East Meadow Herald 12-11-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

HERALD east meadow

Festive nights, holiday sprit in East Meadow, Salisbury

The communities of East Meadow and Salisbury welcomed in the holidays during ceremony tree lighting ceremonies on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5. Filled with music, festivities, friendly characters and warm treats, neighbors ushered in the season of giving. Above, Abigail Lee, Jasmine Gonzales and Emma Oglesby of Girl Scout Troop 1050 at the Salisbury tree lighting. Right, Jen Napolitano with Charles, 5, and Ally, 2, met Santa Claus at the East Meadow celebration. Story, more photos, Pages 3 and 10.

Kiwanis keeps giving back to those in need

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow is on track to complete 2025 with a successful season of holiday-themed events, continuing classic traditions and making changes that reflect the needs of friends and neighbors.

The club collected toys for one of its final annual events. The Secret Snowflake Toy Drive assembled a large collection of unwrapped toys from individual community members and local businesses: Coldwell Banker American Homes; A&C Pest Management; Rosenthal, Curry and Kranz LLP; Club Pilates East Meadow; Borrelli’s, Skinner Agency and Ross L. Schiller and Associates P.C.

share or drop off at our many locations.”

Goldstein is the library secretary of Barnum Woods Elementary School; she is in a position where the circumstances of young people are made apparent, and how receiving care connects with them.

need

“They’re children,” she said. “They shouldn’t have to know how hard life is, and it’s good that they can have something.”

a lot of toys and gift cards

DoNNA GolDStEiN President, Kiwanis Club

Within the school, she sees both the need for aid and the spirit of generosity flourishing in students. Students in Service and Leadership Programs around the district contributed to the toy drive, according to Goldstein.

The toy drive is co-chaired by Kiwanis Club President Donna Goldstein, along with past presidents Jennifer Reinhardt and Diane Krug.

“We need a lot of toys and gift cards,” Goldstein said. “We’d love it if people in the community could contact us or

“All of a sudden, all of our clubs are really stepping it up,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see children as young as third graders all the way up to high schoolers seeing this and being such an active part of helping their community.”

Families in need are identified by working with the district’s social workers, who are

Continued on page 16

Tim Baker/Herald photos

things to know: EAst MEADow LiBRARY

December wraps up with food, fun and festivities

By JORDAN VALLONE

jvallone@liherald.com

As the year winds down, the East Meadow Public Library is closing out December with programs designed to bring the community together before turning the page to 2026. From hands-on cooking to a lively comedy showcase and a family-friendly New Year celebration, the library is offering something for every household as residents enjoy the final days of the season.

Savor gourmet appetizers with Chef Robert Dell’Amore – Dec. 22

Food enthusiasts can cap off the holiday season with an in-person culinary demonstration from Chef/Dr. Robert Dell’Amore of Power of Food Productions. His “Amazing Holiday Appetizers” workshop will spotlight a flavor-packed vegetarian bruschetta made with garlic broccoli rabe flowers, sautéed mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and triple-toasted Italian bread wedges — a dish he’ll prepare step-by-step while sharing techniques and nutritional insights. Attendees will have the chance to sample the finished creation, making the program both instructional and delicious. This adults-only event carries a $5 materials fee, and registration is required. The program takes place Monday, Dec. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Makerspace Rooms A and B.

Laugh your way through

the holiday haze – Dec. 29

Just days before the new year, East Meadow’s own comic favorite Mark Brier returns to headline “Laughs at the Library,” bringing a rotating cast of Long Island comedians known for their sharp wit and spirited stage presence. Brier, who was named “Best Comic on Long Island” by Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Best of Long Island, curates a show that blends classic stand-up with playful observations — a perfect antidote to postholiday fatigue. The afternoon promises plenty of feel-good humor and is ideal for adults looking to unwind, recharge and enjoy a communal laugh as December comes to a close. “Laughs at the Library” will be held Monday, Dec. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Room, and no registration is required for this in-person event.

Ring in 2026 early at Noon Year’s Eve – Dec. 30

Families can celebrate the arrival of 2026 without staying up late during the library’s annual “Noon Year’s Eve” party, a vibrant countdown event especially popular with children up to grade five. The morning will feature hands-on crafts, festive face painting, balloon animals and a spirited countdown to noon, allowing little ones to enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve in a fun, age-appropriate atmosphere. The program offers a lively blend of creativity and celebration, giving families a warm and memorable way to close out the year together. Registration is required for this event and opens on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 9:30 a.m. The Noon Year’s Eve celebration will be held Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Children’s Story Hour Room.

Lighting up East Meadow ahead of the holidays

The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations welcomed hundreds to the Town of Hempstead Veterans Memorial Park on Dec. 4 for the 26th annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The beloved tradition once again turned the town square at Prospect Avenue and East Meadow Avenue into the heart of the community’s seasonal celebration. Families enjoyed face painting, ornament decorating, donuts, and steaming cups of hot chocolate as they waited for the arrival of Santa Claus, who made his entrance to

cheers from children clutching their newly crafted ornaments.

Performers from NY Dancers Studio, dressed as toy soldiers, brought extra sparkle to the evening with a choreographed showcase that drew big applause. As darkness settled in, the countdown began, and the town tree was illuminated to bright, festive fanfare — marking the official start of the holiday season in East Meadow. Residents lingered long after the ceremony ended, sharing photos, treats, and the simple joy of gathering together.

–Jordan Vallone

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The East Meadow community was out in full force on Dec. 4, ringing in the holiday season with the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Cast Meadow Community Organizations.

Brandi Grugliano with Valentina, 4.

Bundled up for frigid temperatures, Julia Smith, 10, Rebecca Smith, 8, and Vivanna Adragna, 10, made ornaments.

The East Meadow High School Marching band played festive tunes.

Emma Palmieri, Gianna Vegas, Kelsey McKikop, Ella McNamee, Carlye Susca and Gabriella Sinensky from NY Dancers Studio performed the March of the Wooden Soldiers.

Wishing Everyone Blessings & Joy This Season. Happy Chanukah

elevate the Conversation

May I have a word?

Ihave always respected words. Their power. Their purpose.

But it was a 2025 High Holiday Service sermon, delivered by Rabbi Daniel Bar-Nahum of Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh that gave me even greater appreciation of that which is “the word.”

I don’t pretend to replace his eloquence with this article. But the takeaway of this sermon resonated long after the speech was done.

In short, words can create. And words can destroy.

Given a captive audience that remained focused on self-reflection, I was relieved that we weren’t examining the story of the gossip who learned you can’t take your words back (as exemplified by shaking a torn pillow with its scattered feathers or the inability to get the toothpaste back in once it’s squeezed from the tube.)

my frustration. I called back, verbally let loose and I left the call wondering if I should have left well enough alone.

I reran the conversation over and over in my head with a nagging suspicion of destroying what could have been a renewal of our friendship. Then I heard the sermon.

In retrospect, the destructive words I used to express my hurt weren’t as justified as I originally told myself. So I made a quiet vow in the pew that day, that since her birthday was coming soon I had a 50-50 chance to speak with her again, with the intent on repairing damage done.

I got lucky. She took my call and apology and appreciated my recollection of her special day. The short chat cleared away all the cobwebs and the sorrow till there was none.

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”.

Instead, this was simple. What you say, not just when and how you say it, matters. And I learned this the hard way.

An elementary school classmate reached out to me via social media and we agreed to catch up by phone. After a few moments into the call, she said something totally inappropriate and assumptive about me and my family, and I failed to give a snappy retort to express my dismay. I ended the call and decided this was the time to not shy away from

News

Lessons learned? Not just that words can cause ruin in many ways and settings, but in contrast when someone listens, words have the unique opportunity to create new beginnings as well.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

Nassau BOCES recognizes local students

125 students from throughout Nassau County were named Students of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech and GC Tech career and technical education high schools. All were honored for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness. Students of the Quarter have taken the initiative on class projects and are role models for their

fellow students, in both the classroom and the workplace.

Students from East Meadow include Ibrahim Baig, at Barry Tech Aviation Operations, Ava Biscello, at GC Tech Esthetics and Skin Care, Devin Farrell at Barry Tech Animal Care, and Robert McGowan at GC Tech Emergency Medical Technician.

Blakeman will run for N.Y. governor’s seat

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

In a video ad unveiled on his campaign website, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman officially announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9.

Blakeman, 70, who was toying with the idea of a gubernatorial run since last year, solidified his ambition for the state’s top elected spot with a 12-point victory over County Legislator Seth Koslow last month.

However, the longtime elected official faces an uphill battle in his own party as upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s poll numbers outshine Blakeman’s and the state GOP has said it didn’t want an intra-party battle and strongly backs Stefanik, 41.

Originally from Valley Stream, Blakeman has spent a good deal of his life in politics. His father, Robert, served in the Assembly and Blakeman’s brother Brad, served on the staff of President George W. Bush.

First elected to the Hempstead town board in 1993, two years later Blakeman was elected to serve in the County Legislature’s first class as that lawmaking body replace the Board of Supervisors. He also served as the Legislature’s first presiding officer.

Blakeman, who now lives in Atlantic Beach, was the commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 2001 to 2009, and was appointed to the Hempstead Town Board in 2015. He challenged then County Executive Laura Curran in 2021, and won, and captured another four-year term in November.

In 2014, Blakeman lost to Kathleen Rice to represent

the 4th Congressional District that covers a large swath of Nassau’s South Shore. Four years earlier, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City and U.S. Senate.

The past few years, Blakeman has strongly supported President Donald Trump and has allowed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold detainees in a portion of the county’s Correctional Center in East Meadow — a first of its kind partnership in the U.S.

“The people of Nassau County want us to cooperate with ICE,” he said during his November victory speech at the Coral House in Baldwin. “They want to get the criminals out of our country.”

Blakeman advocated for the Las Vegas Sands proposed casino project at the Nassau Hub, which fell apart when the Sands dropped out in April. Previously, he told the Herald that alternative development plans are now progressing under a “Plan B” strategy.

His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.”

“Bruce’s failed statewide electoral record speaks for itself — he has lost every statewide primary and general election over the last three decades in smashing fashion,” Stefanik campaign spokeswoman Bernadette Breslin wrote in a statement. “And after a career of colluding with elected Democrats, Blakeman’s swan song is choosing to prop up Kathy Hochul.”

Tim Baker/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9.

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.

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.

Santa Claus arrives at E.M. Stew Leonard’s

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The holidays kicked off at Stew Leonard’s on Dec. 2, thanks to arrival of Santa Claus, who was at the store with other fun characters, ready to meet children in the community. Stew Leonard’s hosts a variety of holiday-themed events throughout the year, all building up to the kick off the store’s kickoff for Christmas celebration.

Santa’s arrival was celebrated with holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate as he was greeted by community members outside of the store. Wow the Cow, Stew Leonard’s mascot, also joined in during the Tuesday evening festivities.

Festivities at the East Meadow store will continue through Dec. 13 and Dec. 14. Santa will be at the store for a special breakfast. The East Meadow store is located at 1897 Front Street, East Meadow. For questions about the events, customers should call (516) 394-9001.

Stew Leonard’s is a family-owned and operated grocery chain, based in Connecticut. It has Long Island stores in Farmingdale and East Meadow.

The store has long been recognized for its active involvement in local communities, a key element of its business philosophy. The grocery chain emphasizes creating a family-friendly shopping experience and supporting initiatives that bring people together and uplift communities.

From family-oriented holiday events like Halloween trick-or-treating and Easter Egg hunts, most of the events are free or low-cost, designed to foster community spirit.

And for over 40 years, Stew Leonard’s

stores have taken part in a “turkey brigade” which passes out turkeys to charities ahead of Thanksgiving. The welcomed event returned to East Meadow earlier this year, as firefighters, police officers, election officials and more gathered to distribute turkeys and give back tot hose in need.

Stew Leonard’s in East Meadow continues to embody the spirit of the season with its commitment to creating memorable, family-friendly experiences. Whether it’s Santa’s arrival, holiday brunches, or opportunities to give back, the store offers a space for the community to celebrate together. As this year’s holiday events wind down, families can look forward to a calendar full of joyful gatherings in the months ahead.

To look at what’s happening at each individual store throughout 2026, visit StewLeonards.com, and hit the East Meadow store tab. For tickets for paid events, customers can follow along at EventBrite.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Wow the Cow, Santa, and store employees Mike Tillwitz, Karina Turcios, Sam Noyola and Ryan Lopez.

Wow the Cow, the store’s mascot, was festive alongside Santa Claus.

Salisbury community ushers in the holiday season

The Salisbury Community and the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce hosted their 39th annual Holiday Lighting on Dec. 5, drawing crowds to Carman Avenue and Lake Lane for one of the area’s longest-running family traditions. The East Meadow Fire Department delighted children by arriving with Santa aboard a fire truck, lights flashing and sirens sounding just enough to add excitement. Children rushed forward to greet him, many carrying handmade ornaments crafted by local Girl Scouts and Kiwanis Service Leadership groups.

The Clarke High School Select Chorale filled the chilly afternoon with classic holiday songs, creating a warm, nostalgic soundtrack as families gathered near the decorated tree. Residents chatted with neighbors, snapped photos, and enjoyed the chance to slow down during a hectic season. Organizers thanked the many local merchants who have supported the celebration over the decades—emphasizing the deeply rooted community pride that keeps the tradition alive. The lighting ceremony served as a gentle reminder to appreciate simple joys and familiar faces during the holiday season.

–Jordan Vallone

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Girl Scouts from Salisbury with elected officials Town Clerk Kate Murray, Legislator Tom McKevitt, Councilman Dennis Dunne and Assemblyman John Mikulin.

The tree in Salisbury was illuminated on Dec. 5 as the community gathered to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Selena D’Angelo, 9, Karina D’Angelo, 6, Kaja Abramowicz, 7, and Zuzanna Abramowicz, 9, enjoyed hot cocoa and warm treats at the beloved holiday event.

Avery Rita, 6, Sophia Mattina, 6, Sal Mattina, 6, and Elsie Dolan, 6, friends from Parkway Elementary School, with firefighters from Engine No. 4 in East Meadow.

Winter is no longer just a whisper. Darkness falls early these days. Winds are strong, clouds are gray, and yet everywhere we look, there are pops of light as the season begins. The Winter Solstice arrives soon, and with it so many holidays. The primary theme? Lighting up the night.

It’s not only Hanukkah, which begins this year the evening of Dec 14, and continues for eight days. All of the winter holidays, no matter their religious or pagan origins, include rituals of adding light into the dark winter months.

The Talmud shares the story of the first human, Adam, who saw the days getting shorter for the first time and panicked. He thought his own sins were causing a darkened world that would eventually disappear into chaos. He spent eight days fasting and praying - and then, the solstice arrived! As the days lengthened, he learned that this was a fundamental feature - not a bug - of nature. He lit

candles and celebrated for another eight days. The next year, he commemorated the solstice with eight days of prayer preceding, and eight days of celebration following.

The Sages of the Talmud share this story as the origin for many holidays that take place at this time of year, including in ancient Rome, and of course, the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of lights. When the Judeans returned to the Holy Temple that had been defaced by the invading Greek Syrians, they wanted to rededicate by lighting the Menorah, the seven-branched oil lamp that was the centerpiece of the Sanctuary and shed spiritual light to the entire world. They searched and found just one tiny flask of olive oil. It would take eight days to replenish,

but they didn’t give up, or save it for later. They lit the lamp with what they had, and the lights miraculously lasted eight days and nights.

The Hanukkah story is one of filling the world with light because that is our task when the world gets darker: to add more light. “A little bit of light can push away much darkness”, says Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. When our ancestors saw the world going dark, they didn’t save what light they had for a future moment. They knew the only answer was to go forth blazing with all the light they had. Sharing light with faith and hope, the light multiplied. That hope led to the miracle of Hanukkah, of light in darkness. For we don’t only bring light into the world by lighting candles, but by becoming the very light itself.

It is this light that Adam tapped into at the very first solstice of humanity. It is the light when all possibility feels lost, when the world seems dark and hopeless. It is this light of hope that we kindle with our Hanukkah menorahs - eight branches, this time, to celebrate for eight days and nights. Though the world feels darker than ever, we all have the capacity not only to light candles and shine into the night, but to become that light. To let the light of our hearts shine, to connect with our friends and neighbors, to tap into the wisdom of ancient traditions, and to do more acts of kindness that bring light into the darkness. May we all merit to light the darkness this year and live in a world that is filled with light and love. Wishing all a happy holiday season, and a special Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate.

Blessings.

Rabbi Rishe Groner is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Ohr.

Rabbi Rishe GRoneR

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.

2

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:

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.

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.

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.

Long Island Opens 24/7 Crisis Center

CN Guidance addresses behavioral health needs with groundbreaking facility.

By: Olivia Sims

When someone on Long Island experiences a behavioral health crisis, immediate and appropriate care has historically been difficult to access. Families often relied on emergency rooms, law enforcement, or outpatient services with long waits, navigating a system that can feel overwhelming in urgent moments.

A new option is now emerging in Hicksville. CN Guidance & Counseling Services, a trusted behavioral health nonprofit serving Long Island for more than 50 years, is opening one of the region’s first Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers, the Community Crisis Center (CCC). Opening December 6th, the CCC will provide 24/7, yearround, walk-in care for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

Filling a Critical Gap in Crisis Care

The CCC bridges a longstanding gap in Long Island’s “Crisis Continuum” by offering a dedicated place for stabilization and immediate support before connecting individuals to longerterm community services. By reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and easing pressure on first responders, the center helps residents access timely, appropriate care in a safe, supportive environment.

It also strengthens CN Guidance’s existing continuum of behavioral health programs while aligning with New York State’s broader strategy to build a more connected and compassionate crisis response system.

The need is urgent. Long Island continues to face challenges tied to opioids and synthetic drug use, youth mental health issues, and economic stressors. Reduced healthcare funding threatens to deepen these issues, increasing barriers to care.

“Crisis stabilization centers support and enhance our ability to quickly respond to New Yorkers experiencing a behavioral health crisis so they can avoid higher levels of care and unnecessary emergency room visits,” said Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health.

CCC Groundbreaking in Nov 2024: L to R: James O’Brien, CN Guidance Board President; Jeffrey Friedman, CN Guidance CEO; Brian Peterson, OMH Long Island Field Office; Maria Morris, NY OASAS; Anissa Moore, Deputy Nassau County Executive – Health & Human Services; Elaine Phillips, Nassau County Comptroller

“CN Guidance’s Community Crisis Center will provide a welcoming and supportive resource for Long Islanders who need care within their community.”

Collaboration in Action

The CCC is the result of extensive partnership between CN Guidance, Nassau County, and New York State agencies including the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

“From state and county agencies to law enforcement, social services, and dozens of organizations, each partner helped bring this center from vision to reality,” said Mary Silberstein, Senior Director of External Affairs.

“This collaborative model allows us to deliver urgent, compassionate care to individuals aged 5 and up experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises.”

During planning, CN Guidance engaged more than 55 community partners and received over 50 letters of support, including:

13 community-based service providers

local government and state representatives from OMH and OASAS

15 crisis response organizations, including 8 law enforcement departments

5 educational institutions

Numerous hospitals, healthcare systems, harm reduction providers, and residential organizations

These partnerships show a shared commitment to reshaping crisis care so individuals receive timely support rather than defaulting to emergency rooms or law enforcement intervention.

“This center will offer 24/7 urgent walk-in care for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis,” said Jeffrey Friedman, CEO of CN Guidance. “We’re grateful to New York State, Nassau County, and our regional partners for supporting the Community Crisis Center’s launch.”

24/7 Care Tailored to Every Need

The CCC is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of registered nurses, licensed behavioral health professionals, psychiatric nurse practitioners, certified peer specialists, substance use counselors, and behavioral health technicians. Services include:

Rapid assessment and health monitoring

Mental health screening and observation

Peer counseling and recovery support

Medication-assisted treatment for substance use

Aftercare planning and coordination

The 6,000-square-foot traumainformed facility offers separate areas for children and families and a dedicated first responder entrance, ensuring safety and dignity. Services are available regardless of ability to pay, with insurance and Medicare accepted.

Building a Healthier Future

Designed using local stakeholder input and best practices from successful stabilization centers nationwide, the CCC places Long Island among a growing group of New York communities investing in crisis stabilization as a cornerstone of behavioral health reform.

As CN Guidance expands outreach and strengthens community partnerships, the center’s impact will extend well beyond its walls, helping shape a safer and healthier future for Long Island residents.

For more information on the CCC or to access support, call 516-390-6544 or visit ��

Community Crisis Center exterior

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.

Courtesy Kiwanis of East Meadow

E.M. Kiwanis toy drive spreads holiday cheer

then put onto the Kiwanis’ list of gift recipients.

“We work really hard every year to ensure that all families in our school district are able to celebrate the holidays,” said Reinhardt. “This event means a lot to our club. Each year it just continues to bring a smile to our face because it brings a smile to so many other people’s faces.”

The annual toy drive has been a sta-

ple of the Kiwanis Club’s annual traditions — even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past, the club added to the program by partnering with local restaurateur Frank Borrelli to combine his communal Christmas dinner with their toy distribution. This year, the drive will offer food for the hungry in the form of bags of groceries and gift cards.

BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS

“It used to be a breakfast, and then it evolved into what it is today, which is the food and the gifts,” Krug explained. “This way each family can have it in their own home. We supply the food and some food and gifts to the children.”

In every version of the Kiwanis Club’s annual festivities, one thing stays the same: the value of goodwill and friendly faces.

“When they come to pick up the food and the gifts, they are so very thankful for what we’re doing,” Krug said. “That makes all the work worthwhile.”

The club accepts contributions through other means, such as monetary donations and direct individual contributions. The materials collected from the drive will be distributed on Dec. 20. To make a direct financial contribution, the Kiwanis Club is accepting donations on Venmo via code BOF-EMK.

To schedule a pickup of unwrapped new toys, contact Reinhardt at 516-3519891.

“Without all the donations, this event wouldn’t be possible,” she said, expressing gratitude to all who have contributed to the toy drive so far.

Coming next is the Kiwanis Club Holiday Party on Dec. 11, offering music and karaoke to participants in addition to a multi-course meal, celebrating the year’s successes. To learn more about this and future events, visit k03823.site. kiwanis.org.

The Kiwanis of East Meadow collected toys through Dec. 10 at various locations throughought the community.

The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow successfully completed its 2025 toy drive,

Leonard, Jr., Stew Leonard’s

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

LuminoCity Festival

LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.

• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m., 6-6:45 p.m., 7:30-8:15 p.m., through Jan. 1

• Contact: luminocityfestival.com

‘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

‘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

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.

DEC

18 Gilded Age Holiday

Visit Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House for a tasty holiday gathering. It was during the Gilded Age that many of the Christmas traditions still celebrated in America today first became part of mainstream culture. From sugar plums to plum pudding, each recipe in ‘The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook” offers a colorful glimpse into the era. The program, based on the book, explores the holiday lore of the time, sharing the origins of beloved customs Treats from the cookbook are available to sample, with books available for purchase. $30 per person. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The

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.

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 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

DEC 13

Breakfast with Santa Kick off the holidays with breakfast with Santa at Borrelli’s in East Meadow. $45 for adults, with a complimentary cocktail; $30 kids.

• Where: 1580 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow

• Time: 9:30 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 794-0190 o (516) 946-7207

‘Holiday 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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: livenation.com

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

DEC

14 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

‘Holiday Joy’ Christmas Celebration

Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a vibrant, joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s annual holiday celebration. The performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this remarkable show, now in its 12th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The lively cast includes Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and Broadway performers. Their enthusiasm and energy shine throughout the show, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Timeless songs are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a lively band that adds a festive musical backdrop to the spectacle.

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7 p.m.; also Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3 p.m.

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT

STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, -againstRINA LUCA; ROCCO LUCA; ANDRIY KUCHMA; ANTHONY MARTINICO; JOSEPH MARTINICO SR.;

JOSEPH MARTINICO JR., Defendants.

SUMMONS WITH NOTICE

Index No. 614091/2024

TO ANDRIY KUCHMA:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorneys an answer to the complaint in this action within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if the summons is not personally served upon you within the State of New York. The United States, if designated a defendant on this action, may appear or answer within sixty (60) days of service. In case of your failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. The basis of the venue designated is that the mortgaged property is located in Nassau County.

Dated: November 24, 2025 COOPER ERVING & SAVAGE LLP Albany, New York BY: Matthew E. Minniefield, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff 20 Corporate Woods Blvd., Suite 501 Albany, New York 12211 (518) 449-3900

TO:ANDRIY KUCHMA: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Carolyn Mazzu Genovesi, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 13th day of November, 2025, and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County. This is an action for foreclosure of a mortgage made by Rina Luca and Rocco Luca to Citizens Bank, N.A. (f/k/a RBS Citizens, N.A.), in the original amount of $225,000.00 with interest, dated July 13,

2011, recorded November 14, 2012 in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office in Liber M 37942 at page 483. The relief sought is the foreclosure of the mortgage lien and the public sale of the mortgaged premises and in case of your failure to appear, judgment may be taken against you extinguishing any interest or judgment lien you may have in the mortgaged premises. The premises indexed in this action are described and commonly known as 1583 Warren Street, East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York (SBL#: 50-59-57 (Lot Group 57-59)). A copy of the full legal description can be obtained by contacting counsel below.

Dated: November 24, 2025 COOPER ERVING & SAVAGE LLP

Albany, New York BY: Matthew E. Minniefield, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff 20 Corporate Woods Blvd., Suite 501 Albany, New York 12211 (518) 449-3900 mminniefield@coopere rving.com 157079

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 12/17/2025 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

628/25. EAST MEADOW - EMG Case Realty, LLC, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, side yards aggregate, construct dwelling with roofed over open porches attached thereto., S/s Cypress Ave., 254.1’ E/o Hilda St., a/k/a 2760 Cypress

Ave. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00

P.M.

643/25. NR WESTBURY

- Long Island Board Game Café, LLC, Special exception to use part of premises for place of public assembly & amusement in portion of existing building (Long Island Board Game Café, LLC)., S/W cor. Old Country Rd. & Merchants Concourse running thru to Zeckendorf Blvd., a/k/a 1500-1504 Old Country Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in East Meadow & Westbury within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 157250

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE BEL AIRE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff, against ANDREW CHAMOW, as heir to the Estate of Robert Chamow; ANDREW CHAMOW, as heir to the Estate of Dorothy Chamow; ALICE BADER, as heir to the Estate of Robert Chamow; ALICE BADER, as heir to the Estate of Dorothy Chamow; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, et. al., Defendants. Pursuant

to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated September 19, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, “Rain or Shine”, on January 14, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises being all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, East Meadow, Nassau County and State of New York, known and designated as Residential Unit No. 126 together with a 1.62% undivided interest in the common elements of the condominium hereinafter described as the same is defined in the Declaration of Condominium hereinafter referred to. The real property above described is a unit shown on the plans of a condominium prepared and certified by Sidney B. Bowne and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 23rd day of February, 2006, as Map No. CA-219 defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled The Bel Aire Condominium made by Bristal Gardens at East Meadow, LLC under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law dated the 17th day of October, 2005 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 23rd day of February, 2006 in Liber D12084 of Conveyances at page 1 covering the property therein described. Said premises known as 50 Merrick Avenue, #126, East Meadow, New York (SECTION 0050, BLOCK 00340, LOT 00509, UNIT 126). Said premises will be sold subject to zoning restrictions, covenants, easements, conditions, reservations and agreements, if any; subject to any state of facts as may appear from an accurate survey; subject to facts as to possession and occupancy and subject to whatever physical condition of the premises may be; subject to any violations of the zoning and other municipal ordinances and regulations, if any, and if the United States of

A time for light, love and renewal HANUKKAH MESSAGE

As winter deepens and December wraps the world in its quiet embrace, our days grow shorter and the nights stretch long. Yet this season, known for its early darkness, is paradoxically the time of year most filled with light. Homes and streets twinkle with decorations. Christmas trees sparkle with color. Neighborhoods glow with warmth and welcome. It is as if the world instinctively gathers its brightness to remind us that no darkness is ever final.

For the holiday of Hanukkah, our tradition celebrates a beloved festival whose message speaks to people of every faith and background. Hanukkah tells the story of a small flame that, against all odds, continued to burn. A single cruse of oil, barely enough for one day, miraculously lasted for eight. Beyond the miracle of the oil lies a deeper truth: the triumph of hope over despair and of determination over fear.

The Hanukkah lights offer a universal lesson. They remind us that even when our own energy feels depleted, when our strength wanes, when uncertainty surrounds us, and when challenges seem overwhelming, a spark of faith, courage, or kindness can illuminate far beyond

America should file a tax lien, or other lien, subject to the equity of redemption of the United States of America; subject to the rights of any lienors of record whose liens have not been foreclosed herein, if any; subject to the rights of holders of security in fixtures as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code; subject to taxes, assessments and water rates which are liens on the premises at the time of sale, with accrued interest or penalties thereon; and a first mortgage held by Wells Fargo Bank, mortgagee, given to Robert Chamow and Dorothy Chamow, mortgagors, in the original amount of $615,000.00 dated 10/25/2008 and recorded 11/18/2008 in Liber 33345 at page 706. Said mortgage having been assigned to Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company by Assignment dated 9/8/2017 and recorded

what we imagine. One small act of goodness can brighten a home. One gesture of compassion can uplift a neighbor. One moment of clarity can change a life. As a community Rabbi, I see these sparks every day. I see them in people who reach out to help a friend, in families who open their homes, and in volunteers who show up quietly and faithfully, expecting nothing in return. These are the modern miracles that keep the world glowing.December, with its many traditions, invites all of us, regardless of background or belief, to pause and reflect on the light within ourselves. The lessons we have learned this year, the challenges we have faced, and the love we have given and received become lanterns guiding us into the new year. So as we gather with loved ones and celebrate in our own ways, may the lights of Hanukkah join the lights of the season to remind us of our shared humanity. Wishing our entire community a season of light, love, and renewal. May the coming year bring peace, health, and brighter days for us all.

Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, PhD, is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah.

9/18/2017 in Liber 42386 at page 940. Said mortgage having been further assigned to SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT by Assignment dated 11/5/2018 and recorded 11/9/2018 in Liber 43147 at page 765. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY BANK OR CERTIFIED CHECKS PAYABLE TO LOUIS IMBROTO, ESQ., AS REFEREE. Index No. 607530/2023

Dated: December 5, 2025

Louis Imbroto, Esq., Referee Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 98 Maple Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787. 157255

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE

LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff -againstADRIANNE EDMUNDHENRY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 15, 2025 and entered on June 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY January 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Talbot Drive, distant 67.81 feet Southerly, as measured along the Easterly side of Talbot Drive from the Southwesterly end of a curve connecting the southeasterly side of

Franklin Street with the Easterly side of Talbot Drive; being a plot 100 feet by 76 feet by 100 feet by 76 feet. Section: 11 Block: 397 Lot: 6 Said premises known as 5 TALBOT DRIVE, WESTBURY, NY 11590 Approximate amount of lien $588,124.25 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 020702/2009.

EVETTE C. ENNIS, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7254.725 {* EAST MEAD*} 157139

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

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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.

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MEDIA

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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.

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

At the Holiday Boat Parade on the Nautical Mile — Freeport

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