A day of giving back at The Irish Pub
The Irish Pub kicked off Baldwin’s holiday celebrations with the sixth annual toy drop-off and car show on Sunday. The event featured a complimentary buffet, unique vintage autos and Baldwin Fire Department trucks. Residents brought toys to donate to Little St. Nick’s, a charity based in Rockaway. Above, Tommy Tsotsoros with his 1961 Ford Falcon, holding a copy of an issue of the Baldwin Herald that featured his car on the front page. At right, Diane Farkash with two bags full of toys and games she brought to donate.
Story, more photos, Page 2.
Local baseball champions
Baldwin’s LI Royals 10U squad ready to defend crown in 2026
By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
The LI Royals 10U travel baseball team is eagerly looking forward to kicking off its 2026 season next month after winning the Fall Division Championship at Thomas Whelan Memorial Park in Wantagh on Oct. 26.
The team, consisting of 8, 9, and 10-year-olds from Baldwin, Oceanside and Queens, competes in the LI Hot Stove Baseball league, based all over Long Island.
The 2025 season consisted of five regular-season games and two playoff contests.
town where other sports are highlighted more.” Coming off of several losing seasons, Morris feared the team would lose their love for baseball. “We often teach our boys that the numbers are usually against you in baseball. You are going to strike out. But things finally stuck for our boys and their resilience shined through,” he said. “The new confidence has been contagious.”
G reat baseball is brewing here again.
JIM MoRRIS
LI Royals 10U assistant coach
For the first time, the Royals 10U team won the championship in the fall division against the Williston Park Patriots. The Royals beat the Patriots 12-8.
The win meant a great deal to the team members, as well as the coaches. Assistant coach, Jim Morris, said, “This season was pivotal for us because victory meant something bigger. It meant our boys reclaiming their love for baseball and fueling it beyond this season in a
Reflecting on the championship season, Royals’ head coach, Kevin Smith, similarly said, “It was so satisfying to see all of their hard work pay off at the end.”
“To see them grow and develop into what they are and how hard they work is so rewarding, as not only the coach, but as a parent,” he added.
To celebrate the win, the Royals held its end-of-the-year celebration at Sonny’s Canal House in Baldwin Harbor, where the players received their championship rings on Nov. 5. “It was amazing to see our boys enjoying time with
Continued on page 15
Photos Maureen Lennon/Herald
Baldwin gives back this holiday season
This past weekend, the Baldwin community rang in the holiday season with The Irish Pub’s sixth annual toy dropoff and car show on Dec. 7. Community members had the opportunity to donate toys to the Little St. Nick’s foundation, while checking out remarkable vintage cars brought by the Baldwin Hot Rod Association.
Shawn Sabel, Baldwin’s Businessperson of the Year and owner of The Irish Pub, is known to give back to his com-
munity. “We just want to thank the community for coming out, showing up, and donating five big boxes of toys to the Little St. Nick’s toy drive,” he said.
Sabel, along with Steve Burke, have been running this event for six years and have no plans of stopping.
“We will continue to keep the pedal to the floor in giving back during the holiday season,” Sabel said.
-
Allyson Ferrari
Steve Burke with the owner of The Irish Pub, Shawn Sabel.
Maureen Lennon/ Herald photos
Toy donations were brought to The Irish Pub by many community members, including Shawn Sabel, Joseph Yanabtuono, Paul Lizio, John Cools, Steve Burke, Dan Leone, Ully Reid.
Steve Burke, with his ‘67 Chevelle Super Sport and Kermit the Frog, festive for the holidays at The Irish Pub Car Show and Toy Drive.
Baldwin ready for the holidays after tree lighting
The Baldwin Chamber of Commerce illuminated the community at the annual holiday tree lighting celebration at the Baldwin Historical Society on Dec. 7. The beloved celebration included holiday performances by the Baldwin Girl Scouts, as well as a performance of festive holiday songs by students from Hangout One Happy Place, with founder and director of the organization, Angela Lucas. Layla Gentles, Aoinah Bunhomette, Jaidyn Moodie, and Madison Kreutz, four students from Baldwin High School, performed songs from the schools fall musical, “Footloose.”
Throughout the celebration, members of the Baldwin Key Club gave out treats and steaming cups of hot chocolate to keep everyone warm. To embrace the holiday spirit, attendees had the opportunity to take pony and reindeer rides. The Chamber of Commerce was also collecting donations for Toys for Tots. Santa Clause, along with his elves, made an appearance to give out gifts to the children.
Shawn Sabel, Baldwin’s Businessperson of the Year and owner of The Irish Pub, helped light the Baldwin Christmas tree at the end of the night.
“Happy
to
keep doing what you are doing to make this community beautiful,” Sabel said.
—
holidays
Baldwin,
Allyson Ferrari
Santa left the Tree Lighting to head back to the North Pole and get ready for Christmas.
Maureen Lennon/ Herald photos
Laura Ryder and Dorothy Goosby, Town of Hempstead councilwomen, with boy and girl scouts at the 2025 annual Baldwin Christmas tree lighting.
Santa Clause joined everyone at the tree lighting on a Baldwin Fire Department truck, ready to give out gifts to children.
Angela Lucas, creator of Hangout One Happy Place, with Santa Clause and the Grinch
Molloy, an 11-year-old golden doodle ready to meet Santa.
Update to rates of subscription plans :
To continue providing you with high-quality hyperlocal news in the face of rising costs, as of December 1, 2025, the HERALD's subscription rates will be: annual subscription plan, paid by credit card - $1 per week (billed annually at $52.00); monthly subscription plan, paid by credit card - $2 per week (billed monthly at $8.67); one-year subscription, paid by check - $65 (check made out to "Richner Communications, Inc." and mailed to below address). Subscription plans paid by credit card renew at end of applicable term at then-current rates. Payment can be made online at liherald.com/subscribe, by calling (516) 569-4000 & press 7, or by mail to Herald Subscription Processing Center, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530.
Students network at Adelphi University
Baldwin High School Global Business & Entrepreneurship Academy students recently competed in the annual Apprentice Challenge at Adelphi University. This year’s competition brought together 240 students from 32 different schools.
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Please contact Tim Baker at: tbaker@liherald.com with the subjectline “Freelance Photographer” or call (516) 784-8135
Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?
Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored. Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged
child they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!
In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.
There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.
Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.
Baldwin celebrated a significant achievement as two of its students, Gavin Sparks and Valentina Colmenares Delatorre, earned spots on teams that advanced to the final competition round. While neither student’s team claimed the ultimate Apprentice title, their advancement to the finals represents exceptional performance and valuable learning experience that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.
“The Apprentice Challenge is an event where students from the Global Business and Entrepreneurship Academy step outside their comfort zone, work collaboratively with students from local schools, and strengthen their presentation skills through a real-life challenge,” said Gregg Kelley, business teacher at Baldwin High School who was also present and oversaw the learning experience. This was Kelley’s 11th year attending the challenge.
Baldwin High School made a notable impression during this year’s competition, presenting ten dedicated students from the Global Business and Entrepreneurship Academy. Eager to confront new challenges, these students seized the opportunity to expand their professional horizons.
Upon arrival, students were strategically placed into diverse teams with peers from different schools. This intentional mixing encouraged participants to step beyond their comfort zones, fostering the development of essential communication and teamwork skills while working alongside unfamiliar classmates.
The experience mirrors real-world business environments where professionals must quickly adapt and collaborate with new team members. Industry professionals, including Murat Sakir Erogul, the associate dean from the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business at Adelphi, and Peter Purpura, vice president of Business Development for Jovia Financial Credit Union and an Adelphi graduate, presented this year’s challenge.
Students were tasked with creating an innovative marketing plan to help Jovia attract younger customers to choose credit unions over traditional big-name banks. This real-world problem gave students the opportunity to apply their business knowledge to current market challenges. Teams had just one hour to brainstorm, strategize, and develop comprehensive marketing plans. Despite the tight timeline, the quality and creativity of the student presentations were remarkable. The 25 teams were distributed across five separate rooms, with each room producing one winning team following rigorous evaluation. After an anticipationfilled lunch break, all participants gathered in the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center to find out who won. Valentina Colmenares Delatorre, who was participating for the second time, reflected on her experience. “Getting thrown into a situation where you have limited time to create a marketing plan has taught me a lot, the most important being that you can’t always do everything yourself. Working with your team and collaborating with different ideas will always get you further.”
Sparks echoed her sentiment. “I had a great experience at the Apprentice Challenge,” he said. “It was great to get the opportunities to network with new people interested in similar things to me and it was great to experience working on a realworld challenge.”
—Allyson Ferrari
Courtesy Baldwin School District One of the teams in action
things to know at the Baldwin PuBlic
Activities to look out for at the library for all ages this month
The Baldwin Public Library offers family-friendly events and activities year round. From crafts, to movies, and even musical performances, there is something for everyone— no matter your age. Finish off this year and join the BPL at one of its fun and engaging activities before the month is over. For more information and other events, visit BaldwinPL.org/events.
— Allyson Ferrari
n An afternoon of holiday jazz with the Paul Joseph trio
An enjoyable performance of holiday music in the first floor community room presented by composer/ pianist Paul Joseph and his jazz trio at 2 p.m. on Dec. 14. You’ll hear inspiring instrumental jazz renditions of secular and sacred favorites of different faiths such as “Let It Snow,” “S’vivon,” “O Holy Night” and many others. Paul Joseph has composed works that have received wide critical acclaim in performances by distinguished orchestras, ballet companies and choirs. His dynamic rhythm section consists of drummer Danny Borg and bassist Edgar Mills. Tickets are required and are available at the Reference Desk. Call 516-223-6228, ext. 145 to reserve tickets by phone.
n Observe live animals with the Alley Pond Environmental Center
The Alley Pond Environmental Center is bringing a range of animals into the first floor community room at the library in two separate sessions for elementary aged children on Dec. 27. Kids can observe and ask questions about the mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. Session one will take place at 11 a.m. and session two at 12 p.m., these sessions will run for 45 minutes. Registration is required and will open for Baldwin school district residents at 9 a.m. on Dec. 13, and to all others on Dec. 20. Out of respect to the animals, attendance will be capped at 30 people. The library asks that you register all children, as well as parents/caregivers who will be in attendance.
n Learn a new skill and make fresh pasta with Judy’s Cucina
Judy Boshnack will be teaching both a family pasta making class and an adult pasta making class on Dec. 29. Using pasta boards and cavatelli makers, Boshnack will teach families how to make 1-pound of embossed cavatelli out of semolina pasta dough to bring home to cook or freeze. All you have to do is bring your own mixing bowl and cutting board, and the library will provide the rest. Family pasta making will begin at 2 p.m., whereas the adult class will begin shortly after at 5 p.m. Both sessions will run for two hours. Registration for the adult class is full at this time, but you can add your name to the waitlist on the libraries website. As for the family session, registration opens for Baldwin school district residents at 9 a.m. on Dec. 15, and to all others on Dec. 22. In-person and phone registration is required for this event; there will be no online registrations.
BALDWIN HERALD — December 11, 2025
Hofstra showing championship potential
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra men’s basketball team is showing early signs of a rebound season.
Coming off a disappointing 15-18 2024-25 campaign, Hofstra displayed its championship potential by winning three games in three days at the Cathedral Classic at the Palestra in Philadelphia Thanksgiving weekend against La Salle, Merrimack and Penn.
The Pride will need to accomplish a similar feat in early March at the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament and the Philly sweep showed fifth-year head coach Speedy Claxton his team may have the grit to cut down the nets.
“We know if we want to go to the NCAA Tournament we are going to have to win three games in three days,” said Claxton, who guided Hofstra to the NCAAs as a standout point guard in 2000. “This was good preparation work and now they know they are more than capable of doing that.”
The Pride made another statement a week later with an 80-73 win at ACC opponent Pittsburgh Hofstra returned six players from last season in which the Pride dropped several close conference games to finish 6-12 in the CAA. It was picked to finish eighth in the 13-team CAA and are looking to prove the doubters wrong with a determined core led by junior guard Cruz Davis, a St. Johns transfer who averaged 14,4 points per game for the Pride last season.
“He is way more comfortable in the offense and what we expect on both ends of the floor,” said Claxton of Davis, who tallied a career high 36 points in the Pitt win.
Graduate student guard German Plotnikov adds a veteran presence in the lineup after averaging 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds last season. The 6-foot-5 Belarus native is a threat from three-point range who connected on 40.2 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last year.
Silas Sunday, a returning 7-foot power forward, is making strides in the paint during his third season on the Hofstra roster and posted a career high 15 points to go along with seven rebounds in a 78-58 win against Merrimack in the second game of the Cathedral Classic in Philadelphia.
Freshman Preston Edmead has quickly emerged as an offensive threat and is second on the team in scoring through 10 games which included a 23-point performance in Hofstra’s 83-77 win at Bucknell on Nov. 14. The 6-1 local product
from Deer Park averaged 24 points during his senior season at The Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts.
“He is killing it and it is because he works so hard,” said Claxton of Edmead. “Typically, if you love basketball you are going to do well here at Hofstra and he is someone who loves it and is in the gym throughout the day working on his craft.”
Hofstra also added some inside strength with 6-10 forward/center Victory Onuetu, a standout in Spain who competed in the FIBA U20 European
Championship. Onuetu nearly tallied a double-double in an 81-73 loss at Iona on Nov. 7 with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Biggie Patterson, a 6-7 Iona transfer, adds another weapon in the paint who registered eight rebounds and tied a career high with three blocks in the Merrimack win.
Claxton pieced together a challenging non-conference schedule to prepare Hofstra for the rigors of conference play which includes a road tilt at Syracuse this Saturday at 4 p.m. airing on ACC Network. The Pride also tipped off the season with a closely contested 82-78 loss at Big 12 foe Central Florida.
“We always want to schedule tough,” Claxton said. “Playing hard games in non-conference prepares you well for conference play.”
Hofstra opens up the CAA schedule with a Dec. 29 home game against Campbell at 7 p.m. The Pride closes the regular season hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook on Feb. 28. and longtime conference rival Drexel on March 3.
Cruz Davis, right, averaged 14.4 points per game last season.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Preston Edmead is off to an impressive freshman campaign.
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.
news briefs
Baldwin native returns for author event at Baldwin Public Library
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Author Jane L. Rosen grew up in Baldwin. Now a successful author, she has returned to her hometown library via Zoom to discuss her latest novel, “Songs of Summer,” on Dec. 8.
Rosen has been writing her whole life. In high school, she wrote for the Baldwin Citizen newspaper, and then transitioned to writing screenplays. About 12 years ago, she wrote her first novel. Now, she is writing her seventh.
In her discussion with the Baldwin Public Library, Rosen will be talking about the final installment in her Fire Island trilogy. “Fire Island really is my happy place. It’s an amazing community, very intergenerational, lots of characters everywhere you look,” Rosen said to the Herald when asked the inspiration behind the trilogy. “It’s a nice, beautiful, warm summer landscape, with lots of small town gossip, all of those things wrapped up makes it the perfect setting for a novel, especially a summer novel.”
Ohio and heads to Fire Island in search of her birth mother, but she finds a lot more than she was looking for. Rosen decided to name the book Songs of Summer because of all of the musical references she worked into the story. “Maggie May owns a record store, and a guy she meets on Fire Island works for Rolling Stone... Each chapter begins with the name of a song,” she said.
“There’s a great playlist that goes along with it.
A lot of people listened along as they read, it’s really fun.”
When talking to readers, she describes herself as an “open book.”
“I love talking to readers and I love answering questions. I find it really enjoyable. I love meeting my readers,” she said. Rosen hopes the discussion of her summer novel brought warmth to attendees this winter.
Students explore marine biology education
Baldwin High School’s College Marine Biology course recently embarked on a “Leaving2Learn” at Seatuck Environmental Association’s South Shore Nature Center to collaborate with biology experts. This was the first year of incorporating this type of educational experience at this site for this course.
Baldwin Union Free School District’s “Leaving2Learns” aim to connect classroom learning with practical applications, allowing students to directly engage with their field. By moving beyond traditional education, students expand their knowledge and explore career paths in a dynamic, hands-on environment. The hands-on approach enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing their understanding and retention of complex concepts.
“Songs of Summer” tells the story of Maggie May Wheeler, a woman who leaves a small town in
“It’s a real thrill for me,” Rosen said on how it feels to do her first author event at her childhood library. From field trips to being asked out on a date for the first time, she will never forget the “fantastic” memories she has made at the BPL. “You could take the girl out of Long Island, but you can’t take Long Island out of the girl.”
At the South Shore Nature Center, activities encompassed identifying organisms in a freshwater pond, collecting population data, and studying oyster cages to examine growth rates and reef biodiversity. Students participated in a guided nature walk, exploring the ecosystems of freshwater, low marsh, and estuary areas. In addition, students also visited the Town of Islip Regional Shellfish Hatchery for a firsthand view of shellfish conservation work, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in marine biology. The immersive experience broadened their ecological understanding and deepened their appreciation for conservation efforts.
The district believes that extending learning beyond the classroom and offering transformative educational experiences like this one will both inspire and empower the next generation of marine biologists.
“By bringing students into the field and connecting them to a network of passionate and knowledgeable experts, the impact that the course is able to have on our students as they are still determining what their future careers and goals might look like is so much greater,” said Matthew Joseph, the teacher of this course who was also present for the unique educational experience.
— Allyson Ferrari
As the days grow shorter and the winter nights longer, we once again prepare to welcome the lights of Hanukkah - a festival that calls us to remember our history, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to bringing light into the world. Hanukkah is not only a commemoration of an ancient miracle; it’s an invitation to examine how we nurture hope, justice, and compassion in our lives today.
The story of Hanukkah begins in a time of profound challenge. The Jewish community faced oppression, cultural erasure, and moral uncertainty. Yet, despite all of this, a small but determined group, the Maccabees, refused to let despair define them. They reclaimed our Holy Temple, restored our traditions, and reignited the Menorah in the Holy Temple. Legend tells that even though they had only enough purified oil for one night, it lasted for eight. From this act of courage and faith, a
A nukk AH GreetinGs
Greetings for Hanukkah H
light emerged that endured far longer than expected.
Whether we understand the miracle as historical fact, spiritual truth, or symbolic wisdom, its message remains powerful: even a small spark can transform darkness. Our task is to kindle that spark within ourselves and share it generously.
Today, our world still knows darkness. There is conflict, fear, loneliness, rising Anti-Semitism, and the difficulties many families face simply trying to get by. But with all that, Hanukkah reminds us that we are not powerless. Every act of kindness, every moment of listening, every stand taken for justice or dignity, adds a candle to the menorah of our collective hope.
M ickey B au M
Judaism emphasizes not only the cel-
ebration of miracles but the responsibility to be the miracle. Each night, as we place another candle in the Chanukah Menorah, we affirm that light should grow, not diminish. We commit to expanding empathy, strengthening community, and pursuing a world where all people can live in safety and peace. Hanukkah also teaches the importance of joy. Amid lifes challenges, we gather with loved ones, savor the scent of latkes frying, spin dreidels, and sing songs handed down through generations. These traditions are not trivial; they sustain us. Joy is a source of resilience. It reminds us that we are connected to something larger than our struggles.
This season, I encourage each of us to consider: What light can we bring
into the world? How can we brighten someone elses path? Perhaps it is offering support to a neighbor, volunteering time or resources, or simply choosing compassion in a moment when impatience would be easier. Light shared is never diminished - it only grows. May the flames of the Chanukah Menorah illuminate your homes with warmth and peace. May they remind us that we are stronger together, and that the choices we make day by day, candle by candle, can help build a brighter, kinder community. And may we carry the spirit of Hanukkah forward, committed to being sources of hope in every season.
From my family to yours: Chag Urim Sameach-Wishing you a joyful, meaningful, and light-filled Festival of Lights.
Rabbi Mickey Baum is the spiritual leader and education director of Temple Beth Am
JANE L. ROSEN
Courtesy Baldwin School District
Students at the Town of Islip Regional Shellfish Hatchery exploring the sustainable practices in marine biology.
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 11
‘Home for the Holidays’ Pet Adoption
There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during “Home for the Holidays’ at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Preview the cats and dogs online at Hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter.
• Where: 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Ongoing, through Jan. 4.
• Contact: (516) 785-5220
Holiday Plants
Paul the Plant Man is at Baldwin Public Library for a workshop on some extraordinary plants to decorate with for the holidays. Registration required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave
• Time: 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Spongebob Squarepants party
Baldwin Public Library welcomes kids in grades 4-7 to celebrate the new movie. Draw your own Doodlebob and play bingo with iconic lines from the show. Snacks provided. Registration required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Baldwin Civic Association meeting
The Baldwin Civic Association meets at Baldwin High School.
• Where: 841 Ethel T. Kloberg Dr.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
DEC
12
‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’ Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ awardwinning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9
‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals
• Where: 2332 Grand Ave., Baldwin (between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway)
• Time: 3, 4 and 5 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 223-1951
Hockey clinic
Long Island Children’s Museum hosts the Long Island Warriors, a nonprofit recreational hockey program and team for military veterans, active military and reserves, for a special hockey clinic for kids in conjunction with the museum’s popular Snowflake Skating exhibit programming. Kids who want to up their sock skating game are encouraged to participate. Warriors players will teach kids about stick handling and passing as they master wrist and slap shots on the LICM’s popular sock skating “ice.” Free for ages three and up with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
• Where: Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
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.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: livenation.com
DEC
15
Winter Mobile workshop
members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 17-18
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Movie matinee
Stop by Baldwin Public Library for a showing of the 2024 historical drama “Small Things Like These,” based on the book by Claire Keegan. A devoted father discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own. No registration required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 1-4 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
‘Holiday
DEC 13
Harmony Spectacular!’
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance at Elmont Memorial Library. In this special holiday show, “A Musical Wonderland,” cast of 30, plus special guests, keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform the best holiday
songs of all time and more. Free admission.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207
Holiday fun at Westbury House
Step into the magic of Christmas at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House! Bring the kids a festive night filled with holiday fun!
Explore, through a self-guided tour, the beautifully decorated mansion with a special Christmas scavenger hunt. Get creative at Christmas craft stations, making holiday keepsakes to take home. Meet Santa Claus himself, share your wish list and snap a photo to capture the moment. Enjoy delicious cookies and cider in our West Porch.
The party features Lucky Duck Puppets’ holiday show, at 7 p.m.The Winter Holiday Puppet Show is an original story about Greg, a North Pole penguin trying to find his place in the world and how he can help spread holiday cheer! $25, $22 ages 3-12 (20% member discount. Advance registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
Jar
Of Hot Cocoa
As the weather gets chillier, everyone can use a nice warm sweet treat. Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to come by and make some hot cocoa in a jar. Pick your own toppings and decorate your jar. This is a drop-in activity.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
DEC
14
Sunday music
Enjoy a special concert of holiday jazz with the Paul Joseph Trio at Baldwin Public Library.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 1-4 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Living Nativity
Experience the story of Christmas in a live presentation with actors, dancers and live stable animals at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Join in the 29th year of this family Christmas tradition. Shows are kid-friendly; 30 minutes long with the chance to meet the animals after each show.
Kids in Grades K-2 create a winter mobile at Baldwin Public Library .Use a variety of materials like beads, cupcake liners, pinecones, and twigs to bring seasonal magic to your home! Registration required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 4-5 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
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Baldwin Lions Club meets The Lions Club holds their monthly meeting at Baldwin Public Library.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. 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.
LI Royals victorious 2025 season
each other off the (field). We haven’t had many opportunities yet to spend time with each other’s families, especially for the coaches who are always in the dugout and not in the bleachers,” Morris said.
The Royals play three different seasons per year: spring, summer, and fall. The athletes will begin the next season with winter workouts four times a week at an indoor facility in early January, and then return to the baseball field at Baldwin Park in the spring for the first of its three seasons.
The 10U Royals will kick-start their 2026 season on Jan. 5, and Smith said they are “ready to compete” and “defend their championship” when the games begin for real in the spring. Morris shared with the Herald that the Royals are planning to start going outside of Long Island and play in more tournaments out of state. “It’s going to require more funding and more commitments,” he said. “The Royals need the support of the community as we prepare for bigger tournaments, like Ripken and Cooperstown, which will require us to leave the island and see more national competition.”
“We always hear that something is brewing in Baldwin,” Morris said. “Great baseball is brewing here again.”
Continued from page 1
Courtesy Kevin Smith photos
the Li royals start its 2026 season Jan. 5, 2026. the boys are ready to defend their championship title.
the athletes show off championship rings at Sonny’s Canal House during their endof-year celebration.
royals
10u travel baseball team with their championship trophy after the game on oct. 26.
Crime briefs
Baldwin teen charged with murder in fatal Hempstead shooting
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: DR. CLOTAIRE ARISTE MEDICAL SERVICES, PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/04/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 987 Woodoak Drive, Baldwin NY, 11510. 156865
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. JUMBEE ENTERPRISES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 05/21/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 890 May Place, Baldwin, NY 11510
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156908
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NASSAU TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2016-5, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, -againstELMOR JOHNSON, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 16, 2025, wherein TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2016-5, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and ELMOR JOHNSON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 6, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 740 WESLEY STREET, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 36-178-112. ALL THAT CERTAIN, PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BALDWIN, TOWN OF
A Baldwin teenager has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting that took place at a house party in Hempstead last month, Nassau County police said.
Jacob McMillan, 18, was arrested and faces charges including second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and burglary stemming from the Nov. 22 shooting that claimed the life of Amira McLeod, 19, of Queens.
According to Detective Lt. George Darienzo of the Homicide Squad, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert at 10:50 p.m. and found all three victims with gunshot wounds. McCleod was pronounced dead at the scene by a Northwell paramedic.
Two 20-year-old men were taken to a nearby hospital, listed in stable condition at that time. Darienzo did not share their names due to ongoing legal proceedings.
McLeod, a sophomore at Monroe University in the Bronx and member of its basketball team, had reportedly attended the party after receiving an invitation from a friend in the area.
cult for Amira’s family and all who loved her as they continue their pursuit of justice. As the legal process proceeds, we remain steadfast in our support for Amira’s family, teammates, and friends. Our hearts are with them as they endure this painful journey.”
Darienzo said that McMillan arrived at the gathering with four friends after seeing the event promoted on social media. An altercation allegedly broke out between McMillan and the host — described as a Nassau Community College student by police — over party security and whether guests were bringing weapons.
McMillan is accused of stepping back from the group and firing three rounds, striking McLeod and two others.
“There was no altercation between the victim and the suspect,” Darienzo said. “She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The house, believed to be a short-term rental, was not owned by any of the attendees, according to police.
HEMPSTEAD, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613679/2023.
Michael J. Sepe, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157053
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., -againstNICOLE RASHIDI, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 29, 2025, wherein MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC. is the Plaintiff and NICOLE RASHIDI, ET AL. are the
Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 14, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 566 STOWE AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 36-402-453 & 454. ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS, PIECES OR PARCELS OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611718/2020. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
157201
“We are deeply grateful to the Nassau County Police Department for their diligent and swift work in apprehending a suspect in the tragic death of Amira McCleod,” Monroe officials said in a statement.
“This development is a meaningful step forward, even as we recognize that the path ahead remains profoundly diffi-
McMillan, who has a prior arrest for criminal possession of stolen property, will also face charges related to a separate burglary case from September, police said. The gun used in the shooting has not yet been recovered, and officials have found no evidence of gang affiliation.
McMillan was arraigned Dec. 3, at First District Court in Hempstead.
Four arrests in alleged grand larcenies
Four people were arrested on Dec. 3 for multiple alleged grand larcenies across Nassau County.
Police have arrested Cosmina Caldararu, 39, Laura Calin, 33 , Alexendru Dumitru, 36, and Constantin Dumitru, 41, all of Bridgeport, Conn.
According to police, Caldararu allegedly stole jewelry from an 18-year-old man in Uniondale on July 28.
Caldararu and C. Dumitru allegedly took jewelry from an 84-year-old man in Baldwin, police said, on Oct. 3.
Officials say Caldararu, Calin, and Alexendru Dumitru allegedly stole jewelry from a 94-year-old woman in Oceanside on Nov. 26, as well as a 66-year-old man in Franklin Square on Nov. 28, and a 79-yearold woman in Valley Stream on Nov. 29.
Police also said that Caldararu and Alexendru Dumitru allegedly took jewelry from a 70-year-old woman and 68-year-old man in Valley Stream on Nov. 30.
Caldararu was charged with seven counts of grand larceny and three counts of conspiracy. Alexendru Dumitru was charged with five counts of grand larceny and three counts of conspiracy. Calin was charged with four counts of grand larceny and two counts of conspiracy. Constantin Dumitru was charged with grand larceny.
All four were released on appearance tickets and then there were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement Agents.
— Luke Feeney
Luke Feeney/Herald
Jacob McMillan, an 18-year-old Baldwin resident, was arrested and faces multiple charges including second-degree murder for a shooting at a house party in November that killed college student Amira McLeod.
— Allyson Ferrari
Constantin Dumitru alexanDer Dumitru l aura Calin
Cosmina CalDararu
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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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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
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
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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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Don’t miss the chance to own your own private oasis right in the heart of Oceanside. This beautifully maintained home is ideally located close to everything you need houses of worship, schools, parks, pools, restaurants, and endless activities for all ages. Bright, inviting, and airy, this spacious split-level home features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The primary suite enjoys its own private level
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!
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.
Thank you for the honor of serving the 5th District
Thank you. I cannot say it enough.
Serving as a Nassau County Legislator for the past two years has been a tremendous honor, and an even greater privilege.
I joined the Legislature at a challenging time for Democrats. We were the last line of defense against a Republican supermajority and absolute one-party rule in Nassau.
For two years we fought for our constituents. We fought to get our communities the resources from the county that they not only deserve but pay for with their tax dollars. Under the leadership of Minority Leader Delia DeRiggiWhitton, we proudly stood shoulder to shoulder and delivered.
We successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan to force County Executive Bruce Blakeman to process 14 long-awaited grants for first responders serving Democratic districts — including $100,000 for the Merrick Fire Department. We enacted a capital plan that delivered tens of millions for essential infrastructure investments in Demo-
cratic districts and funded first responders, law enforcement and critical countywide infrastructure upgrades.
As a caucus, we fought for American Rescue Plan Act funding that Nassau received after the pandemic, to be set aside for community organizations that helped us weather the storm and strengthen the fabric of our communities. In District 5 we supported our youth by securing $100,000 for Rising Stars in Freeport and $50,000 for the Cedarmore Corporation. We confronted hunger by delivering over $22,000 to the Ladles of Hope food pantry at Our Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport.
focused on the health and safety of our community members.
i have the utmost confidence in the Democratic conference I leave behind.
Our caucus fought for common-sense legislation that would protect the public and save lives. I proposed Gio’s Law to mandate epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, in all county police cars, and Robbie’s Law, to equip all county athletic fields with automated external defibrillators. My colleagues proposed the Families Against Fentanyl Act, which would require the inclusion of low-cost, highly accurate fentanyl-detecting test strips in Narcan kits distributed by county agencies.
We proposed these pieces of legislation because they made sense. All three
I proudly stood with my colleagues as we sounded the alarm on tens of millions of dollars in wasteful spending on politically connected outside legal contracts. And we shed light on the chaos at Nassau University Medical Center amid the ongoing battle to save this vital safety-net hospital that so many people rely on. We fought for policies to make Nassau more affordable by reducing permit fees for businesses and returning illegally collected red-light camera ticket fees to drivers.
Unfortunately, none of the legislation proposed by Democrats made it onto the legislative calendar for a vote, but I’m optimistic that the momentum we created will continue into 2026. Here’s one example: At a recent meeting of the Merrick Community Civic Association, I saw a powerful presentation by Kennedy High School students Ava and Ethan Robinson in support of Robbie’s Law. Their passion showed that the fight for this lifesaving idea is far from over.
There is more work to do, but I have the utmost confidence in the Democratic caucus I leave behind. I owe each member a debt of gratitude. My success
representing the 5th District is directly related to the support, advice and guidance I received from my fellow legislators. Thanks to each of you.
My term ends on Dec. 31, but my work will continue until then. I will use every moment to help our community. I’m happy to announce that we will host a winter coat drive in partnership with the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club. If you have new or gently used winter coats and accessories, please drop them off during business hours at the Freeport, North Bellmore or North Merrick libraries, or Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club headquarters, at 294 W. Merrick Road, Suite 12, in Freeport. The drive ends on Dec. 14.
I’m especially grateful for the unwavering love and support that my wife, Jill, our children and extended family gave me on this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I am forever grateful to all of you.
Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve for these two years. From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous holiday season and an amazing 2026. I look forward to seeing you in the community as we continue making Nassau County an even better place to live, work and raise our families.
Seth I. Koslow, of Merrick, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
seTh i. koslow
Framework by Tim Baker
At the Holiday Boat Parade on the Nautical Mile — Freeport
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