Nassau Herald 01-16-2025

HERALD Nassau

Building a modern Jewish center

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The Chabad of Hewlett is looking toward its future, as the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett nears completion.

Construction began in 2022 with the demolition of the old structure on Everit Avenue, and there are now plans for a grand opening by the end of this year.

Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim and his wife, Rivkie, founded the Chabad of Hewlett, a nonprofit

Social media influencer recognized for supporting Israel

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Hewlett resident Gabriel Boxer — known as the “Kosher Guru” on social media — has also made a name for himself as a major advocate for Israel since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.

Boxer, 44, was honored at a Jan. 7 Voices of Iron Ceremony at the Knesset — Israel’s parliament — for his acts of chesed, the Hebrew word for kindness, during the Swords of Iron War, the Jewish state’s moniker for the war against Hamas.

“The Voices of Iron honored online advocacy warriors who are influencers and people who

speak up for Israel and the Jewish nation,” Boxer said. “It’s people who have given of themselves days and night defending Israel and Jewish people since Oct. 7.”

Boxer was one of 50 honorees from around the world, and was the only resident from Nassau County recognized.

“Gabe Boxer has distinguished himself as an outstanding community leader in Nassau County and an effective spokesman for rallying people behind the State of Israel, especially after Oct. 7,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a text message. “I am happy that he is receiving recognition for all of his good work.”

Boxer has been involved in various nonprofit organizations in the Five Towns and active on social media, mainly Instagram, where he shares his content related to kosher events, food, programs, restaurants and travel.

He became more involved as an advocate for Jewish people and Israel due to the rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment following the Oct. 7 attacks.

“It is doing what’s right and not falling into the lies of propaganda being put out there, and sharing the truth,” Boxer said.

He was in Israel with his

family and experienced the Oct. 7 attacks firsthand, spending the day hiding in a bomb shelter and worrying about what would happen next.

Dan Illouz, a member of Knesset’s right-wing Likud party, organized the Jan. 7 event and contacted Boxer via email on Dec. 10.

“Your unwavering commitment to defending and supporting Israel has made an immea-

surable impact on our community and beyond,” Illouz wrote in the email. “Your advocacy and leadership in Israel and on the international stage since Oct. 7 and the Swords of Iron, has been pivotal in Israel’s fight against hatred, antisemitism, and the spread of misinformation worldwide. You have not only provided strength and hope to many but have also

Courtesy Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim

Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim and his wife, Rivkie, at the new Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett, where construction continues.

Lawrence honors Israel Ambassador Mike Huckabee

Village of Lawrence Mayor, Samuel Nahmias, introduced Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee at the Israel Heritage event where Deputy Mayor Tammy Roz and Trustees Aaron Felder and Shlomo Gottesman presented him a proclamation from the village, on Jan. 12.

“Whereas the honorable Mike Huckabee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service to the people of Arkansas, the honorable Mike Huckabee led with integrity, and compassion, advocating for policies that strengthen the state and uplifted its citizens while always putting the needs of people first,” Nahmias wrote in a news release. “Whereas the honorable Mike Huckabee has been duly appointed as Ambassador to the State of Israel by President Donald J Trump, a position of great honor and responsibility, and significance which reflects both his deep understanding of foreign policy and his longstanding dedication to strengthening the bond between the United States and Israel.”

On Jan. 8, at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, the Village of Lawrence held its post- holiday party acknowledging the dedication, commitment, creativity, vision, and hard work, of the Village employees, staff, board members, appointees, and friends.

Mayor Samuel Nahmias announced at the party, “for the first six months in the Village of Lawrence, we are up $600,000 in revenue and we are running a balanced budget.”

He also mentioned the club’s fiscal stability as well as the Lawrence beautification project and the newly relaunched website and social media platforms.

Nahmias personally thanked Deputy Mayor Tammy Roz, Trustee Aaron Parnes, Trustee Aaron Felder, Trustee Steven Gottesman, Village Administrator Gerry Castro, Village Treasurer Lina Fusco, Village Attorney John Ryan, Esq., Secretary to the Board of Trustees Alison Cohen, as well as the team at the Country Club and Marina and many appointed officials.

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy Village of Lawrence

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, left, Lawrence Trustee Shlomo Gottesman, Mayor Sam Nahmias, Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Trustee Aaron Felder, and Deputy Mayor Tammy Roz, right, at the Israel Heritage Foundation event, on Jan. 12.

Don’t resist joining Breakfast Connect

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Most people wake up in the morning five days a week, grab some breakfast and coffee and head to work.

Every Wednesday roughly 30 people gather in the upstairs ballroom in the Hewlett firehouse and make business connections, and in most cases friendships.

Breakfast Connect, considered the largest networking group in the Five Towns, according to leader Andrew Liebowitz, meets for 60 or so minutes from 8 to 9 a.m., which includes businesses from those communities as well as surrounding ones such as Lynbrook, Oceanside and Rockville Centre.

“When you do meet every week you build relationships, it’s hard when you don’t,” Liebowitz said as he began the Jan. 8 meeting that included a dozen exhibitors.

He noted that many of the people who are part of Breakfast Connect were members of the original Business Network International group that began in the Five Towns in 2004. A decade later him and several others formed a free networking group — BNI charges members — that has met in a number of different locations, including the Woodmere Club and Bagel Boss in Hewlett.

“The idea of free networking is important, it’s something we’re proud

group at the Jan. 8.

of,” Liebowitz said. At Breakfast Connect you can dress how you want. We don’t take referrals in this group, referrals are earned.”

Meeting every week, he added is a plus and the best way to build relationships.

“Every week we get to speak, talk about each other’s business, ways to help each other, and become more refer-

able,” Liebowitz said. “We’re a friendly group, along the way we’ve made friendships and everyone is close in this group.”

It is not mandatory to attend every week, but attending on a regular basis is recommended, he added.

Stephen Marks, an executive recruiter who works from home, said he belongs to Breakfast Connect to social-

ize with other business people.

“I see it as a place of learning and meeting new people,” the East Rockaway resident said at that Wednesday meeting. “It’s engaging.”

Looking to expand his Lynbrookbased We Fix 516 construction business, John Muscat attended his first Break Fast Connect meeting.

“I want to meet people and get the word out in the neighborhood,” he said, adding that being a part of a group will “change the day up a little bit.” “Right now it’s word of mouth and I want to get things going and push it a little more.”

Audrey Reiman, vice president of First National Bank of Long Island in Hewlett, equated being involved with the networking group to providing good customer service as she said he bank do.

“We answer the phone on the first or second ring,” she said touting her bank’s ability to service their customers. “We what to spread the word to everyone that are a real community bank.”

Liebowitz likes to say, “To resist is business missed.”

“It’s family first, business second and networking third,” he said about the group’s outlook on life’s priorities. “Things happen.”

To connect, go to BreakfastConnect. com.

Hewlett senior Emily Smukler named Regeneron semifinalist

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Emily Smukler, a senior at Hewlett High School, has been named a semifinalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search for her research on DNA nanostructures, placing her among the top 300 students nationwide in the competition.

The competition, focused on rewarding young scientists for their original research and leadership potential, received nearly 2,500 applications from students across the world. Smukler said she has been working on this research since last year.

“I got into my lab around March or April and began my research in late June, which is around the same time that I started to fill out my application for Regeneron,” Smukler said. “I had been working on both my application and in the lab throughout the whole summer and even during the school year.”

Her project titled “Aptamer-Mediated Biosensing using Self-Assembled DNA Nanomaterials,” focused on taking several single strands of DNA and forcing them into a structure that can recognize other molecules. Terrence Bissoondial, a science research teacher at Hewlett High, broke down the research and explained why it is important.

“Emily was able to take several

strands of DNA and develop them in the right environmental condition so that they form a triangle, and this triangle is then able to recognize any other molecule you want,” Bissoondial said. “If you wanted to test for fentanyl, you could use Emily’s research to get an aptamer and do that.”

Along with becoming a semifinalist, Smukler will receive a $2,000 reward for her research. Honored to be nominated as a semifinalist, Smukler said she is excited to continue working on science research in college. She is one of the 49 Long Island Regeneron semifinalists, the most of any region in the country.

“I was in my calculus class when I heard that I was a semifinalist, and I was in disbelief,” Smukler said. “Everyone was coming over to congratulate me, and it was just a surreal experience that I am honored to have received. Over the summer, I worked on my research at NYU, and I was accepted there early decision, so I plan on going back and continuing to work on my research.”

The Hewlett-Woodmere school district will also receive a $2,000 reward for Smukler’s nomination. The reward will go towards benefitting the district’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs. Bissoondial said that Smukler has worked hard to earn this achievement and he is extremely proud of her accomplishments.

“Regeneron doesn’t only look at the student’s research — they look at the background of the student to see if they have a good grasp of science,” Bissoondial said. “Emily has done amazing work on studying seizures in babies, cambium in plants, and work with the robotics team. She has worked tremendously hard for it, and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person.”

Smukler will now advance to the next stage of the competition, where 40 finalists will be named and compete for more than $1.8 million in additional rewards in Washington, D.C. Finalists will be announced on Jan. 23.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

Breakfast Connect leader Andrew Liebowitz spoke to members and guests about networking

Courtesy Terrence Bissoondial Emily Smukler has worked in science research throughout her high school career and is eligible to be named a finalist on Jan.23.

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Dr. William Poll, principal of the Nassau BOCES Barry Tech career and technical education high school, left, congratulated Aiden Laleau from the Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD on being named Student of the Quarter.

Hewlett-Woodmere students honored by BOCES

Nassau BOCES named two students from the Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD as Student of the Quarter at their Barry Tech career and technical education high school.

Aiden Laleau, who is studying construction trade skills and Sharon Sheerit, for nursing assistant, were both hon-

ored for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness.

Students of the Quarter take on initiative in class projects and serve as role models for their fellow students, in both the classroom and workplace.

— Melissa Berman

Tax and Medicaid Law Changes for 2025

For 2025, the exemptions for estate taxes rise to $7.16 million for New York estate taxes, and to $13.99 million for Federal estate taxes. The annual gift tax exclusion rises to $19,000. If your estate is, or may become, greater than the New York threshold, early intervention can avoid the hefty New York estate taxes, which start at over $600,000. Some of the techniques are (1) setting up two trusts, one for husband and one for wife, and using them to double the New York exemption, (2) gifting out so much of the estate so as to reduce it below the New York exemption, at least three years before the death of the donor, and (3) using the “Santa Clause” providing that the amount over the threshold be donated to a charity or charities of your choosing so as to reduce the estate to no more than the exemption.

For Medicaid, the house is an exempt asset so long as a spouse is residing there, up to $1.1 million of equity for 2025. Seeing as over 80% of nursing home residents do not have a spouse, it is better to plan ahead with

Episcopal Health Services welcomes two new surgeons

Episcopal Health Services has announced two additions to St. John’s Medical Group’s surgical team: Dr. Patrick DePippo as chief of vascular surgery and Dr. Michael Stein as plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Courtesy Episcopal Health Hospital

Dr. Patrick DePippo, left, joins Episcopal Health Services as chief of vascular surgery and will provide vascular care and Dr. Michael Stein, a double-board certified plastic surgeon specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, both join the St. John’s Medical Group.

DePippo, was recently named a 2024 Best Vascular Surgeon by Newsweek, brings over 30 years of experience treating — aortic aneurysms, arterial insufficiency, carotid artery disease, endovascular therapy and peripheral vascular disease.

He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College, completed his general surgery residency at New York Medical College, and his vascular surgery fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center.

Stein is a double-board certified in plastic surgery and specializes in breast reconstruction, hand surgeries, nerve reconstruction and skin cancer reconstruction. He holds a medical

a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) to get the five year look-back for nursing facility care. In that case, the house would be protected by the trust rather than the unreliable spousal exemption. Unless your other assets have been protected by the MAPT, an individual may keep about $31,500 and a spouse at home can keep up to about $158,000.

The often-delayed imposition of the new two and a half year look-back for home care, is not on the horizon for 2025. Currently there is no look-back for home-care and you do not have to worry about getting home care until you actually need it. Nevertheless, this may change in the future so the MAPT remains as an important as a tool to qualify you for home care as well as protecting your assets from a nursing home. Assets should be moved into the MAPT years ahead of time if you want to be able to afford to stay in your own home and get home health aides for assistance with the activities of daily living, should the need arise.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

degree from the University of British Columbia and a master’s in applied sciences from Johns Hopkins University. His training includes a residency at the University of Ottawa and a fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital/Lenox Hill Hospital. Stein has authored over 60 publications and received multiple research awards.

“The addition of these highly-skilled surgeons reflects our ongoing commitment to expand access to advanced surgical services,” Dr. Jameela Yusuff, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Episcopal Health Services said in a news release.

Episcopal Health Services, CEODr. Donald T. Morrish, emphasized that these appointments will enhance services for the Rockaways, Five Towns and the surrounding communities.

— Melissa Berman

The projecT includes: Purchase and installation of a fully integrated public address/mass communications system. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references and cost.Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at

GrantBids2025@gmail.com

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, and work is to commence by March 3, 2025 and be completed by April 30, 2025.

Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman

Rockville Centre’s Laura Gillen took the oath of office administered by House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and officially was installed as the representative for the 4th Congressional District.

Gillen defeated incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a rematch of the 2022 race for the two-year term.

A former Hempstead town supervisor, Gillen was joined by her family in Washington, D.C. for her swearing in on Jan. 6.

At freshmen orientation late last year, Gillen had the opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.

“I am honored that the people of New York’s Fourth Congressional District

have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in Congress,” Gillen said in a statement after being sworn in.

“As we look ahead to this Congress, I am ready to get to work on the bipartisan priorities that Long Islanders care most about: lowering costs, giving hardworking Long Islanders a middle-class tax break by restoring the full SALT deduction, ensuring clean drinking water, and taking much-needed action to secure our border,” she said.

“I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship, and I look forward to working with anyone — Democrat or Republican — who is committed to working productively to deliver on the pressing issues that we face,” Gillen added.

— Jeffrey Bessen

address.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, and work is to commence by March 3, 2025 and be completed by April 30, 2025.

Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen

Speaker Mike Johnson, third from left, swore in Laura Gillen, third from right, into office, on Jan. 6. Owen Gillen, far left, Myles Gillen, Johnson, Chris Flanagan, Gillen, Austen Gillen and Laine Gillen.

LEIL a paz

Carey Senior Basketball

A FOUR-YEAR STARTER and two-time AllCounty selection, Paz reached a milestone Dec. 19 in Carey’s defeat to New Hyde Park. As part of her 18-point performance, she recorded her 1,000th career point, joining a short list of those in the program to accomplish the feat. Paz entered this week’s action leading all of Nassau County in scoring at a shade under 27 points per game. She hit for 30 or more points in half of Carey’s first 10 games.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Jan. 16

Girls Basketball: South Side at Elmont

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Baldwin

Boys Basketball: Mepham at MacArthur

Boys Basketball: Elmont at South Side 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at East

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Long

Girls Basketball: Garden City at Calhoun

Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Hewlett

Friday, Jan. 17

Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Oceanside at Farmingdale

Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Wrestling: MacArthur at Long Beach 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Mepham at Calhoun 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at North Shore 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Calhoun 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Herricks at East Meadow 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Oceanside 1 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Freeport at Syosset 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Hewlett falls to shorthanded Elmont

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Injuries keep mounting for Elmont girls’ basketball, but the Spartans rode the strong two-way play of senior guard Kaitlyn Paulino and a pair of recent additions to a 61-41 victory at Hewlett last Saturday morning in a Nassau Conference AA-II matchup.

Paulino, who finished with a team-high 18 points, capped a 10-point run early in the third quarter to stretch Elmont’s lead after the Bulldogs closed within a point on sophomore Mia Koloden’s basket to begin the second half.

Eighth-graders Madison Edwards (16) and Madison Calvin came off the bench to combine for 27 points for Elmont (7-4 overall, 4-2 in AA-II), which was missing four starters including senior standout Charlotte Hines.

“There’s extra pressure with all of the key players missing, but we have to stay focused and we’ve had other girls step up,” Paulino said. “We have high aspirations and we’re trying to stay positive and work hard in practice. We want to go far in the playoffs.”

Koloden poured in a game-high 20 points for Hewlett (1-10, 0-7) and junior Kayla Owens added 10.

“The effort is there every game and we’ve added some wrinkles on defense that’s help us stay close,” Bulldogs head coach Alex Pallatto said. “We need to improve on turnovers and rebounding. We haven’t been able to rebound an opponent yet. In a difficult conference like this, you don’t want to give the other team extra possessions.”

Hewlett, which got three-pointers from senior Rachel Cafaro and junior Guiliana Oliviero in the second quarter, hung tough until the Spartans hit the gas in the third.

Elmont head coach Pete Lawson, already without the services of Hines (knee), fellow seniors Kyla Moore (ankle) and Kayla Latiff (finger), and junior Samaya Jeffers (finger), was relieved to see sophomore Carrington Barrett miss only a few minutes of action after getting fouled hard during the 19-9 third quarter.

“I was holding my breath,” Lawson

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Sophomore Mia Koloden, right, poured in a game-high 20 points last Saturday but it wasn’t enough for the Bulldogs to overcome Elmont.

said. “It’s been one thing after another. It’s nice to see that we’re hanging in and everyone is picking up some slack, but hopefully we can get healthy soon.”

Hines suffered a knee injury in the second half of Elmont’s 52-50 defeat at Division Jan. 8 and is awaiting MRI results. She had 18 points in that game and averages 15. “Very concerned,” Lawson said. “Charlotte is an All-County player and one of our leaders.”

Senior Sharon Na’anmiap is another reason the Spartans are staying in contention. She enjoyed a strong third quarter at

Hewlett, chipping in a three-pointer and a putback. Owens had a traditional threepoint play to close the quarter, but the Bulldogs were down 13 entering the fourth.

Paulino, who also had 5 steals and 5 rebounds, scored each of Elmont’s first three baskets in the final quarter to help it pull away. She’s averaging 12 points per game and has been its driving force, Lawson said.

“Katelyn is our glue,” he noted. “She’s been there for us every game and every practice. She scores consistently and guards the best opposing player.”

LONG LIVE

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.  Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

Officials address the State of the Region

By JEFFREY BESSEN, CAROLYN JAMES & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ

Special to the Herald

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer began with a joke. Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, moderated a discussion among Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Richard Schaffer, president of the Long Island Supervisors Association. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke about having an impact.

The ballroom at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury, was filled with many appointed and elected government officials, along with many more movers and shakers, on Jan. 10 for the LIA’s annual State of the Region Breakfast.

This is a portion of what the elected leaders had to say.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

The former U.S. Senate majority leader, now the minority leader, began the morning with joke. The punch line of a tale about a woman being sentenced to four nights in jail for stealing a can of four peaches is her husband interrupting the proceeds by shouting, “She also stole a can of peas!”

The room filled with laughter, and then Schumer turned serious on several topics, including his hard work to attain his position in the Senate. He noted that despite the partisanship in Washington, Long Island elected leaders from both political parties are working together to bring federal money to the region.

“I’ll keep fighting for Long Island,” Schumer said, noting a $400 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for the Long Island Power Authority to strengthen the electrical power infrastructure.

Schumer said he was committed to reinstituting the deduction for state and local taxes, as should the entire state congressional delegation.

“We should be united in doing that, so that our people will stay here, new people will want to come here,” he said. “There is no reason for any member of the New York delegation shouldsettle for anything less than the full restitution of SALT with no cap.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul

The governor, who traveled to the event on the Long Island Rail Road, noted that the state would be investing $1.5 billion in the LIRR. The state is also allocating over $51 million for public safety on Long Island.

“We have to have the courage and vision to do more,” Hochul said of the issue of affordable housing.

She acknowledged the impact of climate change, from the wildfires in California to the fires in upstate New York in November, and from flooding in the Hudson Valley in July to flooding in Suffolk County in August.

“So, we have to be ready for this,” Hochul said. “We are the first genera-

tion to feel the ill effects of climate change, and we’re the last generation that can do something about it.”

She advocated for offshore wind power generation, saying it’s the way to go.

She also said she was motivated to help businesses big and small, because of the economic hard times she saw growing up. “No large business ever started as a large business — they all started small,” Hochul said, noting her mother’s small business to help displaced homemakers.

Since she became governor, she said, 53,000 jobs have been created on Long Island, and that in 2023 alone, 47,000 new businesses started here.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman Blakeman touted his record as county executive.

“Nassau County was named by U.S. News & World Report as the safest county of all the United States of America,” he said, crediting officers of the county Police Department. “They do an outstanding job,” he said. “The men and women work very, very hard to keep us all safe.”

On the proposed Sands casino, Blakeman said the process is progressing, and he believes the county has the best application.

“I think it will generate a lot of jobs — we’re talking about potentially $5 billion in construction jobs,” he said. “We’re talking about revenue that will be spread out in various communities. I believe that, hopefully, we can get a favorable decision from the licensing board, and we’ll go full speed ahead.”

On affordable housing, Blakeman said, “We have 80-year-old sewers that need to be revitalized … and we need at least $100 million over the next five years to do that.”

County Executive Ed Romaine Romaine declared that “Amtrak is coming to Ronkonkoma,” and spoke about affordable housing. Referring to the state’s push to bring development to Nassau and Suffolk counties, Romaine said he agreed that Long Island would benefit from meeting the housing needs of lower-income residents, senior citizens and young people.

He quickly added a caveat, however. “We also need the infrastructure,

including sewers, to support these projects,” Romaine said, noting that there are 3,400 projects under consideration in Suffolk that can’t be built because the county doesn’t have the sewer capacity — and that is the major obstacle for almost every major project undertaken on Long Island.

Increasing affordable housing on Long Island, once a local and regional issue, is front and center in Albany, as the state — dangling lots of state dollars — urges counties, towns and villages to embrace its new housing initiative. He added that the measure has been greeted with mixed reviews, as local officials remain concerned that opting into the state program will undercut local controls like planning and zoning codes.

Romaine was visibly angry about the taxes that Suffolk residents pay on their home electric and heating bills. He promised to suspend those taxes, as well as the gasoline tax.

“We should make it more affordable for the average person to live here,” he said. If not, people will move off Long Island “like the rest of the state. (People) don’t just vote at the ballot box; they vote with their feet. New York lost (more) people than any other state. That’s a wake-up call.

Supervisor Richard Schaffer

Schaffer, the Town of Babylon supervisor and the Suffolk County Democratic chairman, noted his beginnings in the County Legislature, where he worked across the aisle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“We’re not elected to come here and put on a show to make it into Newsday or make it onto News12,” Schaffer said. “We’re here to get things done.” He noted that that is his philosophy, and Romaine’s thinking as well.

“The stars have aligned, and not only do we have people who have known each other for a very long time, but also key, trust each other in order to do the right thing,” Schaffer added of his relationships with Romaine and Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

LIA President and CEO Matt Cohen, far right, moderated the panel discussion, which included Long Island Supervisors Association

President Richard Schaffer, far left, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that restoring the deduction for state and local taxes was a priority.

Gov. Kathy Hochul touched on a number of topics at the State of the Region event at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

Growing community sparks Chabad’s ambitious expansion

that serves the Jewish community of Hewlett and surrounding towns, over 10 years ago.

“We began planning this project a few years ago,” Tenenboim wrote in an email, “after recognizing the need for a much larger, more modern facility to accommodate our increasingly active community as more and more families from greater Hewlett have been joining our Chabad activities.”

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life will serve as a hub of activity for greater Hewlett, and will offer a range of programs and services for those of all ages, including educational classes, a lounge for Hewlett High School students, social events, a sports center and spacious prayer services.

“Participation in all Chabad of Hewlett activities have experienced significant growth in recent years, and the old building was no longer able to meet the demand for services and programs,” Tenenboim wrote. “Due to the enthusiasm of the community, we decided to create a new building to provide a welcoming, state-of-the-art space for the entire community to gather and connect.”

Chabad of Hewlett was created in the Tenenboims’ home, and later moved to a small store on Broadway before finding a home on Everit Avenue.

One of the main reasons to build a bigger space was to have the ability to host large community events, while being a central meeting place.

“We’ve designed the space to be warm, inviting, and functional,” Tenenboim wrote, “with plenty of natural light and cutting-edge technology that will make it one of the most beautiful Jewish centers that the entire community can be proud of.”

The new building will also feature a state-of-the-art after-school program for children.

Neil Kupferman, a member of the Chabad for nine years who sits on its board, has been involved in the

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025 4:00 - 8:00 PM

A rendering of what the new Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett will look like. This will be the new building for the Chabad of Hewlett.

project since it was a dream. Joining the congregation changed his life, he said, and the Chabad is his second home in Hewlett.

“I thank and bless the Rabbi and Rivkie for coming to this community and creating a true home for us all,” Kupferman wrote in an email. “They are the most giving and caring people I have ever met who give of themselves in the most selfless manner. They are a light to this community. They spread joy, knowledge and acceptance to all who knock at their door.”

Kupferman said he has seen Tenenboim’s impact on the community through the years, and he looks forward to the future of the Chabad. “It has made our community and life in Hewlett all the better,” he wrote. “A sense of belonging and warmth to a commu-

nity that otherwise is just like any other neighborhood. Chabad of Hewlett is Hewlett for me. Without it is just another neighborhood, but with it we are a true community with warmth and love.”

Michael Levine, a member for 10 years, Chabad, has supported the construction of a new building.

“The rabbi is very welcoming by reaching out to people and making sure they’re a part of the Jewish community,” Levine said. “More importantly, they are welcoming to all and non-judgmental.”

He donates monthly to the Chabad because of the connections he has made and the warmth he has received. “It’s a building that’s being funded within the community by donors and financial supporters large and small,” Levine said. “I have enthusiastically supported the expansion of the facility since the beginning stages.”

He explained that being a member has given him a different perspective, and helped him realize what is important in religion.

“It means that I’m a part of something bigger than myself, giving back to the community and ensuring that your religion continues,” Levine said. “It’s also a chance to grow and flourish into the future, and that everybody has an opportunity to learn about their religion.”

“I’m most looking forward to seeing our community come together in this beautiful new space,” Tenenboim wrote. “We envision the Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett as a beacon of warmth, inclusivity, and Jewish pride.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Hewlett community. “I would like to add that we are so grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from our beautiful community and look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with everyone,” he wrote.

To donate to the center, go to TinyUrl.com/ v96ew6bp.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025 4:00 - 8:00 PM

Courtesy Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim

H-W endures the cold for ‘Kids Night Out on Ice’

Hewlett-Woodmere students from grades two to eight braved the cold for a skating session at “Kids Night Out on Ice,” at Grant Park. There was hot chocolate, pizza, a skate rental and snacks.

The Hewlett Woodmere Business Association in collaboration with parent and HWBA secretary Nicole Eliopoulos sponsored the event,

and there were multiple parent volunteers.

“Thanks to all the adults who volunteered tonight, the Grant Park staff and our special guests from the NCPD Fourth Precinct,” David Friedman, president of the HWBA wrote in an email.

“Hot chocolate and pizza warned up the skaters on a cold winter night.”

— Melissa Berman

Sixth graders Sophie Mills, left, Penelope Minno and Alexa Findling, all 11, were all smiles as they laced up their skates to hit the ice.

Fifth grader Max Mann, 10, zoomed across the ice despite the frigid temperature.

Seventh graders Josh Azerrad, 13, left, Maxwell Montero, 12, and Jake Azzerrad, 13, spent some time by the fireplace warming after being outside.

Second graders Ava Mann, 8, left, and Lindsey Mazariedos, 8, took to the ice for some fun friend time.

Holden Leeds/Herald Photos

Children in grades two to eight attended Kids Night Out on Ice at Grant Park in Hewlett on Jan. 8.

Boxer earns Israeli honor with social media activism

inspired countless others to stand firm in their support for our nation.”

Boxer was presented with a certificate of appreciation that reads “in recognition of your unwavering commitment to defending Israel’s truth during the Swords of Iron War. Your dedication ensured that Israel’s resilience and justice shown brightly on the global stage providing vital support to our nation and soldiers, with gratitude The Knesset.”

During his flight home on El-Al, Boxer said that one of the head flight attendants, Claud Pessing, recognized him and expressed her gratitude and appreciation for his support of Israel.

Boxer said he realizes how important it is to speak out in defense and protection of the Jewish homeland.

“A lot of the time you just think that the content you’re creating and what you’re speaking out in public, that no one’s listening and you get hate messages, and it’s really nice to be recognized that you are making a difference,” Boxer said. “When you meet people in the street and say thank you for sharing the truth and being recognized by the Israeli Knesset, and see that they followed and saw my content is an amazing thing.”

for his efforts in defending Israel.

Unforgettable Events Start at The Seawane Club

Even though he doesn’t consider himself to be on the same level as his fellow honorees, his love of Israel is undeniable.

“Being born and bred in New York, I

love my country, as a Jewish person, I love Israel, and a beacon of hope and democracy it is in the Middle East,” he said. “It gives hope that democracy can and will shine forth here, there, and we just have to keep doing good and being the role models that we have to be and do what we’re supposed to be. Hopefully

that will make a difference in the world.”

Detail Tailored to Fit Your Vision

Boxer said he feels that no matter how big or small the voice is on a social media platform, each one can make a huge difference.

“We all make a difference, even though we might not think what we’re

doing and saying makes a difference,” Boxer said. “I truly believe we all have that power of change and to share truth and facts, and I think it’s very important that we continue no matter what level you may be on. We must all speak up before it’s too late and no one does.”

Unforgettable Events Start at The Seawane Club

Every Detail Tailored to Fit Your Vision

Unforgettable Events Start at The Seawane

Our extensive Food & Beverage program offers the flexibility to tailor menus to your unique tastes and the diverse preferences of

Courtesy Gabriel Boxer

Israeli Knesset member Dan Illouz, left, honored Hewlett resident Gabriel Boxer for standing up for the Jewish people and Israel during the war against Hamas.

Courtesy Gabriel Boxer Boxer was the lone resident of Nassau County to be recognized on Jan. 7 at the Voices of Iron Ceremony

CATHOLIC SHOOLS WEEK

On a path to success

Middle school students find their way through young adulthood

The move from elementary school to middle school marks the beginning of a new set of expectations and a new world of opportunities.

Challenging academic curriculum, inspired Catholic teachings, and an array of new afterschool activities give each student the intellectual, spiritual and social preparation needed for greater achievement in high school, college and beyond.

A renewed focus on study skills and research skills begin to prepare students for the rigors of high school, and the programs and activities the students once participated in, they now lead. They mentor younger students, assume larger roles in liturgies, and lead activities ranging from science fairs to drama productions. From captaining sports teams to supervising community service work, middle school students learn to motivate and manage others.

Maintaining academic superiority

The middle school program continues the student’s challenging academic curriculum. Rigorous literature, math, computer, art, music and foreign language classes continue to engage all students, and qualifying students can enhance their studies with accelerated programs. Middle school students consistently score in the top percentages on national and state testing and most schools boast a 100 percent acceptance rate into prestigious Long Island Catholic high schools.

Putting their faith into practice

The moral and spiritual lessons students have learned along the way guide them in charitable activities and community service. From stocking food banks to sharing with those less fortunate, Catholic school students put their faith into action by responding to others in a caring, respectful and helpful manner every day. Middle school students also play an important role in the school by mentoring others through participation in buddy programs and by modeling their faith for younger students.

Putting Giving back to the Parish community

As students reach middle school they begin to assume more important roles in their faith community. Middle school students assist with the Parish ministries including Parish Outreach, they function as altar servers, and they participate in prayer groups. Seventh and eighth grade students mentor younger students, they lead the Student Government, staff the Safety Patrol, participate in the National Junior Honor Society and lead prayer services. It is in the middle school level that lifetime bridges between our students and the parish are created.

Putting A broader range of sports and activities

In addition to continuing some of the interests students have been cultivating since Early

Education in language, band and choir, middle school students get to help their fellow students by supporting the school’s labs as a member of the Technology Club, they assist other students as Library/Media Club members, and the can participate in STEM Science Fairs and Math Bees. Aspiring journalists create and produce school newspapers or produce radio or TV broadcasts. The athletic types participate in CMSAA (Catholic Middle School Athletic Association) organized interscholastic sports programs. And there are new and more advanced extracurricular activities exclusively for middle school like the drama club that supports each year’s theatrical production and trips and retreats become more

advanced and more frequent.

Putting Becoming the young men and women who will shape the future

Confident in their abilities, Catholic middle school students spread their wings and begin to soar. With values built on a rock-solid foundation and an exceptional education that has engaged each child’s unique abilities, students begin to blossom into young man and women of character.

Photo: A Catholic education is a challenging education. High standards, strong motivation, effective discipline and an atmosphere of caring combine to foster excellence.

CATHOLIC SHOOLS WEEK

Live your faith and share it with others

The timeless values that create better prepared, more capable, and more confident young adults. An important part of your child’s program is the learning of values. This is often the most easily observable difference in a ‘Catholic school kid’.

While the specific order and organization of when these values are taught might differ from school-to-school, the values and the discipline to live them are enduring qualities and are taught consistently across all Catholic elementary schools.

The schedule below details how one of our schools creates a focus on two values in each in of the nine years of elementary and middle school.

Kindergarten – Courtesy and Respect: Learning the importance of politeness and good manners in dealing with others, as well as the need to respect one another, and personal and public property.

First Grade – Punctuality and Neatness: Being on time for school and with assignments and being neat in both school work and homework.

Second Grade – Kindness and Generosity: Understanding the need to reach out and help one another and realizing the joy in giving more than is expected.

Third Grade – Hard Work and Perseverance: Recognizing the importance of diligence and a good work attitude, the satisfaction of doing our best and the need to keep trying despite obstacles.

Fourth Grade – Honesty and Responsibility: Being truthful and keeping our word, doing the right thing even when no one else is looking, accepting the consequences of our actions and meeting our obligations.

Fifth Grade – Patience and Discipline: Learning to be patient with ourselves and others, saying “yes” to the right things and “no” to the wrong things, and taking charge of ourselves by controlling our actions and emotions.

Sixth Grade – Tolerance and Justice: Learning to accept and appreciate the differences in others and treating them with equality and fairness.

Seventh Grade – Thoughtfulness and Compassion: Understanding the needs and feeling of others and treating them with equality and fairness.

Eighth Grade – Loyalty and Courage: Caring about our relationships with others and being willing to show it through our actions; having the strength and will to do what is right even when we’re afraid or it’s unpopular.

New Freeport complex to provide housing for seniors, veterans

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

BOSFA Properties, a developer based in Lawrence, is planning to transform the flood-damaged and long-vacant Moxey Rigby public housing complex in Freeport into a new 200-unit apartment complex called the Gardens at Buffalo.

The original Moxey Rigby complex, at 80-84 Albany Ave. and 17-33 Buffalo Ave., completed in 1958 and named for the first African-American judge ever elected in Nassau County, was a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years. It was rendered uninhabitable by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and its residents were relocated to “the New Moxey Rigby,” at 195 E. Merrick Road. The Gardens at Buffalo will rise on the site of the original complex.

“The village put out a request for proposals about two years ago for the development of what is known as the old Moxey Rigby property,” Village Attorney Howard Colton explained. “We had two individuals, Bartone Properties and BOSFA — they both responded to the request and they both made presentations to the board of trustees. And based upon the presentations … BOSFA was selected.”

The developer purchased the property for $17.5 million in 2023.

“They’re in the process of developing 200 units at the site,” he said of BOSFA. “One hundred and fifty will be workforce housing, another 25 units, roughly, will be dedicated for seniors, and the other 25 will be dedicated for veterans.” There will be a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units, and at least 20 of them will be designated as affordable housing, for individuals earning no more than 60 percent of Nassau County’s median income.

The project has an expected completion date of July 2026.

Colton also stressed the importance of the project for Freeport’s future. “This is a multi-generational building, which will have our children in it, our seniors and our veterans, keeping them on Long Island,” he said.

BOSFA has received zoning and site plan approval, and hopes to make use

of as much of the existing structure as possible, with redesigned living spaces within. There are also plans for a new parking garage.

The development is economically significant for the village, Colton added, close to major roads, public transportation and local amenities.

“We’ve entered into a community agreement, or services agreement, with BOFSA, and they will be paying their full share of taxes,” he said. While the developer has applied to the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency for a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, “that’s only for their school tax, Nassau County and town tax, and not the village …,” Colton said. “We have entered into a separate agreement with them that they will pay their correct and full share of the village tax.”

“I love Freeport,” Danny Goldstein, founder and managing partner of BOFSA Properties, told the Herald when asked about the attractiveness of the property for development. “I love the area.”

“(It) gave an opportunity for us to take something, I would say, old and make something new out of it, something even beautiful,” Goldstein added. “I’ve always believed that the tenants or people have a right to live in a beautiful area, beautiful apartments. And, you know, we want to build something that will be very

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All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, and work is to commence by March 3, 2025 and be completed by April 30, 2025.

memorable for Freeport.”

He said he was excited about the property’s future as multi-generational housing. “It becomes like a community,” Goldstein said. “Not just like an old-age home where you have seniors. So I believe in the long term. The future is multi-generational, because you want to be in the same building where not only your family is, where your grandparents are, and you have your children living in there.

“You want to be in a community where it’s not just, during working hours everyone’s gone. Here you have people there during the day … It’s a live community.”

BOFSA expects to spend roughly $80 million on construction, for which it is seeking investors for tax-exempt bond financing. Colton and Goldstein expressed confidence in the company’s ability to finance the project, explaining that using bonds instead of a mortgage for a project of this size is common, helping to reduce expenses.

“We’re very excited about the project,” Colton concluded. “It will be finished about 2026, and again, we just can’t wait for it to be up and running.”

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Courtesy Benny Goldstein

Daniel Goldstein is the founder and managing partner of BOSFA Properties, a family-owned real estate company headquartered in Lawrence.

Courtesy Benny Goldstein A rendering of the Gardens at Buffalo, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

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PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY

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Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Nassau County IDA

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Nassau Chamber group begins workshops

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce has launched a series of workshops to strengthen small businesses and address common challenges entrepreneurs face in an increasingly digital economy across the region. The first one was Tuesday, and there are six more, scheduled for Thursday and on Jan. 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29.

“This is really all about supporting small businesses and their positive impact across the board in Nassau County,” the council’s president, Frank Camarano Jr., said. “The chambers are our workers on the ground, in every community, hand in hand with the folks that live there. Now, while it’s great having so many — it really is — they’re obviously smaller, so the available resources are harder for them to tap into, and it all gets spread out. Also, each voice, individually, is sometimes hard to hear, yet combined — what a difference. That’s where we come in, to support them, of course, and make up for as many missing pieces as we can along the way.

“There’s this saying, ‘When something is done correctly, it looks like nothing has been done at all,’” Camarano continued. “No fanfare, just a lot of work. It’s the chamber way. It’s our way.”

“The workshops are paid for through

a grant made possible by County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature,” the council’s second vice president, Joseph Garcia, said. “It shows they understand the hardships small businesses have faced as we endured and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The initiative stems from a survey of local chambers and small business owners, identifying areas where support is needed the most. Three specialized workshops have been developed, covering financial management, marketing and communications and computer systems. Each session will focus on practical, hands-on training to equip participants with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive.

address website optimization, cybersecurity best practices and implementing business software, along with guidance on system backup and recovery procedures.

“The goal of this first round of workshops is to provide the type of support usually reserved for big, multi-milliondollar companies and franchises,” Garcia said. “Bringing this to small businesses of all types in Nassau County will pay dividends for our business owners, our county, in additional sales taxes, and strengthen our communities.”

The financial management workshop will explore topics such as tax planning, cash flow management and strategies for acquiring capital. Attendees will also learn bookkeeping fundamentals and techniques for preparing and analyzing financial statements.

The marketing and communications workshop will help businesses develop effective social media strategies, implement online marketing techniques and optimize their e-commerce operations. The computer systems workshop will

The workshops are divided into three zones based on location: In Zone One, north of Route 25, they will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Roslyn. In Zone Two, south of Route 25 and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway, they will take place at American Legion Post 44, in Malverne; and in Zone Three, south of Route 25 and east of the Meadowbrook, will be held at American Legion Post 1066, in Massapequa. The Herald is presenting on marketing in Zone One on Jan. 21.

Each zone will host three separate workgroups on different nights, for a total of nine workgroups. Businesses are encouraged, but not required, to

attend the workgroups in their zone, and cannot participate in the same workgroup across multiple zones.

This workshop series is part of the council’s broader efforts to support Nassau County’s small businesses as they navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economic landscape.

In February, the council will expand its resources by relocating its offices to Nassau Community College. The move will enhance its capacity to serve the business community through additional workshops, collaborative programs with college faculty and enhanced hands-on business education experiences, and provide internship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with local enterprises.

“We are grateful to Nassau Community College President Maria P. Conzatti and Jerry Kornbluth, along with their dedicated staff, for their partnership in this initiative,” Gary Slavin, treasurer of the council, added. “This collaboration will create valuable opportunities for both our small business community and the college’s students.”

“With the massive support of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature, and not just financially, we are all getting it done together,” Camarano said. “We are very proud, and extremely thankful.”

For more information or to register, visit ncchambers.org.

FRANk CAmARANO JR.

STEPPING OUT

Savor the moment in your cozy kitchen

Let those chef skills take center stage on wintry day

By Karen Bloom

Settle in for some comfy winter nesting during these frigid days. And, of course, it’s certainly time to refocus on a healthier eating now that we’re finished with those weeks of festive over-indulgence.

January is the ideal time to reset and get into the kitchen and work on some “Top Chef” skills. It’s not that difficult with some great comforting — healthy — foods to warm the heart and soul.

Experiment with new culinary creations that incorporate bold flavors for delicious results. Nothing pleases the senses quite like a hearty dish on a cold evening. Try adding these recipes to your repertoire.

Country Stew

A classic stick-to-your-ribs stew is the ideal project for a chilly weekend. A terrific winter warmer-upper, serve with a hearty bread or corn bread.

• 5 pounds bone-in short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 cups water

• 1 1/3 cups Zinfandel wine

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 6 large potatoes, washed, peeled and quartered

• 1/2 pound small fresh mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen whole green beans

• 1 can (16 ounces) peeled whole tomatoes, undrained

Dredge ribs in flour to coat; reserve leftover flour. Heat oil in 8-quart Dutch oven on moderate heat. Add half of ribs and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove ribs. Repeat instructions for remaining ribs.Stir in the reserved flour. While stirring, add 1 cup water and wine and stir until thickened.Return ribs to the pan. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper and bouillon and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat to simmer for about 1 hour, or until ribs are tender. Remove ribs with slotted spoon and cover with foil to keep warm. Add potatoes, mushrooms and beans. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add ribs and tomatoes with liquid, and heat through. Use slotted spoon to remove meat and vegetables to large serving platter. Remove gravy to serving container and serve with ribs. Makes 6 servings.

Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas

Settle in with a warming, welcoming bowl of pasta, especially tasty on a winter’s niight.

• 12 ounces uncooked campanelle pasta

• 1 tablespoon Bertolli Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

• Alfredo sauce

• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded

• 6 eggs

Dave Atell

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In pot of salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than directed on package. Drain pasta.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and shallots. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add wine; cook 3-4 minutes, or until most liquid has evaporated. Stir in peas, prosciutto, Alfredo sauce and cheese. Add pasta; toss gently. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes to coat pasta with sauce.

In saucepan, bring water to boil and add eggs. Cook 6 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water and cool before peeling.

Top each serving with soft-set egg and black pepper.

Note: Gouda or Gruyere can be substituted for Fontina. Unpeeled, cooked eggs can be stored in refrigerator up to one week.

Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan

• Pasta cooking water, as needed

In a saucepan or skillet, warm the butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted.

Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water if necessary.

Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup

A rustic soup loaded with lentils and kale can be flavorful centerpiece to healthy, satisfying meal. This filling soup is packed with vegetables and has a hint of heat from the sausage, giving it a zesty warm, spicy flavor.

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed, or sausage of your choice

• 2 celery stalks (with leafy tops), thinly sliced

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced medium

• 3/4 cup-1 cup dried lentils

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 1/2 bunches (about 3/4 pound) kale, preferably Tuscan, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces

• Coarse salt and ground pepper

• 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils, broth, and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a rapid simmer, partially cover, and cook until lentils and vegetables are tender, 25 minutes.

Add kale and season with salt. Return soup to a rapid simmer, cover, and cook until kale wilts, about 5 minutes. Remove soup from heat, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve this soup in individual bowls with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top and a crusty slice of bread to sop up the broth at the bottom of the bowl.

Note: Spinach or chard can be substitute for the kale in this recipe. The soup can be enhanced by adding a couple of thyme or rosemary sprigs as it simmers. If it’s too thick to your liking, more broth can be added.

Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best. An all-time-great joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Dave Atell is most at home in comedy clubs. He built a loyal following by barnstorming the country with his brand of off-color “very adult” humor, and his audiences got even bigger after his cult-favorite travel show, “Insomniac.” Atell continues to be a presence on TV — including his hit Netflix specials “Hot Cross Buns” and “Bumping Mics” — while constantly writing new material and taking it on the road. Beginning his comedy career in the early ‘90s, Attell ascended through New York’s stand-up ranks alongside the likes of Louis C.K. and Jon Stewart. After a brief stint writing for SNL, Attell branched out on his own. When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

‘Majestic Melodies’

Old Westbury Gardens maybe closed for the season yet everyone is invited to escape winter’s chill with a special musical interlude in Westbury House’s delightful music room.“Majestic Melodies: An Evening of Piano and Song” pairs the dazzling vocals of Broadway’s Nathaniel Hackmann with the virtuosic talent of pianist Philip Edward Fisher. Hackmann, fresh off his celebrated role as Biff Tannen in “Back to the Future: The Musical,” which just finished its Broadway run, is a powerhouse performer. His commanding stage presence thrills audiences both on Broadway and in concert halls worldwide. He’s joined by Fisher, an accomplished pianist praised for his refined style and exceptional versatility.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m. $50; OWG members receive 20 percent discount. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For more information and tickets, visit oldwestburygardens.org.

Country Stew Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup

Jan. 17

Jan.

25

Acrobats of Cirque-tacular

See a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage, Saturday, Jan. 25 , at 2 p.m. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a highenergy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Repeatedly praised by critics, for their “mind-boggling artistry and athleticism” and their “great feats of daring at the extreme edges of human capability,” their acts have reached millions live and millions more through appearances on most major television networks. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The Acrobats of Cirque-tacular bound from one breathtaking, death-defying feat of acrobatic daredevilry to another. Musclepopping, mind-boggling artistry and athleticism charm and awe the audience.

The performers are revered as cuttingedge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Cirque-tacular’s entertainers have shared the stage with a who’s who of A-list celebrities. They leave no stone unturned to test the limits of human mind and body. The fun of their show is doubled with explosive music that complements the performance and act. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Chevre Shabbat

Participate in a ChanukahChevre Potluck Shabbat dinner at Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Center, Friday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. Bring your best potluck recipe. 295 Main St., East Rockaway. For more information, visit herjc.org or call (516) 599-2634 or email Rebecca at Rebecca.youth.family@gmail.com to sign up.

Senior Choir

Enjoy a musical morning with Marion & Aaron Gural JCC’s Golden Notes Social Choir, every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon. Come hear an hour of singing in several languages, led by Zvi Klein. Suggested donation is $5. For more information, contact Rachayle Deutsch at rachayle. deutsch@guraljcc.org. Gural JCC, 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst.

Documentary Screening

The National Council of Jewish Women Peninsula Section invites everyone to a free screening of the Holocaust documentary “The Barn,” Wednesday, Jan. 22, noon, via Zoom. Register at bit. ly/4a3IKCI or call the Peninsula Section office at (516) 569-3660.

Let Freedom Ring with MLK

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of images from that era and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.”

The program is part of the AdvoKids monthly series that focuses on teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and others and teaching adults how to support their kids’ advocacy efforts. For ages 5 and up. $4 with admission, $3 members. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.

Game Time

Peninsula Public Library invites all to game time, Mondays and Thursdays, in the Bentley Room. Come play canasta, mah jongg, and scrabble. Seating is limited; first come, first served. Call Roxanne Spodek to confirm the program the day before at (516) 967-5777. 280 Central Ave., Lawrence.

Concert program

Paige Patterson perform, Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m., in Gold hall at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Enjoy songs from Sinatra to Santana and everything in between. Visit hwpl.org for more information. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Lomdus for Life

Join Yeshiva Darchei Torah when five couples are honored at the Lomdus for Life dinner, Sunday, Jan. 19, at the New York Marriott. RSVP at Darchei.org/ forlife. For more information or questions email dinner@darchei. org or call (718) 868-2300 ext. 301. New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams St., Brooklyn.

Breakfast Connect

Want to network your business?

Attend the Breakfast Connect group’s get together every Wednesday, 8-9 a.m. The breakfast meeting is free and open to everyone in the community. Hewlett Fire Department at the Benjamin J. Moleno Hall, 25 Franklin Ave., Hewlett. For more information call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 790-4829.

In concert

British-born country rocker

Albert Lee performs, Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at My Father’s Place supper club. He started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”

He continues to tour, playing his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/info, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.

Having an event?

Introduction to Reiki

Kathleen Gunning offers an introduction to Reiki, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m. in the Boehm room at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Participants will learn how to relax your body, calm the mind, manage pain and reduce stress. Visit hwpl. org for more information. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Book Talk

Discuss “Takeover: Hitler’s Final Rise to Power,” with Hofstra rofessor Stanisalo Pugliese, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m. in Gold hall at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Visit hwpl.org for more information. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Cafe Europa

Congregation Beth Shalom and Marion & Aaron Gural JCC hosts Cafe Europa, Tuesdays, noon-2 p.m. Enjoy meeting new people with a little nosh, Yiddish humor, lectures, music and more. $5 fee. For more information, contact Judy Goldberg at judy.goldberg@ guraljcc.org. Congregation Beth Shalom, 390 Broadway, Lawrence.

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

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. Opens Jan. 18, on view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Musical Explorers

Long Island Children’s Museum continues its Musical Explorers! Series, with a performance by a Jazz at Lincoln Center ensemble on the museum’s stage, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 19-20, noon and 2 p.m. Charles Turner (vocals), Summer Camargo (trumpet), David Drake (piano), Brandi Disterheft (bass) and David Hawkins (drums) present “Louis Armstrong’s Great Migration.” The program, especially created for young audiences, underscores the deep connection between this American musical genre, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. $5 with museum admission; $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets and information.

ARMSTRONG!

January 16,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.

RBS CITIZENS, NA F/K/A

CHARTER ONE BANK, Plaintiff -against- LAVERN BECKFORD AND NEVILLE

LEWIS, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated September 26, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on February 3, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the Southerly side of Cedarhurst Street, distant 537.35 feet Westerly and Southwesterly as measured along the southerly and Southeasterly side of Duston Road from the extreme Westerly end of the arc of a curve which connects the Southerly side of Duston Road with the Westerly side of Oakleigh Road; being a plot 129.43 feet by 10.89 feet by 121.28 feet by 112.71 feet by 37.82 feet. Section: 39 Block: 549 Lot: 41. Said premises known as 1069 DUSTON ROAD, NORTH WOODMERE, NY 11581

Approximate amount of lien $717,014.19 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 011136/2014.

RALPH MADALENA, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.2735 {* NASSAU HER, NEWSDAY NA*} 150496

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 01/22/2025 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

43/25. WOODMERE - 994

Singlton LLC, Variances, lot area occupied, side yards aggregate, construct dwelling (demolish existing dwelling & detached garage)., W/s Singleton Ave., 148.05’ S/o Brower Ave., a/k/a 994 Singleton Ave. 52/25. - 54/25. INWOODJosephine Ganas, Variance lot area occupied, maintain addition attached to dwelling; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) higher than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum & with lot area occupied variance; Maintain 8’ wood fence., E/s Meadow Rd., 427.92’ N/o Cheshire Rd., a/k/a 44 Meadow Rd.

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

61/25. WOODMERE - Ian J. & Kelly M. Magor, Variances, rear yard, side yard, maintain 2nd floor addition attached to dwelling. (alteration & construction in excess of 50% new C/O required)., N/s Brower Ave., 433.24’ W/o East Broadway (Franklin Ave), a/k/a 70 Brower Ave. 64/25. - 65/25. NR CEDARHURST - Robert Muller, Maintain pool equipment not permitted in the side yard.; Special exception to install shed not permitted in the side yard., N/s Park Circle, 439.5’ E/o Park La., a/k/a 21 Park Circle 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 Woodmere, Inwood & Cedarhurst 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.

150993

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a public hearing at Village Hall on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 7:00PM. A ZOOM link to the meeting is available on our website at www.hewlettharbor.gov. All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for variance relief: Robbie and Tracey Friedman – 1154 Harbor Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 – are requesting a change of occupancy to an existing structure. This dwelling is in a residential B district. Applicants request relief from: A Restrictive Covenant Declaration made March 25, 2012 which states, in part, that the fixture located on the property known as the “Gazebo” shall not be used as a residence or for automobile garage residence or for automobile storage Zoning Code 145-19 states the minimum for side yard setback is 35 ft aggregate; applicant is requesting 27.9 ft. Zoning Code 17-49 states no change of occupancy or use shall be made in a building hereafter constructed or altered that is not consistent with the last issued certificate of occupancy for such building, unless a permit is secured Zoning Code 17-22 states… it shall be unlawful to construct, alter, repair, remove or demolish or to commence the construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of a building or structure, and in addition, it shall be unlawful to alter, change, add to or remove within 100 feet of any property line any soil or other material which will result in any deviation from the original grade of the property without first filing with the Building Inspector an application in writing and obtaining a permit therefore Zoning Code 145-19 states the maximum lot coverage is 30%; applicant is requesting 52%

Jeremy Danziger and Ilana Ajzenman – 369 Pepperidge Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 - are requesting to construct 2nd story addition over remaining portion of existing house. Applicants also requesting to remove portion of house not in compliance with FEMA Regulations and replace at correct elevation. This dwelling is in a residential B district. Applicants request relief from the Village Zoning Codes: Zoning Code 145.10.A (1) states the height of a residential dwelling with a pitched roof shall not

exceed 33 feet. Applicant requesting 35.9 feet (on overage of 2.9ft) Zoning Code 145-19 states the side-yard setback is 35 total; applicant requesting 31.3 ft. (3.7 ft short) Zoning Code 145-2: Applicant requests to violate east and west side yard elevation height/setback plane. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

DR. JULIO NOVELLO, CHAIRMAN ZONING BOARD

Peter Lynch - Building Superintendent Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York January 6, 2025 150996

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RASC 2006KS9 Plaintiff, Against MICHELLE WILLIAMS A/K/A MICHELLE D. WILLIAMS, et al

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/14/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501, on 1/30/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 37 Cedar Road, Inwood, New York 11096, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Inwood, Town Of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 40 Block 144 Lot 350 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $524,686.09 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606755/2022

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Anthony C. Curcio, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 12/16/2024 File Number: 20-303082 CA 150690

HewleTT Happenings

Spreading holiday cheer through music and spirit

The sound of holiday cheer filled Hewlett High School this December as students and teachers came together for music shows and fun winter activities.

On Dec. 15 the Select Chorale spent a whole day visiting different places in the community to share holiday songs. The students sang at several locations, bringing smiles to everyone who listened.

A few days later, on Dec. 17, the school held its Winter Concert II. The school gym was packed with families watching their children perform holiday songs and classical music. Students played in different groups, and some even performed solo pieces. Parents couldn’t stop smiling as they watched their kids show off all the hard work they’d put in during music practice.

The school also held a fun Holiday Karaoke event where students could grab the microphone and sing their favorite songs during their free period. Everyone had a great time, whether they were good singers or just wanted to have fun with their friends. Some World Language teachers even brought their students to the commons to sing along as a group!

Spirit Week at HHS was a delightful showcase of creativity and festive cheer. Monday kicked off with Holiday Pajama Day, where students

cozied up in their favorite festive sleepwear. Tuesday brought Toasty Tuesday, with everyone donning their warmest holiday-themed outfits to spread warmth and joy. On Wicked Wednesday, students showed their theatrical flair with costumes inspired by the Broadway hit “Wicked.” Thursday’s Winter Wonderland theme transformed the school into a frosty sea of blue and white, while Friday closed the week on a humorous note with Ugly Sweater Day, as students wore their tackiest holiday sweaters. Spirit Week brought the HHS community closer together and set the tone for a joyous winter break.

Coming up next, the school is getting ready for its yearly Skate Night on Jan. 15 at Grant Park. High school students can spend the evening ice skating with their friends, and there will be pizza and hot chocolate for everyone.

Tickets cost $25 if you need to rent skates, $20 if you bring your own, and $10 if you just want to hang out and watch.

All these activities show how Hewlett High School brings everyone together during the holiday season. From singing performances to ice skating, the school makes sure students have fun ways to celebrate with their friends and teachers while making memories that will last long after the holidays are over.

news brief

Village of Lawrence is now on social media and revamps website

The Village of Lawrence redesigned their website and is now mobile-friendly, easily accessibly and updated frequently.

Residents are encouraged to peruse the site to get acquainted with the information and services provided by the village.

Along with the new website, the village is now on Facebook, Instagram and

X, making sure residents and neighbors are always up to date.

“It is vital that our residents and neighbors are fully aware of all of the Village’s events, activities, attractions, offerings, policies, etc. to fully participate in Village life,” Mayor Samuel Nahmias, wrote in a news release.

— Melissa Berman

D arsh M ilin D C havre

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

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

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

Jr. Operations Research Analyst (ann. salary of $67,850) sought by IVY Enterprises Inc. to provide research & analysis servs. on the co.'s products, logistics, sales, competitors, & customers. Req'd: Bach.’s deg. in Ops. Research rel. field. Mail cover letter & resume to IVY Enterprises Inc (Attn: Sr. HR Mgr.), 25 Harbor Park Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

Two For One Deal

Apartments For Rent

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

This is the ultimate mother/daughter

Are foreign-made cabinets a bargain or a bad idea?

Q. I am being told that I can buy new kitchen cabinets much cheaper from a Chinese company than the local cabinet companies. I have been shopping around, and cabinets are quite expensive for my small kitchen, around $35,000. The imported kitchen from China is much less, around $18,000, and looks very nice, a similar style. What can you tell me about whether I am getting a good deal or whether the cabinets are poorly made?

A.This is a timely yet touchy subject, with so much uncertainty about what direction product costs will go in the near future. I receive 32 industry publications per month, and I have just learned that the U.S. Commerce Department issued a ruling in July that China was found to be skirting United States import duties by producing cabinet components in China, but then further processing the products in Vietnam and Malaysia, so the cabinetry did not appear to come from China. Even though this latest judgment pertains specifically to solid wood and engineered-wood products, which is most of what cabinetry is made of, it also includes drawer fronts and doors, which may have been produced elsewhere and assembled in any one of those countries or the U.S. While the components’ foreign production and later assembly saved money, the cabinet door is closing on whether you will save money in the near future.

When I speak to cabinetmakers, assemblers and installers locally, I get a mix of opinions about the quality of the products. First are the components: Many raw materials are hard to trace with imported cabinets, so the type of wood can vary. Because U.S. industry standards are often much higher, the amount of warping and twisting in foreign wood can be greater due to less quality control in the humidity and curing of the solid wood components. The same is true of “engineered” wood products, which come in various types of panels such as wood strips, like plywood, or from glued sawdust pressed together under high pressure. The sawdust and the glues come from unknown origins, and some glue may be made from animal processes, which can lead to a terrible smell as the panel ages.

Then there is the connecting of components, which may be only glued or stapled. Better products have interlocking dovetailed joints. Sometimes what you don’t see is what makes the difference.

While more expensive American-made products are made with higher quality control, it won’t be long before all products go up in price. Price increases notoriously happen at the end of January each year, but with the looming possibility of higher tariffs, you may discover that the old saying, “He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay” is accurate. Waiting for a bargain may not save you anything, and you get what you pay for. And “The dissatisfaction of poor quality lingers long after the excitement of a cheaper price has been forgotten.” Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements

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Miscellaneous For Sale

SLIDING SHOWER CHAIR f or easy in/out of tub. Never used. Top quality. Less than half of original price. $150. Priced to move. 516-208-5593.

Wanted To Buy

FREON WANTED

Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

CARGO CARRIER, FOR rooftop, Soft, used once, call for specs, $50. (516)225-9191

CD TOWERS (2) Southwestern Kokopelli Design Holds 90+ $45 (516) 287-7027 call/text

FLEXIBLE FLYER SLED, Classic steel rail, Wooden deck, 16"wide 54"long In Baldwin. $10 (516) 254-3640

GENUINE LEATHER BLACK Swivel Chair, Good Condition. 516-554-3643. Curbside pick-up, Malverne, $95.

GIRLS CLOTHES SIZE 10, New with Tags. $11 each. Lot of 10 pieces. 917-420-5814

HOOVER RUG SHAMPOOING Machine with all Attachments, and Cleaning Supplies. $75 LIke New. 516-486-7941

STEMWARE, CRYSTAL FROM Macy's Water, Wine, Champagne. 6 each. Original Boxes. Never Used. $95. (516)225-9191

TEENAGE BOYS CARGO Shorts: Size 16, New with Tags, $10. Denim, Beige and Grey 917-420-5814

TIFFANY STYLE CHANDELIER: 1970s, Multicolor glass, 20 inch diameter $15 (516) 965-0982

WALL SAFE: HEAVY Duty, Fits in Wall between Studs, 15"x15" with 2 Keys. $50. 516-486-7941

SERVICES

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Satellite/TV Equipment

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

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Telecommunications

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Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities

As county executive, I have refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, held the line on taxes even as inflation went through the roof, and brought a common-sense approach to important issues that affect Nassau families. The recent awards our county has received, including being named the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report and the best county to live in New York by Niche magazine, are a testament to those unwavering principles.

Earning the distinction of being the best New York county to live in can be directly attributed to our safe neighborhoods, world-class programs and facilities, and strong economic opportunities.

We are committed to building on this success in the years to come while protecting our residents’ quality of life from extremist politicians in Albany. Being named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement, the strength of our emergencyresponse teams, and our investments in public safety. An increased police presence in Nassau County communities is crucial to maintaining that safety. Since taking office, I have sworn in 291 new police officers and 147 new correction officers and deputy sheriffs.

BTraining Village to ensure that our police officers continue to receive toptier training to protect and serve Nassau families.

eing named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement.

While some local governments across the nation are defunding their police, the County Legislature and my office are investing in law enforcement while providing the best training, tools and resources to effectively protect residents and their families. We plan to go further by building a state-of-the-art Police

Protecting public safety also means protecting our residents from the emerging threat of drones. The county utilizes an advanced system that is well ahead of the curve in detecting and tracking drones. I have granted authorization to the Nassau County Police Department to neutralize drones that threaten the public, ensuring the safety of residents. I am also demanding that the federal government share advanced drone-mitigation technology with local police so that we can redirect drones and effectively control our airspace.

As we celebrate all of our achievements, we must also remain vigilant against policies that could undermine our progress. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Clean

Slate law is a pro-criminal, misguided policy that allows criminals to have their records sealed after committing serious crimes. This law undermines the safety of residents by allowing criminals to avoid accountability, and making it harder for law enforcement to track repeat offenders. I encourage you to contact the governor and your state legislators to tell them that it is wrong! From Clean Slate to cashless bail and sanctuary laws, New York state is headed in the wrong direction, while Nassau County is headed in the right direction. It continues to thrive as the safest and best place to live because of our unwavering commitment to public safety and quality of life. As we face challenges, we must remain vigilant and proactive. Together we can safeguard our communities from misguided policies and enhance the quality of life for all Nassau families. Let us champion what is right for our communities, a safe and prosperous Nassau County for generations to come.

Bruce Blakeman is the county executive.

Bipartisanship is the way forward

As I look back on my first few weeks as a congresswoman, I have been guided at every turn by the promise I made on the campaign trail: I will always put Long Island first. When I first decided to run for Congress, I knew the mission was simple: to listen to the concerns of my constituents and to work across the aisle whenever possible to deliver real results for Nassau County. Long Islanders have made it clear that they want action on securing our borders and overhauling our broken immigration system. Its shortcomings are the results of decades of inaction, despite our congressional responsibility to fix these gaps. I said my Day One priority would be fixing immigration and keeping Americans safe, and I meant it. That’s why my very first act in office was crossing party lines to vote for the Laken Riley Act, to prevent future tragedies, protect our communities and deter crime. This bill gives the

Department of Homeland Security the ability to detain those who commit certain crimes while here without legal rights if they have not otherwise been detained. While we work on more comprehensive solutions to address immigration and the border crisis, we must give law enforcement officials the tools to deter crime and protect our communities.

Nassau County residents have been clear: They want solutions, not partisanship.

I have been clear that these comprehensive solutions must start with securing our southern border, a priority shared by many of my constituents. We must hire more border patrol officers, erect physical barriers where necessary, and ensure that law enforcement has the resources to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. While we secure our southern border, we must also be focused on streamlining our asylum process and protecting pathways to legal immigration for hardworking, eligible people who will contribute to our economy.

Second, in every corner of the district, I’ve heard from hardworking Long Islanders of every background who are counting on Congress to tack-

le the cost-of-living crisis. That starts with giving the middle class a tax break by reinstating the deduction for state and local taxes and doing away with the unfair double taxation that is hurting so many of us. In my first week in office, I wrote to House and Senate leadership calling for immediate negotiations to reinstate the SALT deduction in any upcoming tax package. I’ve been clear: We must get this done for New Yorkers, and I look forward to working with my SALT Caucus colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver this much-needed middle-class tax relief.

I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship. As Hempstead town supervisor, I reached across the aisle to revitalize our infrastructure, reduce taxes and pass anti-corruption reforms. I worked every day with the Town Board’s Republican majority to deliver on the issues that mattered most, while taking aim at government waste and promoting transparency. I’ll bring that same mindset of bridging political differences and finding compromise to

every day of my service representing the 4th District. With the pressing issues we face, it is more important than ever that we reject extremism and work to deliver results on the shared values and priorities that matter most.

Nassau County residents have been clear: They want problems solved, not partisanship. I’ll always prioritize effective governance and policies that directly enhance our communities over party loyalty or political extremism. I will work with anyone, from either party, to deliver what is best for Nassau County.

As I’ve met more of my new congressional colleagues of both parties, I’m hopeful that the productive relationships we’re building enable thoughtful legislation that advances our shared values. America is diverse in creed, thought and background, but we all strive for the same things: lower costs, access to health care, good jobs, and a better future for our children. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and if Congress can focus on our shared priorities, we can deliver not only for our constituents, but for all Americans.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

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Abandoning fact-checking is dangerous

Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced a significant policy shift last week: It will no longer employ independent fact-checkers to monitor and flag false content on its platforms.

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While the company says it will continue to remove illegal activity, hate speech and explicit material, the abandonment of fact-checking signals an alarming retreat from the fight against misinformation and disinformation. The decision isn’t just a step backward — it is a surrender that carries grave consequences for the future of public discourse, democracy and social cohesion.

We have seen the potential for misinformation to destabilize our society. From conspiracy theories about election fraud to false narratives about coronavirus vaccines, unchecked falsehoods have exacerbated a public health crisis, deepened our political polarization and even been the cause of violence.

Meta’s platforms have often been central to the spread of such misinformation, because its algorithms often promote and prioritize it. The company’s decision to abandon fact-checking signals that it is no longer willing to bear the responsibility of combating this dangerous trend, leaving a vacuum that bad actors at home and abroad are likely to exploit.

The announcement comes at a time when public trust in crucial institutions like the courts and the media is already at a historic low. By stepping away from fact-checking, Meta is essentially declaring that truth is a relative concept in the digital age. This dangerous idea has dire implications.

If platforms as influential as Facebook and Instagram refuse to differentiate between fact and fiction, the lines between credible information and out-

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and-out lies and conspiracy theories will blur even further. This will inevitably empower those who benefit from sowing chaos and confusion, whether they are political extremists, foreign actors, or profit-driven disinformation peddlers.

The broader context of Meta’s decision is equally troubling. Over the past few years, tech companies have faced increasing scrutiny and pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. Some conservatives have accused platforms of censorship, particularly in high-profile cases like Facebook’s suspension of then President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Republicans in Congress and conservative courts have cast social media moderation as government overreach and an attack on free speech.

But Meta’s retreat from fact-checking is not a victory for free speech; it is a capitulation to chaos. Free speech thrives in an environment where truth and accountability prevail. Local newspapers, which are committed to objective journalism, continue to fact-check and be a source of fairness and truth, but platforms without that commitment become echo chambers for lies, propaganda and hate. The removal of guardrails does not level the playing field; it tilts it in favor of those who manipulate information for power or profit.

This creates a toxic environment in which hate speech and antisemitism flourish, as recent trends have shown. Marginalized groups, often the primary targets of such rhetoric, will bear the brunt of the harm.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish global human rights organization, stated that it is “deeply concerned” about the decision.

“This reckless move disregards the immense responsibility social media companies bear in protecting vulnerable

‘The Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate’

To the Editor:

Last week, the U.S. Postal Service held a meeting with the Long Island Postal Customer Council, a gathering that brought together local commercial mailers, business partners and industry professionals.

The spotlight of the meeting was the Postal Service’s 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America. This ambitious initiative aims to modernize the postal network, enhance service across all mail and shipping categories, and restore long-term financial sustainability. Attendees had the opportunity to understand how this plan has been positively impacting businesses across Long Island.

As part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal

communities and mitigating the spread of harmful and dangerous ideologies,” the center said in a statement. “History has repeatedly shown that online hate does not remain confined to the digital realm — it manifests in tragic offline consequences.”

By abandoning its responsibility to curb misinformation, Meta risks alienating users and advertisers who value trustworthy, safe online spaces. In a world where lies often spread faster than truth, elections can be swayed by disinformation campaigns, public health initiatives can be derailed by conspiracy theories and trust in scientific and journalistic institutions can erode beyond repair.

The question of who bears responsibility for curbing misinformation in the digital age is complex, but Meta’s decision sets a dangerous precedent. If one of the most influential companies in the world believes it can abdicate this responsibility without consequences, other platforms are likely to follow. This may well create a domino effect in which the internet devolves into a freefor-all of unchecked falsehoods and extremism.

We must demand better. Governments and regulators must step in where companies such as Meta have stepped back, enforcing stricter rules about misinformation and holding platforms accountable for the content they amplify. Nongovernmental organizations and independent watchdogs must also play a role in promoting digital literacy and factchecking.

Meta’s retreat from that crucial responsibility is more than a corporate decision; it is a warning sign. If we fail to act, the world Meta is helping to create could be one in which truth, accountability and even democracy itself are the casualties.

opinions

L.I. deserves its fair share of transportation funding

Long Island is known for many things, from our beautiful beaches and lighthouses to historic sites, great seafood and wineries. yet, beneath the charm and attractions, Long Island grapples with a major obstacle: an aging and insufficient transportation network that can’t keep pace with our growing population.

As Long Island continues to grow, our region faces a challenge that threatens both its economy and quality of life, with a transportation and infrastructure network that is underfunded, poorly maintained, and inadequate to meet the needs of our residents.

Currently, transportation funding is overseen by the New york metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes New york City and several surrounding counties. This arrangement leaves Long Island competing for resources with the largest metropolitan center in the county, a challenge that often means Long Island’s needs are underrepresented and underfunded.

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e have the population and economic output of many states, but not the infrastructure.

The Long Island region’s share of transportation funding has dropped from 23 percent to just 6 percent. We’re in dire need of a fairer allocation that meets the region’s unique needs. This is why we need a dedicated Nassau Suffolk metropolitan Planning organization.

The creation of a Long Island-specific planning organization would ensure that our region has a clear,

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Service has introduced several new products and services aimed at helping businesses thrive. From USPS Ground Advantage, a ground shipping solution that provides an affordable and reliable way to send packages in the U.S., to USPS Connect Local, which gives small to medium-sized businesses access to low-cost, sameday/next-day package delivery to local customers in their neighborhood.

We’re giving businesses of all sizes the benefits of USPS’s optimized network.

USPS offers transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges, and Informed Delivery, a free service that gives customers a preview of mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon, and the ability to set package tracking notifications and schedule email reminders for important mail pieces.

At the meeting, satisfied industry partners and business professionals shared their experiences, highlighting how the Postal Service has enabled them to connect affordably with their customers — especially during a period in which business costs are continually escalating.

As the Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate, it remains a trusted partner for businesses on Long Island and across the nation.

Amy GIbbS USPS strategic communications specialist Melville

coordinated approach to transportation planning, empower Long Island to secure its fair share of federal transportation funding, streamline project execution, and drive long-term economic growth.

Long Island would have direct access to apply for federal dollars, bypassing state-level bottlenecks and allowing for tailored projects that address our specific challenges, including solutions to the oakdale merge, the deadly Southern State Parkway and the electrification of the Port Jefferson line of the Long Island Rail Road.

Smaller regions of the state — including Ithaca, with a population of about 107,000 — have their own transportation planning organization that allows them to apply for federal funding directly. And yet, Long Island’s 3

million residents — more people than most major American cities — are grouped in with New york City and other regions.

This is more than a call for funding; it’s a call to recognize Long Island’s unique position as a vital economic and cultural hub. our region has the population and economic output of many U.S. states — we need infrastructure that reflects that.

Long Islanders share a vision for better roads, bridges, and tunnels, expanded transit options, reduced congestion, and an improved quality of life. We deserve a metropolitan Planning organization to secure our region’s future. Thanks to Assemblyman Steve Stern and Senator monica martinez for introducing legislation— now we need the legislature to act and pass A.10705/S.9918 and make this vision a reality.

Mark Herbst is executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association.

Framework by Kevin Kelley

Nassau County’s official paper is the Post?

To the Editor:

The Press Club of Long Island, the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, believes that Nassau County’s decision to replace Newsday with the New york Post as its official paper is a disservice to residents.

The decision is also an attack on a free press, viewed by political observers and journalists as punishing Newsday for its watchdog coverage, the essence of journalism’s mission.

Public notices are meant to inform, but fewer readers of the Post in this region mean fewer people will see them. Newsday’s strong local readership and deep connection to Long Island ensure that critical information reaches the community. The Post, with limited ties to Nassau County, lacks the local insight and audience necessary to fulfill this responsibility.

This shift jeopardizes transparency and public engagement. Residents deserve a publication that reflects their needs and understands their community.

boARD oF DIRECToRS Press Club of Long

Island

In the background, the Himalayas’ Annapurna range — Nepal

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