Massapequa Herald 11_26_2025

HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge pOsT

Plainedge hosts holiday fair Page 3

Amity Pipe Band to perform Dec. 7 Page 8

NMFD battles house blaze on North Hawthorne Street

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Firefighters battled a blaze Tuesday evening, November 18 that tore through a garage and spread into a two-story home on North Hawthorne Street, North Massapequa, officials said.

The North Massapequa Fire Department was dispatched around 7 p.m. to 50 North Hawthorne St., where crews arrived to find heavy fire in the garage, Chief Joseph G. Ferrante said.

“Volunteers made entry into the home and were able to determine quickly that the residents were not home at the time,” Ferrante said.

Fire officials were told, however, that there was a cat was inside. A Nassau County fire marshal located the animal, and firefighters administered first aid. The cat is expected to be fine, said Ferrante.

“All first responders did an excellent job at the scene,” said Ferrante. “They were very professional and they handled a difficult situation, getting the job done without anyone getting hurt.”

Ferrante also extended thanks on behalf of his department to the neighboring departments who provided invaluable assistance.

It took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters from Massapequa, Seaford, South Farmingdale, Levittown, Wantagh and Plainview assisted at the scene.

Residents clash over Massapequa schools’ gender-based facilities policy

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

About 30 people attended the Nov. 13 Massapequa Board of Education meeting to protest a new district policy requiring students to use facilities — including restrooms and locker rooms — that correspond with their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender identity.

Many attendees carried signs opposing the policy, and several spoke during the public comment period.

David Ebert argued that the new rule violates the law and questioned the district’s spending on legal fees tied to

the policy. “These lawsuits are expensive and they are pointless,” he told the board.

“Why does the board engage in lawsuits they know they will lose, and how does this benefit our students?”

A resident who identified herself only as Mary described herself as “the proud mother of a transgender daughter” and urged the board to reverse course and foster “a world in Massapequa where every child learns that all people deserve to feel safe, seen and respected.”

Erin Curley, a 2015 Massapequa graduate, accused the board of stigmatizing

students with gender identity differences. “Nothing you are doing is kind, nothing you are doing is thoughtful,” she said. “This is not what Massapequa should be.”

Each speaker opposing the policy received strong applause and cheers from audience members who shared their views.

Speaking in support of the policy, Ames ninth grader Lucy Bernstein said students should not have to share bathrooms or locker rooms with peers of a different biological sex. “Teenagers who are going through physical, mental and social changes should not have to

feel uncomfortable when changing for gym class,” she said. “The majority must be put before the minority.”

Other Board Actions on Nov. 13

•Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Brian Trapani presented a proposed change to the district’s Code of Conduct that would ban any person, regardless of age, from

riding e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles or skateboards on school property. The proposal will be the subject of a public hearing at the board’s Dec. 4 meeting and could be adopted on Jan. 8.

•The board approved a letter from board member Danielle Ocuto to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, urging her support for the biparti -

Courtesy of Paul Mazza

Mastiff and Spaniel sailed with Pilgrims on the Mayflower

Historians say at least two dogs and several cats were aboard the Mayflower when it arrived in Massachusetts in 1620, joining the ship’s 102 human passengers. The dogs, identified in early colonial documents as a Mastiff and a Spaniel, are the only animals confirmed to have made the transatlantic voyage.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

More may have been on board. Embark, a dog DNA company, notes that it was customary in the 17th century to present a ship’s captain with a puppy at each port. The Mayflower’s captain, Christopher Jones, may have also carried hunting hounds.

Cats likely served as rodent control on the ship. But verifying which animals traveled on the Mayflower requires tracing them from England to New England. Some accounts claim the dogs boarded in Southampton, but there is no mention of them in Of Plymouth Plantation, the journal of Pilgrim leader William Bradford that chronicles events from 1608 to 1647.

The earliest clear reference appears in Mourt’s Relation, a firsthand account of the Pilgrims’ first year in America, written primarily by Edward Winslow and published in London in 1622. A digitized 1865 reprint held by Harvard College Library includes early references to the two dogs.

The animals proved useful during the settlers’ first winter. On page 37, the authors describe finding venison while tracking Native inhabitants, noting it was “fitter for the Dogs than for us.”

It appears the Spaniel belonged to John Goodman, a linen weaver who traveled alone on the Mayflower seeking religious freedom. Goodman is believed to have died during the colony’s early years, though accounts differ. Bradford wrote that he died after the first winter, yet a “John Goodman” appears in Plymouth’s 1623 division of land.

Carpenter Peter Browne, another passenger linked to the dogs, died in a 1633 illness that swept through the colony. Both Browne and Goodman signed the Mayflower Compact on Nov. 11, 1620.

Mourt’s Relation recounts a January 12 incident in which Goodman and Browne became lost while gathering thatch for roofing. Accompanied by “a great Mastiff bitch” and a Spaniel, the men wandered deeper into the woods after the dogs chased deer. They spent the night in a tree, believing they heard lions—likely bobcats—while holding the Mastiff by the neck to keep her from running toward the noise.

Goodman’s feet became frostbitten, and his shoes were cut away after he returned. A week later, on Jan. 19, he and the Spaniel ventured out again to exercise his injured feet. Two wolves chased

the small dog, which ran between Goodman’s legs. Armed only with a stick, he threw it at the wolves, which retreated—though not before “they sat both on their tails, grinning at him,” according to the account.

The Mastiff breed existed since ancient Babylonia. The Romans brought Mastiffs to England around 55 B. C. In the 15th century English nobility used Mastiffs to scare hungry hunters off their property. No doubt the Plymouth Mastiff would take on a “lion” or wolves.

Goodman’s dog could be a Spaniel. Most believe Spaniels, the oldest of hunting dogs, came from Spain to find, flush, and fetch game. Early on there were varied Spaniel types with no consistency of size or color pattern. Distinct Spaniel breeds were developed for different hunting purposes, primarily in Britain, but not until the early 19th century. If you happen to have a Mastiff or Spaniel, sneak them a little extra white meat this Thursday in honor of their Plymouth ancestors.

JOANNE ANDERSON

Community steps up as food pantries face post-shutdown pressure

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD

cbabirad@liherald.com

In the wake of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and continued uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, Long Island food pantries are working overtime to reassure residents that help is available for “everyone.” As the holidays approach—and with the coldest months of the year ahead—pantries are seeing dramatic increases in demand while also calling for donations and volunteers.

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, generates nearly $47 million in monthly economic activity on Long Island, according to Island Harvest President and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner. When benefits are disrupted, she said, the shockwaves hit the entire region.

“We are all connected through the emergency food ecosystem,” Shubin Dresner said. “The region cannot absorb that kind of economic loss for very long without jobs being affected far and wide.”

At Long Island Cares in Lindenhurst, program associate Sebastian Posada said the shutdown and SNAP turmoil have sharply increased foot traffic.

“There has been a huge increase in clients coming in, and lots of new clients,” he said. “These past few weeks have been insane.”

Long Island Cares usually sees about 60 clients a day, Posada said. Recently, that

number has climbed to 90. The strain has left many anxious.

“Everyone is kind of on edge,” he said, adding that staff and volunteers are working hard to keep the atmosphere welcoming. “Everything has become expensive nowadays, and if you need that extra bit of help, we want you to come in.”

He emphasized that the pantry does not require income verification. “We’re here to serve our clients and be an asset to the community,” he said.

Services extend to pets as well, thanks to Baxter’s Pet Pantry next door. One visitor, Hewan Kirkland, who picked up food for her dogs and relatives, described the staff as “pleasant and helpful.”

“My dad, he’s a vet and a senior—we rely on this a lot,” she said, adding that Long Island Cares never makes patrons feel judged.

I

helps coordinate the dinner. She said the holiday meal will be warm, welcoming and fully home-cooked.

“This is a community dinner—yes, it’s free Skillen said. “The fireplace will be going and there will be music.”

t’s such a misconceptikon that people think if you’re in need you qualify for SNAP.

JUDY SKILLEN Volunteer

Posada praised residents who have responded with daily donations. “The community has really stepped up,” he said.

On the front desk, fliers advertise other sources of help, including the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon’s Thanksgiving Dinner, which invites all for a free community meal on Thanksgiving Day at 1 p.m.

Kimberly Skillen, of Babylon Village,

Skillen said that while SNAP’s restoration helps, it leaves out many families who earn too much to qualify but not enough to meet rising costs.

“It’s such a misconception that people think if you’re in need, you qualify for SNAP,” she said. “There’s a large group on Long Island who don’t qualify and are working hard—I call this the ‘silent hunger.’”

Pride sometimes keeps many from seeking help, she noted, so the church builds dignity into its programs. At Wednesday Kid Zone, children receive a hot meal “but it’s just part of the program.” Pantry hours overlap with regular office hours to avoid stigma, and SOS grab-and-go meals come in restaurant-style containers “so your kids might think you just stopped at the diner.”

“Sometimes everybody needs a little extra support,” Skillen said. “That’s what we do as a community—we help each other out.”

Pantries islandwide are asking donors to consider items many overlook: hygiene supplies, pet food, frozen proteins, produce and dairy products like milk and eggs. Long Island Cares is also accepting donations for children, excluding clothing.

Karen Gawrych, a Massapequa Chamber of Commerce member, said volunteers report a significant increase in pantry usage. In response, the Chamber placed food collection boxes at more than 30 sites.

“People are also contributing more,” Gawrych said, crediting increased awareness of hardships caused by the shutdown.

The collected food is distributed to local pantries including St. Rose of Lima, Maria Regina and Our Lady of Lourdes. Island Harvest continues to accept contributions to its Hunger Relief Action Fund.

“We could not succeed without volunteer support,” Shubin Dresner said.

Skillen expects need to remain high even though the government has reopened. “It’s going to take a while for these things to settle,” she said. “I think this holiday season we’re going to see an increase in demand, and January and February are always difficult. Everybody loves giving right now because of the holidays, but then everybody goes back to their lives, and the hunger is still there—and it’s cold.”

Her final plea: check on neighbors, especially seniors living alone or on fixed incomes.

Inaugural holiday fair at Plainedge High School is a big success

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Several hundred shoppers packed the gym at Plainedge High School on Nov. 8 for the Plainedge PTA Holiday Vendor Fair — an event that organizers hope will become a new annual tradition.

The fair was spearheaded by Kristy McCarthy and Lauren Ferguson, who serve as co-presidents of the Plainedge District PTA. McCarthy also sits on the elementary school PTA board, while Ferguson is on the high school PTA board.

“We were inspired by a smaller event held at one of the elementary schools last year,” McCarthy said. “After discussing it at a PTA meeting, we felt it had poten-

tial to become something bigger.”

That idea turned into a districtwide fundraiser, drawing 42 vendors who each purchased booth space and donated a raffle basket. Every PTA unit in the district also contributed to a grand raffle prize valued at $100.

Between vendor fees and raffle ticket sales, the event raised approximately $5,000 — all of which will go toward the Plainedge Senior Scholarship Fund.

“This event is proving to be a great success,” McCarthy said. “We hope to make it an annual function.”

Ferguson added that the fair was not only a fundraiser, but also a way to bring the school community together during the holiday season.

Mike Polansky/Herald

Plainedge residents Michelle Power (L) and Emma Staffa (R) were enthusiastic participants at the Fair.

Minas Ioannou and Victoria Trimble were all smiles at the Massapequa-based MJS Holiday Lighting booth.

Local residents Andrew & Saranna Cerullo and their youngsters managed the Apparel Doctor booth.

Fair Co-Directors Kristy McCarthy (L) and Lauren Ferguson

Queens residents Irving Brenor, Jayson Jaya and Giam Leal-Cardenas, along with a juvenile, were arrested last week and charged with multiple burglaries in Nassau County. (NCPD)

4 charged with multiple burglaries

The Major Case Squad reports the arrest of four Queens males on Thursday, November 13, for multiple Burglaries that occurred throughout Nassau County.

According to Detectives, the defendants unlawfully entered various residents in Jericho and Manhasset. Once inside, the subjects removed jewelry, designer handbags, assorted credit cards and US currency. After an extensive investigation was conducted the defendants were located and placed under arrest without incident.

Defendant Irving Brenor, 18, of 9252 Vanderveer Street, Queens Village is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, two counts of Robbery 2nd Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree

and Criminal Mischief 4th Degree.

Defendant Jayson Jaya, 20, of 41-25 Case Street, Elmhurst is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree and Robbery 2nd Degree.

Defendant Giam Leal-Cardenas, 19, of 21-16 124th Street, College Point is charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Robbery 2nd Degree and Criminal Mischief 4th Degree. They will be arraigned on Friday, November 14 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

A Juvenile Defendant, 17, is charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Robbery 2nd Degree and Criminal Mischief 4th Degree. He was arraigned on Thursday, November 13, at First District Court, Youth Offender Part, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

CRIME WATCH

PETIT LARCENY

Massapequa: The catalytic converter was removed on a vehicle parked on Westwood Road North Nov. 4. Victim said the incident occurred at 2 a.m.

South Farmingdale: A pack of Heineken beer was stolen from Walgreens at 918 Main Street Nov. 6. Victim told police he

saw an unidentified male take the beer and leave the store without paying for the item.

ARRESTS

Petit Larceny: Tamika L. McGuire, 39, of Massapequa was arrested and charged for shoplifting at Target, 999 Corporate Dr., Westbury Nov. 7.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

■ WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon

cjames@liherald.com

EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 329 E-mail: cjames@liherald.com

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Seaford stuns Plainedge to win county title

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

To win a county championship, the Seaford football team needed to exorcise some demons.

On Halloween, the Vikings suffered their lone loss of the season to a scary good Plainedge team at their intimidating home stadium.

In a true team effort, Seaford put the memories of that defeat to bed by defeating the Red Devils, 21-7, to capture the Nassau Conference IV title at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium Friday night.

“We went out and we put our ghosts behind us,” Seaford head coach Mike McHugh said. “We knew we could win the game. We went out, we played our game, executed our game plan, and the rest is history.”

Seaford (10-1) advances to take on Bayport-Blue Point in the Long Island Class IV championship game this Saturday at Stony Brook University at 4:30 p.m.

“We were all locked in, dialed in to the game plan,” Seaford quarterback Michael Spinella said. “Going into this, we were 0-3 against them the past two years, and we lost here [to Plainedge in the semifinals last year] on a Hail Mary, so we knew we had to get our get back, and what a great way to do it, in the Nassau County chip.”

In the 35-0 loss in Week 8, Dylan Fella led the way for Plainedge, rushing for 156 yards and two touchdowns. The Red Devils averaged 42.5 points per game and McHugh knew slowing down that high-octane offense was going to be difficult.

Defensive coordinator Matt Moody put a plan in place to try and stop Fella. The senior rushed for 104 yards on 21 carries, limited to a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that accounted for the Red Devils’ only points.

Junior Brian Falk led Seaford’s defensive charge with 11 tackles, Thomas Miranda had nine tackles, Jack Rosen had a sack and two tackles for losses, and Matthew Kind added a pair of tackles for losses.

While Falk has been lauded as the Vikings’ offensive star, No. 2 Seaford shared the wealth en route to a 12th county championship in school history.

That plan was clear on Seaford’s statement 12-play, 65-yard opening drive in which Spinella (12-for-22, 165 yards, 2 touchdowns) went 7-of-8, connecting with wide receivers Mark Villeck and Peter Barone as well as Falk, who capped the 4:06 drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Vikings in front, 7-0.

It was the first points the top-seeded Red Devils had conceded in the postseason.

“We worked on that drive all week,”

McHugh said. “The boys were dialed in. We knew what we were going to do. We knew they would load the box against Falk, just like everyone else did all year. … It really set the tone for the game, and I think it kind of put them on their heels, fighting to get back.”

The Vikings made it 14-0 on a 45-yard touchdown pass from Spinella to Brian Hennessy with 8:56 left in the second quarter and went into halftime with a 21-0 lead when the duo connected on a 25-yard touchdown on the final play of the first half.

“This team isn’t about one player, which I think a lot of people think it’s about,” McHugh said. “This team’s

about a team. Every guy on that field is a weapon, is a threat. And I think that’s what really made us what we are. They believed in each other.”

The game marked the end of an era at Plainedge, with head coach Rob Shaver stepping aside after 30 years at the helm. He had a career record of 210-87-1, leading the Red Devils to six county championships and two Long Island titles.

“The wins and losses mean nothing compared to the relationships I am blessed to have throughout my time there. The Plainedge community, I owe a debt of gratitude to,” Shaver said.

“They provided a wonderful place for my family and son to grow up,” he added. “They also gave me an opportunity by providing such support for me to try to help parents a little, by using the game of football and the sport of wrestling to teach vital life lessons. … Plainedge is a special place. It’s not a town, it’s a family.”

Plainedge’s defense converged on Seaford quarterback Michael Spinella during last Friday’s 21-7 loss in the Nassau Conference IV championship game.

Joey Romaniello/Herald photos Red Devils running back Dylan Fella, right, had 104 yards and a score.

Three-peat: Massapequa wins another title

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Versatile Anthony DiNello is making sure a new phrase is coined in Massapequa.

He was an Anthony of all trades, instrumental in helping the Chiefs defeat Oceanside, 55-18, to win a third straight Nassau Conference I title Friday at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.

Massapequa advances to take on Ward Melville in the Long Island Class I championship game Friday back at Hofstra at noon.

Defensively, the senior had six tackles, a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Offensively, the SUNY Oswego baseball commit was a blocking machine, had five carries and a reception, and also threw a touchdown pass as the top-seeded Chiefs regained momentum after No. 3 Oceanside’s touchdown in the closing seconds of the first half.

“Anthony came to play tonight,” Massapequa head coach Kevin Shippos said. “He’s always been an aggressive and physical player, you saw that tonight. He is mastering the techniques of playing the run and the pass that make great linebackers, and he can throw the ball, too.”

DiNello’s touchdown pass wasn’t a trick play orchestrated by Massapequa offensive coordinator Mike Ambury, like the halfback pass from Tyler Villalta to Joey Diesso in overtime of last year’s county final.

DiNello was in for starting quarterback Luke Garguilo, sidelined after suffering an ankle injury early in the third quarter.

Before his exit, Garguilo threw for 124 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 100 yards and another score as Massapequa (11-0) raced out to a 28-7 lead.

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Anthony DiNello, No. 47, keyed Massapequa’s victory with stellar performances on both sides of the ball.

But the 24-yard touchdown pass from Shane Harmon (12-for-26, 196 yards, 1 touchdown) to Jacob Stern with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter, combined with Garguilo’s injury, had given Oceanside (8-3) newfound life.

DiNello made sure to take that back, finding Cole

Villalta for a 24-yard touchdown to extend the Chiefs’ lead to 34-15 with 1:39 left in the third quarter.

“Our quarterback got hurt. I stepped up. Anything could have happened. We knew next man up, and I just happened to be the one to step up,” DiNello said. “I knew we had to turn the momentum somehow. They got it going into halftime. It was on us to get it back right away.”

Then Jack Mulligan put the game away with backto-back interceptions, both courtesy of tipped balls by Ryan Chabus, returned for touchdowns in 1:09, the first a 26-yard score, and the second a 34-yard touchdown to put Massapequa in front 48-15 in the early fourth quarter.

“It’s awesome,” the sophomore two-way lineman said. “All week at practice, that’s all we trained for, to read the screen, hands up, and right there, Ryan Chabus both times deflected the ball, and I just got lucky. It happened to be in my hands.”

For Oceanside, it was a bitter defeat in the Sailors’ first county championship appearance since losing to Massapequa in 2021.

“This wasn’t the finish that we wanted, and it only happens for one team,” Oceanside head coach Rob Blount said. “I’m thankful for the group getting us back to the championship game after a three-year drought. They left the program in a great spot for the future.”

Now, Massapequa will hope to match William Floyd as the only teams to win three straight Long Island Class I titles and cap a ninth undefeated season in program history.

“Our team continues to improve each week,” Shippos said. “That’s all I can ask for as a coach and hope we see progress throughout the season. Hopefully, we save our best performance for our last.”

Courtesy Joe Mulligan

The Chiefs defeated Oceanside, 55-18, last Friday at Hofstra University for a third straight Nassau Conference I championship.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1

•Massapequa Fire District Monthly Work Session: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

•Town of Oyster Bay Board of Ethics Meeting: 4 p.m., 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, please call

Samantha Spadaro at (516) 624-6860.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Beacon Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Free jazz and more at local libraries as artists concert series continues

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Distinguished Artists Concert Series continues throughout December, with free performances taking place at public libraries across the town — including a jazz concert on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Farmingdale Public Library.

The show begins at 2 p.m. and will feature Vincent Roccaro and his jazz trio, performing music made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Bobby Darin and others. Roccaro will be joined by some of the region’s top jazz musicians. The event is free and open to the public.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” Councilman Lou Imbroto said. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful

performances offered by the town at our local libraries.”

Additional concerts in the series include:

•T-Bird & The Buzzards on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m., at the Syosset Public Library

•The Long Island Choral Society on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m., at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library

•Quintessential Brass on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., at the Hicksville Public Library

The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is presented by the Cultural and Performing Arts Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community and Youth Services.

For the full concert schedule or more information, call (516) 797-7900 or visit oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.

Massapequas Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting, Dec. 6

Join the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas for their annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Klestinec Park. The rain/snow date is scheduled for the following day, Dec. 7.

Enjoy festive music and local entertainment, hot chocolate and a special visit from Santa Claus. Klestinec Park is located at Broadway in Massapequa.

For more information, please call (516) 541-1443

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Amityville Highland Pipe Band headed to Hawaii for WWII anniversary ceremonies in December

By CAROLYN JAMES

cjames@liherald.com

The Amityville American Legion Pipe Band will travel to Hawaii next month to perform in the Pearl Harbor Commemoration ceremonies and to recognize the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The invitation to take part in the ceremonies is a tremendous honor, said the band’s director Christopher Zeller.

“We were invited to Normandy two years ago and that was a tremendous experience,” said Zeller who added that band members are looking forward to performing in Hawaii December 7. “But to be asked twice is a real honor.”

In a letter to the Pipe Band, Earl T. Hurrey, a retired U.S. Marine and chair of the event’s selection committee said: “We want to congratulate the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band for being invited as the official ambassador from New York to the 2025 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. This invitation is based on your outstanding performance in Normandy, France, for the D-Day Commemoration in 2023, and your continued commitment to honoring our veterans and commemorating America’s important history.”

Eighteen band members will be leaving December 5 and returning home December 9. Together with friends and family, the group will include about 50 people.

“We are very excited and anxious to be there,” said Zeller, a U.S. Navy Veteran. He added that the band will also be part of a musical performance at the USS Missouri.

Also known as the Amityville Highland Pipe Band, the group was founded in 1952 by 23 local World War II veterans. In its more than 70year history, it has performed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in New Orleans and Hawaii, in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and at events across Long Island. The band operates out of Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 at 66 Veterans Blvd. in Massapequa.

To help offset travel costs for the December ceremonies, the band is seeking donations. Contributions may be sent to the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band, 66 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa, NY 11758. Checks should be made payable to the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band. All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on the Pipe Band go to amityvillepipeband. com or email them at amityvillepipeband@outlook.com

80 Years have passed since World War II

“Building Pathways to Peace,” the theme of the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, underscores the need to remember the moment when hopes for peace were shattered and the United States was thrust into global war. At the same time, the theme calls on Americans to look ahead with gratitude, optimism and determination as we work to create a brighter, more peaceful future.

The year 2025 marks an important milestone for the nation and for the world. In September, Americans and other peaceseeking nations reflected on the 80 years that have passed since the end of World War II. The sacrifices made by those who died in that devastating conflict — which began for the United States at Pearl Harbor — will never be forgotten. Their hardships, and the long struggle to restore peace, bring added meaning and clarity to this year’s commemoration.

For more information about the events, visit pearlharborevents.com.

To livestream this year’s ceremonies on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. HST (12:30 to 2 p.m. local time), visit: youtube.com/ watch?v=gv2GcXtB_wE.

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Unwrap happiness

The holiday season is the ideal moment to discover thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. And with so many options just a click away, a little planning can go a long way toward easing the stress of the season.

From clever tech gadgets and cozy home comforts to fun finds for fitness fans, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Here are some top picks to help make your holiday shopping simpler — and a lot more joyful.

Electronics

Amazon Echo Dot

We love the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) because it packs vibrant sound and smarter voice control into a compact, stylish device that fits seamlessly into any room. It’s the perfect gift for tech‑savvy friends or anyone looking to upgrade their daily routine — with hands‑free control, smart home compatibility and the reliable convenience of Alexa at their side.

Price: $49.99

Oura Ring 4 Ceramic

Sleek, durable and smart, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic delivers 24/7 insights with sleek, jewelry‑like design. The Zirconia ceramic finish is tough, stylish and built to last. Plus, with features like 5‑8 days of battery life and advanced 24/7

tracking across sleep, readiness and activity, it’s a strong pick for someone who takes wellness seriously but wants something elegant on their finger.

Price: $499

Polaroid Now

3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

The Polaroid Now turns everyday moments into instant, tangible keepsakes — no editing required. Its dual‑lens autofocus, self‑timer and double‑exposure modes make it perfect for creative fun, while the body crafted from 40 percent recycled materials blends nostalgia with thoughtful, modern design.

Price: $159.99

Health and Fitness

FEIERDUN

Adjustable Dumbbells

This set stands out by delivering a full‑home gym solution in one package — convertible between dumbbells, a barbell and kettlebells — so you can tackle full‑body workouts without clutter. With its durable build, non‑slip grips and solid safety features, it offers serious value for those who want to get in shape from the comfort of their own home.

Price $129.99

HOKA Running Shoes

The HOKA Clifton is a standout

Top picks for everyone on your list

choice for both men and women, offering plush cushioning and smooth transitions with every step. Its lightweight build and premium comfort make it ideal for someone who loves walking, running or just being on their feet for long hours.

Price: $155

LZYVOO Pocket Leggings

A gift that blends style and function; these leggings with pockets make a practical and stylish gift for anyone on the go. High‑waisted for comfort and support, with deep side pockets for phones, keys or cards, these soft, stretchy leggings easily transition from workouts to running errands — perfect for staying cozy and active this season.

Price: $39.99

Home and Kitchen

Ninja Air Fryer

A must have for any home chef, the Ninja Air Fryer offers a 6.5‑quart capacity and six versatile cooking functions, including air fry, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. Plus a Max Crisp mode is for perfectly crispy results with minimal oil. Its non stick, dishwasher‑safe basket and crisper plate make cleanup a breeze, turning everyday meals into convenient, healthier delights — perfect for gifting this season!

Price: $179.99

Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame

The Aura Digital Photo Frame is a standout gift for anyone looking to showcase cherished memories in a modern, effortless way. It offers unlimited photo and video cloud storage (no subscription required), making it simple to send moments from afar directly to the frame — ideal for families who want to stay connected.

Price: $149

UGG Men’s Beckett Robe

Perfect for anyone who loves wrapping themselves in comfort; this robe makes a luxe, cozy gift for the holidays. Crafted in ultra‑plush fleece with a relaxed hooded design, self‑tie belt and side pockets, it’s terrific for staying comfy on chilly mornings or cozying up on the couch during the evenings.

Price: $147.95

Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Compiled by Abbey Salvemini

Amazon Echo Dot

Oura Ring 4 Ceramic

Men’s and Women’s HOKA Running Shoes

UGG Men’s Beckett Robe

Ninja Air Fryer

LZYVOO Pocket Leggings

Make Hanukkah special

Many jokes have been shared about the complexity of growing up Jewish surrounded by Christian friends and the overwhelming influence of Christmas come the month of December. Seemingly everywhere you look buildings, stores and homes are decked out in lights and decorations. But Christmas celebrants are not the only ones with reason to be festive this time of year, when Hanukkah is also cause for celebration.

In fact, because the basis of the holiday is rededication to the faith, it very well may be an instrumental celebration for families who may need to find their way back to the roots of their beliefs.

Hanukkah’s festive atmosphere derives almost entirely from home ritual and customs and is dominated by light as a metaphor for spiritual freedom. This is emphasized by special holiday songs, games and foods. While the holiday is steeped in tradition, there are many ways you can add a creative spin to your family’s festivities.

Light: One of the major tenets of Hanukkah is how light can shine and lead a person through dark periods. This is typically exemplified by the lighting of the menorah, which is prominently placed in windows or other visible areas of celebrants’ homes.

This season spend time with someone who may be dealing with an illness or the loss of a loved one. You may be the light that inspires this person each day. Give candles to friends and family members to symbolize the light that will shine in the future.

Oil: Another component of Hanukkah celebrations is the focus on how a one-day supply of oil somehow lasted eight days during the rededication of the temple’s menorah. Many ways to include oil in celebrations exist. Some people like to get creative in the kitchen, serving fried foods and desserts.

Think about giving gifts of oil, such as fragrant essential oils that can be used in potpourri or in the bath or shower. Working alongside their parents, children can see how a wick drenched in oil can serve as an efficient lighting source and decorate the home with these homemade oil lamps.

Bring light out of darkness: There are many ways to make this year’s Hanukkah a real “Festival of Light.” As Rabbi Arthur Waskow writes in his book,“Seasons of Joy,”“Hanukkah is the moment when light is born from darkness, hope from despair.”

Historically, this was reflected in the unlikely victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks, in the oil that brought light for eight days instead of one, and in the very act of lighting candles during the darkest time of the year.

Creative ways to celebrate

Before lighting candles, try taking your family on a night walk. Go outside together and feel how dark it is. Even if you’re in the city, the month of December has a special darkness to it. Then come in from the cold and light the menorah. Feel the contrast between the darkness outside and the light inside.

Eight thoughtful nights: With every candle comes a chance to gather around the menorah and talk about Hanukkah’s lesson. With some planning, a different topic could be discussed each night. Whether it’s the environment, antisemitism, tzedakah, or freedom, Hanukkah delivers eight invitations for learning.

Twenty-five: Bring attention to the number 25, which is significant when celebrating Hanukkah. The word Hanukkah can be divided into two: Chanu, meaning “they rested,” and Kah, which is the numerical value of 25. On the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, the Maccabees rested from their battle with the Greeks and triumphantly marched into the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Make 25 a part of celebrations by inviting 25 people to celebrate with you or ask children to make murals with 25 different adornments.

Charitable giving: Of course, everyone loves to receive gifts, but let’s not forget the satisfaction of giving them. Who hasn’t gotten joy from seeing someone’s face light up when a gift strikes just the right chord? Giving feels good. Beyond our family and friends, Hanukkah can also be a vehicle for giving to those in

need.

Gift-giving is now a component of Hanukkah celebrations, but it wasn’t always. Greater importance was once placed on the lighting of candles to publicize the miracle and evangelize the faith. Some impoverished people could not afford candles, and these people would go door-to-door for candle funds, or “gelt,” to be able to purchase candles and kiddush wine.

Some families prefer to give money rather than gifts to keep with the tradition of Hanukkah gelt. However, families also can incorporate charitable giving in their celebrations as a way to reinforce the customs of giving to the poor.

Rituals and tradition bring families together during the Festival of Lights.

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STEPPING OUT

‘Nutcracker’ sweets

Decades of holiday magic with Leggz Ltd. Dance

‘

By Abbey Salvemini

Tis the season: Those Sugar Plum Fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive once again on local stages. Sacred Heart Academy started it all off recently with its student-run production, now the holiday classic is thrust into the spotlight throughout December.

Rockville Centre-based Leggz Ballet, with Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, brings sparkle to the Madison Theatre stage as ‘Nutcracker’ season dances on. This year’s production is especially meaningful for the studio’s founder Joan Hope MacNaughton, her staff and students: Leggz celebrates 30 years bringing this beloved classic to life. With MacNaughton’s artistic direction and choreography, accompanied as always by the beloved South Shore Symphony Orchestra, the theater is filled with the wonder of the delightful ballet that showcases Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score. You might say it’s one of the most memorable holiday soundtracks ever composed.

With over four decades leading Leggz, the 30-year milestone is both deeply personal and artistically meaningful for MacNaughton.

• Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Dec. 6, 5 p.m.; Dec. 7, 4 p.m.

• Tickets are $35-$65; available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444

• Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

“Something that was a dream many, many years ago to have my own Nutcracker came true,” she says. MacNaughton reflects on how the production has grown in scale, professionalism and reach since its first performance, then on the South Side High School stage in Rockville Centre.

“From the costumes to all the dancers, it evolved dramatically. It started with dancers from my studio doing the solo parts. Then, I brought in professionals from the dance world to fill the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Dewdrop and Snow Queen.”

Dancers from renowned companies — including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, also Broadway — are now integral to the production.

MacNaughton — who danced professionally prior

Mark Tremonti

Sings Frank Sinatra ‘Christmas Special’

From redefining rock to reimagining Sinatra, Grammy-winning musician

Mark Tremonti, backed by members of Frank Sinatra’s original orchestra, brings his timeless swing and holiday spirit to the Paramount. The lights go down. Familiar horns pipe up from a world-class orchestra as piano twinkles like the jackpot lights on a winning slot machine. Then, the voice kicks in. It has all of the smoky splendor those first few notes hinted at, but it ain’t Ol’ Blue Eyes. In a tailored suit with microphone in hand, it’s Mark Tremonti. The multiplatinum musician sounds just as at home paying homage to the catalog of Frank Sinatra as he does fronting Tremonti or shredding his soul out as the guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed. Tremonti’s influence on rock music is undeniable. Now, witness a new side of his artistry as he pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra.

to opening her studio — attributes their interest in joining her production to her both network and her artistic standards.

“I have a lot of friends who are dancers in Manhattan, so I reached out to them for professional roles,” she says.

Yet, the heart of the show remains the young dancers, who include talented kids residing in Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Baldwin, among other communities. A cast of over 50 young dancers in all, from throughout the metro area, join the guest dancers in this dynamic staging.

“It doesn’t matter what school they come from,” MacNaughton emphasizes. “They all really love dance and know what a quality production is like.”

Performing alongside the South Shore Symphony adds another layer of magic. The orchestra, MacNaughton explains, elevates the performance for both dancers and the audience, adding a unique energy and richness that recorded tracks can’t match.

“There’s nothing more exciting for a dancer than performing with live music. Watching the musicians play is a treat, you’re getting both the dance and the music.”

Her goal is that kids in the audience or who step onto the stage for the first time will continue to find inspiration in “The Nutcracker.” Keeping the beauty of dance alive is what’s behind MacNaughton’s decades of running her studio and producing the show each year.

Among the newest generation of dancers is 7-year-old Emma Lavas, of Rockville Centre, who’s making her first appearance in the ballet, continuing a family tradition. Her mom, Meg Guido, danced in the very first Leggz production, continuing for 12 years. Recalling the thrill of being on stage, she’s delighted, of course, that her daughter is now stepping into that role.

“It’s such a beautiful thing to see her dancing and smiling,” Guido says.

“She teaches me a lot of moves,” Lavas says, about her mother, as she carries forth with the family legacy.

Another Rockville Centre dancer, 14-year-old Analiese Cartier shares: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this each year.”

For 15-year-old Paige McDaid, who also lives in Rockville Centre, the show has been as much about friendship as dancing.

“I’ve built some of my life-long friends and I’m so grateful for them.”

She wants audiences, whether returning or seeing it for the first time, to feel that same magic she experiences onstage.

“It’s such a beautiful performance, and we put so much effort into it,” McDaid adds, enthusiastically.

Celebrating three decades of Nutcracker, Leggz Ltd. has filled the Madison Theatre with music, movement and holiday spirit. From the youngest dancers to world-class professionals bringing the choreography to life, the production captures the essence of the season. It explains why this timeless performance continues to draw everyone back each year.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. $108.75, $86.50, $71.25, $59.75, $54.25, $43.75.The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Just ‘Wild About Harry’ redux

Everyone has another chance to go “Wild About Harry” when over 30 of Long Island’s top musicians and songwriters gather for another concert in tribute to the beloved Harry Chapin. Groove along to 18 acts — including concert organizer Stuart Markus and his trio Gathering Time — that perform Chapin classics including “Taxi” and “Cat’s in the Cradle,” plus many lesser hits and fan favorites like “Mr. Tanner.” The concert is concsdered a “Birthday Bash,” as Chapin would have turned 83 on Dec. 7. As they’ve done for the past 20 years, participating artists are encouraged to put their own interpretations on his songs. Long Island music “royalty” is turning out in force to support this most worthy cause. All revenues above production costs will be donated to Long Island Cares, the food bank Chapin founded. Long Island Cares will also be collecting non-perishable food donations.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. Minimum $20 suggested donation per ticket. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Courtesy Leggz Ltd. The Snow Queen (Ella Titus, Miami City Ballet) and Snow King (Mauricio Vera Nunez, National Ballet Of Cuba) begin Clara’s Dream.

The Snowflake Corps dazzle in the intricate Waltz of the Snowflakes, the grand finale of Act I.

Tim Baker/Herald Evelyn Strouse and Paige McDaid in rehearsal.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

After Hours:

Stranger Things 5 Viewing Party

Farmingdale Public Library welcomes teens for an after-hours viewing party of Stranger Things 5, Episode 1. Teens under 14 years of age will require parents to sign a waiver to attend as the show is rated TV-14.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or call (516) 249-9090

‘Everybody Loves

Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit, opening Nov. 28/ The exhibit features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS. This set has never been on display in public. The exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director and renowned designer Kevin O’Callgahn) is a completely immersive experience. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets. The sets include the living room, the kitchen, and other areas of the house. Visitors will also be able to see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

Thrift Shop

Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.

• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

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

Allman Betts Family Revival

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music at the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival! This extraordinary live music experience is hosted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Inspired by the legendary Last Waltz, this tour features a revolving cast of top-tier artists from the realms of blues, Americana, country, and rock, all coming together to honor the timeless legacy and rich catalog of the Allman Brothers Band. This year’s amazing lineup features the Allman Betts Band, the iconic Jimmy Hall, former Wet Willie singer and Allman Brothers alumni; alongside Robert Randolph, Amanda Shires, G. Love, Judith Hill, Jimmy Hall, Cody & Luther Dickinson, Alex Orbison, and others. Special guests may also join in. Set against the backdrop of the famous Allman Brothers Brotherhood of Light show, blending electrifying music with stunning visuals. This unforgettable night that honors the rich history and timeless catalog of the Allman Brothers Band is a musical family reunion that promises to lift your spirits as you enjoy an authentic Allman Brothers musical experience. $108.75, $64.75.

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Farmingdale Library Cinema

Stop by Farmingdale Public Library for a showing of “Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy,” the 2025 film starring Renee Zellweger. After jumping back into the dating pool, single mother Bridget Jones finds herself caught between a younger man and her son’s science teacher.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or call (516) 249-9090

Winter Greeting Card Class

Christina Del Piano is back at Plainedge Public Library with her stamping and card making class. Join Christina for a fun and festive evening of creativity as she guides attendees step-by-step in making beautiful handcrafted cards for the winter holiday season. The cost is $5 and is non-refundable. For ages 18 and up.

• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 7-8 p.m.

• Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or (516) 735-4133

DEC

threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Nov. 29, Dec. 3-Dec. 4

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

1863

Thanksgiving

Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for some holiday fun. Immerse yourselves in the sights and smells of the festive season, as those early years of our national day of feasting and giving thanks comes alive. Imagine that it’s 1863 and you’re preparing a holiday meal for your family, following President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of the first official national holiday of Thanksgiving Day. The restored site bustles with activity as it readies for an oldfashioned Thanksgiving: woodburning stoves, beehive ovens and hearths are fired up to prepare foods and baked goods made from 19th-century recipes. Culinary exhibits include the “spitting” and

roasting of turkey in a tin reflector oven beside the Williams House hearth and preparation of pies at the Powell House. Also on display are 19th-century methods of food preservation employed for late fall crops. Historical period music adds to the festive atmosphere each afternoon. $15, $12 seniors and children 5-12.

• Where: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org or call (516) 572-8409

Jolly Jamboree

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes everyone to a festive family night filled with music, movement, and merriment for all ages. The museum is transformed into a winter wonderland, offering families the perfect opportunity to celebrate the start of the holiday season together. From festive crafts to frosty fun, Jolly Jamboree invites families to make magical memories that will last all season long. Among the highlights: Snap a festive family photo with Santa, join Rudolph and Miss on the dance floor for a holiday dance party, create keepsake holiday crafts to take home or give as gifts, decorate a cookie and design a special plate perfect for Santa’s visit, enjoy

classic holiday tunes performed by carolers throughout the galleries. Also take in some “sock skating” on the museum’s indoor rink and meet the Ice Queen, and more. Come dressed in your holiday best: sparkles, pajamas, reindeer antlers, or your favorite holiday character costume! $16 per person ($14 members). Advance purchase is recommended as space is limited.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

DEC

2

Farmingdale

Village Tree

Lighting

Festivities

Join local officials and the community for the annual holiday tree lighting featuring the Norway Spruce tree with LED lights at the gazebo on the Village Green. Enjoy music by the South Shore Brass Ensemble, and holiday carols by the Farmingdale school chorus. With complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

• Where: Farmingdale Village Green/Gazebo, 361 Main St., Farmingdale

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 249-0093

3

The Emotional Health Recovery and Support group meets weekly online. This is a free 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.

• Where: Online

• Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

• Contact: Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808

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.

Residents clash over Massapequa schools’ gender-based facilities policy

san FY 2026 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. The bill would increase funding by $50 million to strengthen services for disadvantaged students and schools and would require key education grants to be released to states on time — a

safeguard described as necessary after nearly $7 billion in education funds were improperly withheld on July 1.

•The board accepted two $100 grant donation checks from the Blackbaud Giving Fund on behalf of New York Life and its donors for the

benefit of Unqua Elementary School. The next Massapequa Board of Education meeting is scheduled for

Thursday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. in the Massapequa High School auditorium.

Amityville Junior League

Holiday Homes Tour, Dec. 6

The Amityville Junior League will be holding its annual Holiday Homes Tour on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25, plus processing fees, and can be purchased at shorturl.at/TGaoG, or at the Tea House at St. Mary’s Church, 175 Broadway in Amityville on the day

of the tour.

All proceeds will go toward the Amityville Junior League’s scholarship award program and various local and charitable organizations.

For more information, please email amityvillejuniorleague@gmail.com.

Mike Polansky/Herald

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. HOF I GRANTOR TRUST 5, Pltf. vs. NORTHEAST FIX AND FLIP CORPORATION, et al, Defts. Index #614270/22. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered September 30, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 41 Nancy Place, Massapequa, NY 11758 a/k/a Section 53, Block 211, Lot 48. Approximate amount of judgment is $548,721.76 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MICHAEL J. LANGER, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 7937 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. File No. LF-364#102604 25-294. 11/5, 12,19, 26

Notice of formation of FOUR SEASON FACILITY CARE, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/20/2025 Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.  SSNY shall mail a process served to:  The LLC, 1609 Jane St, Wantagh NY 11793 Purpose: any lawful act.

25-290. 10/29, 11/5, 12, 19, 26, 12/3

Notice of formation of BusStopCafeNY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 5/7/25. Office located in Nassau. SSNY has been designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to legal zoom as registered agent at 7014 13th Ave #202 Bklyn NY 11228 Purpose: any lawful purpose.

25-286. 10/22, 29, 11/5,12, 19, 26

Notice of formation of Mason Rentals LLC Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on 10/11/2025. Office location, Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process to 5500 Sunrise Highway Unit 50 1055,Massapequa, NY,11758. Purpose: any lawful act. 25-301. 11/12, 19, 26, 12/3, 10, 17

Notice of formation of Dayna's Island, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/09/2025 Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to: Dayna's Island LLC, 937 N Central Ave. Massapequa, NY 11758 Purpose: any lawful act. 25-302. 11/12, 19, 26, 12/3, 10, 17

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-25-134728 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2455 S Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Casa Garibaldi Cafe LLC. 25-304 11/19, 26

Town of Oyster Bay

Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN

**********************

*********************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on DECEMBER 4, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 25-99

Public Notices

MASSAPEQUA

ERNEST LIEBOW:

(A) Variance to allow existing 7 ft. by 7 ft. shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing second story deck having less side yard setback, aggregate side yards, rear yard setback and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing air conditioning unit having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing second story deck and front roof over stoop exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Florence Ave., W/o S. Bay Ave., a/k/a 46 Florence Avenue, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-359

MASSAPEQUA

MALGORZATA

DAYBOCH: (A)

Variance to install inground swimming pool having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct sun deck having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C)

Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 16-294 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated July 14, 2016.

E/s/o W. Shore Dr., 337.1 ft. S/o Suffolk Rd., a/k/a 60 W. Shore Drive, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-407

MASSAPEQUA

RICKY DEMIRAKOS: (A) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct second floor addition exceeding maximum

building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Sunset Rd., 40.13 ft. S/o Orlando St., a/k/a 151 Sunset Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-201

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

ANTHONY

GIOVANNIELLO: (A) Variance to allow existing 5 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (N. Richmond Avenue) and side/front yard (Nottinghill Drive) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 11.5 ft. by 9.8 ft. shed and 9.7 ft. by 7.5 ft. shed having less front yard setback (N. Richmond Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing cellar entrance having less front yard setback (N. Richmond Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing oil tank having less front yard setback (N. Richmond Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to allow existing pool heater having less front yard setback (N. Richmond Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (F) Variance to allow existing second story addition with overhang having less average side/front yard setback (Nottinghill Drive) than permitted by Ordinance. (G) Variance to allow existing pool deck having less side/front yard setback (Nottinghill Drive), side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (H) Variance to allow existing 11.5 ft. by 9.8 ft. shed and composite wood deck having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (I) Variance for the reduc-

tion of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 1 when 2 parking spaces are required.

SW/ cor. of Nottinghill Dr. & N. Richmond Ave., a/k/a 31 Nottinghill Drive, North Massapequa, NY

ZONING

BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 12/04/25

APPEAL NO. 25-319

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

GURSATINDER

KAUR: (A) Variance to allow an existing second kitchen in a one-family dwelling for use as a PARENT/ CHILD residence. (B) Variance to allow an existing accessory unit in PARENT/CHILD residence exceeding maximum number of bedrooms than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 2 when 3 parking spaces are required.

N/s/o N. Cedar St., 220 ft. E/o N. Park Ave., a/k/a 257 N. Cedar Street, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-320

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

GURSATINDER

KAUR: (A) Variance to allow existing rear one story addition having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing pool equipment having less front yard setback and side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. N/s/o N. Cedar St., 220 ft. E/o N. Park Ave., a/k/a 257 N. Cedar Street, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-334

FARMINGDALE

JOSEPH GOLATO:

(A) Variance to construct front portico

having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing pool deck having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing 8 ft. by 8 ft. shed having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Staples St., 75 ft. N/o Poplar St., a/k/a 521 Staples Street, Farmingdale, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-333

MASSAPEQUA

JPM OWNERS, LLC: Direct Appeal for an interpretation pursuant to Chapter 246 Section 12.3.6 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay.

SE/ cor. of N. Broadway & N. Kentucky Ave., a/k/a 1132 N. Broadway, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-220

MASSAPEQUA

RICKY DEMIRAKOS: Variance to allow existing front open porch with roof-over exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Sunset Rd., 40.13 ft. S/o Orlando St., a/k/a 151 Sunset Road, Massapequa, NY

NOVEMBER 24, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-305 11/26

Notice of formation of DANIELS OLD BETHPAGE NY, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/06/2025 445 Winding Road, Old Bethpage, New York 11804,  County of Nassau.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to: Corporation Service Company, 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207

Purpose: all lawful purposes

25-306. 11/26, 12/3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Notice of formation of RKMEB LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 10/24/2025. Office located in NASSAU. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 75 Taft Ave Lynbrook Ny 11563. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 25-307. 11/26, 12/3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Notice of formation of C-Note Group LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/13/2025 Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:  The LLC, 4 Beechwood Pl, Massapequa Park, NY 11762

Purpose: Any operating business. 25-308. 11/26, 12/3, 10, 17, 24, 31

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.

For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

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

MEDIA

MULTI

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges

HomesHERALD

OSome strange suggestions from the Building Department

Q. I went to my Building Department, because, as you suggested, I should get an idea from them as to what to do and how to go about it. After discussing the problems I would have to overcome, they suggested certain people, drafting services, and also told me that if I use an architect, I should only use the ones they suggest, because others might not be “acceptable” to them. I thought this was kind of strange. Should they do that, and is that acceptable practice?

A. That is not only strange, but also illegal.

Putting limits on who provides a state-licensed professional service is, at the very least, a restriction-oftrade issue that I am sure would turn into a legal matter if the jurisdiction you live in ever tried to enforce the practice. Maybe you could finance your project by going through that process, getting hassled for the reasons you describe, and then suing the individuals and department that created the scenario. Of course, you would have to show hard evidence, such as documents and/or recordings of this kind of exchange. Or you could just go along with them, if you feel comfortable with the racket they’re running.

Lately I have seen more situations like this occurring, and it’s disheartening, as a professional, but many officials have commented, over the years, that certain architects only like to handle, or are only capable of handling, the “small stuff.” Clearly they don’t recognize the situation created by their own jurisdictions, where you’re required to have an architect’s or engineer’s professional seal on the submitted drawings when applying for a permit. Instead they encourage people to get an unlicensed person to prepare plans, and then that unlicensed individual gets a retired professional who could use the extra money to just sign and seal.

Even worse than that is the problem created during the pandemic, when an electronic seal was issued by the state to architects and engineers, creating the opportunity to just electronically float a seal onto plans, with or without the licensed professional’s permission.

It seems that people have forgotten what that seal represents. Not only does it represent a level of trained expertise — it also represents safety. Protection of public safety was once the paramount objective of local governments. And aside from the skirting of enforcement of licensed professionalism, safety is still important, but money, favoritism and territorial behavior make you wonder what you’re really dealing with.

I know so many people who are sincerely trying to enforce public safety in their government jobs, people who are equally disgusted with the ones who make their profession look bad. Defying the public trust or manipulating the public should not be tolerated. Thirty years ago, the state attorney general’s office did an investigation, and concluded that this practice was widespread — but investigators candidly admitted that they did not have the resources to pursue prosecutions, leaving the public to decide. Good luck!

© 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.

Monte Leeper

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Thanksgiving couldn’t come at a better time

The spirit of Thanksgiving is particularly welcome and needed this year. Times are turbulent. Discord appears to be almost everywhere. Prices are still too high. The federal government has just gone through its longest and most bitter shutdown ever, with another one threatened in less than three months.

The political divide continues, as Democrats scored overwhelming victories across the country, while Nassau Republicans, led by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, swept every countywide office and retained control of the county’s three towns and two cities — including Long Beach, where the GOP won every elective office for the first time since 1971. And while Nassau was voting bright red, New York City went deep blue, electing a committed socialist, Zohran Mamdani, as its mayor, promising to upend the city’s political and social structures as we’ve known them.

Ideally in a time of discord and stress, the citizenry turns to sports as an escape, as an island of refuge in a sea

of turmoil. This time, though, no such luck. At least not yet. The Yankees were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, while the Mets, with their astronomically high payroll, didn’t even make it to the postseason, eliminated for the final playoff slot by the unheralded, low-income Cincinnati Reds.

Not even New York sports offer an island of refuge in our current sea of turmoil.

Granted, there was temporary relief for baseball fans, as the World Series confrontation between the Dodgers and Blue Jays provided intense drama right down to the final out of the climactic seventh game. But that moment of escape was soon overtaken by what portends to be Major League Baseball’s biggest and worst gambling scandal since the Black Sox scandal in 1919: Two relief pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians were arrested and charged with colluding with organized crime on “micro bets” — wagers on what type of pitches they would throw. This scandal, like the NBA betting scandal that preceded it just weeks earlier, is expected to expand, because of professional sports’ extensive, and misguided, business dealings with the gaming industry.

Thank God for the arrival of Thanksgiving! Taking time to celebrate the spirit of the holiday, which gives us the opportunity to step back and reflect on

what we should be thankful for, is a true American tradition. As we learned in our early school days, legend has the earliest Thanksgiving being celebrated in 17th-century Colonial times between by the Pilgrims and native Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The national celebration of Thanksgiving in November was proclaimed by President George Washington in 1789. During the darkest days of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln certified the final Thursday of November as the official day for celebrating Thanksgiving. Later, after Americans endured the depths of a Depression and as we got involved in the tragedy of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt reaffirmed the significance of Thanksgiving while officially declaring the fourth Thursday of November to be the day of celebration. These actions by Lincoln and Roosevelt should be guideposts for Americans. Neither the absolute horror raging through our country during the Civil War, nor the economic devastation of the Depression, nor the carnage and suffering of World War II, would prevent Americans in those years from being thankful for, and appreciating, the blessings of living in this great land. Not to minimize our current hard-

ships, but we should take the time to show our thanks for all that we do have. America is not at war. It provides more opportunity for its people than any other country on earth, as demonstrated by the tens of millions of people from all over the world who want to live here.

During my years in Congress, I traveled to many countries, mainly in Europe but also in parts of Asia and North Africa. There was no country that could match America for our ingenuity, industriousness and opportunity for generations of people to move upward and thrive. Often we fail to remember that the United States was the first nation to experiment with democracy since Greece many centuries ago, and how that experiment has worked so successfully.

There are reasons why America has the world’s strongest economy and strongest military. That success results from our commitment not just to free enterprise but to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and freedom of opportunity, which allow the human spirit to fully develop and thrive. So let’s enjoy our blessings and give thanks for living in this great land. Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless America.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Weekly newspapers are a great community asset

When you’re a news junkie like me, you reach out for a large variety of sources of information. Finding and digesting the offerings of all these many outlets takes a lot of time, but there is one resource that I constantly rely on: the weekly newspaper.

My love for the weekly goes back as far as when I was a bold 12-year-old who walked into the offices of the Long Island Independent and offered my services as a writer. Rather than usher me out the door, the publisher, the late Paul Jackson, gave me an assignment: to read all of the social announcements and to distill them into a few short paragraphs.

By the time I turned 15, I was a paid employee, enjoying my $10-a-week stipend, and I went on to become the principal reporter for the Independent and

the Long Beach Life. Later, during my years in the Assembly, I kept close working relationships with all of the weekly papers in my district, and assigned a full-time staff member to keep the weekly papers informed about my activities in Albany.

Every Friday, I make it a point to look for the latest news in the Herald. I read about the goings-on in five or six communities and read the opinion pages. I offer these details because many residents of our region don’t always take advantage of the many items published in their local papers that are genuinely of interest.

of our schools.

N ational news is great, but I learn the important stuff from the weeklies.

While I have the greatest respect for the mass media, I learn from the weeklies about local athletes who may someday wind up on the national sports pages. Today’s high school track star could eventually become a member of an Olympic team. People complain a lot about high taxes, but if they read their local paper, they would know that 60 percent of their tax bill is for the operation

I like to stay in touch with old friends, and sometimes I find out that they have experienced some great family events thanks to my weekly paper. I also frequently learn that some potential countywide political battle has its roots in an action taken by a village or another municipal entity. So many people would be surprised to learn how much they can find out about local politics by subscribing to a weekly.

On a more somber note, I learn from weeklies that someone I met and liked has died. Too often we learn about family tragedies weeks and months after they occur, and realize that if we’d checked out a weekly paper, we would have known much sooner to reach out to the bereaved family.

When I meet some young man or woman who has decided to run for public office, one of the first things I tell them is not to ignore their weekly newspaper, and to make an effort to meet with its editors so they know about their

candidacy. And I don’t restrict my advice just to budding candidates. I frequently advise federal and state officeholders to keep in touch with their weeklies.

A few years ago, a large group of weekly newspaper owners and editors converged on Albany in an effort to change how state laws govern those local weeklies. Not surprisingly, they were welcomed by members from both sides of the aisle who had learned well and understood the power of those news outlets. If you want to do the right thing, subscribe to your local paper. (If you’re reading this, I’d like to think you already have.) And if you’re a local business owner, think about buying an ad. I’ve been fortunate enough to be an unpaid columnist for the Herald for over 20 years, and I’ve wanted to write this tribute to weekly papers for the longest time. They need your support, and like any business that serves the community, they also merit your help in keeping them as a great asset.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

Massapequa

Ira L.

pOsT

editorial

This Saturday, shop local

HHERALD

eld each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — Nov. 29 this year — Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shift their attention from big-box and giant online retailers to the locally owned businesses that are the backbone of our neighborhoods. These local businesses create jobs, spark innovation and keep more dollars circulating in the local economy, strengthening the very places we call home.

Founded by American Express in 2010 and embraced by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Saturday has grown into a nationwide tradition. It’s nestled between the commercial frenzy of Black Friday and the digital deals of Cyber Monday, and it’s crucial that all of us make a concerted effort to shop at our favorite corner store or buy a gift card for our beloved neighborhood restaurant.

The impact of Small Business Saturday, of course, reaches far beyond economics. When people support a local bookstore, bakery, boutique or service provider, they’re investing in relationships and affirming the value of personal connection — the friendly wave from a shop owner who knows your name, the sense of pride in discovering a one-of-akind product crafted nearby, the feeling of belonging that comes from familiar streets buzzing with activity. These are experiences you simply can’t replicate

letters

Mamdani is on to something, Republicans

To the Editor:

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s electoral appeal, centered on his affordability agenda, has prompted some of his opponents to start emphasizing this issue. Republican State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is among those proposing actions to rein in New York’s cost of living in her Herald commentary last week, “The cost of living is driving families out of New York.”

Some of her suggestions make sense and, if adopted, might make Long Island living marginally more affordable. But CanzoneriFitzpatrick offers only Band-Aids for the hemorrhaging housing crisis that forces young families to look elsewhere for starter homes. As a professed capitalist, the senator should understand that a grossly inadequate supply of housing cannot meet demand, thus causing prices to spiral ever upward. The solution is obvious: build thousands of new homes.

with anonymous online transactions.

Small Business Saturday reminds us that thriving communities don’t happen by accident — they grow through intentional support and shared commitment. By shopping local, we help build vibrant neighborhoods where businesses and residents lift one another up, strengthening the community fabric, one small shop at a time.

Small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation across the country, and on Long Island they are essential to the economic ecosystem. When shoppers choose small over large, more money stays in the community. Studies show that when you shop at a small, locally owned business, more of your money stays here on Long Island — supporting infrastructure, schools and friends, and even reducing your tax burden. For every $100 spent at a small business, about $67 stays in the community. At a large chain, only about $43 does.

But most importantly, small businesses help define the identity of a place. Neighborhoods with bustling local shops tend to have stronger social ties, safer streets and greater civic engagement. Choosing to support a local business is choosing to support a stronger, more connected community.

Participating in Small Business Saturday is simple and enjoyable. Consumers explore local shops, take part in spe-

cial promotions, share their experiences on social media and leave positive reviews of their favorite spots. Spot a great bargain? Tell a friend! These small actions have big ripple effects, helping local entrepreneurs gain visibility, attract new customers and employ local workers.

Business owners can prepare for Small Business Saturday by using free marketing materials provided by the SBA and American Express, such as fliers, posters and social media graphics. Local governments, chambers of commerce and community groups also do their part by organizing events, hosting holiday markets, and creating interactive maps to guide residents to participating businesses. Many of the best local businesses and deals can be found right here, on the pages of the Herald, or at LIHerald.com.

This Saturday, Long Islanders have the opportunity to demonstrate what makes our communities so special: We show up for our neighbors and they show up for us. Our local small businesses are the ones donating to school fundraisers, sponsoring youth sports teams, hosting community events, providing teenagers with summer jobs, and paying taxes that help keep our local downtowns alive.

So shop local, Long Island — because when small businesses thrive, we all prosper.

The clear choice: understanding laser vision correction

Laser vision correction has revolutionized how millions of people see the world, offering a lifechanging alternative to glasses and contact lenses. For many, it represents the freedom of waking up with clear sight. But what exactly is this procedure, and is it the right choice for you? How laser vision correction works. Clear vision depends on the eye’s ability to correctly focus light onto the retina, a process called refraction. In cases of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, the light focuses incorrectly, resulting in blurred vision.

Laser vision correction, often referred to as laser eye surgery, uses a highly precise, computer-controlled laser to reshape the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. By subtly altering the cornea’s curvature, the procedure enables the eye to correctly bend light and focus it sharply on the retina, thus correcting the refractive error.

There are two main forms of laser vision correction:

■ LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). During LASIK, a surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap on the cor-

nea’s surface using a laser, folds it back, uses a second laser to reshape the underlying tissue, and then gently repositions the flap. The entire process is quick, often taking less than 30 minutes for both eyes, and is known for its rapid visual recovery.

■ PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Instead of creating a flap, the surgeon removes the cornea’s outermost layer (the epithelium), which naturally grows back. PRK is often preferred for those with thinner corneas or highly active lifestyles, as there is no flap-related risk, but the recovery time is longer and may involve more initial discomfort.

Tthan the accumulated cost of purchasing and maintaining corrective lenses.

■ Rapid results: With LASIK, many patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours.

he main allure is less — or no more — reliance on glasses and contact lenses.

Benefits and rewards. The main allure of laser vision correction is the significant reduction or elimination of reliance on glasses and contact lenses. For suitable candidates, the benefits are numerous and can profoundly impact daily life:

■ Convenience: Enjoy activities like swimming, hiking or simply waking up without searching for your glasses. Some patients have issues like allergies, which are worsened by wearing contact lenses. This may be somewhat alleviated after having laser vision correction.

■ Cost savings: Over a lifetime, the onetime investment in surgery can be less

LeTTeRs

But Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick has nothing to say about the extreme nimbyism that makes it so difficult to build housing anywhere in Nassau County. It’s particularly egregious that right-wing politicians have succeeded in blocking transit-oriented developments. Building housing near Long Island Rail Road stations would help make Long Island more affordable without worsening traffic congestion.

Republicans should adopt a variation on a mantra favored by their leader: “Build, baby, build!”

KEVIN J KELLEY Atlantic Beach

Trump’s ‘outrageous’ commutation of Santos

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue, “Presidents make mistakes, but this one was a doozy”: What

message was being sent to hardworking, honest people when President Trump excused former Rep. George Santos from serving a seven-year prison term after only three months? Santos was proven to be a liar, a cheat, a thief — a dishonest individual who harmed and deceived many people by falsifying everything he touched.

How do we know that he didn’t fabricate the conditions of his prison stay, inasmuch as he is a pro at making up stories? It appears that Trump commuted his sentence due to his being a good Republican supporting Trump.

In my eyes, Santos’s crimes are worse than those of a bank robber. His deceit is now being forgiven, and will Trump, in his generosity, assume the more than $300,000 in restitution that Santos is liable for? It is ludicrous that the president of the U.S. takes his time from government affairs to release an admitted criminal back into society. Outrageous indeed.

GRACE SEARBY Oyster Bay

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■ High success rate: Modern laser procedures have a very high success rate in achieving 20/20 vision or better, or at least excellent vision that significantly reduces the need for correction.

Who is a candidate? You must be at least 18 to undergo the procedure, and have stable vision, with a prescription that has not changed for at least a year. (Refractive surgery can treat myopia up to -12.00 D, astigmatism up to 6.00 D, and hyperopia up to 6.00 D.) Your cornea needs to be thick enough for the procedure. If it’s too thin, LASIK can increase the risk of corneal ectasia and long-term vision loss.

For women who are pregnant or nursing, hormonal changes can affect your eye shape and healing.

Considering the risks. Like any surgical procedure, laser vision correction carries potential risks, which should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon. While complications leading to vision loss are rare, minor side effects are common, especially during the healing period:

■ Dry eyes: This is the most common side effect, and can last for several months, often managed with lubricating eye drops. In rare cases, it can be permanent.

■ Visual disturbances: Patients may experience glare, halos or starbursts around lights, particularly at night. These symptoms usually improve over time, but can be persistent for a small percentage of people.

■ Under- or over-correction: In some cases, the laser removes too much or too little tissue, meaning the patient may still need a minor prescription or a second “enhancement” procedure.

■ Flap complications: Specifically with LASIK, there’s a small risk of issues with the corneal flap, such as displacement, though modern technology has made this uncommon. Patients who have an active lifestyle sometimes opt for PRK to prevent these complications.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue laser vision correction is a personal one. It requires a detailed consultation with a qualified eye surgeon who can assess your overall eye health, prescription stability and lifestyle to determine the best path to clear vision.

Dr. Carolyn Shih is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and works at South Shore Eye Care, a member of the Northwell Health Eye Institute.

CARoLYn sHiH

FRAmewoRk by Tim Baker

Singing “Master of the House” in Hewlett High School’s production of “Les Misérables.”

Bring Heart Home This Holiday Season

We will be bringing Mount Sinai’s top-ranked open heart surgeons to Oceanside beginning next year, so patients and their families don’t have to travel to NYC or to the North Shore for advanced cardiac care.

The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan ranks No. 2 nationally for Cardiology, Heart, and Vascular Surgery, according to 2025 U.S. News & World Report ® That expertise is coming to our Oceanside campus.

If you or a loved one have suffered a cardiac event, consider making a donation in their name today.

Scan the QR code, visit bringinghearthome.org , or call Anne Fernandez in our Development Office at 516-377-5360 to learn more.

Donate today.

Together, we can bring the of Mount Sinai home to the South Shore.