Amityville Herald 12_10_2025

ReCORD

Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa

VFW 7223 honors

Vinnie Ricciuti

Page 3

Sen. Monica Martinez is honored Page 10

Amityville’s annual holiday boat parade draws large crowd

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Amityville PBA’s annual holiday boat parade drew its largest crowd yet, with more than 200 people braving cold temperatures and high winds Saturday, November 15 to line the docks at the Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club. Not even the weather could keep residents from the shimmering procession — or from the cause at its heart.

This year’s parade raised more than $15,000 through the PBA’s Guardian Angel Foundation for Madeline’s Mission, created for 9-month-old Madeline Norton of Massapequa. Madeline was diagnosed at three months old with Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration, or PKAN — a rare, degenerative neurological disorder that

affects fewer than one in a million children. It slowly strips them of motor function, speech and, eventually, the ability to walk, eat and live independently. There is no cure.

Because PKAN is so rare, research is scant and funding is limited. But families like the Nortons have found hope in the Loving Loic Foundation, which is leading efforts in research, advocacy and support. All proceeds from Madeline’s Mission go directly to the foundation to advance medical research and help accelerate the road toward clinical trials — and, families pray, a future cure.

Madeline is the daughter of Kaitlin, a registered nurse at Stony Brook Hospital, and Gerard, a Rockville Centre police officer. Their community, and many beyond it like the Amityville PBA, have rallied around them.

Inspiring message for Chanukah Page 15

Amityville SD faces $10.6M surplus after last year’s deficit

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Last year, the Amityville School District was wrestling with an $8.19 million budget deficit.

This year, it is working to figure out how to handle a $10.6 million surplus, including a possible giveback to local taxpayers in the form of a reduced tax rate next year.

“This surplus resulted from conservative budgeting during a period when the district was still recovering from past fiscal challenges,” Superintendent Dr. Gina Talbert told the Board of Education and public at a recent meeting. “Additionally, several one-time factors, including a temporary state aid grant and unexpected savings in a number of areas, contributed to the positive yearend result.”

The surplus stems from the district’s 2024–25 school budget. While having more money than anticipated is generally preferable to facing a shortfall, school districts must navigate strict state regulations when surpluses exceed allowable limits.

Interim Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Richard Schneider reminded the board that the New York State Comptroller’s Office does not look favorably on large surpluses and, in extreme cases, may intervene.

State regulations allow school districts to retain no more than 4% of their budget as unrestricted surplus. Nonetheless, state audits have repeatedly found districts exceeding that threshold — sometimes reaching 10%, 15% or even 20%.

Amityville’s surplus amounts to roughly 9.01% of its voter-approved $117,701,413 budget, more than double the limit.

According to the Comptroller, districts often create “phantom deficits” by overestimating costs for items such as special education, insurance and retirement expenses. When those costs come in lower than budgeted, districts end up with sizable year-end surpluses.

Amityville officials, however, said their surplus reflects intentional cost-saving measures taken in response to the prior year’s deficit. The district reduced transportation spending by $251,795 and special education costs by $837,808. It also renegotiated rates with certain service providers and changed providers in one case, saving costs. In addition, a “high cost” student was shifted from contractual codes to a tuition code, producing additional savings, according to Schneider.

BOCES special education ex-

Courtesy/ Brian Governante

One of the many boats that lit up the Bay for the annual PBA Holiday Boat Parade November 15.

Amityville weighs Tax Relief, restored services as surplus hits 9%

ey to taxpayers — a position supported by several board members.

penses came in $1.2 million under budget, partly due to the transfer of eight students out of the district.

Schneider said budgeting for special education remains difficult because student needs can fluctuate. “The increase in the 2024-25 budget was justified given the known facts (at the time the budget was prepared),” he said.

Board members expressed differing views on how the district should address the surplus.

Trustee Juan Leon urged the board to consider returning a portion of the surplus directly to taxpayers, replenishing depleted line items and proposing a zero-percent tax increase for 2026–27.

“What we have to also consider is that money was cut drastically from things like janitorial services, special education and teachers,” Leon said. “We just can’t continue to kick the can down the road because it shows instability. I am no blaming anyone or finding fault; it is just that we have to maintain the trust of the public and provide a quality education.”

The district later learned it was too late to issue rebate checks. However, it can still restore funding to line items heavily reduced last year.

Board President Lisa Johnson said lowering or freezing the tax levy in the next budget is a form of returning mon-

The Comptroller’s Office says budgets should rely on realistic estimates, not overinflated projections, and that surpluses should be used for one-time capital needs, debt reduction or temporary tax relief rather than accumulating in reserves. The office also urges “transparency with taxpayers” by clearly explaining reserve levels and their intended use.

“The benefit I saw (in sending some money back to taxpayers in the form of a check) was regaining the trust of the community,” Leon said. “This is a community that has seen deficits, and many people lost faith in the ability of our district to responsibly handle the budget. Perhaps if we were able to give some money back, it might have helped restore some faith.”

“While the district’s fiscal health has improved to its strongest point in nearly 15 years, thanks to careful oversight, conservative budgeting and strategic decision-making, we must be cautious moving forward, including planning for changes in state aid and rising operational costs,” Talbert said. “As we begin budget discussions for the 2026-27 school year, we will remain disciplined, transparent and forward-thinking in our planning, with the input of our community stakeholders.”

It was a night of bright lights and charity at PBA boat parade

CONTINUED FROM THE COVER

Fourteen boats took part in this year’s parade, their lights reflecting off the dark December water. Afterward, guests gathered inside the yacht club for cocktails, food and raffles.

“It was really a great event; our most successful,” said Lt. Mike Walters. “We had about 200 people out on the dock and despite the rain and the cold weather everyone seemed to have

a great time.”

“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who participated and came to the event,” Miller said. “It was a great event for a very worthy cause.”

To support Madeline’s Mission and learn more about PKAN and the Loving Loic Foundation, visit lovingloic.org or the Amityville Police Department’s Guardian Angel Foundation.

This year’s PBA Boat parade drew a long list of boaters who participated in the event.

VFW Post 7223 honors veteran Vinnie Ricciuti

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The John J. Kreyer and Edward Asip VFW Post 7223 has rededicated its Commander’s Room in honor of Amityville resident and U.S. Marine veteran Vincent “Vinnie” Ricciuti.

Ricciuti, who died June 15, 2025, at age 85, was widely regarded as a pillar of the community. He was known not only for his military service, but for a lifetime of volunteerism that touched nearly every corner of village life.

He served as first vice president of the Amityville Rotary Club, deputy director of the Lauder Museum for the Amityville Historical Society and treasurer of VFW Post 7223 for 12 years. His service earned him the Frank B. Powell Rotarian Award in 2018, and in 2020 he and his wife, Ellen, were named Amityville “Residents of Distinction” for their civic contributions.

“Ricciuti was, as was said many times during the dedication, a true gentleman,” Village Mayor Michael O’Neill said. “Naming the room in his honor is a fitting way for his memory to live on.”

VFW Commander Chuck Vinciulla— after whom the room had originally been named—said he was grateful to see it bear Ricciuti’s name instead, particularly because of the major contributions he made to the VFW and its members.

“He gave so much to the VFW that I decided to speak to the board and asked that it be renamed in his honor, and they agreed,” Vinciulla said. Ricciuti, he added, “was soft-spoken and always saw the bright side of things, and he was a great example of what we should all strive to be.”

Shown at the dedication are VFW Commander

and Amityville Mayor Michael O’Neill.

Amityville Village Justice Joseph Calabrese said the community remains grateful for Ricciuti’s presence, spirit and service.

“His brave service as a Marine, his

Town permits online as of Feb. 1, 2026

The Town of Babylon announced that its Planning and Building Department will launch a new online application system through OpenGov in February 2026. The platform is intended to streamline how residents, contractors and businesses submit and track applications.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, all building, zoning, planning, rental and accessory apartment applications must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov portal. The system will allow users to complete applications at any time, moni tor the review process in real time and pay fees online by credit card.

Feb. 1, 2026, while the migration is completed. The zoning, planning, rental and accessory apartment review boards will not meet during February as staff continues onboarding and training.

smile, his humor, but most of all the example he set for all of us,” Calabrese said. “He was an integral fiber in the fabric of our community.”

Approximately 50 people attended the

event recognizing a man who touched so many lives. For more information on VFW Post 7223, visit vfwamityville.com or email kreyer1092@yahoo.com.

Emily’s Awesome Toy Drive

To prepare for the transition, the Plan ning and Building Department — in cluding the zoning, rental and accessory apartment divisions — will stop accept ing applications from Jan. 28 through

“This modernization is a major step forward for our residents, homeowners and business community,” Supervisor Rich Schaffer said in a statement. “By bringing the Planning and Building De partment onto OpenGov, we are making the application process more efficient, more transparent and far more conve nient. This upgrade ensures that Baby lon continues providing responsive, 21st-century service to everyone who calls our town home.”

The town will provide detailed instruc tions and tutorials to help applicants navigate the new system.

Town of Babylon Holiday Toy Drive

Councilman Terence McSweeney invites you to help make the holidays brighter for local children in need. Please drop off a new, unwrapped toy, book, or game at Babylon Town Hall any day Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 15. This

toy drive is in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots cam

The Babylon Town Hall is located at 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3081.

The Emily Meyer Foundation is accepting donations through Dec. 12. Please donate new, unwrapped toys for children in local hospitals this holiday season.

Unable to bring a toy? Please visit the following link to send your Amazon donation directly to the foundation: shorturl.at/AQTlX.

Drop-off locations include Apple

Bank, 8 Little East Neck Road, Babylon; Coldwell Banker Eastern Properties, 1405 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon; Mangia Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 785 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon; and Pizzaiola North Babylon, 1162 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon, beginning Nov. 29.

For more information, please call. (631) 664-0368.

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church Thrift Shop and Christmas Fair

Stop by St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church for their special thrift shop event on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event will take place rain or shine.

There will be “Pack A Bag” for $5 and new and gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, coats, suits, shoes, pocketbooks, luggage, comforter sets, as

well as home goods. Additionally, there will be tableware, CDs, DVDs, glassware, jewelry, stuffed animals and more available to purchase. If you would like to rent a table, the cost is $25. For more information, please call (631) 242-7530.

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church is located at 305 Carll’s Path, Deer Park.

Carolyn James/Herald

Chuck Vinciulla; Ellen Ricciuti, Vinnie’s wife; Amityville Village Justice Joseph Calabrese

Please contact Tim Baker at: tbaker@liherald.com

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Street Takeover Task Force marks one year of major enforcement

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina announced enforcement results from the Street Takeover Task Force’s Thanksgiving weekend operations, marking one year since the initiative launched and underscoring its impact on public safety.

Between Nov. 27 and Nov. 30, Task Force members issued 129 summonses, impounded three vehicles, broke up two car meets and made three arrests connected to street takeovers, reckless driving and other hazardous activity.

“Once again, we see the professionalism and dedication our men and women in law enforcement bring to their jobs every day,” Romaine said. “Since this specialized team was formed, we have taken dangerous drivers off our roads, impounded vehicles and continue to send the message that Suffolk County is not a friendly place to those who want to break our laws. I thank Police Com-

missioner Catalina and the unit for the work they have done to address street takeovers.”

“These results show that our focused efforts are working,” Catalina said. “The Task Force continues to take dangerous drivers off our streets and protect the public — especially during high-traffic holidays. We will continue our efforts to deter this treacherous behavior from happening on our roadways.”

Since its creation in November 2024, the Task Force has broken up 91 street takeovers, issued 8,130 summonses, arrested 59 people and impounded 97 vehicles.

Officials said the holiday weekend enforcement reflects the department’s mission to deter illegal street takeovers, hold offenders accountable and ensure safe travel for residents and visitors.

Residents are encouraged to report information on street takeovers by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. A $500 reward is available for information that leads to an arrest.

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents were reported by the Suffolk County and Amityville police departments and other law-enforcement and emergency-service agencies:

ACCIDENT/DWI

Amityville: Shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, Amityville police were called to an overturned vehicle in front of Sunoco Mart, 293 Broadway. When they arrived, they saw the operator standing outside of the vehicle. Police said the subject told them he had been drinking and they observed signs of intoxication including slurred speech and an inability to respond to simple commands. The driver, later identified as Marvin Boone, 47 of Seaview Ave., Brooklyn, was observed on camera as attempting to make a right turn through Sunoco to head north on Broadway when he struck a telephone wire, losing control of the vehicle. Boone was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with lacerations and bruises. He was later charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

GRAFFITI

Amityville: Amityville Police received several calls from residents on Cedar, Sprague and Maple Drive about incidents of vandalism. They told police someone or several people had marked up fences and other property. Police are investigating.

P UBLIC LEWDNESS

Deer Park: A caller reported shortly after 12:30 p.m. Nov. 26 that a man intentionally

exposed himself in the parking lot for a row of stores at 1807 Deer Park Ave.

GRAND LARCENY

East Farmingdale: Someone stole a bike from in front of the Farmingdale Motor Inn, 727 Broadhollow Road. The theft was reported at 3:50 p.m. Nov. 11.

BURGLARY

East Farmingdale: Two suspects broke into a warehouse at 180 Central Ave. on Nov. 24 and removed pallets, police said. The case is under investigation.

OTHER ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: SalLuis Joewilmar Santafe36, of E. Kissimee Rd., Lindenhurst; Laura Giella, 61, of 84 Sequams Lane East, West Islip; William Petrez, 50, of 53 Eddie Ave., North Babylon; Christipher Berry, 34, of 32 Country Club Drive, Coram. Criminal Possession of a Weapon: Athony Jackson, of 801 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood; Ronnell Thomas, 45, of 23 Hemlock St., Central Islip (loaded firearm).

Petit Larceny: Andrew D. Williams 41, homeless; Gerson Rivera Romero, 24, no address listed; Brianna Casillas, of 4 Madison Ave., North Amityville; Ashley Sims, 34, of 48 Hilltop Ave., West Babylon; James Brewton, 56, of 135 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood. Loitering/Gambling: Eddie Johnson, 41, of 26 Anne Lane, Central Islip; Ian Jones, 33, of 15 William St., Central Islip; Juwan Toussaint, 28, of 57 Walter Ave., Hauppauge.

E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: cjames@liherald.com

Wiley students honor those who have served our country

In honor of Veterans Day, students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School in the Copiague School District participated in special lessons and activities to recognize and thank those who have served the country.

In addition to writing heartfelt thankyou cards, first graders used interactive writing to compose questions they will ask veterans in a recorded interview. The activity helped students better understand the importance of service and gratitude in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.

As part of their social studies cur-

riculum, fifth grade students rotated through classrooms for a series of interactive Veterans Day lessons. To further their understanding of the day, they created poetry, viewed educational videos and took part in a museum walk with authentic artifacts such as a military uniform, patches, books and telegrams. Students discussed and analyzed these items while learning to distinguish between primary and secondary sources. Through these experiences, students across the grades deepened their appreciation for veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our freedom.

Courtesy Copiague school district

Long Island’s Top Chiefs honored for leadership

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Across Long Island, the business community often runs on the daily work of executives who set direction, solve problems and keep their organizations moving forward.

That work took center stage at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, where the 2025 Top Chief Officers of Long Island were celebrated for shaping the island’s economic and civic landscape on Nov. 19, which included President & CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Michael Lessing, who also owns the Heritage Club.

Hosted by the Herald and produced by RichnerLive, the event honored chief officers whose leadership, innovation and dedication have marked them as standouts in their industry. This year’s keynote speaker, Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., was presented with the Innovator of the Year award.

“These CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CMOs, CROs, regional presidents and more are creating the opportunities that strengthen our communities,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications & Publisher of the Herald Community Media. “They are what help make Long Island one of the most important engines of our nation.”

A portion of the evening’s proceeds supported Dream68, a foundation created by former NFL player Gary Brown, which provides assistance to underserved youth and their families across Long Island.

Kristin Thorne, a five-time Emmy Award-winning investigative host and reporter, emceed the program.

Kirthi Mani, chief people officer at CLA was recognized for leadership in accounting. She serves on the firm’s board of directors, overseeing learning initiatives.

“I know there’s a lot of fear around AI, but I want to emphasize hope in the next year for the future,” Mani said.

Sheila Kurman, chief human resources officer at Prager Metis CPAs, was also honored in the accounting category. With more than 20 years in human resources, she leads the firm’s HR strategy.

“It has been wonderful, truly wonderful, to celebrate with all the other award winners who are proud to join me tonight,” Kurman said.

For leadership in engineering, Mohammed H. Malik, chief operating officer of M&J Engineering, D.P.C., was honored. Malik leads strategic direction and client engagement at the firm.

“To even reach this moment in my personal life, there’s a lot of people behind me, especially my family,” he said.

In the finance category, SBA director at BankUnited, Michael Marrero, was honored. He oversees SBA lending and plans to expand the bank’s SBA presence next year.

“We’re really piggybacking off that

successful commercial presence we have here,” Marrero said, “and bringing more of the retail banking and SBA lending to the community.”

LifeVac LLC, president Laura Bonelli received the award for innovation in health care. The company, founded in 2014, produces a noninvasive airway-cleaning device credited with saving 5,000 lives worldwide in 31 countries.

“I’m so honored and grateful to be here tonight and to be able to bring attention to what we do,” Bonelli said.

Frank Palma, General Manager & Chief Engagement Officer of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC, was recognized for excellence in manufacturing and distribution. With 27 years at Coca-Cola, Palma oversees operations across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“When I look around the room and see so many people who are successful at giving back to the community, it’s all worth it,” he said.

Katherine Fritz, newly appointed president and CEO of Long Island Cares, was honored for her work in nonprofit.

“Advocacy regarding food insecurity is going to be something really big for Long Island Cares in 2026,” Fritz said.

Tammy Severino, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, was also honored. A former troop leader, Severino brings decades of leadership in nonprofit strategy and development.

“With a lot of the environmental uncertainty that is around, we are put -

ting programs together to help girls feel confident,” she said.

In the realm of technology, CEO of Naka Technologies, Anil Jagtiani, was recognized. Naka launched in 2017, growing from a local operation into a North American IT solutions provider.

“It’s the greatest thing just seeing a whole community come together,” Jagtiani said.

Ronald Fatoullah, Esq., CELA,

chair of the Elder Law Practice Group and partner in the Trusts and Estates Practice Group at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, was honored for legal leadership.

“I want to make sure that seniors can protect all of their assets and lead a really good life in the future,” Fatoullah said.

To view all Honorees and pictures, please visit www.richnerlive.com.

Photo credit: Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Herald Top Chief Officer honorees.

Amy Newman, senior vice president, Administration from Canon U.S.A introducing a video presentation of Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, President of Canon who was the event’s keynote speaker.

President, Sean Acosta, Property Tax Reduction Consultants.

Chief Executive Officer, Billy Haugland II, Haugland Group.

President & CEO, Katherine Fritz, Long Island Cares. Special volunteer from Guide Dogs Foundation and American VetDogs.

Robert M. Gitto from The Gitto Group with Stuart Richner.

Chief People Officer, Kirthi Mani, CLA with her team.

Dennis Daniels entertaining the crowd while accepting the award for President, Benjamin Coggiano from Walter F. Cameron Advertising.

Chief Operations Officer, Mohammad H. Malik, M&J Engineering, D.P.C. with Herald Publisher, Stuart Richner.

President & CEO, Anne Brigis from YMCA Long Island.

CELA, Chair Elder Law Practice Group and Partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group, Ronald Fatoullah from Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP.

Pastor Bond, member of town’s Clergy Cluster, dies suddenly at 75

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Pastor Joanne A. Bond, who led Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Babylon for three decades and became a steady, compassionate presence in the community, died suddenly Oct. 19, 2025, while traveling in Israel with an interfaith group. She was 75.

Born in Brooklyn, Bond was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Richmond Hill after her family moved there when she was 6. She attended schools in Queens and began her career in sales after college, though her family said she always felt a deeper calling to ministry.

“She was a wonderful sister and my best friend,” her sister Susan Doucet said.

Bond went on to earn a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, later receiving a Doctor of Divinity.

She began her pastoral work at St. Davids Lutheran Church in Massapequa Park, where she served until becoming Pastor at Cross of Christ Church in Babylon Village in 1997.

During her 30 years at Cross of Christ, Bond broadened the church’s outreach, establishing a community supper program, launching a preschool for young families

and creating the Prime Timers group for seniors. She also served the wider Lutheran community as dean of the Western Suffolk Conference, mentored new pastors and strengthened ties among local faith leaders through the Babylon Interfaith Clergy Cluster.

“Jonne was Beacon of light and love in this community,” said Pastor Brad Morgan of First Presbyterian Church in Babylon.

“Our Pastor was a holy woman without fault,” said Rossina Zacarias, minister of music at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. “She taught us all to be active members in the church, to be organized, diligent, responsible, understanding, comprehensive, to arrive on time, to serve and serve without complaining, to always think of the less privileged, to visit the poor and housebound with hot food, and to love the Lord God with all our hearts and minds. We miss her profoundly, but somehow, so far, we continue to live by the rules she taught us. We are so much the better off for that.”

Tara Morgan, the wife of Pastor Brad Morgan and a close friend of Pastor Bond, described her as a “force of nature.

“She made you feel close and cared for and appreciated,” said Tara, who recalled that when she and her husband came to First Presbyterian Church, Pastor Bond reached out to her. “She made me feel warm and welcomed,” said Tara, who added that Pastor Bond even helped her rewrite her résumé when she was looking for a new job. She noted that her daughter is now a student in Pastor Bond’s pre-k school. “I just can’t say enough wonderful things about her,” she said.

A tribute from congregation members noted that her ministry was shaped by Jesus’ call to Simon Peter: “Feed my sheep.”

They remembered her as someone who loved serving others — and who famously refused to eat lamb, even at Greek restaurants.

“She was my best friend and she loved her family,” Susan said. “She was supposed to be coming to visit me in Florida. I will miss her dearly; we were very close.”

In addition to her sister Susan Doucet and her husband Richard of Florida, Pastor Bond is survived by her brothers Donald Bond of Arizona and his late wife, Ellen; and Thomas Bond of Washington state. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, along with cherished colleagues, friends and her beloved dog, Dixie.

A virtual viewing of her funeral service is available at https://client.tribucast. com/tcid/m25109956193092

Pastor Joanne A. Bond

Fr. Dale W. VanWormer, Rector

Woo Young Choi, Pastor

Courtesy/Copiague school district

Deauville Gardens West showcases first grade authors

First graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School in Copiague have been learning all about authors and illustrators during Reader’s Workshop. As part of their studies, they explored the writing process from brainstorming and drafting to revising and publishing.

To celebrate their hard work, students proudly showcased the books they created on topics such as friendship, fall and family. Their creativity, storytelling skills and illustrations were on full display as they shared their stories with enthusiasm and confidence.

St. Nicholas party, Dec. 13

The community is invited to attend a Saint Nicholas Party at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, December 13. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the spirit of giving; enjoy a festive party with food, drinks, decorations and music. And, there will be a special visit from St. Nick himself who will teach everyone the meaning of giving.

All guests are asked to bring a donation to support the Life Center of Long Island. Urgently needed items include baby food and formula, new baby bottles, diapers and wipes, bassinets, bouncy seats, car seats, highchairs, strollers, and baby clothing.

St. Mary’s Church is at 175 Broadway, Amityville. For more information call 631-264-0004.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, please call President Carolyn Dodd at (631) 374-8712.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3012.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

•Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-4434.

•Copiague School District Board of Education Meeting: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck

Road, Copiague. For more information, please call (631)-842-4015.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

•Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-7468.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 2207808. All calls are confidential.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

•Town of Babylon Town Board Meeting: 3 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 9573000.

•Amityville Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting: 6 p.m., 19 John St., Amityville. For more information, please call (631) 264-0567 or email trustees@amityvillepubliclibrary.org.

•Town of Babylon Rental Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindnhurst. For more information, please call (631) 9574434.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Courtesy/FASNY

Martinez honored with statewide fire service award

Senator recognized for advocacy on behalf of Long Island’s volunteer responders

State Sen. Monica Martinez has been named the 2025 recipient of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York’s prestigious Golden Trumpet Award.

Presented annually for more than three decades, the Golden Trumpet recognizes leaders who have gone above and beyond in supporting the state’s volunteer fire service. Martinez, who represents parts of Suffolk County, was honored Nov. 19 for her legislative work and public advocacy on behalf of firefighters and EMS agencies across Long Island and New York state.

“Senator Monica Martinez has shown time and again that she not only understands the challenges facing the volunteer fire service — she acts on them,” said FASNY President Eugene Perry. “Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to New York’s first responders make her a true friend to every firefighter in this state.”

Sen. Martinez represents the 4 th Senate District covering parts of Amityville, Lindenhurst, West Babylon and Deer Park. As chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, Martinez has helped advance legislation focused on emergency response, recruitment and retention, and first responder safety. Among her priorities: reforms to the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law, expansion of state income tax credits for volunteers, and improved emergency communications and disaster preparedness protocols.

Martinez has also been an advocate for 9/11 responder health, lithium-ion battery safety, and strengthening EMS infrastructure. She supports legislation to provide income and property tax exemptions to active volunteers — benefits she believes should extend to surviving spouses — and secured funding for training programs at the Suffolk County Fire Academy.

Martinez said she was humbled by the recognition.

“The Golden Trumpet symbolizes a voice that rises above the challenges of uncertainty, and I’m proud to be that voice in Albany as an advocate for our first responders,” she said. “Volunteers are humble, but their heroism is true, and that is why I’m

honored to receive the Golden Trumpet Award from this incredible organization and the members it represents.”

Sen. Martinez’ office can be reached at 631-341-7111. Her office is at 250 Veterans Highway, Hauppauge, Room 3b, 41 and 42.

Cradle of Aviation welcomes Katie Ledecky

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Catholic Health teamed up last week with the legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky, a world record holder and a 14-time Olympic medalist, for a presentation at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Ledecky, a New York Times bestselling author and the most decorated female swimmer in history, spoke to nearly 250 area Catholic middle and high school students, many of them swimmers, on Dec. 1.

Welcomed by Andy Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation, they crowded into the museum’s Catholic Health Sky Theater Planetarium to listen to Ledecky’s discussion with Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, the nonprofit health care system.

Ledecky was just 15, and the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, when she won her first gold medal at the 2012 Games in London.

“I can think of no better human being than Katie Ledecky to personally inspire us with her journey,” O’Shaughnessy said. She shared some of the highlights of that journey, and discussed her role, since July, as a health and wellness ambassador for Catholic

Health. She graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2015.

“And I think I just really love all the messaging and the support that Catholic Health gives to this community, and the resources that you provide, and the opportunities — and, of course, the health care as well,” Ledecky told O’Shaughnessy. “So just to help spread that message and be a voice for healthy living, it’s such a great match, and I’m happy that this relationship has brought

me here today, and we have a lot more on the horizon.”

She also spoke of her plans for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and offered the young swimmers in the audience some advice. She swims 20 to 25 hours a week, she said, and spends another five to six hours in the gym. “All those hours are very important, and that sounds like a lot of time,” Ledecky said, “but really, it’s the hours away from the pool and away from the gym that are just as important. I consider those hours

part of my training as well, because if I’m not doing the things I need to do outside of the pool or outside of the gym, then I’m not going to be able to be at my best when I’m physically doing the work.”

After meeting Ledecky at a conference, O’Shaughnessy said, he knew they would be a great fit to partner together. “We’d like to bring more educational symposiums where we can talk more about what it takes to really maintain health and wellness and commitment to achieving your goals in life,” he told the Herald. “And I think you’ll see more of these types of forums that we’re going to do with Katie, where we can have interactive sessions with members of the community and talk about how we make our community a thriving, healthy environment.”

“Health, wellness and goal setting have been important parts of my life since childhood, which is why it was so meaningful to speak with Long Island students about prioritizing their wellbeing—athletes and non-athletes alike,” Ledecky told the Herald. “We’re all at our best when we’re working toward our goals, and I’m grateful that my partnership with Catholic Health has helped to share that message across Long Island.”

For more information on Catholic Health, visit CatholicHealthLI.org

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Katie Ledecky and Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy discussed her partnership with Catholic Health as a health and wellness ambassador.

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes for 2025–2026 runs through January 4, 2026 at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.

On many days there are multiple shows per

1The Rockettes have been a cherished New York City holiday tradition since 1933. Their first appearance in the inaugural Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall firmly established them as an essential part of the city’s seasonal celebrations. Over the decades, the show has expanded into one of New York’s most beloved annual events, drawing both locals and tourists. Though the production continually evolves—incorporating advanced stage technology, refreshed choreography, and updated narrative elements—it preserves classic numbers like the iconic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” For many families, attending the Christmas Spectacular has become a multigenerational ritual, cementing the Rockettes as enduring symbols of the holiday spirit in New York.

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day, including a matinee, afternoon, evening, late show.

The official website to buy tickets is rockettes.com/christmas. You can also get tickets via major ticket platforms such as Ticketmaster

The Rockettes are internationally renowned for their extraordinary precision dance techniques. Their reputation centers on impeccable timing, unity, and their signature “eye-high” kicks performed in a flawlessly straight line. Achieving this level of synchronicity requires significant strength, flexibility, and stamina, especially during the demanding holiday performance schedule. Dancers train yearround to maintain the conditioning necessary for repeated shows. Height uniformity—traditionally between 5’6” and 5’10½”—helps create the seamless, uniform line that has become a visual hallmark of the troupe. Their choreography fuses tap, jazz, ballet, and modern dance into a distinctive hybrid style recognized worldwide.

and in person at the Radio City Music Hall box office. The show runs about 90 minutes with no intermission.

Five things to know:

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Their auditions are famously rigorous and attract dancers from across the country. Each year, thousands of hopefuls come to New York to compete for a coveted spot in the lineup. The audition process involves multiple rounds in which dancers must quickly learn and perform complex combinations with absolute precision. Beyond technical excellence, candidates are judged on how well they blend with the group in both appearance and style—a defining aspect of the Rockettes. Even after being selected, dancers undergo weeks of intensive rehearsals, often lasting six hours a day, to build the synchronization and endurance needed.

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The troupe’s origins trace back to the American Midwest. Before becoming synonymous with Radio

City Music Hall, the Rockettes began in St. Louis in 1925 under choreographer Russell Markert as the “Missouri Rockets.” Inspired by European precision dance ensembles, the group gained popularity and eventually caught the attention of Radio City’s management. After several transformations and expansions, they relocated to New York, where they became a defining feature of the venue.

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During the holiday season, the Rockettes may perform up to four shows daily. These 90-minute performances require exceptional discipline, from executing rapid costume changes to sustaining high energy and flawless precision. This demanding schedule highlights the remarkable athleticism and professionalism that enable the dancers to deliver polished performances for every audience.

STEPPING OUT

Baking up holiday cheer

‘Tis the season munch on a cookie

By Karen Bloom

There’s nothing quite like the smell of cookies baking to say “home for the holidays.”

Share the joy straight from your oven by gathering friends and family for a festive baking day. Mix, roll, bake, laugh — and, of course, taste — as everyone contributes to a tray (or two) of homemade treats.

For many households, holiday baking is a cherished tradition, and it only gets sweeter when shared. Turn the kitchen into a holiday workshop: assign roles for measuring, mixing and decorating, turn up the seasonal music, and let creativity and sprinkles fly.

Even refresh those holiday favorites. Chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies are classics, but find inspiration in trying something new, such as Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies might become a fast new favorite.

Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies

Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee and semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Add a crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 3 teaspoons instant coffee

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 3 large eggs

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 12 soft peppermint candies, crushed

Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease or line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter and 1 cup chocolate morsels in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.

Transfer chocolate mixture into a large mixer bowl; add sugar and beat until combined. Add coffee granules, vanilla extract and peppermint

Elon Gold

Close out 2025 with some laughs with comedian Elon Gold, best known for his relatable takes on being Jewish and getting through the weirdness of life. Considered by many to be this generation’s Borscht Belt King, he’s no stranger to those who watch Netflix. His act brings laughs to both Jews and non-Jews alike all over the world. He’s made dozens of memorable appearances on late-night talk shows and TV series, especially his hilarious recurring role as Head of Hulu on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. His one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” among other projects.

extract; beat just until combined. Beat in eggs. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until all is incorporated. Fold in remaining 2 cups chocolate morsels.

Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, using a medium size cookie scoop. Sprinkle each cookie with a little of the crushed peppermint candies.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 36 cookies.

Hanukkah Sugar Cookies

Hanukkah is more than latkes. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in style with these tasty bites.

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 tsp. vanilla

• 2 cups flour

• Colored sugar or decorating icings

Beat first 4 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add flour; mix well. Cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Heat oven to 350° F. Roll out dough to 1/8-inch-thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 2-inch cookie cutters; sprinkle with colored sugar. Or, leave plain to frost later with decorating icing (after cookies are baked and cooled). Place on baking sheets.

Bake 12 to 15 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost and decorate as desired.

Melted Snowman

These cookies are cute tasty holiday treat.

• 3/4 cup butter, softened

• 3/4 cup white sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Decorations:

• 12 large marshmallows

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

• 1 drop red food coloring, or as desired

• 1 drop yellow food coloring, or as desired

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Beat butter in a bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat white sugar, baking powder, and salt into butter until just combined. Beat egg, milk, and vanilla extract into butter-sugar mixture; add flour and mix until dough is just combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is slightly chilled, about 10 minutes.

Scoop dough into balls slightly larger than golf balls; flatten into cookies. Arrange cookies on a baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.

Butter a microwave-safe plate. Place marshmallows on the prepared plate.

Microwave marshmallows until slightly puffed, 10 to 15 seconds. Gently press marshmallows until bottoms slightly ooze.

Whisk confectioners’ sugar and water together in a bowl until icing is slightly thicker than drizzleconsistency. Pour icing over cookies so it runs over the edges, reserving about 1 tablespoon.

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl, about 30 seconds. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag with a small tip or a plastic bag with a corner snipped.

Press 1 marshmallow close to an edge of each cookie to be the snowman’s head. Draw “stick arms” onto the icing using the melted chocolate.

Divide the reserved 1 tablespoon icing into 2 small bowls. Mix red food coloring into 1 of the bowls and orange food coloring into the other bowl. Decorate the snowmen with scarves or ties using the red icing and yellow icing.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $76.25 and $54.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

‘A Celtic Christmas’

An annual sold-out tradition everywhere they perform, Cherish The Ladies returns to celebrate the holiday season. Led by the charismatic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden —a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award Winner — they’ve brought their signature blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, vocals and step dancing to the White House, the Olympics and to PBS, in addition to concert halls. Their beloved Celtic Christmas program is a festive, family-friendly concert featuring their signature sound on classic carols. Each song is beautifully arranged to showcase their Celtic instrumentation, rich harmonies and remarkable step dancing. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this annual Christmas tour has been complemented by four acclaimed holiday albums. Etraordinary step dancers elevate the concert, featuring five-time World Champion David Geaney and All Britain Champion and Riverdance alumnus Noel Spillane, among others.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $48, $43, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies Hanukkah Sugar Cookies

Melted Snowman

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

DEC

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Wendy Klemperer: Wrought Taxonomies

Vanderbilt Museum welcomes everyone to enjoy the exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the historic summer estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II. Klemperer’s sculptures. a haunting assemblage of animal forms that span imaginary, endangered, familiar, and exotic species, celebrate natural history and the nonhuman world through evocative interactions with the surrounding environment. Using materials salvaged from scrapyards, she composes ecological narratives that respond to the history and collections of Suffolk County’s first public park and museum. Her brilliant use of gestural lines captures the spectator’s attention and invites museum-goers to reflect on the relationship between an interest in animal life and the incessant push of human industry. Visitors are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579

‘Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. The exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director and renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan) is a completely immersive experience. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets. The sets include the living room, the kitchen, and other areas of the house. Visitors will also be able to see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

Town of Babylon Toy Drive

Councilman Terence McSweeney invites everyone to help make the holidays brighter for local children in need. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy, book, or game at Babylon Town Hall. This toy drive is in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots

20 DEC

‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals

If you’re already humming holiday tunes and craving a little rock ‘n’ roll spirit, here’s your chance to celebrate in timeless style. Rockin’ the Holidays brings The Rascals back to the stage — joined by special guests John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band — for a concert packed with energy, nostalgia and chart-topping hits.

Two of The Rascals’ founding members, Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish, reunite for this festive performance, fueled by a deep love for their fans and the enduring power of their music. With accolades that include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Rascals remain icons of American rock and the defining sound of 1960s blue-eyed soul. Their legacy shines through 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 singles and three No. 1 classics — among them “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.” Audiences can expect all the favorites, plus holiday flair and the warm, soulful harmonies that made The Rascals unforgettable. “We’re so grateful for the fans — this is for them,” Cavaliere shares. Cornish echoes the sentiment: “This gives us another chance to play together and do it for the fans.” A night of feel-good music, memories and holiday cheer awaits — the perfect way to rock your way into the season.

• Where: Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: livenation.com campaign.

• Where: Babylon Town Hall Lobby, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst

• Time: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ending Dec. 15

• Contact: (631) 957-3081

Thrift Shop

DEC

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Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.

• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

DEC

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Candlelight Mansion Tour

Visit Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium a trip back in time. Take in a special evening Candlelight Tour of the Vanderbilt family’s private living quarters. Visit enchanted rooms decoarated with lighted trees, boughs, ornaments, poinsettias, wreaths, ribbons, and beautifully wrapped faux gifts. $14, $10 seniors and students, $8 child 12 and under.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 5-8 p.m..; also Dec. 20

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579 and under.

Finding Inner Peace

Amid Holiday-Crazy

This special time of year is a season of joy, celebration and wonder. It can also bring greater stress, busyness, and for some, even sadness. Treat yourself to a day of nurturing, renewal, and connecting to the place of peace and happiness within you at this meditation mini-retreat at Science of Spirituality Meditation Center. Step outside of the stress and celebrate the true meaning of the holidays. Presented by Andrew Vidich, PhD. No fee.

• Where: 79 County Line Road, Amityville

• Time: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

• Contact: Stephanie (631) 8227979 or infotristate@sos.org.

Night Sky Live

Visit Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium for a family-friendly program with an astronomy educator. Tour the night sky from right here in Centerport. Topics vary depending on the time of year, but can include seasonal constellations, visible planets, galaxies, nebulae, and more. $22, $18 seniors and students, $16 child 12

like Wilson Pickett, Little Buster, and B.B. King. His bright fierce guitar playing will touch your heart with each and every note.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

DEC

15

Bereavement Group

Amityville Public Library offers a five-week support group for individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one to come together and share their feelings, experiences and coping strategies in a supportive and understanding environment. The group is facilitated by C. Rose, LCSW.

• Where: 19 John St., Amityville

• Time: 5-6 p.m.

• Contact: amityvillepubliclibrary. org or (631) 264-0567

Copiague School District

BOE meets

Come attend the latest meeting of the Copiague School District Board of Education. All are welcome.

• Where: Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (631)-842-4015.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 2-2:45 p.m.; also Dec. 13-14

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579

DEC

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Science of Spirituality meditation session

Stop by Science of Spirituality for a meditation and spiritual gathering with video selections and readings, followed by a vegetarian meal weekly on Sundays.

• Where: 79 County Line Road, Amityville

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: Stephanie Goldreyer at (631) 822-7979 ext. 3 or infotristate@sos.org

In concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes singer-songwriterguitarist Joe Louis & The Groove. Combining rhythm, soul, Motown and blues, Louis always has audiences on the edge of their seats stomping their feet to an emotional electrifying performance. His soulful vocals are incredibly inspired from greats

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Illuminate Your Soul with Light In this sevenpart workshop series, Science of Spirituality harnesses the “innergy” of the soul to connect to the divine presence within. Learn how to tap into your own inner light source through the power of meditation with presenter Andrew Vidich, PhD. If you miss any of the workshops, you can still attend as these workshops are designed so you can attend independently. Registration required.

• Where: 79 County Line Road, Amityville

• Time: 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: Stephanie Goldreyer at (631) 822-7979 ext. 3 or infotristate@sos.org DEC

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar 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 kbloom@ liherald.com.

Chanukah: What’s really important?

By Rabbi Mitchell B. Nesenoff, PhD.

Congregation Beth Sholom, Babylon

What’s important in Judaism?

If you asked a Jewish person that question, they might tell you a pastrami sandwich, a potato latke, and a knish. But if you really want to know what is important in Judaism don’t ask a Jewish person, ask an anti-Semite.

The anti-Semites throughout history have always known very clearly what one needs to do to erase Jews and Judaism from the map. Certainly, in the Holocaust, when they took away our Jewish names and tattooed numbers on our arms was an indication of how important our Jewish and Hebrew names are. When it comes to the holiday of Chanukah the anti-Semites (the Seleucids or Assyrian-Greeks at that time) wanted to take away the Jewish people’s happiness or as we say in Hebrew, “SaMeaCH”.

The word for happiness is an acronym for three words. And those are the three things that the anti-Semite knew were the keys to Jewish continuity and survival.

SaMeaCH represents: Shabbat (the Sabbath), Milah (circumcision), Chodesh (the Jewish calendar).

The Jewish mantra of “more than the Jews have kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept the Jews” is part

of the reason the Jewish people are still here today while many ancient civilizations have ceased to exist.

The Sabbath is more than just a ‘day off’, it has always been a moment in time to replenish and reconnect with our loved ones and friends. We know that even G-d utilized the comforting and refreshing attribute of the Sabbath when He created the world. The Sabbath is intrinsic and organic to our very globe. The Sabbath has been observed in ancient times, in concentration camps and in contemporary society when texts, phones, websites, and traffic rule the weekday. It has definitely sustained our people’s existence and has brought us much happiness.

life blood of our holidays and holy days. It is the road map of our week, month and year. It celebrates our spiritual focus and desires while placing them into a physical chart that we can observe and absorb. Without this Jewish GPS we would be lost, aimlessly trying to navigate our daily hours, our weeks and months ahead.

These three things are what the anti-Semites of old endeavored to rip away from the Jewish people. The Chanukah Maccabean Revolt of the year 164 BCE led by Judah and his brothers was successful in reclaiming and rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

need to participate in that spiritual battle by fortifying and arming themselves with prayers, rituals, and certainly the three important items that have just been delineated.

Just like on the holiday of Purim, where the villain, Haman, causes Jews to stand up for themselves and take pride in their religion, the antiSemites of Chanukah remind us very specifically what is important in Judaism.

Milah, the circumcision, is our direct covenant with G-d and binds us to the very first Jew, our patriarch, Abraham. It illustrates the very basis of Judaism’s connection with the physical and the spiritual. It also is an anatomical focal point of our ancestry and lineage and it brings attention to the importance of the holiness of relationships and family.

Chodesh, the Jewish calendar, is the

But certainly just as important, or perhaps even more important than the physical historical battle was the spiritual battle of the Jewish people rededicating themselves to the Sabbath observance, Milah circumcision, and celebration of the holidays on the Jewish Calendar.

In the world today, Chanukah is a reminder for the Jewish people that there is a power beyond the fortitude and holiness of the Israel Defense Forces that are fighting a battle on numerous fronts. The Jewish people

The small drop of oil in the Holy Temple’s Menorah candelabra lasting for eight days is the miracle of Chanukah. Physics dictates the length of time that the oily excretion of an olive should burn and become extinguished. The physical world has laws that scientifically are definitive. When those laws are defied and the oil continues to burn beyond rational nature, then the Creator of that nature displays His omnipotence.

We often are too tied to the physical and the material and become complacent. But our spiritual leaders and liturgy are at the forefront in returning us to our spirituality. And yes, sometimes the anti-Semite can awaken us to what is important in our journey back to the Creator.

Pastrami is certainly delicious, but our SaMeaCH, our happiness, is the key to the survival of our souls.

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

Rabbi Mitchell B. Nesenoff

NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 7:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, December 18th, 2025, to consider the following applications:

Application of Sara Maitland.  Applicant seeks a special exception to install a 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the North side of Sterling Place approximately 735 feet East of County Line Road in a “Residential B” District known as 131 Sterling Place a/k/a SCTM# 101-31-40.

Application of Jeffrey Bates.  Applicant seeks a special exception to maintain a 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the South side of Bayside Place approximately 475 feet East of South Bayview Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 38 Bayside Place a/k/a SCTM# 101-126-40.

Application of Laura Gonzalez.  Applicant seeks a special exception to maintain a 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the West side of Ketcham Avenue approximately 75 feet South of Cedar Street in a “Residential B” District known as 60 Ketcham Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-7-1-11.

Application of Chris Monahan.  Applicant seeks to renew a previously approved special exception for a twofamily dwelling pursuant to Section 183-43 C. (6) of the Village

of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the West side of Burch Avenue approximately 100 feet South of Willis Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 50 Burch Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-33-19.

Application of Nicole Blanda on behalf of VRS Enterprises.  Applicant seeks a special exception for the outdoor storage of materials and a vehicle pursuant to Section 183-96 of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the East side of Albany Avenue approximately 60 feet North of Elm Place in an “Industrial” District known as 57 Albany Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-4-1-103.

Application of Kevin Battcher.  Applicant seeks 2 variances associated with a proposed 1st floor extension and 2nd floor addition.  Variance 1 is to increase the allowed maximum height from 28 feet to 30.1 feet pursuant to Section 183-46 of the Village of Amityville Code.  Variance 2 is to reduce the required front yard setback from 30 feet to 26.15 feet pursuant to Section 183-50 B. of the Village Code.  Premises located on the East side of Oldfield Avenue approximately 165 feet North of Cedar Street in a “Residential B” District known as 111 Oldfield Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-5-5-67.

Application of Odit Persaud.  Applicant seeks a special exception to install a 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the North side of Towne Street approximately 120 feet East of Bayview Avenue in a “Residential A” District known as 20 Towne Street a/k/a

Public Notices — Your right to know

SCTM# 101-8-3-53.

Application of Vincent Shieda.  Applicant seeks a variance to increase the allowed maximum area for accessory structures from 500sf to 545sf associated with the maintenance of a shed and cottage pursuant to Section 183-55 of the Village of Amityville code.  Premises located on the East side of Lebrun Avenue approximately 1350 feet South of Richmond Avenue in a “residential B” Distrcit known as 116 Lebrun Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-13-9-21.

By order of the Zoning Board, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer. 25-429. 12/3, 10

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON ACCESSORY APARTMENT

REVIEW BOARD

Pursuant to provisions of Local Law # 9 of the Babylon Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Board Meeting Room in the East Wing of Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on Tuesday eve, December 16th, 2025. Public hearings begin 6:00pm. NEW APPLICATIONS:

• Sandra & Arley Higuita 1281 America Ave West Babylon, NY 11704

SCTM#0100-141-2103.002

• Idris Ishau 355 42nd Street

Copiague, NY 11726

SCTM#0100-202-386.002

Printing Instructions: RENEWALS BY AFFIDAVIT APPLICANTS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. ALL NEW CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED. All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Sandra Thomas, Chairperson, Accessory Apartment Review Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York

Amityville Record: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 25-432. 12/10

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Owner Trustee of the Residential Credit Opportunities Trust VI-A, Plaintiff, vs. Richard Epps III, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on May 29, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 14, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., premises known as 231 Columbus Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and

being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 172.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 007.004. Approximate amount of judgment is $487,817.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #619049/2019. Michelle Aulivola, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 212727-1 25-433. 12/10, 17, 24, 31

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a license, number 0524-2514281 for beer, cider, liquor and/ or wine, has been applied for by JORGE ALBERTO MARADIAGA, to sell beer, cider, liquor and/or wine, at retail in a restaurant, under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at: 688 Horseblock Rd, Farmingville, NY 11738 for on-premises consumption.

DON CAPITAN 09 CORP

DBA: DON CAPITAN BAR & RESTAURANT 25-431. 12/3, 10

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the VILLAGE ELECTION of the Village of Amityville will be held on Wednesday, the 18th day of March 2026 and that at such election the following officer is to be elected for the term set opposite thereto:

Office of Trustee: Term 1 Year Catherine C. Murdock Clerk/Treasurer 25-434. 12/10

Notice of formation of SMITHOLDING LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on April 5th, 2024. Office located in Suffolk county. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 85 East Drive, Copiague, NY 11726. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 25-422. 11/19, 26, 12/3.10, 17, 24

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD

Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/ or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s): PUBLIC HEARING/ SITE PLAN REVIEW

JOB# 25-17A; Petracca Design: SCTM#: # 0100-15604-001 and 003.001: Zone – E Business: SEQRA – Type II Action: Applicant proposes to demolish an existing 7,000sf single story building to create additional parking area, as well as interior alterations to an existing

18,471sf three story office building, all in connection with a change of use from office to medical office, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the south side of Sunrise Highway, approximately 324.69’ west of Golding Ave., West Babylon, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York

JOB# 24-16A; T. Trap Realty LLC: SCTM# 0100-164-02-006: Zone – E Business: SEQRA - Type II Action: Applicant is proposing interior alterations and site improvements for a change of use to an existing 4,116sf (GFA) building, for a physical therapy and chiropractor office.: Property is located on the north east corner of New York State Route 110 (N. Broadway) & Nathalie Avenue, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

Amityville Record: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 25-435. 12/10

NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 7:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, December 18th, 2025, to consider the following application Application of Richard Handler on behalf of Village Greene Apts, LLC. Applicant seeks a Use Variance for the proposed conversion of a one-story office building to a two-story two-family dwelling on a premises which already contains a 4 unit multiple dwelling pursuant to Section 18382 A. of the Village of Amityville Code. Applicant also seeks a variance to reduce the required parking for the conversion from 12 spaces to 4 spaces pursuant to Section 183-129 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of John Street between Greene Avenue and West Oak Street in a “B-2 Business” District known as 3 John Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-5-2-2. By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 25-436. 12/10, 17

Help Wanted

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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

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

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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

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Can we add a garage now, and get the permits later?

Q. We’ve met with two architects and two contractors to figure out how we can add a garage to our house or make it free-standing. The contractors were confident the garage could be attached to the house — our first preference — but the architects told us about regulations that make the whole thing doubtful and more expensive. Each one told us about building codes and other problems with our house that might come up. One asked if our shed was legal, and whether we had proof that the second floor and the finished basement of our Cape Cod home had been permitted. We’re now wondering whether we should even do the job. Both contractors keep calling, and even saying that we should build it first and then get it permitted after. Can we do that? Should we do that?

A. You mean ask for forgiveness instead of permission, right? Can the contractors give a guarantee of your success? The way things are going these days, I’m ready to tell you to listen to the contractors and have them direct the whole mess you’ll encounter. Just see if they stick around when the expenses start for all the extra work to undo the mess.

Two things are happening right now that make things more “challenging.” One is that as building codes become stricter and building officials become less able to communicate what it means to “demonstrate compliance” — and many architects are ready to just quit working in certain communities because of this — you, the owner, become more responsible and less protected from this mess. For example, one community examiner asks to “demonstrate” compliance with mechanical requirements in order to finish a basement. Nobody told me in architecture school that I would someday be doing plans to finish a basement, but what the heck, people need an architect, and in between much larger projects here in the suburbs, it seemed like a simpler task.

But not really. That word “demonstrate” could mean that the owner will have to actually make a choice to air-condition and heat their basement, and specific equipment to do that task may have to be shown on the drawings. In reality … remember reality? In reality, I rarely see a heating or cooling system in a basement.

But your architect is being required to “demonstrate.” This leads back to the contractor, because the architect has almost no chance of selecting any mechanical system to heat or cool in a way that an independent plumber or mechanical company would agree to, much less install. Therefore, the architect is alienated from the simple project “filler” in between projects that involve professional teams of architects, engineers, contractors and construction management. Working in small communities is becoming complicated, and therefore expensive for the homeowner. Listen to the architects, unless you want the mess, and make sure the basement, finished second floor and shed are legal, or expect to spend a lot of money when the problems come up. Good luck!

Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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opinions

Desperately seeking bipartisanship and compromise

Recently I took part in several WABC radio talk shows moderated by the station’s owner, New York business mogul John Catsimatidis. The topics we covered initially focused on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s election, County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s overwhelming victory in last month’s election and the upcoming statewide race for New York governor. Among the participants were veteran political leader Craig Eaton, a former chairman of the Republican Party in Brooklyn, and David Paterson, whose decadeslong career of service included being governor, state senator and state Democratic Party chairman.

The conversations soon veered from specific races to the issue of the almost total disappearance of bipartisanship in today’s politics and government. Despite our varying political views and beliefs, we were in full agreement that needless partisanship and mindless rancor are weakening the nation’s fabric and threaten our future.

The two major American political parties were built by people whose names most of us have never heard of. They weren’t Democratic or Republican officeholders. They were philosophers whose writings moved politicians who embraced their words and used them to try to make the Democratic and Republican parties attractive to voters.

Milton Friedman was a 20thcentury American economist whose ideas were a strong influence on Republicans. Russell Kirk was a highly regarded conservative and a godfather of the conservative movement. William F. Buckley Jr. is a name my generation knows because, for a long period of time, he was the voice of staunch conservative Republicans. A handful of people have shaped the Democratic Party philosophy as well — John Dewey, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls and numerous other names that are foreign to most of us. Dewey believed in a party that enables labor rights, community organizing and local empowerment.

Let me be clear. I say this not as a blind idealist, nor as someone who believes that the old days were all love and harmony. Not after more than a halfcentury of fighting to survive the minefields of Nassau County, New York state and Washington politics! No, those days weren’t heaven on earth. But there were lines that weren’t to be crossed and responsibilities that had to be met.

Instead Dewey let it be known through channels that he would not use the devastating info: America was still at war, and Japan wasn’t aware we had broken its code. Dewey would not undermine the commander in chief in time of war, even if it meant not winning the presidency.

We can have bipartisan relationships without giving up core principles.

And this sense of basic civility certainly precedes my time in politics. A clear example was the 1944 presidential election, between President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat who was running for his fourth term, and New York Gov. Thomas E. Dewey. After 12 years in office and almost total domination of the political scene, FDR was the Republicans’ number one political enemy. They wanted him stopped at all costs.

During the campaign, Dewey was secretly informed that United States intelligence had broken Japanese code months before the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. That meant that Dewey could hold FDR responsible for failing to act on that vital intel, or, more conspiratorially, charge that FDR intentionally allowed the attack to go forward to drag the United States into World War II.

In later years, Ronald Reagan, our most conservative president, and then House Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, a diehard liberal, found ways to compromise — often over an evening drink — even on third-rail issues like Social Security. More important, they never let their political differences become personal.

Even during the much more partisan years of President Bill Clinton’s administration and Newt Gingrich’s House speakership, there were historic bipartisan achievements, including welfare reform and the only balanced budget and surplus in the past half-century.

During my time in Congress, I worked closely with Clinton on foreign policy issues such as the Good Friday Agreement, which ended the centuries-old struggle in Northern Ireland, and stopping Serbian aggression in the Balkans. And domestically, I successfully urged Clinton to revive the East Side Access

project, connecting the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Station despite the opposition of his budget office and the lack of support from some New York Democrats.

In Congress I worked closely across the aisle on vital issues for New York, such as Sept. 11 health care and victims compensation, homeland security funding for police and first responders after 9/11, and disaster aid following Superstorm Sandy.

I was able to establish solid bipartisan relationships in Washington, with leading Democrats Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton, Charlie Rangel and Ed Towns, and in New York, with Paterson, Andrew Cuomo and former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, who was a source of advice and counsel for me.

All that I did with these Democrats was achieved without any of us sacrificing our core principles. These were combined efforts on issues that transcended party lines and benefited our constituents. We saved the partisan arguments for ideological issues on which we couldn’t find compromise. That’s what democracy should be all about. It worked for the betterment of the voters of my district, state and nation. We need more of it.

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

Those who ignore James Carville face oblivion

Those old philosophers shaped the two major parties, but there is currently almost no one you could name whom President Trump or President Biden relies or relied on to help make serious decisions. In many ways, Biden was a student of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised dozens of programs that were helpful to countless people. Trump apparently relies on nothing other than his instincts, with occasional input from his adviser Stephen Miller. Miller has strong opinions on many subjects, and Trump often has to restrain him.

For so many voters, it’s still about the economy, as the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ so eloquently put it.

There is one voice out there today whose message can be good for Democrats and Republicans, depending on who’s listening. I refer to James Carville. Sometimes known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” Carville created the strategy that elected and re-elected President Bill Clinton. His plain talk has been out there for whoever wants to embrace it. His simple advice since 1992 has been, “It’s the economy, stupid.” It worked when Clinton defeated President George H.W. Bush, and in many ways it helped Donald Trump get to the White House. We are now 11 months away from another consequential election, and the

dominant political voice out there pounding the Democratic Party is Carville. He had a message for Democrats last year, when he told them to stop lecturing people and talk to them about their issues. He tried to get that message across to then Vice President Kamala Harris, but she relied on paid advisers who gave her the worst possible advice.

This year, a large group of Democrats paid attention to Carville’s counsel, and it helped them sweep numerous contests in last month’s elections. Democratic Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger were elected the governors of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed through a resolution to redraw his state’s congressional map, which was approved by a landslide. Democrats won other significant contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The winning campaigns focused on the issue of affordability, and Trump’s unpopularity helped all of them.

Next year’s elections will be a huge challenge for both political parties. History shows that the minority party generally wins a majority of the contested seats in Congress. Current polls shows the Democrats winning a large numbers

of seats and likely taking over the House, and projections show them within three seats of taking over the Senate as well. With all this bad news, are the Republicans paying attention? Trump has reacted to the 2025 elections by insisting that the economy is great. He has claimed that prices are down, and that all of the Democratic claims to the contrary are false. Even in the face of the worst consumer confidence figures, he is living in some type of bubble and ignoring what’s really happening. He made some concessions on tariffs, but it will take time for them to have any impact.

The problem for the Republicans is that all of them are on one big ship, and Trump is the captain. The longer he continues to believe, or at least insist in public, that the economy is terrific, the more danger his passengers are in.

At the same time, pundits like Carville are pushing Democrats to stick to variations on his message. Absent a 360-degree turnaround by the GOP in the next several months, Carville’s admonition about the economy could be the winning message for Democrats, and leave Republicans looking stupid.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

HERALD

Act now to restore order, safety to e-mobility

New York state is undergoing a transportation transformation. Electric bikes, scooters and skateboards are no longer niche devices. They are everywhere, threading through intersections, racing down sidewalks and rapidly redefining how we move across our communities. Their convenience is undeniable. Their popularity is unmistakable. But the risks — now becoming painfully clear — demand immediate attention. The rise of unregulated electric personal mobility devices has outpaced our laws, our infrastructure and our safety systems. The result is a growing sense of disorder on our streets and a mounting toll of injuries and fatalities that can no longer be brushed aside.

This is why the introduction of S8573/ A157 by State Sen. Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick, of Malverne, and fellow Republican Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, of Staten Island, matters so profoundly. Their legislation would provide what New York currently lacks: a responsible, modern framework to ensure that these increasingly powerful devices are used safely and sanely. It would create a clear registration system through the Department of Motor Vehicles. It would require operators to be at least 16 years old, and to wear helmets. It would establish penalties for dangerous behavior. Most important, it acknowledges that the era of ignoring e-mobility regulation is over. Across the state, residents have voiced

growing concern about the chaos unfolding on sidewalks and streets. Many have witnessed reckless riders speeding through crosswalks, weaving unpredictably through traffic, or operating devices that exceed the speeds of some small motorcycles, all without training, accountability or basic protective gear. These concerns are not mere irritations. They are warnings. And for too long, state law has offered no tools to respond. The consequences are tragically real. The death of 14-year-old Mepham High School student Jayden Flores is a heartbreaking reminder of how high the stakes are. Jayden’s life was cut short on Nov. 6 when he was simply trying to cross an intersection that is familiar to families, commuters and children who navigate it every day.

Jayden’s death shattered a community, devastated his loved ones and reignited fears that New York is allowing a preventable danger to grow unchecked. It was not an isolated incident. New York City accounts for nearly half of all e-bike fatalities nationwide, and injuries involving motorized two-wheelers have skyrocketed in recent years. These are the numbers not of a state that is in control, but rather of one that has fallen behind.

Opponents may argue that regulation will limit the freedom and utility these devices offer. But this legislation would not restrict responsible riders — it aims to protect them. It differentiates between

those who use these devices to commute, work or travel safely and those who endanger themselves and others by treating public roads like racetracks. By establishing clear rules, the bill would strengthen, but not stifle, the e-mobility revolution. It would tell riders: You belong here, but with the same responsibilities that govern every other vehicle user.

Community members deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children can cross the street safely, that seniors can walk on the sidewalks without fear, and that drivers can navigate intersections without unpredictable hazards.

Families should not have to mourn preventable deaths. Schools should not have to activate crisis-counseling teams because lawmakers failed to act. And no parent should have to receive the call that Jayden’s family received — a call that turns a normal morning into a lifetime of grief.

S8573/A157 is not merely a procedural update. It is a necessary, common-sense step toward restoring order, protecting public safety and preventing future tragedies. The Legislature must recognize the urgency of this moment. Every day without clear regulations is another day when lives are at risk.

New York cannot afford to hesitate. The time to act is now. Lawmakers must pass this bill, and ensure that the promise of e-mobility never again comes at the expense of human life.

opinions Looking ahead to a new year of advocacy

anew year is fast approaching, and with that a new session of the Nassau County Legislature — and I’m beginning my 10th year of service with a heart brimming with gratitude and inspiration.

This is in large part thanks to the decisive vote of confidence that the people of Legislative District 16 gave me on Nov. 4. In one of the most competitive districts on our new legislative map, honesty, integrity and experience prevailed — as it always should.

I couldn’t have done it without your support, the endorsements of so many of our friends in labor, law enforcement and advocacy organizations, and the tireless efforts of my entire team, who rallied and redoubled their dedication after the tragic passing of my longtime campaign manager and friend, Seth Lounsbury. Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.

It’s worthwhile to explain why November’s election was contested on revised maps, which will be in place through 2032. The early reapportion-

ment was the result of a settlement reached after community advocates and civil liberties organizations sued the county, alleging that illegal gerrymandering permeated the map used in the 2023 election.

Notably, the settlement yielded a map with six majority-minority legislative districts in which the population comprises at least 50 percent underrepresented voting groups, and a seventh district in which Asian Americans account for a significant plurality. All of this is a positive outcome that fosters representation better reflecting Nassau’s diverse and rich cultural tapestry.

iSyosset and Woodbury. Parts of those hamlets have been shifted northward, to District 18.

’m beginning my 10th year of service with a heart brimming with gratitude and inspiration.

How did this impact District 16? Plainview and Old Bethpage remain the core of the district, and it will be my privilege and honor to continue serving my lifelong hometown communities in 2026. I am also pleased to report that I will return to service in portions of Hicksville and begin representing communities in the Village of Farmingdale, a burgeoning regional hub that I am excited to be immersing myself in.

While I regret that I will no longer directly serve the villages of Brookville, Muttontown and Old Westbury, I’ll continue to represent smaller portions of

Framework by Tim Baker

There is no doubt that we will enter 2026 with a full agenda and important priorities to address — and combating wasteful spending will be among my top priorities. This despite a damning audit by the Nassau Interim Finance Agency and more than $23 million in spending on outside legal counsel, with far too much of it going to politically connected firms and Republican campaign donors, on cases that should be handled in-house by the highly qualified professionals at the county attorney’s office.

Rather than slow down, the county administration doubled down. On Nov. 24, they jammed through more than 20 contracts and millions of dollars in new spending on outside counsel, including one contract for a former Republican legislative candidate. While his Republican colleagues initiated the contract this spring, they failed to disclose it until after Election Day. This runaway spending reeks of pay-to-play patronage, and is a recipe for disaster that must be addressed. Accordingly, my Democratic colleagues and I stood together, unified

in opposition to these badly misguided contracts.

In 2026 we will continue to stand together, as we have done in the face of an increasingly partisan atmosphere in which we must fight every day for equitable investments in the communities we serve. Our solidarity enabled me to secure nearly $1 million for the Mid Island Y JCC, in Plainview, $50,000 for the food pantry run by the Social Ministry at St. Edward the Confessor Church, in Syosset, millions in the capital plan for vital road projects across the district and, most recently, a long-awaited HotelMotel Occupancy Tax Fund grant for the Sid Jacobsen Y JCC.

We have sent a clear message that we won’t back down when we fight for our constituents — and it’s your vocal support that empowers us to stand tall. Thank you for once again bestowing upon me the privilege of being your advocate — from the community, for the community — in the County Legislature. Should you ever have a question or concern that you would like to share with me, don’t hesitate to contact me at (516) 571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov. I wish you a joyous and healthy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.

arnoLD w. DrUCker