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__________________ Merrick _________________

HERALD Rabbis discuss Sydney tragedy

A festive evening in Merrick

Amy McCoy shares her story

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Vol. 28 No. 51

DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

$1.00

Before and after school care program ending the district, Testa said the district has been pleased to provide space to support families’ T h e B e l l m o r e - M e r r i c k childcare needs. The program is expected to Childcare Program, a longtime provider of before- and after- continue operating for chilschool care in North Bellmore dren who attend the North schools, will no longer operate Merrick School District. Repin the district after the 2025– resentatives from the childcare 2026 school year, Superinten- program were unavailable for comment when dent Marie Testa contacted by the announced in an Herald. email to families The program on Dec. 10. provides super“As reported at vised care during last evening’s mornings and Board of Education afternoons, includm e e t i n g , we a re ing homework disappointed and assistance, strucsaddened to inform tured recreational you that the Bellactivities, and more-Merrick organized sports. Childcare Program Staff members also will no longer be MARiE TESTA implement incenoperating in North Superintendent, t ive a n d rew a rd B e l l m o re S ch o o l North Bellmore systems designed District schools, to encourage posieffective at the end School District tive behavior and of the 2025–2026 school year,” Testa wrote. The engagement, creating a supdistrict was informed of the portive and structured envidecision by June Smith, direc- ronment for students outside of regular school hours. tor of BMCCP. Testa expressed gratitude BMCCP has been a fixture in the schools for decades, for the program’s staff and offering personalized care for leadership. “We are especially grateful s t u d e n t s b e fo re a n d a f t e r school. Although the program to Director June Smith and the operates independently from ContinueD on paGe 5

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ

hgaldamez@liherald.com

Courtesy Joeseph Gallart

Joe Gallart collected more than 11,200 toys through his nonprofit, Desirae’s Darlings.

Joe Gallart collects over 11,200 toys in annual drive for Desirae’s Darlings By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Joseph Gallart, a longtime Merrick resident and community volunteer, has once again spread holiday cheer, collecting more than 11,200 toys this year through his nonprofit, Desirae’s Darlings, in honor of his late daughter. The annual toy drive, operating in its third year as a formal nonprofit, ensures children in need receive gifts during the holiday season. Gallart, who began collecting toys in 2016, said this year’s efforts featured

a sold-out comedy show at the Bell Playhouse and a unique collaboration with local TikTok influencer Mike Ventura, who helped gather more than 800 toys from his followers. “This year was amazing,” Gallart said. “We had 73 people at our house for breakfast and what I call a ‘load and go.’ It was electric. Every box I pick up has Desirae’s picture on it. Every time I mention the charity, her name is constantly on people’s lips.” In addition to community collections, local schools contributed to the effort. Sea-

2025-26 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW December 18, 2025

ContinueD on paGe 9

heir commitment to our students and community has been truly invaluable.

Locals react to terror attack in Sydney By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Herald file photo

Rabbi Shimon Kramer of Chabad Center for Jewish Life lived in Sydney for two years as part of his Rabbinic training and received his Rabbinic ordination there. 1994 Brooklyn Bridge shooting, when he was inside a van that was fired upon in a terrorist attack that killed his wife’s cousin. “And again, it’s personal because a colleague of ours

— another Chabad emissary — was doing a menorah lighting,” he said. “The idea of lighting a menorah is to bring light into the world. To gun people down while they’re celebrating freedom of religion and spreading light — it’s horrifying.” Despite the tragedy, Kramer emphasized the importance of continuing public Hanukkah celebrations, including menorah lightings in Merrick and Bellmore, as acts of resilience rather than retreat. “We had to ask ourselves: are we going to allow the darkness to win, or are we going to bring more light?” he said. “We decided no — we’re not going to allow fear to take over.” In Bellmore, Rabbi Rishe Groner of Congregation Beth Ohr echoed that message while urging his congregation to continue celebrating Hanukkah. “It’s impossible to encapsulate the immensity of the grief, shock and devastation in our global Jewish community right now,” Groner wrote in a statement. “While my own family in Melbourne and Sydney are physically safe, our close-knit Chabad community in Australia is completely ruptured… Two bright souls, righteous dedicated community leaders, taken abruptly by the darkest forces at a moment of spreading light.” In Merrick, Kramer said the community is channeling its grief into action. The Chabad Center for Jewish Life has established the Bondi Lighting Memorial Scholarship Fund to support Jewish education programs, including preschool, Hebrew school and summer camp, in memory of the victims. “When there’s darkness around us, you don’t push it away with a broomstick,” Kramer said. “The only way to push away darkness is by lighting a candle. If every single person brings a little bit of light, the whole world becomes brighter.”

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Jewish communities around the world are reeling after a deadly terror attack at a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, where gunmen opened fire Sunday evening, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens in what Australian authorities have called an antisemitic act of terrorism. The shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea,” a festive summer event marking the first night of Hanukkah and attended by roughly 1,000 people. Two gunmen, identified as a 50-year-old man and his 24-yearold son, opened fire from a footbridge overlooking a park near the beach. The elder suspect was shot and killed by police, and his son was hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities are investigating possible extremist motives and reviewing how the attackers obtained firearms. Among those killed were Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary who helped organize the event, and Reuven Morrison, both deeply embedded in the Jewish community. The attack resonated deeply on Long Island, including in Merrick, where Rabbi Shimon Kramer, executive director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, reflected on the tragedy as both a communal and personal wound. Kramer previously lived in Australia and said the violence revived painful memories of past terror attacks he has experienced firsthand. “Anytime there’s a terrorist attack, it’s personal,” Kramer said. “As a rabbi — and especially as a Chabad rabbi — we look to promote peace and help people. When someone tries to bring destruction and fear into the world, it’s always disturbing.” Kramer said the shooting evoked memories of the

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025 Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Councilman Chris Schneider, third from left, joined in on the festivities.

Chabad celebrates first night of Hanukkah Members of the Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh gathered on Dec. 14 to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with their annual menorah lighting. The community came together to mark the start of the eight-day festival, sharing in prayers, songs, and the lighting of the menorah. Families and friends enjoyed the festive atmosphere, embracing the traditions and spirit of the holiday. — Hernesto Galdamez

Gary Glick, commander of the Jewish War Veterans Post 652.

Legislator Michael GIangregorio, left, joined religious leaders in welcoming the crowd.

Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh brings the community together through holiday events, educational programs and outreach that promote Jewish traditions and values.

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

Just ahead of the upcoming legislative session, State Sens. Steve Rhoads, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Anthony Palumbo, Jack Martins, Mario Mattera, Dean Murray and Alexis Weik hosted a roundtable discussion focused on addressing New York’s growing cost-of-living crisis. The event was the latest in a statewide series of affordability roundtables led by Senate Republicans, as residents across New York continue to face rising expenses they say are driven by state policies from Albany. The discussion centered on financial pressures affecting families, including child care, housing, energy costs, utility bills and state mandates. During the roundtable, the state senators met with residents and local stakeholders to hear firsthand accounts of how higher costs are affecting households and businesses. Participants also discussed potential solutions aimed at easing the financial burden on New Yorkers. “Hardworking New Yorkers are being crushed by skyrocketing costs in every area of their lives: housing, energy, insurance, taxes - all the result of failed policies given to us from failed one-party rule in Albany,” Rhoads said. “This affordability crisis is driving residents and businesses out of our state in record numbers, and we cannot stand by while New York families feel they have no choice but to leave their homes and communities behind. Today’s roundtable made one thing unmistakably clear: New Yorkers need immediate, meaningful relief. Affordability is a punchline to

Albany Democrats. We’re not laughing. Republicans are listening and fighting to restore common sense, rein in costs, and transform New York into a place where families not only survive, but thrive.” Housing affordability was a key focus of the discussion, particularly on Long Island, where limited supply and high costs continue to challenge residents. “Addressing Long Island’s housing crisis is a complex problem that requires bipartisan solutions,” said Gwen O’Shea, CEO and president of Community Development Long Island. “CDLI wants to leverage the collective will of government, community partners, and residents to create safe, affordable homes that Long Island families deserve.” Local gover nment officials also weighed in on the need for practical approaches to affordability. Brendan Finn, president of the Long Beach City Council, said the city has worked to curb rising taxes while keeping costs down for residents. “We are proud to have Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Senate Republicans fighting for us in Albany, and for bringing affordability issues to the forefront,” Finn said. “In Long Beach, our administration has fought hard to bring an end to the outof-control tax hikes of the past. Keeping taxes stable and lowering costs for families is our priority. We need common sense, practical solutions that put our residents first. The issue of affordability in New Yo r k State is crucial..” ---Jordan Vallone

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MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025 Courtesy Metrocreative

the Bellmore-merrick Childcare program will no longer operate in the north Bellmore School district, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year. However, it is expected to continue for the north merrick School district.

Longtime program ending some schools Continued from page 1

BMCCP team for their decades of dedication and partnership. Their commitment to our students and community has been truly invaluable,” she wrote. For many families, BMCCP has been essential to balancing work and childcare needs. Johnna Donato, a parent with two sons enrolled in the program, said it has been a critical support system for her family. Her older son, Joey, now in fourth-grade, had been enrolled

in both before- and after-care since kindergarten, while her younger son, Johnny, currently in second-grade, also attends the program. Donato said she lost access to beforecare services last year after being informed that staffing shortages limited availability. “They told me they couldn’t find people to work the mor ning hours,” Donato said. “I was put on a waiting list, and even though I had been in the

program for years, I didn’t get the spot.” Despite the challenges, Donato praised the quality of the program and its staff, particularly the after-care services. “We love the program,” she said. “The staff is phenomenal. My kids don’t want to leave. Sometimes I pick them up and they ask if they can stay longer.” Lauren Ellis-Reichert echoed the

sentiment. “Our family is very sad about the childcare program being discontinued,” she said. “We love the staff. They are great with my daughter and are like an extended family.” The district is now exploring options for other high-quality childcare providers to ensure families continue to have access to before- and after-school care beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

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

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

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

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

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

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

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025 Carly Hariton/Herald

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

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

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

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

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

Courtesy Joe Gallart

Since formalizing the nonprofit in 2023, gallart has distributed more than 26,000 toys.

Every year, Gallart strives to collect ‘one more toy’ toys year-round for birthdays and holiford Manor Elementary School students days. Gallart personally delivered donadonated dozens of new toys in a student- tions to Ronald McDonald House in New driven campaign that ran from Nov. 24 Hyde Park and other community cento Dec. 10. The student council held a ters. Gallart described the annual effort as holiday sing-along near the collection a way to keep his daughter’s memory boxes on the last afternoon. “Joe and his family are near and dear alive. Desirae Gallart died in 2010 at age to my heart, so when the opportunity 24. “It keeps it alive,” he said. “Most of came to connect a cause, I truly believe in with students who have some of the the people who donate never met her, but through the stories and biggest hearts in the world, it the work we do, they get to was a no-brainer,” Richard know who she was.” Schwartz, assistant principal Volunteers, ranging from at Seaford Manor wrote to longtime supporters to parthe Herald. “Our Viking coments teaching their children munity has always shown about giving, helped load and that when they put their transport toys to Nassau Colmind and heart into someiseum for distribution. thing, the sky is the limit. JoE Gallart “The parents are so appre“In Desirae’s honor, our Founder ciative. It’s a lesson for kids students were able to collect Desirae’s Darlings — Christmas isn’t just about an incredible number of toys receiving; it’s about giving,” for families in need,” he continued. “This effort was entirely stu- Gallart said. Gallart hopes to expand the toy drive dent-driven through our Student Council, guided by their dedicated advisors, further in the coming years, envisioning outreach, and distribution events in Lisa Perrone and Lisa Nelson.” All of the donations collected at partnership with larger organizations. “Every year I try to get one more toy,” Manor were picked up by Gallart and will go to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys he said. “The goal is to keep growing and involve even more people in giving for Tots program. Gallart’s toy drive also supports back.” Since formalizing the nonprofit in other national and local organizations, including Cohen Children’s Medical 2023, Gallart has distributed more than Center and the Glen Cove Economic 26,000 toys, with this year’s total pushOpportunity Council, which distributes ing the annual record past 11,200. Continued from page 1

very year I try to get one more toy.

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Town of Hempstead residents cruised through a Toys for Toys drop-off at Veterans Memorial Park on Dec. 13.

Cruisin’ thru with toys ahead of the holidays Car horns honked and headlights glowed as residents rolled through a festive drive-thru toy collection on Dec. 13, spreading holiday cheer while supporting a Toys for Tots drive in partnership with the Town of Hempstead. The seasonal event took place at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow, where community members donated toys and embraced the spirit of giving. The invited community members from near and far to drop off new, unwrapped toys while remaining in their vehicles. Donations were collected on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, which provides holiday gifts to children in need. In addition to toy donations, families were able to drop off letters to Santa, adding a festive touch for younger participants. Organizers thanked residents for their generosity, noting that each donation helped spread holiday cheer to children across Long Island. –Jordan Vallone

Scott Bartlett, of Seaford, dropped of donations.

Santa accepted a donation from Aria Purcell, 10, of East Meadow.

Kevin Adams of North Merrick placed donations on a table.

Theresa Anderson, Logan Anderson, 10, Connor Anderson, 12, and Greg Anderson, all of Levittown, with Santa and Town Supervisor John Ferretti.

Jamie Henriquez, 9, of Uniondale, mailed her letter to Santa.

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Today Today Today

Today Amy McCoy shares book Today journey in local schools hgaldamez@liherald.com

When Amy McCoy noticed her daughter feeling hesitant to invite friends over because they didn’t understand her older brother’s autism, she knew she wanted to create a story that could bridge that gap. The result was “Little Big Sister,” a children’s book aimed at helping kids understand and embrace differences. McCoy, a former elementary school teacher and Garden City resident, visited all three North Merrick schools on Dec. 4 through the North Merrick SEPTA to share her book and discuss the importance of inclusivity and empathy with students. The story, told from the perspective of Katie, the younger sister of a child with autism, explores the challenges and triumphs of growing up alongside a sibling with a disability. “I wanted to tell it from my daughter’s point of view because in many families, the siblings of children with disabilities often get overlooked,” McCoy told the Herald in a phone interview. “I felt it would be important to highlight their experiences and help them feel less alone.” “Little Big Sister” is written at a thirdgrade reading level and aims to reach multiple audiences: siblings of children with disabilities, students with no prior exposure to disabilities, teachers looking for classroom discussion tools, and fami-

Photos courtesy North Merrick Public Schools

Amy McCoy, author of the children’s book ‘Little Big Sister,’ shared her story with Camp Avenue Elementary School students on Dec. 4. lies navigating similar experiences. McCoy has since published a sequel, “Little Big Sister on the Move,” and a prequel picture book, “Katie Finds Her Voice”, for younger readers in grades K-2. A third book in the series is currently in development. During her school visits, McCoy uses

photographs and stories from her own son’s life to explain autism in ways children can understand. She gives examples of his specific interests and routines, helping students grasp the unique perspectives of peers with disabilities. Her presentations also focus on promoting social-emotional learning and encourag-

ing children to embrace differences among their classmates. Visiting North Merrick schools was especially meaningful for McCoy, who had previously visited the district in 2018. “It was really an honor to be asked to return after several years,” she said. “It shows how dedicated the district is to creating inclusive environments for students and making sure they understand their peers who are different from them.” Nattie Martin, a Merrick resident and advocate for autism acceptance, said McCoy’s visit and work are especially impactful. “Just hearing that really makes me feel great, knowing that these kids at the young age that they’re at will learn to be more kind and accepting people,” Martin said. “Just because someone’s different, it’s something beautiful and to be celebrated. I’m really glad local school districts have taken notice that autistic people exist, and their stories deserve to be told. I hope other districts, both on Long Island and beyond, catch on to that.” McCoy hopes her books and presentations will encourage children to recognize and celebrate differences, fostering more inclusive school communities. “Third grade is the time when students really start noticing the differences in their peers,” she said. “The more they understand, the better they can make their school communities and communities as a whole.”

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MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ

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

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

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

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

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

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STEPPING OUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals If you’re humming holiday tunes and craving a little rock ‘n’ roll spirit, here’s your chance to celebrate in timeless style. Rockin’ the Holidays brings The Rascals back to the stage — joined by special guests John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band — for a concert packed with energy, nostalgia and chart-topping hits.Two of The Rascals’ founding members, Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish, reunite for this festive performance, fueled by a deep love for their fans and the enduring power of their music. With accolades that include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Rascals remain icons of American rock and the deﬁning sound of 1960s blue-eyed soul. Their legacy shines through 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 singles and three No. 1 classics — among them “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.” Expect all the favorites, plus holiday ﬂair and those warm, soulful harmonies.

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

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

Christmas Spectacular

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DEC

LuminoCity Festival

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CALENDAR DEC

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

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

• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow • Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m., 6-6:45 p.m., 7:30-8:15 p.m., through Jan. 1 • Contact: luminocityfestival.com

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

‘Home for the Holidays’ Pet Adoption There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during “Home for the Holidays’ at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Preview the cats and dogs online at Hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter.

• Where: 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh • Time: Ongoing, through Jan. 4. • Contact: (516) 785-5220

‘Holiday Joy’ Christmas Celebration

Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a vibrant, joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s annual holiday celebration. The performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this remarkable show, now in its 12th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The lively cast includes Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and Broadway performers. Their enthusiasm and energy shine throughout the show, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Timeless songs are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a lively band that adds a festive musical backdrop to the spectacle. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • T ime: 7 p.m.; also Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3 p.m. • C ontact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444

DEC

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. From dreamlike landscapes and uncanny portraits to images so exact they look like photographs, works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. This exhibit explores

Get The Led Out

DEC

Get The Led Out rocks out with their tribute to what many consider rock ‘n roll’s greatest band, in “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” on the Paramount stage. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants — a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years. They touch on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert. GTLO’s approach to performance of this • Where: The Paramount, 370 hallowed catalog is not unlike a classical performance. “Led Zeppelin are sort of the New York Ave., Huntington classical composers of the rock era,” says lead vocalist Paul Sinclair. “I believe 100 years • Time: 8 p.m.; also Dec. 27 from now they will be looked at as the Bach or Beethoven of our time. As cliche as it • Contact: ticketmaster.com sounds, their music is timeless.” $92, $49.25, $60.25. or paramountny.com how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • T ime: Ongoing • C ontact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Evening Book Club

Participate in a discussion of the novel “The Christmas Bookshop” by Jenny Colgan at North Bellmore Public Library. • Where: 1551 Newbridge Road • Time: 6:30 -7:30 p.m. • Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

DEC

On Exhibit

Las Posadas Poinsettias

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

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

Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 20, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2:15 p.m.; also Dec. 29-30 • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Candlelight Evenings

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

DEC

Holiday at Westbury House

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

Make a Memory Book!

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to a special program Interview your grandparent or another special adult in your life and collect their stories. Ask them fun questions like what games they played as a kid, their favorite food, or a special memory from school. Write down their answers, draw pictures, and decorate. Put it all together in your very own Memory Book. It’s a treasure to keep forever to remember their stories and share with your family. This is a drop-in activity. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-4 p.m.; also Dec. 27-Dec. 30 • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

DEC

Lil Athletes

Bring the little ones for fun, ageappropriate physical activities that promote motor skills and coordination for 18-35 months with an adult at North Bellmore Public Library. • Where: 1551 Newbridge Road • Time: 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. • Contact: northbellmorelibrary. org

Having an event?

Focus On Film

Join Philip Harwood for a screening and discussion of “Dangerous (1935)” at Merrick Library. It features Bette Davis in a powerful, career-defining role as Joyce Heath., a brilliant but self-destructive actress whose downfall and attempted redemption lead to passion, scandal, and heartbreak. • Where: 2279 Merrick Ave. • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: merricklibrary.org

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.

What is your favorite family holiday tradition? Ozzie Beck

Erika Palette

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

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

Long Beach

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

Compiled by the Herald Staff Lynbrook

Tim Baker/Herald

Lucy Frain

Rockville Centre, age 17

Ian Siegel Glen Cove

Grace Robson

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

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

Massapequa, age 10

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

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ChrisTmas mEssaGE

Merry Christmas to the people of God

hroughout this year, we have marked many significant milestones in the life of the Church leading us to the Lord’s Nativity and this holy season of Christmas, most especially the passing of Pope Francis at Easter and the election of Pope Leo XIV in May. What a gift it has been to walk these months with our new Holy Father, to learn from his teaching, and witness his example. On Oct. 4, the Memorial of Saint

Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo released his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Di/exit Te - I Have Loved You.” It is a profound meditation on love for the poor and speaks powerfully to the mystery of the Lord’s Birth and the grace of this season. The Holy Father reminds us: “The Gospel shows us that poverty marked every aspect of Jesus’ life. From the moment he entered the world, Jesus knew the bitter experience of rejection. The Evangelist Luke tells how Joseph

Public Notices

LMER1 1218

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Advancial Federal Credit Union, Plaintiff AGAINST Michael A. Volino, a/k/a Michael Volino; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 13, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 204 Margaret Boulevard, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 87 Lots 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 [Lot Group]. Approximate amount of judgment $293,934.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 615213/2022. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: November 24, 2025 157169 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, PS FUNDING, INC., Plaintiff, vs. PROPERTY A10 LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 20, 2023 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee to Compute May 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 14, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3376 Robin Lane a/k/a 3376 Robbin Lane, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 327 and Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment is $878,911.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 600211/2022. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Chartwell Law, One Battery Park Plaza, Suite 710, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157165

LEGAL NOTICE Please take notice that the North Merrick Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday December 23 and Tuesday December 30, 2025 at 7 PM. The meeting will take place on the second floor of the North Merrick Fire Headquarters building,

2095 Camp Avenue, North Merrick, New York, 11566. This notice is being posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York. By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners North Merrick Fire District. David M. Ward District Clerk December 2, 2025 157351

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 75-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of December 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 75-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 75-2025, to amend Section 190-10, subdivision “A”, of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the addition of a location, in relation to a fifteen mile per hour school speed limit, as follows: INSERT: 15 mph school speed limit 7 AM to 6 PM school days MERRICK, WEBSTER AVENUE from Meadowbrook Road to Entrance/Exit of Calhoun High School Parking Lot. Dated: December 9,

2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157348

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 72-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of December, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 72-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 72-2025, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations. Dated: December 9, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157345 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

How beautifully the followers of and Mary, who was about to give birth, Christ have responded to the cry of the arrived in Bethlehem, and then adds, poignantly, that ‘there was no place for poor and looked with love upon the most them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). Jesus was vulnerable among us. As we rejoice in born in humble surroundings and laid Christ’s Birth, we renew our commitin a manger; then, to save him from ment to love others as he has loved us. being killed, they fled to Egypt (MatOn Dec. 28, at the Cathedral of Saint thew 2:13-15). At the dawn of his public Agnes, on the Feast of the Holy Family ministry, after announcing of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in the synagogue of Nazawe will conclude our Jubilee reth that the year of grace, Year of Hope. which would bring joy to the We thank both Pope poor was fulfilled in him, he Francis and Pope Leo XIV was driven out of town for igniting hope within our (Luke 4:l4-30). He died as an families, the global mission outcast, led out of Jerusalem of the Church, and the to be crucified (Mark 15:22). human family, and we conIndeed, that is how Jesus’ template the light and grace poverty is best described: he that radiates from the refuexperienced the same exclugee Holy Family and that eveRend ohn radiates to every family. sion that is the lot of the poor, the outcast of society. Our Catholic biblical and aRRes Jesus is a manifestation of sacramental worship, espethis privilegium pauperum. cially at the Catholic Mass, He presented himself to the focuses and ignites both our world not only as a poor Messiah, but global mission to the poor and our humalso the Messiah of and for the poor.” ble openness to being evangelized by the Before these words of Pope Leo, we poor, the treasures of our Church. recall the wonderful truth: Christ Merry Christmas and Happy New became poor so that we who are poor Year to you and your families! might become rich (Cor. 8:9). This is the May the Light and love of the Christ good news of Christmas. We are not Child animate and guide our global alone. We are not left to ourselves. A Catholic missionary spirit this ChristSavior has come - Christ the Lord. mas and throughout the New Year. As we celebrate the Christmas season, we remember with Pope Leo that Sincerely in Christ, “Christian holiness often flourishes in Most Reverend John O. Barres the most forgotten and wounded places Bishop of Rockville Centre of humanity.”

o. B

NEws briEf

Courtesy of the Merrick Union Free School District.

The chorale sings “Red Bird.”

Birch School students shine at winter concert Birch School students showcased their musical talents at the school’s winter concert, bringing peers, families and staff together to celebrate the arts. Fifth- and sixth-grade students performed with the band, orchestra and chorus, presenting the results of months of practice and dedication. Concerts were held during the school day for fellow students and staff, and an evening perfor-

mance on Dec. 8 welcomed families and the broader community. Music directors Robert Normandeau, Paul Graham and Tom Velsor guided the students, helping them develop confidence, master challenging pieces and refine their skills as young musicians. — Hernesto Galdamez

E1 12/18

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

BUS NOW HIRING IVERS AND VAN DR

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Big Bus $31.68/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Help Wanted CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

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

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

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Positions available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties Apply At: www.educationalbusjobs.com/ EOE

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 from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

TAX PREPARER WANTED

FREEPORT TAX SERVICE INC. Located Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore Hours Are Flexible And Position Requires 20-40 Hours Per Week During Tax Season Possible Future Opportunities Contact Matt At 516-868-9696

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MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

HERALD

December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

E2 12/18

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

Lynbrook

Timeless Charmed Craftsman

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

Ask The Architect

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

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

through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

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Your Hometown Newspaper

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

E3 12/18

Market Place • •

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JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds... REAL ESTATE & MORE... Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

HERALD

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E4 12/18

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HERALD

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Services AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679 INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider. PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

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NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opInIons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

I’m fighting to lower costs for Long Island families

Herald editorial

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December 18, 2025 — MERRICK HERALD

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The power of giving, in every season

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

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

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

opinions

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

At the Coral House’s Breakfast with Santa — Baldwin

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

MERRICK HERALD — December 18, 2025

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

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