Lane, Massapequa Park, NY

HEARING NO. 2

APPEAL NO. 24-409

MASSAPEQUA

PIETRO MASTRAN -

DREA: (A) Variance to construct roofed over entry exceeding maximum build-

Public Notices —

ing coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 23-346 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated August 3, 2023.

SE/ cor. of Division Ave. & Bayview Pl. W., a/k/a 41 Division Avenue, Massapequa, NY

HEARING NO. 3

APPEAL NO. 24-363

FARMINGDALE

SANDRA MCGLONE:

(A) Variance to allow existing cellar entrance having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Eagle Ln., 365 ft. E/o Diana Dr., a/k/a 9 Eagle Lane, Farmingdale, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-755

MASSAPEQUA

DAVID SHERENSTEIN:

Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 6 when 23 parking spaces are required.

SE/ cor. of Broadway & Jerusalem Ave., a/k/a 710-716 Broadway, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 1280 - AMENDMENT FARMINGDALE

WENDY NEUS: (A) Amend Decision of Zoning Board of Appeals, dated March 1, 2012, in order to Amend the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants to indicate a change in ownership/occupancy while still maintaining a Parent/Child relationship. (B) Extend the Special Use Permit to maintain an existing second kitchen in a one-family dwelling for use as a Parent/ Child residence.

S/s/o Lockwood Ave., 209 ft. E/o Hart St., a/k/a 134 Lockwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 12/05/24 PAGE 2

NOVEMBER 25, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 24-683. 11/27

Notice of formation of ENGLIFI LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/06/2024 Office location, County of Nassau.

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

Englifi LLC, 3683 Carrel Blvd., Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: any lawful act. 24-673. 10/23, 30, 11/6, 13, 20, 27

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-24-143427 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 98 Jackson Ave, Syosset, NY 11791, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Tommy Tacos Syosset LLC. 24-681. 11/27, 12/4

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: 0340-24-143413 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 152 Union Ave, Lynbrook, NY 11563, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Selita's Cafe Inc. 24-682 11/27, 12/4

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Nationstar Mortgage LLC

dba Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff AGAINST Peter Falci, Kim Falci, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 5, 2019, 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 December 9, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 287 North Delaware Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Massapequa, in

Your right to know

the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 52, Block: 527, Lot: 245. Approximate amount of judgment $800,575.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009037/2013. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https:// ww2.nycourts.gov/Admin/ oca.shtml) 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". Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third party check or cash will be accepted. Lisa Goodwin, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-046203-F00 82875 24-668 11/6, 13, 20, 27

LEGAL NOTICE REVISED

NOTICE OF ELECTION

MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Annual Election of the Massapequa Fire District will take place on December 10, 2024, between the hours of 2:00 PM until 9:00PM at the following location within said fire district;

Massapequa Park Firehouse, north side of Front Street between First and Second Avenues, Massapequa Park, New York. in Massapequa, New York.

PLEASE TAKE

FURTHER NOTICE, that said Annual Election of the Massapequa Fire District will be conducted for the purpose of electing one (1) fire commissioner for a five (5) year term commencing on January 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2029, All duly registered residents of the Massapequa Fire District shall be eligible to vote, but residents must be registered to vote by November 18, 2024 with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

PLEASE FURTHER TAKE NOTICE, that Candidates for District Office shall file their names with the Secretary of the Massapequa Fire District at the Massapequa Fire District Office Building located at One Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York, no later than twenty (20) days before the date of the election. Said filing shall be submitted in the form of a petition subscribed by twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the Fire District to the Fire District Secretary. Petition forms shall be made available by the Fire District Secretary.

Dated: November 11, 2024 By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners

Massapequa, NY Massapequa Fire District, Town of Oyster Bay Nassau County Joanne Riggio, Secretary 24-684. 11/27

How to keep guests entertained this holiday season

Gatherings with loved ones are a big part of what makes the holiday season such a special time of year. As families grow and spread out across the map, they may not get too many chances to spend quality time with one another. But the holiday season is a time each year when families make a concerted effort to get together.

As families get together under the same roof during the holiday season, individuals tasked with hosting gatherings tend to have a lot on their plates. Memories tend to be made around the holiday dinner table, but the season also presents ample opportunities to create nights to remember outside the house as well. Hosts can keep the following ideas in mind as they look for ways to entertain guests this holiday season.

• Take a turn as a tour guide. Locals may not make the rounds of nearby tourist destinations too frequently, but the holiday season is a great opportunity for hosts to show guests what makes their towns so unique. Serve as a tour guide for guests on a sightseeing day with visits to local monuments or museums. Wrap the day up at a holiday bazaar where local small business owners have set up shop. This affords guests a chance to tour a new community or a hometown they haven’t visited in awhile, and also makes for a great chance for all to squeeze in a little last-minute holiday shopping.

• Plan an ugly sweater bar crawl. If hosts and their guests are all of age, an ugly sweater bar crawl can make for a fun night out on

the town. Encourage guests to wear an ugly holiday sweater and map out a route and schedule of visits to local bars and restaurants. Hosts must prioritize safety on these types of excursions, so arrange for a bus to take guests from one spot to the next if establishments are far away from one another. If Main Street has a local bar district, arrange for transportation downtown at the start of the crawl and home when the night ends.

• Take in some local entertainment. Whether it’s a holiday lighting display show or a local theater performance of a classic holiday tale like Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” a night of local live entertainment is a great way for hosts and their guests to get out of the house. Hosts can even book a reservation for a pre-show meal at a local restaurant so they can be free of cooking and give guests their undivided attention.

• Host a holiday movie night. Weary travelers who want to stay in may appreciate a holiday movie double feature. Hosts can let guests pick a pair of holiday films and then host a double feature, complete with traditional movie fare like popcorn and candy. Hosts can even offer adult guests a glass of homemade eggnog during the films to up the holiday ante even further. Holiday hosts can embrace various ways to entertain guests during a time of year when there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend a night.

Help Wanted

Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers PT/FT

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

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

Amityville UFSD Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers Elementary & Secondary Level

Qualifications: NYS Certification Salary: $150 per day Application: Interested candidates please apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

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

HBCI

er@hamaspikkings.org 516-875-8400 x144

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.

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

Luxury Beach Living

Welcome to your dream beach retreat! This stunning, fully renovated FEMAcompliant beach home is perched on a wide, desirable block, close to shopping and vibrant restaurants. Enjoy views of both the ocean and bay from the comfort of your elevated contemporary residence. This bright and airy home features an open floor plan with soaring cathedral ceilings and skylights that bathe the space

‘It

doesn’t look serious to us’

Q. We are buying a house and got an engineer’s report that said there are several problems, including the worst, a crack in the foundation wall. It is parallel to the floor of the basement, but there’s no crack on the outside, either because the outside wall was painted or because the crack is below ground. The engineer made it sound very serious, but it doesn’t look serious to us, just concerning. Do we get another engineer or architect — is there a difference? What should we do to decide if the house is worth the hassle? We really want the house, and made a commitment, since there are several offers and ours is the highest — above the asking price.

A. I have dealt with this problem more lately than at any other time in my career, because it’s being used a lot as a bargaining tool, since house prices are in the stratosphere. In most cases, the wording from the home inspector makes it sound extremely dire.

I make two observations when reading these reports or hearing about the problem: 1) The report wording or buyer’s explanation is often not specific, but recommends a structural engineer, not an architect, and 2) the problem, when I review it, is most often not as serious as it is made out to be. By that I mean that except for about one out of every thousand cases, the wall is not imminently going to fail, and the person who wrote the report is not a licensed engineer or architect. They generally lack the structural training and testing, and therefore the credentials, to represent themselves as qualified to make specific recommendations, only to bring the condition to your attention, although you may already have noticed it.

As for whether you choose an architect or engineer, they both have training and credentials in this area of expertise. The engineer, if he or she is specifically a “structural” engineer, is more qualified for much more specialized and sophisticated structural design, but an architect must have formal structural training and testing in order to be licensed and registered. You can verify the licensure by searching the office of professions at op. nysed.gov and inserting their name and the field of practice. I often do this for clients, and have discovered that many home inspectors aren’t “engineers,” but do have home inspection credentials.

Again, in most cases, whether in or out of a flood zone, I have seen this condition, and the repair is often, but not always, to remove broken or exposed areas around the cracking and to inject structural repair epoxy specifically formulated for masonry or concrete repair. You most definitely should get qualified licensed professionals to look at the wall, since anyone else could not legally call themselves licensed to take responsibility for carrying out the work or its lasting result, and could be held liable for costs if a failure occurs, and you certainly want to avoid failure. Good luck!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry

Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464 FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

DOLLS, DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES. Under $99.00. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message

END TABLES (2): Mahogany, Good Condition, $40. 516-450-1654 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

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Exterminating

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. Family Plumbing. 516-599-1011.

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Tree Services

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

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

Legal Services

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

Telecommunications

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

One thing’s certain: No one misses the

Attack ads. They’ve become a big force in Long Island election campaigns. A little over a week before Election Day, I traveled to Maryland for a family event, turned on the TV in the motel room — and there they were, hundreds of miles from here: political attack ads, one after another.

The names of the candidates, other than those running for president and vice president, of course, were unknown to me.

But the commercials were thoroughly familiar. Attack ads have clearly become a staple of politics in the United States. For my master’s thesis in the Media Studies Program at The New School of Social Research in New York, I wrote about how political commercials began. I recounted how Madison Avenue advertising man Rosser Reeves persuaded Dwight Eisenhower to use TV commercials when he ran for the presidency in 1952.

Four years earlier, Reeves had tried to interest the previous Republican nominee, Thomas Dewey, to use commercials. But Dewey, a former New York governor,

Bdidn’t go for the idea, believing it would reduce him to a political version of a toothpaste ad.

But Reeves had an early understanding of how television best communicates feeling and emotion, not information. TV, as was related in The New School media program, is a “non-cognitive medium.” A dictionary definition of cognitive is “involving conscious intellectual activity such as thinking, reasoning.” Noncognitive involves feeling.

T his muchmaligned tradition dates back to 1964, and the footage of an explosion.

Reeves’s ads in 1952 showed Eisenhower grinning — stressing the likability of the former five-star general. A slogan was fashioned: “I Like Ike.” I recall seeing the campaign buttons as a kid. And there was even a song written for the theme — lyrics and music by Irving Berlin, no less — titled “I Like Ike.”

The Democratic candidate, the more intellectual Adlai Stevenson, tried to counter the “I Like Ike” spots with a series of half-hour TV presentations, giving lectures on issues of the day. That didn’t work on TV.

Several years later, an attack component was added to the commercials. The first attack ad was created for Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. In

it, a little girl plucked petals from a daisy, counted to nine, and then a man’s voice counted down from 10 to zero — and suddenly the TV screen filled with the superscary footage of an exploding nuclear bomb, and Johnson intoned: “The stakes are too high … We must either love each other, or we must die.” The inference was that we would face a nuclear conflagration if we elected the Republican candidate, Barry Goldwater. That’s the essence of an attack ad. It goes to the negative, often with scowling and otherwise ugly photos and videos and words of a political opponent, demonizing him or her. And that was what I was seeing in that motel in Maryland: the demonization of candidates. They were just like what we see on Long Island, or anywhere in the U.S., these days. They’re now the standard of political campaigns.

Now, I know there are plenty of rascals, and worse, in politics who very much deserve to be criticized. But the now ubiquitous TV attack ads are far more than that. They have become the main basis for how candidates are sold, while their opponents are the objects of character assassination.

Dr. Heather LaMarre, a professor of

Dear readers, we can’t keep

efore the presidential election, the Herald published an editorial explaining why the familyowned newspapers would not be endorsing political candidates.

RANDI KREISS

If I had read the piece in a vacuum, I would agree with it entirely. It states, in part, “Our focus is not on swaying voters toward a particular candidate, but on delivering comprehensive and unbiased information about the issues that matter most to Long Islanders. We are not here to tell our readers how to vote for political candidates; rather, we are here to arm readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

Sounds perfect. But we are living through an unprecedented and exceedingly imperfect time in our nation’s history. This year, not endorsing meant keeping silent when silence may have implied that both presidential candidates met minimal standards for serving in the nation’s highest office.

By any standard, that is not true of President-elect Donald Trump.

Media across our country have somehow made it seem as if a convicted felon with a rich history of lying and a refusal to take on the serious issues of governance is a reasonable choice. But in our president-elect, we have an aspiring autocrat, a morally bankrupt man with a vengeful heart.

DHe has already begun fulfilling his promise to dismantle the government by selecting big donors, MAGA loyalists and inexperienced toadies for his new cabinet. None of this is a surprise. He said he would do it, and he is. Whether they get confirmed is dependent on the ever-weakening backbone of Republican senators, who live and die, politically, at the whim of the man they follow.

attack ads

media and communications at Temple University, explained this year, in an article on “The Conversation,” that “studies have shown that people pay closer attention to negative information than to positive information. And infamous ad effects such as Johnson’s easy win after airing the daisy ad contribute to the commonly held belief that negative ads still win elections.” LaMarre added, citing a Pew Research Center study: “These days, most political ads are negative.”

And, she said, because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in the Citizens United case, “the influx of corporate and outside money completely changed the campaign finance landscape. … Significant portions of this spending come from political action committees that are not bound by traditional campaign contribution limits.”

A most dubious major element in democracy today, slick and effective character assassination in TV ads, makes the political mudslinging in days of yore seem primitive.

Karl Grossman, who began his career in journalism at the Babylon Town Leader in 1962, is now a professor of journalism at SUNY Old Westbury. He is the author of seven books, and for 33 years he has hosted “Enviro Close-Up with Karl Grossman,” broadcast on nearly 200 cable TV systems in 40 states (www.envirovideo.com).

it in neutral

astrophic shift toward an authoritarian government.

onald Trump did not meet the presidency’s minimal standards.

I understand the dilemmas. Do endorsements really affect voters’ choices? Historians, psychologists and journalists bat the question around, with no clear answer. Do endorsements alienate too many readers? In the world of newspapers, these issues loom much larger on the local level than with big newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, which also declined to endorse this year.

alds had a voice, and used it as a means of informing readers.

The editorial in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, explaining why the Heralds were not offering endorsements, stated that “the one place where you might see opinions about local and national political candidates … is in columns in our editorial pages, like those written by Randi Kreiss and Peter King. These essays are distinguished from Herald news content by featuring photos of the authors, making it clear that they reflect the writers’ perspectives and not the views of the Herald.”

We are in the beginning days of DJT’s revenge tour, fulfilling his promise to punish those who opposed him, challenged him and tried to bring him to justice. He wants people at the table whose loyalty is to him. Their expertise and leadership qualities seem incidental to the main qualification: unquestioning obeisance to the leader.

So the idea of not endorsing candidates, this extraordinary year in particular, does not sit well. The fallout from the coming Trump presidency could be a cat-

Local papers live in the community. They have responsibilities to their readers, to the truth and to the realities of just staying in business. With local newspapers closing every week across the country, conflicting interests must be reconciled, very carefully.

I started at the Nassau Herald more than 30 years ago, and for many years it did endorse candidates, from local officials to the presidency. Leatrice Spanierman, my mentor and colleague and the Heralds’ longtime executive editor, interviewed candidates every fall and wrote endorsements. The candidates, including member of the U.S. House and Senate, came to her office; they knew the value of local newspapers’ endorsement. The Her-

I understand the need to create distance. I like the distance, too. I don’t speak for the Heralds. No one high on the masthead has ever tried to influence what I write or don’t write. The paper stays above the fray by giving King and me platforms for different points of view.

I would be fine with any newspaper’s no-endorsement policy if this election had been like any other in America’s long history. But it was not. Nothing about this race was normal. The times demanded speaking up for democracy. For the immediate future and for as long as it can, the press must use its voice to call out the bad guys and amplify justice.

This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my views. Our free press never seemed so precious.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

KARL GRoSSMAN

Massapequa

pOsT

Ira L. Cahn - Founder

Established 1951 Incorporating

CaroLyn

Fax: (516) 569-4942

HERALD

A season for giving back on Long Island

With the holiday season upon us, our minds turn to traditions — Thanksgiving meals filled with comfort and gratitude, and other gatherings of family and friends over the coming weeks.

These moments of celebration are precious, but they also give us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to give back. Thanksgiving, rooted in the idea of gratitude, serves as a poignant reminder of our privilege and the responsibility to extend a hand to others. Here on Long Island, where vibrant communities thrive amid significant challenges, there is no shortage of causes deserving our time, attention and generosity.

Friendsgiving, a relatively recent tradition, embodies the spirit of connection by bringing friends together to share a meal and express their appreciation for one another. It can also be an occasion to unite for a greater purpose. By turning these gatherings into opportunities to collect donations or volunteer, we can channel collective energy into tangible support for those in need. Whether it’s hosting a food drive or organizing a group to serve at a local soup kitchen, Friendsgiving can be a powerful reminder of the broader community we’re all a part of.

On Long Island, the contrast between abundance and need is striking. While many of us prepare for feasts, thousands struggle to put food on the table. Nearly 284,000 people will suffer from hunger on Long Island at some point this year, according to Community Solidarity, a nonprofit that provides groceries, fresh produce and warm vegan meals to lowincome communities.

Organizations like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares work tirelessly to combat food insecurity in our neighborhoods. A donation of non-perishable items, a financial contribution, or volunteering for a few hours can make a profound difference to families facing hun-

letters

Where is this ship of state sailing?

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “Trump makes the comeback of all comebacks”: It’s fair for Mr. King to celebrate Donald Trump’s “comeback,” and to take his share of reflected glory for strongly supporting him. But, weeks into the transition, is there no trepidation over what is being wrought?

Mr. King long served honorably

Organizations that welcome your help

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island: BBBsli.org

Citizens Campaign for the Environment: CitizensCampaign.org

Community Solidarity: CommunitySolidarity.org

Family & Children’s Association: FCAli.org

Interfaith Nutrition Network: The-Inn.org

Island Harvest: Island Harvest.org

Long Island Cares: LICares.org

Save the Great South Bay: SaveTheGreatsouthbay.org

ger this season.

Beyond food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to adequate food — there are numerous other causes that need our support. The holiday season can be especially difficult for those without homes. Groups like the Interfaith Nutrition Network, in Hempstead, provide shelter, meals and supportive services to help the unhoused regain some sense of stability. Contributing to these efforts — whether through monetary donations, clothing drives, or simply offering your time — can help others who are less fortunate experience the warmth of the season.

At this time of year, we also highlight the importance of supporting our local youth. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and the Family & Children’s Association offer mentorships and resources to empower young people. By donating to these programs or

in a Congress that will now be directed to self-emasculate. There are threats of courts-martial, military-assisted deportations, even gender tests for House members. Furors will multiply over staff, from cabinet positions on down. Promises are made of $2 trillion in budget cuts. Mr. King’s experience-based thoughts might be useful.

We sail soon into heavy seas aboard the USS “Caine Mutiny,” with Captain Queeg in command.

BRIAN

KELLY Rockville Centre

becoming a mentor yourself, you can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

And let’s not forget our environment, which sustains us all. As we celebrate the bounty of the land, consider supporting groups like Citizens Campaign for the Environment or Save the Great South Bay. Their work to protect Long Island’s natural beauty ensures that future generations can enjoy the landscapes and waterways we too often take for granted.

Of course, there’s also local news, which continues to face economic headwinds. Organizations like the Empire State Local News Coalition help sustain New York’s local news organizations — like the Herald — so reporters can tell the important stories about your friends and families, and shine a light on all of the issues mentioned here.

The beauty of giving back is that it doesn’t always have to be monetary — your time and skills can be just as valuable. Many local nonprofits, shelters and community centers are in dire need of extra hands during the holidays. A few hours spent wrapping gifts for underprivileged children, serving meals to veterans, or taking part in a community cleanup can ripple outward in meaningful ways.

Finally, don’t forget Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, the annual nationwide day of charitable giving. For more information on this growing grass-roots effort, go to givingtuesday.org.

As we gather around dinner tables this season, let’s remember that gratitude is most powerful when it inspires action. Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving remind us of our interconnectedness — our shared humanity and the strength of our communities. Together we can ensure that everyone, in every corner of Long Island, feels the gratitude of the holidays. Each of us has the power to make the season brighter for others. This year, let’s not just celebrate; let’s give.

opinions

Why do we still doubt a woman’s ability to lead?

acouple of weeks ago, I was sitting in the waiting room of a car repair shop with my dad, minding my own business, as one does while waiting to pick up a car that’s being worked on. There were a few other customers there, most of them quiet and keeping to themselves, but one man, sitting to my right, was running his mouth about politics.

obviously happy that Donald Trump had won the presidential election, the man said something along the lines of, “It’s a good thing kamala harris didn’t win, because no one would ever respect her” — due simply to the fact that she’s a woman.

If I’d been in the mood for an argument, I probably would’ve said something like, “I sure hope you don’t have any daughters or a wife at home who’d love to hear you say that.” But alas, I didn’t want to get into a conflict with a stranger, so I kept my mouth shut, and

on the way out the door a few minutes later, my dad and I laughed to ourselves about how ridiculous the guy sounded.

Like everyone else, I had my thoughts going into this election cycle, and truthfully, it doesn’t matter whom I voted for, because it’s a done deal at this point.

Sure, there are men, like the one we encountered, who have their misogynistic beliefs that women are unfit for office. But I’ve found that it’s not just men who are dismissing the ability of a likely qualified and certainly accomplished woman to run a country.

ier, many aunts and lots of cousins, who are successful and honest and righteous people.

It’s a shame, I think, that somewhere along the way, the man at the shop and the women who are reinforcing such a negative, internal bias didn’t have that same guidance. And if they did, then something else has failed them.

’ve heard too many women say that they could never vote for a woman for president.

It’s women, just like me, who have serious doubts about their own gender. I’ve seen and heard from many of them, “I’m a woman, and I could never vote for a woman.”

I’m seldom at a loss of words, but that has stumped me. I am extraordinarily thankful that my sister and I grew up in a household in which we were told that we could accomplish anything, so long as we set our minds to it and put in the work. I am so thankful to be surrounded by extraordinary women, like my mother, my grandmoth-

Letters

The Sands proposal: nothing but trouble

To the Editor:

The Las Vegas Sands proposal to spend $6 billion — that’s billion with a B, folks — had me wondering from where Sands expected to recover their investment plus the daily cost of operations and the profit from the project. It wasn’t really a wonder, more of a fact, given all the expected losses the gambling public would be leaving behind.

A real concern is the draining of huge amounts of our underground aquifer to feed this unnecessary beast, a waste of our local water supply.

The proposal is now also offering an expansion of lanes on the Meadowbrook Parkway from three to four. All this would accomplish would be the removal of the mature trees and greenery along that stretch of parkway, leaving no shoulder.

Yes, it’s a parkway, meaning there are no commercial vehicles. So without an adjacent commercial highway, all the daily delivery trucks that would be needed to supply this property would be feeding off the Long Island Expressway, the only commercial road, for miles through our local streets. That would be an unneeded burden on our local streets and neighborhoods, 24/7.

We do not need this disaster in the making.

Lastly, the Sands has been spending a

lot of money locally on public relations, newspapers inserts, etc., to make the proposal sound appealing. Don’t believe the wizardry, which, when you look behind the curtain, is really a corporate giant taking local amenities and infiltrating our local environment, all in the name of a profit to feed its own goals.

MIchAEL LEfkoWITz Accountants + Advisors East Meadow

How about sharing a holiday meal at a diner?

To the Editor:

This holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, if you’re too tired to cook, consider sharing a meal with family, friends or neighbors and patronize your local diner or restaurant. for decades I have enjoyed many excellent meals at many local diners.

Diners have been part of my life since I was a teenager. Eating out is a periodic ritual, and their portions are generous. Between the soup, salad, rolls, coleslaw and pickles, along with the main course, diner dinners satisfy the heartiest appetites. Who’s never taken a doggie bag home with leftovers to eat the next day? Many times we’ve bagged our desserts to go.

Many Long Island neighborhoods have seen changes over the years. New immigrant groups sometimes favor

My entire life, I’ve been inspired by the people around me, as well as the women — the trailblazers — who are making our world a better, more inclusive place. And it really is a shame that a large chunk of our population still believes that someone who’s deserving of a prestigious role, like the presidency, should be denied that simply because she’s a woman.

If you voted for Donald Trump because you believe in his policies and his vision for America, that’s fine — and that’s your right as an American. But if you voted for him simply because you found yourself unable to support a woman, for whatever reason, then, boy, are we in serious trouble. That’s an insult to every woman who’s come

before you — every woman who’s willed her way through glass ceilings, and endured hardship after hardship, solely on the basis of sex.

I’m a big reader and thinker, and I implore anyone who thinks so negatively about the abilities and strength of women to pick up a book. Read “The Nightingale,” by kristin hannah, and be blown away by a tale of courage. Read “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz,” by Lucy Adlington, and learn a true story of sewing for survival. Read “The handmaid’s Tale,” by Margaret Atwood, and think about what life could be like if we let misogyny win.

In a world where the impossible can become possible, little girls should know that they can be whoever they want to be, career women, moms, a blend of both — or the top candidate on a presidential ticket.

The election results aside, women soldier on. We must actively challenge the biases, in ourselves and others, that continue to hold us back. only then can we create a future in which every woman knows that her voice matters and her potential has no limits.

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

Framework by Francine Berman

their own ethnic foods and restaurants. Diners have also lost customers over time to fast-food restaurants. Remember, these people are our neighbors. our local entrepreneurs who own and operate diners have continued to invest in our communities, creating new employment opportunities without the assistance of federally funded taxpayers’ stimulus dollars. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local

employment. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, these workers don’t eat, either.

Why not honor the fond memories of some our favorite diners that have come and gone by continuing to patronize those that remain? h ere’s hoping that diners don’t go the way of the dinosaurs.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

At the ‘Wicked’ Experience — Universal Orlando Resort

JorDan VaLLone

Birch Lane fifth graders take on leadership role in tech buddies program

Every Thursday afternoon, kindergartners in Tara Mathers’ class get out their Chromebooks and watch the door with great anticipation. Soon, fifth graders from Lauren Marocchi’s class walk through, and everyone is smiling.

The Tech Buddies program at Birch Lane Elementary School in the Massapequa School District has been going on long enough that the fifth grade mentors were once the kindergarten mentees. Now, having used the district’s instructional technology resources for several years, they are proud to share this knowledge with their younger peers.

When the fifth graders arrive, they immediately go to sit with their buddy and eagerly await to hear the activity they will be doing together. Already this year, they have helped their young friends make a video about their favorite aspects of kindergarten, use Google Slides to make silly jack-o-lantern faces and do Halloween-themed literacy and math games on Seesaw. Many of the projects they do together have a seasonal twist.

Ms. Mathers said that often when she introduces a new digital resource to her kindergartners, the fifth graders then come in to work with them. This support model allows her students to learn a program through independent exploration, but with a friend at their side for guidance.

“The fifth graders are so great and so patient with them which is important because the kindergartners are new to these tools,” said Ms. Mathers.

“My fifth graders love being the teachers,” said Ms. Marocchi. “They enjoy being in that mentor role.” She added that the older students take this responsibility seriously and understand how much technology plays a role in their education and their lives and want to help the kindergartners master the different programs.

“They get to learn to use this technology,” said Nicholas Andre. “I feel like I’m helping them learn something that they really need to know.”

Above: Fifth grader Madison Byrnes gets to help her kindergarten brother Liam learn how to better use his Chromebook.

Left: Nicholas Andre and Norman Butler worked on Halloween-themed math games together.

Birch Lane Elementary School kindergartners and fifth graders get together regularly through the Tech Buddies program, in which they older students help their younger peers use a variety of digital learning resources.