Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Sheriff’s office hosts Narcan training
Page 5
CHAPTER 2: THE HOLIDAYS
Page 10 & 11
Sean Goodwin sworn in as new Village Trustee
Christie Leigh BabiradHerald
Sean Goodwin, second from right, with Deputy Mayor Frank Seiberrt, Mayor Mary Adams and Trustee Toni Cardalli following his swearing in last week.
Tree lighting and Wassail Bowl traditions
herald a season of joy in
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Mayor Mary Adams often describes the annual tree lighting in Babylon Village as the community’s own “Hallmark-style Christmas celebration,” and it’s easy to see why. The festive event, which blends cherished traditions with family-friendly activities, has become a beloved holiday staple for village residents.
“This is another great tradition in Babylon Village where we get to see all our families and children, and that’s what the village is all about,” said Adams.
Though lacking fireworks or a parade, the tree lighting event offers simple pleasures that evoke a
Babylon Village
sense of nostalgia. This year, attendees were treated to s’mores-making stations, where they could roast marshmallows over small open fires. Hot chocolate was served, and haystacks placed around the firepits provided cozy seating for attendees. The Babylon High School band, orchestra, and chorus performed, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Argyle Theatre also offered performances, and of course, Santa made his grand entrance aboard the Babylon Fire Department’s fire truck.
A prayer, led by Pastor Brad Morgan of the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon, brought a unifying message of hope for peace, health, and closeness
Kitten cries; Choir rescues her
Page 6
KathyAnn Miga steps down from village board
Sean Goodwin sworn in as her replacement
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
In a surprise move, Babylon Village Trustee KathyAnn Miga resigned last week, citing time constraints.
Mayor Mary Adams namedSean Goodwin to take her seat on Tues., Dec. 10.
Miga’s term was set to run through March 2027, and Goodwin will need to run for the position in March 2025r to complete the remainder of her term.
The courtroom at Village Hall was packed with friends, family, and supporters of both Miga and Goodwin. Afterwards, Miga took the opportunity to explain her decision to step down.
“As somebody who was born and raised in Babylon Village, it was an honor to serve as trustee for the time that I did,” Miga said. “Unfortunately, at this point in my life, I don’t have the time to commit that the position deserves.” She added that she
hopes to serve the village again in the future.
Goodwin, a trustee with the Babylon Village Historical and Preservation Society, was greeted by a show of support from many of his friends and family on the rainy evening.
Adams thanked Miga for her service and wished her well for the future.
“I thank KathyAnn for all she has done for the village and wish her good health in the New Year,” Adams said.
After his swearing-in, she welcomed Goodwin to the role, noting his active involvement in the community. “Sean is extremely active in our community, and he and his family are also residents of the village,” she said. “He is always there to lend a helping hand.”
Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert also expressed his confidence in Goodwin. “He has been very active with the Conklin House, and I believe we couldn’t have picked a better person,” Seibert
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Babylon Village hosts traditional tree lighting and Wassail Bowl celebrations
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
with loved ones during the holiday season and the coming year.
Alyssa Apuzzo attended the event with her toddler, Haven, and was eager to see her daughter’s reaction during her second Christmas. “She knows who Santa is now and always says ‘ho, ho, ho’ when she sees him,” Apuzzo said with a smile.
Coleen Reha, another attendee, expressed her excitement: “I’m excited to see this beautiful tree lit for the holiday season and see the high school band perform.”
For longtime resident Patty Barberich, the tree lighting marks the start of the holiday season. “I come every year. It’s a good way to kick off the holidays, and it gets bigger and better each year,” she said.
The tree lighting has been an annual tradition for 106 years. Doug Laukaitis, who helped Adams at the s’mores station, reflected on the significance of the event. “It’s a tradition, and I believe tradition and history are so important,” Laukaitis said.
This year, the honor of lighting the tree went to RJ Cabano, a young village resident and avid fisherman. The moment marked a special connection between the village’s past and its future.
Conley, a trustee of the society. “It’s special because this museum shows you the village’s roots and how it has evolved over the years.”
John Fahrenkopf, a resident since 1978, praised the event for bringing the community together. “It’s these kinds of events that really bring people together,” he said. “The village is getting better and better.”
The celebration then continued at the Babylon Village Historical and Preservation Society, where the Wassail Bowl, a tradition that has lasted more than 50
Wassail, a warm, spiced apple cider beverage, was offered in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Guests also enjoyed cake and a variety of holiday cook-
“I like all the festivities,” said Kevin
Judy Skillen, president of the historical society, shared her enthusiasm for the event. “This is one of my favorite events to organize,” she said. “Everyone is so happy, and that’s something we really need more of.”
With its blend of old traditions and new memories, the annual tree lighting and Wassail Bowl serve as a heartwarming reminder of the joy and togetherness that define the holiday season in Babylon Village.
Babylon Village trustee
and prosperous. I’m truly humbled.” In other business, the board:
Trustee Anthony Cardali shared a recent example of Goodwin’s commitment to the community, recounting his efforts during the Veterans Day Parade. “I was so thankful for Sean’s involvement with the parade this past November, where he helped ensure that older veterans were able to be near the front line and even set up chairs in front of the Conklin House for
Goodwin, who is also involved in several other local organizations, expressed his
“I’m honored that the mayor has chosen me,” Goodwin said. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow trustees and learning as much as I can. My focus will be on continuing work with the Conklin House, supporting our downtown businesses, and keeping Babylon Village safe
•Approved Local Law 1210PH of 2024, amending Village Code 187 on garage sales. Residents can now hold two sales per year, one in the spring and one in the fall, up from one per year.
•Approved John O’Farrell as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, effective Dec. 31, 2024, replacing Nancy Iglesias Gillen.
•Approved refunds for returning ZBA signs.
•Approved an increase in the landscaper permit fee to $150, effective Dec. 15, 2024.
•Approved designated polling places for the General Village Election, scheduled for March 18, 2025.
The next regular board meeting will be r 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at Village Hall, 153 W. Main St., Babylon. For more information, visit villageofbabylonny.gov or call (631) 669-1500.
H enry and Emily Distefano
North Babylon celebrates with FD parade, tree lighting
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.
Despite the chilly weather, North Babylon residents turned out in full force for the town’s annual fire department parade and tree lighting ceremony to herald the season.
The parade, which has been a tradition for nearly 40 years, saw the North Babylon Fire Department travel south on Deer Park Avenue toward the fire station on Hale Road on Dec. 6. The fire trucks, all aglow with festive lights, were led by the final truck carrying Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even the Grinch, whose heart appeared to grow three sizes that night.
The fire department provided free hot chocolate and cookies for attendees while also collecting over 100 canned goods for the Bulldog Food Pantry at North Babylon High School.
Among the many spectators were newcomers like Anthony Borrero and his family, who were the first to arrive to secure their spot to see Santa. “We’re excited to see Santa,” Borrero said.
Krystle Macchio, attending with her husband, Joey, and their son, Billy, added, “It’s our first Christmas here and I think Billy is excited to have his picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”
Alondra Guevara, who came with her parents, Yudi and Luis, shared her excitement: “I’m excited to see Santa.”
North Babylon Fire Chief Michael Mazur expressed pride in the community turnout. “I like how the community comes together to celebrate this time of year,” he said. “It also helps build morale in the department to do good for the community.”
As the parade concluded, Town of Babylon Supervisor Richard Schaffer addressed the crowd, wishing everyone a “happy and healthy holiday season” as the Christmas tree was lit.
Town of Babylon Supervisor Richard Schaffer with Santa and Mrs. Claus North Babylon Fire Department holiday decorating
Supervisor Schaffer on stage with fellow Town of Babylon representatives and North Babylon Fire Department members
Below: Krystle Macchio with her husband, Joey, and son, Billy
The Fire Department tree is all aglow
Luis and Yudi Guevara with their daughter, Alondra
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly relocating office to Deer Park
S. C. Leg. Tom Donnelly announced that his district office will relocate from Huntington to Deer Park as of Friday, December 13.
The new address is 590 Nicolls Road, Suite 4, and is a result of the changed district lines. The move will also bring the office closer to the heart of the 17th Legislative District, making it more accessible to constituents and enhancing the ability to provide responsive and effective service.
Donnelly’s office will continue to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and constituents are encouraged to stop by or schedule an appointment for assistance with any county-related matters, free notary services and Senior ID cards. The office can also be reached by phone at (631) 854-4433.
“Our new location in Deer Park allows us to better serve the community and ensures that residents have a convenient and welcoming space to share their concerns, seek assistance, and access resources, right in the middle of the district,” said Donnelly.
‘Magic of Lights’ show illuminating Jones Beach through January 4
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Live Nation invites visitors to enjoy the ”Magic of Lights” showing now in Jones Beach State Park.
Experience the festive lights from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Jones Beach’s new holiday tradition. The display of over one million lights runs at dusk, approximately 5 p.m., through Jan. 4, 2025.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Standard vehicle pricing starts at $30 Monday—Thursday and $35 Friday—Sunday. You can purchase tickets in advance at: https://magicofli-
ghts.com/locations/jonesbeach/
The experience features favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. There is also a holiday village, with a North Pole Café, a walk-through selfie present, illuminating mega trees, special nightly activations, holiday merchandise, holiday movies, and more.
Santa will be at the Holiday Village every night through December 23 The Grinch will appear Dec. 24 through January 4. The village will feature special added attractions
For more information, visit parks. ny.gov.
“This move reflects our commitment to being available and connected to the people of the 17th District.”
Suffolk Sheriff’s Office teams up with 3 groups to sponsor Narcan training event in Farmingdale
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Planet Nugg in Farmingdale, Long Island Cannabis Coalition and Open Minded Organics, hosted a recent Narcan training event aimed at combating opioid overdose deaths.
David Tubens, who co-owns Planet Nugg with Walter Bonilla, Paul Doreste, and Umberto Romero, emphasized the importance of the event. “We wanted to sponsor it because it can save lives,” Tubens said. “We’ve expanded our facility to provide space for nonprofit organizations to hold important community events like this one, which can have a positive impact on people and communities.”
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2023. That’s actually a 3 percent decrease from the 111,029 deaths reported in 2022, the first annual decline in overdose deaths since 2018.
Experts believe the decline in overdose deaths is partly due to the increased use of Narcan (naloxone), an over-the-counter medication that
can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if administered quickly. Mohamad Fakhro, a training of -
Happy Holidays
Board of Trustees
ficer with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, spoke at the event and stressed the importance of im -
mediate action in overdose cases.
“Police and emergency personnel are trained to respond quickly to overdose calls but the earlier the intervention the best chance the victims have of survival,” Fakhro said. “Those closest to the person experiencing an overdose are often cousers, friends, or family members. If they are trained and have Narcan on hand, the victim stands the best chance of surviving and making better decisions moving forward.”
Around 30 people attended the training session in Farmingdale, where they learned how to properly administer Narcan in case of an opioid overdose. They also received a package of Narcan to take home.
The event is part of ongoing efforts by local law enforcement, health organizations, and community groups to provide the drug and training to thousands of individuals to reduce overdose deaths.
For information on upcoming Narcan training sessions, visit the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office website at suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com/ community-programs or contact your local town or village office.
Mayor Mary E. Adams
Mayor Mary E. Adams
Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert
Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert
Dominic Bencivenga
Dominic Bencivenga
Anthony Cardali
AnthonyCardali
Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
Shown in photo are: Gahrey Ovalle, President of LICC, William Weick, Deputy Sergeant; Deputy Sheriff Investigator Dustin DeFilippo. Deputy Sheriff Mohamad Fakhro, Julie Tubens, Planet Nugg Co-owner, Walter Bonilla, Planet Nugg Co-owner, David Falkowski, OMO, Founder & President andJimmy McCune, Celestial Branding & The Cloud
Farmingdale’s Daler athletes are ready to tackle college fields
The Farmingdale School District celebrated the accomplishments of 21 graduating student-athletes who will be advancing to compete at the col legiate level. A commitment signing ceremony took place on Mon., Decem ber 9 to recognize the students for their unwavering commitment to academics and athletics.
Held at Farmingdale High School, the ceremony was an event filled with pride, excitement and heartfelt con gratulations as parents, coaches and friends gathered to celebrate those who demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
“Your passion and dedication to your sport have brought you to this mo
ment,” said Jeanne Berkoski, director Vincent; Andrew Dillon, baseball at ara Kegel, softball at Farmingdale State
BABYLON HERALD BEACON
OBITUARY
Judith Ellen Castelluccio, 71, former Babylon resident
Judith Ellen Castelluccio, a wellregarded leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs, died on Nov. 23, 2024 in Danville, Virginia. She was 71. She was born on Sept. 13, 1953, to Ella May Ische Connolly and Vincent Jerome Connolly, and grew up in Babylon.
She often described her childhood as idyllic. During her high school years, she excelled as a cheerleader, class president, and Girl’s State representative.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta in 1975 and completed her dietetic internship at Hines VA Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, from 1975 to 1976. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 36-year career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including 31 years in New York City and surrounding areas. She retired in January 2012 from the Durham, North Carolina VA Medical Center.
Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and recognition for her leadership and innovation in dietetics. She was instrumental in implementing groundbreaking advancements within the VA system and served
as a mentor for the VA Leadership Development Program. A Margaret Mead quote she kept on her desk encapsulated her philosophy: “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
After retirement, she and her husband, Joseph, settled into their log home on 23 acres in Providence, North Carolina. There they enjoyed a life of community service and cherished time with family. Their daughter, Dina, and grandsons, Joseph and Nicholas, brought them endless joy.
She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 30 years, Joseph Anthony Castelluccio; stepdaughter Dina
Marie Mayhew and grandsons Joseph and Nicholas Mayhew. She is also survived by siblings Mark Connollyof Blue Hill, Maine; Laura Pfaffe (Al Pfaffe) of West Islip, NY,; and Virginia Brown (Tim Brown) of North Miami, Fla.; cousins Gwenette Kangis, Providence, Rhode Island; and Merrette Ische, Auburn, Alabama; as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend who lit up every room she entered.
Funeral arrangements were made at Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, Danville. Visit Judith’s Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com.
Meet some of our local scholars
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
•Gabrielle Pierre of West Babylon recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at
Local Worship Schedules and Services.
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BABYLON
Corner of Deer Park Avenue and James Street in the Village of Babylon, 631-661-5151
Website: babylonumc.org
Pastor: The Rev. Melissa Boyer
SUNDAY SERVICES
Albany and will be majoring in Criminal Justice (intended).
•Diana Mallazzo of West Babylon recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Biology (intended).
•Brandon Hancock of West Babylon recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Business Administration (intended).
•Isabella Bonsignore of West Babylon is attending the University at Albany as a member of the Class of 2028.
•Jacob Hurst of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering (intended).
•Genna Perna of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Early Childhood/Childhood Education (intended).
•Jake Avella of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Computer Science (combined-intended).
•Jill Kirkland of Wyandanch recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Biology (intended).
•Selena Enamorado of Deer Park, attending the University at Albany and majoring in Biology, was chosen as a L-LC (Living-Learning Community) Assistant for the fall of 2024.
•Talya Gomez of Wyandanch, majoring in Business Administration, was chosen as a L-LC (Living-Learning Community) Assistant for the fall of 2024.
•Manuel Rodriguez of North Babylon, assigned to the Operations Company, 42 nd Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the New York Army National Guard, was recently promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer 3.
•Asiye Susoglu of North Babylon, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for LI Muslim Student Association and LI Pre-Dental Society.
•Ashley Brown of West Babylon, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for the LI Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and for the LI National Society of Black Engineers.
• Shabbat services every weekend: Friday, 8:00 p.m.
• Religious school - Pre Hebrew thru Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
• Kosher catering for all types of functions
• Rabbi’s adult education classes
• Religious school - Pre Hebrew thru Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Active sisterhood and men’s club
• Senior Time Thursdays – 12:30-4:30, all welcome
• Rabbi’s adult education classes
• Interfaith couples welcome
• Active sisterhood and men’s club
• New members welcome
• Interfaith couples welcome
• New members welcome
9:30am - Worship in the Church Online at Website - 9:30am
• Senior Time Thursdays – 12:30-4:30, all welcome
441 Deer Park Ave., Babylon PO Box 64 • 631-587-5650 congregationbethshalom.com
A friendly Conservative egalitarian congregation offering: facebook.com/cbsbabylon
441 Deer Park Ave., Babylon PO Box 64 631-587-5650 facebook.com/cbsbabylon
Home of the James Street Players and the UMC Nursery School Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
For Information on advertising here call Maryann Heins at 631-264-0077
•Alex Poteat of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Computer Science (intended).
•Christopher Vail of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Cybersecurity (intended).
•Lisa DeMotta of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Information Science (MS).
•PJ Henry of West Islip recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Forensic Accounting (MS).
•Michael Cardenas of West Babylon, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for the LI Society of Photographers and Videographers.
•Raquel Ibarra of Lindenhurst, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for LI Sigma Iota Alpha.
•Vadym Kapchynskyy of West Babylon, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for LI Tau Kappa Epsilon.
•Jaan Malik of West Islip, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for LI Iota Nu Delta.
Judith Ellen Castelluccio
First graders celebrated World Kindness Day by writing kindness cards and coloring kindness themed posters to hang in their classrooms.
Lafrancis Hardiman Elementary celebrates World Kindness Day
At the recent celebration for World Kindness Day, students at Lafrancis Hardiman Elementary School in Wyandanch learned how even the smallest gestures can have a ripple effect, contributing to a more compassionate and connected world.
The students participated in SCOPE enrichment programs that focused on this year’s theme, “Spreading Kindness: One Small Act at a Time.” Activi-
ties included writing kindness cards to share with others throughout the day and discussing ways to be kind and how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
Initiated in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the day is celebrated across various countries including Australia, Canada and the UAE, and aims to inspire individuals to practice acts of kindness, no matter how small.
classes discussed
Bird walk Dec. 21 at Hempstead Lake park
The South Shore Audubon Society will be holding a bird walk on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Hempstead Lake State Park. The group will meet at 9 a.m. in parking lot #3. All are welcome. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge. Bring binoculars.
Hempstead Lake State Park is off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway
To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains, snows or the temperature is below 25 degrees. Text regarding questionable conditions. For more information, log onto www. ssaudubon.org.
Second graders in Ms. Koos and Ms. Haro’s
ways to be kind.
Chapter 2
A Little Wit, Whimsy and Wisdom—With A Few Wrinkles
Welcome to the first edition of an exciting new section in the Amityville Record, Massapequa Post and Babylon Beacon. It is the brainchild of four local residents— Jo Pettit, Phyllis Singer, Dolores Conroy and Jean Patman—who are in the next phase of their lives and wanted to share some of what they have learned along the way with the community.
Join them as they offer thoughts and perceptions on how they are making the later years purposeful, active, educational and fun! And send us your thoughts and perceptions in return.
Holiday memories? We remember them well
By JO PETIT
In my large Italian family, major holidays were a big deal. My Mom was born into a small Ukrainian family but once married she was swallowed up by Dad’s overwhelming kin, who originated in southern Italy.
Relatives and semi-relatives would come from all over Long Island, Brooklyn and the Bronx to my Aunt Jenny and Uncle Fred’s house in Baldwin because it had the biggest basement (it seems to me that gatherings of Italian relatives often took place in someone’s basement). Theirs had a full kitchen and ping pong and pool tables, which converted into dining tables that accommodated at least 30 people, a dozen of them kids. And two ovens, one upstairs and one down, made cooking the turkeys and roast beef easy while accommodating vats of pasta and vegetables.
I have a clear vision of my father in his sleeveless T-shirt, moist from the stove’s heat, carrying two enormous turkeys to the table and then rushing back to the stove to stir the pasta, which was boiling in a pot the size of a bathtub (or so it seemed!). In our family, not having enough food was considered a mortal sin, so “just to be sure,” enough food to supply several meals of leftovers was prepared. The women placed large plastic sheets over the “good” damask cloths lest they get stained.
My twin cousins Carol and Marilyn and I, who were only three months apart in age and the oldest of the kids, believed we had great performing talents. So they danced and I sang and told jokes. To bypass a long day of Uncle Carl pinching our cheeks and being hugged and bored by wine-infused relatives, we would gather all the other restless children and go upstairs to the bedrooms where all the coats were piled on beds. There, the twins and I wrote scripts of terrible jokes, rehearsed dancing and singing and gave everyone, including the much younger ones, various parts to play.
Of course, the show we performed was corny and the material was dreadful, but our loving, boisterous relatives thought they were at a Broadway show.
These were some delightful holiday memories of some caring people in my life. I asked a couple of friends about their holiday memories and what follows is what they shared:
Mary Dobby Gero, Amityville
When I remember my childhood holidays during the 1950s in Amityville, I picture Christmas lights strung across Broadway like twinkling stars as the holiday spirit brought our little village alive. It was a magic time for me.
Long before the malls were built, a day of window shopping locally was like a treasure hunt. My five brothers and sisters and I would dream of what Santa might bring us. Losi’s Corner and Fisher’s Candy
shop near the Triangle beckoned us with the sweet smell of fudge and chocolate. It wasn’t just candy. It was happiness wrapped in a box.
Rexall Drugstore offerings went from Christmas cards to quirky gifts and Phannemiller’s Pharmacy was the place to go for holiday essentials. The soda fountain in Fisher’s Soda Shop on the corner of Union Avenue had a place to sit and sip a milkshake while soaking in the holiday buzz. Christoffer’s Stationery provided all the paper goods you could hold as if they were holiday wishes and we would buy marvelous meats at Johnson’s Meat Market for our holiday feast. The clucking of live chickens at Amityville Feed and Grain provided a little lesson in reality: that the holidays weren’t just about traditional snowy scenes but also about everyday life.
If you stopped by the quaint gathering place Tony Esposito’s, near the RR tracks, you could hear conversations about past snowstorms and holiday plans. But the true jewel at holiday time was McClellan’s. The scent of popcorn and roasted nuts would hit you like a warm blanket, wrapping you in pure delight as you shopped for gifts. The spirit of giving came alive for us as we’d buy gifts like Evening in Paris perfume in its lovely satin-lined box for our Mom, whose eyes we knew would sparkle when she opened it on Christmas morning.
When we returned home, we kids would gather under the decorated tree with our coloring books and we’d dream and share whispers of our hopes and excitement about waking on Christmas morning. The recollections of our busy village and our cozy home created a beautiful patchwork of memories that still warm my heart.
Christmas wasn’t just a holiday, it was an experience that brought us together, filled with laughter, love and a spirit of giving.
Craig Pavlik, Babylon
The coming together of family, tradition, and the joy of the season makes holiday memories some of the most cherished moments in life. When Caroline and I moved to Babylon, our family embraced new Christmas traditions – searching for the right tree, decorating everything including our boat, hanging Christmas roping, and even making ice cream together.
One of our most memorable holidays began the weekend after Thanksgiving. We woke on that Saturday to a crisp, cold morning, and hit the road early for upstate New York, in search of the biggest Christmas tree our living room could fit (imagine the Griswold Christmas tree
from Christmas Vacation).
Riding and laughing in son Ryan’s trusty Ram pickup, we made our way to our favorite tree farm where we searched until we found the perfect tree. We sawed it down and we all lugged the massive tree to the wrapping station. The young man helping us shook his head and said, “There’s no way we can wrap that tree in the netting, we’ll have to tie it up the old-fashioned way.”
With the tree safely secured, we headed home for our next adventure.
Later that afternoon, we were all hands-on deck to decorate our 22-foot center console for the annual Babylon Boat Parade. With Christmas lights adorning the boat and holiday music blasting from Mariah Carey to Frank Sinatra, we set out for Babylon Cove to join the parade. It was a cold evening, but the hot cocoa Caroline packed kept us warm. The parade featured about 40 boats that cruised around the cove, passing
the local senior citizen residence perched right at the water’s edge. As we rode past, we could see the seniors standing and waving. After a few laps around the cove, the sun had set, and the twinkling lights on the boats made the entire cove sparkle, helping to make it a perfect evening.
Later in that holiday season, we all piled into the car, including our family dog, Buddy, and with Christmas roping in hand, we went to decorate our assigned lamppost in the heart of Babylon Village. (We started this tradition when daughter Carli was in grade school, and now she’s ready to graduate college, a somewhat emotional reminder that time truly flies by. )
Finally, when Christmas Day arrived, so did the rest of our family and another holiday tradition: breaking out our old hand-cranked ice cream maker. Eggnog was the flavor that year and everyone took a turn cranking the handle, with Grandpa and the Grandmas leading the way.
The giant Christmas tree, the fun of making the ice cream together and just having all our family gathered in one place made the ice cream taste like the best we’d ever made.
Just in the nick of time:
Santas
gather on my mantle
By PHYLLIS SINGER
Watching the sheer joy on my grandchildren’s faces after they fly downstairs on Christmas morning to see what toys and goodies Santa brought them has made me love the jolly old maneven more as the years go by. Sure, the kids are excited for the gifts, but the idea that this kind guy with the white beard knows what
they want is a very special belief. I did not grow up in a Christmas house but I always felt something warm for Santa. His arrival each year at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade kicked
off the spirit of this holiday for me. The kids, my own and now my grandchildren, would get a little restless watching the wonderful marching bands and the terrific Broadway performances, but when Santa showed up we all were thrilled. Which, of course, is the idea.
So, for decades I have collected Santas. While many are robed in red and sport long white beards, others come in assorted
and adornments.
wearing, here is a little explanation of who in Santa land is
shapes, sizes, clothes
Like the fashionista announcers on the red carpets who ask the celebrities which designer they’re
Amityville, playground of the elegant in 1900
baritones.
By RICHARD HANDLER
As the 20th century rolled in, Amityville was already the Hamptons of its day.
Families would return each year to the Village by the Bay to “summer” in cottages on Ocean Avenue or stay most seasons at hotels along the Great South Bay. The village boasted several fine hotels with inviting names like the Narragansett Inn, which opened in 1907, the Alexandrea, Wardel’s
became a South Shore landmark. The interior housed an elegant restaurant, grill, bowling alley, billiard room and library while sun-drenched parlors and porches provided breathtaking views in all directions. An ad in the June 2, 1912, New York Herald Tribune boasted: “Bathing, Boating, Fishing, Tennis - the finest Sea Shore Resort on Long Island, and all for a weekly room rate of from $15 to $35.”
The New Point established a reputation for elegance and grace. The guest rolls recorded visitors primarily from Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey who sought its invigorating sea breezes and tranquility as an escape from the summer heat and demands of metropolitan life. The Amityville Record reported in August 1905 that “the season is in full splendor with one social event followed by another in rapid succession; where Saturday evening soirees and affairs were held with orchestras and dancing.” On special occasions the premises were “festooned with flags and bunting, palms and ferns” adding to the gaiety.
The New Point was so successful that in 1900 an adjacent New Point Inn was constructed to accommodate 75 more guests. Later the name New Point Inn was changed to the Hathaway Inn apparently to distinguish it from the Hotel New Point. Both hotels provided livery services from the Amityville train station, and had stables In 1916, the winds of war reached Amityville, forcing the majestic Hotel New Point to close its doors. An auction held that April disposed of most furnishings, Rogers’ silverware, 5,000 yards of Brussels carpet and velvet curtains. The hotel was then repurposed to host special events. Notable affairs included an American Cancer Society Gala where Paul Robeson performed, and a Dixie Festival with Jules Bledsoe, both famed Harlem Renaissance
By the 1930s, whether because of economics or the automobile, the golden days of summer stays at grand Long Island hotels had waned. The New Point evolved into the Herald Tribune Fresh Air Fund Camp for innercity children. After World War 11 it became Camp Meroke, a summer camp for boys and girls. Then mysteriously, on Dec. 12, 1962, the night before it was scheduled to be torn down, flames were observed shooting from a turret window. By daybreak the Hotel New Point was smoldering ash.
The Hathaway Inn survived until November 1951 when, like its adjacent cousin, fire ended its 51-year run. By mid-century, gone too was the Alexandra Inn, on the northeast corner of Bayview Avenue and Merrick Road, which hosted the famed Vanderbilt Cup Races in the 1930s; as well as the Amity Inn at the northwest corner of Broadway and Merrick Road, which served as the final stop of the 1899 New York City-toAmityville Bicycle Race.
The last survivor was the Narragansett Inn at the southeast corner of Ocean and Richmond Avenues. Known for its spectacular views, it operated as Shanahan’s during the Depression, where it enjoyed a reputation for name music acts and spirits. It remained open as the Shangri-La until it too, succumbed to fire on April Fool’s Day 1965.
A Little Wit, Whimsy and Wisdom—With A Few
Wrinkles
A dash of holiday cheer lies within these pages
By SUSAN BENARD-HANDLER
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Random House
$12.95
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss is a beloved children’s book that has captured the hearts of readers since its publication in 1957.
The story is set in the cheerful town of Whoville, where the Whos are busy preparing for Christmas. But high up on a mountain above the town lives the Grinch, a grouchy and bitter creature who hates Christmas and all the joy it brings. The Grinch, determined to ruin Christmas for the Whos, devises a plan to steal their presents, decorations, and food on Christmas Eve.
publication.
The novella, first published in 1843, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted man who undergoes a profound transformation after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Through this journey, Scrooge comes to understand the importance of generosity, compassion, and the Christmas spirit.
At its core, A Christmas Carol is a moral tale about the consequences of selfishness and the redemptive power of kindness and community.
Winter Solstice
St. Martin’s Griffin $25
Winter Solstice, by Rosamunde Pilcher, is a novel about finding hope and comfort in the most unlikely places and learning to embrace new beginnings, no matter your age or past experiences. It’s a slow, character-driven story that leaves the reader with a sense of warmth and peace. The setting -- a quiet, snow-covered village at Christmastime -- adds to the novel’s cozy feeling.
However, on Christmas morning, the Grinch is shocked to find that the Whos are still filled with joy and celebrating Christmas despite having nothing. This realization—that Christmas isn’t about presents, but about community, love, and togetherness—touches the Grinch’s heart. In the end, he returns everything he stole and joins the Whos in their celebration, his heart growing “three sizes” in the process.
If you enjoy stories about the power of human connection and personal growth, this book, by the author of The Shell Seekers, will be a rewarding read.
A Christmas Carol Sea Wolf Press
$14.95
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers nearly two centuries after its
Time to place Santa on the mantle
Continued from previous page
wearing what.
Our Santa in the U.S. has definitely eaten a lot of cookies, and is toasty in his fur-lined red coat closed by a big black leather belt. Britain’s Father Christmas often is wrapped in a green cloak, sports a wreath of holly on his head and walks with a staff. In France and other Frenchspeaking countries, Pere Noel doesn’t wear a red Santa hat, but has a long red cloak with a fur-lined hood. Sinterklaas is the legendary Dutch version of the big fellow and he wears a tall, red bishop’s hat and walks with a bejeweled staff. He is one of the sources of the modern Santa Claus.
Through the years Santa, or St. Nick, or Father Christmas or the many othernamed fellow gift- givers around the globe appeared in blue, brown, purple or even silver robes. In 1863, the artist Thomas Nast dressed him in a blue coat with stars and also featured him in tan or green as well. Over the years, his fur was often brown and his coat grew shorter with buttons. Brocade patterns often graced the cloaks no matter what their color.
On my mantel, one of my favorites is a simple little Santa with a plain greenish coat, fur trim, a gold painted beard and a lantern. My son brought him home after a long-ago trip to Ukraine, where he’s
known as Grandfather Frost. Odin, the ancient Norse god, may be Santa’s origin story. He was a warrior, a wise man and during the Yule season he would wander in a blue hooded cloak and leave gifts for children in their shoes or stockings by the hearth, a tradition that we still practice. Many of those traditions have morphed into the way we celebrate now, but they grew out of the legends throughout time that celebrate a generous spirit bearing gifts for the needy. It’s the spirit we cherish at this time of year. So friends, believe! I still do.
Kitten sings louder than choir at Garden City Cathedral
“Do you hear what I That familiar Christmas carol took on new meaning Saturday when a kitten’s desperate cries interrupted choir practice at the Cathedral
The meows, louder than “Joy to the World,” echoed from outside the cathedral’s apse, prompting choir members to rush out and search for the source. They discovered a black kitten stuck at the bottom of a 12-foot-deep concrete
Pets, Pets, Pets...
JOANNE ANDERSON
Sexton James quickly lowered a 20foot ladder, allowing choir member Thea, known for her agility, to climb down and rescue the freezing feline. Thea carried the kitten, later named Carol, to safety. Though frightened, Carol was in good health and not hungry, suggesting she had likely been trapped for much of the day in the
Canon Musician Larry offered his office as a temporary refuge, complete with food, a comfy bed, and a litter box. Meanwhile, Kyle from the Cathedral’s Pet Ministry contacted Last Hope Animal Rescue, the cathedral’s partner organization, for assistance.
Last Hope agreed to scan Carol for a microchip, spay her the following week, and place her in their cat adoption program, unless a member of the congregation chose to adopt her first. Rebecca, a Cathedral member and Last Hope volunteer, will oversee Carol’s care.
In 2021, Rebecca and Kyle, leaders of the Cathedral’s Pet Ministry, ap-
proached Last Hope Animal Rescue to explore a partnership for supply drives and other charitable projects. Since then, the relationship has flourished. Last Hope has provided coats from its thrift shop to the Cathedral’s Long Island locations and helped the congregation raise funds for earthquake victims in Turkey in 2023.
During last Sunday’s service, as the choir performed carols in multiple languages, the Cathedral announced a supply collection for Last Hope. Meanwhile, Carol, blissfully unaware, nestled safely in Larry’s office. As for Carol’s future, if the kitten turns out to be male, her name may be changed to “Wenceslas.”
Carol inside the Cathedral with Kyle, Thea and Larry.
Carol with Thea, her choir rescuer.
STEPPING OUT
Merry eatings
‘Tis the season for a
By Karen Bloom
ost of us would agree that there’s almost nothing better than the aroma of fresh-baked goodies wafting through the house. Especially during holiday time. Nothing says “love” like fresh baked cookies and treats. So give the gift of homemade goodness, whether it’s a gift platter or by hosting family and friends for a cookie exchange. Everyone can get in on the act and share their creations all around.
Your gang will enjoy tasting these luscious creations in your makeshift holiday workshop.
Chocolate Mint Squares
Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee in this festive alternative to a brownie. Add some crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.
Dough
• 1/3 cup baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chopped pecans, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil
Frosting
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar or glazing sugar
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil
• 2 tablespoons milk
Glaze
• 3 tablespoons baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate
• 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9” x 9” pan.
To make the dough: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, salt and eggs.
Add the chocolate mixture, stirring to combine, then the flour, nuts and peppermint, mixing until well-blended.
Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the squares for 25 minutes. Remove them from the oven, and
‘Holiday Joy’
cool to room temperature. Remove them from the oven, and cool to room temperature. While cooling make the frosting and glaze.
To make the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter or margarine, peppermint and milk. Spread the frosting over the cooled squares in a thin layer.
To make the glaze: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter or margarine. Drizzle this over the frosted squares, and sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candy. Refrigerate the squares until they’re well-chilled. To serve, cut into 1 1/2” squares.
Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies
You can’t spin these dreidels, but you sure can gobble them up. The versatile dough that can be customized to create chocolate or colored cookies.
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Dreidel-shaped cookie cutter
• Piping bag
• Blue frosting
Cookie dough
In a medium-size bowl, mix the flour and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, stir in the egg, then the corn syrup and vanilla extract. One third at a time, add the flour mixture until thoroughly mixed.
Pat the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll. If it is too firm, soften at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Roll one disk of dough between two pieces of waxed paper or
plastic wrap, 1/4 inch thick. Remove the top sheet and cut out the cookies with cookie cutters.
Using a metal spatula, transfer the shapes to baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies start to brown lightly around the edges. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to racks and cool completely before frosting and decorating. Makes 12 to 50 cookies, depending on their size.
For chocolate dough: After the last third of flour has been added to the dough, mix in 1 ounce melted, slightly cooled unsweetened chocolate. Use your hands to knead in the chocolate.
For colored dough: Divide the dough into portions and use a toothpick to add food coloring paste (available at party supply stores) to each one. Knead until the color is evenly distributed. For a flavor surprise, omit the vanilla extract and add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the yellow dough, mint extract to the green dough, and strawberry extract to the red dough.
How to prepare
Cut out the dreidels from the rolled-out dough and bake as directed (if you cant find a dreidel cookie cutter, make a pattern out of lightweight cardboard). When cooled, pipe one of the four classic dreidel symbols on each cookie (either gimel, shin, nun, or hay) with blue frosting.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 44 candy-coated chocolate pieces
• 88 semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
• 44 pretzels, broken into 1-inch pieces
Heat oven to 350° F.
Beat peanut butter, butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Add combined flour and baking soda; mix well.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets. Bake 7 to 9 min. or until cookies are just set.
Place 1 chocolate piece immediately in center of each cookie for a nose (press down slightly if cookies aren’t flat enough), 2 chocolate chips for eyes, and 2 pretzel pieces at top of cookie for antlers. Carefully remove cookies to wire rack; cool completely.
Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s holiday celebration. The cast of 48 performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this show, now in its 11th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The vibrant cast includes Broadway performers. and Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students “Holiday Joy” invites everyone to take a journey through the many worlds of the holidays — through song and dance — in the fast- paced spectacle. Timeless songs such as “We Need A Little Christmas” are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a live band.
Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ; Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny. org.
Yellow Brick Joel
Relive the classic songs that define generations. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat,” “Funeral For A Friend,” “Miami 2017,” and “Captain Jack.” A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! Groove along to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship.
Friday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Chocolate Mint Squares
Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
THE Your Neighborhood
Jan. 3
‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’
Keep those winter doldrums at bay with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. It may seem like we’ve got much too long to wait ‘til we’re back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Friday, Jan. 3 , 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — has been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively l mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer on a Friday night, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Dec. 20
Wrap your holiday gifts
Babylon Public Library invites patrons to wrap their gifts at the library’s gift-wrapping station, Friday, d ec. 20, noon6 p.m. Wrapping materials will be provided. This event is for Babylon patrons only. For more information, contact the Children’s Room at (631) 669-1624. 24 South Carll Ave., Babylon.
Model Train Show
The TMB Model Train Show opens Saturday, Nov. 30. It features its ever-exciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings, Saturdays, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., Jan. 5, 19 and Feb. 9, at the Upper Room Church. With new scenic areas to discover as well as familiar sights and a wide variety of trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains, all set in 6,500 square feet of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. So, mark your calendars now. 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. For more information go to tmbmodeltrainclub.com.
In concert
The Hopelessly Olivia Band Experience debut, an Olivia Newton-John tribute band, is held at The Warehouse in Amityville, Thursday, Jan. 9 , 9 p.m. Tickets are available now, but there is limited seating. For tickets, visit o the Hopelessly Olivia Facebook page or call (631) 394-8296. 203 Broadway, Amityville.
Senior Fitness Class
Get active at senior fitness classes at West Islip Public Library, Fridays until dec. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stretch instructor Vicki Luckman, who will motivate participants through gentle movements with high-energy music. Bring a water bottle, 1-3 pound weights, a resistance band with handles, a small ball and a scarf or handkerchief to the class. $20. To register, stop by the library or call (631) 661-7080 ext. 274 or go to westisliplibrary.org. 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip,
EDITOR/REPORTER
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K is looking
Movie matinee
See a movie on Babylon Public Library big screen. Enjoy the awardwinning film
“Little Women,” Friday, Dec. 20, 2-4 p.m. Based on Louisa May Alcott beloved novel, it follows the lives of the March sisters as they go through the many ups and downs of life in 19th century Massachusetts. No registration is required. For more information, call (631) 669-1624. 24 South Carll Ave., Babylon.
Bestsellers Book Club
Come see why see these books are top picks at the Bestsellers Book Club meeting, Thursday, Dec. 19, 7-8 p.m. at Lindenhurst Memorial Library.
This month’s pick is 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Digital copies of the adult books being discussed will be available through their Cloud Library account, exclusively for Lindenhurst patrons.
Hard copies of all book titles will be reserved and on the hold shelf one month prior to the discussion unless otherwise noted. The presenter is Noel Reich. To register, visit lindenhurstlibrary.org/event. For more information, call (631) 957-7755. 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst.
Christmas House
Long Island
Celebrate the holidays with The Christmas House, an immersive indoor holiday attraction at Broadway Commons, now until Thursday, Jan. 2. This unique 45-minute walk-through features interactive and imaginative experiences that will delight people of all ages! Walk through the North Pole where it’s actually snowing, and down the aisles of the nostalgic Christmas House Video store in addition to a dozen other experiences.
Each of the rooms was curated by Hollywood set designers, artists and Christmas enthusiasts using creative lighting, props and effects that bring to life the sights, sounds, characters, and traditions associated with the holiday season with some interesting twists. $24.99. Tickets are available in person as well as online and are on sale now at christmashouselongisland. com. 58 N. Broadway, Hicksville
Having an event?
Lydia comes to LIMHOF
Singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist Lydia von Ho is back at Long Island Hall of Fam, Sunday, Dec. 29 , 3 p.m. She has performed as a soloist at Madison Square Garden at a New York Knicks halftime show, The Bitter End in NYC, Rockwood Music Hall, and more. Free with admission. 97 Main St., Stony Brook. For more information, go to limusichalloffame.org.
Teen movie showing
Lindenhurst Memorial Library invites teens to see a movie on its big screen. Enjoy an afternoon movie and snacks with friends with a holiday movie showing of “Home Alone,” Friday, Dec. 20, 3:305:30 p.m. No registration is required. For more information, call (631) 957-7755. 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village presents, “A Christmas Carol” with performances now through Sunday, Jan. 5. Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale. 34 W. Main St., Babylon. To reach the box office, call (631) 230-3500 or email boxoffice@argyletheatre.com. To purchase tickets online, go to: ci.ovationtix.com
Emily’s Awesome Toy Drive
North Babylon Library patrons are invited to participate in Emily’s Awesome Toy Drive. Drop off new unwrapped toys for children in need and in hospitals this holiday season until Thursday, Dec.19. Over 20,000 toys have been donated to hospitals and children’s organizations across Long Island and Manhattan since the drive began in 2010. 815 Deer Park Ave., N. Babylon. For more information, call (631) 669-4020.
Notice of formation of Long Island Organics Council LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on September 25, 2024. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC c/o Rocket Corporate Services Inc., 2804 Gateway Oaks Drive #100, Sacramento, CA 95833. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
24-708. 11/28, 12/5, 12, 19, 26, 1/2/25
Notice of formation of DEFENDERS DEN, LLC.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 10/10/2024. Office located in Suffolk. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC: 187 Wolf Rd Ste 101, Albany NY 12205. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
24-709. 11/28, 12/5, 12, 19, 26, 1/2/25
Notice of formation of Rebel Muse Productions LLC
Articles of Organization filed ™with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/22/2024
Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail a process served to:
The LLC, 3 Thea Lane, Huntington, NY 11743
Purpose: any lawful act.
24-681 11/14, 21, 28, 12/5, 12, 19
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, -against-
CEM HATTAT, BENEFICIARY OF THE BAHTIYAR HATTAT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, 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 Suffolk on September 30, 2024, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT,
Public Notices — Your right to know
LLC is the Plaintiff and CEM HATTAT, BENEFICIARY OF THE BAHTIYAR HATTAT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 8, 2025 at 1:30PM, premises known as 102 WILLOW LANE, LINDENHURST, NY 11757; and the following tax map identification: 0103-022.0001.00-105.003.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE AND LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 201212/2022. Arthur Burdette, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
24-712. 12/5, 12, 19, 26
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, US Bank Trust National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Steven Herrmann, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 13, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 6, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., premises known as 224 Old Country Road,
Deer Park, NY 11729. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 018.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 008.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $104,718.09 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #619966/2023. Cash will not be accepted.
Donna England, Esq., Referee
Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 24-711 12/5, 12, 19, 26
Notice of formation of Party Rentals Near Me LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/20/2024
Office location, County of Suffolk.
SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail a process served to:
Party Rentals Near Me LLC, 8 Priscilla Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729
Purpose: any lawful act.
24-710. 12/5, 12, 19, 26/24; 1/2, 9/25
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, LLC, -againstGEORGES SANON A/K/A GEORGES A. SANON A/K/A GEORGES A. TAYLOR, 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 Suffolk on June 4, 2020, wherein NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, LLC is the Plaintiff and GEORGES SANON A/K/A GEORGES A. SANON A/K/A GEORGES A. TAYLOR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDEN -
HURST, NY 11757, on January 15, 2025 at 12:30PM, premises known as 259 WEST 24TH STREET, DEER PARK, NY 11729; and the following tax map identification: 0100-084.0002.00-014.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613388/2015. Francesco P. Tini, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
24-729. 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, SSA NE Assets, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. 362 Deauville Blvd, LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 21, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 16, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., premises known as 362 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, NY 11726. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 178.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 092.001. Approximate amount of judgment is $742,976.61 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617732/2021.
Robert A. Macedonio, Esq., Referee Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 24-725 - 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
TOWN OF ISLIP OFFICE OF THE RECEIVER OF TAXES ANDY WITTMAN RECEIVER OF TAXES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE TOWN OF ISLIP:
That, Andy Wittman the undersigned Receiver of Taxes has received the 20242025 Assessment Roll and Warrant. He will accept payment of taxes by mail, on line or at his office at 40 Nassau Ave., Islip, New York, 11751-3645 beginning Monday, December 9, 2024, daily, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The Tax Office will be closed December 24, 25 and January 1, 2025, and will close at 12 noon on December 31. On Friday
PUBLIC NOTICE
VILLAGE OF BABYLON BABYLON, NEW YORK
evening, January 10, 2025, the office will be open for payment of taxes until 7:00 P.M. First half taxes are due and payable on or before Friday, January 10, 2025, without penalty. After January 10, 2025, one percent per month will be added to the first half payment or balance of first half. Second half taxes are due and payable at this office without penalty until Monday, June 2, 2025, after which date, penalty and interest will be charged by the Suffolk County Comptroller. All bills thereafter, must be paid to the Suffolk Comptroller’s Office, 330 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901-3311. Partial payments are accepted. The total amount of warrant to be collected by the Receiver of Taxes for the 2024-2025 tax year is $1,321,180,241.39. Notice: Taxes are due and payable in full upon receipt, or you may choose to pay in two half payments. An y Wittman Receiver of Taxes
Dated at Islip, New York December 5, 2024 24-738 12/12, 19
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Babylon meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month with the exception of August and December when they only meet on the second Tuesday of the month. The regular meeting is held at 8:00 P.M. in the Board Room of Village Hall, 153 West Main Street, Babylon, New York. Work sessions are held prior to the regular meeting at 7:00 P.M. in the upstairs Conference Room. If necessary, work sessions may reconvene after the regular meeting if there is unfinished business from the 7:00 P.M. work session, provided it was stated at the work session.
MEETINGS FOR 2025 ARE AS FOLLOWS: JANUARY 14 JANUARY 28
FEBRUARY 11 FEBRUARY 25
MARCH 11 MARCH 25
APRIL 8 APRIL 22
MAY 13 MAY 27
JUNE 10 JUNE 24
JULY 8 JULY 22
AUGUST 12
SEPTEMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 23
OCTOBER 14 OCTOBER 28
NOVEMBER 12* NOVEMBER 25
DECEMBER 9
*November 12th Work session and Regular meeting will be held on Wednesday in observance of Veterans’ Day. Work sessions are also held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 P.M., in the upstairs Conference Room, subject to change. By Order of the Board of Trustees
Jean Marie Parker, Village Clerk
Dated: December 3, 2024 Babylon, New York 24-741. 12/19, 26
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5, Plaintiff - against - PATTY MASON
A/K/A PATTY BLACK
A/K/A PATTY J. BLACK
A/K/A PATTY J. MASON, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 30, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on the 9th day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York.
Premises known as 27 Landscape Drive, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798.
Approximate amount of lien $1,000,862.95 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 622742/2019. Robert A. Macedonio, Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: October 30, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules
Public Notices — Your right to know
issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change. 24-718 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK
COUNTY
HSBC BANK USA, N.A., Plaintiff against HECTOR ARISTY, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 11, 2020, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Premises known as 30 Park Circle North, Farmingdale, NY 11735. District 0100 Sec 047.00 Block 03.00 Lot 086.000.
All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Farmingdale, in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $403,296.21 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 603157/2018.
The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing
Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for the Holders of New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-A, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Plaintiff AGAINST Mark Guerreri; Denise Guerreri; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 25, 2020, and Amended November 27, 2023, and Amended October 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Baby-
lon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 16, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 41 Lenox Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Lindenhurst, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0103 Section 002.00 Block 03.00 Lot 086.002. Approximate amount of judgment $374,847.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 610008/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District.
Scott Lockwood, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: November 26, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832 24-720. 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Bank of America National Association, as Trustee, successor by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee for Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., Mortgage Asset-Back Pass- Through Certificates, Series 2007- SP3, Plaintiff AGAINST
Frederic R. Krisko, Individually and as Administrator of the Estate of Thomas J. Krisko a/k/a Thomas Krisko; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Front steps of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on January 14, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 7 Seacliff Road, Sound Beach, NY 11789. All that certain plot piece or parcel
of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Hamlet of South Beach, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0200 Section 030.00 Block 06.00 Lot 027.002. Approximate amount of judgment $626,131.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 610929/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District.
Lisa Borsella, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: November 6, 2024
For sale information, please visit www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832 24-721 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLKBABYLON. CITIMORTGAGE, INC., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., Plaintiff -against- BLANCA CABRERA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AT LAW OF BLANCE TORRES, LUCIA CABRERA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AT LAW OF BLANCA TORRES, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 27, 2024 and entered on March 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY on January 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Village of Lindenhurst, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of South 16th Street, distant 192.95 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Reade Avenue and the westerly side of South 16th Street; being a plot 90 feet by 64.32 feet by 90 feet by 64.32 feet.
Section: 013.00 Block:
04.00 Lot: 018.000
All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 375 SOUTH 16TH STREET, LINDENHURST, NY 11757
Approximate amount of lien $657,156.00 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.
Index Number 033424/2013.
SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030
File# 7682.86
24-722. 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Robert Doht a/k/a Robert C. Doht; Patricia Doht a/k/a Patricia A. Doht; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 24, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 9, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 28 Swartout Place, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Amityville, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District: 0101 Section: 011.00 Block: 13.00 Lot: 037.000 & District: 0101 Section: 013.00 Block: 05.00 Lot: 001.001. Approximate amount of judgment $197,762.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
#205149/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the SUFFOLK County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov/ Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Danielle Coysh, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington AvenueSuite 840 New York, NY 10170 22-12140NY 83363 24-723 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Specialized Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Suffolk County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Michael H. Gisonna; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 22, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 23, 2025 at 1:00PM, premises known as 22 William Street, Copiague, NY 11726-3714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Copiague, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0100 Section 180.00 Block 04.00 Lot 075.000. Approximate amount of judgment $689,864.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 021316/2013. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District.
Francesco P. Tini, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: November 8, 2024 24-746. 12/19,. 26, 1/2, 9
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-RP2, -againstWINSTON ROSE, JR, 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 Suffolk on November 28, 2022, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-RP2 is the Plaintiff and WINSTON ROSE, JR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 14, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 65 CROWN STREET, DEER PARK, NY 11729; and the following tax map identification: 0100-090.0001.00-086.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604462/2018. Scott Lockwood, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid,
Public Notices — Your right to know
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.
24-728. 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstSAJID HUSSAIN, 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 Suffolk on July 26, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and SAJID HUSSAIN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 9, 2025 at 1:30PM, premises known as 135 BERGEN CT, COPIAGUE, NY 11726; and the following tax map identification: 0100-194.00-03.00-030.000. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT COPIAGUE, IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604605/2016. Robert A. Macedonio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCA-
TION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
24-726. 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstTARA RAO, 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 Suffolk on September 26, 2024, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and TARA RAO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 10, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 390 37TH STREET, LINDENHURST, NY 11757; and the following tax map identification: 0103-001.0004.00-091.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 020881/2012. Andrea DeNicola, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
24-727. 12/12, 19, 26, 1/2
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-24-145346 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 425 Union Blvd, West Islip, NY 11795, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at BROWNSTONES COFFEE ISLIP INC. 24-730. 12/12, 19
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-24-145518 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 65 Main St, West Sayville, NY 11796, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at TDT Sayville LLC. 24-731. 12/12, 19
Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Food & Beverage-Business Beer License, NYS Application ID NA0138-24-116667 has been applied for by Belmont Twins Deli Inc to sell beer, wine at retail in an on-premises Food & Beverage BusinessBeer establishment. For on premise consumption under the ABC law at 746-750 Belmont Avenue W. Babylon NY 11704. 24-736. 12/12, 19
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0240-24-145877 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2501 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at EL RETUMBO REST CORP. 24-739 12/19, 26
Public Notice
“The dental office of Dr. John Shamul will be closing on December 31 2024, if you require your records please call 516-416-5546" 24-740. 12/19
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Wells Fargo Bank, NA,
Plaintiff AGAINST David Rodriguez; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 20, 2018 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 23, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 70 Andrews Avenue, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wyandanch, in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0100 Section 014.00 Block 04.00 Lot 026.000. Approximate amount of judgment $289,726.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 602892/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District.
John Halverson, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: November 7, 2024
For sale information, please visit www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832 24-745. 12/19,. 26, 1/2, 9
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, Mortgage Assets Management, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Any and All Known or Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, Trustees, and all Other Parties Claiming an Interest by, Through, Under or Against the Estate of Charles A. Privitera AKA Cirino A. Privitera, Deceased, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at
the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., premises known as 1564 5th Street, West Babylon, NY 11704. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 138.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 100.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $533,501.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #620440/2019.
Francesco Tini, Jr., Esq., Referee
Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 24-744. 12/19,. 26, 1/2, 9
LEGAL NOTICE
Please take notice that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District will hold workshops on the second Sunday of each month at 10:00AM at Fire Headquarters located at 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY
Please take notice that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District will conduct regular board meetings each month on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00PM at Fire Headquarters located at 320 Great Neck Rd., Copiague, NY All meetings are open to the public. By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District
Dated: December 9, 2024 24-749. 12/19
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Organizational Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District to be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 7:00PM at Headquarters – 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY By order of the Chairman of The Board of Fire Commissioners.
Donna Marano District Secretary Dated December 9, 2024 24-750. 12/19
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NASSAU
INDEX NO: 604028/2024
D/O/F: 03/06/2024
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Property Address: 304 North Brookside Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520
Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the property is situated.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, 2007-1 ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff, -againstUnknown heirs at law of Laura Williams a/k/a Laura Susan Williams, her next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained; GERALD WILLIAMS, RITA WILLIAMS, TRISTIAN FIELDS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LAURA WILLIAMS A/K/A LAURA SUSAN WILLIAMS, PEOPLE OF STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, LLC, THE LCF GROUP, INC. S/H/A LCF GROUP, INC., FOX BUSINESS FUNDING NY S/H/A FOX CAPITAL GROUP, INC.; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and
Public Notices — Your right to know
corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendant(s).
TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANTS:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.
TO THE ABOVE DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered Dec. 4, 2024 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.
THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on June 28, 2005 in Liber M29010, Page 64, covering premises k/a 304 North Brookside Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 36, Block 519, Page 23.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND
BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
The following notice is intended only for the defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security.
YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
PLEASE BE AWARE:
•that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection efforts, including, but not limited to:
•the use or threat of violence;
•the use of obscene or profane language; and
•repeated phone calls made with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass.
•If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt:
•Supplemental security income, (SSI);
•Social security;
•Public assistance (welfare);
•Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support;
•Unemployment benefits;
Disability benefits;
•Workers’ compensation benefits;
•Public or private pensions;
•Veterans’ benefits;
•Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and
•Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days.
TO THE DEFENDANTS: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim
against you in this action.
TO THE DEFENDANTS:
If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises.
Dated:
Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224 Syosset, New York 11791 516-921-3838 #101991 24-747 12/19, 26, 1/2, 9
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Suffolk, Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. Kevin Goff, as heir, devisee, distributee of The Estate of Darnella Goff, Deceased, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 110 Nathalie Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 171.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 022.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $460,368.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605054/2020.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee
Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 24-742. 12/19, 26, 1/2, 9
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION -againstRAUL GONZALEZ, 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 Suffolk on March 11, 2024, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and RAUL GONZALEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 17, 2025 at 12:30PM, premises known as 480 N CLINTON AVE, LINDENHURST, NY 11757; and the following tax map identification: 0103-007.00-02.00067.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 002189/2007. Francesco P. Tini, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
24-751 . 12/19, 26, 1/2, 9
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Suffolk, Limosa, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Jarrod Boyden, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report
and Judgment of Foreclosure & Sale duly entered on October 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on January 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 31 County Place, Deer Park, NY 11729. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 090.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 016.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $435,947.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #618140/2023.
Danielle Coysh, Esq., Referee
Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 24-743. 12/19,. 26, 1/2, 9
LEGAL NOTICE
Please take notice that the Copiague Fire District; Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk; State of New York will hold a special pre-organizational meeting Friday, December 20, 2024 at 6:00PM at Copiague Fire Department, 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY All meetings of the Copiague Fire District are open to the public. By Order of the Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District. Attest; Donna Marano District Secretary Copiague Fire District 24-748. 12/19
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-24-146127 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 395 W Montauk Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at Southside Fish & Clam Corp. 24-752. 12/19, 26
Brunch begins the New Year right
The first official meal of 2025 should be memorable and flavorful. Chances are late night New Year’s Eve revelry will make breakfast a nonstarter, but a New Year’s Day brunch can hit the spot on January 1. When family members or guests rouse from their post-countdown slumbers, these brunch ideas and tips can kick off the new year with flavor.
Skip the mimosas
While it may be tempting to employ a little “hair of the dog” therapy to combat the ramifications of overindulgence from the evening prior, it is a better bet to skip any extra alcohol come the morning. Rather, serve plenty of hydrating refreshments, with water at the top of the list. For those who desire something with a little more zip, create a mocktail with fruit juice and sparkling water. Make-ahead meals
Serving foods that can be made in advance cuts back on the amount of work that needs to be done in the late morning of New Year’s Day. Breakfast casseroles can be the way to go, as they pair many ingredients together and can be reheated. Fruit salads as well as homemade granola parfaits can be made in advance and then served during the brunch.
Consider bagels and breads
A platter of bagels, croissants and cinnamon rolls are easy to serve and might be a welcome way to fill the stomach. Paired with lox, cheeses and cold cuts, these carbohydrates can help complete the meal.
Sheet-pan options are easy
Brunch hosts and hostesses who choose to whip up foods during the brunch itself can employ some tactics to make the work easier. Crack eggs onto cheese-coated slices of thick bread and put under the broiler for perfectly cooked batch results.
Don’t forget the sweets
Muffins and sweet rolls can blur the lines between meal and dessert; otherwise, serve alternative makeahead desserts that are relatively easy, such as pound cakes or cookies.
Set up the coffee bar
Chances are a little caffeine might be necessary to jump-start the day. Make coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other warm beverages readily available with the accompanying creamers and flavorings so that brunch guests can customize their drinks.
New Year’s Day brunch kicks off the new year with food, family and friends.
Gifts for holiday hosts
Millions of people open their homes to relatives and friends each holiday season. Taking on the task of holiday host can be a labor of love, as it involves not only a commitment of time, but also a financial investment. Lending Tree reported that 60 percent of Americans considering hosting holiday gatherings in 2023 expected to spend an average of $556 on their celebrations. Sixfigure earners planned to spend even more, indicating they expected to spend $764 on holiday hosting.
Guests benefitting from holiday hosts’ hospitality can offer tokens of their appreciation upon arrival. The following are some great gifts to offer hosts this holiday season.
• Beverage of choice: A bottle of wine or another spirit can be a great gift for holiday gatherings. Let hosts decide if they want to serve it with the meal or save it to enjoy at a later time.
• Curated food basket: A guest can put together a basket of different foods, including crackers, cheeses, jams, bread sticks, and other items that can be enjoyed as snacks or appetizers.
• Holiday plant.: A poinsettia or Christmas cactus may be fitting this time of year, and a holiday host can enjoy seeing it grow during the season.
• Kitchen tools or serving items: A beautiful olive wood serving platter or cutting board might be appreciated, particularly if guests arrive with it covered in a charcuterie spread.
• Scented candle: Hosts can set the mood and add to the ambiance of an entertaining space with lit, scented candles, which make for a great gift. Guests can inquire as to the hosts’ preferred aromas or stick with safe bets like vanilla or cinnamon.
• Holiday ornament or decorative piece: Guests can offer ornaments for the tree or another decorative item for hosts who are repeat entertainers. Dating the decoration or having it engraved can transform it into a memento hosts can relish through the years.
• Comfort and care assortment: Hosting takes effort, so a box of items to pamper holiday hosts can be a great
Public Notices
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., againstPATRICIA DAMM-PESCATORE, 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 Suffolk on July 29, 2024, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA DAMM-PESCATORE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on January 16, 2025 at 1:00PM, premises known as 756 OUTLOOK AVE, WEST BABYLON, NY 11704; and the following tax map identification: 0100-144.0003.00-003.000. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604449/2023. Brooke Breen, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids subject to all instructions, terms and conditions herein and pursuant to the specifications, will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners, Copiague Fire District at the Fire District Office, 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague, New York 11726, until 8:00 P.M., on January 8, 2025, where they will be opened publicly and read aloud after 8:00 P.M. prevailing time, on the said date for the service as specified and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practical for the purchase of
TRUCK PARTS
Specifications, proposals and proposed contracts may be obtained at Fire Headquarters, 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague, New York, between the hours of 8:00
A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
Bid must be delivered in seal envelopes marked “Truck Parts” to the office of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District, by 8:00 P.M., on January 8, 2025.
This is a joint bid with the following members of the Town of Babylon Fire Officials Association participating in this bid namely, Copiague Fire District, West Babylon Fire District, Deer Park Fire District, North
24-753 - 12/19. 26. 1/2. 9
Amityville Fire Company, Inc., North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., North Lindenhurst Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., West Islip Fire District, East Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Wyandanch Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Village of Lindenhurst, Village of Amityville and Village of Babylon and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corp.
The contract as awarded shall also be available for separate purchases by other fire districts, villages and not-for-profit fire and ambulance corporations in Nassau and Suffolk counties pursuant to Section 103, subparagraph 16 of the General Municipal Law and the terms and conditions of bidding.
The Copiague Fire District reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to accept the best bid suited for its specific needs.
Dated: December 11, 2024
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
COPIAGUE FIRE DISTRICT
TOWN OF BABYLON
ATTEST: Donna Marano District Secretary 24-754 12/19
gift. Fill the box with a loofah, bath bombs, shower gel, moisturizing cream, and massage oil. Holiday hosts invest time and money into making their homes welcoming spaces to spend the holidays. Guests can treat these hosts with gifts to show how much their efforts and hospitality are appreciated.
Photo Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection
Photo Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers
PT/FT
Responsibilities- Food preparation & service, sanitation awareness, other duties as assigned by the District.
Qualifications- Knowledge and experience with cooking, inventory, cashiering, recordkeeping, customer service, computer skills **Suffolk County Food Manager's Certificate preferred. Salary range starting at $20,980. Email resume to: humanresources@amityvilleufsd.org or apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland
Amityville UFSD
Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers
Elementary & Secondary Level
Qualifications: NYS Certification Salary: $150 per day
Application: Interested candidates please apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer
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 multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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
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. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable
Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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 Dream Home
Making an old home newer
Q. We looked at a home to buy, and saw that the stairs from the first to the second floor were leaning. We keep seeing this in homes that we’re interested in. Even though we will get a home inspection, can you tell us, more specifically, what causes this, and whether it’s a reason not to be interested in any particular house?
A. Leaning stairs are usually improperly supported. Because stairs go through an opening between floors, their weight must be supported all around the opening. Unfortunately, this leaning and sagging condition is not uncommon, especially in older homes that were built before there were building codes and official building inspections by trained individuals who had to sign off on the way a home was framed. Many homes were framed by carpenters who had knowledge of materials and how to join them to create beautiful homes, without necessarily being formally educated in the engineering, science and math required to predict, and thereby avoid, failure.
To the trained professional, the stair condition you describe is considered a failure, because the weight of the stairs and the surrounding structure were not resolved to keep everything aligned. The leaning staircase was predictable, but not avoided. In some modern cases, when inspectors aren’t called before the framing is covered in finishes such as wallboard or woodwork, an official inspection isn’t done, and many inspectors will rely on a letter from a licensed architect or engineer.
You should be made aware that this practice of asking for letters may not be of much assurance, because not seeing the conditions and still writing a letter can be a problem. Letters don’t hold up buildings, but the shifting of the task is meant to shift responsibility, and unless the licensed professional really examines the conditions fully, you may just go through a shifting of blame similar to the shifting stairs.
The remedy is to lift the stairs into position while remediating the structure. In some cases, a column at the lowest level was required and not installed; in others, the horizontal floor joists surrounding the stairwell weren’t the right size; and in other cases, the stair may have been framed and attached to the surrounding structure incorrectly. Many people never consider the impact of an adult transferring their weight, with gravity, to the next step, literally falling a step at a time, multiplying their mass plus gravity.
In one instance I investigated, an air conditioning installer “needed” to cut through the main beam just below the stair landing so that only the air duct was holding the stairs’ weight, which, by the time I arrived, had dropped 4 inches. The air duct was redirected and the beam had to be replaced, which turned out to be an involved procedure. If the house has plaster walls, the repair is more expensive and, in either case, the added framing may be costly. It might be a reason to keep looking. Good luck!
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opinions
Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly
Atelevision era has ended. Last Friday night’s “Blue Bloods” episode was the last. It has been canceled by CBS despite having consistently high ratings and, in my opinion, having been the best show on television during its 14-season run on the network. I don’t profess to be a media critic, but I am a lifelong New Yorker who appreciated the firstclass acting of a cast led by Tom Selleck, and the show’s proud espousal of support for the police and its advocacy of traditional family values.
“Blue Bloods” focuses on four generations of the Reagan family in New York law enforcement — the “Reagan family business.” Frank Reagan, played by Selleck, is the NYPD commissioner. His father, Henry, is a former commissioner. His sons, Danny, a detective, and Jamie,
a sergeant, as well as Jamie’s wife, Janko, are all NYPD, and his daughter, Erin, is a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office. An older son, Joe, was killed in the line of duty. His son, Joe Hill, previously unknown to the family, recently appeared on the NYPD scene using his mother’s last name.
Besides the expected emphasis on crime solving, “Blue Bloods” shows the realities of cops’ lives and the impact that those often harsh realities have on their families’ day-to-day lives. Unlike almost every other crime drama series, “Blue Bloods” never succumbed to political or corporate pressure to portray cops in a negative light, even at the height (or the depth) of the Defund the Police movement, which was all the rage in 2020.
consequences, including being secondguessed by critics who have never had to confront professional killers, violent drug dealers or crazed madmen.
W as it canceled for resisting corporate pressure to be more ‘woke’?
Not that it shows cops to be perfect. Just human — people who are willing to put their lives on the line for all the rest of us. People who have to make lifechanging decisions and live with the
iAs a recent Newsday story pointed out, “Blue Bloods” has a particularly strong following on Long Island, where many police officers and their families and friends live, as well as the many thousands of commuters who regularly travel to the city for work or entertainment.
I admit to having a bias. My father was a member of the NYPD for more than three decades before he retired as a lieutenant. I also have friends who have been officers in the NYPD as well as the Nassau and Suffolk County police departments. It was most impactful to be able to closely observe police work during my 18 years on the House Homeland Security Committee.
I had the chance to meet the “Blue Bloods” cast during several visits to their studio in Brooklyn, where they filmed the Sunday-family-dinner scenes,
and other shooting locations on Long Island. All are outstanding people, especially Selleck; Donnie Wahlberg, who played Danny; and Will Estes, who played Jamie. So, too, is Steve Schirripa (Anthony Abetemarco), whom I’d met before, a great guy who’s as genuine as the investigator he plays on the show.
Believe me, I’m not a star-struck guy. Being in public life, I’ve met a number of famous people and celebrities who are jerks. The “Blue Bloods” guys are the real deal.
The unanswered question is why CBS canceled a show that had consistently positive ratings for so many seasons and such a loyal, supportive fan base. Was it because “Blue Bloods” resisted corporate pressure to be more progressive and ‘woke’? Were its traditional values, exemplified by support for the police, the family dinner and strong patriotism, too out of touch for some of its advertisers? No matter. “Blue Bloods” fans will always have the memories.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
At least Governor Hochul got the message
n case you’re still counting, Election Day happened six weeks ago, and all of the post-mortems on both sides reached the same conclusion: The No. 1 issue for voters was the economy, and the Democrats failed to pay attention to that issue, even though James Carville has been telling his party that “It’s the economy, stupid,” since 1992.
As we approach a new year, nothing has changed. The voters voted their pocketbooks, and they will judge all national and state politicians by what they do to ease people’s financial tensions. Incoming President Donald Trump says he hasn’t forgotten about his promise to cut the price of basic necessities, and his legacy will be judged by the promises he will keep.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, has gotten the message, and will propose a 2025 budget that will be loaded with pro-
grams to help wage earners on many levels. Her first salvo into the coming year is an interesting one. She wants to give every family that makes less than $300,000 a check from the state for $500, and individuals who make less than $150,000 a onetime payment of $300.
Fiscal conservatives and budget hawks jumped on the plan with all kinds of criticism, but it will take more than a few barbs to kill Hochul’s one-shot anti-inflation proposal. Why is this plan being proposed, and where would the money come from?
swhen she announces her proposed budget in late January. Every one of the ideas in her plan will be aimed at saving people money.
he’ll propose a 2025 budget loaded with programs to help wage earners.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the state collected a bonanza of tax revenue. Housebound voters purchased billions of dollars’ worth of necessities, and the state was the beneficiary. Those funds are sitting in some budget account, and if the governor doesn’t spend them first, the State Legislature surely will.
The rebate proposal is just one of many taxpayer benefits that Hochul will announce. There are numerous ways to reward consumers, and the governor can be the first one to offer them
Aside from the fact that Hochul is paying attention to the message of this year’s election, she is also keeping an eye on the political calendar. She will be seeking re-election in 2026, and now is as good a time as ever to make proposals that appeal to the average voter. The timing is important, because there are always a few ambitious Democrats who think they can do a better job, as well as some Republicans who are looking for promotions.
Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams has climbed on the tax-cutting bandwagon. He has proposed a modest cut for people on the lowest rung of the income ladder, but a check in the mail can be a much more potent gift for a voter in 2025.
Is a rebate check a new political idea? Some years back, when the state was running the Long Island Lighting Company, then Gov. George Pataki
approved a one-time payment for utility customers. It was an instant hit. Are there many ways to put money in voters’ wallets? From personal experience, I can think of a few. While serving as chair of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I Iearned a lot about sales taxes. New York’s tax laws cover thousands of day-to-day household items. Some of those taxes could be eliminated, and consumers would know very quickly why their expenses went down. The flip side of sales tax cuts is that they cost the state money, but if there’s money in the cupboard, why not spend it?
In the weeks ahead, New York voters will be romanced with one proposal after another. The trick for the governor is to be the first one to come up new ideas that the Legislature will have a hard time rejecting. It’s time for the state to start giving back, even if that comes in small pieces.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
HERALD
iSuffolk C.C. is shortchanging journalism
n a decision that has left many Long Island journalists and educators dismayed, Suffolk County Community College has chosen to eliminate its journalism major.
The move, characterized as a cost-cutting measure in response to declining enrollment and the purportedly dim career prospects of students who study journalism, is not only shortsighted, but runs counter to the college’s mission of preparing students to transfer to fouryear institutions where they can follow their chosen paths to future success.
For years, SCCC has prided itself on serving as a launching pad for students aiming to continue their education at schools such as Adelphi, Hofstra and Stony Brook universities — institutions with thriving journalism and communications programs. Suffolk’s own commercials proclaim how proud the school is to propel two-year students to fouryear schools.
Journalism is not only a viable academic path at these schools; it is also a critical discipline that is nothing less than the backbone of a functioning democracy. By shuttering the journalism major, SCCC sends a troubling message about the value it places on media literacy, civic engagement and students’ preparation for essential careers in public service, accountability and compelling storytelling.
The college’s decision is proving to be a controversial one, given that it came despite opposition from SCCC’s own faculty. In three separate votes, educators overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to discontinue the program. Such strong opposition suggests that those closest to
letters
Those excessive red-light-camera fines
To the Editor:
the educational process, who teach, mentor and advise students, understand the importance of maintaining a journalism program, even at a time when there couldn’t be more challenges for the profession.
The executive dean ultimately overrode those votes, citing enrollment declines and data from the New York State Department of Labor projecting limited growth in journalism jobs.
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, show a more robust industry despite the decline in the number and readership of newspapers. The SCCC decision fails to account for the evolving nature of journalism and its continued relevance in a mediasaturated world. The field is not disappearing; it is being transformed, and students deserve the opportunity to learn the skills needed to adapt to this new media landscape.
Content creation, social media management, podcasting, multimedia reporting and data journalism are just a few of the avenues now available to those with a foundation in journalism. Furthermore, the skills taught in a journalism program — writing, research, critical thinking and ethical reasoning — are transferable to a wide range of careers.
As it happens, the State University of New York has a system-wide community journalism program, the Institute for Local News, that provides students with real-world experience at local media outlets. Ironically, SCCC is the largest college by enrollment in the SUNY system. And we should note that its sister school, Nassau Community College, also offers journalism classes, but has no
If you haven’t heard, it seems a state appeals court has found that Nassau County has been adding illegal fees to red-light-camera tickets over the past 10 years — $100 on a $150 ticket. Ouch. I know — just like you, I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell ya. OK, not really.
But here’s the thing: Some of our dear legislators don’t wanna give back the money that was taken from us! Yeah, another shock.
I guess we’ll just see how that little bit of business plays out, but there is one more thing I’d like to bring up again. One of the biggest complaints about the redlight cams is the rear-end collisions they cause. Not being one to complain without offering a solution, I’d like to re-introduce my simple solution that would solve the problem immediately. Simple countdown clocks! There is absolutely no excuse why there shouldn’t be one hanging from every traffic light at a
journalism major.
The Herald Community Newspapers have for years invited journalism students from colleges across Long Island to work as interns, and the company is currently in partnership with Hofstra on a program in which students will join forces with Herald journalists on a series of stories, as well as with Stony Brook’s Working Newsroom, in which students will pitch and write stories. All of the stories will be published in the Heralds.
SCCC is targeting other programs and majors that fail to meet certain enrollment and job market criteria, and those decisions signal a troubling trend of prioritizing short-term metrics over longterm educational value. While budget constraints are an undeniable reality for most institutions, their decisions about academic programs should be guided by more than just numbers. They should reflect a commitment to the colleges’ missions and to the needs of their students.
If SCCC is truly committed to preparing students for transfer and future success, it must reconsider the elimination of its journalism major. A flourishing journalism program would not only support the college’s academic reputation, but also affirm its dedication to producing graduates who are informed, articulate and passionate about engaging with the world.
Bottom-line-focused decisions may balance budgets in the moment, but they risk undermining the broader purpose of education: to prepare students not only for jobs but also for meaningful, informed lives.
opinions
We need the Department of Education
the U.S. Department of Education was established as a cabinet-level agency in October 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, and officially began operations in May 1980. For nearly 45 years, the department has soldiered past many attempts to break it apart, or disband it altogether, most notably by conservative politicians who believe that the federal agency oversteps states’ rights.
While calls to do away with the agency have persisted through the early 21st century, the effort has never been successful, and here’s why: Many educators, parents, advocacy groups and politicians on both sides of the aisle support a federal role in education to ensure equity and civil rights enforcement.
I’m not an educator or a politician, but I can tell you this: Education, and at the very least a high school diploma, is imperative to one’s success in life. What’s even more important is that the Department of Education has played a vital role in making access to education possible for countless people, ensuring that opportunities for learning and growth are within reach for all.
The DOE oversees and coordinates national education policies, but it also works closely with state and local governments to assess needs on a state-bystate basis.
There are many avenues on which I could diverge to highlight some of the department’s key components, but I’ll focus on just a few things, the first being Title I — the largest federal education program, which is aimed at improving the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. It provides financial assistance to schools and districts with high percentages of children from low-income families.
sprovides them with specific protections and resources, like individualized education plans, mandating that schools develop tailored plans for these students, outlining their unique needs and goals and the services required to meet those goals.
hutting it down would have profound consequences for students all over the nation.
Over the years, Title I has garnered bipartisan support, because both Democrats and Republicans recognize the need to address education inequities. Debates have arisen over funding distribution and outcome measurement, but Title I remains a central component of federal education policy because of its critical role in supporting vulnerable students.
The DOE also oversaw the implementation of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. In simplest terms, the act guarantees free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities, and also
Letters
red-light-cam intersection. Problem solved. You’re welcome.
FRED GEFEN Woodmere
More local memories of Jimmy Breslin
To the Editor:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Peter King’s column “Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism” (Dec. 5-11). It brought back so many memories. Breslin used to call my late husband, Marvin Bernstein, every Sunday night for the news about the Nassau County Supreme Court. Marvin was the public information officer at the courthouse, and Jimmy kept him busy! Thanks for the column, Mr. King!
SANDY BERNSTEIN East Meadow
The Sands proposal: ‘right location, wrong project’
To the Editor:
Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for an
integrated casino-resort in the Nassau County Hub a very bad idea. Right location, wrong project! Are the risks to our suburban lifestyle and environment worth the grossly exaggerated benefits projected? There were so many assumptions in the draft environment impact statement, and so much information omitted.
I am strongly opposed to the proposed project at the Hub. There are better alternatives that would benefit all Nassau County residents, but the people we rely on to protect our interests and preserve our suburban way of life are looking for a quick fix. They will bankrupt your future in more ways than you could imagine.
Hard Rock’s application to develop Citi Field has been approved by local community boards. Much better location, very accessible public transportation and a much better independent operator than Sands. That “Metropolitan Park,” if built, would compete with Sands and other downstate casinos for the same pool of gamblers and people seeking entertainment options. Somebody’s going to lose, and it will be the residents of Nassau County. ANTHONY
The act stretches beyond primary and secondary education, also requiring schools to help students transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment or independent living — ensuring that no one’s future is negatively impacted by a learning or physical disability.
I’m detailing all of this because I, like many others, find it extremely alarming that President-elect Donald Trump has once again vowed to shut down the Department of Education.
He first proposed to do so during his 2016 presidential campaign, but even his own secretary of education during his first term, Betsy DeVos, didn’t see that idea through.
The DOE has faced its share of woes over the course of seven presidencies, and yet it steadfastly continues its work. Shutting it down isn’t just a matter of politics — it’s a decision that would have profound consequences for students across the nation.
If Trump succeeds in dismantling the department in his second term, experts in the field have indicated that its programs could survive or operate under other federal or state agencies, but the transition would likely cause massive disruptions in services, negatively impacting students.
Ninety percent of all K-12 students in the U.S. are publicly educated, due to education’s accessibility and widespread availability, and who would we be, as a nation, if we took that accessibility away?
I’ve said this many times, and I’ll say it again: If you voted for Trump because you believe in his vision for America, that’s fine, and it’s your right as an American.
Putting that aside, however, I now ask you to think about students — perhaps even your children — and what the shutdown of a massively important department could mean.
The Department of Education exists to ensure that education is not a privilege for few, but rather a right for everyone, and to close it down would risk reversing decades of progress. Rather than dismantle it, we should be focused on strengthening it for generations to come, prioritizing children, their futures, and the promise of opportunity for all.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.
