Rabbi Mendel Gurkov of the Chabad of Rockville Centre, left, joins Village Trustee Gregory P. Shaughnessy, Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, Village Trustee Emilio Grillo and Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis during the third annual Menorah Lighting ceremony in Rockville Centre. Story, more photos, Page 8.
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
South Side High School students with the Leos Club are proving that the next generation of leaders is ready to serve.
The organization, which stands for leadership, experience and opportunity, is sponsored by and affiliated with the Lions Club of Rockville Centre. Club members, known as Leos, have embraced the organization’s motto, “where there is a need, there is a Leo,” by combining leadership development with impactful community service initiatives.
“Leos are proud to make a contribution to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to help ease the suffering of the victims of the recent
hurricanes in the Southeastern United States and of disaster victims worldwide,” Bill Manteria, president of the Lions Club of Rockville Centre, said.
On Dec. 18, students with the Leos Club presented Manteria with a check for $200 for the Lions International Relief Fund. The funding, raised by members of the student-led service organization, will aid hurricane victims and other disaster-stricken communities globally.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 25.3 million people are displaced each year by sudden disasters, with the annual economic cost estimated between $250 and $300 billion.
The Lions Clubs International Foundation
Save on your property taxes with Nassau County’s trusted
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Suzanne Murphy Sullivan has been named the grand marshal of the 2025 Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade, which will take place on March 22 at noon.
“I am proud of my Irish Catholic heritage and to be chosen to the Grand Marshal of the best St. Patrick’s parade around is truly a great honor,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan, 55, is a third-generation Rockville Centre native and former village trustee. She first joined the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee in 2006, during her time in village office, and would continue to serve on the board of directors over several years.
humbling to take my place among them.”
She grew up in the village with her five brothers — Ed, Patrick, John, James, and Christopher — where she attended Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School, St. Agnes Cathedral School and the Sacred Heart Academy, before going on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College, double majoring in government and politics and urban affairs.
“I have seen firsthand how dedicated the members of the committee are to not only organizing a parade that everyone can enjoy, but also in raising funds for worthy charities,” she said. “When I look at the names of the parade’s previous grand marshals, it really is quite
During her college years, Sullivan was active in student government and served as captain of the 1990-91 women’s swim team. She also met her future husband, Rob Sullivan, who she married in October 1995 at St. Agnes Cathedral. Together she and Robert had three children — Robert Jr., Caitlin, and Patrick.
After working at Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette as an assistant vice president in equity capital markets, Sullivan left the corporate world in
Continued on page 16
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Rockville Centre Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday, Dec. 12, to opt out of the state’s regionalization process, following recent amendments to regulations by the New York State Board of Regents.
Superintendent Matt Gaven outlined updates from the Board of Regents, which will allow school districts to engage in regionalization discussions while also giving them the option to opt out of the process entirely.
“The amendment includes non-substantive changes to allow districts to engage in conversations with the aim of collaborating to create 37 region-led regionalization plans across the state every 10 years,” Gaven said. “The most important non-substantive change includes reiterating that participation in regionalization conversations is optional and creates a process by which districts can opt out of such conversations.”
Gaven emphasized that Rockville Centre had not submitted any data to the state regarding the regionalization process, which has a deadline of Jan. 15, 2025. He recommended that the board vote on a resolution to formally opt out of participation.
Board President Kelly Barry introduced the resolution, which detailed the district’s intent to notify the state of its decision.
“This would, just to be clear, tell the state that we are not participating in the regionalization plan,” Barry said. “We are opting out, and now we’re directing Mr. Gaven to notify the state as such.”
Donna Downing, the board vice president, supported the resolution, reiterating her concerns about the
Daniel Offner/Herald
The Rockville Centre Board of Education voted unanimously on Dec. 12 to opt our of the state’s Regionalization process.
regionalization plan and what it would mean for the district.
“As I said in our meeting on Nov. 7, our focus is the education of the students in our district,” Downing said. “I see no benefits to the students in our district to participate in any regionalization plans, and I would make a motion to approve that resolution to opt out of the regionalization process.”
The board approved the resolution unanimously, authorizing Superintendent Gaven to submit a formal letter to the state Department of Education before the January deadline.
The Regionalization initiative is described by the New York State Education Department as “a collabora-
tive regional planning approach for local district to communicate what they need in order to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students, leveraging the state’s existing capabilities, talent and infrastructure.”
In a letter to the state, the board expressed its concerns about the confusion surrounding the program’s intent and potential outcomes. “We are, however, concerned about the contradiction between the explanation provided by the NYSED to school board members about the level of participation mandated through the emergency regulations regarding regionalization and the wording of the regulation itself,” the letter reads, noting that the ambiguity is causing many districts to question the plan.
Board members state that they believe this lack of clarity is causing many districts to question the intent and potential outcomes of the proposed effort.
“We believe that districts should engage in resource sharing and collaboration when those efforts are mutually beneficial, and the agreements are entered voluntarily,” the letter continues. “While we recognize that the state has said that it does not intend to combine districts or mandate resource sharing and collaboration, we must state unequivocally that we would oppose such efforts.”
The regionalization plan operates on a 10-year implementation cycle, with the first period running from 2024 to 2034. Districts were initially required to submit their strengths and needs by Dec. 6, an extended deadline set by the state.
The board’s decision to opt out reflects its commitment to local educational priorities and ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of its students.
helps transform lives through grants designated to rebuild communities and provide immediate assistance to families who have been victims of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and fires. Since its founding in 1968, the LCIF has provided nearly $1.3 billion in grants for disaster relief and humanitarian projects, impacting 200 countries and regions worldwide.
Between July and August 2024, the foundation awarded 89 disaster reliefrelated grants totaling more than $1.7 million in just two months. These funds have provided relief in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, in Texas following devastating wildfires, and in Taiwan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake near Hualien City.
The establishment of the Leos Club at South Side High School was spearheaded by Lions Club member Marcelle Manteria, who worked tirelessly to ensure the program’s success. Her efforts have resulted in a flourishing group of students dedicated to community service and leadership development.
After the check presentation, members of the Leos Club collaborated with the Lions to color and decorate holiday ornaments, which were donated to a local nursing home to brighten the season for residents.
By working together with the Lions Club, the students demonstrated the power of intergenerational partnerships to create lasting change.
The Lions Club International, founded in 1917, is the world’s largest service
r yan perry, 15, a sophomore, diligently works on his Christmas decorations.
organization, with more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. Through initiatives like the Leos program, the organization empowers communities and individuals to make a global impact. Currently, there are more than 7,700 Leos organizations worldwide, with over 200,000 members in more than 150 countries and territories.
To learn more about the Lions Club of Rockville Centre and its partnerships at South Side High School, visit RVCLions.org.
The Corporate Transparency Act came into being this year as part of the AntiMoney Laundering Act. This act is designed to combat terrorism, tax fraud and moneylaundering. Under the act, corporations and LLC’s are required to report who their “beneficial owners” are in a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI report) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement network (FinCEN) on an annual basis. The BOI report is due by January 13, 2025 for entities formed before 2024 and within 90 days of formation or registration for entities formed in 2024. For entities formed after 2025, the BOI report is required to be filed within 30 days.
The BOI report must contain the following information:
1. The entities’ full name (and any alternative names which it is doing business under)
2. Address
3. Where it was formed or registered
4. Its tax id number (EIN)
The BOI report must include the following information for each “beneficial owner” — defined as any individual who has “substantial control” over the entity or owns or controls at least 25%. “Substantial control” means serving as a senior officer, having authority to remove a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors, or in charge of or having substantial interest over major corporate decisions. The trustee of a trust may be a “beneficial owner” if the trust owns an interest in the entity.
The “beneficial owner” must report:
1. Full legal name
2. Date of birth
3. Home or business address
4. Identifying number from passport or driver’s license along with scanned copy of the document.
For help in reporting, search fincen.gov, call the helpline at 800-949-2732, or google “help with fincen reporting” to locate online services that will assist with the application for a fee.
Rockville Centre police arrested Ryan McTiernan, 35, of Grand Avenue, on Dec. 29. He has been charged with two counts of criminal mischief following a disturbance on Merrick Road.
A patron of a North Park Avenue restaurant reported on Dec. 28, that she was struck in the face during an altercation with an unidentified subject.
A motor vehicle accident that took place on North Village Avenue on Dec. 28, resulted in one of the vehicles catching fire. The fire was extinguished by the Rockville Centre Fire Department. The operator of the motor vehicle was treated for minor injuries.
A nursing home resident on Maine Avenue was discovered unresponsive on Dec. 29, and was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
The manager of a Maple Avenue business reported on Dec. 23 that a trailer was stolen from their parking lot.
A resident of Brooklyn reported on Dec. 29 that his motor vehicle was stolen while it was parked and running unattended on N. Park Avenue.
A bicyclist reported on Dec. 28 that he was struck by a motor vehicle which then fled the scene while both were traveling on Lincoln Avenue.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Nassau County police arrested a 22-year-old Rockville Centre man on Friday night, following an incident at Roosevelt Field Mall.
Authorities responded to reports of disturbance. Upon arrival, police said they were notified a fight occurred in the food court, causing an influx of people to promptly exit the mall.
Following the investigation, officers located the subject, Christopher Santana of Milford Place, who police said was attempting to re-enter the mall and carrying several bricks.
While attempting to place Santana
under arrest, police said he became violent and combative and began spitting and biting officers.
As a result, one officer suffered an injury to his left hand and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Santana has been charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Saturday.
–Daniel Offner
East Meadow Senior Basketball
AFTER HELPING LEAD the Jets to a historic 2023-24 season that ended in the state semifinals, Twible got her senior campaign off to a roaring start by reaching the 1,000-career point milestone Dec. 10. She was named First Team All-Long Island as a junior and was a major part in East Meadow’s first-ever Nassau County and L.I. championship teams. Twible has averaged close to 20 points per game over the past two seasons.
Thursday, Jan. 2
Wrestling: Plainedge at MacArthur 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Sewanhaka at Manhasset 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3
Boys Basketball: Friends Aca. at Long Beach 12 p.m.
Wrestling: Kennedy at Hewlett 4 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at West Hemp 5 p.m.
Wrestling: Lawrence at North Shore 6 p.m.
Wrestling: Lynbrook at Clarke 6 p.m.
Wrestling: East Meadow at Long Beach 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Freeport at Seaford 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Hewlett at Oceanside 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at South Side 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Lynbrook 10 a.m.
Girls Basketball: Calhoun at Division 11 a.m.
Girls Basketball: Malverne at Mineola 11 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Plainedge at Clarke 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Jericho at Kennedy 1 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 6
Wrestling: North Shore at Wantagh 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Hewlett at Carey 5 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
After a tough start to the season, the South Side wrestling team appears to be back on track thanks to the performances of some young grapplers that could one day emerge as future stars.
After beating Hewlett for their first dual win of the campaign Dec. 11, the Cyclones headed to the Sprig Gardner Tournament in Bellmore a few days later and finished eighth out of 13 teams with 124 points. Freshman Frank DiBenedetto won the 170-pound weight class and senior Garren Fisher and junior Jacob Arias finished third in the 190 and 285 brackets, respectively.
The results were a stark contrast from the opening week of the season in which South Side lost 47-22 to Oceanside on Dec. 4 before placing 12th out of 14 teams during the Battle at the Beach tournament at Long Beach the ensuing weekend.
“We’ve got a very young group,” coach Mike Robinson said. “My expectations weren’t that high and then we went in and beat Hewlett. We started a seventh grader at 108 [pounds], three freshmen and a sophomore, so I don’t know if they realize what they’re doing.”
DiBenedetto drew a first-round bye at the Sprig Gardner and pinned fourthseeded Tyler Mordente of Bellport in just over three minutes to advance to the semifinals. From there, he stunned Bethpage’s Joseph Ellinger, the top seed of the bracket, with a pinfall 1 minute, 46 seconds into that match before stopping No. 3 Nico Nuccio of Calhoun with a 12-1 major decision victory for his first-ever varsity tournament triumph.
“Frank was outstanding,” Robinson said. “Very aggressive. He goes out there and beats Ellinger from Bethpage in the semifinals and he was the No. 1 seed and he beats the fourth seed in his first match and he beat the three-seed in the finals. It was an outstanding performance by a freshman.”
Fisher bettered his fifth-place finish at Long Beach with pinfalls in 35 and 87
Michelle Ebel/Herald
CJ Brower, top, is part of a youthful South Side wrestling squad looking to hold its weight against a difficult schedule.
seconds before falling in the semifinals.
In the consolation bracket, he pinned Mepham’s Jack Weber in just over two minutes and recorded a 11-3 major decision victory over Bellport’s Orion Beadle in the third-place match.
Fisher, a team captain, has been one of the more consistent grapplers this season and was one of four Cyclones to post wins against Oceanside by pinning Ronny Medrano in 1:32 during their 215pound bout.
“Garren put the work in in the offseason,” Robinson said. “He’s been dominant in most of his matches. He lost in the semis and bounced right back and finished third this weekend.”
Arias rallied from a first-round pinfall loss by pinning Mepham’s Declan McArdle and posting a 6-3 decision over Bellport’s Arjohn Williams to finish on the podium.
Seventh grader Benjamin Yin (108) and sophomore Richie Lanciers III (131) dominated their fifth-place matches and freshman Casey Testa and junior James O’Connell each placed seventh. Junior William Horan and sophomore Ryan Perry (124) both advanced to the quarterfinals in the 124-pound category. Yin has not been phased on the mat despite his age and also pinned Oceanside’s Alexander Schoenfeld in just 71 seconds.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The St. Agnes Cathedral School will hold its 2025 Dinner Dance on Saturday, Feb. 8, at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
The annual event honors individuals and families who support the school and Catholic education while raising funds for its operating budget.
Honorees Jacqueline and Peter Agresta will receive the St. Thomas Aquinas Award this year, for their continued contributions to the school and the wider community.
Principal Cecilia St. John said it is a real “full circle” moment for her, as the Agresta family have continued to be helpful and supportive since her early years at the school.
“They were the first family I met when I came to St. Agnes nine years ago,” St. John said. “They introduced me to the community, showed me the ropes, and laid the foundation for my administration. I am so grateful.”
St. John also credited the Agresta’s for being instrumental in modernizing the school’s annual Dinner Dance.
“It was the first year we changed the event to make it more open and welcoming to everyone,” she said. “They’ve been wonderful and so helpful to the school.”
The Agresta family’s four children attended St. Agnes, the youngest of which graduated last year.
Pat O’Brien, superintendent of the Village of Rockville Centre Building Department, will be honored with the St. Catherine of Siena Award for his dedication to Catholic education and his expertise in school improvements.
Father Michael Duffy, the rector of St. Agnes Cathedral parish, left, with St. Agnes Cathedral School Assistant
Principal Mary Brower, St. Catherine of Siena Award honoree Patrick O’Brien Sr., Teachers Maureen O’Loughlin, Kelly
associate pastor of St. Agnes Cathedral parish.
“Pat was the sounding board for the school,” St. John said. “He worked with us and the architect, helping to install new bathrooms in one of the cafeterias. His expertise was so helpful in that endeavor.”
O’Brien’s ties to the school are personal as well, with his children Steven and Lauren, a current high school senior, having graduated from St. Agnes.
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award will go to Maureen O’Loughlin and Kelly Magas, two teachers who have dedicated over 18 years of service to St. Agnes. O’Loughlin teaches math, and Magas specializes in science.
“Both came to the school the same year and have
been deeply committed to their students ever since,” St. John said. “They are faith-based, spiritual people who come to school every day motivated to give their students the best.”
The dinner dance is a key event for the school, celebrating the dedication of its community while ensuring continued support for its mission of Catholic education.
The event will take place at the Lannin, 1899 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. For tickets, reservations, journal ads and more information on the upcoming gala visit StAgnes-School.org.
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
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Members of the local Jewish community gathered Thursday, Dec. 26, for the third annual menorah lighting on the Village Green, marking the second night of Hanukkah.
Mayor Francis Murray, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, and Trustees Emilio Grillo and Gregory Shaughnessy joined Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David and Rabbi Mendel Gurkov of the Chabad of Rockville Centre for the celebration, which brought families and neighbors together.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire. The story of the holiday tells of Judah Maccabee, a Hebrew leader and warrior, who led a revolt against Emperor Antiochus IV Epiphanes following the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem.
According to tradition, when the Maccabees reclaimed the temple, they found only enough oil to light the menorah for one night.
Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, inspiring the annual lighting of the menorah as a symbolic gesture of faith and resilience.
The lighting of the menorah also symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, a theme central to the holiday, and one that echoes in the hearts and minds of many Hebrew people hoping for peace and prosperity around the world.
This year’s celebration was particularly unique, as the first night of Hanukkah overlapped with Christmas Day, which added to the festive spirit of
the holiday season as families of different faiths celebrated on the same night.
–Daniel Offner
Nassau University Medical Center leaders and staff cut the ribbon at a new relaxation station, designed to support health care workers’ mental health, resiliency and well-being.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau University Medical Center has officially opened a new, modern staff lounge, designed to support health care workers’ mental health, resiliency and well-being. The new facility offers a space for the hospital’s workforce — that treats more than 270,000 patients annually — to decompress and recharge, while working in one of the region’s most demanding medical environments.
Meg Ryan, the president and chief executive of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of NUMC, said employee well-being and engagements has been a priority of hers.
Wees. We hope that all of these initiatives foster a healthier and a more balanced work environment for everyone.”
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION LETTERS WERE MAILED TO ROCKVILLE CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENTS WHO HAVE A CHILD WHO WILL BE 5 YEARS OLD ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2025. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE LETTER, PLEASE CALL THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE AT 255-8926 SO YOUR CHILD CAN BE ADDED TO OUR LIST.
e are not only investing in
The hospital, in a news release shared with the Herald, said according to a recent study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, nearly 40 percent of trauma professionals experience symptoms of burnout, depression or anxiety due to the intense emotional and physical demands of their work environment. NUMC boasts a 24-hour Level 1 Trauma Center, the largest on Long Island.
our
employees’ well-being but also enhancing the quality of care we provide to our patients.
“This year, we had our first employee engagement officer,” Ryan said at a Dec. 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new space. “We created that title, we implemented employee of the month, we created NUMC excellence awards. In line with all these 2024 initiatives, we created this new, beautiful recreational area for all of our employees to use 24-hours a day — it’s available all of the time.”
MEg RyAN President and chief executive Nassau University Medical Center
The new area boasts a pool table, a ping pong table, a kitchen, televisions, massage chairs, and other seating areas where employees and kick back and relax.
“Our relaxation station is designed to offer a peaceful environment where everyone can just take a moment to take a break,” Ryan said. “We have games, we have TVs — we value all of our employ-
Ryan thanked NUMC’s staff involved in facilities management who helped create the space, and joined her during the ribbon cutting last week.
“We want to take care of our employees as they take care of Nassau County’s most vulnerable,” Ryan said. “We have focused a lot on employee engagement, appreciation and making sure that all of our employees feel heard because they haven’t been for so long.
“The new relaxation station reflects NUMC’s ongoing commitment to employee engagement and a prioritization of our employee’s mental health and overall wellness,” she said.
“By providing a space where our hardworking team can take a brief reprieve during a long and demanding shift, we can help reduce staff burnout — a major issue challenging healthcare providers across the country. We are not only investing in our employees’ well-being but also enhancing the quality of care we provide to our patients.”
LAS CARTAS DE INSCRIPCIÓN PARA KINDERGARTEN SE ENVIARON POR CORREO A LOS PADRES DE ROCKVILLE CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT QUE TIENEN UN HIJO QUE CUMPLIRÁ 5 AÑOS EL 1 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2025 O ANTES. SI NO HA RECIBIDO LA CARTA, LLAME A LA OFICINA DE REGISTRO AL 255-8926 PARA QUE SU HIJO PUEDA SER AGREGADO A NUESTRA LISTA.
8 de ENERO, 2025
9 de ENERO, 2025
10 de ENERO, 2025
By Rei Wolfsohn Correspondent
The third annual Wonder Wall art show at The Art Studio in Rockville Centre on Dec. 14, was packed with attendees and artists, whose work stems from various inspirations, backgrounds and media.
Anna McManus of Rockville Centre, whose work was on display during the annual art show, said she gets her inspiration from her childhood memories.
“Growing up, my grandma always had flowers. I just really wanted to incorporate the flowers that my grandma raised me with,” McManus said. “The first one’s called ‘Barbie’s Bouquet’ and it’s based on the pinks, the blues and the brights and then I realize you don’t really see a lot of dark bouquets, so I did the darker one. It’s called ‘Moody Bunch.’ I did that one a little bit later.”
The Wonder Wall was the first time McManus has had her artwork featured in a show. She said she found out about it from the studio’s email list, and was surprised, because she didn’t remember signing up. For McManus, it was a refresher point in her artistic career.
“I’ve always been interested in art ever since I was little,” McManus said. “And just recently I’ve had some time, so I’ve been painting a lot within the past year. I really started painting again and it’s been probably at least 20 years since I really painted before that. I try to create at least, whether digital art or painting, probably once a week.”
Nancy Geng Vassilakis isn’t a student at The Art Studio either. She’s a local artist from Merrick who found the studio on social media. Her work “Mysterion” and “Christmas Star,” were put on display during the Wonder Wall event. Vassilakis got her start in the art world when she was very young, in a rather unique way.
“I drew on my parents’ menus because they owned a restaurant, so I would turn it upside down and it would be white on the other side,” Vassilakis said. “I would just draw and paint on the backs of the takeout menus.”
Fran Kraus-Schmidt of Oceanside, on the other hand, found out about Wonder Wall in time to see last year’s show. Then she started taking workshops at the studio, which was how she got involved in this year’s event.
“I just pick up a piece of paper and then I just see what I can add to it that goes with it,” Kraus-Schmidt said. “I guess I wanted to use that yellow piece of paper and then I just kept finding things that kind of go with it.”
That yellow piece of paper is part of her work “Passing Through,” which was on display at the art show. It has an interesting story behind it.
“A friend of mine went to Thailand, and she brought me back a stack of paper made out of elephant poop,” Kraus-Schmidt said. “So the yellow in the background is paper from that. And then the pieces here are cut from a vintage book. It’s actually like a chain link
fence on a baseball field, and I cut them into strips and I put them on there.”
Her initial spark of artistry happened during the pandemic. She was
frustrated from working at home and needed an outlet. She had previously done photography and knitting, but her mixed media artwork came alive at that point.
“I started getting into doing collages, when I was working from home,” she said. “I found it very stressful when I was waiting for a phone call or an email. For some reason I would pick myself up, go into the next room and just start gluing down pieces of paper.”
Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Show is back at Nassau Coliseum for another year of car-smashing, ramp jumping, wheel-revving action
By Danielle Schwab
Get ready, everyone. Gather up the kids and shake up those January doldrums when the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow party lights up Nassau Coliseum once again. Witness the raw power of epic machines when the iconic Hot Wheels toy vehicles transform into unstoppable monster trucks for the “Glow-N-Fire” competition.
“Kids” of all ages can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the action returns to Long Island, Jan. 18-19. As the arena darkens for this glow-in-the-dark party, each truck revs up with its unique LED lights. And, in true “It’s Not The Same Without The Flame” fashion, pyrotechnic effects light up the arena, adding even more intensity to the action.
• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18-19; times vary
• Tickets start at $63.85 adults, $35. 15 children (also “Me + 3” family discount option); available at ticketmaster.com and hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com
• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
It’s an especially big day for one particular truck: The classic blue vintage-style pick-up Bigfoot turns 50. Everyone is invited to the birthday bash. Plus, have the chance to be celebrated alongside the iconic monster truck. Bigfoot would love to see everyone’s creativity — so fans are encouraged to bring homemade birthday cards to wish Bigfoot a happy birthday. And show off those homemade birthday signs at the show for a chance to win prizes during the bash.
“Bigfoot is known as the original monster truck because this monster truck is what started monster trucks in general,” says Caleb Janezich, Bigfoot’s driver since July.
Owner-operator Bob Chandler first began building Bigfoot in 1975, and a legend was born. The modified 1974 Ford F-250 started its career at local mud runs and truck and tractor pulls. It quickly launched a worldwide phenomenon and its legions of fans. Chandler continued to make improvements and modifications until it grew into the massive behemoth known and loved today by multiple generations of fans.
“There are people that come up to us and the dad knows who Bigfoot is, and then maybe the kids are exposed to Bigfoot for the first time. Even the grandpas come up and they remember Bigfoot,” says Janezich, on Bigfoot’s popularity.
There’s surely no better way to commemorate the original monster truck than with incredible stunts performed by Bigfoot along with all his mechanical monster pals, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Boneshaker, and Gunkster.
Expect to see wheelies, donuts, and long jumps, along with a freestyle Motocross demonstration.
And of course, be prepared for plenty of good ol’ car crushing!
Also witness as the show unleashes its newest addition, Skelesauraus, a truck that takes the spine-chilling form of a giant skeleton head.
This is Janezich’s first time appearing at Nassau Coliseum, however he is no stranger to the Hot Wheels monster truck circuit. An avid collector of Hot Wheels since childhood, Janezich worked as a Bigfoot crewmember before taking up the driver’s seat.
“Bigfoot was always my favorite. I grew up around pickup trucks and four-wheel drives. My dad got me into it.” he says.
“It’s pretty humbling, and it’s really a dream come true. Honestly, they say, ‘if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life’ and that’s pretty much what I live by now.”
While the trucks may seem invincible, it take a dedicated team behind the scenes to keep them crushing to the max.
“The stuff that can be challenging is the unknown. You never know what these trucks are going to do sometimes, and the biggest challenge sometimes can just be just keeping them going and just making sure that we’re ready for the next show all the time, which we try to do very well,” Janezich adds.
Opportunities to go behind the action add to the spectacle. At the Pre-Show Party, held two-and-a-half hours prior to every performance, get up close and see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels behemoths on the arena floor. Meet favorite drivers and performers. Also check out the new VIP Backstage Experience. It’s a behind the scenes guided tour of what goes on before all the smashing and crashing.
Everyone becomes a kid at the show, which is geared to five to 10-year-olds.
“That’s the part that’s always cool because families are coming down and the parents get involved. When the parents are having fun, the kids are having fun, that’s what keeps them coming year after year,” Janezich says.
Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Photos: Bigfoot, driven by Caleb Janezich, headlines the latest edition of the spectacle. The iconic truck is joined by many Hot Wheels favorites to thrill fans with exciting car-crunching feats, flying more than 35 feet in the air. Plus, the fiery Skelesaurus roars into the arena ready to “chomp.”
‘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 too long to wait ‘til we’re back on the beach, but Kenny comes to the rescue. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily. 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 — gets everyone into the groove as only they can.
Friday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
‘…Your voice is heard’ Broadway comes to Tilles Center. “Dear Evan Hanson,” the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it, has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere. If you’ve yet to see it, now’s your opportunity. Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post, it’s the first musical to take a groundbreaking look — from the point of view of both the parents and young people — at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives. It features an uplifting score, including some of the most iconic musical theatere songs from the last decade: “You Will Be Found,” “Waving Through A Window,” and “For Forever.”
Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
The kings of ‘70s tribute hit the road with an authentic throwback to the era, on the Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10-11, at 8 p.m. Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the sun-soaked melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The dynamic Atlanta-based 10-piece ensemble blends impeccable musicianship with a deep reverence for the yacht rock genre. Their original album “Escape Artist” is a bold homage to this iconic sound. Each side of the album encapsulates the band’s ability to transport audiences to a simpler, more carefree time. Lead singles like “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers” set the tone, evoking sunsets and salty breezes with their lush instrumentation and ethereal vocals.
Collaborations with yacht rock legends Elliot Lurie and Robbie Dupree underscore the band’s status as innovators within their genre. YRRcontinues to captivate audiences nationwide with their infectious energy and unabashedly joyous performances. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, YRR has emerged as a pivotal figure in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Whether performing in intimate venues or rocking arenas, their concerts promise an immersive musical journey that celebrates the timeless allure of smooth grooves. $55, $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Did you know that you do not have to hire a service to challenge the assessed value of your home? That’s why Nassau County Legislator Scott M. Davis is partnering with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission to host two free online community assessment grievance workshops on Monday, Jan. 6, noon-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., to inform residents about how to challenge the assessed value of their property. Join online at NassauCountyNY. gov/LD1. For questions contact Davis’ office at (516) 571-6201 or the Assessment Review Commission at (516) 571-3214.
Rockville Centre Civic Association Meeting
This is your chance to make a difference in your community. The Rockville Centre Village Civic Association is launching and looking for passionate neighbors to help shape its vision for a better community. Don’t miss the first official meeting of the Rockville Centre Village Civic Association, Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m., at the Rockville Centre Library. 221 N. Village Ave.
Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents,” Sunday, Jan. 5, 1:30-2 p.m., at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Yellow Studio’s Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.” Observe animal bath time. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Children ages 5 to 10 are invited to participate in an art therapy program at Rockville Centre Public Library, Friday, Jan. 10, 4-5 p.m. Make a craft exploring themes of mindfulness, emotions, empathy and kindness, followed by a group reading of the book, “If I Lived in a Snow Globe” by Chelsea McGlothlin. Afterward, kids will discuss what everyone would wish for to meet their own physical, social and emotional needs. Registration is required via RVCLibrary.org. 221 N. Village Ave.
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.
Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
The next monthly meeting of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce is on Friday, Jan. 3, 8 a.m., at Howard Hanna Coach Realtors in Rockville Centre. 314 Sunrise Highway.
Empire Safety Council hosts a defensive driving course, Saturday, Jan. 11, at Rockville Centre Public Library. Participation in this six-hour course gives you a reduction of insurance fees for three years and can reduce points. The six-hour course runs 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and costs $29 for drivers over 60 and t$38 for all others. Registration for both dates is open. Limit 40. Registration is required via RVCLibrary.org. 221 N. Village Ave.
Having an event?
The South Shore Audubon Society welcomes all to join its members for another in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Sunday, Jan. 5, starting at 9 a.m. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet The group will meet in parking lot #3, off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway.
To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon. org.
The next meeting of the Rockville Centre Board of Education is on Thursday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. 140 Shepherd St.
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.
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.
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the 2025 unique chamber music series, “Four Seasons in Music,” Sunday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m. The duoJalal ensemble-in-residence led by Kathryn Lockwood on viola, with percussionist Yousif Sheronick, violinists Deborah Buck and Emma Frucht and cellist Caroline Stinson presents a German flavored. Celebrating Germany’s rich history of extraordinary composers, including Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms, to the less traditional, this concert will warm you up on a winter afternoon.
A reception follows. $56, $45 members. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For tickets and information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
I1999 to focus on raising her family. Her husband was working as an electrical engineer, when he was assigned to help restore communications to lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Robert was later diagnosed with cancer in 2011, and after a six-anda-half-year battle with Stage IV colon cancer, he died in May 2016.
am proud of my Irish Catholic heritage and to be chosen to the Grand Marshal of the best St. Patrick’s parade around is truly a great honor
Suzanne SullIvan Grand Marshal, 2025 Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade
His legacy lives on through the work of “the Friends of Rob Sullivan blood drive,” which has collected more than 2,000 units of blood for the New York Blood Center since its inception in 2010.
Suzanne Sullivan has served as director of Community Development for the Village of Rockville Centre since 2017, managing approximately $40 million in grant funding for projects including Mr. B’s inclusive playground, the Living with the Bay initiative, upgrades to local parks and community centers, and improvements to the fire and police
LEGAL NOTICE
departments.
A longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, Sullivan held numerous roles, including former parade manager and director emeritus of the parade’s board of directors.
She is also a past president of the St. Agnes Mothers’ Club and has been involved in community initiatives, including post-Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, coaching sports teams, and organizing Swim Across America events.
“Suzanne truly embodies the spirit
Village of Rockville Centre
Nassau County, New York
Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals
Hearing Date: January 8, 2025
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray
Village Hall
1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE
January 8, 2025 at 7:00
PM
Case # 31-2024 - Joseph DiFigueroa - Adjourned from November 13, 2024
To construct a mixed-use building within a
“Business A District” which requires a ten foot (10’) front yard setback where zero feet (0’) front yard is proposed, fifty six (56) parking spaces required for the medical office use where zero(0) parking spaces are provided, where roof top
dining is proposed which requires approval of the Board of Appeals and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.
Premises known as 24 South Park Avenue
Case # 38-2024 - 38 Vincent Owner LLCAdjourned from December 11, 2024
To construct a second story addition over existing, with new fire wall separation and interior alterations creating a multifamily use where 100% of the units contain 3 bedrooms where 10% is the maximum allowable by code, on an existing lot size of 8939.29 square feet where 15,000 is the minimum required, existing front yard setbacks of 3.0 feet and 4.3 feet on a corner lot where 20.0 feet is the minimum required, an existing side yard setback of 14.82 feet where 20.0 feet is the minimum required, and six nonconforming parking spaces where 6 conforming spaces are required within a
Residence B district.
Premises known as 38
Vincent Street
Case # 41-2024 - Maria & Alex SerendinskyAdjourned from December 11, 2024
To construct a one-story side addition, second story addition over existing first story, and front portico with a proposed Lot Coverage of 34.10% where 30.0% is the maximum allowable, F.A.R of 54.63% where 50.0% is the maximum allowable, a side yard setback of 7.3 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required, and a rear yard setback of 24.9 feet where 25.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.
Premises known as 172
Allen Road
Case # 01-2025 - Thomas Bucaria
To construct a detached garage with a proposed side yard setback of 3.1 feet where 4.0 feet is the minimum required, and a rear yard setback of 2.7 feet where 4.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.
Premises known as 181
Burtis Avenue
Case # 02-2025 - Stanley & Liliya Yurynets
To construct front and rear two story additions, second story addition over existing first floor, and front portico with a proposed floor area ratio of 59.2% where 50% is the maximum allowable, lot coverage of 32.5% where 30.0% is the maximum allowable, side yard setbacks of 6.8 feet and 7.5 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required, within a Residence A district. Premises known as 386 Princeton Road
Dated: December 23, 2024 BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York
J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 150783
of our parade, and no one knows better than she does what makes it so special,”
Jackie Kerr, president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, said. “We were all delighted when she accepted this honor, as she is the true sunshine of our parade this year.”
Since the parade’s debut in 1997, it raised more than $1.8 million for charitable organizations, living up to its slogan as “the parade that cares and shares.”
This year’s parade will raise money for three charities — SIBSPlace, the Remember Nolan Project, and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
SIBSPlace assists children who have siblings with cancer or another devastating illness. It has expanded its mission to include children who have a parent with a devastating diagnosis.
The Remember Nolan Project was created by Kim and TJ Burch after the 2014
death of their son, Nolan Michael Burch, in a hazing incident while pledging a fraternity at West Virginia University. The NMB Foundation promotes anti-hazing awareness, offers scholarships, and engages with students directly.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust helps families repatriate the bodies of loved ones who die abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances to Ireland.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 22, rain, or shine, beginning with a morning Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral. Staging for the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the parade will step off at noon from the municipal parking lot on the north side of Sunrise Highway, between North Long Beach Road and North Forest Avenue.
For more information about the charities, events, or parade details, visit RVCStPatrick.com.
Herald: What is it that you feel is special about the parade?
Sullivan: While bringing the community together and celebrating Irish culture is special in itself, what makes the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade so special is that the parade isn’t just a one-day event.
Herald: How long have you lived here?
Sullivan: I was born and raised in Rockville Centre. My Murphy grandparents moved to Rockville Centre in the 1930s, before my father was even born.
Herald: Were you at the first parade?
Sullivan: I was! My husband and I were living in city at the time and we came home for it. I don’t believe I have missed one.
Herald: What are you looking forward to most?
Sullivan: I’m looking forward to it all. I am excited to attend the Mass on parade day, then marching with my family and friends and being able to actually watch the parade. Usually, I’m at the starting point, helping line everyone up and then carrying the ‘Thank You Rockville Centre’ banner at the end so this year will be a nice change.
Interested Applicants should contact: lsveda@sewanhakaschools.org for an application.
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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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
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
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com
Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
Welcome to an extraordinary waterfront home that masterfully blends contemporary design with unmatched resilience. Constructed on 42 pilings with steel-reinforced block concrete, this 5,600-square-foot residence is built for exceptional energy efficiency and minimal maintenance. Inside, you'll find 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 luxurious baths, and three expansive decks, two front-facing and one rear, complete with a gas hookup. The open floor plan is beautifully appointed with hardwood floors, a gas-burning fireplace, and high-end appliances. For year-round comfort, the ground and lower levels are equipped with radiant heat. The expansive yard is a true retreat, with a versatile cabana that can be enjoyed in any season. Perfectly located close to the LIRR and the west end, this home is on the open bay, adjacent to a scenic waterfront walking path, and minutes away from a platinum selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, and more.
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Q. After much research, we chose brick for our new house. It has been a nightmare getting satisfaction from the mason who did the work. We noticed after only a few months that there were white powder-like streaks across the brick walls in many places. We spoke with the brick manufacturer, who said it sounded like an installation problem or streaking from other materials around it. The mason came back and looked at it. He used acid and brushed one spot and it lightened up but didn’t go away. He seemed annoyed with us, and said he could “send someone” to brush and put more cleaner on, but the whiteness would remain and it would have to “weather” after that. We had a sample wall built to make sure the color was right, and really went to a lot of effort for our choices. We are upset that the mason acted like it was our fault for complaining. We selected brick for high durability, weather resistance and low to no maintenance, and now we have this problem. What could have caused it, and is there any other remedy?
A. Brick was a great choice for all the reasons you described, and will outlast generations of occupants if installed correctly. The whiteness may be caused in a few ways. You have to first know what caused it.
Trim materials, above and around brick, will streak from the wrong paint on roof-edge or topof-wall trim. If the paint used was interior latex water-soluble paint, it will separate and run. Prefinished metal, factory finished, will also start to chalk and run. If a highly pigmented paint with low-resin binder was used, then the same results occur. The brick will be somewhat cleanable, but will have to be exposed to many cycles of rain, heat, freezing, etc., also known as weathering.
Because the mason did not mention the runoff of paint from trim, I suspect that your problem is the worst-case scenario, and all the cleaning with muriatic acid and a steel brush will not solve the staining entirely. Wire brushing or high powerwashing actually harms brick, because that amazingly strong fired-finish on the brick, the reason brick is such a good resister of the elements, is now going to be broken down to a grainy finish that can harbor mildew.
Sadly, the issue was completely preventable, either by using trim that did not lose color or by the brick installation. Yes, the brick installation. It starts with not having the correct width of the foundation to carry the brick, so it is installed too close to or right against the exterior plywood. That airspace is supposed to be 2 inches, clear, behind the brick, so rain that gets sucked into the mortar joints can drop behind the brick and “weep” from weep holes at the bottom of the wall. If you do not have weeps, then the wall was installed incorrectly and the problem will continue. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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As the season of giving comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on not just all we have to be thankful for, but on those who still need our support. While there are certainly plenty of domestic issues, and Americans in need, we cannot forget the people of Ukraine, who are nearing the end of their third year of war with Russia.
The conflict, which has cost the lives of roughly 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers and over 11,000 civilians, has put on display the very real threat authoritarianism is posing to democracies all around the world today. And the people of Ukraine, who spent decades under Soviet rule and centuries under czarist rule before that, know how important their right to self-determination is, because they know what it means to live under a regime without rights. Here in America, where we’ve had the luck and privilege to live under a democratic government for our entire history, it can be easy to brush aside these kinds of conflicts by claiming that certain areas or certain cultures are used to con-
flict. We hear it about the Middle East all the time: so-called “experts” who assert that the region has “always been at war,” and that one ethnic group or another “doesn’t understand democracy.”
I don’t buy it.
As our Founding Fathers knew too well, human beings are born with an innate desire, and a right, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While we may think of these words as uniquely American, I’ve always believed that they were written not just with our country’s population in mind, but as a fundamental fact of the human condition.
Wmyr Zelensky chose to stay in Kyiv in 2022, when the capital city refused to fall, and every day since, his people have had one message for Putin and the world: We will not go quietly.
When our nation was in its infancy and fighting for its existence, we relied heavily on the support not only of foreign nations like France and Spain, but on the extraordinary efforts of individuals from around the world who recognized that our fight for independence wasn’t just a local conflict, but a global one, that of freedom vs. tyranny.
e can’t turn our backs on a country that is fighting for its sovereignty.
And the people of Ukraine have shown their desire for these universal rights with a determination and tenacity that has allowed this country of only 37 million to face down, and frequently defeat, a richer and larger nation with nearly five times its population. And Ukrainians are fighting not just for their own rights and sovereignty. They are the first line of defense against the deranged, ahistorical and plutocratic worldview that Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian oligarchs are so desperate to spread.
When Ukrainian President Volody-
AThe analogy isn’t perfect. Ukraine isn’t fighting to win its independence from its mother country, but is fighting instead to maintain its sovereignty in the face of foreign aggression. But the fact remains that its people, who have seen family members’, friends’ and loved ones’ lives destroyed by the aggression of a brutish dictator, deserve not only our respect and admiration, but our help.
You may think, “But I’m only one person — what could I possibly do?” And obviously, no one person can end this conflict overnight (except maybe Rocky Balboa). But there are plenty of ways for us to do our part.
There are hundreds of international
charitable groups that are on the ground in Ukraine providing humanitarian aid, from UNICEF to the Red Cross. Other organizations, such as United Help Ukraine, Nova Ukraine and Razom for Ukraine, provide medical aid to tens of thousands of people and soldiers across the country.
There are also nearly 300,000 Ukrainian refugees now living in the United States, part of a diaspora of nearly 4 million Ukrainians, predominantly women, children and seniors, who have been forced to flee their homes in the face of ruthless Russian aggression. While many of these people have been kindly fostered by Americans, Europeans and people everywhere, there are always more people in need.
To learn more about how to host Ukrainian refugees, visit SupportUkraineNow.org.
Ukrainians are fighting not just for their own right to exist, but for the rights of people around the world struggling against conquest and the threat of extermination. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously declared, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” — and we can all do more to help Ukrainians restore peace in the country they love.
Will Sheeline is an editor covering Glen Head, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@liherald.com.
fter Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed the Planned Offshore Wind Transmission Act in the fall of 2023 due to local opposition to a wind farm’s high-voltage cables, the state had a trick up its sleeve.
The bill would have required the State Energy Research and Development Authority to establish transmission planning for the offshore grid, coupled with a requirement to conduct a costbenefit analysis that included the impact on ratepayers. In essence, the bill would have, for the first time, given New Yorkers insight into the true cost of implementing offshore wind projects and their transmission lines.
The question is, why did Hochul veto the bill? In addition to local opposition, I believe the answer is that if the public knew the true cost of these plans, people would ask hard questions about where money was being spent, and who was benefiting — questions the governor obviously doesn’t want raised.
In its infinite surreptitious reach, the
state concealed in its latest budget the Renewable Action through Project Interconnection Deployment, or RAPID, Act, granting it the authority to overrule local and public input. The state Office of Renewable Energy Siting would have final say on project siting, even over community objections.
Groups of so-called environmentalists, influenced by Hochul’s green agenda, have received millions of dollars to push the narrative that we need to move off fossil fuels now because the Earth is on fire. Before we go scorched-Earth, Let’s look at facts.
ties in residential and commercial areas.
i
t’s a mistake to plan for wide-scale solar and wind power in New York at this point.
The state took away local municipality and public involvement in the siting of renewable-energy projects and paused congestion pricing. Further, a report by the state’s Fire Safety Working Group falsely concluded that fires last year at three battery energy storage system facilities in New York state — which store the energy that wind turbines create — had no environmental impact, neglecting to include test results of hydrogen fluoride levels in the air, soil or water at those sites. What is even more disturbing is that the working group has written an inadequate code that allows for placement of BESS facili-
Long Island water comes from aquifers that, if polluted, would jeopardize the health of millions. Hydrogen fluoride gas produced in these fires turns acidic when mixed with water, becoming acid rain. This acid, in large enough concentrations, can dissolve concrete. Would you or your children want to drink water this contaminated? Apparently, Hochul doesn’t care about such consequences in her drive to rapidly implement green-energy projects.
This act-now-and-monitor-later mentality, regardless of the consequences, does nothing to put minds at ease. To date, no robust engineering analysis suggests that Hochul’s RAPID Act plan will work. There has been no rigorous analysis. Instead, evidence seems to indicate that the state’s planned installations of solar arrays, wind turbines, battery facilities and transmission cables will not reliably power the grid, and will not prove safe or affordable.
Worth noting is the Vineyard Wind offshore debacle off the coast of Nantucket last July, when a single turbine blade self-destructed, dropping 60 tons of plastic into the ocean and wreaking
havoc, closing beaches and impacting marine life, fishing, local businesses and communities. How future offshore wind catastrophes will affect shore towns, wildlife and commercial fishing isn’t known. But New Yorkers should realize that it’s a mistake, at this point, to plan the construction, let alone the funding, for dozens of gigawatts of solar and wind power — along with batteries 100 times the size of the world’s largest existing battery — and new transmission lines to tie all this to the existing grid.
Instead, we might better ask, first, who thought this was possible? and second, from empirical examples of places with significant intermittent energy — California and Germany — why did anyone think this would enable New York to cut fossil-fuel use and reliably and affordably power the grid?
Given the egregious overreach of Hochul’s RAPID Act, there should be an immediate halt to all Office of Renewable Energy Siting work as well as a prohibition on placing any renewable-energy facilities within residential communities and near schools. Taxpayers don’t want to be the subjects of a large-scale energy experiment, or a class-action lawsuit, as a result of the “next big idea.”
Christina Kramer is the founder and president of Protect Our Coast – Long Island, New York.
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Copyright © 2025
anew year always arrives freighted with emotion. It carries the accumulated hopes, frustrations and lessons of the previous 12 months, paired with the tantalizing possibility of transformation.
This year, as we look ahead, we find ourselves grappling with familiar challenges while daring to believe in the promise of better days.
One challenge we must confront is the growing fragmentation of our shared experiences. Increasingly, the global and local spheres seem to exist in parallel universes. A catastrophe halfway across the world — whether a climate disaster, political upheaval or humanitarian crisis — has the power to shape economies and policies closer to home, yet often feels distant, reduced to a fleeting headline.
Meanwhile, our more local and personal concerns — the cost of living, caring for family and doing well at work — demand urgent attention but risk being overshadowed by the constant churn of global issues. Bridging this gap requires a recalibration of priorities. The new year demands both outward-looking empathy and a renewed focus on strengthening the foundations of our own communities.
Economically, the year ahead will likely test the resilience of all levels of
To the Editor:
our government. Trust in institutions has eroded, but there are also glimmers of progress worth celebrating: advancements in green technology, a renewed emphasis on workers’ rights, and shifting societal attitudes toward mental health and well-being. These trends suggest that positive change, while slow, is possible.
We need to be optimistic, but that demands resolve. The climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future threat but an immediate reality, underscored by the fires, floods and record-breaking temperatures of recent years. The urgency to act cannot be overstated, and yet real solutions remain politically fraught and logistically complex. We face the challenge of balancing personal responsibility with the recognition that systemic change requires collective action.
At the same time, the new year also offers a chance to reimagine what progress means. Growth, long equated with economic expansion, is being reconsidered in light of its environmental and social costs. These ideas challenge deeply entrenched narratives about success and prosperity, but they also open up the possibility of more inclusive, equitable futures.
Many of us also enter 2025 grappling with uncertainty. The relentless pace of
I agree with everything that Peter King wrote in “Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly” (Dec. 19-25). Though I never had the chance to meet the cast of “Blue Bloods,” they did feel like family. There has to be a show for people like us — born in Queens, my grandfather was with the Manhattan mounted police in the late 1920s, my cousins were with the Port Authority Police during the Colin Ferguson bloodbath on the LIRR and on Sept. 11.
We love the Police Department and everything they stand for. They are our angels on earth in these crazy times. I appreciated grace before meals as a practicing Catholic. So there are many people who loved “Blue Bloods,” but I’m sure the network needed to try to make even more money! No one cares about the audience, just the dollar sign.
NANCY ALBERTELLI East Meadow
To the Editor:
My father, like Mr. King’s, wore NYPD’s blue. Like Mr. King, I consider ‘Blue Bloods’ more nuanced than many cop shows. But his speculations about imagined opponents of the show, and his “unanswered questions,” are dubious.
technological change, the aftershocks of a pandemic and the simple unpredictability of life can feel overwhelming. Yet amid this turbulence, we find moments of connection and meaning. A neighbor’s kindness, a shared laugh, the rediscovery of an old passion — these small, often overlooked moments remind us why we persevere.
How do we handle the bad while making room for the good? We need to balance action with rest and contemplation, and ambition with gratitude. This requires recognizing that while we cannot solve every problem, we can contribute to their solutions.
As we step into the new year, we should resolve to move beyond empty platitudes. Instead of vague aspirations for “better days,” let’s strive for tangible progress: a stronger sense of community, a commitment to justice, and a willingness to adapt to changing realities. We should allow ourselves moments of joy, not just as a distraction from life’s difficulties, but also as a reminder of its possibilities.
It isn’t easy. There are always setbacks and frustrations, but there are also breakthroughs, large and small, that remind us of our capacity to endure, to grow and to create a better future. The new year’s gift gives us the opportunity to begin anew.
No doubt, the cast members are all outstanding people and first-class actors, but they were performers acting out dramatic scripts. It’s all fiction, and we can enjoy “as if” for the hour, but to extend the imaginary past the credits is delusional.
Americans generally tend to romanticize both our lawmen and our crimi-
nals, clouding our view of reality. Our fiction is out of sync with our nonfiction, and we get confused. If real police were “Blue Bloods” police, we would not have had a Bernie Kerik as commissioner; there would be no need for civilian complaint review boards, body cameras and millions spent on misconduct settlements; and less turnover in
since the november election, I have been eager to resume my work as the assemblywoman in District 21 and tackle the tough issues affecting families across long Island. Most recently, one of my primary focuses has been addressing the complex challenges of equitable funding for public schools and meeting the needs of our local school districts.
I recently attended an education forum of the Southwest Quadrant, which encompasses districts in southwestern nassau County. The key topics there were the future of foundation aid, funding challenges, infrastructure and school safety, and charter schools. The forum provided invaluable information, including insight from superintendents, administrators, Board of Education trustees and PTa leaders. Their combined expertise offered a comprehensive understanding of the issues our schools face and the support they need from the state.
Since I began representing the 21st district in 2019, I’ve observed that our school districts share many challenges. Space limitations are a significant issue, with many districts forced to host universal pre-kindergarten programs at off-
district sites. The rockville Centre school district recently addressed this issue through an inter-municipal agreement with the village, creating 36 new pre-K seats at the village recreation center. Previously, the district relied on the Friedberg JCC, in Oceanside, to accommodate all families in the district. The Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC, in lynbrook, and the Tiny Tykes Early learning Center and Tutor Time, in East rockaway, also host pre-K for local districts.
In recent years, local districts have also faced rising numbers of English language learners, often from economically disadvantaged or homeless families. The demand for special-education services, mental health support, and health care accommodations has also surged. at the same time, schools are grappling with escalating costs of building maintenance, school and cybersecurity, technology upgrades and transportation.
an idea that warrants further consideration.
While many districts are experiencing declining enrollment, the number of students with substantial needs continues to grow. Foundation aid calculations should not rely solely on population metrics.
s pace limitations, more demand for special ed and rising costs, to name a few.
and snacks to the school population.
Transportation costs, in particular, have become a significant financial burden, especially in districts that transport large numbers of non-public-school students. Some districts also struggle with the financial impact of charter schools, which can divert resources from public schools. One local administrator suggested revising the state’s charter school approval process to limit expansions and regulate tuition rates —
the top brass. “Courtesy cards” would be in museums, not wallets.
Distractions from reality allow speculations like Mr. King’s suggestion that scriptwriters were pressured “to portray cops in a negative light,” as if any producers care at all about what viewers see between the commercials. There are other shows for that. Equally dangerous is his question about the series’ cancellation. Instead of noting the fact that the noble cast accepted a 25 percent pay cut to subsidize season 14, Mr. King conjures the demon of “woke” from nothing.
It’s true that the show’s fans will always have the memories, but we must hope our nostalgia doesn’t distract from the realities of 21st century law and its enforcement.
BrIan KElly Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
l ong Island r ail road commuters should be concerned about insufficient funds being earmarked to bring bridges,
viaducts, tunnels and other basic infrastructure that are in poor or marginal condition up to a state of good repair in the Metropolitan Transportation authority’s proposed $68 billion 2025-2029 Five year Capital Plan. This also applies to Metro-north railroad and new york City Transit.
It’s questionable whether $600 million is sufficient funding for l I rr critical infrastructure projects under the proposed plan. Can this eliminate the growing backlog of critical infrastructure repair? Too many critical capital assets remain in daily service beyond their anticipated useful life. There is still a $33 billion shortfall to fully fund the plan.
Safety, state of good repair, and reliable, on-time performance with a minimum of service disruptions at a fair price should be higher priorities than system expansion projects. The $7.7 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 2, the $5.5 billion Brooklyn-Queens light-rail Interborough Express and the $3.1 billion Metro n orth Bronx East Penn Station a ccess projects all need to be put on hold. Funding for all three would be better spent on critical infrastructure projects benefiting over 4 million nyC Transit subway, 200,000-plus lIrr and 200,000plus Metro north daily commuters. MTa
Schools today are tasked with addressing a broader range of needs than ever before. yet long Island districts consistently contribute more in taxes than they receive in state aid, increasing financial pressures at the local level.
Despite these challenges, I am inspired by the progress our schools are making. To support these efforts, I’ve met with superintendents and school leaders from Hewlett, lynbrook and East rockaway, and plan to meet with others soon.
During tours of lynbrook and East rockaway schools, guided by Superintendents Dr. Paul lynch and Dr. James DeTommaso, I witnessed how these districts are supporting students of all abilities. Their innovative approaches to addressing mental health challenges, accommodating Ell students, and meeting the increasing needs of children with special-education requirements were remarkable. a standout moment was observing the student cafés in lynbrook and East rockaway, where educators and special-ed students collaborated seamlessly to serve drinks
On Dec. 18 I attended a legislative briefing hosted by the nassau-Suffolk School Boards association and the long Island Education Coalition, on the rockefeller Institute report, a comprehensive study on recalculating the foundation aid formula. The session focused on the report’s recommendations, and also offered a platform to discuss key issues impacting public schools on long Island. It was an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas with experts, administrators and fellow legislators.
The briefing was extremely important as we enter 2025 with the prospect of recalculating the foundation aid formula in this year’s state budget. The formula’s base calculations have not been updated since 2016-17. But no change should be made in a vacuum, and must account for the many variables that have been added in the past decade to balance the formula. It’s clear that the growing changes in demographics and the variety of new metrics need to be considered in recalculating the formula. This will be challenging, and will require much more discussion, deliberation and reflection.
I look forward to discussing this more extensively in albany, and hope to form a working group in the hopes of delving further into the topic with my colleagues on long Island and throughout the state’s suburban areas at the next roundtable on Jan. 30.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
Chairman Janno lieber and board members have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of riders and taxpayers.
larry PEnnEr Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
