Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 12-18-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______

HERALD Also serving Lakeview

Vol. 32 No. 51

Fire commissioner election results

Historical society holds Holiday Gala

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DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

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Registration now open for universal pre-k

Celebrating the holidays in lakeview Tristan Sally, 2, took a photo with Santa at the Lakeview Civic Association’s Holiday and Tree Lighting at Harold Walker Memorial Park on Dec. 5. See more photos on pg. 3.

with the current total UPK enrollment sitting at 53. Administrators said that The Malverne school district bringing a portion of the UPK will be welcoming prekinder- program into a district buildgarten students into ing will ideally district classrooms make the program for the first time for more accessible to the 2026-27 school families and further year. increase enrollAs registration ment. opened for the Uni“We know that versal Pre-K prowhen the available gram on Dec. 1, the Pre-K is far away school district from the school disannounced that two trict where people Pre-K classes will live, there may be a be established at situation where parMaurice W. Downents cannot provide ing Primary School. transportation, or While these classes it’s not easily acceswill be held inside a sible to them,” school district Maria Rianna, building, they will superintendent of be operated by NotMalverne schools, tingham Academy said. “We want to be of Malverne. able to give as many N o t t i n g h a m MARIA RIANNA students as possible Academy, at 12 Notthis oppor tunity, Superintendent, tingham Road., and and since we have Malverne School Tutor Time Learnspace in our eleing of East Rocka- District mentary school and way, at 131 Main St., Nottingham wants have provided Pre-K education to increase in classrooms, we’ll inside their buildings for Mal- have the Nottingham program verne district students for two at Malverne.” and four years, respectively. Rianna shared that the disStudent enrollment at both trict’s overall enrollment has facilities has steadily increased, Continued on page 15

By MADISoN GUSlER

mgusler@liherald.com

Christine Rivera/Herald

Local artist connects with community at Crossroads Farm By REI WolFSoHN Correspondent

closes for the winter. For Taylor, the farm is the ideal place for the exhibit. “I’ve been aware of Crossroads as a community place, kind of representative of nature and sustainability,” she said. “I knew I wanted this particular show to be shown in a place that had those same values of sustainability, community and seeing nature as neighbors.” One of the night’s themes was that wild animals and plants are our friends and neighbors, in the sense of seeing them for what they are, appreciating them and letting them be wild.

Rockville Centre-based artist Meghan Taylor teamed up with Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s to exhibit her paintings, which feature wildlife and native plants, at a community event last Friday. The Wildlife Center of Long Island took part in Taylor’s presentation at the farm as well, with two animal ambassadors on hand. Her exhibit, “Wildlings of New York,” will be on display in 2025-26 SCHOOL the farm store until Dec. 23, when HIGH Crossroads

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Continued on page 10

ur main objective is to be able to give as many students as possible a preschool experience and help them make a smooth transition into kindergarten.

Bruce Blakeman runs for governor’s seat By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

In a video ad unveiled on his campaign website, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman officially announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9. Blakeman, 70, who was toying with the idea of a gubernatorial run since last year, solidified his ambition for the state’s top elected spot with a 12-point victory over County Legislator Seth Koslow last month. However, the longtime elected official faces an uphill battle in his own party as upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s poll numbers outshine Blakeman’s and the state GOP has said it didn’t want an intra-party battle and strongly backs Stefanik, 41. Originally from Valley Stream, Blakeman has spent a good deal of his life in politics. His father, Robert, served in the Assembly and Blakeman’s brother Brad, served on the staff of President George W. Bush. First elected to the Hempstead town board in 1993, two years later Blakeman was elected to serve in the County Legislature’s first class as that lawmaking body replace the Board of Supervisors. He also served as the Legislature’s first presiding officer. Blakeman, who now lives in Atlantic Beach, was the commissioner of the

Tim Baker/Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 2001 to 2009, and was appointed to the Hempstead Town Board in 2015. He challenged then County Executive Laura Curran in 2021, and won, and captured another four-year term in November. In 2014, Blakeman lost to Kathleen Rice to represent the 4th Congressional District that covers a large swath of

Nassau’s South Shore. Four years earlier, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City and U.S. Senate. The past few years, Blakeman has strongly supported President Donald Trump and has allowed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold detainees in a portion of the county’s Correctional Center in East Meadow — a first of its kind partnership in the U.S.

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“The people of Nassau County want us to cooperate with ICE,” he said during his November victory speech at the Coral House in Baldwin. “They want to get the criminals out of our country.” Blakeman advocated for the Las Vegas Sands proposed casino project at the Nassau Hub, which fell apart when the Sands dropped out in April. Previously, he told the Herald that alternative development plans are now progressing under a “Plan B” strategy. His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.” “Bruce’s failed statewide electoral record speaks for itself — he has lost every statewide primary and general election over the last three decades in smashing fashion,” Stefanik campaign spokeswoman Bernadette Breslin wrote in a statement. “And after a career of colluding with elected Democrats, Blakeman’s swan song is choosing to prop up Kathy Hochul.” His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.”

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December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025 Christine Rivera/Herald photos

Santa joined local officials and civic leaders to light the Christmas tree.

Lakeview’s holiday lighting entertains crowd By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Over 200 people attended the Holiday at Tree Lighting organized by the Lakeview Civic Association at Harold Walker Memorial Park on Friday. “We are here bringing in the holidays,” Lisa Ortiz, president of the civic, said. “We’re acknowledging all of the holidays we, here in this nation, celebrate, from Christmas to Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.” The evening leads up to the lighting of the Christmas tree, but a menorah and kinara are present to represent Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, respectively. “It’s important to bring the community out,” Ortiz said. “We want to bring some holiday cheer into our community. Not everyone has an opportunity to celebrate the holidays with a loved one, so we want to make sure that they know

they have a family here in Lakeview.” Groups and organizations from throughout the Lakeview community took part in the event, ensuring the evening was a joyous success. Moms Who Care, Inc., a Lakeview-based non-profit organization that promotes literacy, gave away books that represented various cultures and backgrounds. The Lakeview Civic Association provided free hot chocolate, hand warmers, smores, and holiday accessories. Children had the opportunity to make slime and different Christmas ornaments. Other groups handed out snacks and holiday treats. There were several performances that added to the holiday cheer, including a performance from the Pride of Malverne Marching Band, a dance from the dancers of Artistry Performing Arts Center, and Christmas songs were sung with cheer.

At the craft tables, attendees made slime and different Christmas ornaments to bring home. Dancers from Artistry Performing Arts Center in Baldwin amazed the crowd with a festive jazz dance.

People of all ages enjoyed a sweet treat from the smores station, roasting marshmallows over the fire.

News briefs

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Commissioners elected in local districts Fire commissioner elections were held in the West Hempstead and Lakeview fire districts on Dec. 9 to determine who would be serving a five-year term on the respective district’s board of commissioners. Daniel McCrossin, who ran unopposed in the Lakeview fire district, was elected for his first term as commissioner. McCrossin, 39, is a West Hempstead resident and has been a member of the Lakeview Fire Department for 14 years. “I’m grateful for the confidence the community has shown in electing me fire commissioner,” McCrossin told the Herald. “My focus now is simple: support my fellow firefighters, improve service, and work hard for the people of Lakeview.” Jonathan Poirot challenged incumbent William D’Alessandro for a position on the West Hempstead board of fire commissioners and won. Poirot, 43, is a lifelong West Hempstead resident and has served the West Hempstead Fire Department for 24 years. “I’m happy that I get to serve the district at a higher level,” Poirot wrote to

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December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

Courtesy Daniel McCrossin

Daniel McCrossin, 39, was elected to serve the Lakeview fire district. the Herald. “I hope to keep the district running smooth and up to date with the times.” Both McCrossin and Poirot will be sworn into their new roles as commissioner on January 1st. –Madison Gusler

Malverne F.D. respond to mini-bus fire On Dec. 3 at approximately 5:07 p.m. a call came in to the Malver ne Fire Department for a tire fire located near the intersection of Corona Avenue and Higbie Street. Second assistant chief Jay Houlihan responded to the scene of what quickly became a fully involved mini-school bus fire. Houlihan worked with officers from the Nassau County Police Department, to evacuate the bus driver and approximately six passengers. The driver smelled smoke and saw one of the bus wheels was on fire. They pulled over the vehicle and a bystander called in the emergency. Minutes after the bus was evacuated, the vehicle became fully involved in fire. Members of the department had the fire under control within 10 minutes of the alarm and extinguished within 15. There were no injuries sustained to passengers or emergency responders. The bus company sent another vehicle _______

Courtesy Malverne Fire Department/Facebook

Malverne Fire Department quickly extinguished a mini-bus fire on Dec. 3. to bring the passengers home safely. “The quick evacuation was the key part of the operation,” Public Information Officer Dave Gildea told the Herald. He credits Houlihan’s quick response for the successful operation. –Madison Gusler

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Historical society holds annual gala event

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

The Malverne Historical & Preservation Society and the Village of Malverne held the Holiday Gala on the evening of Dec. 5. The annual celebration, which is held at the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook, provides local residents an opportunity to cheerfully welcome the holiday season while supporting the historical society’s work. “Our annual fundraiser, the Holiday Gala helps us to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the Historical House,” David Weinstein, historical society president, said. “It brings the people of our village together to support the effort of the historical society. “We feel that our house is their house,” Weinstein continued. “They’re part of the history of the village and the preservation of our future.” Over 100 people attended the celebration. The evening includes dinner, dessert, unlimited drinks, raffles, and dancing. Tickets were $65 per person. Funds raised during the event help pay for the maintenance of the Historical House, located at 369 Ocean Ave., Malverne, as well as the heating and to replace some of the older windows in the 200-year-old home. During the gala, an award was presented to Phil Ballin. Former president

Eric Donaldson/Herald

Local representatives joined family and friends at the Malverne Historical & Preservation Society and the Village of Malverne’s annual Holiday Gala. of the Historical Society, Ballin also organizes the annual Holiday Gala. “I start planning this in July,” Ballin says. “I make all the raffle baskets, contact sponsors, book the venue, etc.” He said he enjoys putting together

this event that “brings the community together.” Ballin said, “it’s a nice tradition that people look forward to.” The society holds tours of the Historical House and highlights local historical events during monthly open houses

usually held on the third Sunday of each month between 2 and 4 p.m. To learn more about the Malverne Historical & Preservation Society or to plan your visit, go to www.MalverneHistory.org or call (516) 887-9727.

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HERALD SPORTS Talented Hofstra eager to build momentum By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra’s women’s basketball team is looking to build off a 14-win season which marked the most victories for the program in nearly a decade. The Pride went 14-16 overall and 9-9 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) to finish eighth in the 14-team conference after being picked to place 12th. Hofstra returned eight players from the breakthrough season in which the Pride achieved their highest win total since going 25-9 in the 2015-2016 campaign and are looking to continue that winning mindset this winter. “Ging into this year we were really excited because we have a really talented bunch,” said sixth-year head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “The returners want more as they had a taste of it last year and ran out of gas down the stretch.” Senior guard Chloe Sterling, who missed the end of last season with a knee injury, gives the Pride an offensive boost this winter leading the team in scoring with 13 points per game prior to being sidelined in February. Sterling made her season debut on Dec. 6 with 11 points in a 67-46 home loss to Fordham. The Pride also brought back senior guard Emma Von Essen, a Rockville Centre native who averaged 10.9 points per game as a junior. The Long Island Lutheran product has proven to be a three-point threat throughout her Hofstra career and sank her 200th career shot from beyond the arc at the end of last season. “Her leadership has been great this year,” said Santos Atkinson of Von Essen. “She has led by example in things that we want to be able to do culturally and establishing our standards and expectations. Hofstra has gotten a boost with the addition of SMU transfer Sandra Magolico, who is averaging more than 10 points per game despite battling some injuries. The 6-1 forward from Spain recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds in a 73-66 win at Yale on Nov. 11.

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Senior Alarice Gooden, left, is the Pride’s starting point guard. The Pride boast a number of offensive weapons as evident by an 80-44 win against Marywood on Dec. 10 where four players reached double figures led by sophomore guard Ema Karim, a Portugal native, who posted a career-high 15 points along with four assists. The Marywood blowout victory also featured 11 points apiece from Sterling and Von Essen. Senior point guard Alarice Goode, a Brampton, Ontario native, tallied 11 points while senior Deivejon Harris nearly cracked double digits with nine points. “We have the talent and it’s about us just being able to put it together,” Santos Atkinson said. “We’re still trying to figure out our identity because we haven’t had everyone out there together due to injuries.” Freshman forward Olivia VanPatten, who shined at St. George’s School in Rhode Island, has also shown offensive potential early in the season netting

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

Sandra Magolico, a transfer from SMU, had 25 points and 11 rebounds in Hofstra’s Nov. 11 win over Yale. eight points in a 95-38 loss to then seventh-ranked Maryland on Thanksgiving Day in Puerto Rico. Santos Atkinson organized a rigorous non-conference schedule that kicked off with a season-opening 83-48 loss at ACC foe Miami and saw the Pride take on Big Ten power and seventh-ranked Maryland. The Pride will close the non-league on Dec. 28 at Kentucky, who was ranked 15th in the nation in mid-December.

The home CAA schedule commences on Jan. 9 against Towson at 6 p.m. followed a week later when Hofstra hosts Long Island rival Stony Brook on Jan. 16 for another 6 p.m. tipoff. The Pride were picked to finish ninth in the 14-team conference in a preseason coaches poll. “I think the conference season is going to be as it is every year, anybody’s game for that championship, “ Santos Atkinson said. “It’s going to be a fight.”

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Gary Brown, at rear in Green Bay Packers sweatshirt, with Herald staff and the donated toys collected for the nonprofit Dream 68.

‘Pack’ing up toys for a good cause at the Herald It’s not often that journalists become as giddy as schoolchildren, but when former NFL player Gary Brown visited the Herald on Dec. 9, the entire office rippled with excitement. Brown, who was born in Amityville and grew up in Brentwood, came to pick up two boxes of toys that Herald employees collected for Dream 68, the nonprofit organization he founded. The 68 is the number he wore playing for the Green Bay Packers, and

Brown was a member of the 1996 Super Bowl-winning Packers team. Yes, Herald staffers saw his ring! He was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Knowing firsthand how much a single act of kindness can mean, Brown spoke candidly about how hard he worked to play professional football. His message was unmistakable: A community that invests in its children — consistently, intentionally and all year

long — creates pathways to hope that last a lifetime. Dream 68 has mentored and supported underprivileged children and their families for the past 10 years. The organization also supplies local homeless shelters serving more than 500 people on Thanksgiving. The toys are distributed to more than 350 children. –Jeffrey Bessen

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County emphasizes Christmas tree safety By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Nassau County fire officials and the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center are reminding community members to prioritize fire safety during the holiday season. County firefighters demonstrated the dangers of an untreated Christmas tree during a live fire demonstration at the Nassau County Vocational Education and Extension Board Fire Service Academy in Old Bethpage on Dec. 9. The demonstration made clear how quickly a home can go from festive to heavily damaged, with a Christmas tree fire completely consuming a room in just one minute. Paul Wilders, chief of the academy, spoke about the importance of fire safety — and for Wilders, these demonstrations hit close to home. In 2001 he lost his mother’s home, where he grew up, as the result of a Christmas tree fire caused by their cat. “After 49 years, my mother’s house burned to the ground,” he told the Herald. “If it can happen to me and happen to my family, it happens to anybody out there.” “We do our best to prepare first responders, but this demonstration is aimed at the public,” Wilders said. “As beautiful and festive as the holidays are, tragedies can happen if we’re not vigilant.” Joining Wilders at the event were Alana Petrocelli, the center’s executive director; John Rottkamp, executive director of Nassau County VEEB; Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro; and others. “We don’t want any accidents in our homes, especially as holiday decorations go up,” Petrocelli said. “It’s important to be mindful of the wires you’re using, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and make sure your tree and decorations don’t block exits.”

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Paul Wilders welcomed those who watched the holiday tree burn at the Nassau County Vocational Education and Extension Board Fire Service Academy with John Rottkamp, far left, VEEB’s executive director; Alana Petrocelli, the center’s executive director; Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro; VEEB Director Ray Maguire; Nick Corrado, captain at the Nassau County fire marshal’s office; and Rob Leonard, of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. The demonstration featured a live Christmas tree, presents and furniture set up in the academy’s burn building, which were set ablaze to show how quickly fire can spread. Firefighters Josiah Reed and Alex Thompson extinguished the flames. Fire officials emphasized the need for working smoke detectors and fire safety precautions not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. “If people take proper precautions and make sure they water their tree — if they want to use a synthetic tree, obviously that’s a better option, but smoke alarms are the main thing that we try to push,” Capt. Nick Corrado, of the fire marshal’s office, told the Herald.

Fire departments respond to hundreds of home fires caused by Christmas trees, and between 2016 and 2020, the U.S. recorded two civilian deaths, 11 civilian injuries and $12 million in property damages. “Most people don’t think about it every day, and that’s when accidents, unfortunately, do occur,” Petrocelli said. “But during the holiday season, we have lots of decorations up. We’re putting things in different places, we’re plugging things into different outlets that we maybe don’t use. So we need to be conscious of safety while we’re decorating as well.” For more information on the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center, visit NCFireMuseum.org.

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December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

hroughout this year, we have marked many significant milestones in the Church leading us to the Lord’s Nativity and this holy season of Christmas, most especially the passing of Pope Francis at Easter and the election of Pope Leo XIV. What a gift it has been to walk these months with our new Holy Father, to learn from his teaching, and witness his example. On Oct. 4, the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo released his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Di/exit Te I Have Loved You.” It is a profound meditation on love for the poor and speaks powerfully to the mystery of the Lord’s Birth and the grace of this season. The Holy Father reminds us: “The Gospel shows us that poverty marked every aspect of Jesus’ life. From the moment he entered the world, Jesus knew the bitter experience of rejection. The Evangelist Luke tells how Joseph and Mary, who was about to give birth, arrived in Bethlehem, and then adds, poignantly, that ‘there was no place for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). Jesus was born in humble surroundings and laid in a manger; then, to save him from being killed, they fled to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). At the dawn of his public ministry, after announcing in the synagogue of Nazareth that the year of grace, which would bring joy to the poor was fulfilled in him, he was driven out of town (Luke 4:l4-30). He died as an outcast, led out of Jerusalem to be crucified (Mark 15:22). Indeed, that is how Jesus’ poverty is best described: he experienced the same exclusion that is the lot of the poor, the outcast of society. Jesus is a manifestation of this privilegium pauperum. He presented himself to the world not only as a poor Messiah,

The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

A Message of Hope

s Christmas arrives, it gives us a chance to slow down and reflect. Life moves fast, between work, family, and the challenges of everyday life, it can be hard to pause. Christmas reminds us to stop and remember what truly matters. The Christmas story is simple and powerful. Jesus was born not in a palace, but in a stable. That tells us something important. God did not come only for the strong or the successful. He came for everyday people. He came to meet us right where we are in our homes, our neighborhoods, our struggles and hopes. This past year hasn’t been easy. Some are celebrating this season with joy and gratitude. Others carry loss, worry, or uncertainty. Christmas speaks to all. It reminds us we aren’t alone. God is with us, offering comfort, peace, and strength, even when life feels heavy.

Christmas calls us to care for one another. Sometimes the small gestures mean the most. A smile, a kind word, or lending a hand can bring light to someone’s day. When we choose kindness, we reflect the love that came into the world on that holy night. Christmas gives us hope for what’s ahead. The New Year brings fresh opportunities, new beginnings. Even if we don’t know what the future holds, we can trust that God is faithful. There are blessings still to come, doors yet to open, and grace that will meet us each day. My prayer this Christmas is simple – May your home be filled with peace. May your heart be encouraged. And may the New Year bring healing, renewal, and hope for you and your loved ones. Rev. Humberto Chávez is the Lead Pastor of The Bridge Church.

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but also the Messiah of and for the poor.” Before these words of Pope Leo, we recall the wonderful truth: Christ became poor so that we who are poor might become rich (Cor. 8:9). This is the good news of Christmas. We are not alone. We are not left to ourselves. A Savior has come - Christ the Lord. As we celebrate the Christmas season, we remember with Pope Leo that “Christian holiness often flourishes in the most forgotten and wounded places of humanity.” How beautifully the followers of Christ have responded to the cry of the poor and looked with love upon the most vulnerable among us. As we rejoice in Christ’s Birth, we renew our commitment to love others as he has loved us. On Dec. 28, at the Cathedral of Saint Agnes, on the Feast of the Holy Family, we conclude our Jubilee Year of Hope. We thank both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV for igniting hope within our families, the global mission of the Church, and the human family, and we contemplate the light and grace that radiates from the refugee Holy Family and that radiates to every family. Our Catholic biblical and sacramental worship, especially at the Catholic Mass, focuses and ignites both our global mission to the poor and our humble openness to being evangelized by the poor, the treasures of our Church. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families! May the Light and love of the Christ Child animate and guide our global Catholic missionary spirit this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

Merry Christmas to the people of God

December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

Meghan Taylor brings wildlife art to farm ConTInued FroM pAge 1

“To me they represent the sometimes hidden lives that we have among us,” Taylor said of the wildlife in her paintings. “… We could use more appreciation of them. I just want to honor them, and their role in our lives, in our town, in our state, from the forest to the suburbs.” Taylor creates many pieces focused on wildlife and wild plants, but her main work is painting pet portraits. She starts with a micron pen and follows up with expertly applied watercolor. “It’s a very meditative process,” she said. “I get really into the details.” One of her many pieces on display, titled “Ghosts,” features coyotes, luna moths, ghost pipes and birch trees, all of which are native to New York. After working at a wildlife facility rescue upstate, which housed a coyote she grew fond of, Taylor decided to create art inspired by the animal. “Despite human alterations to the environment, they’ll just figure out a way to survive,” she said. “Despite that, we don’t see them. They’re just elusive. It’s very hard to see them and observe them.” Observing wildlife is the exhibit’s central message. Taylor encouraged visitor to do three things: go on a walk and pay attention to details; draw what you see, even if it’s just for yourself; and download an app she recommended, Seek by iNaturalist, for identifying things in your environment. “When you do that, you start developing a connection to it,” Taylor said. “You have a story. You understand

Rei Wolfson/Herald

Artist Meghan Taylor watched as Lauren Schulz, director of the Wildlife Center of Long Island, presented a great horned owl to the crowd at Crossroads Farm. where it came from.” Connection was another theme of the night. Michael D’Angelo, the farm’s operations manager, said that the exhibit showcases the role of the farm in the community. “Malverne is the farm — the farm is Malver ne,” D’Angelo said. “There’s such a special mom-and-pop vibe here in Malverne. Bringing everyone together for something like this, and bringing in a local artist, is what we’re all about.” D’Angelo discovered Taylor’s art

while visiting Barrier Brewing Company, with locations in Oceanside and Long Beach, a partner of the farm for events that even crafted a specialty beer from Crossroads’ berry harvest this summer. “We’ve been really trying for quite some time to have an artist come down and do this kind of exhibit,” D’Angelo said. “I’ve been at the farm for three years now, and Meghan is the first artist that took that initiative and ran with it. This is something we would like to do

every month, or seasonally … Any artist who’s interested can reach out to us.” One of those in attendance last week was Lauren Schulz, director of the Wildlife Center of Long Island, who brought two animal ambassadors with her, a great hor ned owl and an American questral. WCLI is a Huntington-based nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Long Island’s wildlife and natural habitats. “By doing events like this,” Schulz said “we’re able to share a bit about local wildlife with the public, raise awareness about species that we share our environment with, and hopefully we can teach people about different habits and things that they can do to mitigate the impacts on these animals in the wild.” Both animals were raised by humans and injured early in life, so they could never be wild, but are comfortable in captivity. The wildlife the center treats are almost always injured by human activities, and most can be released once they heal. “They’re really striking with their appearance,” Schulz said. “They also have really good stories for what happened to them, and a really good educational impact.” Taylor said that the two animal ambassadors hold a mirror up to our humanity. “They represent something very deeply wild that’s almost unnameable,” she said. “I think every human has it deep in their soul, this connection to the wild, and seeing them so close was like a flash of that wildness.”

Santa joins residents for breakfast buffet By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and an elf made a visit to The Bridge Church on Dec. 6 to join attendees for a breakfast with Santa. “It’s an opportunity for the village residents to come out, have a nice breakfast and take pictures,” Kristen Lang, chair of the Lighting of Malverne Committee, said. Over 200 people attended the two breakfast sessions on Saturday morning, enjoying a full breakfast buffet provided by Antonio’s Deli and Catering. They also enjoyed festive activities, such as writing letters to Santa and listening to holiday tunes. After Santa arrived, families got to take a picture with the man in red before continuing to enjoy their breakfast. Christine Rivera/Herald photos

The Zwilllick Family posed for photos with Santa.

Mary-Kate, Warren and Thomas ulicny, right, enjoyed the village’s breakfast with Santa on dec. 6.

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Today Today What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

Ozzie Beck

Erika Palette

Celebrating Hanukkah. My four kids live all over the United States, so when we get together, it’s really festive. I love all holidays!

On Christmas Eve, we go around and look at all the Christmas lights all around Lynbrook. We play holiday music in the car, we drink hot cocoa then we come home and leave cookies out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Bonus points for snow.

Long Beach

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

Compiled by the Herald Staff Lynbrook

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Lucy Frain

Rockville Centre, age 17

Glen Cove

Grace Robson

Christmas morning, enjoying breakfast. We make the same breakfast every year and sit in front of the fire watching Christmas movies. Tim Baker/Herald

I like making cookies and going to my grandparents’ house on Christmas Day. Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Massapequa, age 10

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Update to rates of subscription plans: To continue providing you with high-quality hyperlocal news in the face of rising costs, as of December 1, 2025, the HERALD's subscription rates will be: annual subscription plan, paid by credit card - $1 per week (billed annually at $52.00); monthly subscription plan, paid by credit card - $2 per week (billed monthly at $8.67); one-year subscription, paid by check - $65 (check made out to "Richner Communications, Inc." and mailed to below address). Subscription plans paid by credit card renew at end of applicable term at then-current rates. Payment can be made online at liherald.com/subscribe, by calling (516) 569-4000 & press 7, or by mail to Herald Subscription Processing Center, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530.

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On Christmas Eve, we’re usually at my aunt’s house wearing matching pajamas, which is always my favorite, and we pass gifts around. I’m excited to finally be involved in their white elephant.

“Less government, more responsibility, and with God’s help - a better world.”

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HERALD Thrive Awards Dinner 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Do you know a small or family-owned Long Island business that’s making a big impact? Join us at the HERALD Thrive Awards dinner reception to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and dedication of Long Island’s family and small businesses who drive our economy forward. Whether they’re creating jobs, leading with vision, or giving back to the community, these businesses deserve recognition. Nominate today at richnerlive.com or scan!

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Get ready for more car-smashing, ramp-jumping, wheel-revving action with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live By Abbey Salvemini

ot Wheels fans, buckle up — it’s about to get loud and crazy at Nassau Coliseum shortly. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is back with its wild glowing spectacle, Jan. 17-18, introducing spectators to its newest vehicle: Rhinomite. Following the tour’s success this year, the production is set to debut the rhino-themed truck as part of an expanded slate of stunts and performances for the 2026 season. Audiences can expect new, high-intensity action from the Hot Wheels lineup, including the first no-handed front flip by the FMX riders, when the tour makes • Jan. 17-18, times vary its final appearance in • Tickets start at $48.80, $30.05 Uniondale. children (also me +3 ticket Witness the raw offer $39.45); available at ticketmaster.com and power of these epic hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com machines when the • Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead iconic Hot Wheels toy Tpke., Uniondale vehicles transform into unstoppable monster trucks for this “Glow-N-Fire” competition. As the arena darkens for the glow-in-the-dark effect, each truck revs up with its unique LED lights. Pyrotechnic effects light up the arena, adding even more intensity to the stunts. The action unfolds through four signature competitions: the wheelie challenge, the donut, the long jump and the freestyle finale. Together, the components determine the ultimate holder of the Champions Cup. This format allows fans to follow the action closely and see how each truck performs across a variety of challenges, adding a competitive edge to the entertaining experience. At the center of the excitement is Rhinomite, a truck designed to charge “horn-first” into the lineup with its dynamic, high-impact personality. Along with its striking appearance, Rhinomite will showcase a set of stunts tailored specifically for its debut.

According to its driver Kellen Williams, Rhinomite offers something entirely new to the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks universe. “The tool that I have against everybody else is I have a real mighty front horn that I’m going to use to bash the competition,” he says. Besides Rhinomite, fans can expect several new technical elements in this edition of the show, including that groundbreaking no-handed flip. Returning FMX rider Koltin Polinsky is excited to debut this trick for Long Island audiences. “Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is all about pushing the limits, and this stop is going to be one of our wildest yet,” he declares. Thoroughly enjoyed by dedicated fans and newcomers alike, the show blends competitive action with immersive visual elements that engage all ages. A major part of the appeal is Glow-N-Fire’s signature darkened arena setting, where glowing trucks, dramatic lighting and special effects give the show a special edge with electrifying visuals. Arena lights are dimmed at the start, allowing the trucks to glow. After intermission, the show shifts into its fiery segment, highlighting the “fire” element that gives Glow-N-Fire its name. The production’s popularity has grown in part because of its consistent engagement with fans, particularly younger audiences experiencing monster trucks for the first time. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live continues to distinguish itself from other monster truck shows on the circuit with its unique characteristics, such as appearing in smaller venues. “We are very fan-oriented and bring them into the show,” Williams says. “The fans announce the scores a lot of times and we also do toy giveaways. Our shows are mainly geared towards smaller children. However, everybody enjoys it. Children especially love watching the trucks crush cars and the dinosaur-themed elements.” Opportunities to go behind the action add to the spectacle. At the Pre-Show Party, held twoand-a-half hours prior to every performance, get up close and see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels behemoths on the arena floor. Meet favorite drivers and performers. With the mix of innovative stunts, high-energy performances and interactive fan experiences, this promises to be more than just a show — it’s an immersive event. The debut of Rhinomite adds an extra layer of excitement, while thrilling car-crushing trucks, dinosaurs and jaw-dropping FMX stunts keep the audience fully involved from start to finish. Fans can expect an unforgettable, actionpacked experience that celebrates the Hot Wheels legacy and leaves everyone with lasting memories of speed, power and fun. Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

FMX rider Koltin Polinsky is sure to thril fans with his no-handed front flip. He’s joined by many Hot Wheels favorites in a display of exciting car-crunching feats as they fly more than 35 feet in the air. Plus, the fiery Skelesaurus roars into the arena ready to “chomp,” as everyone awaits the debut of Rhinomite.

Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a joyous over-the-top spectacle at the Madison Theatre. The cast of 41 performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this remarkable show, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The cast includes Molloy’s CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students, Broadway performers Kevin Bernard and Christina DeCicco, with local children. Their energy shines throughout the 90-minute show that tells of a young girl who has lost the Christmas spirit. Family and friends help reignite her love for the holidays.Timeless songs are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a lively band..This captivating theatrical experience that brings the spirit of the season to life with energetic dancing and well known pop culture references.

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18-19, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m. $40-$60. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.

‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals If you’re 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’.” Expect all the favorites, plus holiday ﬂair and those warm, soulful harmonies.

Saturday, Dec 20, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at livenation.com.

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

Christmas Spectacular

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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DEC

LuminoCity Festival

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• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

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

DEC

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrating Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a popular tradition in Mexico and parts of Latin America. Llearn about the story of La flor de Nochebuena and the significance of poinsettias during this holiday season. Make your own paper flower pinwheel to take home, at the drop-in program.

• 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

‘Holiday Joy’ Christmas Celebration

Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a vibrant, joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s annual holiday celebration. The performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this remarkable show, now in its 12th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The lively cast includes Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and Broadway performers. Their enthusiasm and energy shine throughout the show, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Timeless songs are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a lively band that adds a festive musical backdrop to the spectacle. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 7 p.m.; also Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

DEC

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

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ awardwinning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus

Las Posadas Poinsettias

DEC

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Get The Led Out

Get The Led Out rocks out with their tribute to what many consider rock ‘n roll’s greatest band, in “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” on the Paramount stage. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants — a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years. They touch on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert. GTLO’s approach to performance of this • Where: The Paramount, 370 hallowed catalog is not unlike a classical performance. “Led Zeppelin are sort of the New York Ave., Huntington classical composers of the rock era,” says lead vocalist Paul Sinclair. “I believe 100 years • Time: 8 p.m.; also Dec. 27 from now they will be looked at as the Bach or Beethoven of our time. As cliche as it • Contact: ticketmaster.com sounds, their music is timeless.” $92, $49.25, $60.25. or paramountny.com 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.

DEC

West Hempstead Winter Wonderland

West Hempstead Cheerleading invites you to enjoy Winter Wonderland. With food, games, and arts and crafts. $30 fee per child.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 20, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2:15 p.m.; also Dec. 29-30 • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

• Where: West Hempstead Secondary School, North Gym 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Candlelight Evenings

Stars are an iconic symbol of Christmas, inspired by the Star of Bethlehem. Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn more about the importance of the Christmas star and create a Christmas starfish ornament to take home. This is a drop-in program.

Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for some holiday fun. Experience a rare evening visit to the village in winter. Enjoy 19th-century musical entertainment, hot drinks, and festive activities as you stroll through a village ablaze with light, with candles glowing in the windows of homes and buildings. It will be an enchanting evening to live in your memory. $15, $12 seniors and children 5-12. • Where: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage • Time: 5-9:30 p.m., also Dec. 20-23, Dec. 26-29 • Contact: oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org or call (516) 572-8409

Christmas Starfish Ornaments

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Holiday at Westbury House

Celebrate the holiday season at Old Westbury Gardens during the final weekend of the timeless

holiday tradition. Step inside Westbury House and experience the magic of Christmas past with rooms beautifully decorated in period style and filled with festive cheer. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy holiday treats like cookies and warm cider, and don’t miss a special visit from Santa himself. $18, $15 seniors (62+) and fulltime students, $8 children (ages 7–17), free 6 and under and members. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also Dec. 21 • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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.

DEC

Lakeview Santa Ride

The Lakeview Fire Department assists Santa as he makes his way through the Lakeview community before Christmas. Beginning at 5 p.m., keep your ears ready for sirens and have your shoes and coat by the door so you can greet Santa as he passes by. • Where: Lakeview • Time: 5 p.m.

Holiday at the museum

Families are invited to Nassau County Museum of Art for some holiday-inspired fun. Discover what makes the historic home sparkle during the holidays! Embark on a holiday-themed art hunt, get creative with festive art-making, and gather around for storytelling. Wear pajamas and bring your favorite plushie for an extra cozy evening at the museum. All ages are welcome! $30 per family ($20 members) in advance; $35 per family ($25 members) day of. Advance registration preferred. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 5-7 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.

Nottingham Academy enters classrooms decreased, creating additional classroom space. “When we looked at how best to serve the Malverne community,” she said, “we felt it would be advantageous to begin bringing our students into the school district, utilizing that space and opening it up so we have more students attending Pre-K closer to home.” Alyssa DeMarco-Buffolino, Nottingham Academy’s director, said, “We are very excited to be located in the Maurice W. Downing school building. Being part of the district allows us to build a strong bond between our UPK program and the elementary-level programs. This connection helps create a smooth and familiar transition for our children as they move forward in their educational journey, providing them with comfort, continuity and a sense of belonging.” By being situated in a school building, Nottingham’s state-certified teachers will have easier access to professional development programming offered by the district. They also will develop a better understanding of what’s expected of the students in kindergarten and first grade, ensuring the curriculum supports the educational goals. “This also helps students transition into the school setting more comfortably,” Rianna said. “If they know where they’re going, they have a better time as they transition to kindergarten.” Nottingham will continue to provide its UPK program onsite, in addition to running the Pre-K program at Downing. Both Nottingham and Tutor Time will provide a free full, five-hour school day from roughly 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., depending on location, Monday through Friday. As per state policy, the district does not provide transportation for Pre-K students. The state-determined UPK curriculum focuses on providing students with various approaches to learn-

Courtesy Malverne School District

malverne School district’s prekindergarten program offers educational development opportunities for children age 4, before they enter kindergarten. ing, knowledge of the world, the ability to apply what they know, and how to communicate and understand language. Opportunities also are available for children to experience physical, social and emotional development, while building math, reading and writing skills. “It’s been extremely beneficial, especially for the educational needs of our students as they enter the kindergarten, primary level,” Dan Balzan, the dis-

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trict’s assistant superintendent for management services, said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to get the kids really involved and engaged early in their student careers and to prepare them for the K-12 experience.” To be eligible for the 2026-27 UPK program, students must reside within the Malverne School District and must turn 4 on or before Dec. 1, 2026. Malverne’s UPK program has a total of 93 slots, which is determined based on the state’s proposed executive budget, allocating the funding necessary to support each student in the program. “We have a responsibility in the UPK grant to ensure that the instruction and curriculum is appropriate,” Rianna said. “That includes evaluating and reviewing what’s going on in each of the settings. We partner with them, invite them to professional development, oversee the program, but at the same time, it’s more cost-effective for us not to run the program. “We’re very enthusiastic about the expansion of this program,” Rianna said. “Our main objective is to be able to give as many students as possible a preschool experience and help them make a smooth transition into kindergarten.” In addition to completing a standard registration form, parents will be asked to fill out a form choosing a preferred location for their child. They have the opportunity to select their preferred classroom location for a limited time. Registration must be completed by May 5 at 11:59 p.m. Proof of residency, the child’s birth certificate and their immunization records are required. If anyone has questions or requires assistance, the Malverne School District could be reached at (516) 8876405, or the UPK providers could be contacted directly. To register for the UPK program, gp to Malverne Schools.org/universal-prekindergarten.

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MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

Continued from page 1

December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

LMAL1 1218

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 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. 157179

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 74-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the day of December 9, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead

Local Law No. 74-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 74-2025, to amend Section 190-4 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the insertion of two locations into subdivision “A”, in relation to twenty miles per hour school speed limits, 7 AM to 6 PM, school days as follows: INSERT: “A” - 20 mph school speed limits OCEANSIDE, STUART PLACE - between Long Beach Road to side property entrance of North Oceanside Road Elementary School #5. (TH-498/25) WEST HEMPSTEAD, EAGLE AVENUE between Woodfield Road to Harrison Street. (TH-535/25) Dated: December 9, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157347

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527 RESOLUTION NO. 1093-2025 Adopted: December 9, 2025 Senior Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS. WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 1084-2025, adopted November 18, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 9th day of December 2025, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of

the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons: EAST ATLANTIC BEACH OSWEGO AVENUE east side, starting at a point 146 feet north of the north curbline of Beech Street, north for a distance of 16 feet. (TH-429/25) ELMONT HILLSBORO AVENUE west side, starting at a point 260 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Turnpike, south for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-546/25) CHELSEA STREET north side, starting at a point 79 feet east of a point opposite the southeast curbline of Hendrickson Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-508/25) REMSEN STREET - west side, starting at a point 25 feet north of the north curbline of Bedford Avenue, north for a distance of 19 feet. (TH-471/25) STERLING ROAD - west side, starting at a point 114 feet north of the north curbline of 106th Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-505/25) INWOOD ROGER AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 28 feet east of the east curbline of Elm Road, east for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-528/25) LEVITTOWN FAMILY LANE - west side, starting at a point 360 feet south of the south curbline of Horn Lane, south for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-539/25) ROOSEVELT GORMLEY AVENUE north side, starting at a

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point 396 feet east of the east curbline of Babylon Turnpike, east for a distance of 18 feet. (TH-475/25) RONALD PLACE - west side, starting at a point 103 feet south of the south curbline of East Fulton Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-527/25) UNIONDALE CLARENDON ROAD east side, starting at a point 288 feet north to the north curbline of Jerusalem Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-477/25) LOCUST AVENUE west side, starting at a point 77 feet north opposite northeast curbline of Oakley Street, north for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-483/25) WANTAGH POPLAR PLACE - south side, starting at a point 348 feet west of the west curbline of Wantagh Avenue, west for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-526/25) WEST HEMPSTEAD COLONY STREET - west side, starting at a point 270 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-517/25) COVENTRY ROAD NORTH - west side, starting at a point 170 feet east opposite the northeast curbline of Janos Lane, east for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-501/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons: EAST MEADOW MARIAN COURT north side, starting at a point 55 feet east of the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-332/24) - (9/04/24) (TH-502/25) ELMONT OAKLEY AVENUE - east

side, starting at a point 49 feet south of the south curbline of Healy Street, south for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-211/23) - (6/20/23) (TH-569/25) BELMONT BOULEVARD - west side, starting at a point 218 feet north of the north curbline of Rosalind Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-266/17) (10/03/17) (TH-525/25) UNIONDALE LOCUST AVENUE - east side, starting at a point of 40 feet north of the north curbline of Oakley Street, north for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-349/24) - (7/22/24) (TH-349B/24) WEST HEMPSTEAD COLONY STREET - east side, starting at a point 114 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet. (TH-222/15) - (9/08/15) (TH-518/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Dunne and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 157349 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 72-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the

provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of December, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 72-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 72-2025, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations. Dated: December 9, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157345 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 70-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of December, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 70-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 70-2025, to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit

parking at various locations. Dated: December 9, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157343 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 71-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of December, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 71-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 71-2025, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include & repealing “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: December 9, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157344

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

Legal Notices are everyone’s business

READ THEM

N1 12/18

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

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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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250 PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

HERALD

December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

N2 12/18

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Lynbrook

Timeless Charmed Craftsman

Yes, A.I. will shape the future of building houses Q. Has A.I. affected construction? What do you see happening with A.I. in the building sector, and how does it change the cost of what we want to build? Are you seeing costs level out or drop? A. Lots of questions. Costs are not dropping. The future of construction will definitely be affected by the emergence of A.I., but, as usual, from the top down. The most sophisticated construction, large buildings and very high investments, started the trend. This is similar to what the space program did for technology. First were the onte eeper innovations in military development, followed by civilian aircraft and then automobiles, kitchen appliances and finally computerization on a large scale. The same is happening with artificial intelligence. For me, the first significant experience with AI was when a client, young enough to be my daughter, grabbed her cellphone, ran outside and took a picture of the front of her house. I had been drawing various styles of roofs, and she focused on one scheme that was very modern, with sleek lines, lots of verticalshaped structures intersected by horizontal overhangs and balcony rails, some glass and some solid. She took a picture of the house on her phone, a second one of the outside of the house and then, after speaking a command into her ChatGPT, waited a minute or so, and up came an image in 3-D — complete with palm trees and a red Ferrari — of the design I had developed in 2-D on my laptop screen. It was rough and a little out of scale, but close to what she was looking for. Then she got a little crazy and asked the program to use shades of pinks, grays and black trim for the handrails. Her husband objected, and said it should be all gray and white, and while they went back and forth, I was pondering what the architectural review board would do, how to structure the cantilever balconies and how much protest would come from the neighbors with their adjacent brick suburban colonials and split-level homes. Tall buildings are now designed with A.I., with great success, and intricate aligning of all the systems and construction utilizes robots that can hang off a building’s edges to install the fasteners, exterior panels and glass within tolerances normally seen under a microscope. Training has evolved to not only understanding the manual assembly of building components, but also the level of skill to guide robotics. New fields in technology are emerging, but with every change comes adjustment to the way we think about the tasks and how to solve them. Cars are now mobile computers, not just greasy machines. Construction is changing in the same ways. We’re going to need people to adjust to not going to college for degrees in medicine and law, but rather to master careers with great skill and knowledge, commanding robotics, knowing engineering, science, math and problem-solving in several fields. That’s the future.

Ask The Architect

tep into the timeless charm of this Craftsman-style home, beautifully blending classic character with everyday comfort. A welcoming living room with a stately fireplace sets the tone, offering the perfect backdrop for gatherings or quiet evenings in. The formal dining room provides an elegant space for hosting, while the large eat-in kitchen delights with abundant cabinetry, expansive counter space, and a cozy breakfast nook ideal for starting your day. With 4 well-appointed bedrooms, including an additional office/nursery that adapts to your lifestyle, this home offers exceptional flexibility. Classic architectural details—from rich woodwork to thoughtfully preserved finishes add warmth and personality throughout. Located in the heart of Lynbrook, this home pairs timeless style with convenience, creating a truly special place to call home. Asking $799,000.

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Leon Sanchez – Licensed Broker/Owner M: 516.444.2779 Jonathan Sanchez – Licensed Salesperson M: 516-406-4046 Newman Realty 341 Hempstead Avenue Malverne, NY 11565 516.599.2800

House For Sale FLORAL PARK: 4 BRS, 3 Bths, Must Sell. Asking Mid $800's. By Owner. Call 970-989-0444

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Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-569-4000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own. Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

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Your Hometown Newspaper

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

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

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MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

HERALD

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December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

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opInIons

n Long Island and across our country, the rising cost of living is making it harder for people to get by. From some of the highest tax bills in the country to rising utility and health care bills, everything just costs too much these days. Making life more affordable for Nassau County’s young people, families and seniors is deeply personal to me. My grandfather immigrated to Long Island from LAURA A. Italy to give his family a better GILLEn life, and took a job as a sanitation worker in the Town of Hempstead to make ends meet. Two generations later, I’m raising my four children in Nassau County and fighting for a future they can afford. In serving this region, I consider it my utmost duty to give all Long Islanders the opportunity to prosper. Since taking office, I’ve been focused on common-sense solutions to make life more affordable. In Congress I’m fight-

ing to lower costs by extending tax credits that help families afford health care, eliminating the state and local tax deduction to give Long Islanders a much-needed tax cut, and preventing outrageous utility rate hikes that drain families’ wallets. When I speak with Long Islanders about what expenses are keeping them awake at night, health care costs are one of the main concerns I hear about. No one should have to choose between keeping food on the table and seeing a doctor. That’s why I’m pushing to extend tax credits that lower the cost of monthly insurance premiums. For some Nassau County residents, that could mean saving nearly $4,500 a year on their health care. A bipartisan majority of Americans agree that we should extend these common-sense tax credits that help millions of families afford health care. If Republicans refuse to negotiate a bipartisan solution, the credits will lapse and health care premiums will rise for everyone, even those with private insurance. I’ve also heard from countless Nassau

residents about the burdensome effect that high taxes have had on their bottom lines. For nearly a decade, countless hardworking families have had to pay tens of thousands of dollars more in taxes due to the unfair cap on the deduction for state and local taxes, instituted by the GOP in its 2017 tax bill. This double taxation is fundamentally unfair, and is making life more expensive for the middle class. Congress has the opportunity to correct that wrong and cut taxes for Long Islanders by eliminating the SALT cap, which is making it so hard for families and small businesses in my district to get by. That’s why I’m leading a bipartisan bill that would do so. I also testified before the House Rules Committee earlier this year about how restoring the full SALT deduction would mean lower tax bills and more affordable mortgages for homeowners in our region. Another worry for Long Island families is the dramatic and painful increase in their utility bills. No Nassau residents should have to pay 40 percent more per month just to have clean water

igh taxes continue to be a burden for too many Nassau County residents.

in their homes. That’s why I’m demanding answers from utility companies about the rate hikes that are draining Long Islanders’ wallets. I’m also working to pass the Stop the Rate Hikes Act to help prevent price surges in the future. Long Islanders are counting on Congress to come together and address the affordability crisis. This shouldn’t be a partisan fight: Every member of Congress has a responsibility to lower costs and make life more affordable for the people we represent. I will work with anyone, from any party, who shares this goal of tackling the cost-of-living crisis and giving families more financial security. I will always put Long Island first, and will continue my work to make life more affordable in our region by taking on the rising cost of health care, cutting taxes and preventing utility rate hikes that are crushing families’ budgets. I know that many people are having a hard time these days, and there’s a lot more work to be done. Long Islanders can trust that I will continue my fight to lower your costs so we can move forward together. Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

The sun rises and the sun sets; the rest is up for grabs

ear readers, I began this column, my last of 2025, thinking that despite the chaos in our lives, we can all agree on certain basic truths. And that’s as far as I got because, really, we can’t agree on anything. We’ve reached a point in our America where we can’t even agree on what we’re seeing or hearing with our own eyes and ears. Fakery, fraud and deceit, perpetuated by people inside and outside the country, from the RAnDI influencers and KREIss conspiracists to our own political leaders, have torn down the normal guideposts that let us know that up is up, down is down, right is right and wrong is wrong. We are in the vortex of an acute national vertigo. Imagine climbing a mountain. Everything looks good in base camp, but then, after several hours, it seems someone has removed the signposts. Then there’s a signpost, but it has the wrong information. Then you dig into your supplies and find that your camp-

ing food is rancid. You can’t call for help because your phone has been hacked. Five hours out, your hiking shoe has unraveled and the tent you pitch is so poorly made that water seeps in. A storm is rolling in. We climb mountains every day, and we need to trust our leaders to keep our schools safe, to keep education excellent and available. We need to know that airplanes will stay in the air; that competent air traffic controllers are on the job. I want to know the water I drink isn’t poisoning me. Pick any aspect of Life in America 2025 and find the relentless erosion of faith in our institutions and our elected officials. If someone had told me that in December 2025 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, led by a discredited official with little medical background, would unravel our vaccine protocols and sow doubt among Americans about the efficacy of long-established standards and treatments, I wouldn’t have thought it possible. Yet here we are. If someone had told me that in December 2025 I would see my president order kill strikes on vessels off Venezuela, calling it a war against nar-

co-terrorists and not getting an OK from Congress, I wouldn’t believe it possible. If, during the last election, someone had identified the political players who now run the country — some inexperienced, some ill-informed and some drunk on power — we would have dismissed the idea as hysteria. Yet consider Kristi Noem, Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller. And the man who breathed life into their political savagery: Donald Trump. Oh, and I forgot Elon Musk, the nation builder with the hatchet. Trump promised he would be aggressive on illegal immigration. No one supports illegal immigration; it isn’t sustainable. But did we expect to lose our national reputation and our humanity in the process? Did we expect to become a global outlier, threading immigration policy with malice and violence and overreach? In a short time, the new administration has sanctioned more drilling, building and digging in previously protected areas. There isn’t a discernible plan. Could it be creating havoc so no one notices who’s profiting from the relaxed regulations in everything from finance to the Alaskan wilderness?

f someone had told me where we’d be today, I wouldn’t have thought it possible.

Everything every one of us does, from buying groceries to traveling, getting an education, having babies, getting health insurance, buying a home, finding reliable news sources, serving in the military or getting married, has been altered by the policies of the Trump administration. And all the policy makers start slip-sliding away when citizens call for accountability. Who ordered the killing of the boat survivors off Venezuela? The president says he’ll release the videos. The president says he never said he’d release the videos. One general says the killing was a crime. Another says it was the right move. This isn’t the “fog of war”; this is the overwhelming fog of this administration, seeping into our homes. The Trump touch has affected every aspect of our lives. At the end of the day — and we’re not there yet — all the razzle-dazzle, all the kill strikes, ICE raids and military occupations of our cities and tariffs and taxing and sucking up to dictators around the world, may be a smoke screen for damning revelations in the Epstein affair. We can’t know. What we can know is, as the sun rises and sets, the world will turn, and better people may come forward to restore America to itself. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

I’m fighting to lower costs for Long Island families

Herald editorial

Malverne/West HeMpstead

December 18, 2025 — MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

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The power of giving, in every season

s the holiday season reaches its peak, reminders of generosity surround us. Yet beneath the glow of holiday lights lies a reality we cannot overlook: The needs our neighbors face do not disappear when the calendar turns to January. Toy drives spill over with brightly decorated packages waiting to be delivered to children who might otherwise go without, and food donations are stacked high at local pantries, arriving just in time to help families struggling to put meals on the table. Across Long Island, community groups, places of worship and nonprofits mobilize volunteers and resources to make the season a bit warmer and brighter for those facing hardship. These efforts showcase the best of who we are. When people give — not because they must, but because they care — they reveal the true strength of community. But hunger doesn’t take a winter vacation. Unemployment, illness, unstable housing and financial strain don’t wait for the next holiday season to return. Families who rely on food pantries in December will still need support in the spring and throughout the

year. Young people seeking stability, guidance and opportunity can’t put their challenges on hold until the next wave of donated toys arrives. The organizations that step up so visibly during the holidays are working tirelessly well beyond them. A community that invests in its children — consistently, intentionally and all year long — creates pathways to hope that last a lifetime. Food banks, youth centers, shelters, churches and community organizations depend on steady support to continue their vital work. Together they form a safety net, but each strand of that net requires reinforcement. Donations of food, toys, clothing, money and time aren’t simply seasonal gestures. They are essential tools that allow these groups to respond quickly when new needs arise, or when crises strike without warning. Year-round giving strengthens that safety net. It ensures that food pantries have enough supplies in the slower months, when contributions often dwindle. It allows youth programs to sustain mentorship and recreation long after the holiday volunteers go home. It gives shelters the flexibility to support fami-

lies beyond the seasonal surge. As the holidays encourage us to reflect on gratitude, connection and generosity, this moment offers an opportunity to broaden our understanding of giving. Your contribution, whether it’s a toy, a can of soup, money or a few hours of volunteer work, can lift a family through a difficult week. It can motivate a teenager to stay focused on school. As you think about where and how to give during this festive season, consider extending that generosity into the months that follow. Support a food pantry in February. Volunteer at a youth center in April. Donate to a shelter in July. Share your ideas with community groups that need fresh perspectives and helping hands. Giving is powerful in every season, and your commitment can help build a foundation of hope, compassion and opportunity that lasts all year long. Community is not built in a single season. It is built day by day, through acts of kindness large and small. If you have a favorite charity, please give yearround. If you don’t, please find one. And with your continued generosity, that community can grow stronger than ever.

opinions

’ve spent the past decade teaching New York entrepreneurs how to launch and grow successful small businesses. Today, sophisticated digital tools help many entrepreneurs scale and succeed with unprecedented efficiency. So I was astonished when, just a few months ago, New York lawmakers seriously considered legislation called The Twenty-First Century AntiTrust Act, which would have effectively rendered many of those tools illegal. Fortunately, the act didn’t pass. Unfortunately, many of its richard central ideas seem to be gaining trachayes tion, and I’m worried that it (or something like it) will be reintroduced, once again threatening the state’s entrepreneurs and small-business leaders. The Twenty-First Century Anti-Trust Act assumed that market-leading businesses gain “dominant” positions not by offering appealing products, services and/or the best prices, but by engaging in “abusive” behavior. It particularly targeted leading tech companies like Microsoft and Apple, claiming they stifled

competition and hurt small businesses. It’s easy to think the big guys are the bad guys. In reality, the biggest tech companies offer high-value, low- and no-cost digital tools that thousands of New York small businesses rely on to find customers, grow, compete and succeed — and the legislation’s passage would have shattered those tools. Small businesses turn to the biggest tech companies for cutting-edge capabilities, efficiencies and reach that smaller competitors can’t match — and that small businesses could never achieve on their own. For example, local restaurants use leading delivery platforms like GrubHub to reach more customers and compete with big chain restaurants. Likewise, niche businesses launch inexpensive marketing campaigns on big social media platforms like TikTok, helping them tell the right audiences about their products and services. Small businesses can also access sophisticated, integrated business-software packages like Microsoft 365, often for just a few dollars a month. And many small app developers leverage leading outlets like Apple’s App Store to launch and grow innovative new app-based businesses with astonishing efficiency. Those tools empower small business-

LeTTers It was Mamdani who brought new energy to Carville’s message

es to succeed; that’s why small businesses use them. But because the tools are provided by leading companies — and because they’re often offered in integrated packages of services — the AntiTrust Act could have labeled them illegally “abusive.” Accordingly, thousands of New York small businesses would have lost access to affordable, world-class services that have helped them reach and serve customers throughout the state and across the country. The act raised other serious concerns. First, it would have hit minorityand women-owned business enterprises especially hard. These businesses often have difficulty securing startup funding and loans, and typically have limited professional networks. That makes access to affordable, large-scale tools and infrastructure provided by tech leaders critically important — and means that losing that access would be particularly damaging. Second, the legislation’s vague language suggested that any successful New York company could have been accused of anticompetitive behavior — simply for succeeding! Suppose you opened a family of gluten-free bakeries that bested neighborhood competitors thanks to

ools created by the big tech companies help small businesses succeed.

Framework by Tim Baker

To the Editor: In his column “Those who ignore James Carville face oblivion” in last week’s issue, Jerry Kremer rightly cites Democratic Party guru James Carville as touting a message — “It’s the economy, stupid” — that Democrats (and Republicans) ignore at their electoral peril. Kremer credits that emphasis on the economy as a key to the victories last month of Democratic gubernatorial candidates Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia. And he warns that Democrats lose when they pay more attention to cultural issues than to “the economy, stupid.” No argument here. But Kremer reveals his own political narrowmindedness in not noting that it was New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani who earlier this year modeled the power of a campaign focused on economic issues. Mamdani coasted to victory in both the June Democratic primary and the November general election by hammering on issues related to “affordability.” Other Democratic pols — and a growing number of Republicans — have since echoed his theme (also without crediting Mamdani). Come on, Jerry. How about giving credit where credit is due? Or are you too locked into a traditionalist political mindset to acknowledge the electoral success of a 34-year-old democratic socialist? EILEEN BRADY Atlantic Beach

At the Coral House’s Breakfast with Santa — Baldwin

superior quality and lower prices. If the law had passed, you could have been accused of unfairly dominating the local gluten-free baked-goods market. That would be terrible for consumers, and leave small businesses vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits they couldn’t afford. Third, the act’s introduction revealed that many state legislators fundamentally misunderstand today’s digital economy. The biggest and smallest businesses aren’t always competitors — they’re often partners. That is, small neighborhood businesses use the tools, platforms and reach of global tech companies to level the playing field and compete with bigger players. I’ve spent much of my career helping small local businesses — particularly those owned by women, minorities and veterans — achieve success. I’m extraordinarily proud of the work I’ve done — because when small businesses thrive, families, communities and local economies do, too. New York’s entrepreneurs deserve thoughtful legislation that will make it easier — not harder — for them to grow and succeed. The failure of the Twenty-First Century Anti-Trust Act was a win for New York’s small businesses. Richard Hayes is executive director of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and an associate professor of management and entrepreneurship at Hofstra University.

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — December 18, 2025

Antitrust act would have hurt N.Y.’s small businesses

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