Santa Claus arrived at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse on Dec. 7 for a meet-and-greet with local children. The event was organized by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, and Santa arrived via fire truck, thanks to volunteers at Empire Hose Company No. 3. Story, more photos, Page 3.
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Neighbors received key updates about the Gateway Inn — which has long been a source of community concern — during a Merrick Community Civic Association meeting hosted last month at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse. The civic association welcomed representatives from the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County Police Department to inform the community about the current state of the inn and its operations.
The Gateway Inn, at 1780 Sunrise Highway, Merrick, has been in the spotlight over the last year, with community members citing many con-
cerns, including building violations, and noise and safety complaints. An arrest earlier this year for prostitution sparked community backlash, and the civic association held a meeting on Aug. 13 to address residents’ concerns and work toward meaningful solutions.
At the August meeting, the civic association, led by its president, Berta Weinstein, welcomed area police officers, several government officials from the town, county and state level, as well as representatives from the county’s department of social services. Each group interacted with more than 100 meeting attendees, and responded to questions about several situations that have affected Merrick residents that live near the inn.
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
Competition between 25 teams of three students tested their professional skills before local business leaders at the annual Bellmore-Merrick Business Challenge on Dec. 5.
The 75 high school students were selected from the three participating schools: Sanford H. Calhoun High School, John F. Kennedy High School, and Wellington C. Mepham High School. The competition took place at the Brookside School, the district’s headquarters, in North Merrick.
principal at Calhoun, served as his school’s representative chairperson for the BMBC.
“It’s a great opportunity across the board,” Melkonian said. “The kids hear the realworld application of what they’re learning in school. That’s what this event is trying to shine a light on.”
The business competition started seven years ago, adding a live, practical experience to the district’s business education program.
MARk MElkoNIAN
Assistant principal Calhoun High School
Each team was assigned one of five topics to create a brief pitch about either retail marketing, sports and entertainment marketing, hospitality services, entrepreneurship, or technology. The competition requires teammates to think critically about the prompts they are given, create a pitch, present it, and answer the judges’ questions within one hour.
Mark Melkonian, assistant
“I believe business is the foundation for all education and entrepreneurship,” Melkonian said. “I want to grow that business mindset in our district. There is a connection between what you need to be successful in high school, and what you need to be successful in college and ultimately successful in the business world.”
Before and after the competition, the district provided other educational and career-building activities such as an inspirational presentation by keyContinued on page 2
note speaker Joseph Di Salvo and a college meet-and-greet, allowing students to introduce themselves to professors and administrators from eight top universities in New York. The event’s networking lunch was provided by Piccolo Ristorante in Bellmore, paired with a holiday-themed musical accompaniment by members of the Calhoun’s Orchestra Ensemble.
“They are giving their expertise, their knowledge and their mentorship to our kids,” Melkonian said of the speaker and participating colleges.
Di Salvo, founder and managing partner of Di Salvo Howard PLLC, is also an adjunct professor at the New York University Stern School of Business. One of his favorite parts of his work is offering guidance to young people at the start of their careers, he said.
Di Salvo’s presentation encouraged students to approach their careers in a way that will bring them success and satisfaction.
“I emphasized to them that it’s not about having the right answers, it’s about asking the right questions,” Di Salvo said. “When you start thinking about your career, you (might) start thinking about it solely as a question of income, but if you think about it instead as a question of outcome, you’re going to be better situated to live a life where you feel like you’ve got value.”
Joseph D’Alessandro /Herald the winning students, judges, and teachers of the Bellmore-merrick Business Competition. the competition tested students’ skills learned in their business classes.
Students preparing for college will have to make critical, career-shaping choices, Di Salvo said.
“The best part of educating high school students is letting them realize that what’s happening now is going to mean something for the rest of their lives,” he explained. “Doing it through business is the best way to do it and having exposure and training and education around that early really sets them up for success later.”
The contest featured local business owners, elected officials, and representatives from colleges as judges. Colleges
represented were Adelphi University, LIU Post, and Queens College. Each team’s presentation was judged by its thoroughness and quality of delivery.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads and County Legislator Michael Giangregorio returned as judges for this year’s competition.
“This program is fantastic,” Giangregorio said, “because it gives these young people an opportunity to see what life is like beyond high school, and to branch out and expand from their comfort level in dealing with perfect strangers and having to answer questions.
“The students just get better and better. They are engaging, the eye contact is there and their personality shines through. I’m impressed by the caliber of these students; it gives me such faith that the world is going to be in good hands.”
“Working together, collaborating together, is key to being a successful team,” Rhoads said in his closing remarks to students. “You’re not only pitching your idea, you’re pitching yourselves as people who can execute that idea.”
The winning teams were announced at the end of the event and were awarded gold medals to celebrate their business acumen.
“We all did good, we all pulled through working together as a team,” Mepham junior Peter Kanellopoulos said.
He was a member of the winning team for the Sports and Entertainment Marketing category.
Calhoun senior and Giavannah Posner and Mepham junior Thomas Augugliaro won in Retail Marketing.
“For our team, we were given a business that we had to use marketing strategy for, we had to make it different from everyone else’s and make it successful, so we made it an international kind of thing,” Posner said.
“It’s an honor,” Augugliaro said of winning the competition.
• All Trainings, gear and uniforms provided at no cost. Trainings include:
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• Opportunity to Serve and Protect your Community E-mail: fehbod643@gmail.com for more information Or call/text: 516-308-1713 Or complete this interest form Or stop by the Freeport Armory on Thursday nights from 7:30-9:30pm
Santa Claus arrived at the Merrick Golf Course Club House on Dec. 7, kicking off the holiday season in the Merricks. The event was brought to the community the Merrick Chamber of Commerce.
Firefighters in Empire Hose Company No. 3 in the Merrick Fire Department delivered Santa Claus to the club house for an afternoon of pictures, hot chocolate, treats and more.
From 2 to 4 p.m., families were able to stop by, take some photos with Santa, and collect some sweet treats.
The Merricks were filled with festive spirit, as families left the golf course, ready to embrace the joy of the season, thanks to the Merrick Chamber’s heartwarming, and beloved event.
— Jordan Vallone
Lourdes Spitale, 15-months, was all bundled up when she met Santa over the weekend.
Hesse and Mackenzie Goldstein with Ava and Eliana Brandman enjoyed some goodies handed out by the Merrick Chamber, which hosted the event.
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We offer Sunday School, Nursery School, and Childcare every Sunday (except the first Sunday of each month) along with a warm and friendly coffee or refreshment hour
Let's celebrate our Lord together!
Community Presbyterian Church 2101 William Place, Merrick 516-378-7761 • Handicapped accessible www.cpcmerrick.org
(One block south of Sunrise Highway with parking lot off Wynsum Avenue, behind Dunkin Donuts)
Emerson said, “Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.”
Conquering fear then is essential to one’s personal and professional growth. To do this you need a tool and this classic book, first published in 1987 and updated in 2012, provides just such a tool — for living better, more fulfilling lives.
The list of fears is endless and author Jeffers touches on the most common ones providing a prescription for moving from pain, paralysis and depression (fear’s “sisters”) to power, energy and excitement.
It may seem overly simple but we learn that at the bottom of every fear is simply the fear that you can’t handle whatever life may bring you. If you knew you could handle anything that came your way you would have nothing to fear. The author shares techniques for diminishing your fears by developing more trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
While it may sound like a revelation to some, you cannot wait until the fear goes away.
Kindergarten students from Jennifer Gargan and Alexa Bernesby’s class at Lakeside School in the Merrick Union Free School District teamed up with sixth graders from Caroline Davis’ class for a heartwarming Book Buddy activity, “As Sweet as Pie.”
Together, they created a gratitude and thankfulness craft, bonding over shared stories and creativity.
The pairs discussed what they were grateful for, from family and friends to small moments of joy, and wrote down their ideas to add a personal touch to their projects. This collaborative activity fostered connections between the younger and older students while celebrating the spirit of gratitude.
— Jordan Vallone
&
It only goes away by doing the thing you are afraid of. The “doing it” comes before the fear goes away.
Fear is natural and inevitable, especially fear of the unknown. People interpret fear as a signal to retreat. Author Jeffers teaches how to see fear as a green light to move ahead. “All you have to do to find a way out of your selfimposed prison is to retrain your thinking”.
Since everyone feels fear when approaching something new in life, and yet so many are “doing it” despite the fear, it proves that fear itself is not the problem. It is how we hold the fear. For some it is irrelevant — they hold the fear from a position of power (choice, energy and action). For others, the fear creates a state of paralysis, holding fear from a position of pain, helplessness and depression, knowing they “can’t handle it”. Jeffers stresses that pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness.
Together, students discussed gratitude and thankfulness, bonding over stories and creativity.
Temple B’nai Torah hosted a festive holiday vendor fair on Dec. 1, bringing together local artisans and shoppers.
Vendors offered a variety of items, including holiday-themed decorations, handcrafted jewelry, and unique crafts. The event provided an opportunity for the community to support small businesses while finding gifts and décor for the season. Visitors enjoyed a lively atmosphere and a wide array of creative items perfect for the holidays.
–Charles Shaw
Sue Rzemieniewski, with Sam Ferguson, Amy Rzemieniewski and Ann Byrne, show some Christmasthemed decorations.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra women’s basketball is looking to provide the doubters wrong in the Coastal Athletic Association.
The Pride was picked to finish 12th in the 14-team league’s preseason poll after a 3-15 CAA season last year in which five e conference losses were in single digits. Hofstra returns five players from last year’s 11-21 team that caught fire at the end of the 2023/24 season to win two games in the CAA Tournament and reach the quarterfinal round and is looking to build off of that postseason run this winter.
“We know we’re better than that but just to say we know we’re better than what we are perceived at or expected to be is not enough,” said fifth-year head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “You’ve got to go and be better and go and show people that you’re better and you’ve got to go and prove that you’re capable of more and that’s where we are as a team now.”
After a hard-fought 63-58 season-opening loss to Sacred Heart, Hofstra responded with back-to-back wins against NJIT and Yale to provide some early-season confidence for the new campaign. The Pride improved to 3-5 on the young season with a 55-52 home win against Howard last Sunday.
Among the key returners determined to propel Hofstra toward its first winning season in nine years is junior guard Emma Von Essen, a Rockville Centre native who was the Pride’s leading scorer last season and knocked down 85 threes. The Long Island Lutheran product is off to another explosive start this season averaging 12.8 points per game so far with 24 threes.
“She’s just so consistent and that’s one of the things that we really appreciate about Emma is she’s going to be Emma every single day, and she’s not trying to do someone else’s job,” Santos Atkinson said. “ She works extremely hard and she knows what she does well, and she tries to do that every single time to the best of our ability.”
Santos Atkinson also returned graduate student center Zyheima Swint, who was the team’s fourth-leading scorer last year and led the team in rebounding. Zyheima Swint registered 14 points in a 75-61 victory against Yale on Nov. 12.
Hofstra also added a number of key newcomers aiding the Pride early this season.
Junior guard Chloe Sterling is the leading scorer through eight games after transferring from James Madison University. The Kennesaw, Ga. native earned CAA Player of the Week honors after tallying a careerhigh 21 points in a 74-69 win at NJIT on Nov. 8.
Freshman forward LaNae’ Corbett is showing promise early in her collegiate career by averaging 10.5 points per game including 15 in the Sacred Heart game to go along with 13 rebounds. She led Hofstra with 17 points in the Howard victory.
“The sky’s the limit for her,” said Satos Atkinson of Corbet, a mechanical engineering major who shined at one of the nation’s top-ranked high school girls basketball programs at Bishop McNamara in Maryland. “She’s one of the most consistent freshmen that I’ve coached in terms of her work ethic and how she shows up.”
Santos Atkinson pieced together some challenging non-conference games to prepare for CAA play that included a Dec. 2 trip to her alma mater the University of Florida where Hofstra trailed in single digits
at halftime to the SEC school before falling 75-48. The Pride will also host Big East foe St. John’s on Dec. 11. The CAA schedule commences on Jan. 3 at Monmouth and Jan. 5 at Delaware before the Pride host its league home opener on Jan. 10 against College of Charleston for a 6 p.m. tipoff. Hofstra concludes the conference schedule at home on March 6 against Long Island rival Stony Brook at 6 p.m. and a Saturday matinee versus Northeastern on March 8 at 2 p.m.
“Two things that we talk about to be successful this year for us is we’ve got to be the most competitive team in the CAA and we’ve got to be the most selfless team in the CAA, and I think we are capable of doing both of those things,” Santos Atkinson said. “And then we’ve got to compete through adversity through the good times and the bad.”
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.
Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Election Day was a whirlwind of excitement for Laura Gillen, the newly elected Democratic representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District.
“Election days are always very exciting, and a little bit nerve-racking as you wait for the results to come in,” she said.
Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, was joined by her family and campaign team as the polls closed and the results began coming in. She said that once she felt confident enough in the numbers, she declared victory over the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.
“I was pleased to declare the win, and so pleased to have the opportunity to represent the people of the district,” she said.
The victory capped a remarkable comeback for Gillen, who lost a bid for the congressional seat to D’Esposito in 2022.
Reflecting on the success of her 2024 campaign, she attributed her triumph to listening, communicating and articulating the needs of her district. “I spent the campaign really focusing on the race and the district,” she said. “The message really did resonate.”
Gillen credited her campaign’s success to its strong outreach efforts, which struck a chord among local voters.
“We had a much more robust field program than we had in 2022,” she explained. “We spent a lot of time knocking on doors and pounding the pavement to make sure voters knew the issues at stake.”
She also highlighted her team’s use of television
and digital platforms to broaden their message.
In preparation for her move to Washington, Gillen was invited to Capitol Hill for a congressional orientation. “It was really exciting,” she said. “It really brings it all home.”
The orientation, she said, gave her an opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.
“It was wonderful to also meet my future colleagues,” she said. “We’re in the minority, but the majority is a very narrow majority.”
Her visit to the Capitol also came with an unexpected highlight: Gillen drew the coveted No. 1 spot in the office lottery for incoming freshmen.
“I went in with a spirit of gratitude, thinking, you get what you get,” she said.
Much to her surprise, she secured an office in the recently renovated Cannon House Office Building. Although her office is still under construction, she is confident that it will be ready by the time she takes office.
At the local level, Gillen said she is still evaluating whether to maintain her current campaign office or establish a new space for constituent services, which would ensure accessibility for district residents.
Looking ahead to congressional committee assignments, she said the process is still unfolding, but her priority is clear.
“I want to serve on a committee where I can best deliver for the residents of the district,” she said. Gillen will officially be sworn in on Jan. 6, 2025.
“I am looking forward to working in Washington to deliver results for this district,” she said.
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
The South Shore Synagogue Alliance met for the “Combating Antisemitism in our Communities” conference at the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center earlier this fall.
The event, hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council, featured a panel of experts and local leaders discussing prominent topics for the Long Island Jewish community, such as addressing antisemitism in K-12 and postsecondary education, how to raise awareness among younger family members, and how to stay safe and secure.
The South Shore Synagogue Alliance brought together synagogues from across Nassau County and beyond, such as the Congregation of Beth Tikvah of Wantagh, Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach, and the Merrick Jewish Centre, to build new connections and address shared challenges. The event attracted sponsors that advocate for the Jewish community, such as national nonprofit StandWithUs, the American Jewish Center, and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center.
David Smokler, director of the K-12 educator network for StandWithUs, provided training to educators, parent groups and other community organizations on how to effectively organize with local school districts to prevent and respond to antisemitism.
“It’s really encouraging seeing school districts on Long Island being willing to learn about Jewish identity and antisemitism,” he said. “I’m hopeful that the bridge building between members of the Jewish community and their Long Island School Districts continues to build and grow.”
Smokler hosted one of the event’s breakout sessions, discussing issues the Jewish community has faced in
New York and Connecticut since Oct. 7, 2023.
“The session was really an opportunity for members of the community to hear what is happening, how and why,” he said. “They’ve all heard that antisemitic incidents are rising, and that Jewish students and teachers are all really feeling it. They wanted to know what they could do about it.”
Smokler aims to combat ignorance with education, bringing community members a better understanding of Jewish identity to foster peace and acceptance.
“When they’re thinking about antisemitism, they’re thinking about classical antisemitism, the ancient tropes,” Smokler said. “Contemporary antisemitism is a little bit different, and a lot of it has to do with misunderstanding about Jewish identity. Once we educate people about that, it really improves outcomes.”
StandWithUs has previously done training with the
The gathering earlier this fall brought together leading figures from synagogues across Nassau County to discuss antisemitism and how to mitigate harm to members of their community.
Nassau County Superintendents Association at the BOCES center.
“We’ve done administrative training and teacher training in different districts on Long Island, and I’ve also worked with parent groups by helping them interact with the district,” Smokler said. “The only way to really prevent antisemitism is by having strong relationships between parent groups and the district, and the district with us.
“After they hear from us in training, they understand that many of what was seemingly acceptable to say in school is really an attack on Jewish identity,” he added. “It really does click pretty easily once you understand it. We’ve had some really strong successes, and that’s been really rewarding.”
To learn more about StandWithUs and their mission, visit StandWithUs.com.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, voted on Dec. 5 to appoint several new members to the leadership team of the largest public, safety-net hospital on Long Island.
Among the appointees was Megan Ryan, who was named president and chief executive of the hospital system — the first woman to lead the health care corporation.
Ryan had previously served for nearly a decade as general counsel of the corporation and had been acting as interim president and chief executive since January.
“The more than seven years that I’ve spent working with the staff and patients of NUMC as general counsel and interim president and chief executive have (been the) greatest honor of my career,” Ryan said in a Dec. 5 news release. “I thank the NHCC board of directors for its confidence in allowing me to continue the enormous progress we’ve made toward ensuring this critical institution thrives for many years to come.”
The East Meadow-based hospital serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.
“Nobody works harder than Meg, and nobody cares more about the success of the hospital than she does,” Matthew Bruderman, the health care corporation chairman, said. “As the first woman to lead this critical health care facility, she is an inspiration to so many, including
■ Named president and chief executive
■ First woman to lead Nassau Health Care Corporation
■ Served for nearly a decade as general counsel and interim president and chief executive since January
Dr. Grace Ting:
■ Veteran NUMC physician named chief medical officer
■ Previously served in the role on interim basis
Shannon Costello
■ Appointed chief nursing officer
■ Experienced nurse leader who had been serving in position on an interim basis
was confirmed last week as the president and chief executive of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, and oversees the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility. Ryan is the first woman to lead the hospital system.
the next generation of health care professionals being trained at NUMC.”
Other appointments included NUMC veteran physician, Dr. Grace Ting, as chief medical officer, and Shannon Costello as chief nursing officer. Like Ryan, both had been serving in those roles as interim appointments.
The hospital’s board said compensation packages approved for the new executives are all in line with industry and area standards, or are below those of their counterparts at other major safety-net hospitals in New York state.
At last week’s board meeting, the board also approved the appointment of in-house chairs for cardiology and pathology, a move aimed at fostering full-time development in these divisions and boosting hospital revenue.
NUMC has long been under fire for financial and operational mismanagement, but has made significant strides this year. The hospital’s board has attributed these reforms to Ryan and her leadership team.
Last month, the hospital system earned its first Leapfrog Safety Grade, a hospital safety rating, improvement in six years, and earlier this year, an audit conducted by Grant Thornton revealed the hospital’s finances were heading in a positive direction.
In addition to operational improvements, the hospital has enhanced its services by opening new wings, an outpatient behavioral health suite and a dedicated wig room for cancer patients, along with other additions that have significantly elevated the quality of care at NUMC.
Ryan said the hospital system has made “tremendous progress,” by expanding patient care, inaugurating new facilities and dramatically improving its financial position.
“It is a testament to the work of our leadership team and the commitment of our more than 3,600 employees,” she said, “including our talented doctors, nurses, and support staff.”
The Nassau Health Care Corporation and NUMC are currently pursuing legal action against New York state and the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, or NIFA, which oversees NUMC’s finances.
The hospital is alleging that the state orchestrated a scheme to withhold Medicaid reimbursement payments NUMC was entitled to, since at least 2001. On Nov. 20, a notice-of-claims was sent to the state, outlining NUMC’s plan to file a $1.06 billion lawsuit. The suits against NIFA, which were announced on Dec. 2., claims the finance authority made arbitrary and capricious decisions, violated public trust, and acted to advance its own or the state’s agenda at the expense of NUMC’s reputation and financial stability.
“We are continuing to work with Nassau County on an appropriate solution for the future of NUMC,” a spokesperson from the state told the Herald. “Our concerns are the fiscal health of the hospital and patient care. Everything else is just noise.”
NUMC provides $1 billion in health care services annually to more than 270,000 patients, including those who are uninsured and undocumented.
Dr. Grace Ting was named the chief medical officer.
“While (the state) and NIFA work overtime to prevent the progress we’re making here, scheme about power grabs, and cover up their malfeasance, Meg is working to ensure NUMC is saved,” Bruderman said. “Together with Dr. Ting, Chief Nurse Costello and the rest of this team, NUMC is in an outstanding position to serve everyone who needs care.”
John Desmond, an NHCC board member, congratulated Ryan and her “outstanding” leadership team.
“Meg Ryan’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence have significantly enhanced NUMC’s role in the community,” Desmond said, “ensuring it remains a vital resource for those in need.”
Anthony Paruolo, 39, pleaded guilty to the October 2022 murder of his wife, Danielle Paruolo, on Dec. 4. Paruolo fatally stabbed Danielle at their home on South Bismarck Avenue in North Bellmore. Above, a view of the crime scene
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
A North Bellmore man pleaded guilty on Dec. 4 to fatally stabbing his wife in October of 2022 while their 8-year-old son was in his bedroom, the Nassau County District Attorney’s office announced last week.
Anthony Paruolo, 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Danielle Paruolo, 42, during his appearance before Judge Robert Schwartz. Paruolo is expected to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison on Jan. 30, 2025.
According to the district attorney’s office, police responded to the Paruolo residence on South Bismark Avenue in North Bellmore on Oct. 6, 2022, around 11:40 p.m., after a domestic disturbance call. Officers found Danielle Paruolo in a pool of blood, with a 13-inch chef’s knife lodged in her neck and multiple stab wounds to her head, neck, and torso.
The couple’s son, unharmed, was discovered in a separate bedroom.
Authorities said Danielle had been seeking a divorce and had recently informed family members of her intentions.
Paruolo was apprehended on Oct. 7, 2022 at approximately 1:06 a.m. at a relative’s home in Kings Park by Suffolk County police and transported by the NCPD Homicide Squad.
“This defendant’s brutal murder of his wife destroyed a family and left a young child to grow up without a mother,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “This case serves as a devastating reminder of the tragic toll of domestic violence. We hope today’s plea provides some measure of closure to Danielle Paruolo’s family.”
The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Ania Pulaski, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Daryl Levy and Executive Assistant District Attorney Kevin Higgins. Paruolo was represented by attorney David Haber.
The sentencing will bring to a close a case that left a child without both parents
H O P L O C A L
■ 42, was fatally stabbed in her North Bellmore home on Oct. 6, 2022
■ pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Dec. 4, 2024
■ to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison on Jan. 30, 2025
■ by the Bellmore Merrick Braves raised over $97,000 to support the Paruolo family’s 8-year-old son
■
District Attorney Anne Donnelly highlighted the case as a reminder of the toll domestic violence takes on families
and raised awareness about the devastat ing impact of domestic violence.
Danille Paruolo’s murder sent shock waves through the Bellmore-Merrick community. Her then-8-year-old son was a football player for the Bellmore Merrick Braves, a youth sporting organization. A GoFundMe was set up by the Bellmore Merrick Braves board of directors, rais ing over $97,000 for the family.
“This tragedy has caused one of our players to be without both of their par ents,” the board wrote following Dani elle’s death. “As board members, coaches, and most importantly parents ourselves, we feel the need to step up and rally behind our player.
“In our organization, we tell our play ers they are family and brothers,” the board further wrote. “When one brother gets knocked down, we help them get back up.”
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County police officers could become front-line defenders against severe allergic reactions if legislation proposed by Legislator Seth Koslow becomes law. The bill would require patrol vehicles to be equipped with epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, and require officers to be trained to administer them in emergencies.
The bill was unveiled at a Dec. 5 news conference in Mineola, where Koslow, a Democrat from Merrick, was joined by local officials and advocates, including Georgina Cornago, whose son, Giovanni Cipriano, died in 2013 of a severe allergic reaction. Legislators Delia DeRiggiWhitton, Debra Mulè and Scott Davis were also in attendance.
Following her son’s death, Cornago led efforts in 2019 to pass Gio’s Law in New York state. It authorizes certain New York emergency service providers to be trained to treat anaphylaxis and carry EpiPens in their vehicles. The law previously mandated EpiPen training and stocking for first responders in counties with populations of less than 1 million, but it was recently expanded to counties with populations of up to 2 million — which means it can now be implemented in Nassau County.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow spoke at a Dec. 5 news conference about a bill that would require police department patrol vehicles to carry EpiPens, which are administered to those who have life-threatening allergic reactions.
Suffolk County adopted Gio’s Law in 2023.
“This bill will save lives,” Koslow said at the news conference, “because it will give police officers the ability to provide life-saving treatment in an emergency situation. We trust them when it comes to Narcan. We trust them when it comes to CPR. This is a natural
progression, and a natural tool for them to have in their arsenal to provide the resources we expect them to provide on a day-to-day basis.”
Cipriano, who lived in Lawrence, was 14 in 2013, when he went into anaphylactic shock after eating a food he was allergic to. He didn’t have an EpiPen at
the time, so his mother drove him to the hospital, which took too long, leading to his death.
Police department ambulances in Nassau County are equipped with EpiPens, but patrol cars aren’t — and by putting them there, the lifesaving care could be more accessible in emergencies.
“This legislation has been nearly 12 years in the making,” Cornago said. “Its importance cannot be overstated. Just as AED machines have become standard in public spaces, it only makes sense to have epinephrine injectors readily available alongside them as another essential lifesaving device.”
If it passes, the bill will direct the Nassau County Police Department to equip all patrol vehicles with EpiPens within 120 days, and ensure that all officers receive the necessary training to administer the medication.
“The training is about 30 minutes long,” Koslow said. “As far as obtaining the EpiPens, it’s just a function of putting the order in and getting them delivered. They’re readily available.”
Koslow explained that food allergies affect 32 million people in the U.S., and over 1,500 people die every year as a result of food allergy reactions.
The legislators are requesting a vote on the bill before the final legislative session of the year, next Monday.
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Las Vegas Sands resort and casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum was met with both resounding support and critical opposition at a public hearing at the Nassau County Legislature on Monday.
Las Vegas Sands officially submitted the DEIS to the Legislature last month, after a unanimous vote by legislators confirming the document’s completion and availability for public review.
The DEIS outlines a range of investments — totaling more than $150 million — aimed at modernizing Uniondale’s infrastructure and revitalizing the hamlet and surrounding communities, according to a Sands news release. The projects include expanding the Meadowbrook Parkway to alleviate traffic congestion, enhancing the Uniondale water district to improve its sustainability and upgrading energy infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Beautification initiatives are also planned to improve the area’s public spaces, as part of Las Vegas Sands’ effort to enhance both aesthetics and quality of life for residents and visitors.
Ithe project.
“Long Islanders care about traffic, taxes and economic opportunity,” Stanton said. “When we make investments in infrastructure, it creates economic opportunity for the people behind it, reduces taxes for the people behind them, and when people have a reduced tax burden and money in their pockets, they can make good environmental and economic choices.”
t was a very comprehensive and a very complete draft EIS.
On the other side, the Say No to the Casino Civic Association has been vocal in its longstanding opposition to the project, repeatedly making the argument that it will harm the community and environment in a variety of ways. The group claims in a news release that the extensive infrastructure changes needed for the casino would permanently alter the landscape and exacerbate traffic congestion. Members also expressed concerns about the environmental impact, highlighting the expected water consumption and carbon emissions in a news release that followed the DEIS submission.
ADRIEnnE ESpoSIto Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
“We are grateful to the Nassau County Legislature for its thorough review of the completeness of our environmental impact statement,” Michael Levoff, the company’s senior vice president of strategy and public affairs, stated in the release. “This over 28,000-page document further demonstrates Sands’ commitment to comprehensively and holistically mitigate the potential impacts of our transformative project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum.”
At Monday’s contentious hearing, both supporters and detractors shared their opinions on the DEIS. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said she had analyzed environmental impact statements for 40 years, and approved of how thorough Sands’ is.
“It was a very comprehensive and a very complete draft EIS,” Esposito said.
Referring to the proposed improvements, however, Esposito suggested that the document be “strengthened” with plans for how to handle water withdrawal and conservation, and solid waste. She also suggested the creation of a community advisory board “that looks at the metrics to see how they’re doing on energy and water and solid waste management.”
Many attendees expressed their support for the statement and for the casino project as a whole. Ryan Stanton, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, shared his appreciation for the DEIS and how Sands is going about
Concerns about the local impacts of the casino project on surrounding towns, including Uniondale, Hempstead, Garden City and East Meadow, led the Garden City village board to file a lawsuit against Sands, asking the Nassau County Supreme Court to void the 42-year lease agreement for the Coliseum between the county and Sands because, the suit claims, lawmakers did not closely examine the potential impact a casino could have on the environment.
Hofstra University also took legal action against the county for initially violating the Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) during the initial approval process for the Nassau Coliseum lease in March 2023. The case is now back in the hands of the Nassau County Supreme Court.
Karen Riordan, a member of the Say No association, said she believed the environmental impact statement “failed to take into account the full regional impact the casino project will have on saltwater intrusion on shore communities.” Riordan referenced a study released in August by the United States Geological Survey that indicates that Long Island’s only freshwater aquifer is in danger of saltwater intrusion, and that the language used in the DEIS to describe this potential problem is “too vague.”
The draft environmental impact statement is available for public review on the Legislature’s website, and a public comment period will extend until Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. Submissions can be sent via email to sandscomments@nassaucountyny.gov, or by mail to the Nassau County Clerk of the Legislature, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola, NY 11501.
SUNDAY 12.22.24 7-10PM
The Light of Resilience, Flames of Hope! Turning Tears to Light: With Strength & Song! The Champions of Light Awards!
HOST: RABBI ANCHELLE PERL
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CO-HOSTS: JAY OLIVER KIVE STRICKOFF
STARRING: Dancing Rabbis! With Many Surprises!
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My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid. How does this affect funeral arrangements?
The latest Medicaid regulations now permit individuals to set aside a portion of their assets in an irrevocable trust account in order to have funds for future funeral expenses.
When an individual approaches the time when Medicaid coverage seems likely, social workers generally advise families to look into this funeral pre-funding option.
Here’s how we can help:
• The Family will make an appointment with us to discuss just what we are to do when the death occurs.
• We discuss options and record their wishes not just about preferred funeral home services but cemetery, church, monument inscription, newspaper notices, etc. We inform the family of exactly what the funeral home and third party costs are at the present time.
• Funds to cover those expenses can then deposited in our FDIC insured PRE - PLAN Trust. The Trust pays sufficient interest to allow us to guaranty those future funeral home costs into the future.
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If we can help you with this important matter, call us and our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions. Moreover, there is no cost involved in establishing a PRE-PLAN Trust.
Thomas L. Kearns, Patrick J. Kearns, Paul C. Kearns-Stanley (516) 794-0500 or 1-800-640-9500 (NYS)
445 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow (across from the East Meadow Post Office) www.LEOFKEARNS.com
Bruce Heigh of North Bellmore and Sally Strassburger of Wantagh were greeted by Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll during a Town of Hempstead Taxpayer Forum last month at the Island Trees Public Library. Driscoll explained how residents can lower their property tax bills by applying for tax exemption programs and provided an overview of new payment features, paperless billing, payment reminders, tax discounts, and more.
The Kiwanis of Merrick Flapjack Breakfast on Nov. 17, 2024, at Applebee’s in Bellmore was attended by Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider, along with New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K is
Idon’t know what bothers me more, cleaning and clearing up actual folders and paperwork that sits in our personal file cabinets or deleting digital files and folders that were already too old three months ago. Both bring me trepidation, as if I’d ever have a future regret when I have destroyed them, given that lingering thought, “You never know” sneaks up on me as I wade through the process. Based in experience, I still miss two pair of shoes and two designer garments that once I was able to afford, pre-husband, mortgage and kids.
When it comes to physical correspondence the paper remains hard to eliminate entirely because my husband and I continue to do a lot less online than our younger family and friends. It’s momentarily nostalgic to realize we
signed up for temple membership in 1999 but we really need to remove the warranty paperwork for appliances that are no longer in our possession or toss the APR percentage notice for the credit card that was cancelled in 2003.
Just after a few minutes of sincere purging, I discovered that we kept in paper about one third of what we were trashing.
I would soon consider putting my tax dollars to work via the Town of Hempstead’s Shredding program. Apparently six times in 2024 local residents could come to central locations
to shred documents for free before the truck maxes out. I’m waiting impatiently for the 2025 schedule to be released. Electronic files are even harder. I have a real scary moment before I hit the final delete precisely because it is so final. (“Are you SURE you want to delete?”
I can swear my computer’s operating system is mocking me politely.)
There is my good intention to dutifully edit and delete daily. Save things on an external hard drive. Hope that the thumb drives don’t get corrupted and the cloud doesn’t run
out of free room.
Pray.
I once hear a suggestion that for everything you bring into a house you must take something away – donate, dispose or simply recycle it.
I have done this for a long time, historically labeled as frugal and cheap until upcycling became cool.
I am not one for this kind of “spring” cleaning, but if the endgame is a good feeling once it is done, I return time and again to build order from the (perceived) chaos.
A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.
for the love of
Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. With our global network, comprehensive solutions, and industry expertise, we help these businesses succeed across a wide variety of industries and at most stages of their growth.
By Renee DeLorenzo
At this year’s annual Herald Top Chief Officers of Long Island Awards, hosted by RichnerLIVE on Nov. 20, Long Island’s top officers proved that leadership is much more than just calling the shots. Being a leader comes with a lot of responsibility, and it means a little something different to everyone who serves in such a position. But one thing is certain: No one can do it alone.
Nearly 300 people gathered at the Heritage Club at Bethpage to celebrate excellence in leadership. Representing a wide range of industries including health care, education, utilities, nonprofits and finance, the group of business influencers came together for a night of honor and recognition.
Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health and this year’s recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award, stepped on stage to a wave of applause, and spoke about the health care industry and what it means to come together as a community. “I don’t think there’s any substitute for being in a room together as a collective, because you share and you learn,” Dowling said.
For the other honorees at the ceremony, bringing communities together is vital to their success. Ross Turrini and Jim Flannery, of National Grid and National Grid Ventures, respectively, shared those sentiments. Being a leader, they said, means focusing on the people they serve.
For Turrini, chief operating officer of National Grid’s New York gas operations, that means communicating honestly. “You’ve got to be able to have honest communication and conversations,” he said. “Not only with your employees, but with policymakers, legislators, our customers, and folks in the community who you serve. You have to be able to build trust.”
Flannery, COO of National Grid Ventures, U.S. Northeast, said the very reason he was there was because of the community he has built at the company. “The nomination is really a reflection of the people I work with,” he said, adding that his role at the company is forming a workforce that feels like family. “A leader needs to be one who cares about people, listens to people, who can galvanize people around a cause,” he said.
Diane Walsh and Gurjit Singh, of Prager Metis, said that the reason they were there was the amazing people they are privileged to work with daily.
Walsh, chief marketing officer of Prager Metis, said, “I think it’s really important for the community, not only for personal recognition, but for recognition of the firm and everybody we work with every day. They all make us the top chiefs.”
Singh, Prager Metis’s chief information officer, agreed, saying the recognition goes beyond his accounting firm. The acknowledgment of everyone else in the room, Singh said, was just as important. “I think everyone’s deserving — no one’s really above or below,” he said.
The connection between leadership and community was evident throughout the night. The idea that personal recognition is only possible because of the communities top officers serve is a tenet of the best leadership. “It’s all about having good people around you,” Dowling said. “It’s not about an individual situation. It’s about who you put around you. You prove that you’re smarter when you hire people smarter than you.”
He added that success is about the relationships with the people he works with, the people he serves, and the people he meets who share these values, such as those at the Heritage Club that night. “Everyone is going to leave here better than they did when they came in because of the relationships they’re making,” he said.
Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community
Media, noted the importance of bringing the leaders together and recognizing the value of what they do. “Leadership is about more than reaching goals,” Richner said. “It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change in the organizations and communities we serve. The individuals we honor tonight exemplify
that spirit, making Long Island a better place for all.” A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Michael Magro Foundation, which supports children with cancer and other pediatric illnesses.
For a full list of sponsors and honorees, go to RichnerLive.com/2024TCOA.
By Karen Bloom
‘Tis the season when Sugar Plum Fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive. The beloved holiday confection is forever in style.
New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ New York Dance Theatre offers its 42nd season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, returning to the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University. This production wraps up the company’s celebration of its 50th anniversary on Long Island.
NYDT closely follows the George Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, sets and costumes. It’s the largest production on Long Island, according to Artistic Director and NYDT alumna Nicole Loizides Albruzzese. Her version keeps to the tone set by the company’s founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use his mentor’s original pas de deux choreography, which continues to distinguish this production, along with costumes and props gifted by Balanchine.
Through the years Ohman supplemented Balanchine’s iconic vision with original dances and scenes. Loizides Albruzzese — who was a student at Ohman School of Ballet (a division of NYDT) under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there (returning as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career) — faithfully follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.
“This year has been about celebrating our roots and expanding the reach of the company and the Ohman School of Ballet, also marking a milestone at 45 years,” Loizides Albruzzese says. She returns to the NYDT stage as Frau Silberhaus in the opening Party Scene, alongside Glen Cove’s North Shore Village Theatre Founder-Artistic Director Christopher Moll as Herr Silberhaus. New York City Ballet soloist Erica Pereira and principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht return as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Joseph J. Simeone, whose credits include City Center’s “A Chorus Line” and Susan Stroman’s Degas-inspired “Little Dancer” at the Kennedy Center, joins NYDT this year as the mysterious Herr Drosselmeier.
In all, a cast of 80 children, pre-professional and professional dancers bring this classic story ballet to life. The kids’ roles are performed by Frank Ohman School of Ballet and the School of American Ballet (the home school of New York City Ballet) students.
As an added treat, audiences can enter into the 1820s German family’s household where “The
The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are an enchanting pair as seen in Eglevesky Ballet’s production.
Nutcracker” unfolds during the semi-immersive pre-show experience. Everyone is invited into the Silberhaus home before the curtain rises, with the sights, smells and sounds of the Christmas Eve party that is the setting for Clara’s dream.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22, noon and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $33. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, visit NYDTNutcrackerTickets or call (631) 462-0964.
Eglevsky Ballet’s reimagined ‘The Nutcracker’
Long Island’s professional dance company, the Eglevsky Ballet, welcomes all to its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, at the Tilles Center. Boston Ballet principals Ji Young Chae and Jeffrey Cirio Miller reprise their roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Also of note, star of ballet, Broadway and screen Georgina Pazcoguin appears as the Dew Drop Fairy.
The beloved story — featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry — is danced with inventive staging enhanced by Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning costumes and a cast of over 60 students and professional dancers. The longest, continuously running ‘Nutcracker’ on Long Island, Eglevsky Ballet has presented it as a holiday gift to audiences since 1961. This exciting production, accompanied by Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, is a vibrant representation of the trajectory in which Curry is leading the organization.
Among his innovations, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” which is usually danced by the Snow Queen and Snow King. Instead Curry has the music (his personal favorite in the ballet) performed by Clara, danced by Eglevesky Ballet’s Ayne Kim and Enzo Castillo as The Nutcracker Prince.
“Having this pas de deux danced by these two intensifies the connection between the two characters,” Curry says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”
Saturday, Dec. 21, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
$59-$89. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Rte. 25A, Brookville. For tickets, visit tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com or call (516) 299-3100.
The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines reinvents jazz standards with their own brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. Emerging over a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums landed them at the center of a whirlwind. Audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form. With their contagious brand of joy, grit, glamour and passion, the 8-piece band invokes the sounds of nearly a century ago, yet stay right in step with the current age.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.
The Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum Irish-singing sensation rings in the holidays with their inimitable style. This is a rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s harmonies with a full symphony orchestra. Hear their favorite Yuletide songs: “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Deck the Halls,” and more, along with Celtic Woman favorites “Danny Boy,” “Amazing Grace” and “You Raise Me Up.” In the 20 years since their debut, Celtic Woman has introduced some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians to the world stage. Their fresh fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary songcraft celebrates Ireland’s history while reflecting its modern vibrant spirit.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $129.50, $99.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Relive the classic songs that define generations when Yellow Brick Joel brings you the ultimate Elton John and Billy Joel experience, on the Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair stage, Friday, dec. 27, 8 p.m. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,’ “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat”, “Funeral For A Friend”, “Miami 2017”, and “Captain Jack”! A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! On one side of the stage, you’ll have Clark playing the role of Billy Joel for the night. Opposite him is Connors as Elton John with Elton’s requisite flamboyant style. Enjoy an incredible night as two of the greatest musical icons come to life in this special concert!
Groove to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship. Whether you’re a fan of Billy’s heartfelt ballads or Elton’s electrifying anthems, this tribute concert is sure to leave you feeling like you’ve seen the real thing! Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, and Sunday, d ec. 14-15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The “Christmas at Westbury House” celebration reflects what the festive season was like during those opulent decades of the early 1900s when the Phipps family lived there. The period rooms in which John S. Phipps (the eldest son of Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie’s partner at Carnegie Steel) and his family resided are impeccably decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, plenty of greenery, and other horticultural arrangements.
Take a self-guided tour through Westbury House and view specially decorated rooms for the holidays, have cookies and cider on the West Porch and meet and take photos with Santa while listening to ambient holiday music. The gardens will also be open, along with other special holiday events, including holiday market, and more. $15, $13 ages 62+ and students, $8 ages 7-17. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
music time
Benanna Band, a music group that caters to young children, welcomes families to a musical program, at the Nesting Place in Merrick, Friday, dec. 13, at 10 a.m. $28. To register for a relaxing morning of music and fun, visit NestingPlaceLI. com/Schedule. 61 Merrick Ave., Merrick.
Folks 18 and older are invited to a Holiday Movie Night at the Bellmore Movies, Monday, dec. 16, hosted by Thrive Recovery Centers. With free soda and popcorn. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., while the movie begins at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ThriveLi.org. 222 Pettit Ave.
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life welcomes all on the first night of Hanukah to participate in a parade and menorah lighting at the Merrick Gazebo, Wednesday, dec. 25. The parade starts at 5 p.m. at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life on Hewlett Avenue, and heads south towards the grand menorah. There will be food and additional festivities. Located at the intersection of Merrick Avenue and Broadcast Plaza. For more information, visit ChabadJewishLife.org.
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.
Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, the west end of Jones Beach State Park, Sunday, Dec. 16, starting at 9 a.m. The group will meet at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin is on Bay Drive going west. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon. org.
Having an event?
Celebrate the season with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. The intergenerational orchestra of 60 L.I.-based musicians performs with the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir as special guests. The program, at Brookside School in North Merrick, includes “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Sing-A-Long,” “Greensleeves,” “Chanukah Festival Overture,” and much more. Suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door (kids are free). 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Visit symphonicpopsli.org for more.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
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.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 13, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 17-19, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
todd detrano, of the town of Hempstead’s building department, alongside town Councilman Chris Schneider, provided updates about the gateway inn in merrick at a recent merrick Community Civic association meeting.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
Advancial Federal Credit Union, Plaintiff AGAINST
Michael A. Volino a/k/a Michael Volino; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 18, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 204 Margaret Boulevard, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 56 Block 87 Lots 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 [Lot Group]. Approximate amount of judgment $293,934.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 615213/2022. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624
(877) 430-4792
Dated: October 25, 2024 150315
LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bidders BOARD OF EDUCATION
BELLMORE-MERRICK
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given for separate, sealed bids for: Auditorium and Running Track Reconstruction at John F. Kennedy High School. Bids will be received by the school district on January 28, 2025, at 11:00am in the District
Administration Building, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, New York, 11566, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud. The Contract Documents may be examined at the office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); however the Contract Documents may only be obtained thru the Office of REV Plans, 28 Church StreetSuite 7, Warwick, New York 10990 (845-651-3845) beginning on January 7, 2025. Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of OneHundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from REV upon a deposit of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications,
in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.
A non-mandatory pre-bid site walk through is scheduled for January 14, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Meet at the main entrance of the building.
The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities in, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.
Bidder may not withdraw its bid until forty-five (45) days after the bid opening, except in accordance with General Municipal Law Section 103(11).
Restrictions, if any, applicable to construction activities in the Owner’s facilities as a result of State, Federal, or Local orders, laws, regulations or rules, and the duration of any such restrictions, the Owner may modify the construction schedule, including the anticipated start date, set forth in the Contract/ Bid Documents.
By submitting a bid, the Bidder consents to any such schedule modification and further acknowledges and agrees that there shall be no additional compensation for the schedule modification caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions. The Bidder further acknowledges and agrees that the sole remedy for any schedule modifications or delays caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions shall be an extension of time, to be determined in the sole discretion of the Owner.
Dated: December 13, 2024
In an August letter sent to Merrick residents, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said: “The Gateway Inn is a source of frustration for Merrick neighbors, and a recent incident that involved a resident of the motel brought community concerns into clear focus.”
The Gateway Inn had served as a housing location for the county’s department of social services clients.
■ Violations issued: The owner of the Gateway Inn has been cited for over 30 building and safety violations, including inadequate smoke detectors and animal infestations.
By Order of:
The Board of Education Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District 150475
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 12/18/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 736/24. MERRICK - Tara Brassill, Variance, lot area occupied, construct addition and roof over patio both attached to dwelling., W/s Rose La., 169’ N/o Brian Dr., a/k/a 18 Rose La. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 150416
“Over the past several days, we had an opportunity to interface with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, working collaboratively to respond in a positive and meaningful way to concerns voiced by Merrick homeowners and businesspeople,” Clavin said in his letter. “The county executive shares our commitment to the quality-of-life and safety of people just like you. Accordingly, we are happy to report that there will be some welcome changes at the Gateway Inn on Sunrise Highway.”
Most importantly, it was announced in August that the county has asked that the inn no longer be used as a housing location for social services clients. The Town of Hempstead said it had instructed its building department to work closely with Nassau County and the police department to continue addressing community concerns.
“Strict compliance with building ordinances and codes will be enforced,” Clavin wrote.
At last month’s meeting, Town Councilman Chris Schneider, who represents Merrick, told meeting attendees that “the building department has been right on top of this,” and welcomed Todd DeTrano, an enforcement officer with the town’s building department, to share key updates about the inn.
DeTrano said the owner of the Gateway Inn was issued more than 30 violations, and has worked to bring several improvements to the property. The owner will appear at a hearing on Dec. 19, he added, to formally address some of the issues that were found.
“He has made numerous corrections to the violations — over 30 violations,” DeTrano said. “A lot of this had to with the DSS (housing).”
The bottom half of the right wing of the inn, DeTrano said, was solely dedicated to housing social services clients.
“We got them to stop accepting them,” DeTrano said of the inn’s owners, “which was kind of a big deal, because that was a lot of money. They were getting $108 a night.”
When meeting attendees asked what the violations entailed, DeTrano said it was mostly safety violations, like having an inadequate amount of smoke detectors and the presence of animal infestations.
Also attending last month’s meeting were police officers from the Seventh Precinct’s Problem Oriented Policing, or POP, unit, who called the inn’s property “a ghost town.” Police said aside from medical calls or unrelated traffic
■ Housing changes: The inn is no longer being used as a housing location for social services clients, per Nassau County’s request.
■ Upcoming hearing: A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19 to address the violations and assess further compliance progress.
■ Police report: Seventh Precinct’s POP unit stated that no major incidents or arrests have occurred at the inn since housing changes were implemented.
■ Community involvement: Residents are urged to report noise, building or safety concerns to the Town of Hempstead and suspected criminal activity to the precinct.
stops in front of the inn, they knew of no major arrests or incidents, ever since the inn stopped housing social services clients.
A few Merrick residents said they’ve witnessed activity outside of the inn that would suggest otherwise, adding that workers at the adjacent 7-Eleven had been complaining about the inn, but the police officers said the precinct had received no formal complaints.
Weinstein, stressing the importance of calling incidents into the precinct, said, “If you see something, just call 911. Let everything be documented. There has to be a paper trail, so the longer the paper trail, the easier it will be down the road.”
Schneider provided information regarding a few additional quality-oflife updates that impact Merrick, and told meeting attendees to reach out to his office if they have any concerns, by calling (516) 812-3285, or by emailing cschneider@hempsteadny.gov.
Excessive noise, building and safety concerns should still be reported to the building department at (516) 812-3052, and suspected criminal activity should be reported to the Seventh Precinct at (516) 573-6700 or by calling 911.
The Merrick Community Civic Association, along with the Town of Hempstead and police department, will continue to keep the community informed about the Gateway Inn. The civic association meets monthly at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse and to stay informed, residents can join its Facebook group, Merrick Community Civic Association.
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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What good is ‘grandfathered’ if we still need permits?
Q. We have an old home, built in the 1940s, that we just found out needs permits for a garage and a back family room. We don’t understand why we need this. The house was sold to us this way, cleared title, and we were told the garage was grandfathered in and the back room was “part of the house.” Why is it that if we bought it that way and it’s been there for so many years, it still needs plans, permits and, as we are finding out, a possible zoning hearing just to avoid fines? Are there rules about grandfathering over some period of time, like a statute of limitations or something?
A. No, there is actually no provision for grandfathering. When meeting with potential clients, we often check public records if we can’t find anything in the homeowners’ closing papers. The reason why this is missed is because, most of the time, a title company searches records but doesn’t set foot in the house. Also, because it’s rare to have anyone who is qualified to look at the house conditions to compare them with codes and records, things like your garage and rear addition are assumed and not confirmed.
Unfortunately, the conditions may need upgrading if they don’t meet current codes, although some building departments are more reasonable if you can prove the year of the work to them. Others will ask for windows to be changed to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements in bedrooms, or to have air conditioning units and basement escape wells addressed. It’s not unusual to need plans, a building application, zoning approval and, finally, a permit for the air conditioning condenser unit in your side yard, or for an escape well that restricts the only side yard available to get out of a basement.
I know that I’m saving people money and aggravation by explaining these things before they buy the house or do a new project, just because they’re aware of how to address the issue, but it’s rare to be asked, before a sale, to even look at the issues, because it would thwart the sale in many cases if this condition was revealed. It’s assumed that a title search is all you need, and yet I often find that in the process of doing the new project people want, we professionals get bogged down with the other things that create friction, delays and feelings of despair. It’s not unusual to hear people say they never would have started the project if they knew it was going to be this difficult, usually with the phrase, “can of worms” attached.
Depending on the need for a zoning variance, which in some municipalities can add many months to the process, you will need to have plans professionally generated by an architect or engineer, code, zoning and energy analysis to obtain permits, final inspections and certification. Good luck!
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mong the top priorities of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority is ensuring that Nassau University Medical Center remains open, returns to financial health and is available to serve the people who need it most. A recent op-ed in the Herald by NUMC leadership (“After reforms, NUMC is on the upswing,” Oct. 10-16) caught our eye, because it painted a rosy picture of the hospital’s financial situation, even though the facts say the opposite.
Despite the platitudes offered in the op-ed, the fundamental issue remains that the Nassau Health Care Corporation, the state public authority that manages NUMC and related facilities, continues to operate at a tremendous deficit while making no meaningful changes to work toward financial stability. NHCC’s oper-
ating losses (before certain actuarial adjustments) were approximately $77 million in 2023 and roughly $108 million in 2022. NIFA is projecting an operating loss for NHCC of around $120 million in 2024.
TEarlier this year, NHCC made a unilateral demand for substantial additional funding from the state. In response, the State Department of Health requested that NHCC provide certain required information and take particular actions to achieve balanced operations in order to be considered for extraordinary relief. Amazingly, NHCC has resisted complying adequately with the Health Department’s reasonable conditions that it must impose to ensure that NHCC would manage the state’s scarce resources appropriately. At the core of its financial instability is the fact that NHCC owes the New York State Health Insurance Program, or NYSHIP, $9 million per month in premiums. NHCC pays only $2 million each month, creating a monthly deficit
of $7 million. Over the past four and a half years, the total that NHCC owes NYSHIP has ballooned to roughly $380 million.
he county’s Interim
Finance Authority has made the troubled hospital a priority.
That isn’t just some enormous number sitting in a filing cabinet in Albany: It’s a tremendous cost that is being passed on to other municipal organizations in Nassau County and throughout the state. This means that these costs are being subsidized by entities like local governments and school districts, and thus, taxpayers. The increased burden on Nassau County and other taxpayers will only get worse if the hospital’s ineffective leadership is not changed for the better.
NHCC executives are potentially placing an even greater financial strain on the shoulders of their over 3,500 employees (along with retirees), all of whom are at risk of losing their health insurance should these arrears on NYSHIP payments continue. The New York State Civil Service Commission has sent NHCC numerous letters over
the past three years alerting leadership that the health care corporation is at risk of termination by NYSHIP due to these unpaid amounts. It is the negligence of NHCC’s executives that has led it to this point.
The hospital’s problems are the result of poor management and an ineffective board, whose members must be replaced in order for the situation to improve. NIFA knows for certain that, in order for NUMC to continue serving our community, its existing leadership must change, and soon. NHCC’s current board leadership and management have shown that they are ill-equipped to oversee such a delicate operation. Their lack of ability shows, and it could ultimately result in the hospital shutting down entirely. Thousands of people would be out of jobs, and all of us would lose a crucial medical resource in our community.
The last thing we want is for NUMC is to close its doors. Along with Gov. Kathy Hochul and her top staff, NIFA is working hard with all stakeholders to keep them open.
Richard Kessel is chairman of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority.
Iunwrapped the holiday gift I received from my son, Matthew, last year and found a New York Mets tear-off calendar for 2024. Six days a week (weekends were combined), there was either a question about Mets history or a fun fact.
Jan. 1: “In 2019, Pete Alonzo blasted 53 home run, setting a record for an MLB rookie.”
Feb. 13: “Who was the first player in Mets history to steal home more than once in a single season? Hubie Brooks, 1991.”
March 27: “In 2022, Francisco Lindor became the first shortstop in Mets history to hit at least 20 home runs in consecutive seasons.”
I don’t know why, but from New Year’s Day through the following 12 months, I wrote notes on the back of each page I tore off.
Jan. 3: “Fast day @ work. Much to do. Zone meeting. Job interview. Freeport production. NYPA.”
Feb. 13: “Snow day. Everyone home. Matt visited. Workers upstairs. Chocolate chip p–cakes/bacon dinner.
March 26: “@ office. Production Nas-
sau early. Closed papers early.”
Early in the year, I debated whether to leave the calendar at home or bring it in to the office. I sided with keeping it on the desk in my man-cave-libraryoffice at home, in what used to be my son’s bedroom.
April 8: “On this date in 1954, future Mets catcher Gary Carter was born in Culver City, CA.” (Additional fun fact: Carter’s jersey number was 8.)
May 14: “In 1972, who did the Mets trade to the Giants in exchange for Willie Mays? RHP Charlie Williams (along with $50,000).”
Oprevious day, or over the weekend. It’s been interesting to compare what I wrote in the first few months of the year with my notes later in the year.
The Mets had a horrible start, but then, on Oct. 9: “Mets win NLDS Series 3-1.”
n one side, a landmark in Mets history. On the other, my daughter’s birthday.
Every morning this year, after getting dressed, I’ve put off going downstairs for breakfast for a few minutes, sat down and noted the highlights of the previous day.
April 1: “Edited stories. Set up paper. Tuna for dinner. Two great hoops games. Mets 0-4/good job.
May 16: “Got sale docs signed/ mailed. C/U backyard. Rangers clinched semi series.”
June 29/30: “Sat. — errands/clean up. Relax/game nite/pizza. Sun. — a little work/relax. Pulled pork @ Les’s/dinner. Spoke with Stuart/plan.”
Writing these brief notes was a way to remember what had happened the
The thoughts trickle back as snapshot memories that I either want to cherish, like Sept. 25 — “White House Tavern dinner 30 yrs.” — Or try to forget, like Oct. 27: “Mr. G’s wake.”
July 19: “Mike Piazza was the first player in Mets history to have four different seasons with at least 30 home runs.”
Sept. 3: “On this date in 1978, who became the first Mets player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game? Lee Mazzilli. Time is fleeting, it is precious, and God is not making more of it. These are among the many, many things that have been written about time. Clearly, we should be making the most of it.
July 23: “Office. Production mostly on time. Nautilus for dinner.”
Aug. 6: “Office. Production — Lyn, Nassau, Uniondale & South Shore Record computer glitches/rain storm. Sept. 14/15: “A little work/errands relaxed. Laundry — work relaxed. Wendy’s w/Liz. Chris out with the ladies.”
Snapshots of nearly 365 days of another year in a life. I wonder what other people’s notes would look like.
Oct. 4: “On this date in 1999, Al Leiter threw a two-hit shutout to propel the Mets over the Reds in a one-game playoff berth for the NL Wild Card berth.” Dec. 3: “What ballpark was the first to allow fans to keep the foul balls that landed in the stands? Wrigley Field.”
Who knows what the next year will bring? I hope it’s more memories like these.
Oct. 19/20: “Sat. — Errands/watched college FB. B&B Fish and Clam tilapia/ onion rings. Sun. — Read stories/laundry. Watched football. Houlihan’s for Liz’s 19th B-day!
Nov. 16/17: “Sat. — Errands, dinner Alan’s B-day, Austin’s Ale House. Sun. — open house. Football. Pasta/sauce/ bread dinner.”
Dec. 4: “Office. Asked to write op-ed to fill hole. Valley Stream 100 mtg. Dinner w/Liz, buffalo chicken roll/ CParm.”
Time moves quickly, and while details of my daily life may not match the scale of the Mets’ landmark events, they hold deeper significance. My team — my family and friends — far outshines even my favorite baseball squad in importance.
Jeffrey Bessen is the deputy editor of Herald Community Newspapers, and a dedicated note taker.
Yellow school buses are an iconic image of education in America, transporting millions of children each day. But in New York state, the question of whether buses are equipped with seat belts is left to individual school districts.
The Briarcliff, Elmsford and Yonkers districts have embraced the added security of seat belts in a limited form, but others have opted out, leaving a patchwork system that prioritizes local discretion over consistent safety standards.
On the crowded roads of 2024, this approach is no longer acceptable. It is time for the state to mandate seat belts on all school buses in every district, ensuring the safety of every child who steps aboard.
School buses are generally recognized as one of the safest modes of transportation, thanks to their design and the principle of “compartmentalization.” High-backed, closely spaced seats create a buffer that helps absorb the force of a collision.
Simple compartmentalization is far from foolproof, however, particularly in side-impact crashes or rollovers. Seat belts add a crucial layer of protection in these scenarios. Without them, children can be thrown from their seats, increasing the likelihood of serious injury or even death.
A statewide mandate would align New York with the growing national consensus on school bus safety. Several
To the Editor:
states, including New Jersey, Florida, and California, already require seat belts on buses. These mandates reflect the recommendations of safety organizations like the National Transportation Safety Board, which has advocated for the installation of lap-and-shoulder belts on all new large buses. By following suit, New York would reaffirm its commitment to children’s safety and set an example for still more states to follow.
One argument often made by opponents of mandatory seat belts is that they’re too costly to install. Retrofitting existing buses or buying new models equipped with seat belts is a significant investment, but when the expense is weighed against the potential cost of injuries or fatalities, the financial argument falls flat.
The state Department of Transportation could work with school districts to phase in the requirement over time, offsetting the cost with the help of state funding or federal grants. But again, the safety benefits of seat belts far outweigh the expense. Protecting children should never hinge on budgetary constraints.
Another concern is enforcement of seat belt requirements. Critics argue that younger children might not consistently buckle up. While this concern is valid, it is not insurmountable. Bus drivers can incorporate quick visual checks into their routine, and schools can implement safety education pro-
Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s recent op-ed, “I look forward to representing you again”: D’Esposito said some things that were far from the truth. As president of the Long Island chapter of the New York Alliance for Retired Americans, I represent over 10,000 members Islandwide, which includes more than 3,000 members in his district.
I was assigned to secure a meeting with the congressman, as I had done with Peter King several years ago. King gave the alliance’s statewide president and me about 20 minutes, and that was two days after a major snowstorm. I would have been happy with 20 minutes with D’Esposito, but despite numerous calls, I was given the runaround by both his district and Washington offices. Maybe if he had met with us, more of those 3,000-plus members would have voted for him. After all, everyone agrees that senior citizens vote in higher percentages than the general population.
He was also inaccurate about his voting for an immigration bill, because he left out the part where he voted against the bipartisan bill that would have solved many immigration problems. But his party leaders wanted him to help kill that bill so it could be used as an issue in the November election.
Representative D’Esposito speaks out of both sides of
grams to teach students the importance of being protected while on the bus. These measures would foster a culture of compliance and ensure that seat belts serve their intended purpose.
Beyond the practical and financial considerations, the best argument for seat belts is a moral one. Parents trust that when their children board a bus, they are as safe as possible. By leaving the decision to individual districts, New York sends a troubling message: that children’s safety may vary depending on their Zip code. This undermines the model of equal protection and fairness that public education is supposed to embody.
In the end, the case for mandatory seat belts on school buses is clear. The technology exists, the safety benefits are well documented, and the moral imperative is undeniable. New York has long been a leader in progressive public policy. Requiring seat belts on school buses would not only safeguard the state’s most vulnerable residents, but also reaffirm its commitment to equity and safety.
It’s time for the state to take the wheel on this issue and drive meaningful change. Safety is not optional — it’s a necessity. With an annual budget of nearly a quarter-trillion dollars, New York has no excuse for not providing money to add seat belts to school buses. Children are our most precious passengers, and the time to act is now.
as the snowflakes begin to fall and twinkling lights adorn the streets, the holiday season casts a warm glow over New York — a state imbued with the festive spirit, yet often overshadowed by a political landscape dominated by a single party.
Did Albany Democrats learn anything from last month’s electoral defeat?
The Legislature’s tone-deaf response tells the story. The recent state Education Department regionalization plan, congestion pricing, sanctuary policies and Gov. Kathy hochul’s annual high-density housing plans are lumps of coal designed to decimate our suburban way of life and silence your voice and influence. Long Islanders’ holiday wish is to be left alone, and for Albany politicians to return to one guiding principle: common sense.
For far too long, discussions about public policy have been tangled in intricate frameworks and muddied by partisan debate. If we strip away the excess, however, we discover that common sense — defined by Merriam-Webster as “sound and prudent judgment based
on a simple perception of the situation or facts” — should illuminate our path, especially in two areas that impact our daily lives: public safety and affordability.
The government’s premier obligation is the safety of its citizens. Yet thanks to Albany Democrats’ sanctuary policies, we learned recently that there are over 58,000 illegal migrants who are convicted felons or facing criminal charges roaming the streets of New York City. over 1,000 of them are members of organized gangs. sanctuary status prohibits law enforcement from sharing information with immigration officials, making all of us less safe.
For far too long, public policy discussions have been muddied by partisan debate.
This summer, the chilling discovery of dismembered body parts in a park in Babylon and surrounding areas sent shockwaves through the community not just because of the heinous act, but also because of the alarming way justice was served. Thanks to Albany Democrats’ no-bail laws, the suspects, initially charged with concealment of a human corpse, were released back onto the streets, with one re-offending shortly afterward. how can such decisions be justified? state senate Republicans put forward pragmatic proposals mandating that law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities, restore judicial discretion, classify dismemberment
confusing, because it sounded more like his first campaign speech to regain his lost seat rather than an opinion. In a county that voted favorably for the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, Mr. D’Esposito was unable to ride Mr. Trump’s coattails and defeat Laura Gillen in New York’s 4th Congressional District. In the majority opinion, the best candidate won.
JohN P. FITzsIMoNs Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
Long Island Rail Road and New York City Transit riders should hold accountable any public official, Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member or transit advocate who opposes the planned 4 percent fare hikes in 2025 for missing why the increases are needed. They were part of the MTA’s $51 billion 2020-2024 Five Year Capital Plan. Quality and frequency of service depends on secure revenue streams. We will all have to contribute — be it with
and concealment of a human corpse as a bail-eligible felony, and bolster electronic monitoring for serious cases. Yet these common-sense solutions were left in the dark, overshadowed by political gamesmanship from senate Democrats. When the safety of our communities hangs in the balance, it’s high time common sense triumphs over partisan politics.
The crushing burden of New York’s rising costs has become a disturbing reality for hardworking families across the state, exacerbated by six years of one-party rule in Albany. over that time, annual state spending has erupted by more than $65 billion — an alarming 38 percent increase since senate Republicans were last in the majority in 2019. hochul’s outrageous proposal to allocate $2.4 billion — and a staggering $4.2 billion over two years — to mitigate the fallout of the ongoing migrant crisis only deepens the chasm of fiscal irresponsibility.
The warning bells are being sounded by even the most prominent Democrats. state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli foresees a daunting $36 billion cash shortfall over the next four years, thanks to skyrocketing expenditures and dwindling tax revenue as New Yorkers flee for lower-tax states. Instead of common-sense budgeting, fiscal chaos reigns — an economic Nightmare Before
Christmas that defies logic.
As the cost of living climbs and essential services wither as a result of political neglect, it’s imperative that our decisions reflect the realities faced by younger generations of New Yorkers. We must prioritize policies that curtail excessive spending, rein in government overreach, incentivize economic growth, and create a landscape where businesses flourish, serving as the backbone of our state’s prosperity. It’s simply common sense.
As we embrace the joy of the holiday season, let’s work together to advocate for policies that elevate our communities and encompass the needs of all New Yorkers. It is essential — regardless of political affiliation — to champion initiatives that prioritize public safety, economic viability and support for our vulnerable populations, including veterans, seniors and those with disabilities. It’s time for a return to basic principles rooted in sound judgment, prudent fiscal decisions and a commitment to safeguarding our communities.
As we light menorahs, decorate trees and prepare feasts, let’s demand that Albany commit itself to building a community that works for everyone, not just a chosen few. Together we can create a New York where seasonal cheer takes precedence, and the shadows of neglect are banished by the light of common sense.
Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.
fares or tax revenue redistributed to the MTA. Fare hikes are periodically required if the authority’s operating agencies, including the LIRR, are to provide the services millions of New Yorkers count on daily. They are inevitable due to increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, and upgrades to stations, yards and shops necessary to run any transit system.
In 2023, the MTA lost $700 million to fare evasion and spent $1.3 billion on employee overtime. There is little reason to believe that the 2024 numbers will significantly change. so, in return for honest riders paying the new higher fares next year, the MTA must step up and reduce annual fare evasion by several hundred million dollars and employee overtime to well below $1 billion. A fare increase requires MTA reforms.
LARRY PENNER
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
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