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Vol. 27 No. 47

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13-year-old in need of a kidney Franklin Square’s Elias Manolis battling lifelong disease and seeking organ donor Elias takes seven medications in pill form, which helps maintain his bodily functions, A Franklin Square family is like blood pressure and calcium searching for a donor for their levels. His mother also adminisson, who currently has Stage 4 ters an injection once a week, kidney function and will need a which helps regulate his hemoglobin levels. The eighth-grader new kidney within a year. also has to catheterElias Manolis, iz e four times a who turned 13 earliweek because his er this month, was bladder retains born with a ureterourine — something ve s i c a l j u n c t i o n he’ll have to do for obstruction — a the rest of his life. blockage between When he was the kidney and the younger, Elias visitb l a d d e r. U n t i l ed a nephrologist — recently, his kidneys a kidney specialist functioned at Stage — every six months. 2 and Stage 3, terms The frequency of used to describe the his visits has since ability of the kidincreased to once a neys to regulate promonth. cesses in the body. MARgARET He is a student at Their function has MANolIS H . F. C a re y H i g h now worsened to Elias’s mother School, where he is Stage 4, which active in the Be a means they are moderately or severely dam- Buddy Club, whose members aged and not properly filtering connect with autistic children, helping them with activities waste from his blood. Manolis has been a patient at like drawing and playing Long Island Jewish Children’s games. Outside school, he loves Hospital, in New Hyde Park, playing videogames with his younger brother, Kosta. Elias since he was born. “They’re like family,” his also enjoys spending time outmother, Margaret Manolis, said doors, riding his bike and swimof the hospital staff. Continued on page 5

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY

Correspondent

Photos courtesy Elmont Union Free School District

Students celebrate their heritage at Alden Terrace Alden Terrace School celebrated its first schoolwide Hispanic Heritage Month assembly last month, highlighting the rich traditions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. Each grade researched and presented a different country through performances and creative video projects. The event showcased both learning and the diversity within the Elmont community. Acting Principal Sonia Rodrigo and Interim ENL Director Rita Johnson also shared their own roots in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Above, students performed at the Hispanic Heritage Month assembly. Right, classmates shared what they’d learned with the school community.

e are holding onto hope, love, and the kindness of those around us.

Gillen weighs in on government shutdown After voting against last week’s reopening, she underscores the importance of affordable health care By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended after 43 days of uncertainty for those employed by the government or dependent on federally funded social programs. One of the many Democrats who voted against the agreement to end the shutdown was the 4th Congressional District’s Rep. Laura Gillen, because of Republicans’ refusal to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. “I believe that we can fund the government and we can also make sure that people don’t lose their health insurance,” Gillen said, “and we’re doing everything we can to help the American people face the cost-of-living crisis that we are dealing with across this country.” The bill to reopen the government passed by a vote of 222 to 209, and was signed into law by President Trump. Afterward, Gillen released a statement, saying, “The spending bill passed today does nothing to prevent hardworking Long Islanders from being priced out of their health care. I voted no.” During the shutdown, the work of non-essential departments was halted, while employees of vital departments continued working without pay. Now, about 800,000 federal employees who had been furloughed or working without compensation will start receiving paychecks again, with back pay. The effects of the shutdown continued to be felt for days. The spending package restored full funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through next September, but some of the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the program were still waiting for resumption of their benefits days after the

bill was signed. And disruptions in service at the nation’s airports were expected to continue. Throughout the shutdown, Gillen visited various community groups to see how it was affecting them, including Long Island Cares, Innovative Daycare and a variety of Black- and brown-owned businesses throughout the district. “The hunger of our seniors and veterans should not be a political tool,” she said. Gillen will be up for re-election next year. Since the election of New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Gillen has had a message for her constituents: “I am extraordinarily different.” “My district knows me,” she said. “I was the first Democrat in 112 years to get elected in the town of Hempstead as a supervisor, and I’m going to run the same way I ran before, and that is as a centrist, moderate, fiscally prudent and responsible leader who actually wants to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done.” Gillen expressed her intent to stay focused on the issues, national and local. “The most important thing is we need to be working in a bipartisan fashion to start fixing these problems — addressing the cost of health care, addressing the cost of groceries, addressing the cost of utilities, and finding concrete, fiscally responsible ways to solve these problems,” she said. Gillen’s office can put community members who are struggling in touch with local support groups. “Our district staff office is extremely attentive to the calls that come in,” she said. “If they need help with information about how to contact the (health care) exchange or how to access certain benefits, we provide that information to them.” Gillen’s office can be reached at (516) 739-3008.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen spoke to hundreds of her constituents about the state of the country at a town hall at Hofstra University in April.

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November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025 Photos courtesy Franklin Square Union Free School District

Students performed ‘This Land is Your Land.’

A morning of honor at John Street School John Street School marked Veterans Day on Nov. 12 with a heartfelt celebration that blended music, reflection and gratitude. The event, titled “A Morning of Honor, A Lifetime of Gratitude,” brought local veterans and students together for two assemblies — one for grades K-2 and another for grades 3-6 — ensuring every child had the chance to take part in the tribute. The gymnasium filled with anticipation as veterans entered to a steady drum cadence performed by band students onstage. Students and staff rose to their feet in a show of respect before a student group, led by music teacher Alexa Gottesman, delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. The tone of the morning was set not only by the music but by Principal Thomas Riccobono, who encouraged students to think deeply about the meaning behind the observance. “As we celebrate this important day, we also take time to reflect on the meaning of service, sacrifice and the importance of community,” Riccobono said. “Today, we are joined by veterans who have made

their own contributions to our nation’s history. Let’s remember that their sacrifices have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we have today.” Assistant Principal Jung Lee introduced each honored guest individually, inviting the audience to pause for a moment of silence for veterans who have passed. A moving performance of “Taps,” played by a band student alongside band teacher Larry Rizzo, underscored the solemnity of the tribute. Students also played a central role in the program. Several stepped forward to read personal messages they had written, thanking veterans for their service and sharing what the day meant to them. The celebration concluded on an uplifting note as Gottesman gathered students for a spirited sing-along. Together, they honored each military branch with its traditional anthem before closing with “This Land Is Your Land,” filling the room with pride and unity. –Jordan Vallone

John Street School hosted ‘A Morning of Honor, A Lifetime of Gratitude,’ on Nov. 12.

Student band members played the drums as the veterans entered. Veterans entered into the celebration on Nov. 12.

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characters perspective (episode two), I am feeling, perhaps more than knew I was too literal to watch for the usual, my generational differences subtleties and symbols that have when it comes to entertainment and media. In a world where I often amused Sunny’s viewers since the 1990s. suffer from FOMO, I am trying to be I just don’t fully get the “they really deliberate when watching, reading, mess up even worse than me and I can streaming and surfing to understand laugh at it” humor when the messing up the objective, the purpose of the art. is extreme and sociopathic. (Is there But lately it has become more such a word? Yes, it’s an adjective that demanding. really describes Sunny’s genre to a T.) Case in point: “It’s always Abbott is more direct, Sunny in Philadelphia”. more family friendly, focused This sitcom show has been on the way the characters running for 27 seasons and navigate from one problem although I knew it existed, it to its solution. It’s sometimes didn’t come on my radar corny but often hopeful. until they did a crossover So although it wasn’t with “Abbott Elementary.” meant to be a TV review, I Reading over some web will acknowledge that these searches, “Sunny” can be shows have their audiences described as a show that feaand their concept. For the tures the trials and tribulamash up, I admit I laughed tions of five “self-absorbed” at some moments and auren ev friends who are tending to a cringed at others. failing pub in Philadelphia. I Think of it this way, if hadn’t watched it, until now. these shows were candy, “Abbott” would “Abbott”, a sitcom I have watched, is be sweet, “Sunny” extra sour. But too set in an underfunded Philadelphia pubmuch of either to drive a crossover lic school with an ensemble cast portray- (given no other commonality except that ing teachers trying to make a difference all the characters reside in Philly) conin their children (and their own) lives. tain the ingredients for a guaranteed I have no relationship with bar ownstomach ache. ership and have never taught in elementary school, so for those who have, the A contributing writer to the Herald since realism of these shows is seen in the 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ eyes of the beholder. But when I saw the advertising executive who teaches martwo come together for two episodes: keting fundamentals as well as advertis“Sunny’s” characters doing community ing and marketing communications service at Abbott from both a viewer’s courses at the Fashion Institute of Techperspective (episode one) and from the nology and SUNY Old Westbury.

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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/franklinsquare or www.liherald.com/elmont ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: fseditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The Franklin Square/Elmont Herald USPS 017066, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Bellmore Herald or Merrick Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $12.50 per quarter auto-pay or $60 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Professionals guide family through process

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

Continued from page 1

Photos courtesy Manolis family

elias manolis, a 13-year-old franklin Square resident born with a ureterovesical junction obstruction, a blockage between the kidney and the bladder, is in need of a kidney donor. As Elias ages and grows, his body has an increased demand for properly functioning kidneys, which adds urgency to the cause. Still, his mom said he remains optimistic. “He’s a good boy,” Margaret said, “with a real battle to defeat.” The Facebook page Kidney4Elias was

created to help publicize his situation and raise awareness. There is also a GoFundMe account to help cover the expense of medical supplies, medications and doctors’ visits. “We are holding onto hope, love, and the kindness of those around us,” Margaret Manolis wrote on the GoFundMe

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elias manolis was described by his family as smart, loving and caring. at school he is part of the Be a Buddy Club, which connects students with autistic children. page. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey toward Elias’s healing and our family’s future.” To donate or to learn more about the cause, visit Bit.ly/4nIypBb. For those interested in learning about the donor process, Binkiewicz can be reached at (516) 666-0899 or lbinkiewicz@northwell.edu.

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ming. As the family navigates his need for a new kidney, Libbie Binkiewicz, a Living Donor Ambassador for Nor thwell Health, is helping to guide them through the complex process. Binkiewicz explained that although the connotation of a transplant is a negative one, her team strives to provide its patients “a warm, friendly and positive” experience. Potential donors will need updated bloodwork and to provide a record of annual appointments with their primary care providers. “We try to make the process as streamlined as possible,” Binkiewicz said. Following initial screenings, potential donors will undergo further observation, and will be provided more general information and be added to a mailing list. Prospective donors then meet with the transplant team: An abdominal surgeon, a nephrologist, a social worker and a nutritionist. Finally, a selection committee matches the best donor candidate to the patient in need of a transplant. The Manolis family is looking for a donor with B-positive or O-positive blood, between ages 18 and 50. Donors can resume their normal lives within a month or so after the surgery. Binkiewicz explained that although the eight different blood types present a challenge in matching candidates, “it does not mean the door is closed.”

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

HERALD SPORTS Carey falls to Wantagh in semifinals, 21-14 By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

A year ago, both Wantagh and Carey celebrated Long Island titles. On Sunday at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium, both football teams showed their championship mettle with the fourthseeded Warriors knocking off the topseeded Seahawks, 21-14, in the Nassau Conference III semifinals. “I never celebrated a semifinal win like this internally,” longtime Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs said. “I just feel like we had to beat such a good program.” It was the first time since the 1994 Nassau Conference III final that two defending Long Island champions met in the playoffs, with Bethpage defeating New Hyde Park, 21-18, in a classic. A little more than three decades later, Wantagh and Carey played an instant classic on a windy November afternoon. Carey, which had an 18-game winning streak snapped by Wantagh in Week 7, took the game to the Warriors with a run-heavy offense led by Justin DePietro (21 carries for 136 yards) and James McGrath (17 carries for 86 yards). McGrath rushed for a pair of touchdowns in the first half to help the Seahawks take a 14-7 lead into halftime. “We had to get a little tougher,” Sachs said. “There were no tricks in what they were doing. They’re big and strong. Our whole key was to try to get a first down stop, and force them to do something they didn’t want to do.” The Warriors did just that in the second half, limiting Carey to 62 yards in the final two quarters. Patrick Forthofer keyed that charge with a team-high 11 tackles, Tyler Owens had nine tackles and Vincenzo Fullone and Devin Paccione had eight tackles apiece. After Joe Nicholson’s 8-yard touchdown run tied the score at 14 with 6:39 left in the third quarter, Paccione made one of the biggest defensive plays of the game, stripping the ball loose before Fullone fell on the fumble.

Grace Hughes /Herald photos

James McGrath had both of Carey’s touchdowns in Sunday’s 21-14 Conference III semifinal loss to Wantagh.

Dean Martucci had an interception for the Seahawks, who finished the season 7-3. “They were running on us all game long. I just made a play,” Paccione said. “My whole team came over, made a tackle. It’s just team tackling. We all come together like a family. We practice that every day.” In the fourth quarter, it was Luke Martini’s time to shine. Operating out of the Wildcat, he put the Warriors in front on a 4-yard touchdown run with

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9:18 left in the fourth quarter. The sophomore emptied the tank, getting key first downs as Wantagh looked to eat up valuable minutes off the clock. “The heart of a lion,” Sachs said. “He was exhausted. And Joe [Nicholson] gives us everything. He’s just a great football player. But we had to go to the Wildcat and put the ball in his hands at that time. It was our best chance.”

And when Carey did get the ball late with a chance to tie the score, Martini essentially put the game away with an interception at midfield with 1:29 left in the fourth quarter. “It was a great feeling,” Martini said. “They’re a great team. Just beating them at Hofstra, there’s no better feeling than that.” For Carey, it was a bitter defeat, with head coach Mike Stanley trying to soothe the pain in the immediate aftermath. “I just told the team that the reason this hurts so much is because of what a special thing we have together,” Stanley said. “Not many people get that. They’re lucky to be part of it.” The Seahawks went undefeated in 2024 and captured the Nassau Conference II and Long Island Class II titles. The Warriors were county Conference IV and L.I. Class IV champs. Wantagh faces No. 3 Bethpage for the Conference III title Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Hofstra.

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November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

things to know: BELMont PARk ViLLAgE By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Belmont Park Village is ushering in the holidays with a packed slate of new boutiques, festive treats, and family-friendly happenings. The luxury outlet destination, located next to UBS Arena, is rolling out seasonal pop-ups, special shopping hours, and a curated gift guide aimed at helping visitors knock out their lists in style. Guests can expect everything from designer fashion deals to hot chocolate, caroling, and Santa sightings throughout December. Here are three things to know before visiting.

New boutiques, seasonal pop-ups, designer deals and specialty finds Belmont Park Village is expanding its shopping lineup just in time for the holidays, adding several new boutiques featuring designer fashion at up to 65 percent off daily. Visitors will find heels and accessories from Gianvito Rossi, bold prints and California-inspired looks from Trina Turk, and Italian menswear staples from Canali. Roller Rabbit will also bring its popular Mobile Pop-Up Shop — beloved by college-age shoppers — for a limited engagement from Dec. 12–14. The Village’s Holiday Edit, curated by fashion editor and Milk Makeup co-founder Zanna Roberts Rassi, debuts Nov. 19 and highlights standout gift ideas from across the center. Guests can also look forward to exclusive Black Friday late-night shopping and rotating offers all season long.

Festive foods, sweet treats, and new eateries add flavor to the season Dining options across the Village — including Hundredfold Brasserie, Le Botaniste, Pret A Manger, and Fiftyfold Boulangerie — will introduce seasonal specialties throughout December. Several food-based pop-ups will join them, beginning with the arrival of Neuhaus Chocolates, which brings its century-old Belgian pralines and a limited-run chocolate mousse available only in select locations worldwide. BonBon, the Swedish candy favorite, will return for Friday–Sunday pop-ups through Dec. 21, offering complimentary sweets with qualifying boutique purchases. On Black Friday, Lenny’s Hot Dogs — a Brooklyn spin on Swedish-style hot dogs — will join the lineup. There will be plenty of festive bites and warm treats available at every turn.

Holiday happenings, Santa sightings, and UBS Arena events Belmont Park Village will transform into a winter wonderland beginning in early December, with twinkling light displays and family-friendly programming each weekend. Santa will visit every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 6–21, alongside performances from the Elmont Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Floral Park Florettes. Pret A Manger will host children’s crafts during select dates, and visitors can participate in the Village’s virtual rewards program, Unlock Belmont Park Village, which will drop prizes like Broadway tickets and seasonal treats throughout the month. Just steps away, UBS Arena adds to the holiday lineup with Disney On Ice, Pentatonix’s Christmas in the City performance and a late-December Islanders–Rangers matchup.

Show Off Your Little Fans! Snap a photo of your “Little Fan“ in their favorite football, hockey or any sports gear or outfit and enter our Little Fans Photo Contest! Whether it’s your pet in a jersey or child in their favorite team’s colors, we want to see how you get into the sport spirit! Scan the QR code to submit your photo today for a chance to win a pair of New York Islanders tickets to a game this season and be featured in your Long Island Herald.

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FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

Deals, delights and December cheer in Elmont

November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

Herald honors environmental leadership By ABBEY-ROSE SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

Across Long Island, a growing number of businesses are leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. From small family-owned shops to large companies embracing environmentally conscious practices, local enterprises are proving that environmental responsibility and economic success can go hand in hand. These efforts not only help reduce the region’s carbon footprint but also strengthen the local economy by inspiring innovation and creating green jobs. Nearly 30 local businesses gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage for an event hosted by the Herald, celebrating sustainability and community impact on Oct. 29 The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, who emphasized the importance of recognizing businesses that prioritize sustainability and help shape a greener future for Long Island. “It is a pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural GreenBiz Awards, where we come together to celebrate the businesses and individuals who are leading the charge for a more sustainable future, right here on Long Island,” he said. “Tonight, we honor those who are driving real change. Reducing waste, conserving energy and protecting the natural beauty that makes Long Island such a special place to live, work and raise our families.” The evening’s emcee, Jill Conway, is a former New York television news reporter and anchor with more than 20 years of experience. She is the founder of Powerful Women USA and host of the award-winning podcast Secrets of Powerful Women, and helped facilitate the event’s program. Part of the event’s ticket proceeds support Save the Sound, an organization dedicated to protecting Long Island and Connecticut’s land, air and water through science, legal action and community initiatives. Honoree Christine Kiourtsis, president of Renewable Recycling, Inc., was recognized in the Recycling category for her innovative work in textile and material recovery. Inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, she began recycling discarded mattresses and box springs, discovering that up to 90 percent of their materials can be reused. Through Renewable Recycling, Kiourtsis helps keep waste out of landfills, reduce transport costs and save taxpayer money. “It’s really important to utilize tax money in a better way than putting it in the dump,” Kiourtsis said. Marshall Brown, president and cofounder of Long Island Conservancy Spadefood Ecosystem Solutions, was honored in the Environmental Innovation category. Brown helped create a film called A River Between Us that led to the largest environmental restoration project in U.S. history. His upcom-

Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The team from Reworld. ing project focuses on implementing water treatment solutions for areas with wastewater or surface water. “We grow microbes on site, strains of common soil bacteria, but with special properties like what they eat in the absence of oxygen,” Brown said. “We take a sewage treatment plant, the microbes get to work, and half of the sludge, at least, gets eaten away.” Brown believes that the return on investment is a couple of months. President/LEED AP of Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Chuck Merritt, was recognized in the Environmental Consulting category. “On Long Island, we all drink the groundwater underneath our feet. So, we all have a responsibility to protect that natural resource,” said Merritt, who added that MECC is involved with a large developer in Mastic who is looking to redevelop land about a half a mile long. In the Waste Solutions category, Reworld is recognized for providing innovative and environmentally responsible waste management services to communities worldwide. Representative Ed Sandkuhi said that Reworld is expanding its engagement with local schools, teaching students about composting. “We raise dead vegetable gardens and use the compost to grow vegetables and not use fertilizers that are highly water soluble,” Sandkuhi said, adding how rewarding it is to see the children’s enthusiasm. Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority and a honoree in the Utilities category, notes that Long Island is particularly vulner-

Chuck Merritt from Merritt Environmental Consulting able to the effects of severe weather and climate change. “We are still trying to promote the adoption of solar, electric vehicles and heat pumps that are going to help us move towards a clean energy future,” she says, emphasizing LIPA’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable solutions for the region. Paraco Gas was honored in the Utilities category. Representative Dan Scicutella said that propane is a very

clean-burning fuel. For areas on the East end that don’t have access to natural gas, propane is a substitute. “We’re looking to expand and grow on the East End, companies from Route 112 and further East,” he said, noting that the company remains committed to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Recognized in the Engineering category, M&J Engineering is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm that provides a wide range of professional services. “As an engineer, we’re at the forefront of a lot of research studies,” M&J Representative Mohammad Malik said. “It’s our job to do what’s right for society and develop new ways to reduce carbon emissions,” Malik notes that M&J is involved in coastal resilience projects and highlights a Patchogue initiative that promotes green infrastructure. The Herald GreenBIZ Awards catalyze environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. The event highlights and honors forwardthinking businesses and educators committed to eco-friendly practices, proving that sustainable operations can thrive alongside financial success. Gold sponsors of the event include The Long Island Conservancy, Reworld and Scott’s Miracle-Gro. Silver sponsors include the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, GreyMart, M&J Engineering, R&M Engineering, Stony Brook University, Edgewise Energy, GreenbergTraurig, Emtec, Merritt, Paraco, and Molloy University. View event photos on our website, RichnerLive.com/greenbiz-awards/ photos/

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

Marlon Taylor from New York & Atlantic Railway.

Ecosystem Solutions with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Neal Lewis, left, from Molloy University Sustainability Institute with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Carrie Meek Gallagher from the Long Island Power Authority.

Nick Guariglia, left, from ACE NY / NYOWA with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Charles Vigliotti from Long Island Compost, Todd Kaminsky from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Charlie Barone from Long Island Compost.

Richard Murdocco, left, from Stony Brook University with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

Dazzling display returns to Eisenhower Park By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The LuminoCity Festival, a popular holiday lights extravaganza, is back at Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park this winter with an all-new theme and attractions. This year’s theme, “Fantasy Winter Fairyland,” transforms 14 acres of the park into one of the largest immersive walk-through light festivals in the country, featuring dazzling light displays, towering sculptures, and countless photo opportunities. “Each time we return to this remarkable venue is yet another opportunity to deliver on a promise we renew annually — to create indelible holiday memories for each and every one of our guests,” Xiaoyi Chen, founder and chief executive of LuminoCity said. “We are proud to partner with Nassau County once more to present this showcase event, and are beyond thrilled that it has become a tradition for so many in the community. Long Island is our home, and there is no place like home for the holidays.” Among this year’s attractions are a spectacular 50-foot “Castle in the Sky” — one of the tallest light sculptures in North America — a fourstory Christmas tree, and millions of LED lights, enough to blanket the Brooklyn Bridge. The festival will also feature winning submissions from the annual Lumi’s Utopia children’s art initiative, now in its fifth year. In partnership with the Long Island Children’s Museum, the program transforms kids’ hand-drawn creations into illuminated 3D sculptures. “I am proud to welcome LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival back to Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park for the 2025 winter season,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “Each year, this spectacular attraction draws tens of thousands of visitors from across Long Island and beyond, boosting our local economy and showcasing Nassau County as a premier destination for family-friendly events. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, I invite everyone to come experience the magic of LuminoCity right here in Eisenhower Park.” The Eisenhower Park event remains LuminoCity’s longest-running signature festival. Since its debut in 2022, more than 160,000 guests have attended. For more information, visit LuminoCityFestival.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The LuminoCity Festival is back in Eisenhower Park this fall and winter, featuring a dazzling lantern and light display — perfect for the holiday season.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined elected officials and community leaders to cut the ribbon, opening the festival on Nov. 7 in the park.

This year’s theme is ‘Fantasy Winter Fairyland’ features 14-acres of trails with impressively large displays.

If you go: LuminoCity Festival Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow When: Open now through Jan. 1, 2026 Theme: Fantasy Winter Fairyland — featuring 14 acres of dazzling lights, towering sculptures, and immersive displays Highlights: ■ 50-foot “Castle in the Sky,” one of the tallest light sculptures in North America ■ Lumi’s Utopia children’s art installations in partnership with the Long Island Children’s Museum Tickets & Information: LuminoCityFestival.com

Maria Kousiaris, 9, of Old Brookville, took in the display at opening night.

The lantern display features the artwork of local children. Kemal Yigiter, 7, from Dix Hills, in front of his drawing of ‘Marshmallow’ — all lit up.

Sewanhaka students recognized by BOE

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025 Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District

The 10 valedictorians and salutatorians with the board of education, school building principals and Superintendent Regina Agrusa. and future promise,” Agrusa said. “These students have ingratiated themselves into their academic studies, while also demonstrating a high level of active participation in their schools and communities.” The district shared video presentations highlighting each student, featuring words of praise from their principals. Congratulations to Elmont Memorial High School’s valedictorian Alexia Moreau and salutatorian Yalisah Lozada, Floral Park Memorial High School’s

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valedictorian Nathan Gee and salutatorian James Urban, H. Frank Carey High School’s valedictorian Fiona Lin and salutatorian Katherine Gilman, New Hyde Park Memorial High School valedictorian Hima Binu and salutatorian Darsh Mirchandani, and Sewanhaka High School valedictorian Ipsaan Sedhai and salutatorian Hailey Sethi.

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Several students were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education meeting, hosted at Elmont Memorial High School, on Oct. 28. Superintendent of Schools Regina Agrusa welcomed families and community members to the meeting, reporting the district’s recent highlights, including a second place win for the Marching Knights of Sewanhaka at the New York State Field Band Championship in Syracuse and the successful ribbon cutting ceremony for the new, state-of-the-art cosmetology building. Ex Officio student board member Evangeline Moonsammy, a senior at Elmont, provided the students’ update, sharing achievements in athletics, the arts and building initiatives. Agrusa introduced Elmont Memorial High School student Videsh Muneshwar, who recently became a first-time published author for his children’s book, “Alex and the Wishing Well.” The book aims to help children explore their emotions, as Alex journeys through the forest of fears, the meadow of sadness and the volcanoes of anger. Videsh read his book aloud to the audience and gifted each board member with a copy. Students’ creative pursuits continued to be celebrated at the meeting, as two students were honored for being named as Scholar Artists by the Long Island Arts Alliance. H. Frank Carey High School student Ava Maia was recognized in the Media Arts category, and New Hyde Park Memorial High School student Sara Erxleben was recognized in the Visual Arts category. The district then proudly recognized the 10 outstanding students selected as valedictorians and salutatorians of the Class of 2026 across all five buildings. “Please join me in recognizing ten outstanding scholars who embody tremendous academic commitment

Highlights of the utility’s spending plan for next year By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The Long Island Power Authority has released its proposed 2026 budget, emphasizing affordability, grid reliability and clean-energy investment. The plan also details stronger oversight of Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island under a renewed management contract, and continued cost-saving measures that aim to lower bills for customers across Long Island and the Rockaways.

The LIPA—PSEG relationship LIPA is a nonprofit public utility that owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaways, and PSEG Long Island operates that system under contract. Since 2014, PSEG has handled daily grid operations, maintenance and customer service on LIPA’s behalf. The new five-year contract extension, effective Jan. 1, enhances oversight and accountability while maintaining the operational partnership. The agreement reduces management fees by an estimated $17 million and expands cost-control requirements. It also increases the number of measurable performance metrics, covering reliability, customer experience and fiscal management. LIPA officials say this framework ensures that PSEG’s performance will better align with affordability and clean energy goals through greater transparency and operational discipline.

Core spending plan and bill savings

Long-term plan, and public hearings

LIPA’s proposed 2026 operating budget totals about $4.4 billion, alongside a $1 billion capital plan supporting reliability, grid modernization and clean-energy infrastructure. The typical residential customer is projected to see a 3.3 percent decrease in their electric bill, roughly $6.53 less per month than in 2025. This reduction reflects a projected $219 million drop in power supply costs, driven by lower on-Island generation, decreased Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative allowance expenses and savings from the new Power and Fuel Management Services Agreement. The capital budget will rise roughly 3.1 percent, mainly due to refueling costs tied to LIPA’s 18 percent ownership stake in the Nine Mile Point 2 nuclear power plant. Despite inflation and higher labor costs, LIPA projects flat overall operating expenses, while maintaining around $1 billion in annual reliability investments.

LIPA’s long-term fiscal sustainability plan aims to reduce its debt-to-asset ratio from a projected 78 percent in 2025 to 70 percent by 2030, supporting stronger credit ratings and long-term financial health. The 2026 budget reflects roughly $1.4 billion in cumulative cost savings, equal to about 33 percent of customer bills, the result of over a decade of cost-control initiatives. The budget also includes $7.5 million for weatherization projects benefiting low- to moderate-income households, helping to reduce energy usage and improve affordability. Public hearings will be held on Nov. 24, at 10 a.m., at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge; and the same day, at 6 p.m., at LIPA headquarters in Uniondale, with a virtual option available. Written comments are due by Nov. 28, and the LIPA board of trustees will vote on the final budget on Dec. 17.

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things to know LiPA’s PRoPosED 2026 BUDgEt

STEPPING OUT

Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

A gallery view of the exhibition.

Carving out her place The untold story of sculptor Emma Stebbins By Abbey Salvemini

istory gets a powerful rewrite at the Heckscher Museum of Art’s latest exhibition. “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History” is a landmark installation that spotlights a pioneering neoclassical artist whose legacy has been long overlooked. Known for sculpting Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain (immortalized in film and TV), Stebbins — a trailblazing female artist — was the first woman to receive a public art commission from New York City. Yet despite her accomplishments, her name has largely vanished from the art world’s narrative. Now Stebbins receives the recognition she has long deserved. “Carving Out History” firmly reestablishes her place at the forefront of 19th century American sculpture. It explores Stebbins’s bold artistic vision, her barrier-breaking career and her personal life — including her relationship with the renowned Shakespearean actress Charlotte Cushman at a time when such a relationship defied social norms. Stebbins’ works focused on unprecedented imagery of laborers, incisive depictions of literary and biblical subjects and moving portrait busts of her chosen family. Her sculpture was celebrated in the press and sought after by collectors In the mid-19th century. Since then, however, Stebbins fell into relative obscurity. Among the exhibit’s outstanding components, New York City comes to Long Island — via an immersive Virtual Reality experience. Visitors can “walk around” Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain, bringing Stebbins’s most celebrated work to life in an entire new way. A special VR station gives everyone the illusion that Bethesda Fountain is right in front of them in Heckscher Park — through the use of their phones — offering a striking, life-sized view of Stebbins’s most iconic creation. Photos and selfies are encouraged! For many, this will be their first time learning the name behind the fountain — even if you’ve seen it countless times in person and on screen. The exhibit title — “Carving Out History” — reflects both Stebbins’s sculptural practice and the curatorial team’s broader goal: to reclaim and reframe her place in the American canon. This first-of-its-kind exhibit — reshapes how we understand one of our most groundbreaking — and overlooked — artists. “The exhibition itself is carving out a place

for Stebbins’ story,” Chief Curator Karli Wurzelbacher says. The Heckscher’s deep connection to the artist makes the venue especially significant. • Now through March 15 Museum founder August Heckscher had • Open Thursday through a family link to Stebbins — his uncle Sunday, noon-5 p.m. commissioned two of her major works, • Heckscher Museum of Art, Commerce and Industry, which have been 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • Visit Heckscher.org or part of the museum’s collection for over a call (631) 380-3230 for century. information on related Stebbins wasn’t just a woman succeeding programming in a male-dominated field — she also lived openly with her partner at a time when samesex relationships were taboo. Their partnership Emma Stebbins’s marble statue The was both romantic and deeply collaborative, and it Lotus-Eater (1863) purports to illustrate Alfred Tennyson’s poem of the same informed much of Stebbins’s work and worldview. title, in turn derived from an episode They were “the power couple of their in the Odyssey of Homer. Museum time,” according to Wurzelbacher. Purchase: Town of Huntington Art Among the many highlights, Wurzelbacher Acquisition Fund. points to Sandolphon, which captures the depth of Stebbins’s artistry. It depicts an archangel with incredible detail rendered in marble. The sculpture draws inspiration from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As Wurzelbacher explains: “The line ‘the angel gathers the prayers where he stands, and they turn into flowers in his hands’ captures the heart of the work. She paints a vivid image of the archangel holding a garland of flowers — each bloom symbolizing the prayers of the people.” One of the most significant outcomes of her research into Stebbins’s career has been the “discovery” of sculptures whose locations were previously unknown to scholars (one was found in the hallway of the Belfast Central Library!). Two significant works, The Lotus Eater (1863) and the aformentioned Sandalphon (1866), had been in a private collection for decades before being acquired by the museum. Both pieces underwent extensive conservation efforts, including cleaning their discolored marble surfaces and making careful repairs. For curators and staff, this exhibition is not only a professional milestone — it’s personal. “Even though we have a relatively small staff, we can still Sandalphon (also known as contribute to writing the story of American art history and Angel of Prayer, 1866), like bringing these overlooked figures to the public is something Lotus Eater, has been in a we take very seriously,” Wurzelbacher shares. private collection and likely Whether you’re familiar with these sculptures or someone have not been on public view in encountering Stebbins for the first time, this exhibit invites you more than 100 years. Museum to look again — at a familiar fountain, at forgotten stories and purchase: Town of Huntington at the enduring power of carving out one’s place in history. Art Acquisition Fund.

For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. They’ve been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding ﬁddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in the U.K. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Thompson. An iconic ﬁgure in British folk-rock, Thompson — one of the founding members of Fairport Convention — is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. $75, $65, $55. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Adam Pascal Get ready for a powerhouse night with Broadway legend Adam Pascal — the original voice of Rent’s Roger (Broadway and ﬁlm) and one of musical theater’s most electrifying performers. With a rock-and-roll edge and soul-stirring vocals, Pascal commands the stage in an unforgettable evening of showstoppers, storytelling, and pure star power. From “Rent” and Aida” to “Chess,” “Chicago,” “Something Ro’tten!” and beyond, Adam brings the house down with iconic hits, guitar licks and rock tunes — all fueled by the raw passion that made him a Broadway icon. The Tony-nominated actor-musician didn’t grow up with aspirations of becoming a Broadway star. But when his childhood friend Idina Menzel asked if he would audition for an off-Broadway musical called “Rent,” he thought “Why not?” and the rest is history. Pascal shares insights into his personal journey with his audience, bringing with him a wealth of experience and plenty of personal anecdotes.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

BeauSoleil

November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NOV LuminoCity Festival

CALENDAR NOV ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’

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

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Ongoing during museum hours, through Jan. 4. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Seussical the Musical

Molloy University CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students stage the musical based on beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, and elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks”. Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of freindship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Performers of all ages portray the characters from the familiar Dr. Seuss tales. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m., also Nov 21Nov. 23 • Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444

DEC

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra ‘Christmas Special’

From redefining rock to reimagining Sinatra, Grammy-winning musician Mark Tremonti, backed by members of Frank Sinatra’s original orchestra, brings his timeless swing and holiday spirit to the Paramount. The lights go down. Familiar horns pipe up from a world-class orchestra as piano twinkles like the jackpot lights on a winning slot machine. Then, the voice kicks in. It has all of the smoky splendor those first few notes hinted at, but it ain’t Ol’ Blue Eyes. In a tailored suit with microphone in hand, it’s Mark Tremonti. The multiplatinum musician sounds just as at home paying homage to the catalog of Frank Sinatra as he does fronting Tremonti or shredding his soul out as the guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed. Moreover, he’s doing it for a reason that would make the Chairman of the Board proud. Accompanied by surviving members of Sinatra’s band as well as various top-notch players, Tremonti cut 14 classics for his Tremonti Sings Sinatra album, which he gifted to the National Down Syndrome Society as part of his new organization Take A Chance For Charity. All album proceeds go to NDSS to help those with developmental disabilities. With over 40 million albums sold, chart-topping releases, sold-out arenas, and countless appearances on television • Where: The Paramount, 370 and magazine covers, Tremonti’s influence on rock music is undeniable. Now, witness a New York Ave., Huntington new side of his artistry as he pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra. This • Time: 8 p.m. is Tremonti like you’ve never heard him. Join in for a feel-good evening of classic jazz • Contact: ticketmaster.com or and seasonal favorites. $108.75, $86.50, $71.25, $59.75, $54.25, $43.75. paramountny.com

Puzzles NOV Playful Jigsaw puzzles have

been bringing families together for over 200 years- sparking teamwork and wonder across generations. Celebrate Game and Puzzle Week at Long Island Children’s Museum by channeling inner creativity to design a custom puzzle. This is a drop-in program. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape and the line between fact and imagination disappears. From dreamlike landscapes and uncanny portraits to images so exact they look like photographs, works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. The exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured, including portraits by such noteworthy Realists as John Currin and Fairfield Porter; rare

tapestries and works on paper by Surrealist masters Salvador Dalí and Man Ray; and more. On view through March 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

NOV Let’s Talk Turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches, get ready by creating some colorful turkeys at Long Island Children’s Museum. Take your terrific turkey home to adorn your Thanksgiving table. For ages 3 and up. This is a dropin program. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Girls on the Run 5K

Girls on the Run Long Island wraps its fall season with a funfilled 5K in Eisenhower Park. • Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow • Time: 9 a.m. • Contact: GOTRLongIsland. org/5K

Paddle-making and storytelling at Long Island Children’s Museum

Step into the world of traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with Chenae Bullock, the artist who crafted the mishoon (Indigenous canoe) featured in the Saltwater Stories exhibit. In this dropin program, families discover the deep connection between paddles, water, and the land as you learn about their cultural significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to design and create their own mini paddles, while exploring stories, traditions, and creative activities that highlight the beauty of Indigenous craftsmanship. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Vaccines NOV Flu The Town of

Hempstead’s Flu Vaccine Program visits the Elmont Senior Center.

• Where: 138 Elmont Road • Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Contact: (516) 485-8100

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ awardwinning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon, you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Nov. 29, Dec. 3-Dec. 4 • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

NOV Christkindl Markt

Plattdeutsche Park holds its annual Christmas fair. Stop by and check out the many interesting items. • Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square • Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: ParkRestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131

DEC

Cream and Tea at Westbury House

Savor a traditional Cream Tea featuring freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and a fine selection of teas. The experience concludes with a guided tour of beautifully decorated Westbury House. $28, discounts for members and groups. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; also ongoing • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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.

How to cook a turkey Kennedy Schoell

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

Compiled by Herald staff

Isabel Culver

Age 4, Oceanside

Age 7, Rockville Centre

Butter, salt and pepper, stuff it with some stuffing, sprinkle it with love, and put it in the oven til it’s done.

I don’t know, I would put it in the oven. Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Photo courtesy Donna Kraus

Grade 1, Massapequa

Cosette Farr

Ace Ortiz

Age 6, Lynbrook

Age 8, Inwood If I had to cook a turkey I would buy a turkey, put the season stuff on it and put it in the oven!

Get a turkey from the farm, put him in the oven. The oven has to be hot and you cook it for 7 minutes and 8 seconds. Then it’s turkey that we can eat.”

Photo courtesy Massapequa School District

Photo courtesy Angela Ortiz

Photo courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

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You have to catch the turkey, take the feathers off, season it and cook it.

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Landon Blinder

Public Notices

November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

LFRA1 1120

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstPATRICIA WALDEN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 5, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA WALDEN, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 2, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 23839 116TH AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-623-58; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 000189/2017. Matthew Vishnick, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 156488

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANA DEYSI ROCKMAN A/K/A ANA D. GAMERO A/K/A ANA ROCKMAN A/K/A ANA D. ZALDIVAR A/K/A ANA GAMERO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 6, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 13 Crystal Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 670 and Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $74,058.30 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602114/2024. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 233926-1 156606 LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-4, -againstLUZ FONSECA, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 11, 2019, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR

STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-4 is the Plaintiff and LUZ FONSECA, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 1342 EAST STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 35-84-8-12; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT (NOT AN INCORPORATED VILLAGE) IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 003767/2016. Kevin J. O’Brien, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 156608

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST DAPHNE SPENCE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm, premises known as 1601-14 Johnson Avenue,

Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, State of New York, Section 32, Block 470, Lot 0026. Approximate amount of judgment $588,480.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615809/2018. Michael J. Langer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville , NY 14221 18-002213 87693 156600

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR OCWEN LOAN ACQUISITION TRUST 2024-HB1, Plaintiff AGAINST HARRY LAWRENCE SCHROEDER, SHERRY SCHROEDER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 695 Frick Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37 Block 381 Lot 115. Approximate amount of judgment $389,429.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602609/2024. Beth Chamow, Esq., Refer ee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-004484 87245 156568 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU M&T BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST DAVID B. KAYODE, LUCITIA

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Congrats to the newlyweds! Franklin Square residents Kevin Aduincula and Nehan Upoma were married at Hempstead Town Hall, in a ceremony officiated by Town Clerk Kate Murray Residents seeking a marriage license or wishing to schedule a wedding ceremony may contact the Office of the Town Clerk at (516) 812-3014 or visit hempsteadny.gov/marriage.

Public Notices

FORTUNE A/K/A L C FORTUNE CLEMENT A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNE CLEMENT A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNE A/K/A L C F O RT U N E - C L E M E N T A/K/A LUCTITIA C FORTUNECLEMENT A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNE A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNECLEMENT A/K/A LUCITA FORTUNE A/K/A LUCITIA C. FORTUNE CLEMENT, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 21, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 8, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 11619 240th Street a/k/a 116-19 240th Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section: 32 Block: 640 Lot(s): 242,243. Approximate amount of judgment $696,237.61 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605818/2019. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

Robert J. Aiello, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-001347 87262 156570

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU RECOVCO MORTGAGE MANAGEMENT, LLC; Plaintiff v. 1700 GROUP LLC; et al.; Defendants. Attorney for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 5/22/23, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder on the north side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM Premises known as 116-23 237th Street, Elmont, NY 11003 Section: 32 Block: 626 Lot: 21,22 All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.

Approximate amount of judgment: $781,924.13 plus interest and costs. Index Number: 611929/2019 Roger Hausch, Esq., Referee 156750

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE The bond resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on November 10, 2025, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the FRANKLIN SQUARE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. Laura Langstrand District Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF THE FRANKLIN SQUARE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED NOVEMBER 10, 2025 AUTHORIZING THE

CONSTRUCTION OF ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO ALL DISTRICT SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND SITES THEREOF; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS NOT TO EXCEED $37,951,946; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $37,951,946 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID DISTRICT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION. Objects or purposes: construction of alterations and improvements to all District buildings and sites Amounts of Obligations to be Issued $37,951,946 Period of Probable Usefulness: thirty (30) years A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the District Clerk, Franklin Square Union Free School District, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York Dated: November 10, 2025 Franklin Square, New York 156864 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

N1 11/20

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

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CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

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 MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $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

1283447

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250 PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS 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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JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REAL ESTATE & MORE... Herald Classifieds... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 REAL ESTATE press 5 & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

HERALD

November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

N2 11/20

Homes

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To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HOME OF THE WEEK

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his expansive 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home offers approximately 2,900 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a lush .37-acre lot. The main level features a spacious primary suite with a private bath, ideal for easy first-floor living. A bright and versatile additional room can serve as a home office or bedroom. Entertain with ease in the formal living and dining room, or unwind in one of two cozy dens — one featuring a charming wood-burning fireplace. The updated eat-in kitchen is complete with top-of-the-line double ovens and new countertops. A convenient first-floor laundry area adds to the functionality. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, including two en suite rooms — providing a total of three bedrooms and three full bathrooms on the second floor.

Sara Abikzer Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516.984.6798 Office: 516.741.4333 www.saraabikzer.com @SaraSellsLI info@saraabikzer.com sabikzer@signaturepremier. com

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through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

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All this just to add a bathroom?

Q. I’ve been living in my house for 41 years, and just wanted to add a bathroom at the back, next to my den, for my elderly father. It’s just a bathroom, but when I met with an architect, he told me he had to do plans for the whole house. I thought that his fee and the amount of work were ridiculous just for a bathroom, so I got a draftsman for one-third the cost. It’s now five years later, I still have no permit, and the plans were rejected because the reviewer wants to see more information, including house plans. I should have listened to the architect because the draftsman, it turns out, won’t answer phone calls, and he ended up paying another architect to seal the plans, which were inadequate, anyway. So I’m out the money for bad plans and still need the bathroom, since my father can’t use stairs. Why would the town need plans for the whole house? It makes no sense. A. About 10 years ago, they started with the explanation that whole house plans were needed, because it was suspected that the house might have been used by a previous owner for more than one family, and the municipality wanted to see current conditions to compare with original plans to see if changes need to be put on record. Then it became onte eeper required that plans needed to be provided, because the house either wasn’t on record, if it was built before 1930, before records were kept, or the addition required a zoning variance because it might increase the allowable area of the home’s footprint on the lot. Any way you examine the issues, the architect you first interviewed was correct, but it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Just to get the job, the second person, not even a qualified professional, gave you a low-ball figure and downplayed what was needed. It doesn’t surprise me to hear about your predicament, because this is a constant problem. The most difficult part is that your municipality is pretty capable of notifying you about what a great job they’re doing, but not really giving you alerts about the fact that you may want to check your house records to be sure that you won’t feel ambushed when you get a violation notice for your shed or fence. They could explain that you need to keep street corners clear of taller fences and foliage that can cause car accidents, or that your finished basement may someday delay your house sale while you scramble for a permit. The reason I started writing this column is because almost nobody else figured out that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that people need to know how to avoid problems. Instead, neither the downward spiral of surprising people nor the equally worse problem of people avoiding the costly inevitable dilemma produces a better outcome. Good luck.

Ask The Architect

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

N3 11/20

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FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

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November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

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N4 11/20

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verywhere I go, from community meetings to the grocery store checkout line, the same concern rises to the surface: “I love New York, but I don’t know how much longer I can afford to stay.” That refrain has become far too common in every corner of our state. The affordability crisis in New York is not abstract. It’s the family choosing between groceries and heating their home. It’s the young couple who patrIcIa can’t find a home canzonErI-FItzpatrIck under $700,000, or the retirees watching their property taxes — driven largely by unfunded mandates from Albany — eat away at their fixed income. It’s the small business owner who loves her town but can’t compete with states where energy, rent and labor costs are a fraction of what they are here. This is the story of countless New Yorkers who love where they live but increasingly wonder whether they can afford to stay. Median home prices remain among the highest in the nation, taxes continue to rise and the costs of

daily life, from groceries to child care to utilities, show no signs of slowing down. These challenges aren’t new, nor are they inevitable. They’re the result of years of misguided priorities in Albany. Instead of easing the financial strain on middleclass families, lawmakers have chosen policies that make it even harder to live, work and raise a family here. Rather than focusing on making life more affordable for working New Yorkers, Albany has treated taxpayers as a bottomless piggybank as the annual state budget has skyrocketed to more than a quarter-trillion dollars. Compare that with Florida, where the budget is less than half of New York’s despite a larger population. We can’t wish affordability into existence. We have to create it through discipline, pragmatism and policies grounded in reality, not slogans. That’s why I find it troubling when some, like New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, embrace handouts and socialism while turning away from capitalism. Aspirations are important, but leadership requires acknowledging limits and setting priorities. The reality is, New York is able to afford such a formidable bud-

get thanks to capitalism. In a recent report on Wall Street profits, the state comptroller noted that the “securities industry’s gains provide an important boost for tax revenues that support critical investments in housing, transportation, and public services that New Yorkers depend on.” New York’s billionaires will weather the affordability crisis without much difficulty, but the real concern is if they leave the state, taking their income with them. If that happens, the state loses the income tax on that high income — substantial revenue that funds countless programs that everyday New Yorkers rely on. Following the recent election, reports have surfaced of city residents considering relocation, once again looking to Florida, the Carolinas and Texas for economic stability. As a representative of a district that borders the city, I worry about the ripple effects that such an exodus could have on Long Island. That’s why I constantly talk about the need for legislation to reduce the cost of child care by offering tax incentives to employers that offer or sponsor child care programs. As someone who manages her household budget and sees how out of control utility bills have got-

worry about the ripple effects on Long Island of an exodus from New York City.

ten for New Yorkers, I’ve introduced legislation to place a moratorium on new taxes and fees on energy bills, as well as to eliminate a state-mandated tax that increases our bills from Liberty Water. Further, I’ve focused on housing affordability by cosponsoring legislation to establish a First Home Buyers Savings program, to create a new tax-advantaged account to help residents afford their first home, as well as legislation to double the STAR exemption, increase the amount of retirement income that is exempt from state income tax, and cut middle-income tax rates to help them afford to keep it. New Yorkers deserve leadership that puts their financial stability first and offers practical solutions to create that stability. Government control and “free” programs aren’t the answer. They deserve a government that values fiscal responsibility, supports small businesses and gives families a fair chance to stay in the communities they call home. There’s still time to turn things around. But in doing so, we must cut red tape, say no to new taxes and make realistic choices about spending. It requires us to remember that the government doesn’t create prosperity; people do. Our job is to make it possible for them to thrive here. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

In the fight of our lives, all over again

n November 2020, in the maw of the pandemic, I wrote a column about Thanksgiving dinner with my husband, dinner for just two. Our kids and grandkids and friends were isolating, in hiding from a novel viral enemy. Looking for a historical precedent, I compared the fear crisscrossing America to what it must have felt like in Berlin after World War II, when Stalin’s troops cut off the city. The plan was to choke the Berliners into capitulation to Russia. On the ground, it looked hopeless ranDI and inevitable. Then, in an audakrEIss cious countermove, the United States launched the Berlin airlift, and for 15 months planes dropped food, medicine and fuel — 2 million tons of supplies — until Stalin blinked in 1949 and lifted the blockade. We didn’t know it would succeed when we began. We did it because it was what was needed to save Berlin from Stalin’s tyranny. I was inspired by this bit of history because it speaks to America’s ability to

meet the moment. Ingenuity and courage are homegrown assets, and we never needed these strengths more than we did during the pandemic, more than we do now. In that Thanksgiving 2020 column, I wrote, “Our new enemy is Covid-19, which is rampaging through our cities and states, killing people in increasing numbers and threatening our well-being and our prosperity. We need to summon the courage to win this war . . . “We have missed the chance to get ahead of the firestorm, but we still have agency. Don’t gather at parties or bars or family events. It won’t be forever, and it might save someone you love . . . “This Thanksgiving we must accept the sacrifice of a simpler holiday, without expecting family to board planes or sit around a table for 15 or 20. We can do this. We can do it this year, in the hope that next year we can be thankful for lives saved.” One year later, the world had turned. I wrote, “All of us have had our Covid vaccines and boosters; we are brought back to normal by the moonshot of

modern medicine, the development of an effective vaccine in 18 months . . . “Today we are back to our jobs. Kids are back in school. This Thanksgiving we will sit down with our family to start reweaving the ties that have stretched thin over the months of this pandemic . . . “I have often written about gratitude for the small things that charge our days with interest and pleasure. This year my gratitude is singular, profound and unending. I am so thankful to the researchers and scientists and companies and governments and leaders who took on Covid-19 and dug in for the fight . . . “I thank everyone who brought us to this day, from the doctors and nurses to the supermarket workers to the teachers and parents of young children, to the bench researchers who put in the hours, day after day and month after month . . . “This year at our Thanksgiving there will be a too-big turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. Leaves and grains for the vegetarian. We will hug and kiss our kids and grandkids, feeling safe enough with our jabs and boosters. Then we will

our years ago next week, it seemed vaccines had saved the day. But no.

feast on my apple cranberry crumble with a topping of gratitude for this country and countries everywhere where scientists are educated, supported and honored because the work they do alleviates suffering and perpetuates life on earth.” This week, as we approach Thanksgiving 2025, it is, quite unbelievably, our very democracy that is under threat. We are in a season of political instability, irrational attacks on our institutions, and a drift toward authoritarianism. As we witness the trampling of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, the military occupation of our cities and the willingness to sacrifice American laws and values for personal gain and power, we know that this threat, too, has gone viral. And, irony of ironies, our government leaders are questioning the efficacy of the original lifesaving Covid-19 vaccine and all the life-saving vaccines that have kept us and our children alive. When we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner this year, my prayer will be for America to find its footing, to support leaders who will launch a political moonshot or Berlin Airlift to save our souls and our country. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

The cost of living is driving families out of New York

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November 20, 2025 — FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD

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Rekindling community with face-to-face talk

n an age when digital arguments erupt faster than we can refresh our screens, it has become almost instinctual to dive into online debates with strangers. Facebook threads balloon into battlegrounds, discussions on X collapse into insults and Reddit comment chains can devolve into tribal shouting matches. For many, this ritual has become a daily habit — almost a sport. Yet it leaves most people feeling drained, angry, unheard and oddly isolated. There’s a healthier, more human alternative: step away from the glowing screen and go meet your neighbors face to face. It sounds old-fashioned, almost quaint, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it powerful. When we talk to people in person — people who live next door, down the street or across the hall — we’re reminded that disagreements do not automatically make someone an enemy. You hear their tone of voice, notice their expressions and see the full, complex person behind the viewpoint. The humanity that gets flattened into a five-word comment reappears. And so does your own. Online, a single sentence can turn someone into a villain in your mind. A meme can become a stand-in for an entire group you’ve never actually spoken to. Algorithms feed outrage because outrage keeps you scrolling. But face-toface conversations break that cycle.

They prioritize curiosity over hostility, nuance over certainty, and listening over scoring points. This shift is good for both civic and personal health. Psychologists have long known that real-world social interactions reduce anxiety, increase life satisfaction and strengthen emotional resilience. Sitting with someone, even someone who has different opinions, calms the nervous system in ways digital communication never can. You breathe more slowly. You think more clearly. You remember that disagreements don’t have to be disagreeable. There’s also something grounding about being part of a physical community rather than a virtual crowd. The person you’re talking to isn’t a random stranger with an anonymous avatar; they’re someone who shares your sidewalk, your grocery store, your weather and your local challenges. That shared context encourages mutual respect. You might still disagree — honestly, you probably will — but the disagreement becomes a conversation, not a war. And consider the ripple effects. When neighbors talk, they build trust. When trust grows, communities become stronger, safer and more resilient. People are more likely to help one another, support local initiatives, and intervene when someone is struggling. Civil discourse becomes possible again — something increasingly rare in a world where

shouting has replaced dialogue. Face-to-face conversations also make room for humility. Online arguments often are myopic and pernicious. In person, you’re more likely to acknowledge what you don’t know, to soften your stance or to revise your thinking. Most surprisingly, you might even discover that the “other side” isn’t as far away as the internet insists. Maybe you share concerns, values or experiences. Maybe you’re both frustrated by the same problems, even if you imagine different solutions. Or maybe you simply end up respecting each other enough to continue the conversation later. And you may learn something new about an issue or about your community — or even about yourself. That’s the heart of a healthy society — not unanimous agreement, but constructive connection. If we truly want better conversations, less stress and stronger communities, the solution isn’t another heated thread or another algorithm-driven argument. There are many ways to move from behind the screen and interact with others in real life. It’s going out to dinner with friends, joining a club, becoming part of a sports team or taking a continuing education class. The internet may connect us instantly, but only face-to-face interactions remind us why connection matters in the first place.

opinions

t this time of year, many families with high school students visit colleges. Some visit nearby campuses that are within reach academically and financially, while others travel to what they consider more prestigious institutions. Whichever the choice, it’s imperative for parents and prospective students to plan carefully. Students and their families should consider how far from home is acceptable. Will the student be most comfortable in a large city, a suburban or a rural roBerT a. setting area? Will he or she live on camsCoTT pus, in the town or at home? How large a campus is acceptable? Some universities have 50,000 or more students, and some colleges have fewer than 1,500. The best fit is one that is not only challenging for academic and personal growth, but also caring and focused on student achievement. The cost of tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies is another consideration. Some families are willing to borrow to send their child to a prestigious college. If a good education and preparation for life are the goals, that isn’t

necessary. It’s better to find the best fit for the student. Families and students should use publicly available information such as college guides and the federal College Scorecard to decide on a list of colleges to visit and examine more closely. A high school guidance counselor should have a library of materials, and should know about where former students have gone to college. According to the National Survey of Student Engagement 2017-23, students at most colleges, the least selective as well as the most selective, rate their campus experience about the same on measures of critical thinking and analysis, quantitative reasoning, collaboration with peers, access to diverse perspectives and student-faculty interactions. On the following measures, however, more selective colleges provide the biggest impact: internships, leadership opportunities, working on research with faculty, and studying abroad. The federal College Scorecard can be a useful tool for examining general data about colleges and comparing institutions, but it cannot convey the personality of an institution. A publication such as the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” gives a fuller picture of a campus. After deciding on where to visit, call

for an appointment, ask to sit in on a class, talk to a faculty member and current students, tour a residence hall, and check out the dining facilities. Afterward, reflect on the following:

t’s such an important decision, and the answers to so many questions figure into it.

■ Feel: Were the students, faculty and staff you met on campus friendly and spontaneous, or were they cold and scripted? ■ Admissions: What weight is given to test scores? Of what influence are athletic prowess or alumni connections in the admissions process?

■ Academics: Are students assigned a faculty adviser? How easy is it to change majors? Who provides guidance on graduate studies and careers? ■ Who teaches? Do full-time faculty teach undergraduates, or is most instruction done by graduate assistants? ■ Enrollment: Is the student body economically diverse? ■ Financial aid: Will financial aid awards be adjusted for tuition increases? ■ Health and safety: Does the campus have a health center? Does the college provide transportation to go shopping off campus? ■ Housing and food service: Is there

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Rock Hall Museum’s Edgar Allan Poe-themed Masquerade Ball — Lawrence

sufficient residential-hall space to house all undergraduates, or must students live in fraternity and sorority houses or off campus? Does the dining hall offer meals three times a day, seven days a week when classes are in session? ■ Social life: Does the campus offer a rich cultural life and support a variety of clubs and organizations, or do Greek societies dominate the social scene? Do many students leave campus on the weekend? ■ Career placement: Does the career office offer information about jobs on campus and in the summer? Does it have information on internships, both paid and voluntary? Who are some successful alumni in the student’s fields of interest? While college graduates have improved outcomes in income, employment, health and civic engagement, college requires an investment of time, energy and intellect as well as money. So it’s important that the college and the student “fit” together in a way that is not only challenging but supportive. The right fit is more important than prestige. College is intended to enrich your life as well as your wallet. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and a co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”

FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — November 20, 2025

The college search: Are you seeking prestige or ‘fit’?

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