Valley Stream Herald 12-08-2022

It’s ice to meet you

Natalia Suaza is crowned Miss Teen Long Island

By JUAN lASSo jlasso@liherald.com

She lacked any formal train ing or previous experience in the pageant circuit, but newcomer Natalia Suaza took the local pag eant world by storm after captur ing the crown for Miss Teen Long Island 2023 on Nov. 20.

The 18-year-old contestant from Valley Stream burst onto the pageant scene at the Madi son Theatre at Molloy University with a compelling message and articulate poise that carved a path to victory against 11 other contestants.

Aside from the usual glamour and flare of pageant performanc es, the competition tasked each contestant to speak on a worthy

cause of their choice.

“My platform statement was cancer awareness,” said Suaza, a cause that while widely affecting many families across the Island, struck a deep personal chord for Suaza.

“I talked about how my dad, John Suaza, passed away from cancer when I was 9 years old. It was not only about the person diagnosed with cancer but the family’s impact as well.”

Her platform hoped to high light and promote the valuable work done by places like the Cen ter for Hope with Northwell Health and Calvary Hospital in guiding families through their journey of grief.

Her crowning moment was,

NYPD officer gives late father soaring Rangers game tribute

By JUAN lASSo jlasso@liherald.com

It was a heated Monday night New York Rangers game on Nov. 28. The kind that Brianna Fer nandez, an avid Rangers fan, would tune in to watch with her late father in front of the televi sion.

This match, however, was dif ferent. Fernandez, 24, wasn’t at home watching the game or sit ting in the stands with thou sands of other fans. She was standing at center ice during the pregame ceremony, her voice soaring through the arena as she poured out a dazzling rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at

Madison Square Garden.

She was donning not a jersey, but her New York Police Depart ment uniform. As her voice rose, finishing “home of the brave” with a grand crescendo, she heard the swell of the crowd’s applause. All she could do was take it in. Amid the electrifying jolt of the fans, along with the noise and excitement and the adrenaline of the moment, she stood poised beaming with a smile. Her mind anchored on the memory of one man: her father, NYPD detective Luis Fernandez.

“I really, truly felt like he was there with me on that ice when I was singing,” she said. “It was just such an incredible moment,

feeling the energy of the crowd, you know, and just feeling like my dad was there.”

Detective Fernandez served in the relief efforts during the

chaos and dread of the Septem ber 11 terrorist attacks in Lower Manhattan. After more than two decades of service, he died in October 2014 from esophageal cancer. Like hundreds of other officers, Luis eventually suc cumbed to health-related compli cations stemming from his work in the contaminated ground zero recovery efforts in the days fol

lowing the attacks, leaving behind his two young daughters and wife.

As part of the stadium’s Hockey Fights Cancer Night event, her performance was a proud, unmistakable daughterly tribute to him, and his legacy from one fellow NYPD officer to another.

Courtesy Christopher Griffith

Two-year-old Juliana hung out with Santa Claus for breakfast at the village Community Center.

BAIlEy FERNANDEz daughter of late NYPD detective Luis Fernandez

Herald Sc H ool S

North students’ artwork on display at haunting exhibit

The Huntington Arts Council selected the works of four North High School art students to display at the Council’s Nightmare on Main Street exhibit. The exhibit ran from Octo ber 21 to November 12.

The students chosen to take part in the exhibit were Gilana Etame, Juli ana Silva, Isabella Mascet ti, and Laney Ching. As part of the exhibit’s requirements, the student artists were asked to interpret the image of the plague doctor, whose dis tinctive beak-shaped mask and protective clothing inspired a number of spooky costumes and dis guises. Similarly, the stu dents came up with their own interpretations of the disguise.

–Juan Lasso

Photos courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District Gilana EtamE’s artwork, which interprets the image of the plague doctor, was show cased at the Nightmare on Main Street exhibit sponsored by the Huntington Arts Council.

isabElla mascEtti’s artwork interprets the image of the plague doctor.

Winter wonderland dazzles once again

By Juan lasso jlasso@liherald.com

It was a grand glistening display of holiday cheer on Dec. 2. Christmas lights strewn around trees and giant inflatables lit the walking path of Arthur J. Hendrickson Park as residents were guided through a moveable feast of holiday decorations, activities, and refreshments at the Village of Valley Stream’s annual Winterfest Christ mas tree lighting.

Those not in the mood for walking could take a ride on the light-festooned jitneys or hunker down by the burning hand-carved fire barrels or stand in awe of the floating Christmas tree on the neighboring pond. Others browsed the stands of local businesses selling Christmas handcrafted goods and treats. There was plenty of merry fun to go around as denizens poured onto the grounds of the Community Center armed to the teeth in scarfs and mittens, all awaiting the arrival of Kris Kringle.

Their bellies were nevertheless kept warm in the interlude thanks to members from the Valley Stream Boy Scouts Troop 116 and Troop 99 who handed out cups of piping hot chocolate. Inside the Community Center building, children of all ages were offered to sit at a table and prepare holiday arts and crafts, courtesy of Commu nity Center Manager Sallyann Esposito and her team. After much anticipation, ninth grade girls from Daisy Troop 715 sang “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to wel come the big red man himself making his way through the blaring noise of fire sirens rattling the park. Mayor Edwin Fare welcomed Saint Nick to stand beside him to do the honors of lighting up the tree. The mayor started off the countdown from 10, and after the last second, cheers erupted through the crowd as Santa Claus pulled the lever, illuminating the tree. To round off the festive night, families lined up to have their turn to sit with Santa on his sled and pose for pictures. Others also had a chance to sit down and enjoy reading time with the mayor.

Production of this scale required all hands on deck from village employees noted Steve Acquavella, the superintendent of Valley Stream’s Department of Public Works., showcasing the collaborative effort of various village departments from the Department of Parks and Recreation to Sanitation and Public Works.

InsIde the CommunIty Center, Mayor Edwin Fare did story time with the kids.

VIllage ChIldren snuggled up with Rudolph and the Grinch on the grounds of the Community Center during the Hendrickson Christmas tree lighting.

VIllage famIlIes were able to make holiday crafts inside the Community Center.

the ChrIstmas tree lit up at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park kicking off the village’s annual Winterfest ccelebration.

Taylor Oliphant/Herald photos

daIsy troop 715 was able to snap a photo with Santa on his sled after greeting him with a Christmas song.

Valley Stream church celebrates 90th year

By BrenDan CarPenTer bcarpenter@liherald.com

About a century ago, in the early 1920s, there was an area in Valley, Stream now known as Gibson, and it was little more than a few dusty roads, the Mill Pond and farmland.

By the late ‘20s, a man named W.R. Gib son built hundreds of homes, developed new streets and had a railroad station put in. Some years later, in 1932, the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour joined the com munity. This year, they cele brated their 90th anniversary with three events over three months.

“The first event happened in the month of August,” said Red. Alfred Thiagarajan, the lead pastor, who has been involved with the church since 2017. “We invited all the members to my house for a lunch party, and we played some games.”

The second event was a gala on Oct. 1. Most of the members of the church are German, Thiagarajan said, so German food was served for the dinner. Then, on Oct. 22, a special service was held at the church, where new portraits were unveiled, showing old photos of the church and its members, along with prayer. “About 100 people attended the ser vice and we had some guest choir groups

come and participate from Valley Stream and Queens,” he said.

“While we’re not a very big congrega tion,” said Betsy Malato, a member of the church. “We’ve been hanging on for a long time.”

According to Thiagarajan, Pastor Wil liam F. Donahue held his first sermon in this community in September 1932. The service, with five people attending, was

held in one of the Gibson stores near the railroad station. That same year, the place of worship was moved to a house on DuBois Avenue, which served as a church and living quarters for the pastor for seven years.

On Nov. 26, 1939, the first church build ing was built. For over 15 years, the build ing held the services, but finally became too small for the growing congregation

and Sunday School. On March 27, 1955, they dedicated their new House of Wor ship. The original building was used as a parish center for Sunday School and the congregation’s organizational activities.

The church, which is now comfortably located at 888 Rockaway Ave., plans to have many more anniversaries in the future says Thiagarajan and with just as much celebration and joy as this year’s.

The LuTheran ChurCh of Our Saviour held three events over three months, starting in August, to celebrate 90 years of worship.

Taylor Oliphant/Herald photos

a sPeCiaL serviCe was held at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour on Oct. 22 to mark their 90th anniversary.

Sc H ool S

Howell Road Elementary hosts Multicultural Night

Howell Road Elementary School recently hosted its Multicultural Night: a celebration aimed to showcase the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the Howell Road students, families, faculty, and staff, with attendees sharing and enjoying a global multicultural sampling of food, arts, and music.

During this special community event, stu dents wore traditional clothing and prepared informational posters explaining and repre senting their unique cultural heritage. They also wrote essays highlighting famous peo ple from their ancestral countries and asso ciated traditions.

“It’s important to promote and educate our students about cultural awareness. All of us have a cultural heritage and lineage, and the deeper understanding our students have of their own backgrounds as well as that of their fellow classmates, the more acceptance and appreciation they will have for each other and the value of our diverse community,” said Frank Huplosky, Principal of Howell Road Elementary School. “Through Multicultural Night, students are able to further connect with their cultural heritage while learning about others.”

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream District 13

Howell Road elementaRy School students by their cultural booth wearing their traditional attire.

Clavin, Khzouz, Richner honored at gala

Money raised will help Nassau Community College feed the hungry

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

It was a night to remember, and a night to recognize the people and businesses that help make Nassau Community College what it is.

It was the annual gala of the Nassau Community College Foundation, taking place not far from the campus at the Cra dle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Among those honored were Hemp stead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Commu nity Newspa pers.

Adorned in their best suits, ties and dresses, guests were immediately offered cham pagne and given a chance to pose for photos in front of a red carpet display. From there, it was a tour of the model planes and his toric aviation displays before being invited to sit at their respective tables in the main dining room.

ChARmIAN SmITh interim VP, academic student services, NCC

Leading the night off was Donna Drake of her self-titled inspirational tele vision show introducing guests like Joy Dedonato, an NCC alum, and executive director of the NCC Foundation.

“I’ll never forget the people I met and the values I learned at Nassau Communi ty College,” Dedonato said. “This place taught me to hit the wall, where you can not go further, and then go further any way.”

NCC president Maria Conzatti then introduced the honorees, selected for their support. Like Clavin and Richner Communications, both of which publi cize important notices to students, while also providing advertising and market ing.

Clavin, in fact, is a staunch supporter of the college, Conzatti said, thanking him for what he has done as an elected official. Like helping to organize The Nest at NCC — a non-profit organization that aims to alleviate hunger for stu dents, employees and their families.

“Some people say it takes a village to raise a child,” Conzatti said. “And were proud that this village raised so many students who come back to support our college.”

Baldwin’s Charmian Smith is NCC’s interim vice president of academic stu dent services, telling the crowd she was honored to know her colleagues recog nized her in such a way.

“This gala helps to bring us all togeth

er after the years of the Covid-19 pan demic,” she said. “It’s a great time to cel ebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.”

Clavin is an NCC alum, and has count ed some of the professors there as actual members of his family.

“So many of my friends started their lives at this institution,” the town super visor said. “To be recognized is just hum bling.”

Stuart Richner talked about the importance of providing well-rounded learning experiences.

“Educating young adults takes a team of professionals and advisers, which we understand,” the Herald Community

Newspapers publisher said. “Here at Richner, we work as a team to pro vide hyperlocal news to our commu nities.”

Khzouz described his being hon ored by the foundation “amazing.” NICE Bus employs more than 1,000 people, transporting more than 70,000 each day in 450 vehicles. That’s more than a million miles a month.

“We have a mission, which we live every day,” Khzouz said. “That mission is to make sure our bus services are an asset to Nassau County institutions and its citizens.”

And now NICE is celebrating 10 years

in Nassau County.

“We use large complex vehicles to drive through Nassau County and Queens at peak rush hour with impatient New Yorkers. What could go wrong?”

Khzouz joked. “Yet, we prevail anyway.”

Proceeds from the gala will help The Nest at NCC food pantry. To make a dona tion, too, visit tinyurl.com/GiveNCC.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ThE NASSAu CommuNITy College Foundation honored Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, parent company of Herald Community Newspapers, during a fundraising gala last week.

mARIA CoNzATTI, pRESIDENT of Nassau Community College, honored Baldwin’s Charmian Smith during the Nassau Community College Foundation Gala last week.

SuppoRTERS AND INVITED guests gathered to celebrate four honorees at the Nassau Community College Foundation’s annual gala last week at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

It’s a great time to celebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.

Balloon Mission is up and away to save

In its early stages, nonprofit sets tone for future

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Where do helium-filled bal loons go when they’re released into the sky?

Cynthia Seibold had that same question. And she discovered that the old axiom was true: What goes up must come down. But not in ways people might like.

The North Merrick resident with a background in insurance underwriting, spent a lot of time outdoors at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She noticed, however, that among all the litter found in the various parks, preserves and beaches she visit ed, one category stood out: bal loons.

Or rather, shreds of bal loons. Seibold found their strings and what was left of their plastic or rubber bodies impacting trees and plants and, of course, wildlife — animals that could easily mistake bal loon pieces for food.

It’s not that bal loon releases — or how they poten tially threaten the environment — is something new. But the pandemic created a new surge of such helium-intensive events as a different way to share birth days, graduations and retirements.

“Balloons are (a) leading cause of pol lution in our waters and our air,” Seibold said. “They break down into microplas tics and nanoplastics. I kept saying to myself, ‘There has to be a better way.’”

She found it with her nonprofit, Bal loon Mission.

“Our program is to collect balloons before they end up on the land and in oceans, reducing our carbon footprint and the harmful microplastics that are gener ated from balloons,” Seibold said. “And for every balloon that is sold and respon sibly collected, we feel it’s going to be one less piece of litter that’s harming our wildlife.”

Still, Seibold wants to make one thing very clear: She is not “anti-balloon.”

“This is a growing issue,” she said. “I think people need to know that there are options of ballooning responsibly. We’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate man ner.”

Although the nonprofit is in its early stages, Seibold has already received a great deal of support while building rela tionships with local and statewide organi zations. That includes the Hempstead town sanitation department, and the state environmental conservation department.

One of Seibold‘s primary goals is to

the get the message out that Balloon Mis sion is collecting balloons with plans to set up collection bins as early as January so people can properly dispose their holi day balloons.

Those bins will be cardboard boxes with Balloon Mission signage, Seibold explained. Locations are still being deter mined, but she hopes to have them in community-oriented locations like fire houses, Veterans of Foreign Wars halls and libraries.

On a national level, Seibold said, peo ple are noticing the effects balloons have on the environment.

“There was actually a New York Times article that came out in March of 2022 that talks about this surge in balloon fren zy,” she said. “We couldn’t celebrate and we couldn’t do things when we were in lockdown.

“We did these big balloon displays, and they’ve gotten even bigger, and it’s not going away. People want this — they want a balloon collection. They want options. They want to feel like they’re part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Through her research and communica tion with Hempstead town officials, Sei bold learned the municipality actually passed a local law prohibiting the inten tional release of balloons in 2019. Yet, bal loon releases still happen, she said, mak ing it important that signage goes up — perhaps sometime next spring — advising

against such activities.

Seibold is working closely with ACDS, an organization that offers lifetime services to people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Formerly the Association for Chil dren with Down Syndrome, the organization has locations in North Merrick and Plainview.

Jane Cohen, the day habilita tion services supervisor at ACDS, says it’s important for her group to offer volunteers to various envi ronmental organizations, and that its members are excited about helping Seibold’s nonprofit.

“In January, we’re going to start collecting (balloons) from various pickup sites, and then we’re going to bring them back to our hub sites and sift through them,” Cohen said. Volunteers “can work on their office skills and note-taking, so they can feel like they’ve accomplished some thing. It’s very rewarding for our individ uals.”

ACDS plans to provide some 200 volun teers to Balloon Mission.

“We feel this is a symbiotic relation ship,” Seibold said, adding it “works in keeping with ACDS’s goal of increasing life and social skills, and work readiness for their participants.”

She also hopes to educate people on alternatives to balloons.

MANy ARE uNAwARE the helium-filled balloons they release can harm the environment. Sea turtles and other animals can mistake the balloons for food.

a practice of the past.

“I’m not looking to get rid of balloons — they make people light up,” she said. “I would like to start thinking of alterna tives. Can we blow bubbles? Can we send up a nice waft of smoke or sage into the air? It’s about finding these other ways of commemorating those moments in our life.”

Seibold hopes her nonprofit will get people thinking about ways to help find solutions.

“There are people that are smarter than me out there,” she said, “and I need those people in on the Balloon Mission.”

Photos courtesy Cynthia Seibold

CyNthiA SEiBOLD, fOuNDER and executive director of the nonprofit Balloon Mission, found an abandoned balloon at Lido Beach, a Hempstead town park. Seibold is on a quest to raise awareness about how damaging to the environment helium-filled balloon releases are, with hopes of making that

we’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate manner.

CyNthiA SEiBOLD Founder, Balloon Mission

Herald Sc H ool S

South Girls soccer team earns Sportsmanship Award

Athletics places a high premium on winning, but it’s not just how well ath letes play the game. It’s also about how well they conduct themselves through vic tory and defeat and the character they display with their opponents on and off the field. The South High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team stands apart for its consistent exceptional sportsmanship and ethical conduct, earning them the Nassau County Girls Soccer Coaches Association’s Sportsmanship Award for the 2022 fall season.

“As coaches, we teach our student-ath letes to be competitive and play to win, of course, but always within the rules of the game and with respect for their oppo nents and officials,” said South Girls Var sity Soccer Coach Richard Boyd. “We teach the players to win with grace and to lose with dignity. Being a good sport is as important as winning.”

Coaches across Nassau County voted for the Falcon soccer girls to receive the honor. “This award speaks to the positive character and values the team brings to the sport,” said South Principal Maureen Henry.

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

Herald file photo CoaChes aCross nassau County voted for the Falcon soccer girls to receive a countywide sportsmanship award.

The souTh high School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, pictured, earned the Nassau County Girls Soccer Coaches Association Sportsmanship Award for the 2022 fall season.

Pageant newcomer and V.S. native captures crown

form throughout the competition.”

according to Suaza, a soaring tribute to her late father, who was the heart and soul of her performance and her main

“I’ve always wanted to do it when I was little, but I just never thought I could,” she said. “I think my dad really inspired me to do this because my dad was the type of person, even before having cancer, that lived every day like it was his last. I try not to let things scare me, and if they do, I try to just face it head-on. I know he’d want me

In the brutal, anxiety-rid den world of pageant compe titions, where a contestant’s onstage gaffe or awkward ver bal mishap can be a make-orbreak ordeal, Suaza, a fresh man in Hofstra majoring in journalism, banked on her communication and storytell ing chops to deliver her mes

“I was able to feel very comfortable on stage though answering questions, because I feel like, I’ve kind of always been preparing my whole life by storytelling and speaking to people,” said

Suaza fit the judging criteria perfectly.

“When we’re looking for a Miss Teen Long Island, we’re looking with someone with poise, grace, or role model for indi viduals across Long Island and someone who’s really going to spearhead efforts for the community for their platform,” said Leanne Baum, executive director of the Miss Long Island Pageants. “Natalia real ly did just amazing being true to herself and representing herself and her plat

It also didn’t hurt that the already accomplished 18-year-old had entered the pageant fresh from another high point of her year: being numbered among a hand ful of 18-year-olds who ran this year’s New York City marathon.

Again, her father’s example pushed her forward.

“My father introduced me to running, and my mom actually ran the New York City Marathon. I was 13 at the time and the minimum age requirement to run the New York City Marathon is 18,” said Suaza. “So I told myself when I’m old enough, I’m going to run the New York City Marathon. I was like, basically nursing a knee to the marathon. And like, less than two weeks later, I was on stage walking,” she said.

Crossing that finish line alongside thousands of oth ers gave her a much-needed confidence boost when all eyes were on her crossing the pageant stage, explained Suaza’s mom, Kenia Nunez-Leon.

“I am extremely proud of my daughter for participating in the Miss Long Island Teen pageant. It took courage to sign up for a competition with no prior pageant experience. I helped prepare her mentally for the pageant by reminding her not to be attached to the outcome, and to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.”

And any doubts she might have har bored about competing fizzled out as she goes on to represent Long Island at the Miss New York Teen USA competition in August of 2023.

I ’ve always wanted to do pageants when I was little, but I just never thought I could.

NatalIa Suaza, from Valley Stream, was crowned Miss Teen Long Island 2023 at Madison Theatre at Molloy College Nov. 20.

Courtesy King Aaron Photography

STEPPING OUT

arrives on local stages

The festive tradition continues to delight

By Karen Bloom

Neil deGrasse Tyson

How real is what you’re seeing up on the big screen? Astrophysicistlecturer Neil deGrasse Tyson knows and he’ll clue us in, separating fact from fiction — in a new installment of ‘An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies: The Sequel.’ Derived from yet another set of 30 films/television shows that range from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’ to ‘The Lion King,’ this lecture is an entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite entertainment got wrong, combined with some of the stuff they got right. This lecture also incorporates the latest films as well as some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all.

Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $250 (VIP), $100, $75, $50. $250 VIP ticket includes a post-show Q&A. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

New York

Theatre offers its 40th season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, on the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University.

The dance theatre closely follows the Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, as well as sets and costumes. It is the largest production on Long Island, according to new artistic director, — and dance theatre alum Nicole Loizides Albruzzese.

The dance theatre’s version keeps to the tone set by company founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.

Through the years, Ohman created original dances and scenes to enhance Balanchine’s iconic vision. Now Albruzzese — who was a student at the dance theatre’s Ohman School of Ballet under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there — returns as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career, follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.

Special guest artists New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht take on the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, joining a cast of Ohman School students to bring the holiday classic to the stage.

With the elegant Christmas party scene, the battle of the toy soldiers and giant mice, the intense snow storm, and elaborate dancing in the Land of the Sweets, this “Nutcracker” is sparkling treat that maintains its enduring appeal.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, noon and 5 p.m. $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and younger. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, call (631) 462-0964, or visit OhmanBallet.org.

Curry’s interpretation at Tilles Center stars New York City Ballet soloist Miriam Miller as the Sugar Plum Fairy and New York City Ballet principal Tyler Angle as her Cavalier. Also of note, Fox Weather meteorologist (and Instagram and TikTok sensation) Nick Kosir joins the cast of more than 60 students and professional dancers as Dr. Stahlbaum, Clara’s father.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, under the baton of maestro David Bernard, performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

“This year, I’ve taken some elements and changed them to keep the production fresh,” Curry says. “Our professional dancers, along with our incredibly talented academy students, have accepted the challenge of these new variations and character developments. I’ve enriched the production with more theatricality and many new dramatic elements.

“Having our guest artists from New York City Ballet and the wonderful Nick Kosir is like having a very sweet cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.”

Company member Briana Laman dances the role of Clara, with fellow company member Ryan Cavaline as Nutcracker Prince. For this production, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to Waltz of the Snowflakes (usually danced by a Snow Queen and a Snow King) for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

“Having this pas de deux danced by these two characters intensifies the connection between the two,” he says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Tickets are $89, $69, $59, $49. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. For tickets, call (516) 299-3100 or visit TillesCenter.org or EglevskyBallet.org.

Kenny G’s

The Miracles Holiday & Hits

Ring in the holiday season with smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The crossover jazz icon has enjoyed phenomenal success across the pop, jazz and R&B charts for more than three decades. Known for his lyrical and emotive style, his music has garnered a devoted fan base and made him one of the biggest-selling instrumentalists of all-time. The sound of his sax is as iconic as his curly coif. Indeed, both are instantly recognizable. Expect an evening filled with a festive spirit and contemporary classics. A reprise of last year’s successful outing,’The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour’ features a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with his captivating and distinctive blending of genres. The tour follows the release of his 19th studio album, ‘New Standards,’ and the acclaimed HBO documentary ‘Listening to Kenny G.’

Thursday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road., Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com, or (516) 247-5200.

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dance

Those

sugar plum fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive this month. The beloved holiday confection never goes out of style.

Courtesy New York Dance Theatre

Photo: Clara is enchanted with her nutcracker in the party that opens the ballet.

Eglevsky Ballet’s innovative ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company is known for its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry.

Courtesy Eglevsky Ballet

Photo: The enchanting snow scene is a shimmering showstopper.

THE SCENE

Shrek The Musical

See the uplifting tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey, presented by Nassau Community College Theater Department, now through Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. All the beloved characters you know from the film are brought to life on stage for an incredible adventure that includes a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand — and that’s Shrek, of course. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $18; NCC students free with valid ID; $15, veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC.edu or call (516) 572-7676.

Christmas Tree of Lights celebration

Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree of Lights celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs sung by Mercy’s carolers and refreshments. The festivities take place in front of the hospital, 1000 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Proceeds from the event will support the Endowment for Nursing Leadership and Education at Mercy Hospital. For information visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital.

Holiday fun

Visit the streets of 19th century London during the darkest days of the year, in this adaption of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” with the Experiential Theater Company, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 8-9, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 14-15, 10:15 a.m. and noon, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. Meet the Cratchit family, Mr. Scrooge, and the ghosts of past, present and future in this interactive show that weaves together music, humor, puppetry and collaboration. Celebrate the change of seasons through this beloved literary tale. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Village board meets

The village board of trustees will meet Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at the Village Hall boardroom, 123 S. Central Ave. for their regular public meeting. For more information, call the village clerk at (516) 825-4200 Ext. 5 or visit Vsvny.org.

District 30 board meets

Valley Stream District 30 board of education will meet Monday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., for their business meeting at Shaw Avenue School, 99 Shaw Ave. For more information, call district clerk Ashley Starna at (516) 434-3600 or visit ValleyStream30.com.

District 13 board meets

Valley Stream District 13 board of education will meet, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m., at James A. Dever School, 585 Corona Ave, Valley Stream for their regular board meeting. For more information, call (516) 568-6100 or visit ValleyStream13.com.

Christmas Services

Join the Bethlehem Assembly of God for Christmas services, Saturday, Dec. 26, starting at 4 p.m. at their campus, 12 E. Fairview Ave. For more information, call (516) 285- 585 or visit Bethlehemag.org.

Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala

Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec.11, noon-4 p.m., at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far Far Away. With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more. Cost is $75 per child, $100 per adult.

Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Register online at CPNassau.org or call CP Nassau at (516) 3782000 ext 651.

Having an event?

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times.

On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

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.

Dec. 10

LI Warriors Sock Hockey Clinic

Add some skills to your sock skating game with members of the LI Warriors recreational hockey league at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn about stick handling and passing as you master wrist and slap shots on the LICM “ice” in a hockey clinic for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Breakfast with Santa

The Village of Valley Stream hosts breakfast with Santa Claus, Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 10 a.m., at Hendrickson Park Community Center. Ticket purchase required. For more information, call the village clerk at (516) 825-4200 Ext. 5 or visit Vsvny.org.

Matinee s time

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production of “Jack Frost,” Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12, noon. The story, narrated by the groundhog Pardon-Me-Pete, tells about the immortal winter sprite, who falls in love with a human girl named Elisa after rescuing her. Tickets are $15. Bring the kids to the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Sc H ool S

North Girls Volleyball are conference title champs

They did it again. The North High School’s Varsity Girls Volleyball team nabbed a confer ence title for the second consecutive year. The win came after the team advanced to the A2 Conference from A3 the previous year. In both seasons, the team had an overall record of 13-1. With seven returning players this season, the team worked hard throughout the summer to prepare for the rigorous schedule. After los ing their first game of the season in five sets, the team went on an incredible winning streak, and they didn’t look back. After a fourway tie for first place in the conference, the Spartans took the championship with a win against H. Frank Carey High School.

This also isn’t senior Captain Kayla Santo’s first championship season, having been a member of the girls’ 2018 undefeated champi onship season. Head Coach Mary Parisi credit ed the team’s success to mental toughness, communication, and court leadership, espe cially from Captains DiCostanzo, Matura, and Santo. “I am extremely proud of this extraor dinary group of young ladies. Winning backto-back championships was our team goal this year and it is a tremendous accomplishment to move up a conference and still finish on top.”

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according to U.S.News&WorldReport.

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer — from novel chemotherapy techniques to first in the nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there’s no status quo. There’s only “how far can we go?”

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

The 2022 NorTh High School Girls volleyball team repeated their conference title win.

News brief

‘Torso Killer’ pleads guilty in 1968 cold case

A convicted serial killer has pleaded guilty to a 1968 Valley Stream murder, along with four others in Nassau County on Monday. He appeared in court virtually.

Richard Cottingham, 76, also known as the “Times Square Torso Killer,” pleaded guilty to the murder of Diane Cusick, whom police connected him to in June.

Nassau County District Attor ney Anne Donnelly unveiled the criminal charges on June 22, after new DNA evidence linked Cottingham to the then-cold case. He was charged with one count of second-degree murder, and sentenced 25 years to life for the murder.

Cottingham admitted to four other murders Monday, those of Mary Beth Heinz, 21, in Rockville Center, Laverne Moye, 23, in Rockville Center, Sheila Heiman, 33, in Woodmere and Marita Emerita Rosado Nieves, 18, in Jones Beach. Those murders date back to 1972 and 1973. The district attorney’s office said

that

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 616669/2019

COUNTY OF NASSAU

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANTHONY A. BARBERA III, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TOR THE ESTATE OF GLORIA BARBERA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES

TO THE ESTATE OF GLORIA BARBERA, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and

assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; DISCOVER BANK; MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC; JOHN DOE; JANE DOE, “JOHN DOE #3” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last ten names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 1297 SOUTH STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580

Section: 35, Block: 518, Lot: 40

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive

of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State.

The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF

SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $544,185.00 and interest, recorded on April 11, 2007, in Liber M 31762 at Page 94, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 1297 SOUTH STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

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

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 the mortgage company will not stop the 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.

Dated:October 28, 2022 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 135494

Fernandez’s national anthem lights up ceremony

“My dad was and is my biggest inspira tion,” said Brianna. She was not alone to celebrate his memory. Her 20-year-old sis ter Bailley Fernandez was on the ice with her. The two hugged after her perfor mance.

“Standing alongside my sister was incredibly emotional,” said Bailley Fer nandez. “Once we walked onto the ice and they played her introduction, I could immediately feel the tears.

“It truly meant the world to her. Our dad was and continues to be everything to us,” she said. “He was the most selfless, kind, and lovable man and was a hero in more ways than one. We both strive every day to make him proud in all that we do and honoring him in uniform was so meaningful to my sister.”

Brianna was able to perform due to her connection with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and their partner organiza tion, the NYPD Detectives Endowment Association’s Widows’ and Children’s Fund. The organization provides benefits such as covering certain health insurance costs, funeral expenses, and medical and educational assistance to the spouses and children of deceased New York City Police Department Detectives.

Within a year of her father’s passing, Brianna was contacted by the Garden of Dreams Foundation where she was enlist ed to perform at the Annual Talent Show at Radio City. She also received a Garden of Dreams Foundation Inspire Scholar ship to help pay for her college tuition while studying criminology at Hofstra University, whereupon her graduation, she would later follow in her father’s foot steps as a police officer.

She is also no stranger to performing before a national audience, having sung her heart out with her rendition of the National Anthem at the Jet’s opening game against the Ravens in MetLife Stadi

nYPD offiCer Brianna Fernandez sang a stunning rendition of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ to kick off the New York Rangers game Nov. 28.

um this September on the 21st anniversa ry of the 9/11 attacks.

“I understand the privilege of standing on Garden Ice and listening to the Nation al Anthem,” said Adam Graves, former Rangers hockey player and board of director member for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. “There is not a great er tribute that you could make and a greater sign of respect and admiration for her father. It’s a privilege to have her as part of our bigger Garden family and per sonally, just to see her and get to know her over the last seven years.”

“It’s always important to hold your loved ones dear,” said Brianna. “I know he’s beaming with pride, and I take him with me wherever I go.”

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

Cottingham wouldn’t be prosecuted for the other murders since he will be in prison for life already.

–Juan Lasso

Tim Baker/Herald

Diane CusiCk, allegeD victim of Richard Cottingham the ‘torso killer’ was found here in her car at Green Acres Mall in 1968.

continued from front page

Photos courtesy NY Rangers/MSG Sports nYPD offiCer Brianna Fernandez honored her father, late NYPD detective Luis Fernandez, who died from cancer contracted from the rescue and recovery efforts in Lower Manhattan during the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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This unique home boasts 2,494 livable interior square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The main floor offers a primary bedroom with ensuite, additional bedroom and full hall bathroom, bright living room with woodburning fireplace, eat-in kitchen with brick oven cooking, laundry room, den/family room with access to backyard patio and 2 car attached garage. 2 Additional bedrooms, den/office/exercise room and shared bathroom are found on the second level. There is also a full basement with utilities, storage, full bathroom, wet bar and endless possibilities. This home also boasts wood floors throughout, ample closets/storage on a 116 x 63 lot. Call for a private showing.

Q. We purchased our home with minor damage from Hurricane Sandy, and were told that because there was little or no damage, just mold in the unfin ished basement and new boiler, the house was fine, no title problems. But when we tried getting a permit for a shed, we were told we needed a permit for stormrelated repairs, including proof of our home’s value. We decided not to get the shed because of this, but we got a letter saying we still need the storm repair per mit, regardless. None of the neighbors we spoke to ever got this permit. It seems we’re being punished for being honest and trying to do the right thing. Is there a way around this problem? What if we do nothing?

A. My answer may be as confusing as your situ ation. I have seen no con sistency in this dilemma as I go from one munici pality to another, and I’ve asked why some impacted jurisdictions don’t require as much paperwork and scrutinizing as others. The answer from officials was generally that each jurisdiction made assess ments of the specific properties, and then recorded which ones were uninhabitable compared to which ones had various levels of needed repairs.

It may have been that at the time, when people were so devastated by their personal property loss es, it seemed like a bad policy to hurt homeowners further with permit requirements and lots of administrative paperwork. The concerns for peo ple’s emotions at that time have, seemingly, dimin ished. Your jurisdiction chose to notify people to submit estimates and property value statements, over a decade later, mostly when they apply for per mits for unrelated projects.

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I sat down to a Sunday-morning breakfast chat in a diner with the top elected official in your juris diction in February of 2013, four months after the storm, as a concerned citizen as well as a licensed professional and columnist. It was nice that they paid for breakfast, but I’m not sure they acknowl edged the level of problems I was seeing, from the lack of communication and enforcement with the public. I suggested that it was better to notify every one with specifics, not randomly ambush people when they applied for other things in the future, like you’re now experiencing.

I advised that everyone damaged by the storm could file basic repair letters, be contacted by block and lot numbers instead of all at once, and put the effects of the storm behind us all as quickly and painlessly as possible, but in a way that officially recorded people’s repairs in letter form and in a simple way. Building departments were extremely helpful in assisting people to get backup docu ments, and I saw an earnest effort to help the pub lic. But many homeowners ignored letters, did nothing and seem not to be affected by require ments.

Your story is an example of the result I predict ed. I wish I knew the answer. It may take another decade to figure this out. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Antiques/Collectibles

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opINIoNS

Facing life — and death — with peace and love

John Casciani died last weekend. You don’t know him, but trust me, he wouldn’t want anyone to fuss over him. He came into this world quietly 88 years ago, and I’m sure would prefer the same exit now.

But you can’t have such a profound effect on someone’s life — to the point that you almost single-handedly changed it for the better — and expect them to experience your passing as an afterthought.

Casciani doesn’t deserve to be remem bered, but because I simply don’t know how to express my sadness that someone who touched and transformed so many lives as a teacher over the years no longer shares the same plane of existence we do.

with “peace and love” — something you always felt around him. Peace and love.

I can usually write a column like this practically in my sleep, but nothing seemed right to honor this man who did so much for everyone, yet didn’t want anyone to notice.

So, that’s what I did. I cried. Tears of sadness. Tears of happy memories. Tears of who I am. Tears of what I might have been if it weren’t for Mr. Casciani.

MICHAEL HINMAN

Writing isn’t just a profession for me. It’s how I cope. And the moment I learned of Mr. Casciani’s passing, I put pen to paper, sharing an anecdote from the very first time I met this fascinating chemistry teacher and photography club adviser from my high school days, and how he introduced me to the magical world of the darkroom.

I talked about the value of teachers, who are key to our self-discovery of who we are. I even shared Mr. Casciani’s way of making even the most mundane interest ing, like when he would wager his chemis try classes he could drink a glass of boiling water — and then actually do it.

But the moment I typed the final words of that piece, I closed the document and then dumped it in the trash. Not that Mr.

I was going through a bad time when I first met Mr. Casciani. We all remember being teenagers, and few of us can say it was easy. But Mr. Casciani truly changed my life. Not just teaching me the skills that helped me land my first newspaper job — the fact that I could devel op my own film and print my own pictures helped get me through the door of a daily newspaper when I was still in high school — but being someone who taught me it was OK to be fascinated by the world around us. That we shouldn’t be ashamed of that sense of wonder.

Yet I simply couldn’t find the words to express any of that. Outside of a few Face book interactions, I hadn’t had a direct conversation with Mr. Casciani since I graduated from high school in the early 1990s. But he would occasionally send me a note, usually asking me to help him remember some details about projects we worked on — like our school’s television program in the days when creating televi sion at the high school level wasn’t so easy to pull off — so he could reminisce.

He would sign each of those messages

But then I remembered something else Mr. Casciani taught me. Strength doesn’t come from not needing to ask for help — it comes from seeking help when you need it. Something pride inter feres with all too often.

So, I sought that strength inside of me and asked for help. Marcie Schellhammer is the assistant managing editor of the Bradford Era in north-central Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from where I grew up. She’s written so many beautiful columns about people that I cite her work to my own reporters when we need examples of the best way to honor people with our words.

I did everything I was supposed to do. I shared a favorite memory, and how what I learned from it changed my life. I shared the moment my eyes opened, and even talked about how Mr. Casciani helped mold me into the man I am now. But it still wasn’t working.

“That’s because you wrote it to write a column,” Marcie told me. “You didn’t write it with your heart. At least that’s my pro cess. I can’t write a memorial column with out crying.”

As always, Marcie was right. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t take the traditional approach in honoring Mr. Casciani. I can scream from the hilltops how important our educators are — and they indeed are. But the truest way to honor a man like Mr. Casciani is to put what he taught me into practice.

To admit when I’m struggling. To face it. To seek out help. And to never, ever be ashamed of it. I joke from time to time that Mr. Casciani would tell me the skills I was learning in the darkroom would be skills that would help me the rest of my life. And then, in my mid-20s, darkrooms went extinct in the shadow of digital pho tography.

But that has changed my life. I haven’t stepped inside a darkroom in about two decades, but the skills I learned there opened the doors at the beginning of my career that allowed me to sit here and write these words today. And for that, I will be forever grateful to Mr. Casciani.

We all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives. And we can never thank them enough for making the impact they did. So, if you can still thank them, please take a moment and do it now.

Peace and love.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Com ments? Execeditor@liherald.com.

No, Gwyneth, I will not buy your face cream

In this season of marathon shopping, I started wondering why I buy what I buy. There are millions of choices when it comes to our cosmetics and cars and food and OTC meds and clothing and shoes and TV series and movies and furnishings and technology, and travel and education.

So why do I scan the shelves and pick out one sneaker among the many sports shoes for sale?

celebrity flogs a product, my avoidance mode kicks in. I love Matthew McCo naughey, but I’m not buying a Lincoln because he looks dreamy sitting behind the wheel in the TV commercials. I am not buy ing Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin cream thinking it will make me look like her.

I mean, why would I buy a Dior product because Charl ize Theron is their public face? She’s a gorgeous 8-foottall South African beauty. My life, inside this body of mine, bears no resemblance to her existence. Dior face cream will not help. I resist.

does she know about shoes or me or the value of her product? As for the Kardashi ans, well, how much time do you have? Who are they, exactly, and how many of them are in the public eye, and what is their skill set? They endorse various hair products, and I imagine their pitch is to young people, but why? They are the most famous people who are famous just for being famous.

ing crosses, and stigmata. After an outcry from religious groups, Pepsi canceled its ad.

My friends are my greatest influencers. I buy what they tell me to buy; I watch the TV that they suggest; I read the books they send my way.

I also take seriously consumer reviews from reliable websites. I have found new doctors by reading online reviews.

We think we have the power of choice, but we are bedazzled by influ encers. Psycholo gists say that we are especially moti vated by celebrity endorsements that suggest we can acquire good looks, wealth, friends and celebrity itself by buying the car that George Clooney drives or wearing the ath letic shoes that Selena Gomez wears or drinking the Coke that LeBron James, Penelope Cruz or Michelle Kwan drinks.

RANDI KREISS

I’m crazy about Reese Witherspoon and I love Crate & Barrel products, but I’m not buying a new couch because she’s their “brand ambassador.”

Various media put enormous money into advertising campaigns that feature celebrities touting their products. For me, it’s a waste of their time and money. When a

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work, because apparently they pay off big time, or companies wouldn’t seek out famous people to push their products. I just don’t think it works for me, and I would urge others to look at their prospective pur chases in a clear-eyed way, setting aside the celebrity glam factor.

Drew Barrymore has associated herself with Crocs. What the heck? Should I buy a clutzy shoe because she tells me to? What

Epic flops and scandals have haunted the celebrity endorsement industry. Kanye West recently unraveled with his nonstop antisemitic rants. He lost Adidas, Balen ciaga, Foot Locker, Gap, and others. Michael Phelps was dropped by Kellogg’s years ago, after a photo circulated of him smoking marijuana. Today, with a net worth of some $80 million, he can boast associations with Intel, Sub way, Under Armor, Beats and Visa. The weed factor is passe.

Years back, according to E-News, Madon na landed a one-year contract as the celebri ty spokesperson for Pepsi. A two-minute family-friendly ad premiered wherein the singer revisited her eighth birthday. But the next day, Madonna’s video for “Like a Prayer” debuted. The video featured burn

I have one friend whom I love who has mysterious powers over my purchasing decisions. When we’re together, we some times shop. I find myself buying what she tells me to buy — even the outsized blouse with a geometric print that makes my eyes burn. Sometimes there’s a pricey item I don’t need, but if she tells me I need it, boom, it’s in the shopping bag. I don’t know what it is. My only defense is not to go shop ping with her too often. Because if she tells me I need the striped balloon pants in neon green, it’s circus time for me.

As we go about our Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, it might be wise to consider who is influencing our purchases. One of the oldest and longest-running celeb rity endorsements was launched by Jell-O in the early 1970s, when they hired a 37-yearold actor named Bill Cosby. Presumably JellO has wiggled onward without him.

Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work. Apparently they pay off big time.

W e all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives, and we can never thank them enough.

Roosevelt’s address to the nation, Dec. 8, 1941

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speak er, members of the Senate, and of the House of Repre sentatives:

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliber ately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japa nese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secre tary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese gov

ernment has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false state ments and expressions of hope for con tinued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Ameri can lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported tor pedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.

The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the impli

cations to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all mea sures be taken for our defense. But always, will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us?

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute vic tory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend our selves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

letters

Taking the air out of balloon releases

To the Editor: Thank you to Senior Reporter Jordan Vallone for her well-written piece, “Balloon Mission is up and away: Planning initial projects, nonprofit sets tone for future” (Bell more and Merrick Heralds, Dec. 1-7, liherald.com/merrick/stories/bal loon-mission-is-up-and-away, 152602). And bravo to Cynthia Sei bold, of North Merrick, for using the pandemic to start a nonprofit group, Balloon Mission, committed to stopping the inane practice of releasing balloons into the environ ment as a form of celebration.

Balloons are made of rubber, latex or nylon fabric, which does not break down easily — a polyure thane balloon can take up to 450 years to decompose, according to the University of Melbourne. In the wild, balloons get caught in trees and underbrush, where they are shredded by branches. Over time, they appear to disintegrate, but what is really happening is the bal loons are further breaking down

into microplastics, which then become ingrained in soil and water systems. From there, they are ingest ed by animals and marine creatures — and then by we humans at the top of the food chain.

In 2019, the Town of Southampton passed a law

banning the intentional release of balloons — with a fine of $350 or imprisonment for up to 15 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses would receive harsher penalties. The Town of Hempstead has a similar ordinance on the books, also passed in 2019,

opinions

The red wave that wasn’t, and the crime wave that isn’t

Despite expectations, Republi cans ended up underperform ing on Nov. 8. Although Republi cans narrowly captured the House, Democrats kept the Senate and even managed to flip multiple state cham bers blue, including capturing the gover nor’s office in Arizona, of all places.

Peculiarly, however, Republicans had one of their best nights in none other than the deep-blue Demo cratic stronghold of New York. They flipped a stagger ing one-fifth of all Democratic con gressional seats here, and nearly unseated Demo cratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

How did they pull it off? Fear of crime. While in most of the nation, inflation and preserving democracy were the top two issues, poll ing from New York City in May showed that the No. 1 issue on people’s minds was crime — and it wasn’t even close.

Leading up to the election, the Republi cans unleashed a barrage of fear-monger

ing on the good people of Nassau County. For their part, the Democrats, as usual, were yet again unable to show a spine and attack the Republican narrative. But at any rate, it seems the Republican assault on our collective psyche was successful.

There’s just one problem. There’s no actual crime wave.

It’s completely normal to be worried about crime; we all deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods. But the facts just don’t bear it out. Did you know that the num bers of murders, rapes and sexual crimes have all gone down this year compared with last, according to offi cial Nassau County Police Department data? Surpris ing, I know. And all things considered, we’re actually in one of the safest periods ever in our county.

There have been increases in crime, but they’ve been related to property, not violent crimes. And even with the increase in property crimes, it is still exceedingly rare for a Nassau resident to be a victim of such a crime. The most common crime defined as “major” this year was grand larceny. You know what

your chances of being a victim of grand larceny are? About 0.002 percent.

But I can definitely understand the claim that we all feel an air of crime here in Nassau. Blame the media: 2022 saw a spike in the media coverage of shootings in New York City that went far beyond the actual num ber of shootings.

It sickens me. You turn the page, a shooting. Anoth er page, a corpse. The third page, a guy arrested for beating his girlfriend. The media fills us with dread, all to make money. And I see how my neighbors increas ingly construct their own fortresses, replete with video cameras, dogs and floodlights, all out of fear of passersby.

This fear has serious consequences, increasing anxiety, social withdrawal, and unraveling the social fabric of neighbor hoods. This is no way to live.

At the same time, I don’t want to live in a county where we see an increasing number of desperate people turning to theft to survive. After all, if you can’t work, you go hungry, and stealing catalyt ic converters beats going hungry.

Letters

but the fine for intentional release cannot exceed $100, and there is no provision for jail time. I would like to see Hempstead pass an ordinance with stronger teeth.

As a town resident, though, I am heartened to see Hempstead working with Balloon Mission to educate the public about the myriad dangers that balloon releases present — particularly to the 17,000 acres and 180 miles of coastal waterways under the town’s jurisdiction.

Finally, each of us can play our part in helping to reduce plastics in the environment. When you see a plas tic bottle or rubber balloon on the street in your neigh borhood, pick it up and throw it away. I’m a runner. When you run and collect garbage, it’s called plogging, a Swedish fitness term. Hempstead would do well, though, to add more trash cans for recyclables at its parks, like those at the Levy Preserve in Merrick. This way, when folks are out collecting garbage, they could easily recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

SCOTT A. BRINTON Merrick

Randi nailed it on air travel

To the Editor:

I really love Randi Kreiss’s columns in the Herald, and the one that I specifically liked was “Flying the notso-friendly skies” (Nov. 24-30), about JetBlue and the way they’ve changed their system so that they don’t really accommodate people very well.

I went on a trip about three weeks ago, and it was really hard to book a flight because I had a couple of problems, and, like you said, to reach somebody, it’s like reaching God. And yes, the snacks are pretty sad.

Thank you so much for your articles, Randi.

JuDITH WEITz Long Beach

Framework by Tim Baker

So what can we do?

Let’s start with a price cap on gas in Nassau County, to fight inflation and bring relief to millions at the pump. Next, the county should put people to work at a good wage to finally fix these damn pot holes. And thirdly, let’s keep kids off the streets by fully funding schools, and lower violent crime by having Nassau replace our lead pipes, which contribute to lead poisoning, which researchers have tied to aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Too bad the Republican-led County Legislature won’t do any of that. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, Nassau’s 2023 budget actually has less funding for spe cial education and early-intervention pro grams. Nothing about lead pipes, or gas price caps. Don’t the Republicans care about preventing crime?

It’s OK to have a healthy fear of crime, and it’s OK to take measures to keep your self safe. But I implore my friends: Don’t let politicians and the media manipulate you. It is imperative that we do not fear our neighbor.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chroni cle and the Anton Media Group.

Here’s hoping they’re bundled up out there — Sea Cliff Yacht Club

the numbers of major crimes in Nassau County have actually gone down this year.

mattHew aDaricHev

Buy a Brick

Celebrate or honor your loved ones this holiday season and give the gift of a lasting legacy in the Mount Sinai South Nassau garden, located at the corner of Oswald Court and One Healthy Way. Purchase an engraved brick, tree, or garden bench, or name the entire plaza and garden space that thousands of patients, visitors, and employees will see every year as they enter and exit the hospital’s front entrance

Honor a loved one or someone who made a di erence in your life. Remember a special person or celebrate a special occasion. Support Mount Sinai South Nassau’s mission and vision for a healthier tomorrow.