It’s
Stu Goldman/Herald
Brothers Charles, 7, and Jack Thompson, 4, of Rockville Centre enjoy a holiday-themed breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center. Story, more photos Page 3.
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Village of Rockville Centre, in collaboration with local Jewish leaders, adopted a resolution pledging to combat antisemitism and educate residents on ways to identify and report such acts when they occur, following a series of antisemitic activity in recent years.
Hateful propaganda was spread across the South Shore of Long Island by a group calling themselves the “Goyim Defense League,” and two rallies were organized by the neo-fascist organization, the Proud Boys.
“Part of that resolution included a continuing endeavor to cooperate with recognized organiza-
tions which combat antisemitism and to assist such organizations in educating residents about identifying acts of antisemitism,” Village Trustee Katie Conlon said.
In an effort to spread this message among Rockville Centre youth, Kate Gupta and Lauren Ferazani, co-vice presidents of the South Side High School chapter of the Distributive Education Clubs of America, have teamed up with the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in the hopes of inspiring others to join them in standing against hate in all its many forms.
“Antisemitism has been an enduring issue throughout history and is increasingly prominent today with the conflict in Israel,” Gupta
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Several parents in the Rockville Centre school district are voicing concerns about transgender students being given access to bathrooms and locker rooms based on the gender they feel most comfortable identifying with.
At the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 12 in the South Side High School auditorium, more than a dozen parents urged the district to reverse the policy, despite state and federal requirements that prohibit public school districts from denying a student use of a restroom due to gender identity.
Centre resident, said that he was frustrated with the response by district administrators after the November school board meeting, at which he posed a series of questions on the subject.
MATTHEw G AVEN superintendent, Rockville Centre schools
Parents expressed fears that providing such access to students could potentially put others in harm’s way. They also expressed frustration over a lack of parental consultation about what they perceived to be a new policy on the issue.
William Cooney, a Rockville
“The answers provided were almost entirely deflections based on the clearly erroneous position that district policy permitting students to use bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex is not a policy change,” Cooney said. “Superintendent (Matthew) Gaven said nothing about state law requiring this. If the board wishes to restore some measure of credibility it has lost, it will climb down from the position that there is no policy change, and that the district has had no choice but to permit students to use bathrooms and locker rooms for the opposite sex since 2019. That was not what the district policy was in 2023, and it is not how the district interpreted state law in
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The holiday spirit filled Rockville Centre this weekend as the John A. Anderson Recreation Center welcomed families for the much-anticipated Breakfast with Santa. This cherished annual tradition saw Santa Claus, joined by Mrs. Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman, spreading joy and creating lasting memories for the community.
The event’s popularity was evident, with all three sittings selling out weeks in advance. Hundreds of families arrived eager to share a meal with Santa before his return to the North Pole. The scent of freshly made pancakes wafted through the center as volunteer elves worked tirelessly to keep the morning running smoothly. Plates piled high with syrupy goodness were served as families basked in the festive atmosphere.
Children beamed with excitement as they posed for photos with Santa, handed him letters, and participated in holiday-themed activities. The air buzzed with laughter and joy, making the event a truly magical experience. Parents, too, relished the opportunity to spend quality time with their little ones while creating treasured memories.
Each attendee left with a personalized Christmas ornament, a special keepsake to hang on their trees for years to come. The Breakfast with Santa proved, once again, to be a beloved community event, bringing families together to celebrate the season.
With smiles, laughter, and the warmth of holiday cheer, this time-honored tradition embodied the true spirit of togetherness and joy, leaving everyone looking forward to next year.
–Daniel Offner
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
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.
Rockville Centre police arrested John Martin, 57, of Fairway Drive in Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 11. He has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and multiple vehicle and traffic law offenses after being involved in an accident on S. Park Avenue.
Rockville Centre police arrested Javon Brown, 30, of Bell Boulevard in Bayside, Queens on Dec. 12. He has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and multiple vehicle and traffic law offenses after operating a motor vehicle on Sunrise Highway.
Rockville Centre police arrested Michael Esopo, 43, of Silver Road in Ozone Park, Queens on Dec. 15. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated after being involved in an accident on Sunrise Highway.
A resident of Morris Avenue reported on Dec. 11 that someone stole her vehicle from the driveway of her residence while the doors were unlocked with the key inside.
A Rockville Centre village employee reported on Dec. 10 that a vehicle struck an electric utility pole while driving on Dover Court.
A pedestrian reported on Dec. 11 being struck by a vehicle while walking on N. Centre Avenue. The vehicle fled the scene.
A resident of Fonda Road reported on Dec. 9 that someone altered a check that was written and mailed.
A customer of TD Bank reported on Dec. 11 that an unknown person was added as a joint account holder and withdrew money from his bank account.
An employee of Nissan reported on Dec. 12 that someone purchased a vehicle after providing inaccurate information on their loan application and has defaulted on payments.
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.
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
Dec 8 – Dec 15
General Alarms – 11
Still Alarms – 6
Rescue – 9
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 41
Mutual Aid Fire – 3
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
Total – 70
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 550 Still Alarms – 299 Rescue – 184
Aided
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail:
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Rockville Centre residents Denise Kass and her husband, Joel, have been political activists for many years, dating back to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
Thanks to a chance meeting at a local church, the former Oceanside school teacher and her husband were inspired to put in the “leg”-work by organizing a warm sock drive for families living in migrant shelters.
Their goal was to make an even greater impact on those in need this holiday season.
Kass said she felt the need to take a more proactive role to try and support others in need.
She then reached out to Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis and his wife, Debra, who invited them to the United Church on Morris Avenue for a “healing” session.
“That’s where we met Cindy (Vaupel), who told us about the 2,000 migrant families living in tents at Floyd Bennett Field,” Denise Kass said.
Since the spring of 2022, migrants and asylum-seekers, including those who have escaped dire circumstances in their home countries, arrived in New York City by the thousands.
A record influx of migrants crossing the border and the legal obligation to pro-
vide them with shelter has forced the city to convert more than 200 hotels and large tented encampments across the five boroughs — including at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.
Many of the migrants have reportedly been met with “inhumane” conditions at the temporary housing site, according to reports from The Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless, which took a tour of the encampment in 2023.
Issues have included privacy and safety concerns, unsanitary living conditions, and long walks through extreme weather conditions to access the restrooms.
“Some were walking in flip-flops in cold weather,” Denise Kass said. “They needed basics like warm socks and clothing.”
The couple then initiated a warm sock drive with the help of Vaupel and Chandler Miranda, the co-founders of the Floyd Bennett Field Neighbors, a mutual aid volunteer collective dedicated to assisting migrant families who recently arrived and entered the Brooklyn community, and those living in the four tents at Floyd Bennett Field.
“The families have to walk a mile to get to transportation to bring their chil-
dren to school,” Denise Kass explained in a flyer, which her husband helped distribute in an effort to help others this winter. “This is one way we can help support their needs.”
With collection bins placed at the back of the Kass house, the effort started small, but through the support of members of the Rockville Centre Democratic Club, it quickly gained momentum.
“We began with six pairs, then 100, then 200, and before we knew it, we had 600 pairs of socks,” Denise Kass said.
They were then put in contact with Faizal Ali, the owner of The Sock Factory in Garden City, who provided an extremely generous donation.
“He didn’t even hesitate when I called him,” Denise Kass said. “He told us to come down, and he filled our car with 1,700 pairs of socks. Thanks to him, we now have about 2,400 pairs to distribute.”
Kass said they plan to distribute the socks before the holidays with the help of the Floyd Bennett Field Neighbors organization.
“It’s incredible to see how what started as a little seed grew into something,” Denise Kass said. “Warm socks make such a big difference, especially in the
cold weather.”
Joel Kass said this wasn’t the first time that he and Denise hosted a sock drive for those in need. They previously helped collect about 400 socks for workers in Freeport by going around to different mom-and-pop stores in the area.
Expecting similar results, the couple was shocked to receive such an overwhelming show of support.
“Everything in life comes from people,” Joel Kass said. “This month, our community was the magic.”
In spite of their efforts, the future for the families currently taking shelter at Floyd Bennett Field remains uncertain after New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that his administration plans to close the shelter in the coming months.
Migrants staying at the family shelter have to leave by Jan. 15, and the city will officially terminate its lease with the federally owned facility on March 10.
“The tents are coming down within two months, and we don’t know where they’re going to go,” Denise Kass said. “It’s heartbreaking to think about the disruption they face, especially the children who have been placed in local schools.”
The plan to shut down the shelter at Floyd Bennett Field, along with 24 other migrant shelters, in 2025 has not deterred the couple from their mission.
They expressed hope that their efforts will inspire others to take small steps toward meaningful change in the future.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
A former Rockville Centre restaurateur was convicted of murder, more than two years after he allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Marivel Estevez, inside her penthouse apartment in Mineola.
Mark Small, 57, of Elmont, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on Dec. 12, after a jury found him guilty of second degree murder and weapons charges, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.
“Mark Small shot and killed his girlfriend inside her own apartment, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this callous and senseless act of violence,” DA Donnelly said. “Rather than letting her leave New York to start a new job in a new state, this defendant decided that if he couldn’t have her, no one could. We hope that this defendant’s sentencing brings a measure of closure to all those who are affected by Marivel’s tragic loss.”
subsequently arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department on Aug. 2. He was discharged from the hospital the next day, when he was arraigned at the First District Court in Hempstead.
Estevez, who was 39 at the time, worked in management at the Allure Mineola apartment complex on Old Country Road.
Nassau County police arrested Small in August 2022, after authorities say he was struck by a car along the Long Island Expressway.
He was allegedly fleeing in the victim’s car with a small dog in tow, when he stopped along the highway. Small is believed to have been searching for the victim’s dog, Tuffy, after it escaped.
Small was transported to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset after being struck by a car, where he was treated with multiple fractures. He was
Investigators said Small shot Estevez once in the arm and once in the head with a handgun, placing the time of death sometime between the evening hours of July 28 and the early morning hours of July 29.
Friends and family of the victim described the relationship as “tumultuous,” police said, and the incident is believed to be the result of domestic dispute.
Homicide investigators said Estevez confided in friends that she had plans of leaving Small and returning to Tampa, Florida.
The Nassau County Police Department conducted a wellness check at her apartment on July 30, after they were contacted by an employee of the luxury apartment complex, where she worked, who notified them that she had not showed up that day.
Estevez was discovered on her bed with apparent gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead by medical examiners.
Small was the owner and operator of Grotto, a Caribbean-themed restaurant located on Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre that was on the verge of closing.
Estevez was the youngest of six children, all raised in Rockville Centre. She also worked part-time at her
30,
boyfriend’s establishment, according to her close friends.
“Marivel was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend,” Courtney Roberts of Lake Mary, Florida, said online. “Anyone who knew Marivel loved her … she was a breath of fresh air with a smile that would light up any room.”
Estevez was laid to rest on Aug. 16, with a funeral Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral, not far from where she grew up, her body carted aboard a white horse-drawn hearse.
South Side High School juniors Liam Conlon and Declan O’Toole are spearheading a project to help provide a steady stream of food donations for Sharon’s Pantry at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
Sharon’s Pantry was established in 2020, to meet the needs of the community. Since then, it has experienced a growing demand for assistance, as more and more families have turned to the pantry for support. This increased need has amplified the importance of consistent donations, which the pantry relies on to help stock its shelves. As part of their
project with the school’s DECA Club, Conlon and O’Toole have placed green collection bins at the Recreation Center and each of the schools in the district, with the goal of encouraging other to routinely donate noneperishable food items during school functions and events.
Their efforts have already gained the support of the seniors at the Sandel Center, who have pledged to provide food donations during monthly birthday luncheons. Conlon and O’Toole hope the efforts will ensure the pantry can meet the growing need of the community.
said during a presentation at the village board meeting on Dec. 2.
FCAS, a nonprofit organization founded by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in 2019, has the goal of engaging individuals in positive ways to help build familiarity, empathy and understanding of the Jewish faith and culture.
“FCAS predominantly focuses on online antisemitism by targeting the younger generations who may not be as well informed on the topic of antisemitism, helping combat ignorance and stereotyping,” Ferazani said.
The two South Side High School juniors shared details from their visit to the organization’s headquarters in Foxboro, Massachusetts last year, where they were given an exclusive look inside the foundation’s media room. Gupta and Ferazani said that they were shocked by the sheer volume of hateful tweets and statements circulating online, which were displayed in real-time at the command center.
“Until then, we had no concept of the volume of misinformation and hate flooding social media,” Gupta said. “Knowing how integral social media is to our generation, we felt compelled to join FCAS in their mission.”
Ferazani said the organization tracks online activity for misinformation and antisemitic buzzwords, which the team counteracts with accurate information.
South Side High School deCa Club Co-Vice presidents Lauren ferazani, third from left, and Kate gupta are recognized by the Village of rockville Centre for their efforts to combat antisemitism. Village trustee emilio grillo, left, Village trustee Katie Conlon, mayor francis X. murray, deputy mayor Kathy Baxley, and Village trustee gregory Shaughnessy join them at the dec. 2 board meeting.
At the forefront of the foundation’s campaign is its blue square initiative.
The symbol, which has been adopted by FCAS, represents the organization’s efforts to combat hate by instilling a sense of unity online.
“Our goals are to raise awareness about antisemitism within our community — especially among younger audiences — to educate and inspire others to take meaningful action against hate and to leverage our DECA platform to amplify the foundation’s mission,” Ferazani said.
Following the presentation, Gupta and Ferazani presented blue square pins to members of the community, which can be worn as a way to show support for their initiative and the foundation’s endeavors to dispel antisemitism, stereotypes and all forms of hate and misinformation from being spread online.
“Thank you so much for coming forward with that information,” Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said in a show of gratitude and support for their efforts.
DECA is an internationally recognized organization with more than 200,000 members around the world dedicated to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Peter English, the business department facilitator and instructor at South Side High School, said this year 75 students will be heading to Rochester to compete in the competition — including Gupta and Ferazani.
“Lauren and Kate continue in the long line of tradition of South Side DECA members making an impact locally, state and nationwide,” English said. “What’s so great about Lauren and Kate is that they let their passion drive their work and what they create is an experience that is special for not only them but for our community as well. I am extremely excited for them to share their project in Rochester and hopefully Orlando this April.”
The project aims to combat hate by spreading a message of positivity, compassion, and tolerance in schools. Their efforts will be presented at the New York State Career Development Conference in Rochester in March, where it will be judged, in the hopes of advancing to the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida this April.
To learn more about the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, visit FCAS.org.
Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre brought the community together for a joyous pre-Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 14. Families gathered at the synagogue Saturday evening to mark the season with music, dancing, games, and entertainment ahead of the holiday’s official start.
“Since the first night of Hanukkah comes late this year, we wanted to do something before the holidays to help welcome in the season with joy,” Rabbi David Lerner said.
The festivities unfolded with a series of exciting activities for all ages, including a hula-hoop competition, a toilet paper mummy wrap contest, a pop culture quiz, and a raffle. Attendees also enjoyed noshing on a delicious spread, provided by Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen, which included pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, a latke bar, and donuts.
While the evening emphasized fun and family, Rabbi Lerner reminded everyone that the true spirit of the holidays is to help others.
“We can inspire others to do good, and that is one of the messages of the menorah,” he said. “It’s taking our light and spreading it and lighting others. When we do good, we inspire others to do good.”
Cantor Alexandra Weiser said that the spirit of the Hanukkah holiday has such a profound impact on the children. “It’s about the next generation,” she said. “They’re the light.”
The celebration created lasting memories for both young and old alike while underscoring the warmth, spirit, and unity of the Jewish community in Rockville Centre. For many, it was a meaningful way to come together and embrace the joy and light that Hanukkah represents.
–Daniel Offner
Last Christmas, we celebrated the 800th anniversary of that glorious and historic night when St. Francis of Assisi arranged the first Nativity creche scene in a small cave outside the Italian village of Greccio in Italy.
St. Francis was inspired to do this after visiting the historical place of Christ’s birth on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land - the humble stable in a Bethlehem cave.
The large creche set in St. Peter’s Square last year commemorated this 800th anniversary by having the figure of St. Francis of Assisi expressing adoration, awe and wonder across the Crib from Mary and Joseph.
Last September, we celebrated the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis receiving the gift of the “stigmata”the mystical wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side. In 2026, we will celebrate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.
There is always a powerful connection between the Manger Crib and the Golgotha Cross of our Savior. St. Francis of Assisi lived this connec
In Admirabile Signum, Pope Francis writes: “Indeed, the place where this first nativity scene was enacted expresses and evokes these sentiments...from the time of its Franciscan origins, the nativity scene has invited us to ‘feel’ and ‘touch’ the poverty that God’s Son took upon himself in the Incarnation. Implicitly, it summons us to follow him along the path of humility, poverty and self-denial that leads from the manger of Bethlehem to the Cross. It asks us to meet him and serve him by showing merey to those of our brothers and sisters in great need (ef. Matthew 25:31-46).” (3)
and in all countries.
St. Francis of Assisi understood the problems of the world and more than 800 years later, after he created the first creche, he is still close to the Church and to the world.
As we spiritually draw near to Bethlehem at the end of this year, we pray for those who suffer in the Holy Land and the Middle East, in Ukraine and all war-torn areas of the world.
We pray too for the persecuted Church around the world and we pray
Many of you have seen the bronze statue of Atlas directly across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
It was created by the sculptor Lee Lawrie and installed in 1937. The sculpture portrays the mythical ancient Greek Titan Atlas holding the burden of the heavens on his shoulder.
St. Francis of Assisi is no myth, but at times he has been compared with Atlas in how, through the centuries, he carried the burdens of the Church on his shoulders with his radical and pure Gospel witness.
In fact, Pope Innocent III, after meeting St. Francis, had a dream that St. Francis was holding up St. John Lateran Basilica, the visible sign and
symbol of the universal Church, amidst the storms and earthquakes of history and crisis.
Configured to Christ crucified and having lived daily with the stigmatic wounds of Christ, St. Francis helps to animate and inspire the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church through the centuries.
St. Francis of Assisi intercedes for each of us at every moment to help rebuild the Biblical and Eucharistic evangelizing mission of the Church that Jesus, himself, founded on Long Island and beyond.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families! May the Light and Love of the Christ Child animate and guide our global Catholic Missionary Spirit this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend John O. Barres
Bishop of Rockville Centre
The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
The Backyard Players & Friends, a local nonprofit organization in Rockville Centre that provides inclusive programming for neurodiverse teens and young adults, hosted its first-ever pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7.
Families and children came together to spend a magical morning with Santa, while supporting the organization’s community service — Love, Nana — which helps collect donations of baby clothes, diapers, toys, books and other accessories, which are donated to mothers and families in need. These items are all neatly packaged into separate “baby bundles” and distributed to mothers and families throughout the area.
More than 80 people attended the inaugural pancake breakfast event, helping raise approximately $1,200 for the project. To help accommodate the larger than anticipated turnout, the event was split into two seatings, with one held at 9:30 a.m, followed by the second at 11 a.m.
“This event is great,” Ellen White, co-director of the Backyard Players said. “It teachers people with developmental disabilities that there’s a seat at the table for them as well, and it’s a good way for everyone to see that this is what true inclusion is. It’s the people in
Maureen Lennon/Herald
excited for the opportunity to spend some time with Santa. Everyone who attended were given the choice of three different style of pancakes — buttermilk, blueberry or chocolate chip.
“The Backyard Players made all of the blueberry muffins the day before,” White said. “They set the table as we got ready for our guests to come and enjoy the pancake breakfast with us.”
The Front Porch Market, located directly next door to the Backyard Players & Friends, was also open during the event, welcoming families to come and browse and shop for holiday gifts. All of the items on sale include unique gifts created by members of the organization and other neurodiverse participants, which are placed on display for people to browse. The marketplace was created in 2023 as a way to help neurodiverse entrepreneurs by providing them with first-hand retail experience, a skillset that can help open the door to many jobs and other future endeavors.
the community coming together, sharing a meal.”
The organization offers a variety of arts-based community programs for participants 14 and up that are designed to help those with disabilities develop physically, socially, emotionally and creatively. These courses cover a variety of
topics including arts, music, photography, cooking and more with the goal of helping participants develop essential social skills to be successful in today’s society.
Participants with the Backyard Players helped by cooking and serving the pancakes to local families, who were
In the spirit of the season, the organization hosted a festive Holiday Market event on Dec. 14, which featured a variety of local vendors including Cara’s Creations, Andrew Wells Custom Shells, Help Uganda beads and many more.
For more information about the organization, its programs, events, the Front Porch Market and Love, Nana visit BYPandFriends.com.
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.
‘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
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.
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.
Jan. 3
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.
Join the Village of Rockville Centre as it lights the Hanukkah menorah, Sunday, dec.26, 5:30 p.m., on the Village Green, located along Maple Avenue.
The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce’s ninth annual Snowman Hunt returns to the village, through dec. 23. The community-wide scavenger hunt is open to kids 12 and younger. Participating businesses will be listed on a community-wide map and will display snowman decals prior to the event to help build anticipation.
Participants will receive a stop for each snowman found. Those who collect all of the stamps will be entered into a drawing for a shot at a gift certificate. New, this year, the chamber will also host meet-and-greet opportunities with Mr. Snowman on Saturdays throughout the month of December. For more information, visit RockvilleCentreChamberOf Commerce.com.
The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve host its third annual Dinosaur Carnival, Saturday through Sunday, dec. 21-dec. 31. Families are invited to come and enjoy dinosaur-themed games, crafts, face painting, giveaways and more. $12 for children under 12 and seniors over 65, and $15 for adults. Admission to the carnival is included with exhibit tickets, which are available at the door. For more information, visit CSTL. org. 1450 Tanglewood Road.
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
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) 2245800 or LICM.org.
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, 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) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.
Rockville Centre Recreation Department invites kids in grades K-5 to enjoy two hours of bowling with your friends at Maple Lanes RVC, Friday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-noon. $25 for residents and $28 for nonresidents. Food is not included. Registration is required. To sign-up visit RockvilleCentre. RecDesk.com. 100 Maple Ave.
Having an event?
North Pole Calling
Rockville Centre Recreation Department hosts the North Pole Calling program every year before the holidays to provide kids ages 4 to 8 with an opportunity to speak with Santa Claus. To receive a phone call from Santa, registration is required via RockvilleCentre.RecDesk.com.
Ice Cream with Santa Santa Claus is coming to Rockville Centre for a holiday meet and greet at Once Upon a Sundae, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19-20, starting at 4 p.m. Celebrate the season with a sweet treat, unlimited photo opportunities and a special Christmas present you can bring home. Cost is $45 per child and $35 per sibling. There are a limited number of families per time slot and reservations are required. For more information call (516) 208-6737 or email Raffaela@ OnceUponaSundae.com. 20 S. Village Ave.
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.
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.
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.
2023.”
Many parents expressed concerns about what they believed to be a new policy, but the district has stated that it has not implemented any new policies on genders and bathroom use, and has been following state law since 2019.
Rachel Ferrick, who has three children in the district, said that despite state law requirements, she intends to teach her children that “sex is binary.”
“This is not just an issue of bathrooms,” Ferrick said. “It is an issue of teaching our children, especially our daughters, to be compliant — to remain silent even when your instincts are screaming that something is not right. To be polite and just shut up and take it, lest we offend someone.”
The State Education Department, in a 2023 report on creating a safe, supportive and affirming school environment for transgender and gender-expansive students, stated that public schools can provide alternative single-stall “all gender” restrooms or private changing spaces on request. The department further stated, however, that the option must never be forced on students as the only alternative.
“Our district has long provided gender-neutral, single-occupancy bathroom options for any students or staff who wish to use them, which is in accordance with Education Law 409-m,” Gaven said in a statement. “This established practice is not a response to any recent policy changes. Pursuant to the New York State Human Rights Law, school districts in New York must allow students to use the bathroom that is consistent with their gender identity and to provide all students the option of choosing to utilize the single occupancy bathrooms for any reason.”
According to the state’s Gender Expression Non-
Several
Discrimination Act, public schools are not permitted to ask transgender or gender-expansive students to use a single-stall restroom because of someone else’s concerns, or require medical or any other documentation for the use of restrooms, locker rooms or residential facilities.
“I just want to make it clear that this was not a policy that this board implemented, and it’s not specific to
Rockville Centre,” school board President Kelly Barry said after the public comment portion of last week’s meeting. “This board did not create a new policy in our manual addressing this issue.”
The district’s legal counselor, whose firm represents 195 districts across the state, said that all public schools are required to adhere to state law requirements for restroom accessibility.
Shoppers didn’t have to look far for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures this season, thanks to the fun and festive Holiday Boutique at the Sandel Senior Center.
This annual event featured several small businesses, several from right here on Long Island, which showcased many handcrafted and affordable gifts perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Among the vendors in attendance were the students with the South Side High School Wood Design Club. Students showcased their artistic talent with various signs and ornaments, which were sold at a bargain, making
them the perfect present for those shopping on a budget this year.
The Sandel Center embraced the spirit of the season, transforming into a winter wonderland with festive décor.
Seniors, vendors and volunteers dressed in cheerful holiday outfits, while shoppers enjoyed finding last-minute stocking stuffers.
To top it all off, jolly old Santa Claus, himself made a surprise visit, spreading smiles and holiday magic to everyone in attendance.
–Daniel Offner
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION
SERVICING AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, ED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN
TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3, Plaintiff, Against
FOLAREMI ABIOLA; ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/01/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 1/9/2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1288 Dekoven Street, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot
piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, being at Rockville Centre, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 38 Block 114 Lot 905, 906, and 907. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $557,690.22 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-010953 If
cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573
Dated: 11/11/2024 File Number: 15-315268 mbayram 150331
distancing
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
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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 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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
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
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
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
ROCKVILLE CENTRE VILLAGE Crossing Guard P/T position
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?
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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
Readers are encouraged to send
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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.
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.
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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
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.
the U.S. Department of Education was established as a cabinet-level agency in October 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, and officially began operations in May 1980. For nearly 45 years, the department has soldiered past many attempts to break it apart, or disband it altogether, most notably by conservative politicians who believe that the federal agency oversteps states’ rights.
While calls to do away with the agency have persisted through the early 21st century, the effort has never been successful, and here’s why: Many educators, parents, advocacy groups and politicians on both sides of the aisle support a federal role in education to ensure equity and civil rights enforcement.
I’m not an educator or a politician, but I can tell you this: Education, and at the very least a high school diploma, is imperative to one’s success in life. What’s even more important is that the Department of Education has played a vital role in making access to education possible for countless people, ensuring that opportunities for learning and growth are within reach for all.
The DOE oversees and coordinates national education policies, but it also works closely with state and local governments to assess needs on a state-bystate basis.
There are many avenues on which I could diverge to highlight some of the department’s key components, but I’ll focus on just a few things, the first being Title I — the largest federal education program, which is aimed at improving the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. It provides financial assistance to schools and districts with high percentages of children from low-income families.
sprovides them with specific protections and resources, like individualized education plans, mandating that schools develop tailored plans for these students, outlining their unique needs and goals and the services required to meet those goals.
hutting it down would have profound consequences for students all over the nation.
Over the years, Title I has garnered bipartisan support, because both Democrats and Republicans recognize the need to address education inequities. Debates have arisen over funding distribution and outcome measurement, but Title I remains a central component of federal education policy because of its critical role in supporting vulnerable students.
The DOE also oversaw the implementation of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. In simplest terms, the act guarantees free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities, and also
red-light-cam intersection. Problem solved. You’re welcome.
FRED GEFEN Woodmere
To the Editor:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Peter King’s column “Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New 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
To the Editor:
Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for an
integrated casino-resort in the Nassau County Hub a very bad idea. Right location, wrong project! Are 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 Nassau 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 Rock’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 Nassau County.
The act stretches beyond primary and secondary education, also requiring schools to help students transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment or independent living — ensuring that no one’s future is negatively impacted by a learning or physical disability.
I’m detailing all of this because I, like many others, find it extremely alarming that President-elect Donald Trump has once again vowed to shut down the Department of Education.
He first proposed to do so during his 2016 presidential campaign, but even his own secretary of education during his first term, Betsy DeVos, didn’t see that idea through.
The DOE has faced its share of woes over the course of seven presidencies, and yet it steadfastly continues its work. Shutting it down isn’t just a matter of politics — it’s a decision that would have profound consequences for students across the nation.
If Trump succeeds in dismantling the department in his second term, experts in the field have indicated that its programs could survive or operate under other federal or state agencies, but the transition would likely cause massive disruptions in services, negatively impacting students.
Ninety percent of all K-12 students in the U.S. are publicly educated, due to education’s accessibility and widespread availability, and who would we be, as a nation, if we took that accessibility away?
I’ve said this many times, and I’ll say it again: If you voted for Trump because you believe in his vision for America, that’s fine, and it’s your right as an American.
Putting that aside, however, I now ask you to think about students — perhaps even your children — and what the shutdown of a massively important department could mean.
The Department of Education exists to ensure that education is not a privilege for few, but rather a right for everyone, and to close it down would risk reversing decades of progress. Rather than dismantle it, we should be focused on strengthening it for generations to come, prioritizing children, their futures, and the promise of opportunity for all.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.
