Nassau Herald 12-19-2024

Nassau

Deck the halls, support the Scouts

Chabad renews suit against Atlantic Beach

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The Chabad of the Beaches, of Long Beach, has rejected a settlement offered by the Village of Atlantic Beach that would have ended a legal dispute over the Chabad’s 2021 purchase of property in the village, and the Jewish organization has filed an amended lawsuit in federal court.

Boy Scout Troop 20 of the Five Towns hosted its annual Holiday Wreath Sale at the Parish of Saint Joachim, in Cedarhurst, and Trinity St. John’s, in Hewlett, on Dec. 7 and 8. Scouts Christian Restifo, 16, far left, Conor Corless, 16, Thomas Aguilar, 11, and Patryk Zienkiewicz, 16, braved the cold to sell the handmade creations. V

Woodmere Club standstill continues

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

There has been no progress in the Woodmere Club redevelopment approval process, despite a three-month hold on a decision regarding redrawn lot lines, and further discussion of the project at a Woodsburgh village meeting on Monday.

At a meeting on Sept. 23, Efrem Gerszberg, co-owner of the property with Robert Weiss, had urged Woodsburgh residents and the village board to push the Town of Hempstead to approve their development plan, because the town is the only municipality from which the developers are waiting for a go-ahead.

The latest plan for the club’s redevelopment, proposed in late July, includes the construction of 160 condominiums for seniors on the Woodmere portion of the club property and conservation areas on the other parcels, which are spread among the villages of Lawrence and Woodsburgh and the Town of Hempstead. Gerszberg and Weiss purchased the club in 2017, and controversy arose over residents’ disapproval of their initial plans for the property, and a federal lawsuit from the owners in response.

In September, Gerszberg also asked the Woodsburgh village board to approve the redrawn lot lines on the village’s portion of the

The announcement of the new legal complication was made at a village board meeting on Dec. 9 that erupted in chaos, with residents shouting at Mayor George Pappas and one another about the village’s accruing more legal debt and the ongoing Chabad litigation.

“We realized that there was a need to service the people that liked the Chabad way of education and outreach,” Goodman said at the time, “and that we needed to have a place over here that the people of Atlantic Beach could call home.”

leadership has been driven by blatant, openly expressed religious animus against their Jewish neighbors.

JEREMy DyS Senior counsel, First Liberty Institute

At a hearing in Atlantic Beach in August, the Chabad’s director, Rabbi Eli Goodman, presented plans for a religious community center with an accessory café at 2025 and 2035 Park St., which the Chabad purchased three years ago.

Goodman worked with architects, engineers and the village planning department for a year, but was ultimately denied all but once zoning variance by the Atlantic Beach Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 10.

“The biggest permit they denied was the variance to use the property for religious use,” Jeremy Dys, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, a law firm that is representing the Chabad, said on Dec. 12. “Even if they were able to enter the building right now, they can’t use it for religious purposes,” he added of the empty former Capital One Bank that occupies the property. “That’s a real

Continued on page 8

Alice Moreno/Herald Photo

A new commissioner in Woodmere

By MELISSA BERMAN & PARKER SCHUG

Five Towns and surrounding fire districts held commissioner elections on Dec. 10.

All but one local district had unopposed races.

Fire commissioners are elected to serve fire districts, which are political entities that provide fire protection and emergency response. The districts have a governing body, which control the budget.

The districts may incur indebtedness and require the levy of taxes.

Atlantic Beach Fire District

Nathan Etrog ran unopposed and was re-elected. Having served for two-terms and a member of fire rescue for 25 years, he sought a third consecutive term.

Etrog also serves as a village trustee, chairman of the Park Commission and captain of the Water Rescue Team.

“I continue to be steadfastly committed to ensuring that our constituents have the highest quality of fire protection, emergency medical services and water rescue services,” he added.

Hewlett Bay Fire District

Dan Weisner earned re-election to the Hewlett Bay Fire District. He has served as commissioner for 25 years and

as a volunteer firefighter for 46.

“As in the past, I will work that the district facilities are designed and planned to meet the precise needs of the residential and commercial activities and residents in a fiscally prudent manner,” Weisner said.

He ran unopposed for the five-year term.

Inwood Fire District

Vincent Castagna ran unopposed for re-election and secured the vote. Residents voted on the purchase of a new engine, which was passed.

Castagna did not respond for a request to comment as of press time.

Meadowmere Park Fire District

Jennifer Carrero, six-year president for the Ladies Auxiliary and Juniors Program, ran unopposed for the fiveyear commissioner position and was elected.

“I look forward to working with all the other commissioners and seeing what we can accomplish to better our fire district,” Carrero said.

Carrero has 19 years of teaching experience.

North Lawrence Fire District Pinchas Faska ran unopposed and was re-elected.

“I hope to continue serving the community, by keeping taxes low and services high and give Fire protection and

EMS service to the community,” Faska said.

He has served since 2021 and is a former Air Force member. Faska is currently president of Bais Medrash of North Lawrence. He also served as Boy Scout Troop 84’s leader and has his Eagle Scout.

Woodmere Fire District

Darren Moritz, a 13-year fire department member with 25 years of financial experience and law enforcement background, defeated incumbent Ronna Rubenstein and challenger Deborah Kaminetzky-Oberstein.

“I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and chief’s office.”

LEDI exhibition brings Holocaust victims’ stories to life

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Dr. David Milch, a Lawrence High School alumnus, is the son of two Holocaust survivors, and brings the experiences of other survivors to light through art. He founded the David Milch Foundation to support youth mentoring programs and art-based initiatives that foster positive social change.

Milch created the Live Eliminated Dreams Illuminated, or LEDI, exhibition, which features artwork by Lauren Bergman and music by Ella Milch-Sheriff.

“David Milch is a visionary and a driving force, someone who not only sees where the ball is going but anticipates how to get there with precision and agility,” Michael Artsis, a friend of Milch’s, wrote in an email. “His intelligence and immense talent are matched only by his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead — both in business and philanthropy. Beyond his strategic mind, David’s kindness, compassion, and passion for life shine through in everything he does.”

LEDI is currently on display at the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, Florida, until Feb. 2.

In an email exchange with the Herald, Milch described the LEDI exhibition, his inspiration and what it means to him.

Herald: What is LEDI?

Milch: Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated (LEDI), features remarkable portraits based on archival photographs of girls and young women whose lives were senselessly lost during the Holocaust. The lives they never had and the dignity they had stolen are re-imagined via art and

music. LEDI aims to tell their stories, personalize the horror they experienced, and provoke important conversations about the Holocaust and dangerous recent escalation of antisemitism.

H: What did you do before creating LEDI?

M: From 1980 to 1989, I was the principal of Bermil Industries, a corporation controlled by my family, involved with capital equipment manufacture and distribution, financing, real estate development, and other entrepreneurial activities.

In 2006, I founded Allium Medical, a fully integrated medical device company based in Israel.

H: When did you first encounter Lauren Bergman’s art pieces?

M: I first encountered the powerful works of artist Lauren Bergman on March 15, 2019, at the Pierre Hotel in New

York City. At the time I was invited by my good friend (Israeli) Ambassador Ido Aharoni to attend and participate in a weekend event in support of the newly founded Museum of Eternal Faith and Resilience.

Subsequently, I met with Lauren Bergman many times. I have come to know of her essentially secular Jewish upbringing and appreciate even more fully the way her unique artistry imbues these paintings with an extraordinary power. I was able to introduce her to my cousin, the brilliant Israeli composer Ella MilchSheriff, and to my wonderfully creative colleague Ohad Ashkenazi. Together the idea of an exhibition of Lauren’s portraits emerged, 20 in the full collection and all accompanied by an original composition from Ella, curated and organized by Ohad, with the assistance of other ever helpful individuals — Phyllis, Archie,

Tal, Aviv, and more — and this vision is now being realized, with further exhibition plans to come.

H: Can you share your mom’s story of surviving the Holocaust?

M: My mom was born Dec. 25, 1930, in Skalat, Poland and lost her beloved father to cancer before she was 5. Her half sister was born two years later and then perished in 1943 during the Nazi occupation of Eastern Poland/Western Ukraine, along with Mom’s mother and stepfather and almost her entire extended family.

My dad was born 20 miles away from Mom, though they did not meet until as adults in NYC in the early 1950s.

Mom then survived alone, hiding as an orphaned peasant for a year until liberation by the Russian army in 1944, with the subsequent story as described including crossing the Alps in mid-winter on foot and finally arriving in NYC, October in 1947.

H: As the son of two Holocaust survivors, what does this mean to you?

M: Like others from the second and third generations, the horrors and triumphs of my family history are blended into my being in so many ways, some obvious and others not yet fully understood.

The shared stories, the sense of identity with and connection to the past, the complicated ways this history echoes into the present and resonates into the future, are always with me.

Our family is honored to bring this powerful experience to the attention of all who care for life, for art, and for the shared humanity that links us all together.

Courtesy Nathan Etrog Nathan Etrog

Courtesy Pinchas Faska Pinchas Faska

Courtesy Darren Moritz Darren Moritz

Courtesy Dan Weisner Dan Weisner

Courtesy Michael Artsis

David Milch, Lawrence High School alum and founder of the Live Eliminated Dreams Illuminated — LEDI — exhibition.

Courtesy Lauren Bergman

Anna Zakrzewska, was killed on august 11, 1944, at 18 years old during the Warsaw upbringing. She is one of the featured paintings in the LEDI exhibition.

Courtesy Jennifer Carrero Jennifer Carrero

Courtesy Shani Lefkowitz

Marion & Aaron Gural JCC and the Mark Ramer Chesed Center have come together to provide more services to their members and visitors.

The Gural JCC seeks donations for the holidays

“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”

by Susan Jeffers — Part Two

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

Author Jeffers’ book explains that until you fully understand that you, and no one else, create what goes on in your head, you will never be in control of your life. When you blame any outside force for any of your experiences of life, you are literally giving away your power thus creating pain, paralysis and depression. Always ask yourself what am I doing or not doing that is causing this to happen to me.

You don’t have to condone the behavior of others, but simply not to allow it to be the source of your upset. Jeffers teaches how to overcome your biggest enemy — your “chatterbox” and replace it with a loving

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

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

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

The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC is reaching out to community members with an urgent year-end fundraising campaign aimed at addressing critical local needs across multiple social service areas.

Executive Director Stacey Feldman, highlighted the organization’s extensive community support programs, which currently serve over 800 families facing food insecurity through the Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry.

The JCC’s comprehensive support initiatives encompass a wide range of critical services, including food assistance to families in need, supporting for elderly community members to prevent isolation, emergency financial assistance for utility bills and support for more than 100 Holocaust survivors.

The organization also provides mental health awareness and suicide pre -

vention training, assists 450 Jewish single-parent families, offers financial support for licensed childcare, and provides domestic violence counseling.

Additionally, the JCC distributes household goods through the Mark Ramer Chesed Center creating inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities through the Nancy R. Stern Center for Special Needs, and conducts substance abuse education programs.

“While our hearts remain heavy with the situation in Israel, the needs in the Greater Five Towns continue to grow,” Feldman stated.

The organization is encouraging community members to contribute to their year-end fundraising campaign, emphasizing that donations are taxdeductible and directly impact local families.

— Melissa Berman

The

Courtesy Rock and Wrap It Up!

In 2022, Luis Alvarez, a member of United Methodist Church of Sheepshead Bay, far left; Sasha Young, director of Gammy’s Pantry in Lawrence and Syd Mandelbaum, founder of Rock and Wrap It Up, prepared for the Christmas Eve event at the Five Towns Community Center.

Charity gives holiday hope

The nonprofit organization Rock and Wrap It Up! will host its annual gift-giving event on Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, held at the former Five Towns Community Center building at 270 Lawrence Ave. in Lawrence, will provide gifts and toys to those in need. All are welcome.

Rock and Wrap It Up! is a Cedarhurst-based anti-poverty think tank.

The organization works to address food insecurity and provide other community support services.

For more information call (877) 6913663.

— Parker Schug

Alice Moreno/Herald Photo

Nelani Holl, 12, Sophia Louis, 15 and Maria Rosa Guzzardi of the Nassau County Police Department participated in The Manna Project of Long Island, annual Christmas Giveaway on Dec. 14, providing free holiday gifts for children in local communities.

Toys and food for Christmas

The Manna Project of Long Island hosted a Christmas Giveaway on Dec. 14, providing free holiday gifts for children and teens in the Inwood community.

The event was held at St. John’s Baptist Church, 4 Henry St. in Inwood,

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Families collected free holiday gifts and food for the holidays.

To learn more about the Manna Project of Long Island, visit TMPNY.org.

— Parker Schug

Next hearing on club plan set for Feb. 13

a meeting in July by the club owners’ attorney, Christian Browne, who said that Gerszberg and Weiss did not intend to sell the proposed subdivisions.

In September, Gerszberg said that the new lot lines would allow him to sell just the clubhouse property, which is its own subdivision, without two sections of the property to the south, which are conservation areas.

Residents expressed concerns, because the purpose of the lot lines was unclear in September. They also asked that a comprehensive plan, with lot lines and the proposed development, be submitted together.

The decision on the lot lines was reserved for a meeting on Monday at Hewlett Village Hall, at which Woodsburgh Mayor Jake Harman said that the Town of Hempstead has yet to approve the developers’ plan, and that they had submitted an update subdivision plan to the village.

“They put a new application in. Our building department has reviewed it,” Harman said, adding, of the department, “they wrote back with an indication that there were several things that were deficient within that application.”

The village board pushed a hearing on the matter until the next meeting, on Feb. 13, requesting that Gerszberg and Weiss submit their updated subdivision plan to the village 10 business days

before the meeting.

The sub-division application with deficiencies included the clubhouse as a lot, and the tennis courts and the 17th and 18th holes as their own lots, Woodsburgh Deputy Mayor Alan Hirmes explained. “Subdividing doesn’t give them the ability to build on any areas that were not originally allowed,” Hirmes added.

At the September meeting, Gerszberg said that if the lot lines were not approved, he would sell all of the property south of Keene Lane and Railroad Avenue.

Gerszberg and Browne also said in September that if the Town of Hempstead did not agree to meet with the developers within 60 days, they would take additional legal action, involving both Lawrence and Woodsburgh villages.

At Monday’s meeting, Harman said that the developers had pushed back the deadline, without a specific date. Neither the owners nor Browne attended this week’s meeting.

Have an opinion on the latest Woodmere Club proposal? Send a letter to pschug@ liherald.com.

Courtesy Village of Woodsburgh

at a Woodsburgh village meeting on monday, Harman said that Woodmere Club owners and developers efrem gerszberg and robert Weiss had submitted new subdivision proposals to the village, which were denied because of deficiencies in the drawings.

Parker Schug/Herald

Woodsburgh Village Clerk/treasurer michelle Blandino, far left, trustee Barry rozenberg, deputy mayor alan Hirmes, mayor Jake Harman and trustee Shira Hoschander discussed proposed subdivisions for the Woodmere Club property at the village meeting on monday in Hewlett.

THE TIME

• Generous

•

•

•

•

Save

To

Berman/Herald at its dec. 9 meeting, the atlantic Beach village board announced that the Chabad of the Beaches had rejected a settlement agreement and filed an amended lawsuit against the village Board of Zoning appeals and village board members.

Chabad accuses village officials of antisemitism

problem. We tried to prevent having to reopen this lawsuit, but at the end we were left with no option. We had to reopen this lawsuit and name new characters as defendants. We’ll see what happens in court now.”

In November 2023, the village offered to pay the Chabad $400,000 over four years to settle a legal battle that began after the Chabad purchased the Park Street property for $950,000, and the village tried to claim the site by eminent domain in 2022. The Chabad filled suit against the previous village administration in federal court in July 2023, and the court sided with the Chabad.

According to the newly filed complaint, “in private communications produced in this case, Village officials freely and frequently engaged in open anti-Chabad and anti-Orthodox sentiment and trafficked in vile anti-Semitic tropes.”

Dys said that village officials exchanged the offensive communications by text and email.

at

hearing on aug. 22,

Chabad of the

left, and attorney William Bonesso presented a plan for a building at 2025 and 2035 park St. in atlantic Beach, which the Chabad purchased in 2021, to the village Board of Zoning appeals.

“What we once suspected is now confirmed: Village leadership has been driven by blatant, openly expressed religious animus against their Jewish neighbors,” he said.

Some residents who attended the Dec. 9 meeting were also outraged that Dominick Minerva, the village attorney, had recused himself from representing the zoning board during the ongoing legal dispute because he is representing Chabad of Valley Stream in another matter.

“We had to replace, in a timely fashion, Dominick as zoning board attorney, and through some research we came up with Harris Beach, which is a Long Island firm,” Pappas said. “They represent a lot of villages in zoning matters. I’d like to recommend the board accept the engagement letter from Harris Beach as counsel to the Board of Zoning Appeals.”

George Cornish, chairman of the

zoning board, said he did not want the village board choosing new counsel on the zoning board’s behalf.

“The Board of Zoning Appeals gets to decide who the attorney is,” Cornish said. “Do we have other resumes before we randomly hire the next guy, another lawyer? We got notified Friday about this law firm. I haven’t talked to any of the commissioners about who the attorney is, and I’d like to reserve decision, or at least get other choices, before we get this next lawyer who doesn’t defend us and has conflicts of interest.”

Pappas had not responded to requests for additional comment as the Herald went to press.

“From the evidence we obtained form the beginning of this lawsuit, there was quite a bit of religious bias and animus going on between the mayor, the village trustees and others in the community,” Dys said. “They simply wanted to keep the Chabad out of the village of Atlantic Beach.”

Parker Schug/Herald

a

rabbi eli goodman, of

Beaches,

Melissa

United Choral Society proves music knows no boundaries

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The United Choral Society performed its 81st annual winter concert at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, to kick off the holiday season

Sharon Pesenti, conductor and Hewlett resident, lead a group of 19 singers to festive holiday songs and classical renditions in Gold Hall on Dec. 8.

Their repertoire included “Candle, Shine Your Light” by Karen Crane; “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah” by Mark Hanson; “A Chorus Suite” by Gilbert and Sullivan; “The Christmas Song” by Mel Torme; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Martin and Blane; “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” by Irving Berlin; “No One Else” by Dave Malloy; “Ocho Kandelikas” by Flory Jagoda; “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure; “Wind in My Hair” by Alan Menken and “Wither Must I Wander” by Vaughan Williams.

For over 80 years, the United Choral Society has brought together members of the community who love music. David Randolph, Elie Siegmeister and Isadore Freed conducted the group in the past.

Pesenti, a former chorus teacher in New Hyde Park, currently judges NYSSMA — the New York State School Music Association solo and small ensemble festival each spring, which involves a performance evaluation and sight-reading.

She has lead the group for 14 years.

“They did perform a wonderful concert and I felt like it was a gift to the community, they’re very talented,”

Susanne Geisweller, business manager at HWPL, said.

Seventy-five members of the community attended the concert.

“We enjoy having the United Choral Society twice a year at the library,” Michelle Young, director at HWPL, said.

“It brings a lot of community members together.

The group rehearses at Temple BethEl of Cedarhurst. Choral society members range in age from 16 to 80.

“Everyone is welcome, we are intergenerational, we sing all types of music,” Pesenti said.

The group starts preparing for its performance in the second week of September.

“We always strive for a high level of repertoire as well as performance,” Pesenti wrote in the concert program. “Our musical heritage is a source of great pride and satisfaction for us, and we hope that the United Choral Society will continue to win the respect and support of our community and its residents.”

For Judy Drachman, a longtime member, the group has become like family, she said.

“Over the years, it has been, and hopefully, will continue to be my pleasure to sing in the United Choral Society, with our conductor Sharon Pesenti, and a group of wonderful choristers!” Drachman wrote in an email.

It’s a family affair for Pesenti, whose husband, Paul, and daughter, Alexis, are both choir members. Alexis is a featured soloist who has a Master’s Degree from the Hartt School of Music in Opera Performance.

Pesenti stressed the sense of community within the chorus. She also thanked the pianist, Luke Sullivan, for accompanying the chorus.

Sullivan studied piano at Adelphi University and music composition with Pulitzer Prize winner, Paul Moravec.

“I try and educate them so it’s not just preparing for a concert, it’s the whole picture where we’re feeling the music while learning and performing it,” Pesenti said. “This was one of our best performances, we all come together no matter what we look like or what we believe in.”

Jason Thomas/Herald

The United Choral Society, conducted by Sharon Pesenti, middle, performed their 81st annual winter concert at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, on Dec. 8.

Ex-Chief Fitzgerald honored for 50 years of service

Local firefighters celebrated Ex-Chief Robert Fitzgerald’s half-century of service on Nov. 10, honoring his dedication at the Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence.

The Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department hosted an afternoon event recognizing Fitzgerald’s 50 years of service as a former LCFD and Nassau County Fire Communications dispatcher.

He joined the department when he was a student at Lawrence High School in 1974. Fitzgerald’s favorite part, he said, was “the satisfaction of helping everybody in the neighborhood.”

Local officials, firefighters from multiple departments, family and friends gathered at the event to commemorate the milestone, last month.

During a brief program, speakers praised Fitzgerald’s contributions and presented him with special recognition for his long standing commitment to community emergency services.

— Parker Schug

Adler, left, Mike Beilinson, Cedarhurst village Mayor Benjamin Weinstock, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Robert Fitzgerald, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Melissa Miller, Presiding Officer Howard Kopel, Lawrence village Mayor and Deputy Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Tammy Roz celebrated Fitzgerald’s 50 years of service with the Lawrence-Cedarhurst and county emergency services.

Fitzgerald’s family members came out to show their support as he was honored at the Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence for 50 years of service. From Jeannie Hunt, Ann Fitzgerald, Andrew Hunt, Juliana Hunt, Ava Hunt, Robert Fitzgerald and Richard Hunt.

Courtesy Kevin Madigan

Former Nassau County Fire Communications employees, Mike Capoziello, far left, Howard Riegler, and Charles Parker, far right, Jimmy Prince, Bob Bogseth surprised Robert Fitzgerald, third from left, at a ceremony honoring his 50 years of service in November.

Robert

Meyer

All chiefs and ex-chiefs of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department celebrated Robert Fitzgerald, fourth from left on 50 years of emergency service, at the Rockaway Hunting Club.

HanukkaH MESSaGE

The symbol of light

There are eight nights of Hanukkah. The sages of the Talmud argued whether one should light eight candles on the first night, seven on the second night, onwardly descending until there is only one lit on the eighth night, or one candle on the first night, two on the second night, onwardly ascending until eight candles are lit on the eighth night.

The Talmud gives the reason for these practices. The first practice of descending candles lit each day is so we can count down the days of the holiday. When we look at the Hanukkah menorah, we will know how many days are left of the holiday by how many candles are lit. The second practice of ascending candles lit each day is the opinion of the followers of the great sage Hillel, who said “we ought to ascend in areas of holiness, not descend”. What that means is that it is much more majestic to add a candle each night, ending with eight on the last night, than it is to take away a candle ending with one on the last night. Jewish practice adopted the second opinion, and the message of Hillel still

resonates with us today. It ought to be our mission to continually bring more and more light into the world, not less and less. How do we bring more light into the world? In the book of Psalms it says, “Light is sown for the righteous” (Psalm 97:11). What I think that means is, more light is brought into the world when we help our fellow human beings by doing righteous acts.

Perhaps that is why, in what is known as “the holiday season” for many faiths, it becomes a season of giving. Some give to organizations that are helping people, while others give of their time instead. All are ways of bringing more light into the world.

Hanukkah, often called

“The Festival of Lights”, is held during the time of year when there is the least amount of daylight. At this time of greater darkness we are reminded that it is our responsibilities to bring more light into the world. As we light our candles each night, that is an important value to remember.

Rabbi Steven Kane is the leader of Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst..

Rabbi Steven Kane

When we think of seminal events in history we think of events such as Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon, the Protestant Reformation and the American Revolution. Though Hanukkah is considered a “minor holiday” because it is not mentioned in the Jewish bible, we should consider the Maccabean victory we celebrate on Hanukkah, not merely as Judaism’s December holiday but rather, to be one of history’s defining events. The Maccabean revolt stemmed the tide of Hellenistic polytheistic religious practice which was sweeping across the ancient world. If not for the successful uprising the light first kindled by Abraham’s monotheism would have been extinguished. Though polytheism, in a sense, is more tolerant than monotheism, in that it permits a multitude of deities to co-exist, it is also dangerous. The danger is that some will declare themselves to be superior to others by claiming that they were created by a superior God, just as some arrogantly consider themselves to be better than others because they believe they come from better stock. In other words, ironi-

cally polytheism’s superficial tolerance invites intolerance. Conversely, monotheism’s alleged intolerance creates an atmosphere of tolerance. The bible does not open with the creation story because it’s supposed to be a history of the world (Mel Brooks’ film The History of the World provides us with that) in order to make a theological point. The point being, since we are all created in the image of the one and only God, one cannot claim superiority over another because of one’s heavenly parentage. The light of the Menorah is the light of Abraham’s ethical monotheism. Clearly, our world is still far from perfect and many are not treated with the dignity they deserve. Yet, the Maccabean victory we celebrate during the darkest days of the year, preserves humanity’s greatest tools in its struggle to raise humanity’s trajectory upwards. That tool is the light of monotheism which reminds us to strive to achieve the biblical ideal of celebrating the dignity of all, for we are all created in the image of the one and only God.

Rabbi Steven Saks is the leader of Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere.

Rabbi Steven SakS

MESSaGE

Light of faith defies darkness

This paradox of celebrating life while mourning those who died al kiddush Hashem — sanctifying G-d’s name — is especially poignant as we approach Chanukah. On Chanukah, we celebrate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, but we also celebrate the Maccabees’ miraculous military victory. A small band of Jews took on the might of the world’s superpower, the Greek empire, ready to sacrifice everything, including their very lives, to defend their faith.

Their courage is a timeless lesson for us. While we don’t seek martyrdom, we are called to live with the self-sacrifice of the Maccabees. That means fighting against darkness in all its forms, whether it’s antisemitism, assimilation, or despair. It means standing up for our beliefs, no matter the cost, and lighting our own small flames that together can illuminate the entire world.

door. Embrace kosher in your kitchen. Strengthen your observance of Shabbat or family purity through mikvah. These are not just extras that enhance our lives; they are life itself. In other words, let us approach our Judaism with the mindset of self-sacrifice—not as something we fit into our lives, but as the very essence of who we are. In this way, we can honor the memory of those who gave their lives al kiddush Hashem by living proudly and fully as Jews, bringing the light of Torah and mitzvos to dispel the darkness of the world.

Rabbi Zalman WoloWik

And so, I urge each of us to light the flames of your personal menorah by taking on a practical mitzvah. Put on tefillin. Affix a kosher mezuzah to your

May our collective acts bring us closer to the ultimate light of redemption, when the world will finally know true peace.

I take this opportunity to invite you to celebrate Chanukah with chabad of the five towns weather at our public menorah lighting, car menorah parade, drive in Hanukkah concert and much more, you can find all of the details at ChabadFiveTowns.com/Chanukah.

Best wishes for a happy Chanukah. Rabbi Zalman Wolowik is the leader of Chabad of the Five Towns.

Temple Beth El

Rabbi Steven Kane • Bob Fischman, Pres. Cantor Ethan Leifer • Edward Edelstein, Executive Director Broadway and Locust Ave. • 569-2700 •

David

Richard

Terri

Project Thank a Cop helped 213 children this holiday season

The Michael Geraldi-Ray Abear Holiday Shop with a Cop took over Matty’s Toy Stop in Hewlett for the fifth consecutive year to create holiday magic.

On Dec. 7, 213 children from all over Long Island and the city, who have lost a parent or loved one in the line of duty, shopped for $100 worth of toys and games accompanied by volunteers. They also shopped for $50 worth of toys for children at New York University Langone Mineola Child Life Department.

Officers from 18 departments including Nassau County, New York Police Department, state troopers, FBI and local villages, participated.

Project Thank A Cop, a nonprofit run by Wantagh residents Andy and Maegan Fox, coordinated this event.

“What started out as an idea and had 40 kids the first year in 2020 has expanded to 213 kids in five years, it’s all donor funded and you can sponsor kids individually or with groups,” Andy said.

The grand total for toys was $42,000 and filled 33 tote bags. Children enjoyed a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with bottomless hot cocoa and pizza.

“The HWBA is proud to be an annual sponsor and advertiser of this great event,” said David Friedman, HWBA president. “Maegan and Andy’s crew and members of law enforcement devote so much effort to making the kids happy.”

For more information about Project Thank a Cop, go to, PTACop.org.

— Melissa Berman

Alice Moreno/Herald Photos

Jacob Cruz of the Police Explorers, Jaeden Farquharson, and Linda Polizzi peruse the aisles of Matty’s Toy Shop in Hewlett with Wade Ericsson, 10, on Dec. 7.

FBI Explorer Sofia Morillo, right, shops for Ana Santana, 3, bottom left, by picking out dolls.

Don’t let the light go out… It’s the chorus on the classic Peter, Paul, and Mary Chanukah song, “Light One Candle.”

I always feel that Chanukah starts slowly but rushes to its conclusion. On the third night, it seems like we’re in a good groove. We’ve had some latkes, at least one Chanukah party, and a present or two. Then, all of a sudden, the holiday zooms to its conclusion.

What can we do so that the lights don’t go out?

Rebbe Shlomo of Karlin (1740-1792) preferred using wax candles on Chanukah. When the wax drips and then hardens, an imprint is made that lasts, whereas oil simply burns and nothing of it remains. Wax candles symbolize that Chanukah must make a lasting impression on us.

their mark. Will the light last? It’s up to us.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, once pointed to a candle and asked a visitor what he saw? The visitor responded, “A candle.” The Rebbe replied, “It’s not a candle. It is simply a lump of wax with a string in the middle of it. When does a lump of wax become a candle? Only when you bring a flame and ignite the wick does it become a candle.” The Rebbe continued, “The ‘wax’ is our body — and the ‘wick’ is our soul; the ‘flame’ is the fire of Judaism. When the soul is lit up, that’s when the person becomes a ‘candle’. This is the goal, to help every man and woman achieve the purpose for which they were created.”

In times of uncertainty – whether it’s war in Israel, rising Jew-hatred, or internal division, Chanukah provides an opportunity to light up the darkness. Whether in our windows, our synagogues, or public squares, the lights dispel the darkness, publicize the miracle of overcoming all odds, and demonstrate Jewish pride. They must leave

We need to light our “candles” and share the “light” with everyone around us. Did the candles “light” us up? Which gift did we give or get which will remind us to be kind, attentive, and more supportive of others?

Will Chanukah leave its mark? Will the light shine on?

Rabbi Elie Weinstock is the leader of Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach.

Kulanu rocks fundraiser in blue jeans

There was no shortage of denim at Kulanu’s December fundraiser.

Kulanu hosted its “Denim and Diamonds” fundraiser on Dec. 7 at the Sephardic Temple. This event was for adults 21 and older and featured billiards and corn hole, a buffet, cocktails, dancing and a silent auction.

All proceeds go to the Kulanu Center for Special Services.

According to Kulanukids.org, “our mission is to enable each individual to

reach their full potential, empowering them to become a participating and accepted member of society, with a good quality of life and a hopeful future.”

Kulanu Center for Special Services, in Cedarhurst, offers many different types of programs. Its Kulanu Academy, is a school for special needs students ages 11 to 21, providing various programs to meet children’s individual needs.

— Melissa Berman

Dance instructor, choreographer, and owner of Dancing with Deanna, Deanna Nemes, left, smiled as fellow dancer and dance troupe member Nicholas Schwartz twirled her around.

Alice Moreno/Herald Photos

Deanna Nemes, middle, taught a line dance with other members of her dancing troupe at the Kulanu fundraiser, on Dec. 7.

Guests came together to line dance for a cause.

Lawrence High School’s Student Government at a leadership conference.

Lawrence Student Government learns at leadership summit

Lawrence High School’s Student Government recently participated in a leadership conference with 12 other schools, featuring a keynote address by Nassau County Controller Elaine Phillips.

The event focused on leadership, government and school issues, providing students with insights on making a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.

Phillips delivered an empowering speech on civic engagement and the qualities needed to bring about positive change.

“The conference was a great opportu-

Lawrence village has implemented new parking rules for the holidays.

nity for our students to gain new perspectives and deepen their understanding of leadership,” Hugh Walker, adviser, wrote in a news release.

The conference included breakout group discussions where students collaborated on addressing current challenges. Accompanied by advisers Hugh Walker, Rikki Eisner, and David Ziff, the Lawrence High School Student Government gained valuable experience and skills to advocate for change within their school and community.

— Melissa Berman

Free weekend holiday parking in Lawrence

Mayor Samuel Nahmias, the trustees and administration in the Village of Lawrence invite the community to shop local and enjoy quality time in the village while utilizing free municipal parking on the weekends.

The free parking will be on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29.

Parking will be free at field no. 3 — on the north side of Central Avenue; and parking field no. 4 — on the south side of Central Avenue.

Street metered parking will remain in effect.

“December is a time to reflect on our values as a community and to enjoy time with family and friends,” Nahmias wrote in an email. “By opening our parking lots to free parking on weekends, we encourage everyone to stroll along idyllic Central Avenue, enjoy a meal with friends and family, and purchase a gift or gift certificate at one of our many fine stores and restaurants.”

— Melissa Berman

SUNDAY

7-10PM

Live Music! VIP Presenters! CHAIM

With Many Surprises!

Courtesy Lawrence Union Free School District

HERALD FILE PHOTO

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

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

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

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

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

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

STEPPING OUT

Merry eatings

‘Tis the season for a

By Karen Bloom

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

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

Chocolate Mint Squares

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

Dough

• 1/3 cup baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

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

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil

Frosting

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar or glazing sugar

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil

• 2 tablespoons milk

Glaze

• 3 tablespoons baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate

• 1 tablespoon butter

Garnish

• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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

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

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

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

‘Holiday Joy’

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

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

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

Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies

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

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• Dreidel-shaped cookie cutter

• Piping bag

• Blue frosting

Cookie dough

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to prepare

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

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1-1/2 cups flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 44 candy-coated chocolate pieces

• 88 semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

• 44 pretzels, broken into 1-inch pieces

Heat oven to 350° F.

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

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

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

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

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

Yellow Brick Joel

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

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

Chocolate Mint Squares Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

THE Your Neighborhood

Jan. 3

‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’

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

Countdown to 12

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

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

Hanukkah farewell

Celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with the Chabad of Hewlett for the last menorah lighting, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 3:30 p.m. With a gelt drop, music, latkes, hot chocolate and more. 33 Piermont Ave, Hewlett.

Bird walk

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

Hanukkah lighting

Knights of Columbus invites all to participate as the menorah lights up for Hanukkah, Wednesday, dec. 25, 6 p.m. With entertainment, hot chocolate, cookies and giveaways. Veterans Memorial Plaza, between Broadway and West Broadway, Hewlett. Chevre Shabbat

Participate in a Chanukah Chevre Potluck Shabbat dinner at Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Center, Friday, dec. 27, 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.

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.

Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

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.

Home for the Holidays Adoption

There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during, “Home for the Holidays” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, now through Sunday, Jan. 5. Licensing feels still apply. Prospective adopters can browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter and also on the shelter’s Facebook page. 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh. For more information, call the animal shelter, (516) 7855220.

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.

Having an event?

Holiday concert

Celebrate the season with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. The intergenerational orchestra of 60 L.I.-based musicians performs with the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir as special guests. The program, at Brookside School in North Merrick, includes “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Sing-A-Long,” “Greensleeves,” “Chanukah Festival Overture,” and much more.

Suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door (kids are free). 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Visit symphonicpopsli. org for more.

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

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

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

It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Family theater

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

Meg Ryan named first female chief executive of NUMC

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, voted on Dec. 5 to appoint several new members to the leadership team of the largest public, safety-net hospital on Long Island.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Ryan had previously served for nearly a decade as general counsel of the corporation and had been acting as interim president and chief executive since January.

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

The East Meadow-based hospital serves all patients, regardless of their abil-

Public Notices

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company. Name: Westchester 2 GP LLC (“LLC”). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on December 6, 2007. NY office location: Nassau County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to 930 Broadway, Woodmere, N.Y. 11598. Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 149988

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2005-9 , -againstVEEDEL WENTWORTH, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 16, 2019, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2005-9 is the Plaintiff and VEEDEL WENTWORTH, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY

SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 34 AVE A, INWOOD, NY 11096; and the following tax map identification: 40-157-8.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INWOOD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004905/2008. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150311

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff against CHAYA GROSZ, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 13, 2018, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 16 Washington Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559-2405. Sec 41 Block 086 Lot 152. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Incorporated Village of Lawrence, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $658,966.26 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000030/2014. For sale information,

please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Mark S Ricciardi, Esq., Referee File # NY201800000501150455

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

Please take notice that the Organizational Meeting for the year 2025 of Meadowmere Fire District will be held on January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Meadowmere Firehouse, 14 Meyer Avenue, Lawrence, New York. This notification is being made pursuant to the provisions of Section 104 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York. Susan Lund Secretary Meadowmere Fire District 150566

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST LINDA JABLON AS CO-

ity to pay for medical care.

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

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

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

Holden Leeds/Herald Megan Ryan was confirmed last week as the president and chief executive of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility. Ryan is the first woman to lead the public hospital system.

TRUSTEE OF THE LINDA JABLON IRREVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST, JENNIFER STROW AS CO-TRUSTEE OF THE LINDA JABLON IRREVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST, KYLE JABLON AS CO-TRUSTEE OF THE LINDA JABLON IRREVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 21, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 4 Willow Lane, Hewlett, NY 11557. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 42 Block 231 Lot 15. Approximate amount of judgment $482,063.07 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609875/2023. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Lenore S. Davis, Esq, Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-000893 83258 150526

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The hospital is alleging that the state orchestrated a scheme to withhold Medicaid reimbursement payments NUMC was entitled to, since at least 2001. On Nov. 20, a notice-of-claims was sent to the state, outlining NUMC’s plan to file a $1.06 billion lawsuit. The suits against NIFA, which were announced on Dec. 2., claims the finance authority made arbitrary and capricious decisions, violated public trust, and acted to advance its own or the state’s agenda at the expense of NUMC’s reputation and financial stability.

“We are continuing to work with Nassau County on an appropriate solution for the future of NUMC,” a spokesperson

Dr. Grace Ting was named the chief medical officer.

Steve Sachs/Herald Shannon Costello, center, was named chief nursing officer. Costello at a September 2024 event with Danielle Pollaro, director of critical care, and Jennifer Rufle, nurse manager for special procedures.

from the state told the Herald. “Our concerns are the fiscal health of the hospital and patient care. Everything else is just noise.”

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

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

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

“Meg Ryan’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence have significantly enhanced NUMC’s role in the community,” Desmond said, “ensuring it remains a vital resource for those in need.”

Herald file photo

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

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

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

A Dream Home

Retail Space For Rent

Real Estate

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

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

Apartments For Rent

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

Making an old home newer

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

Professional Space/Rent

HEWLETT

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE

SPACES FOR RENT Prices Range: $395 - $850 Per Month Includes Utilities And Parking Email: flamingodrive26@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Monte Leeper

questions

Stuff HERALD

Finds Under $100

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

Exterminating

Plumbing

SAVE

Finds Under $100

ANTIQUE HIGHBOY, SOLID mahogany, great condition. Photo available. $99.00 516-637-6603

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

CHARTER CLUB HOME (angels depicted) set of 4 new salad/dessert plates in box, $36, 516-884-9994.

DRESSERS: 2 IDENTICAL pcs. Black; Wood; Single Top drawer, 2 magnetic doors, $50 ea. 516-320-1906

HOOVER RUG SHAMPOO Machine with all Attachments, and Cleaning Supplies. $85 LIke New. 516-486-7941

IKEA SOLID OAK: Unassembled, Media Storage Cabinets, New in Box: DVD, CD VCR $50 each. 516-486-7941

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

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

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

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

Electricians

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

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

Home Improvement

AFFORDABLE

RATES

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Painting Renovations And Repairs Free Estimates Licensed/ Insured CBJ Home Improvements LLC 917-865-5927, 516-218-2448

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

Telephone Services

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

Tree Services

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

Satellite/TV Equipment

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

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

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

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

Legal Services

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

Telecommunications

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

opinions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and other shooting locations on Long Island. All are outstanding people, especially Selleck; Donnie Wahlberg, who played Danny; and Will Estes, who played Jamie. So, too, is Steve Schirripa (Anthony Abetemarco), whom I’d met before, a great guy who’s as genuine as the investigator he plays on the show.

Believe me, I’m not a star-struck guy. Being in public life, I’ve met a number of famous people and celebrities who are jerks. The “Blue Bloods” guys are the real deal.

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

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

At least Governor Hochul got the message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

Nassau

Established 1924

Parker Schug

Associate Editor

MeliSSa BerMan Reporter

lOri harWiTT

Multi Media Marketing Consultant

Office

2 Endo Boulevard

Garden City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: nassaueditor@liherald.com

Official neWSPaPer:

Incorporated Villages of Cedarhurst, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck, Lawrence, Woodsburgh Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools

HERALD

iSuffolk C.C. is shortchanging journalism

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

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

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

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

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

letters

Those excessive red-light-camera fines

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

journalism major.

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

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

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

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

opinions Unwrapping a year of daily notes

iunwrapped the holiday gift I received from my son, Matthew, last year and found a new York Mets tear-off calendar for 2024. Six days a week (weekends were combined), there was either a question about Mets history or a fun fact.

Jan. 1: “In 2019, Pete alonzo blasted 53 home run, setting a record for an MLB rookie.”

Feb. 13: “Who was the first player in Mets history to steal home more than once in a single season?

Hubie Brooks, 1991.”

March 27: “In 2022, Francisco Lindor became the first shortstop in Mets history to hit at least 20 home runs in consecutive seasons.”

I don’t know why, but from new Year’s day through the following 12 months, I wrote notes on the back of each page I tore off.

Jan. 3: “Fast day @ work. Much to do. Zone meeting. Job interview. Freeport production. nYPa.”

Feb. 13: “Snow day. everyone home. Matt visited. Workers upstairs. Chocolate chip p–cakes/bacon dinner.

March 26: “@ office. Production nas-

sau early. Closed papers early.” early in the year, I debated whether to leave the calendar at home or bring it in to the office. I sided with keeping it on the desk in my man-cave-libraryoffice at home, in what used to be my son’s bedroom.

april 8: “on this date in 1954, future Mets catcher Gary Carter was born in Culver City, Ca.” (additional fun fact: Carter’s jersey number was 8.)

May 14: “In 1972, who did the Mets trade to the Giants in exchange for Willie Mays? rHP Charlie Williams (along with $50,000).”

oprevious day, or over the weekend. It’s been interesting to compare what I wrote in the first few months of the year with my notes later in the year. The Mets had a horrible start, but then, on oct. 9: “Mets win nLdS Series 3-1.”

n one side, a landmark in Mets history. On the other, my daughter’s birthday.

every morning this year, after getting dressed, I’ve put off going downstairs for breakfast for a few minutes, sat down and noted the highlights of the previous day.

april 1: “edited stories. Set up paper. Tuna for dinner. Two great hoops games. Mets 0-4/good job.

May 16: “Got sale docs signed/ mailed. C/U backyard. rangers clinched semi series.”

June 29/30: “Sat. — errands/clean up. relax/game nite/pizza. Sun. — a little work/relax. Pulled pork @ Les’s/dinner. Spoke with Stuart/plan.”

Writing these brief notes was a way to remember what had happened the

Letters

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

Fred GeFen Woodmere

More local memories of Jimmy Breslin

To the editor:

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

SandY BernSTeIn East Meadow

The Sands proposal: ‘right location, wrong project’

To the editor:

Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for an

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

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

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

anTHonY BranCaTo East Meadow

The thoughts trickle back as snapshot memories that I either want to cherish, like Sept. 25 — “White House Tavern dinner 30 yrs.” — or try to forget, like oct. 27: “Mr. G’s wake.”

July 19: “Mike Piazza was the first player in Mets history to have four different seasons with at least 30 home runs.”

Sept. 3: “on this date in 1978, who became the first Mets player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game? Lee Mazzilli. Time is fleeting, it is precious, and God is not making more of it. These are among the many, many things that have been written about time. Clearly, we should be making the most of it.

July 23: “office. Production mostly on time. nautilus for dinner.”

aug. 6: “office. Production — Lyn, nassau, Uniondale & South Shore record computer glitches/rain storm.

Sept. 14/15: “a little work/errands relaxed. Laundry — work relaxed. Wendy’s w/Liz. Chris out with the ladies.”

Snapshots of nearly 365 days of another year in a life. I wonder what other people’s notes would look like. oct. 4: “on this date in 1999, al Leiter threw a two-hit shutout to propel the Mets over the reds in a one-game playoff berth for the nL Wild Card berth.” dec. 3: “What ballpark was the first to allow fans to keep the foul balls that landed in the stands? Wrigley Field.”

Who knows what the next year will bring? I hope it’s more memories like these.

oct. 19/20: “Sat. — errands/watched college FB. B&B Fish and Clam tilapia/ onion rings. Sun. — read stories/laundry. Watched football. Houlihan’s for Liz’s 19th B-day! nov. 16/17: “Sat. — errands, dinner alan’s B-day, austin’s ale House. Sun. — open house. Football. Pasta/sauce/ bread dinner.” dec. 4: “office. asked to write op-ed to fill hole. Valley Stream 100 mtg. dinner w/Liz, buffalo chicken roll/ CParm.”

Time moves quickly, and while details of my daily life may not match the scale of the Mets’ landmark events, they hold deeper significance. My team — my family and friends — far outshines even my favorite baseball squad in importance.

Jeffrey Bessen is the deputy editor of Herald Community Newspapers, and a dedicated note taker.

In the story “ n assau County Head Start expands services at Community Center,” in the d ec. 5-11 issue, a nita Shiver Kennedy inaccurately stated that the Head Start program

was the former Five Towns Community Center’s only tenant. The r ock and Wrap It Up! Community Pantry also operates in the building.

Framework by Tim Baker

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

JeFFreY Bessen