HERALD
By MADISoN GUSlER
mgusler@liherald.com
Christmas lights adorned the Village of Malverne on Saturday, when thousands of people descended onto Hempstead Avenue for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
“The holiday lighting is one of the most special nights in Malverne,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Malverne native, said. “It makes us the envy of all of Nassau County because no one does it like Malverne. Every year, no matter where I’m asked to go, I will always be in my hometown, in Malverne.”
The Dever Holiday Ensemble kicked off the festivities, and then ushered in the village’s elf parade. Led by the Pride of Malverne Marching Band, the parade included bright and festive floats, which delivered Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Malverne train station house, where children had the opportunity to take photos and ask for a Christmas wish.
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Halls Pond festivities for Hanukkah and Christmas Christmas event draws thousands to the village
By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com
Hundreds of people gathered in West Hempstead’s Halls Pond Park on Sunday to enjoy the festivities of Holiday at Halls Pond. The annual celebration is organized by the West Hempstead Community Support Association to celebrate the lighting of the menorah and a Christmas tree.
“Holiday at Halls is our children’s party, tree and menorah lighting for the community,” WHCSA President Maureen Mahoney said. “It’s how we bring the community together, which I feel is important to do as often as we can.”
The Dec. 5 celebration included a variety of free activities that local children enjoyed. There was a Build a Stuffed Animal station where children had the opportunity to make their own stuffed bear, dog or elephant to bring home, as well as a bounce house, glitter tattoos, ornament making, balloon animals, face painting and more.
Children sang along and danced to popular party tunes alongside Bluey (from the TV series) and Olaf (from Disney’s Frozen films), and even Santa joined in on the fun. Members of the Lakeview Fire Depart -
W ithout Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas.
REV. R
Ay loR
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Senior pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church
ment, who also helped decorate the tree, brought the man in red to the festivities on the fire truck. Santa was also available for pictures and to hear children’s Christmas wishes.
There was cotton candy, popcorn, gingerbread cookies and
hot chocolate available for attendees to enjoy.
The Rev. Ray Lorthioir, senior pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Rev. Anthony Stanganelli, of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead, shared holiday blessings with the attendees before the tree lighting.
“Without Hanukkah, there
would be no Christmas,” Lorthioir said to the crowd, “because Hanukkah celebrates the fact that Jewish people were saved from destruction, and God provided them with a miracle. So the Jewish people survived, and from that, Jesus of Nazareth was born into the world.”
Lorthioir reminded the par-
Continued on page 3
Christine Rivera/Herald
Santa and Mrs. Claus traveled through the village greeting all attendees at the Malverne tree lighting ceremonies on Saturday.
News briefs
Courtesy Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s
Attendees visiting the Holiday Makers Market at Crossroads Farm decorated their own unique wreaths to bring home.
Crossroads Farm hosts Holiday Market
Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s kicked off its Holiday Makers Market this past weekend. “We have about 10 vendors selling different locally made things,” Michael D’Angelo, farm operations manager, said.
Jewelry, baked goods, candles, and other handmade items are available for purchase from local artisans at the market.
Cookie decorating craft begins with cheer
“We started it during COVID,” Volunteer Annie Sunshine said. “We wanted someplace for people to, shop, and buy things that were handmade, unique, and support local community.”
The Holiday Makers Market will be open this weekend, Dec. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
–Madison Gusler
“We wanted to create the opportunity for people to buy their holiday presents locally,” D’Angelo said. “It’s so convenient for us to buy online. This has more of a community spirit.”
To begin a weekend of holiday celebrations, the Malverne Holiday Lighting committee held two cookie decorating activities at the Malverne Library on Dec. 4.
For $15, each child was provided a kit containing two gingerbread men, frosting, sprinkles, candy eyes, and other decorating tools. Christmas
music played as children of all ages joyfully decorated a sweet treat to take home.
The Malverne Pastry Shop provided the gingerbread men and the Holiday Lighting committee prepared the individual kits.
–Madison Gusler
Madison Gusler/Herald
The children of Malverne kicked off a weekend of holiday celebrations with a cookie decorating activity at the library.
WHCSA organizes annual holiday tradition
Continued from page 1
ticipants about the interconnectedness of their faiths, the community, and all there is to be thankful for during the holiday season.
Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, shared her holiday wishes for the community as well. Nicks is currently the legislator of District 2, which includes Hempstead, Uniondale and Westbury. She will soon represent a portion of West Hempstead in the newly redrawn 5th District. “I just want to wish everyone a very healthy and happy holiday season,” Nicks said. “It’s great to see the community out here, and so many of our children enjoying events like this during the holiday season.”
After a countdown, volunteers helped light the menorah and the Christmas tree.
Holiday at Halls pond represented local religious practices by lighting a menorah as well.
Children sang and danced to popular party tunes before the lighting.
the West Hempstead Community Support association organized the tree lighting at Halls pond park on Sunday.
at the Build a Stuffed animal station, children made stuffed bears, dogs and elephants.
Christine Rivera/Herald photos
the Lakeview f ire department gave Santa a ride to the Halls pond park celebration on Sunday.
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Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?
Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored.
Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged
child they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!
In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.
There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.
Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Crime watCh
LarCeny from auto
On Nov. 4 at 4:27 p.m., a man reported that an unknown person or persons removed four alloy rims from his vehicle while parked at 903 Jena Ct., Lakeview.
Petit LarCeny
On Nov. 15 at 2 p.m., Owen St. Cyre, 51, of West Hempstead, was arrested for shoplifting at the Dicks Sporting Goods located at 630 Old Country Rd., East Garden City.
On Nov. 25 at 12:40 p.m., Michael Herrera, 34, of Franklin Square,
was arrested for shoplifting at the West Hempstead Stop and Shop at 50 Cherry Valley Ave.
Dwi
On Nov. 19 at 11:38 p.m., Saul Montenegro, 41, of West Hempstead, was arrested for driving while impaired near the intersection of Stephen Place and North Central Avenue in Valley Stream.
On Dec. 2 at 9:50 p.m., Baljinder Singh, 53, of Elmont, was arrested for driving while impaired near the intersection of 8th Street and Brixton Road South in West Hempstead.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Police Reserve Officers promoted
Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan, right, and Chief of Police Reserves Robert Oliva promoted Malverne Police Reserve Officers George Leppard, Inspector, Christopher Simmons, Captain, and Jack McCarren, Lieutenant. Andrew Chernoff was promoted to Deputy Inspector but was unable to attend the Dec. 3 board of trustees meeting.
Madison Gusler/Herald
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Hofstra showing championship potential
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra men’s basketball team is showing early signs of a rebound season.
Coming off a disappointing 15-18 2024-25 campaign, Hofstra displayed its championship potential by winning three games in three days at the Cathedral Classic at the Palestra in Philadelphia Thanksgiving weekend against La Salle, Merrimack and Penn.
The Pride will need to accomplish a similar feat in early March at the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament and the Philly sweep showed fifth-year head coach Speedy Claxton his team may have the grit to cut down the nets.
“We know if we want to go to the NCAA Tournament we are going to have to win three games in three days,” said Claxton, who guided Hofstra to the NCAAs as a standout point guard in 2000. “This was good preparation work and now they know they are more than capable of doing that.”
The Pride made another statement a week later with an 80-73 win at ACC opponent Pittsburgh Hofstra returned six players from last season in which the Pride dropped several close conference games to finish 6-12 in the CAA. It was picked to finish eighth in the 13-team CAA and are looking to prove the doubters wrong with a determined core led by junior guard Cruz Davis, a St. Johns transfer who averaged 14,4 points per game for the Pride last season.
“He is way more comfortable in the offense and what we expect on both ends of the floor,” said Claxton of Davis, who tallied a career high 36 points in the Pitt win.
Graduate student guard German Plotnikov adds a veteran presence in the lineup after averaging 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds last season. The 6-foot-5 Belarus native is a threat from three-point range who connected on 40.2 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last year.
Silas Sunday, a returning 7-foot power forward, is making strides in the paint during his third season on the Hofstra roster and posted a career high 15 points to go along with seven rebounds in a 78-58 win against Merrimack in the second game of the Cathedral Classic in Philadelphia.
Freshman Preston Edmead has quickly emerged as an offensive threat and is second on the team in scoring through 10 games which included a 23-point performance in Hofstra’s 83-77 win at Bucknell on Nov. 14. The 6-1 local product
from Deer Park averaged 24 points during his senior season at The Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts.
“He is killing it and it is because he works so hard,” said Claxton of Edmead. “Typically, if you love basketball you are going to do well here at Hofstra and he is someone who loves it and is in the gym throughout the day working on his craft.”
Hofstra also added some inside strength with 6-10 forward/center Victory Onuetu, a standout in Spain who competed in the FIBA U20 European
Championship. Onuetu nearly tallied a double-double in an 81-73 loss at Iona on Nov. 7 with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Biggie Patterson, a 6-7 Iona transfer, adds another weapon in the paint who registered eight rebounds and tied a career high with three blocks in the Merrimack win.
Claxton pieced together a challenging non-conference schedule to prepare Hofstra for the rigors of conference play which includes a road tilt at Syracuse this Saturday at 4 p.m. airing on ACC Network. The Pride also tipped off the season with a closely contested 82-78 loss at Big 12 foe Central Florida.
“We always want to schedule tough,” Claxton said. “Playing hard games in non-conference prepares you well for conference play.”
Hofstra opens up the CAA schedule with a Dec. 29 home game against Campbell at 7 p.m. The Pride closes the regular season hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook on Feb. 28. and longtime conference rival Drexel on March 3.
Cruz Davis, right, averaged 14.4 points per game last season.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Preston Edmead is off to an impressive freshman campaign.
SCHOOL briefS
Thanksgiving balloon parade takes flight
Students at Maurice W. Downing Primary School were filled with spirit as they showed off their colorful balloons during the school’s annual kindergarten “Balloons Over Broadway” Thanksgiving balloon parade on Nov. 26.
The hallways were lined with fellow students who cheered for the kindergartners as they walked by while decked
out in their holiday hats and holding their balloon decorations high in the air for all to see.
The parade concluded on the playground where parents were waiting to witness the event and take photos before heading home for the holiday break.
–Madison Gusler
ENL students enjoy Thanksgiving lunch
West Hempstead’s English as a New Language Department brought holiday cheer to West Hempstead Secondary School on Nov. 27 as it hosted its annual Thanksgiving luncheon.
In the secondary school’s north gymnasium, students celebrated the season with a warm, welcoming meal. The luncheon provides ENL students a chance to experience U.S. holiday traditions. Staff prepared a delicious spread of
Thanksgiving favorites such as turkey, fried chicken, pasta, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, and plenty of pies.
Staff members served the meal with smiles while students chatted, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. They also shared what they’re thankful for this year.
–Madison Gusler
HOST: RABBI ANCHELLE PERL
CO-HOST: JAY OLIVER KIVE STRICKOFF
Courtesy Malverne school district
Kindergartners at Malverne’s Maurice W. Downing Primary School participate in the school’s annual “Balloons Over Broadway” Thanksgiving balloon parade on Nov. 26.
Courtesy West Hempstead school district Staff members served the food while students enjoyed conversation and interactions.
Long Island’s Top Chiefs honored for leadership
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Across Long Island, the business community often runs on the daily work of executives who set direction, solve problems and keep their organizations moving forward.
That work took center stage at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, where the 2025 Top Chief Officers of Long Island were celebrated for shaping the island’s economic and civic landscape on Nov. 19, which included President & CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Michael Lessing, who also owns the Heritage Club.
Hosted by the Herald and produced by RichnerLive, the event honored chief officers whose leadership, innovation and dedication have marked them as standouts in their industry. This year’s keynote speaker, Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., was presented with the Innovator of the Year award.
“These CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CMOs, CROs, regional presidents and more are creating the opportunities that strengthen our communities,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications & Publisher of the Herald Community Media. “They are what help make Long Island one of the most important engines of our nation.”
A portion of the evening’s proceeds supported Dream68, a foundation created by former NFL player Gary Brown, which provides assistance to underserved youth and their families across Long Island.
Kristin Thorne, a five-time Emmy Award-winning investigative host and reporter, emceed the program.
Kirthi Mani, chief people officer at CLA was recognized for leadership in accounting. She serves on the firm’s board of directors, overseeing learning initiatives.
“I know there’s a lot of fear around AI, but I want to emphasize hope in the next year for the future,” Mani said.
Sheila Kurman, chief human resources officer at Prager Metis CPAs, was also honored in the accounting category. With more than 20 years in human resources, she leads the firm’s HR strategy.
“It has been wonderful, truly wonderful, to celebrate with all the other award winners who are proud to join me tonight,” Kurman said.
For leadership in engineering, Mohammed H. Malik, chief operating officer of M&J Engineering, D.P.C., was honored. Malik leads strategic direction and client engagement at the firm.
“To even reach this moment in my personal life, there’s a lot of people behind me, especially my family,” he said.
In the finance category, SBA director at BankUnited, Michael Marrero, was honored. He oversees SBA lending and plans to expand the bank’s SBA presence next year.
“We’re really piggybacking off that
successful commercial presence we have here,” Marrero said, “and bringing more of the retail banking and SBA lending to the community.”
LifeVac LLC, president Laura Bonelli received the award for innovation in health care. The company, founded in 2014, produces a noninvasive airway-cleaning device credited with saving 5,000 lives worldwide in 31 countries.
“I’m so honored and grateful to be here tonight and to be able to bring attention to what we do,” Bonelli said.
Frank Palma, General Manager & Chief Engagement Officer of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC, was recognized for excellence in manufacturing and distribution. With 27 years at Coca-Cola, Palma oversees operations across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“When I look around the room and see so many people who are successful at giving back to the community, it’s all worth it,” he said.
Katherine Fritz, newly appointed president and CEO of Long Island Cares, was honored for her work in nonprofit.
“Advocacy regarding food insecurity is going to be something really big for Long Island Cares in 2026,” Fritz said.
Tammy Severino, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, was also honored. A former troop leader, Severino brings decades of leadership in nonprofit strategy and development.
“With a lot of the environmental uncertainty that is around, we are put -
ting programs together to help girls feel confident,” she said.
In the realm of technology, CEO of Naka Technologies, Anil Jagtiani, was recognized. Naka launched in 2017, growing from a local operation into a North American IT solutions provider.
“It’s the greatest thing just seeing a whole community come together,” Jagtiani said.
Ronald Fatoullah, Esq., CELA,
chair of the Elder Law Practice Group and partner in the Trusts and Estates Practice Group at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, was honored for legal leadership.
“I want to make sure that seniors can protect all of their assets and lead a really good life in the future,” Fatoullah said.
To view all Honorees and pictures, please visit www.richnerlive.com.
Photo credit: Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Herald Top Chief Officer honorees.
Amy Newman, senior vice president, Administration from Canon U.S.A introducing a video presentation of Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, President of Canon who was the event’s keynote speaker.
President, Sean Acosta, Property Tax Reduction Consultants.
Chief Executive Officer, Billy Haugland II, Haugland Group.
President & CEO, Katherine Fritz, Long Island Cares. Special volunteer from Guide Dogs Foundation and American VetDogs.
Robert M. Gitto from The Gitto Group with Stuart Richner.
Chief People Officer, Kirthi Mani, CLA with her team.
Dennis Daniels entertaining the crowd while accepting the award for President, Benjamin Coggiano from Walter F. Cameron Advertising.
Chief Operations Officer, Mohammad H. Malik, M&J Engineering, D.P.C. with Herald Publisher, Stuart Richner.
President & CEO, Anne Brigis from YMCA Long Island.
CELA, Chair Elder Law Practice Group and Partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group, Ronald Fatoullah from Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP.
Malverne festivities create grand attraction
Following the parade, the tree lighting ceremony began. Attendees gathered at the water fountain, which has been turned into the crèche for the holiday season, as Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan and other village representatives shared well wishes with the crowd.
“I hope that this season brings you joy, happiness and comfort,” Sullivan said. “I hope that your season is filled with warmth and glad tidings, no matter what religion you celebrate.”
Sullivan shared that the annual holiday celebrations reflect the important qualities of the village. “Take a look around, this is what Malverne is,” he said. “It’s camaraderie, it’s compassion, it’s civility, it’s taking care of one another, it’s celebrating family and friends.”
Greg Evans, 76, a lifelong Malverne resident who still lives in his childhood home, was given the honor of lighting Malverne’s Christmas tree during the ceremony. Evans had worked for the New York City Fire Department for 32 years, after joining the Malverne Fire Department at age 18. He has held various roles in the Malverne department, where he continues as a volunteer with 58 years of service.
He also has contributed to the state and the village through his roles as president and secretary of the Fourth Battalion Chiefs Association, as trustee and president of the Malverne Fire Benevolent Exempt Association, captain of the Malverne Fire Department Police Squad, and member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the Nassau County Firefighters Association, and the South Shore Volunteer Fire Department Association.
“It was a great honor to be picked by the village to light the tree,” Evans said. “It isn’t something I expected, and I’m very happy, and I’m very proud that they chose me.”
After a countdown, the tree was officially lit for the holidays, and a blessing of the crèche was given. Father Joseph Ciccarello, of the Church of the Intercessor, gave the invocation, and the Rev. James Stachacz, of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, provided the blessing.
The festivities featured a holiday lighting carousel, a living nativity, a petting zoo, horse and buggy rides, face painting, balloon animals, and a performance from the Tap to Pointe Dance Center. Several music acts also performed throughout the night.
Fire barrels, monitored by volunteers from the Malverne Fire Department, lined the streets keeping attendees warm, and carolers traveled along Hempstead Avenue performing holiday tunes.
The festivities followed a morning of Christmas events, including breakfast and bowling with Santa.
a horse and buggy provided a festive ride around the village.
the Christmas tree is decorated with thousands of lights.
the pride of malverne marching Band led the elf parade.
annie and Sean dalfonso enjoyed riding the holiday lighting carousel.
Christine Rivera/Herald photos dancers from tap to pointe dance Center performed a holiday show at Britton Circle.
Cradle of Aviation welcomes Katie Ledecky
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Catholic Health teamed up last week with the legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky, a world record holder and a 14-time Olympic medalist, for a presentation at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.
Ledecky, a New York Times bestselling author and the most decorated female swimmer in history, spoke to nearly 250 area Catholic middle and high school students, many of them swimmers, on Dec. 1.
Welcomed by Andy Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation, they crowded into the museum’s Catholic Health Sky Theater Planetarium to listen to Ledecky’s discussion with Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, the nonprofit health care system.
Ledecky was just 15, and the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, when she won her first gold medal at the 2012 Games in London.
“I can think of no better human being than Katie Ledecky to personally inspire us with her journey,” O’Shaughnessy said. She shared some of the highlights of that journey, and discussed her role, since July, as a health and wellness ambassador for Catholic
Health. She graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2015.
“And I think I just really love all the messaging and the support that Catholic Health gives to this community, and the resources that you provide, and the opportunities — and, of course, the health care as well,” Ledecky told O’Shaughnessy. “So just to help spread that message and be a voice for healthy living, it’s such a great match, and I’m happy that this relationship has brought
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me here today, and we have a lot more on the horizon.”
She also spoke of her plans for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and offered the young swimmers in the audience some advice. She swims 20 to 25 hours a week, she said, and spends another five to six hours in the gym. “All those hours are very important, and that sounds like a lot of time,” Ledecky said, “but really, it’s the hours away from the pool and away from the gym that are just as important. I consider those hours
part of my training as well, because if I’m not doing the things I need to do outside of the pool or outside of the gym, then I’m not going to be able to be at my best when I’m physically doing the work.”
After meeting Ledecky at a conference, O’Shaughnessy said, he knew they would be a great fit to partner together. “We’d like to bring more educational symposiums where we can talk more about what it takes to really maintain health and wellness and commitment to achieving your goals in life,” he told the Herald. “And I think you’ll see more of these types of forums that we’re going to do with Katie, where we can have interactive sessions with members of the community and talk about how we make our community a thriving, healthy environment.”
“Health, wellness and goal setting have been important parts of my life since childhood, which is why it was so meaningful to speak with Long Island students about prioritizing their wellbeing—athletes and non-athletes alike,” Ledecky told the Herald. “We’re all at our best when we’re working toward our goals, and I’m grateful that my partnership with Catholic Health has helped to share that message across Long Island.”
For more information on Catholic Health, visit CatholicHealthLI.org
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Katie Ledecky and Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy discussed her partnership with Catholic Health as a health and wellness ambassador.
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes for 2025–2026 runs through January 4, 2026 at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.
On many days there are multiple shows per
1
The Rockettes have been a cherished New York City holiday tradition since 1933. Their first appearance in the inaugural Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall firmly established them as an essential part of the city’s seasonal celebrations. Over the decades, the show has expanded into one of New York’s most beloved annual events, drawing both locals and tourists. Though the production continually evolves—incorporating advanced stage technology, refreshed choreography, and updated narrative elements—it preserves classic numbers like the iconic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” For many families, attending the Christmas Spectacular has become a multigenerational ritual, cementing the Rockettes as enduring symbols of the holiday spirit in New York.
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day, including a matinee, afternoon, evening, late show.
The official website to buy tickets is rockettes.com/christmas. You can also get tickets via major ticket platforms such as Ticketmaster
The Rockettes are internationally renowned for their extraordinary precision dance techniques. Their reputation centers on impeccable timing, unity, and their signature “eye-high” kicks performed in a flawlessly straight line. Achieving this level of synchronicity requires significant strength, flexibility, and stamina, especially during the demanding holiday performance schedule. Dancers train yearround to maintain the conditioning necessary for repeated shows. Height uniformity—traditionally between 5’6” and 5’10½”—helps create the seamless, uniform line that has become a visual hallmark of the troupe. Their choreography fuses tap, jazz, ballet, and modern dance into a distinctive hybrid style recognized worldwide.
at Radio City Music Hall
and in person at the Radio City Music Hall box office. The show runs about 90 minutes with no intermission.
Five things to know:
3
Their auditions are famously rigorous and attract dancers from across the country. Each year, thousands of hopefuls come to New York to compete for a coveted spot in the lineup. The audition process involves multiple rounds in which dancers must quickly learn and perform complex combinations with absolute precision. Beyond technical excellence, candidates are judged on how well they blend with the group in both appearance and style—a defining aspect of the Rockettes. Even after being selected, dancers undergo weeks of intensive rehearsals, often lasting six hours a day, to build the synchronization and endurance needed.
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The troupe’s origins trace back to the American Midwest. Before becoming synonymous with Radio
City Music Hall, the Rockettes began in St. Louis in 1925 under choreographer Russell Markert as the “Missouri Rockets.” Inspired by European precision dance ensembles, the group gained popularity and eventually caught the attention of Radio City’s management. After several transformations and expansions, they relocated to New York, where they became a defining feature of the venue.
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During the holiday season, the Rockettes may perform up to four shows daily. These 90-minute performances require exceptional discipline, from executing rapid costume changes to sustaining high energy and flawless precision. This demanding schedule highlights the remarkable athleticism and professionalism that enable the dancers to
STEPPING OUT
Baking up holiday cheer
‘Tis the season munch on a cookie
By Karen Bloom
There’s nothing quite like the smell of cookies baking to say “home for the holidays.”
Share the joy straight from your oven by gathering friends and family for a festive baking day. Mix, roll, bake, laugh — and, of course, taste — as everyone contributes to a tray (or two) of homemade treats.
For many households, holiday baking is a cherished tradition, and it only gets sweeter when shared. Turn the kitchen into a holiday workshop: assign roles for measuring, mixing and decorating, turn up the seasonal music, and let creativity and sprinkles fly.
Even refresh those holiday favorites. Chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies are classics, but find inspiration in trying something new, such as Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies might become a fast new favorite.
Peppermint Mocha
Chip Cookies
Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee and semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Add a crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons instant coffee
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 soft peppermint candies, crushed Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease or line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt butter and 1 cup chocolate morsels in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
Transfer chocolate mixture into a large mixer bowl; add sugar and beat until combined. Add coffee granules, vanilla extract and peppermint
Elon Gold
Close out 2025 with some laughs with comedian Elon Gold, best known for his relatable takes on being Jewish and getting through the weirdness of life. Considered by many to be this generation’s Borscht Belt King, he’s no stranger to those who watch Netflix. His act brings laughs to both Jews and non-Jews alike all over the world. He’s made dozens of memorable appearances on late-night talk shows and TV series, especially his hilarious recurring role as Head of Hulu on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. His one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” among other projects.
extract; beat just until combined. Beat in eggs. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until all is incorporated. Fold in remaining 2 cups chocolate morsels.
Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, using a medium size cookie scoop. Sprinkle each cookie with a little of the crushed peppermint candies.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 36 cookies.
Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
Hanukkah is more than latkes. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in style with these tasty bites.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• Colored sugar or decorating icings
Beat first 4 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add flour; mix well. Cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Heat oven to 350° F. Roll out dough to 1/8-inch-thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 2-inch cookie cutters; sprinkle with colored sugar. Or, leave plain to frost later with decorating icing (after cookies are baked and cooled). Place on baking sheets.
Bake 12 to 15 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost and decorate as desired.
Melted Snowman
These cookies are cute tasty holiday treat.
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
Decorations:
• 12 large marshmallows
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 drop red food coloring, or as desired
• 1 drop yellow food coloring, or as desired
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Beat butter in a bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat white sugar, baking powder, and salt into butter until just combined. Beat egg, milk, and vanilla extract into butter-sugar mixture; add flour and mix until dough is just combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is slightly chilled, about 10 minutes.
Scoop dough into balls slightly larger than golf balls; flatten into cookies. Arrange cookies on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
Butter a microwave-safe plate. Place marshmallows on the prepared plate.
Microwave marshmallows until slightly puffed, 10 to 15 seconds. Gently press marshmallows until bottoms slightly ooze.
Whisk confectioners’ sugar and water together in a bowl until icing is slightly thicker than drizzleconsistency. Pour icing over cookies so it runs over the edges, reserving about 1 tablespoon.
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl, about 30 seconds. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag with a small tip or a plastic bag with a corner snipped.
Press 1 marshmallow close to an edge of each cookie to be the snowman’s head. Draw “stick arms” onto the icing using the melted chocolate.
Divide the reserved 1 tablespoon icing into 2 small bowls. Mix red food coloring into 1 of the bowls and orange food coloring into the other bowl. Decorate the snowmen with scarves or ties using the red icing and yellow icing.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $76.25 and $54.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
‘A Celtic Christmas’
An annual sold-out tradition everywhere they perform, Cherish The Ladies returns to celebrate the holiday season. Led by the charismatic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden —a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award Winner — they’ve brought their signature blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, vocals and step dancing to the White House, the Olympics and to PBS, in addition to concert halls. Their beloved Celtic Christmas program is a festive, family-friendly concert featuring their signature sound on classic carols. Each song is beautifully arranged to showcase their Celtic instrumentation, rich harmonies and remarkable step dancing. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this annual Christmas tour has been complemented by four acclaimed holiday albums. Etraordinary step dancers elevate the concert, featuring five-time World Champion David Geaney and All Britain Champion and Riverdance alumnus Noel Spillane, among others.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $48, $43, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
Melted Snowman
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
DEC 11
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
• Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m., 6-6:45 p.m., 7:30-8:15 p.m., through Jan. 1
• Contact: luminocityfestival.com
‘Home for the Holidays’
Pet Adoption
There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during “Home for the Holidays’ at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Preview the cats and dogs online at Hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter.
• Where: 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Ongoing, through Jan. 4
• Contact: (516) 785-5220
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Celebrate Kwanzaa with award winning storyteller and singer April Armstrong at Lakeview Public Library. She shares stories and songs of culture, community, triumph and hope. Learn about the African-American holiday tradition of Kwanzaa and explore the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa through song, stories, and drumming.
• Where: 1120 Woodfield Road, Lakeview
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: lakeviewlibrary.org or (516) 536-3071
DEC
12
Wildlife Art Exhibit
Crossroads Farm hosts a free, community wildlife night. It’s a celebration of art, animals and sketching. Event features a conversation with artist Meghan Taylor, whose wildlife painting will be on display in the farm store throughout the month. With wildlife animals as part of an educational presentation by the Wildlife Center of Long Island and an open sketch session for artists of all levels.
• Where: Crossroads Farm, 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Contact: xroadsfarmliny.com
‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals
ages three and up with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
DEC
15
Library Board meets
The West Hempstead Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting.
• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591
DEC
Gilded Age Holiday
18
• Where: Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
If you’re already humming holiday tunes and craving a little rock ‘n’ roll spirit, here’s your chance to celebrate in timeless style. Rockin’ the Holidays brings The Rascals back to the stage — joined by special guests John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band — for a concert packed with energy, nostalgia and chart-topping hits. Two of The Rascals’ founding members, Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish, reunite for this festive performance, fueled by a deep love for their fans and the enduring power of their music. With accolades that include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Rascals remain icons of American rock and the defining sound of 1960s blue-eyed soul. Their legacy shines through 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 singles and three No. 1 classics — among them “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.” Audiences can expect all the favorites, plus holiday flair and the warm, soulful harmonies that made The Rascals unforgettable. “We’re so grateful for the fans — this is for them,” Cavaliere shares. Cornish echoes the sentiment: “This gives us another chance to play together and do it for the fans.” A night of feel-good music, memories and holiday cheer awaits — the perfect way to rock your way into the season.
‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 17-18
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
DEC 13
Holiday fun at Westbury House
Step into the magic of Christmas at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House! Bring
the kids a festive night filled with holiday fun! Explore, through a self-guided tour, the beautifully decorated mansion with a special Christmas scavenger hunt. Get creative at Christmas craft stations, making holiday keepsakes to take home. Meet Santa Claus himself, share your wish list and snap a photo to capture the moment. Enjoy delicious cookies and cider in our West Porch. The party features Lucky Duck Puppets’ holiday show, at 7 p.m. The Winter Holiday Puppet Show is an original story about Greg, a North Pole penguin trying to find his place in the world and how he can help spread holiday cheer! $25, $22 ages 3-12 (20% member discount. Advance registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
‘Holiday Harmony Spectacular!’
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance at Elmont Memorial Library. In this special holiday show, “A Musical Wonderland,” cast of 30, plus special guests, keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform the best holiday songs of all time and more. Free admission.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: livenation.com
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207
Holiday concert
DEC
14
The Long Island Community Chorus invites all to their upcoming concert, “Season of Peace.” $10 suggested donation, children under 12 free.
• Where: St. James UMC, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 599-5705 or email licchorus@gmail.com
Hockey clinic
Long Island Children’s Museum hosts the Long Island Warriors, a nonprofit recreational hockey program and team for military veterans, active military and reserves, for a special hockey clinic for kids in conjunction with the museum’s popular Snowflake Skating exhibit programming. Kids who want to up their sock skating game are encouraged to participate. Warriors players will teach kids about stick handling and passing as they master wrist and slap shots on the LICM’s popular sock skating “ice.” Free for
Visit Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House for a tasty holiday gathering. It was during the Gilded Age that many of the Christmas traditions still celebrated in America today first became part of mainstream culture. From sugar plums to plum pudding, each recipe in ‘The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook” offers a colorful glimpse into the era. The program, based on the book, explores the holiday lore of the time, sharing the origins of beloved customs Treats from the cookbook are available to sample, with books available for purchase. $30 per person. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
DEC 21
Holiday Card Show
Archive Day hosts a Holiday Card Show. Buy, sell and/or trade your trading cards and collectibles. Tickets are available at @archivestcgshow on Instagram and kids under 12 are free. With holiday giveaways.
• Where: Cherry Valley Sports, 45 Cherry Valley Ave., West Hempstead
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Celebrating everyday miracles HANUKKAH MESSAGE
During the eight days of Hanukkah, in a prayer called the Amida (standing prayer) we include a prayer of thanksgiving called Al haNissim, “for the miracles.” As children, we learn about the miracle of the small cruse of oil that lasted for eight days, even though it should have only been enough for one day. It was also a miracle that the small band of Maccabees defeated Antiochus and his massive army and were able to reclaim and rededicate the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, allowing Jewish life and observance to continue and flourish.
In the Al haNissim recitation, after we acknowledge that God has worked miracles, performed heroic acts and delivered the few from the many, are the words, bayamim ha-heim bazman hazeh, “in those days at this time.” This original text, dating back close to 2,000 years, was understood to refer to things that happened in those days (at this time of year). In later years, a word was added, “and.” This reflected a theological change, that the miracles didn’t just occur in 167BCE, but that the Holy Blessed One continues to perform miracles in our day.
Really, what is a miracle? Is it something supernatural that occurs, or is it the Divine at work in our everyday lives? Is it a wonder, something we experience in our world which might be aweinspiring? What about experiencing something that defies all odds? “It’s a miracle no one was hurt in the fire/accident/whatever.” Or we use the term loosely: “traffic on the LIE just opened up, it’s a miracle!”
Miracles of the biblical “miraculous”
sort are few and far between. Think the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, or manna that fell from heaven, feeding the Israelites during 40 years in the wilderness. The birth of the modern State of Israel is considered by many to be a similar miracle; the few against the many, the rededication of and to our holy land. In fact, a version of the Al haNissim prayer is recited on Yom Ha Atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day. We’re taught that the miracles of
Hanukkah are too many to count, so we focus on the oil lasting and the military victory. Chances are, most of us won’t experience miracles of epic proportions, and that’s probably a good thing. If we expected those kinds of miraculous happenings, we’d miss the miracles that happen every day; the small tree that’s still standing after a storm, running into someone we haven’t seen in ages and were just thinking about, or a baby being born.
At the darkest time of year, kindling the hanukkiyah (Hanukkah menorah) helps to light up the night. As we begin the holiday, and all through the eight days, may we merit the blessing of light, and the blessing of miracles – small and large – in our lives. May that light be shared with all who are in need, and may we notice our everyday miracles.
Susan Elkodsi is the Rabbi of the Malverne Jewish Center.
Rabbi SuSan ElkodSi
Courtesy Malverne school district
Malverne High School principal Kesha Bascombe has been selected to present her research at the 2026 American Educational Research Association annual meeting.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR WAMU MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES
2005-AR13, PLAINTIFF, VS. ANTHONY A. SZOKE SR. A/K/A ANTHONY SZOKE, AND ANTHONY SZOKE, JR., ET AL., DEFENDANT(S).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 5, 2016 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 523 Cedar Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at West Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 387 and Lot 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $420,902.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011112/2012.
John Boklak, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157047
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 12/17/2025 at 9:30
A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
633/25. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Eli & Rachel Wein, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on McKinley St., construct roofed over open porch & 2nd story addition both attached to dwelling., N/E cor. McKinley St. & Harding Ave., a/k/a 400 McKinley St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go
Malverne principal to present her research
Kesha Bascombe, principal of Malverne High School, has been selected to present her original research at the 2026 American Educational Research Association annual meeting. AERA is the largest gathering of education researchers in the world and will be held this April in Los Angeles, California.
Bascombe’s paper, titled “Breaking Barriers: Black Women’s Leadership Attainment and Experiences in Predominantly White School Districts,” was selected for a paper session dedicated to “Aspirations, Achievement, and Attainment: Unforgetting Structural Barriers.”
experiences of 14 Black women serving as educational leaders across the United States. It specifically examines the intersection of race and gender, and the systemic challenges they navigate in ascending to, and thriving in middle and upper management roles.
The study emphasizes how these leaders employ key strategies — including resilience, intentional advocacy, mentorship, authenticity and overperformance — to successfully navigate and challenge exclusionary leadership paradigms.
v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
157238
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-15, -againstREGINALD BRIDGEWATER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 22, 2025, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC.,
ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-15 is the Plaintiff and REGINALD BRIDGEWATER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 12, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1091 PINEBROOK COURT, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 38-K-765. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT LAKEVIEW, (FORMERLY WOODFIELD) IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604770/2023. Howard Eric Colton, 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.
“I am honored to share this research on a national platform,” Bascombe said. My hope is that by centering the voices of Black women leaders, we can illuminate the structural barriers that still exist and provide practical steps for districts to create truly equitable environments where all talented leaders can thrive. This work has already begun to inform my practice and conversations right here in Malverne.”
The research focuses on the lived
“This is a moment of immense pride for our district,” Superintendent Maria Rianna said. “Bascombe’s work not only highlights the powerful, resilient strategies employed by Black women leaders but also aligns directly with Malverne’s commitment to equity, diversity, and excellence in educational leadership. Her findings will contribute valuable, actionable insights that can help transform P-12 leadership pipelines nationally.”
–Madison Gusler
SCHOOL brief
Davison Avenue fifth grade Ambassadors with food donations collected for the Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Students give back with district food drive
Students and staff from Malverne’s Howard T. Herber Middle School, Davison Avenue Intermediate School and Maurice W. Downing Primary School joined forces this Thanksgiving to support local families in need.
Through their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, students collected a wide variety of non-perishable items and holiday essentials to donate to local food
pantries, including the I.N.N. in Hempstead.
With the support of the school community, the drive provided a bountiful supply of nutritious food, ensuring local families could enjoy festive meals during the holiday season.
–Madison Gusler
Courtesy Malverne school district
Employment
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EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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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
General Accountant, Hempstead, NY
Bachelor Deg. & 1 yr. exp. Salary $73,070 yr. Email res. to; eromosele@iyaho.org
Iyaho Social Services Inc.
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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Real Estate
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FLORAL PARK: 4 BRS, 3 Bths, Must Sell. Asking Mid $800's. By Owner. Call 970-989-0444
Can we add a garage now, and get the permits later?
Q. We’ve met with two architects and two contractors to figure out how we can add a garage to our house or make it free-standing. The contractors were confident the garage could be attached to the house — our first preference — but the architects told us about regulations that make the whole thing doubtful and more expensive. Each one told us about building codes and other problems with our house that might come up. One asked if our shed was legal, and whether we had proof that the second floor and the finished basement of our Cape Cod home had been permitted. We’re now wondering whether we should even do the job. Both contractors keep calling, and even saying that we should build it first and then get it permitted after. Can we do that? Should we do that?
A. You mean ask for forgiveness instead of permission, right? Can the contractors give a guarantee of your success? The way things are going these days, I’m ready to tell you to listen to the contractors and have them direct the whole mess you’ll encounter. Just see if they stick around when the expenses start for all the extra work to undo the mess.
Two things are happening right now that make things more “challenging.” One is that as building codes become stricter and building officials become less able to communicate what it means to “demonstrate compliance” — and many architects are ready to just quit working in certain communities because of this — you, the owner, become more responsible and less protected from this mess. For example, one community examiner asks to “demonstrate” compliance with mechanical requirements in order to finish a basement. Nobody told me in architecture school that I would someday be doing plans to finish a basement, but what the heck, people need an architect, and in between much larger projects here in the suburbs, it seemed like a simpler task.
But not really. That word “demonstrate” could mean that the owner will have to actually make a choice to air-condition and heat their basement, and specific equipment to do that task may have to be shown on the drawings. In reality … remember reality? In reality, I rarely see a heating or cooling system in a basement.
But your architect is being required to “demonstrate.” This leads back to the contractor, because the architect has almost no chance of selecting any mechanical system to heat or cool in a way that an independent plumber or mechanical company would agree to, much less install. Therefore, the architect is alienated from the simple project “filler” in between projects that involve professional teams of architects, engineers, contractors and construction management. Working in small communities is becoming complicated, and therefore expensive for the homeowner. Listen to the architects, unless you want the mess, and make sure the basement, finished second floor and shed are legal, or expect to spend a lot of money when the problems come up. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
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ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS
Thank you for the honor of serving the 5th District
Thank you. I cannot say it enough.
Serving as a Nassau County Legislator for the past two years has been a tremendous honor, and an even greater privilege.
I joined the Legislature at a challenging time for Democrats. We were the last line of defense against a Republican supermajority and absolute one-party rule in Nassau. For two years we fought for our constituents. We fought to get our communities the resources from the county that they not only deserve but pay for with their tax dollars. Under the leadership of Minority Leader Delia DeRiggiWhitton, we proudly stood shoulder to shoulder and delivered.
We successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan to force County Executive Bruce Blakeman to process 14 long-awaited grants for first responders serving Democratic districts — including $100,000 for the Merrick Fire Department. We enacted a capital plan that delivered tens of millions for essential infrastructure investments in Demo-
Tcratic districts and funded first responders, law enforcement and critical countywide infrastructure upgrades.
As a caucus, we fought for American Rescue Plan Act funding that Nassau received after the pandemic, to be set aside for community organizations that helped us weather the storm and strengthen the fabric of our communities. In District 5 we supported our youth by securing $100,000 for Rising Stars in Freeport and $50,000 for the Cedarmore Corporation. We confronted hunger by delivering over $22,000 to the Ladles of Hope food pantry at Our Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport.
focused on the health and safety of our community members.
i have the utmost confidence in the Democratic conference I leave behind.
Our caucus fought for common-sense legislation that would protect the public and save lives. I proposed Gio’s Law to mandate epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, in all county police cars, and Robbie’s Law, to equip all county athletic fields with automated external defibrillators. My colleagues proposed the Families Against Fentanyl Act, which would require the inclusion of low-cost, highly accurate fentanyl-detecting test strips in Narcan kits distributed by county agencies.
We proposed these pieces of legislation because they made sense. All three
I proudly stood with my colleagues as we sounded the alarm on tens of millions of dollars in wasteful spending on politically connected outside legal contracts. And we shed light on the chaos at Nassau University Medical Center amid the ongoing battle to save this vital safety-net hospital that so many people rely on. We fought for policies to make Nassau more affordable by reducing permit fees for businesses and returning illegally collected red-light camera ticket fees to drivers.
Unfortunately, none of the legislation proposed by Democrats made it onto the legislative calendar for a vote, but I’m optimistic that the momentum we created will continue into 2026. Here’s one example: At a recent meeting of the Merrick Community Civic Association, I saw a powerful presentation by Kennedy High School students Ava and Ethan Robinson in support of Robbie’s Law. Their passion showed that the fight for this lifesaving idea is far from over.
There is more work to do, but I have the utmost confidence in the Democratic caucus I leave behind. I owe each member a debt of gratitude. My success
representing the 5th District is directly related to the support, advice and guidance I received from my fellow legislators. Thanks to each of you.
My term ends on Dec. 31, but my work will continue until then. I will use every moment to help our community. I’m happy to announce that we will host a winter coat drive in partnership with the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club. If you have new or gently used winter coats and accessories, please drop them off during business hours at the Freeport, North Bellmore or North Merrick libraries, or Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club headquarters, at 294 W. Merrick Road, Suite 12, in Freeport. The drive ends on Dec. 14.
I’m especially grateful for the unwavering love and support that my wife, Jill, our children and extended family gave me on this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I am forever grateful to all of you.
Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve for these two years. From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous holiday season and an amazing 2026. I look forward to seeing you in the community as we continue making Nassau County an even better place to live, work and raise our families.
Seth I. Koslow, of Merrick, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
Those who ignore James Carville face oblivion
he two major American political parties were built by people whose names most of us have never heard of. They weren’t Democratic or Republican officeholders. They were philosophers whose writings moved politicians who embraced their words and used them to try to make the Democratic and Republican parties attractive to voters.
Milton Friedman was a 20thcentury American economist whose ideas were a strong influence on Republicans. Russell Kirk was a highly regarded conservative and a godfather of the conservative movement. William F. Buckley Jr. is a name my generation knows because, for a long period of time, he was the voice of staunch conservative Republicans. A handful of people have shaped the Democratic Party philosophy as well — John Dewey, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls and numerous other names that are foreign to most of us. Dewey believed in a party that enables labor rights, community organizing and local empowerment.
Those old philosophers shaped the two major parties, but there is currently almost no one you could name whom President Trump or President Biden relies or relied on to help make serious decisions. In many ways, Biden was a student of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised dozens of programs that were helpful to countless people. Trump apparently relies on nothing other than his instincts, with occasional input from his adviser Stephen Miller. Miller has strong opinions on many subjects, and Trump often has to restrain him.
F or so many voters, it’s still about the economy, as the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ so eloquently put it.
There is one voice out there today whose message can be good for Democrats and Republicans, depending on who’s listening. I refer to James Carville. Sometimes known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” Carville created the strategy that elected and re-elected President Bill Clinton. His plain talk has been out there for whoever wants to embrace it. His simple advice since 1992 has been, “It’s the economy, stupid.” It worked when Clinton defeated President George H.W. Bush, and in many ways it helped Donald Trump get to the White House. We are now 11 months away from another consequential election, and the
dominant political voice out there pounding the Democratic Party is Carville. He had a message for Democrats last year, when he told them to stop lecturing people and talk to them about their issues. He tried to get that message across to then Vice President Kamala Harris, but she relied on paid advisers who gave her the worst possible advice.
This year, a large group of Democrats paid attention to Carville’s counsel, and it helped them sweep numerous contests in last month’s elections. Democratic Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger were elected the governors of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed through a resolution to redraw his state’s congressional map, which was approved by a landslide. Democrats won other significant contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The winning campaigns focused on the issue of affordability, and Trump’s unpopularity helped all of them.
Next year’s elections will be a huge challenge for both political parties. History shows that the minority party generally wins a majority of the contested seats in Congress. Current polls shows the Democrats winning a large numbers
of seats and likely taking over the House, and projections show them within three seats of taking over the Senate as well. With all this bad news, are the Republicans paying attention? Trump has reacted to the 2025 elections by insisting that the economy is great. He has claimed that prices are down, and that all of the Democratic claims to the contrary are false. Even in the face of the worst consumer confidence figures, he is living in some type of bubble and ignoring what’s really happening. He made some concessions on tariffs, but it will take time for them to have any impact.
The problem for the Republicans is that all of them are on one big ship, and Trump is the captain. The longer he continues to believe, or at least insist in public, that the economy is terrific, the more danger his passengers are in.
At the same time, pundits like Carville are pushing Democrats to stick to variations on his message. Absent a 360-degree turnaround by the GOP in the next several months, Carville’s admonition about the economy could be the winning message for Democrats, and leave Republicans looking stupid.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
seTh i. koslow
Act now to restore order, safety to e-mobility
New York state is undergoing a transportation transformation. Electric bikes, scooters and skateboards are no longer niche devices. They are everywhere, threading through intersections, racing down sidewalks and rapidly redefining how we move across our communities. Their convenience is undeniable. Their popularity is unmistakable. But the risks — now becoming painfully clear — demand immediate attention. The rise of unregulated electric personal mobility devices has outpaced our laws, our infrastructure and our safety systems. The result is a growing sense of disorder on our streets and a mounting toll of injuries and fatalities that can no longer be brushed aside.
This is why the introduction of S8573/ A157 by State Sen. Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick, of Malverne, and fellow Republican Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, of Staten Island, matters so profoundly. Their legislation would provide what New York currently lacks: a responsible, modern framework to ensure that these increasingly powerful devices are used safely and sanely. It would create a clear registration system through the Department of Motor Vehicles. It would require operators to be at least 16 years old, and to wear helmets. It would establish penalties for dangerous behavior. Most important, it acknowledges that the era of ignoring e-mobility regulation is over. Across the state, residents have voiced
growing concern about the chaos unfolding on sidewalks and streets. Many have witnessed reckless riders speeding through crosswalks, weaving unpredictably through traffic, or operating devices that exceed the speeds of some small motorcycles, all without training, accountability or basic protective gear. These concerns are not mere irritations. They are warnings. And for too long, state law has offered no tools to respond. The consequences are tragically real. The death of 14-year-old Mepham High School student Jayden Flores is a heartbreaking reminder of how high the stakes are. Jayden’s life was cut short on Nov. 6 when he was simply trying to cross an intersection that is familiar to families, commuters and children who navigate it every day.
Jayden’s death shattered a community, devastated his loved ones and reignited fears that New York is allowing a preventable danger to grow unchecked. It was not an isolated incident. New York City accounts for nearly half of all e-bike fatalities nationwide, and injuries involving motorized two-wheelers have skyrocketed in recent years. These are the numbers not of a state that is in control, but rather of one that has fallen behind.
Opponents may argue that regulation will limit the freedom and utility these devices offer. But this legislation would not restrict responsible riders — it aims to protect them. It differentiates between
those who use these devices to commute, work or travel safely and those who endanger themselves and others by treating public roads like racetracks. By establishing clear rules, the bill would strengthen, but not stifle, the e-mobility revolution. It would tell riders: You belong here, but with the same responsibilities that govern every other vehicle user.
Community members deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children can cross the street safely, that seniors can walk on the sidewalks without fear, and that drivers can navigate intersections without unpredictable hazards.
Families should not have to mourn preventable deaths. Schools should not have to activate crisis-counseling teams because lawmakers failed to act. And no parent should have to receive the call that Jayden’s family received — a call that turns a normal morning into a lifetime of grief.
S8573/A157 is not merely a procedural update. It is a necessary, common-sense step toward restoring order, protecting public safety and preventing future tragedies. The Legislature must recognize the urgency of this moment. Every day without clear regulations is another day when lives are at risk.
New York cannot afford to hesitate. The time to act is now. Lawmakers must pass this bill, and ensure that the promise of e-mobility never again comes at the expense of human life.
Students are capable of more than they imagine
what if the aspiration gap isn’t about students dreaming too small, but about us failing to show them the bridge between where they are and where they could be? In our district, we’re refusing to accept that a child’s Zip code, current performance or starting point should determine their ceiling.
We aren’t just talking about high expectations; we’re systematically building the structures that transform aspirations into achievable realities. The elimination of the aspiration gap hinges on three ideas: improving instruction, increasing student engagement and performance, and providing guidance through exposure to various pathways.
No matter a student’s circumstance, current capability or mindset, we believe all students can succeed. Change the emphasis of the simple question, “What do they know?” to “What do they know?” The first questions their abilities. The second builds on their knowledge base. High expectations are nonnegotiable.
Teachers need a tool belt of instructional strategies to utilize as situations arise. We continue building teachers’ instructional capacity by providing new staff with PBL professional learning
and reframing our professional development model to include professional learning communities and lesson study. We believe that our teachers’ continuous growth directly translates into our students’ ability to reach standards that once seemed out of reach, proving that capability isn’t fixed; it’s cultivated through skilled, responsive teaching.
wThe evolution from “guidance counselor” to “school counselor” represents far more than a semantic shift — it reflects a transformation in scope and philosophy. Where guidance counselors historically focused on academic placement and vocational guidance, today’s school counselors provide comprehensive support that integrates academic success, social-emotional development and career readiness. Their responsibilities now encompass mental health services, social-emotional learning and crisis response alongside traditional planning. School counselors have moved from reactive service providers to proactive leaders, using data to identify needs and contribute to the school’s educational mission. This title change acknowledges that school counselors are integral to the architecture of student success.
e believe in empowering them to own their learning journey.
Closing the aspiration gap demands actively connecting students to realworld opportunities. Assistant Principal Michelle Lambo-Maron has set a clear goal: to ensure that every student under-
Framework by Tim Baker
stands the diverse routes to graduation and has meaningful connections to careers and colleges that match their interests. Our school counselors, Jillian Tammany and Jacqueline Zorskas, have brought this vision to life. They’ve forged strategic partnerships to open doors our students might never have imagined. Tammany coordinated with Hofstra University’s broadcasting studio for an exclusive tour and Q&A, bringing professional media careers into focus. Zorskas secured commitments from Molloy University’s deans of business and admissions to discuss careers in business and sports marketing. They arranged for Navy representatives to present nuclear operations to our STEMB students. These aren’t token career day visits; they’re bridges between classroom learning and future possibilities, showing students that their aspirations are achievable. We believe in empowering students to own their learning journey, which naturally fuels engagement and achievement. At Cornwell Avenue (grades 1-3), led by Deanna Sinito, our youngest learners collaborate with teachers to build Personalized Learning Plans, developing agency from the start. These aren’t static documents; they’re living roadmaps that evolve as students progress. Teachers use PLPs to differentiate instruction, ensuring that classroom learning connects to what each
student is working toward. Most important, PLPs allow students to “stack wins” — to see their growth accumulate in tangible ways. When they look back and see how far they’ve come, goal by goal, they internalize a powerful truth: They are capable of more than they imagined.
At the secondary level (grades 7-12), led by the secondary school administration and directors, students engage in quarterly goal-setting sessions. This fall, and every five weeks throughout the year, they participate in structured sessions where they identify either academic targets, such as raising their performance in math or becoming stronger readers, or goals that address study habits, time management and organization.
This matters because the aspiration gap isn’t just about what students dream of becoming; it’s about whether they believe they can actively shape their trajectory. When they set goals, track progress and experience achievement, they learn something profound: Growth isn’t something that happens to you, it’s something you create. That mindset shift, repeated every five weeks, builds the foundation for closing not just achievement gaps, but aspiration gaps, too. We close aspiration gaps not by telling students they can succeed, but by giving them the tools and evidence to prove it to themselves.
Of course, I could be wrong. What do you think?
Daniel Rehman is superintendent of the West Hempstead School District.
daniel rehman
