Created to help a former girlfriend with premenstrual syndrome —cramps, mood swings and other familiar symptoms — Girl Chocolate may transform the way those with menstrual challenges deal with their hormonal imbalance.
“Girl chocolate is a functional treat designed to comfort you during your cycle, with carefully selected ingredients to help support hormonal balance, mood support and cravings,” according to GirlChocolate.com.
Founder Eytan Goldstein, of Lawrence, said that a four-year partner was the inspiration for the product.
Originally from Kfarsaba, Israel, Goldstein, 20, moved to upstate New York, near Albany, at age 16 to live with his father, Benny Goldstein, a businessman and inventor with a quirky entrepre -
ContinuEd on paGE 7
HHS senior honored at science research symposium
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Hewlett High School senior Benjamin Zelikoff was named one of the top nine student presenters at the Virtual 2025 High School Students Research Symposium last month.
Sponsored by the American Chemical Society, the symposium is a virtual event that recognizes excellence in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, research. Held on Nov. 22, it featured top high school researchers from the New York and Southern California sections of the American Chemical Society.
Zelikoff, 17, was recognized for his research on modifying nanocrystals for multiple functions, highlighting his innovation and scientific rigor.
He has been a member of Hewlett High’s Science Research program since ninth grade. “I’ve always had a bit of an interest in science,” he said.
“I was always passionate since I was a kid. I was always on the path to science, and hearing that there’s a prestigious science research program was one of the biggest parts for me.”
Over the summer, Zelikoff worked at New York University’s structural DNA nanotechnology lab, where he focused on
using DNA as a building block to create larger structures.
“One of the structures is called the ‘tensegrity triangle,’ which is seven strands of DNA that will come together to make a crystal that appears under a microscope like a rhombus,” Zelikoff explained. “Given that technology is a revolutionary field, having programmable DNA that we can use for countless things could theoretically be used with many biological applications.”
Terrence Bissoondial, the research program coordinator at Hewlett High, entered Zelikoff in the symposium. He made a 15-minute online pre -
sentation, and answered questions about his work.
A few days later, he recounted, he was informed that he was being considered for recognition as one of the top presenters. “I was ecstatic, and very thankful for the opportunity to present my research in general,” Zelikoff said. “Hearing that I was being honored is a bonus
on top of it.”
He loves research, he said, and was glad to present it so others can see the value of what he does.
“Since I entered the Science Research program, Dr. Bissoondial has been the lead chief instructor on everything science research,” Zelikoff added.
ContinuEd on paGE 9
Courtesy Eytan Goldstein
Lawrence resident Eytan Goldstein’s creation, Girl Chocolate, is available for purchase at Seasons, in Lawrence.
Retired Teacher Pioneered Diversity
By The TaBleT, Diocese of Brooklyn Special to the Herald
In 1963, Pearl Bernardin, then a thirdgrade teacher at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in Crown Heights was invited by the Diocese of Brooklyn’s superintendent of schools to participate in a panel “to discuss the integrated classroom in the parochial school.”
“In view of your experience and interest in this matter, I felt that you would be an articulate and valuable member of this panel,” read the letter, sent to her by the superintendent, Msgr. Eugene Malloy.
“That only goes to show that this was an issue in 1963 that, in the Diocese of Brooklyn, they knew that the schools were not integrated,” Bernardin said of the letter.
At the time, Bernardin, now 87, was one of the first black teachers in the diocese. Unbeknownst to her, she would go on to become a pioneer in diversifying Catholic school faculties throughout the metro area.
Bernardin came from an African American family in Bedford-Stuyvesant. There, she attended the predominantly black elementary school at Holy Rosary Parish.
During an interview at her home in Springfield, New Jersey, Bernardin told The Tablet that, as a child, she was “clueless” about racial inequality in the U.S and Brooklyn. She was aware of slavery in the South and the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century, but not the deeper history.
During the Colonial era and after, Brooklyn existed on a slave-based agrarian economy until New York state outlawed the ownership of human beings in 1827.
African Americans, who were still not entirely accepted in Brooklyn’s larger society, created their own neighborhoods, such as Weeksville and what is now called DUMBO.
But the Catholics among them had to ferry across the East River to attend Sunday Mass at a welcoming parish in Manhattan.
That continued through the late 1920s when Msgr. Bernard Quinn, now a candidate for sainthood, finally convinced Brooklyn Bishop Charles McDonnell to approve a parish for black Catholics — St. Peter Claver in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Today, that church, along with Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Victory, forms St. Martin de Porres Parish in Bed-Stuy.
This neighborhood, after World War II, saw an influx of African Americans from Harlem — like Bernardin’s family — plus the “Great Migration” of black people from Caribbean nations and Southern states.
Bernardin’s elementary school was known as a “black school” because it reflected the neighborhood’s population, not because of segregation. She later attended the school at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Bushwick, which was considered a “white school”.
Meanwhile, in 1954, the civil rights struggle began to win social justice in
and at Molloy University, a Catholic institution in Rockville Centre.
“If I would’ve thought about that question back in 1963,” Bernardin reflected, “I probably would have said, ‘Well, the black children need to see a black teacher so that they can aspire to becoming teachers.’ ”
But later, she said, “I evolved to another level.”
Southern states, including equal education for black children.
But, while Jim Crow laws that enforced segregation down South did not exist in New York City, inequality lingered in Brooklyn.
Bernardin said her father, a linotype operator, had to commute from Brooklyn to his job in New Jersey because the labor unions for the printing industry in New York state did not accept black members.
She said her parents didn’t share that with their children until they reached adulthood.
“I guess they shielded us in a way until we got older,” Bernardin said. “Then we started to branch out a little bit, and we found there was a wider world out there, and it wasn’t always friendly.”
Bernardin went on to become a special education teacher for blind students in the diocese. The work carried her to schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens. She said her administrators and fellow teachers were wonderful.
Still, as the diocese worked to integrate the schools, she noticed a different disparity.
“I was constantly on the move,” she said. “But I must say, I never encountered a black classroom teacher.”
Bernardin took a break from teaching to marry and start her own family.
In the 1980s, Bernadin was a teacher at St. Joachim Catholic School in Cedarhurst, New York, in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
“In that particular school, I knew the principal very well, and we were friends,” Bernardin said. “She gave me a lot of different things to do. She trusted me completely. I was very comfortable.
“One thing, I might say, is that I did not feel as comfortable at those big annual meetings.”
Bernardin said she would look and scan the crowd and see that she was the only African American teacher in attendance.
She then made it her mission to share, respectfully, at every opportunity, why she believed it was essential for everyone to have contact with qualified black teachers.
To that end, Bernardin developed a new presentation titled, “Who Needs a Black Teacher?” She shared the workshops in the Diocese of Rockville Centre
“I thought, ‘Maybe the white parents need to see a black teacher,’ ” she said. “And then finally, before I retired, I came to my last evolution of thought: ‘Maybe it’s the white teachers who need to work with the black teacher and see her as a peer?’ ”
The presentations were well received, as evidenced by the thank you letters she received from school administrators and leaders at Molloy.
Bernardin, now 20 years retired, said she hasn’t kept up with the hiring practices in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Still, she is grateful for being heard by those officials and her audience.
These days, the Diocese of Rockville Centre has gone on record as committing to being an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin; it does require teachers to be Catholic.
When asked if she considers herself a trailblazer, Bernardin said, “No.”
“I never thought about it that way,” she added. “I’m a person of faith, and so I didn’t set out to be disruptive or to be out there. That’s just not my personality.
“Maybe the Lord was saying to me, ‘Raise the issue. Never be afraid to raise the issue.’
“Sometimes that’s all you can do, and that’s all the Lord expects you to do,” she added.
“Do your best. Do your best when it’s your turn.”
Courtesy Bill Miller
Pearl Bernardin, now retired, advocated for diverse faculties while working as a teacher in the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Diocese of Rockville Center. She shared her thoughts on why it is important for everyone — students, parents, and fellow teachers — to have contact with qualified black teachers in parochial schools.
Courtesy Pearl Bernardin
As a third-grade teacher in 1963, Pearl Bernardin was surprised to learn that Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn were not considered integrated.
Crime watCh
Nassau County police are investigating a burglary at a Lawrence Avenue
complex on Dec. 3.
Looking for burglary suspect
Nassau County police are investigating a burglary at a Lawrence Avenue apartment complex on Dec. 3, and detectives say an arrest was made shortly after the incident.
According to the Fourth Squad, officers responded to the multi-unit building around 5:16 a.m. on Dec. 3 after receiving a report that a man had entered through an unlocked front door and stolen several bags of assorted clothing, bedding and stuffed animals from a hallway. The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction.
Police described the man as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches, about 150 pounds, with a mustache. He had been wearing a red sweatshirt, a multicolored
gray jacket, black sweatpants, white sneakers and a hat at the time of the break-in.
A short time later, officers located and arrested an individual matching that description in the vicinity of the complex. Charges are pending as detectives continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives ask anyone with additional information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
— Melissa Berman
Arrested for endangerment
According to police, a Jamaica woman was arrested for an incident that happened on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in Lawrence.
Detectives report that the night time health aid of a 96-year old Lawrence resident arrived to the home to relieve the daytime aid when she noticed a laceration on the resident which was not there the previous night. The woman was also complaining of leg pain and the night aid called the woman’s legal guardian and 911.
Police took the woman to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of a broken femur. After the legal guardian watched
camera footage from inside the home and saw the woman fall, they also viewed the daytime aid grab the woman’s leg and shake it aggressively. The aid did not call 911 or get the woman appropriate medical attention.
After an investigation, Marie Byron, 65, of 13419 166th Place in Jamaica was arrested. Byron was charged with endangering the welfare of an elderly/incompetent/physically Disabled Person. She was arraigned on Dec. 8 at First District Court in Hempstead.
— Melissa Berman
Marie Byron
Courtesy NCPD
apartment
Hofstra showing championship potential
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra men’s basketball team is showing early signs of a rebound season.
Coming off a disappointing 15-18 2024-25 campaign, Hofstra displayed its championship potential by winning three games in three days at the Cathedral Classic at the Palestra in Philadelphia Thanksgiving weekend against La Salle, Merrimack and Penn.
The Pride will need to accomplish a similar feat in early March at the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament and the Philly sweep showed fifth-year head coach Speedy Claxton his team may have the grit to cut down the nets.
“We know if we want to go to the NCAA Tournament we are going to have to win three games in three days,” said Claxton, who guided Hofstra to the NCAAs as a standout point guard in 2000. “This was good preparation work and now they know they are more than capable of doing that.”
The Pride made another statement a week later with an 80-73 win at ACC opponent Pittsburgh Hofstra returned six players from last season in which the Pride dropped several close conference games to finish 6-12 in the CAA. It was picked to finish eighth in the 13-team CAA and are looking to prove the doubters wrong with a determined core led by junior guard Cruz Davis, a St. Johns transfer who averaged 14,4 points per game for the Pride last season.
“He is way more comfortable in the offense and what we expect on both ends of the floor,” said Claxton of Davis, who tallied a career high 36 points in the Pitt win.
Graduate student guard German Plotnikov adds a veteran presence in the lineup after averaging 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds last season. The 6-foot-5 Belarus native is a threat from three-point range who connected on 40.2 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last year.
Silas Sunday, a returning 7-foot power forward, is making strides in the paint during his third season on the Hofstra roster and posted a career high 15 points to go along with seven rebounds in a 78-58 win against Merrimack in the second game of the Cathedral Classic in Philadelphia.
Freshman Preston Edmead has quickly emerged as an offensive threat and is second on the team in scoring through 10 games which included a 23-point performance in Hofstra’s 83-77 win at Bucknell on Nov. 14. The 6-1 local product
from Deer Park averaged 24 points during his senior season at The Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts.
“He is killing it and it is because he works so hard,” said Claxton of Edmead. “Typically, if you love basketball you are going to do well here at Hofstra and he is someone who loves it and is in the gym throughout the day working on his craft.”
Hofstra also added some inside strength with 6-10 forward/center Victory Onuetu, a standout in Spain who competed in the FIBA U20 European
Championship. Onuetu nearly tallied a double-double in an 81-73 loss at Iona on Nov. 7 with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Biggie Patterson, a 6-7 Iona transfer, adds another weapon in the paint who registered eight rebounds and tied a career high with three blocks in the Merrimack win.
Claxton pieced together a challenging non-conference schedule to prepare Hofstra for the rigors of conference play which includes a road tilt at Syracuse this Saturday at 4 p.m. airing on ACC Network. The Pride also tipped off the season with a closely contested 82-78 loss at Big 12 foe Central Florida.
“We always want to schedule tough,” Claxton said. “Playing hard games in non-conference prepares you well for conference play.”
Hofstra opens up the CAA schedule with a Dec. 29 home game against Campbell at 7 p.m. The Pride closes the regular season hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook on Feb. 28. and longtime conference rival Drexel on March 3.
Cruz Davis, right, averaged 14.4 points per game last season.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Preston Edmead is off to an impressive freshman campaign.
neurial spirit. There Eytan met his now former girlfriend.
“She had very bad period cramps,” Eytan, who graduated from high school upstate and is now studying at Yeshiva Shaar Yashov, in Far Rockaway, recalled. “She would max out Ibuprofen (and) Tylenol, and basically overdose on it. It pained me to see that, because I’m a very caring person and wanted to help.”
He began learning about the menstrual cycle, and researched ways to reduce pain. He originally wanted to create a raspberry-leaf tea for women that contained multiple supplements, but changed his mind and switched his focus to gummies.
ago in an effort to find the best combination of supplements and chocolate to reduce menstrual cramps and hormone imbalance.
“I researched it, and there’s so many other companies that have gummies on the market,” Goldstein said. “Then I was sitting one Shabbos when Hashem” — Hebrew for God — “gave me the idea to make chocolate.”
It was a no-brainer, he said, because women crave chocolate when they’re menstruating, because it contains magnesium. “Magnesium helps reduce cramps as well, and it’s very antiinflammatory,” Goldstein said.
Taking after his father, he has something of an entrepreneurial streak himself. In his early teens he promoted products on TikTok that went viral, and earned a profit from their purchases. He saved $50,000 to develop a future business, and now, focused on PMS, he did research online, reading science journals and learning about supplements that ameliorate PMS symptoms.
After months of testing different supplement variations and types of chocolate in the kitchen of his father’s house, he came up with recipe that contained six natural supplements used by other companies in their products: raspberry leaf, vitamin B6, ashwagandha, magnesium, cruciferous vegetables and black pepper. The combination, Goldstein said, reduces cramps and improves hormone regularity.
After calling dozens of chocolate factories and being turned down, he found a company in California that was willing to make it. The chocolate is certified organic, vegan, gluten free and kosher. Goldstein called it Girl Chocolate.
The brand’s hormone-support blend is aimed at easing the emotional swings that can make even a normal week during menstruation feel like a roller coaster. Each bag of Girl Chocolate contains eight bars, and sports an ingredient panel and a reminder that the product is meant to support — not replace — professional care.
Goldstein started his research a year ago, and it took eight months for his dream to become reality. He says he has already recouped his investment in his
new company.
“Our whole mission is to make emotional support something people look forward to,” he said. “My father helped me a lot through the process, and taught me all I need to know about social media marketing, product design and investing in what you believe in.”
Benny Goldstein also taught his son how to feel comfortable in front of a camera, promoting a product.
“I’m very proud of my son,” the elder Goldstein said. “He’s doing really well, and since a young age I’ve taught him how to go viral, graphic design, Excel spreadsheets and how to make TikTok videos.
“He’s going places,” he added, “and I can’t wait to see the chocolates in more stores.”
Reviews were flooding in on social media after the first batch of chocolate was sent out to influencers and local residents.
Tristen Taylor, a customer wrote in a review on GirlChocolate.com that she had tried many different products to relieve her PMS, and nothing seemed to work. “This felt different,” she wrote. “I felt calmer, more present and not so overwhelmed.”
Nara White, another customer, said she looked up every ingredient, and concluded that the chocolate has smart formula. “Magnesium and B6 are already PMS-friendly,” White wrote in an email, “and I like that it’s in chocolate form for compliance.”
Girl Chocolate is available at Seasons, an all-kosher supermarket in Lawrence, and online at GirlChocolate.com and Amazon.
“Many girls that tried it, as well as some hired influencers on TikTok and Instagram, made videos on it and reached out to me saying it actually helped them,” Goldstein said. “This is so cool what I’m doing, and I attribute a lot of it to my former girlfriend, who helped me a lot.”
Courtesy Eytan Goldstein
Eytan Goldstein began testing a year
Student’s work could lead to biological applications
“He taught me how to use all these various biotechnical techniques I wouldn’t have been able to use otherwise. He’s been a constant supporting force on all the projects I’ve worked on, and encouraging us to be the best researchers we can be.”
Bissoondial has taught in the Hewlett-Woodmere district for 25 years and coordinated the Science Research program for 20.
“I was very surprised, because Southern California is a very competitive area, and only three students from the New York area were picked out of 10,” he said. “It was quite amazing to be one of the three selected from the New York area.”
Bissoondial said that in the four years he has worked with Zelikoff, he has had many different interests. As a sophomore, Zelikoff was a state finalist for his research on silver toxicity in plants.
“In the earlier years, he showed that he had a lot of potential,” Bissoondial said. “Although he did environmental/ biological, he also does a lot with robotics.”
Zelikoff is president of the high school’s Robotics Club, and spends a good deal of time tinkering with the machines.
“One of the good things about this lab is that it combined engineering as well as chemistry and biology,” Bissoon-
Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?
Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored. Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged
dial said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for him to combine all of his interests into one thing. The product, with such zeal and passion, is very well detailed, and (it’s) a wonderful accomplishment to be able to modify an existing crystal.”
Zelikoff’s academic adviser, Brian Bonanno, said he believes Zelikoff’s accomplishment highlights not only the
child they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!
In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.
There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.
Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.
quality of his work, but also the depth of his commitment to the research program.
“Being honored at the Science Research Symposium is a significant achievement,” Bonanno wrote in an email. “Especially for a student with Ben’s aspirations. Highly selective colleges look for evidence of intellectual curiosity, persistence, and the ability to
engage meaningfully in sustained research — all qualities this honor reflects.”
Bonanno said that Zelikoff stands out as a learner, and approaches complex questions with patience and focus.
“This recognition is a testament to the hours he has invested, the initiative he’s shown, and the thoughtful way he tackles challenges,” Bonanno added. “From my perspective, it captures the best of who he is as a student: disciplined, inquisitive, and quietly driven.”
Courtesy Terrence Bissoondial Zelikoff, a Hewlett High senior, in front of his science research project on modifying nanocrystals.
Courtesy Benjamin Zelikoff
Benjamin Zelikoff, center right, is the president of the Hewlett High School Robotics Club, and oversees all four teams.
Long Island’s Top Chiefs honored for leadership
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Across Long Island, the business community often runs on the daily work of executives who set direction, solve problems and keep their organizations moving forward.
That work took center stage at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, where the 2025 Top Chief Officers of Long Island were celebrated for shaping the island’s economic and civic landscape on Nov. 19, which included President & CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Michael Lessing, who also owns the Heritage Club.
Hosted by the Herald and produced by RichnerLive, the event honored chief officers whose leadership, innovation and dedication have marked them as standouts in their industry. This year’s keynote speaker, Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., was presented with the Innovator of the Year award.
“These CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CMOs, CROs, regional presidents and more are creating the opportunities that strengthen our communities,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications & Publisher of the Herald Community Media. “They are what help make Long Island one of the most important engines of our nation.”
A portion of the evening’s proceeds supported Dream68, a foundation created by former NFL player Gary Brown, which provides assistance to underserved youth and their families across Long Island.
Kristin Thorne, a five-time Emmy Award-winning investigative host and reporter, emceed the program.
Kirthi Mani, chief people officer at CLA was recognized for leadership in accounting. She serves on the firm’s board of directors, overseeing learning initiatives.
“I know there’s a lot of fear around AI, but I want to emphasize hope in the next year for the future,” Mani said.
Sheila Kurman, chief human resources officer at Prager Metis CPAs, was also honored in the accounting category. With more than 20 years in human resources, she leads the firm’s HR strategy.
“It has been wonderful, truly wonderful, to celebrate with all the other award winners who are proud to join me tonight,” Kurman said.
For leadership in engineering, Mohammed H. Malik, chief operating officer of M&J Engineering, D.P.C., was honored. Malik leads strategic direction and client engagement at the firm.
“To even reach this moment in my personal life, there’s a lot of people behind me, especially my family,” he said.
In the finance category, SBA director at BankUnited, Michael Marrero, was honored. He oversees SBA lending and plans to expand the bank’s SBA presence next year.
“We’re really piggybacking off that
successful commercial presence we have here,” Marrero said, “and bringing more of the retail banking and SBA lending to the community.”
LifeVac LLC, president Laura Bonelli received the award for innovation in health care. The company, founded in 2014, produces a noninvasive airway-cleaning device credited with saving 5,000 lives worldwide in 31 countries.
“I’m so honored and grateful to be here tonight and to be able to bring attention to what we do,” Bonelli said.
Frank Palma, General Manager & Chief Engagement Officer of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC, was recognized for excellence in manufacturing and distribution. With 27 years at Coca-Cola, Palma oversees operations across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“When I look around the room and see so many people who are successful at giving back to the community, it’s all worth it,” he said.
Katherine Fritz, newly appointed president and CEO of Long Island Cares, was honored for her work in nonprofit.
“Advocacy regarding food insecurity is going to be something really big for Long Island Cares in 2026,” Fritz said.
Tammy Severino, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, was also honored. A former troop leader, Severino brings decades of leadership in nonprofit strategy and development.
“With a lot of the environmental uncertainty that is around, we are put -
ting programs together to help girls feel confident,” she said.
In the realm of technology, CEO of Naka Technologies, Anil Jagtiani, was recognized. Naka launched in 2017, growing from a local operation into a North American IT solutions provider.
“It’s the greatest thing just seeing a whole community come together,” Jagtiani said.
Ronald Fatoullah, Esq., CELA,
chair of the Elder Law Practice Group and partner in the Trusts and Estates Practice Group at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, was honored for legal leadership.
“I want to make sure that seniors can protect all of their assets and lead a really good life in the future,” Fatoullah said.
To view all Honorees and pictures, please visit www.richnerlive.com.
Photo credit: Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Herald Top Chief Officer honorees.
Amy Newman, senior vice president, Administration from Canon U.S.A introducing a video presentation of Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, President of Canon who was the event’s keynote speaker.
President, Sean Acosta, Property Tax Reduction Consultants.
Chief Executive Officer, Billy Haugland II, Haugland Group.
President & CEO, Katherine Fritz, Long Island Cares.
Special volunteer from Guide Dogs Foundation and American VetDogs.
Robert M. Gitto from The Gitto Group with Stuart Richner.
Chief People Officer, Kirthi Mani, CLA with her team.
Dennis Daniels entertaining the crowd while accepting the award for President, Benjamin Coggiano from Walter F. Cameron Advertising.
Chief Operations Officer, Mohammad H. Malik, M&J Engineering, D.P.C. with Herald Publisher, Stuart Richner.
President & CEO, Anne Brigis from YMCA Long Island.
CELA, Chair Elder Law Practice Group and Partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group, Ronald Fatoullah from Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP.
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Catholic Health teamed up last week with the legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky, a world record holder and a 14-time Olympic medalist, for a presentation at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.
Ledecky, a New York Times bestselling author and the most decorated female swimmer in history, spoke to nearly 250 area Catholic middle and high school students, many of them swimmers, on Dec. 1.
Welcomed by Andy Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation, they crowded into the museum’s Catholic Health Sky Theater Planetarium to listen to Ledecky’s discussion with Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, the nonprofit health care system.
Ledecky was just 15, and the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, when she won her first gold medal at the 2012 Games in London.
“I can think of no better human being than Katie Ledecky to personally inspire us with her journey,” O’Shaughnessy said. She shared some of the highlights of that journey, and discussed her role, since July, as a health and wellness ambassador for Catholic
Health. She graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2015.
“And I think I just really love all the messaging and the support that Catholic Health gives to this community, and the resources that you provide, and the opportunities — and, of course, the health care as well,” Ledecky told O’Shaughnessy. “So just to help spread that message and be a voice for healthy living, it’s such a great match, and I’m happy that this relationship has brought
me here today, and we have a lot more on the horizon.”
She also spoke of her plans for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and offered the young swimmers in the audience some advice. She swims 20 to 25 hours a week, she said, and spends another five to six hours in the gym. “All those hours are very important, and that sounds like a lot of time,” Ledecky said, “but really, it’s the hours away from the pool and away from the gym that are just as important. I consider those hours
part of my training as well, because if I’m not doing the things I need to do outside of the pool or outside of the gym, then I’m not going to be able to be at my best when I’m physically doing the work.”
After meeting Ledecky at a conference, O’Shaughnessy said, he knew they would be a great fit to partner together. “We’d like to bring more educational symposiums where we can talk more about what it takes to really maintain health and wellness and commitment to achieving your goals in life,” he told the Herald. “And I think you’ll see more of these types of forums that we’re going to do with Katie, where we can have interactive sessions with members of the community and talk about how we make our community a thriving, healthy environment.”
“Health, wellness and goal setting have been important parts of my life since childhood, which is why it was so meaningful to speak with Long Island students about prioritizing their wellbeing—athletes and non-athletes alike,” Ledecky told the Herald. “We’re all at our best when we’re working toward our goals, and I’m grateful that my partnership with Catholic Health has helped to share that message across Long Island.”
For more information on Catholic Health, visit CatholicHealthLI.org
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Katie Ledecky and Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy discussed her partnership with Catholic Health as a health and wellness ambassador.
HERALD neighbors
‘Rocking
Residents in Hewlett-Woodmere gathered at Veterans Plaza for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, on Dec. 7.
Organized by the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association and the Knights of Columbus, the event brings together community members and local businesses to ring in the holiday season.
The lighting featured performances from the Hewlett High School Chorale and dancers from the Police Activity League (PAL).
Residents were treated to hot chocolate from Bagel Boss Hewlett and Ready Coffee along with a visit from Santa Claus.
Other participants include: The Hewlett Fire Department, St. Joseph’s Church, NCPD Fourth Precinct, Hewlett High School Robotics Club, Pack 20 Scouts and student volunteers.
— Melissa Berman
around the Christmas tree’ in H-W
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
Members of the Hewlett Fire Department pose with Santa, third from left, at the annual Hewlett-Woodmere Christmas tree lighting.
Margie Stamile, left, Santa, David Friedman, Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association president and Nicole Eliopoulos, Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association secretary were all smiles ringing in the holiday season.
David Friedman, Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association president speaks to the crowd, at Veterans Plaza.
Members of the Police Athletic League (PAL) perform a dance routine to various Christmas songs, on Dec. 7.
Students in Hewlett High School’s choir sing a variety of Christmas hits.
neighbors
United Choral Society’s ‘A Winter Songfest’
The United Choral Society performed its 82nd annual winter concert at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, to kick off the holiday season.
Sharon Pesenti, conductor and Hewlett resident, lead a group of singers to festive holiday songs and classical renditions in Gold Hall on Dec. 7.
Their repertoire included songs from Handel, Puccini, Vivaldi, Jazz, Disney, holiday classics and more.
For over 80 years, the United Choral Society has brought together members of the community who love music. David Randolph, Elie Siegmeister and Isadore Freed conducted the group in the past.
Pesenti, a former chorus teacher in New Hyde Park, currently judges NYSSMA the New York State School Music Association solo and small ensemble festival each spring, which involves a performance evaluation and sight-reading. She has lead the group for 15 years.
— Melissa Berman
Tim Baker/Herald photos
The United Choral Society performed its 82nd annual winter concert at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, on Dec. 7.
Judy Drachman, left, Lisa Maitland and Susanne Fryd performed with the choral society
Matthew Ingrao provided musical accompaniment on the piano.
Sharon Pesenti, conductor and Hewlett resident has been leading the choral society for 15 years.
Alexis Pesenti was one of the featured soloists during the winter songfest concert.
As we prepare to celebrate Chanukah, many of us think of menorahs in the window, spinning dreidels, and the comfort of traditional foods. These are meaningful parts of the holiday, but they only tell part of the story. Chanukah carries a message that feels especially relevant today.
Over two thousand years ago, the Jewish people faced the Greek empire. The Greeks did not try to destroy us physically. Instead, they tried to convince us to abandon the Torah and its values. They had no objection to Jews living a culturally Jewish life. What they opposed was the uniquely Jewish idea that studying the Torah is sacred—not just an intellectual exercise, but also a way of connecting with something higher. But the Jewish people refused to let go. Families risked everything to study even a few lines of Torah in secret. When the Maccabees won and we rededicated the Temple, it was more than a military victory. It was a victory of spiritual resilience. Chanukah reminds us that learn -
ing is not simply collecting information. It’s an act that brings light into the soul and into the world. You don’t need to have grown up observant or educated. You don’t need to read Hebrew. You can start exactly where you are. Even a small flame can push away a lot of darkness.
This year, I invite you to celebrate Chanukah not only with candles, but also with learning. Take one step— attend a class, join a discussion, read something meaningful, or listen to a podcast. At Chabad of the Five Towns, our classes are open to everyone, regardless of background, affiliation, or experience. You are warmly welcome to join us, whether in person or online. May this Chanukah bring light, meaning, and discovery to you and your family.
This Chanukah Light Your Menorah — and Open a Book F or information on all Hanukkah events in the Five Towns please go to chabadfivetowns. com/chnukah
L ooking forward to celebrating Hanukkah with you, happy Hanukkah!
Rabbi Zalman WoloWik
Why two public menorahs in Hewlett?
If you’re driving down Broadway or coming from West Broadway in Hewlett, you cannot miss the big menorah, put up by our Chabad in collaboration with the Woodmere-Hewlett Business Association. To be precise, you’ll actually see two giant menorahs: one on the Veterans Triangle and one golden menorah on the opposite side of Broadway.
Thousands of residents pass through this busy intersection every day, and many wonder: Why do we have two public menorahs?
But the question may also be asked: Why do we need even one public menorah at all? Isn’t it enough for Jewish families to light menorahs inside their homes, as we’ve done for generations?
But every challenge brings new opportunity. Now, with two menorahs shining brightly, everyone can see the beauty of Judaism’s light illuminating the world.
Since 1974, the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged public menorahs as a way to spread light and positivity, ensuring that the message of Hanukkah reaches beyond the walls of our homes.
In times of challenge, public menorahs are a lifeline of confidence and unity. They show that Judaism is alive, proud, and celebrated in the open!
My motto is “From strength to strength” - based on words from Psalms, and the Rebbe’s inspiration: we must always add more light, more positivity, more joy.
When we received the grand golden menorah from the Jewish community of Port Washington, technical challenges prevented us from placing it on the Triangle. Instead, we placed this beautiful menorah on the other side. For a moment, we felt disappointed.
This has been a tremendous blessing. This year, the first night of Chanukah falls on Sunday. While that timing is perfect for many, others will be celebrating at home with their families and may find it difficult to join. To ensure that everyone can share in the joy of Chanukah, we’ve added a second community lighting on Monday- because no one should miss the light! While Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6:00 PM we will have the lighting at the Veterans Triangle, on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6: 30 PM we will light the Golden Menorah on Broadway, with indoor fun (at the Lighthouse MMA starts at 6pm).
This is a message to all of us. We should always remember - Every challenge is an opportunity. Every setback is a push to grow stronger.
The antisemitism and other challenges our people face inspire us to respond not with retreat, but with more lightmore Jewish celebrations, more joy, more unity.
We hope to see you and all your friends at the menorah lightings and the many other Hanukkah events listed on our website JewishHewlett.com/Chanukah2025
Happy Hanukkah!
May the light of the menorah illuminate your home, your heart, and our entire community.
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!
Rabbi Nochem
An imam and two Evangelical pastors walk into a rabbi’s home…It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s a true story.
Several years ago, I traveled to Rabat, Morocco to participate in a gathering of rabbis, imams, and Evangelical pastors from 20 US cities. The goal was to get to know each other and find ways to work together and enhance peace, coexistence, and mutual recognition.
My project was to invite Imam Talib, Pastor Guy, and Pastor Taylor and their families to experience Chanukah. It was a fun evening of latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). It was wonderful to see how Chanukah had such powerful resonance for people of different faiths. This makes sense.
home yet. It is fascinating that these Tarmoda’i were not Jewish. It emerges that it is not necessary that Jews should see the Chanukah lights. Why does it help to publicize this Jewish miracle to nonJews?
Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik suggested that the victory of Chanukah deserves the attention of the nonJewish world as well. As opposed to other celebrations of salvation, on Chanukah there is no indication that the physical lives of the Jewish people were at stake. Rather, the threat the Maccabees encountered was an existential, spiritual one. To fight for one’s life is something that all people must do.
Jewish law states that the most appropriate time to light Chanukah candles is at sunset, and the latest they may be lit is “until there are no more pedestrians coming back from market.” The Talmud explains that that these pedestrians were the Tarmoda’i, merchants who sold small twigs as firewood. One is allowed to light Chanukah candles so long as these Tarmoda’i have not made it
In the battle of Chanukah, the Jews fought to defend their right to live Jewish lives. They fought for an ideal. All people need to recognize that values are worth fighting for - sometimes even worth dying for. This aspect of the story is appropriate to publicize to all.
As we celebrate Chanukah, let us ask ourselves: What are the values and causes for which we are willing to fight? If we cannot think of any causes that we feel such passion for, then we need to look at the Chanukah lights a little longer for some inspiration.
Rabbi EliE WEinstock
As our Holiday of Lights enters our homes and shines forth, the courage of the Maccabees stands at the heart of Chanukah’s celebration. Despite persecution and threats to our existence as Jews, our ancestors persevered and carried God’s mission to bring healing, justice, and holiness into the world — for themselves and for the generations that would follow.
In this urgent moment — marked by rising antisemitism, Jewhatred, and anti-Zionism — the story of the Jewish unbreakable spirit becomes
central to this holiday season. The battles of those days echo in our own effort to guard our Jewish identity and to secure the dignity and future of Our People.
Rabbi Galina Makaveyev
Our commitment to the well-being of American and world Jewry — and to the Jewish democratic State of Israel — carries forward that sacred obligation: to remain strong, proud, and confident that we will prevail and continue to build a vibrant Jewish future, guided by our faith and united in our vision of a peaceful and prosperous world for all God’s children.
Seeing the miracles
Our Jewish holidays are often defined by their mitzvot, and on Chanukah that central mitzvah is the lighting of the Menorah. Chazal teach us that its purpose is pirsumei nisa—publicizing the miracle. Unlike most mitzvot performed privately, the Chanukah lights are deliberately placed where they can be seen both inside and outside the home. That glow in the window is meant not only to illuminate the street, but also to spark reflection within our hearts: a reminder to notice the miracles that Hashem continues to do for us.
W e are taught that reflecting on past miracles helps us appreciate the blessings of the present and strengthens our hope for the future. The Talmud explains that we light the Menorah to commemorate the miracle of the single flask of pure oil that burned for eight days. Yet in the Al HaNissim tefillah that we recite throughout Chanukah, the emphasis is different. There, the focus is on the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the mighty Greek army. T he miracle of the oil is what we call an “open miracle,” something clearly beyond nature. But
the miracle of the war was more subtle—Hashem strengthening us through the natural world, empowering a small group of determined Jews to accomplish the impossible. Together, these two miracles convey a powerful message: when we take the first step, when we show effort, faith, and courage, Hashem responds by giving us the strength we need. And when we persist— even in the face of overwhelming odds—Hashem sometimes gifts us with open, undeniable miracles.
T his Chanukah, as our homes glow with the soft light of the Menorah, we are invited to look inward.
To recognize the “small” daily miracles we experience—the routines we often overlook and the blessings we sometimes take for granted—as well as the more dramatic salvations that occasionally shape our lives. By appreciating both, we cultivate gratitude and deepen our awareness of Hashem’s constant presence.
M ay this season of light inspire all of us to notice the miracles around us and to bring more light, hope, and faith into our community
Rabbi ahaRon bain
Cedarhurst backs federal bill blocking natural gas bans
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Village of Cedarhurst has formally thrown its support behind federal legislation aimed at blocking state and local bans on natural gas hookups, becoming one of the first Long Island municipalities to publicly align with Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act.
Langworthy, a Republican representing New York’s 23rd Congressional District, has made energy policy a centerpiece of his agenda since taking office in 2023.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the Village Board of Trustees on Dec. 1, was introduced at the request of Assemblyman Ari Brown, who also serves as Cedarhurst’s deputy mayor.
“It’s something that I can’t see any resident wanting,” Brown said. “Electricals are through the roof as it is. It’s more symbolic than anything else and it’s protecting what’s most important to us which is safety and affordability.”
The vote followed a recent visit to Washington, D.C., where Brown and several local officials met with Langworthy to discuss the bill and its potential impact on communities across New York. During that meeting, Langworthy urged municipalities to consider adopting resolutions mirroring the intent of his legislation — a call Cedarhurst leaders say they were eager to answer.
The Energy Choice Act, introduced by
Langworthy and Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, seeks to prevent federal agencies and states from imposing restrictions that would prohibit consumers from accessing natural gas or other affordable fuels.
Supporters say the bill preserves an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and protects homeowners from escalating costs tied to statewide decarbonization mandates. The proposal emerged amid growing national debate over natural gas bans, which some cities have enacted as part of broader climate-action plans.
As a former New York State GOP
chairman, Langworthy frequently criticizes the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act as unrealistic and overly burdensome for ratepayers, arguing that rapid electrification poses risks to grid reliability and household budgets.
“Whether you’re on Long Island or Buffalo, families across the state are facing rising energy costs due to Governor Hochul’s dangerous, illogical war on natural gas,” Langworthy wrote in an email. “My Energy Choice Act protects New Yorkers’ access to affordable, reliable energy options, and I’m grateful to
Assemblyman Brown and the Village of Cedarhurst for supporting this critical legislation.”
Cedarhurst trustees echoed those concerns in their resolution. The measure underscores that natural gas remains a cost-effective and reliable heating source for millions of New Yorkers, and warns that recent state policies — including provisions in the 2023 New York State budget tied to electrification — could limit consumer choice, increase energy bills, and strain the state’s power infrastructure.
Brown said the village’s action reflects a commitment to safeguarding residents’ economic interests while supporting a pragmatic approach to energy transition.
“I am honored that our Village has taken this step to support the Energy Choice Act,” Brown said. “Residents deserve access to affordable, reliable energy and the freedom to choose the sources that best meet their needs. I thank Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and the Board of Trustees for their leadership in standing up for Cedarhurst families and businesses.”
The resolution will now be forwarded to Langworthy’s office, as well as to state and regional leaders, signaling Cedarhurst’s stance as statewide discussions over New York’s energy future continue.
“We have gained great bipartisan momentum with the bill passing out of committee this week, and I expect it to soon be on the floor for a vote by the full House of Representatives,” Langworthy wrote.”
Melissa Berman/Herald
The Village of Cedarhurst is the first village to pass a resolution to align with Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act to block the natural gas ban.
Edward Shnayder: CEO and founder of Net Cost Market opening in Hewlett Net Cost Market Ceo
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Q: Tell me about NetCost Market.
A: Shnayder: With fourteen stores across four states, a rapidly growing team, and an expanding footprint in the American grocery landscape, NetCost Market has evolved into one of the most dynamic players in East Coast food retail. We currently operate 13 stores across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, and we’re excited to open our 14th location in Hewlett on December 16. It’s too early to reveal everything we are working on, but I can confidently say that our ambitions are significant. There are many states and cities where customers are already waiting for NetCost Market to arrive. Each new location is the result of careful analysis. We rely on extensive datasets to identify markets with high potential. Opening a store is a major responsibility — to our customers, our team, and our investors. Our previous projects have proven that such a strategic approach leads to success.
Q: What excites you the most about opening in Hewlett?
A: Shnayder: What truly excites me about opening in Hewlett is the chance to become part of a community that has been asking for us for quite some time. We’ve put a tremendous amount of thought into every detail of this store - from the assortment to the design to the guest experience and I believe it will quickly become a destination for families in the area. People in Hewlett appreciate quality, tradition, and authentic food experiences, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing. I’m looking forward to meeting our new customers, hearing their stories, and hopefully becoming a place, they see not just as a supermarket, but also as a welcoming part of their neighborhood.
Q: How many unique products does NetCost Market offer?
A: Shnayder: We offer more than 45,000 products from around the world: Canadian sour cream, Ukrainian chocolates, Italian cheeses, and even cucumbers from our own farm in the Dominican Republic. We have many bestsellers — a unique assortment of caviar and smoked fish, freshly baked bread, a wide selection of sausages and cheeses, and seasonal berries. Personally, I love our roasted duck, and my daughter is a huge fan of our baby cutlets. Tens of tons of products move through our stores every single day. It requires a precisely coordinated system: international suppliers, distribution centers, our own fleet, refrigerated trucks, and advanced automation. The goal is simple — to ensure fresh, high-quality products at a fair price.
Q: What values do you instill in your team?
A: Shnayder: Today, NetCost Market employs around 1,700 people nationwide. And for me, that number represents more than staffing — it represents stories, families, and individual contributions. The company’s culture centers on three core values: Responsibility. For product quality, customer trust, sustainable development, and for one another. Openness. Every voice matters. We encourage honest dialogue, bold ideas, and initiative. Growth. NetCost Market is a place where careers can be built from the ground up. More than 20% of our team has been with us for over a decade — a rare achievement in retail.
Q: How does the company adapt to local cultural differences?
A: Shnayder: With respect and genuine attention different neighborhoods have different cultural identities — so we tailor our assortment to meet real needs. Sometimes it’s a wider kosher selection; sometimes it’s Eastern European, Asian, or Latin American products. We don’t simply operate in a region — we become part of it. It’s a profound feeling of responsibility and gratitude. People choose us to feed their families — and that is an honor.
Q: Anything else to add?
A: Shnayder: “For me, family is the foundation of everything. I grew up in a home where respect, hard work, and responsibility weren’t taught — they were lived. I was raised to always keep my word. In retail, reputation is everything. Another core value he brought into the business: hospitality. In my family, the table was always set with warmth. We transferred that feeling into NetCost Market. We don’t just sell groceries — we create an atmosphere.
Courtesy Yana Mosina Edward Shnayder, CEO Net Cost Market founded it with his father Sam 25 years ago in Brooklyn.
STEPPING OUT
Baking up holiday cheer
‘Tis the season munch on a cookie
By Karen Bloom
There’s nothing quite like the smell of cookies baking to say “home for the holidays.”
Share the joy straight from your oven by gathering friends and family for a festive baking day. Mix, roll, bake, laugh — and, of course, taste — as everyone contributes to a tray (or two) of homemade treats.
For many households, holiday baking is a cherished tradition, and it only gets sweeter when shared. Turn the kitchen into a holiday workshop: assign roles for measuring, mixing and decorating, turn up the seasonal music, and let creativity and sprinkles fly.
Even refresh those holiday favorites. Chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies are classics, but find inspiration in trying something new, such as Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies might become a fast new favorite.
Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies
Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee and semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Add a crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons instant coffee
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 soft peppermint candies, crushed
Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease or line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt butter and 1 cup chocolate morsels in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
Transfer chocolate mixture into a large mixer bowl; add sugar and beat until combined. Add coffee granules, vanilla extract and peppermint
Elon Gold
Close out 2025 with some laughs with comedian Elon Gold, best known for his relatable takes on being Jewish and getting through the weirdness of life. Considered by many to be this generation’s Borscht Belt King, he’s no stranger to those who watch Netflix. His act brings laughs to both Jews and non-Jews alike all over the world. He’s made dozens of memorable appearances on late-night talk shows and TV series, especially his hilarious recurring role as Head of Hulu on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. His one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” among other projects.
extract; beat just until combined. Beat in eggs. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until all is incorporated. Fold in remaining 2 cups chocolate morsels.
Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, using a medium size cookie scoop. Sprinkle each cookie with a little of the crushed peppermint candies.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 36 cookies.
Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
Hanukkah is more than latkes. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in style with these tasty bites.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• Colored sugar or decorating icings
Beat first 4 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add flour; mix well. Cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Heat oven to 350° F. Roll out dough to 1/8-inch-thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 2-inch cookie cutters; sprinkle with colored sugar. Or, leave plain to frost later with decorating icing (after cookies are baked and cooled). Place on baking sheets.
Bake 12 to 15 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost and decorate as desired.
Melted Snowman
These cookies are cute tasty holiday treat.
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
Decorations:
• 12 large marshmallows
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 drop red food coloring, or as desired
• 1 drop yellow food coloring, or as desired
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Beat butter in a bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat white sugar, baking powder, and salt into butter until just combined. Beat egg, milk, and vanilla extract into butter-sugar mixture; add flour and mix until dough is just combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is slightly chilled, about 10 minutes.
Scoop dough into balls slightly larger than golf balls; flatten into cookies. Arrange cookies on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
Butter a microwave-safe plate. Place marshmallows on the prepared plate.
Microwave marshmallows until slightly puffed, 10 to 15 seconds. Gently press marshmallows until bottoms slightly ooze.
Whisk confectioners’ sugar and water together in a bowl until icing is slightly thicker than drizzleconsistency. Pour icing over cookies so it runs over the edges, reserving about 1 tablespoon.
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl, about 30 seconds. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag with a small tip or a plastic bag with a corner snipped.
Press 1 marshmallow close to an edge of each cookie to be the snowman’s head. Draw “stick arms” onto the icing using the melted chocolate.
Divide the reserved 1 tablespoon icing into 2 small bowls. Mix red food coloring into 1 of the bowls and orange food coloring into the other bowl. Decorate the snowmen with scarves or ties using the red icing and yellow icing.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $76.25 and $54.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
‘A Celtic Christmas’
An annual sold-out tradition everywhere they perform, Cherish The Ladies returns to celebrate the holiday season. Led by the charismatic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden —a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award Winner — they’ve brought their signature blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, vocals and step dancing to the White House, the Olympics and to PBS, in addition to concert halls. Their beloved Celtic Christmas program is a festive, family-friendly concert featuring their signature sound on classic carols. Each song is beautifully arranged to showcase their Celtic instrumentation, rich harmonies and remarkable step dancing. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this annual Christmas tour has been complemented by four acclaimed holiday albums. Etraordinary step dancers elevate the concert, featuring five-time World Champion David Geaney and All Britain Champion and Riverdance alumnus Noel Spillane, among others.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $48, $43, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
Melted Snowman
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
DEC
11
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
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
Lawrence Board of Trustees meet
The Village of Lawrence Board of Trustees hold their monthly meeting. Come attend and hear what is going on in your village or to speak out about an issue.
• Where: 196 Central Ave., Lawrence
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: villageoflawrence.org
DEC
12
‘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. 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 17-18
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
DEC
‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals
If you’re already humming holiday tunes and craving a little rock ‘n’ roll spirit, here’s your chance to celebrate in timeless style. Rockin’ the Holidays brings The Rascals back to the stage — joined by special guests John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band — for a concert packed with energy, nostalgia and chart-topping hits.
Two of The Rascals’ founding members, Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish, reunite for this festive performance, fueled by a deep love for their fans and the enduring power of their music. With accolades that include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Rascals remain icons of American rock and the defining sound of 1960s blue-eyed soul. Their legacy shines through 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 singles and three No. 1 classics — among them “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.” Audiences can expect all the favorites, plus holiday flair and the warm, soulful harmonies that made The Rascals unforgettable. “We’re so grateful for the fans — this is for them,” Cavaliere shares. Cornish echoes the sentiment: “This gives us another chance to play together and do it for the fans.” A night of feel-good music, memories and holiday cheer awaits — the perfect way to rock your way into the season.
• Where: Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: livenation.com
DEC
13
Holiday fun at Westbury House
Step into the magic of Christmas at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House! Bring the kids a festive night filled with holiday fun! Explore, through a selfguided tour, the beautifully decorated mansion with a special Christmas scavenger hunt. Get creative at Christmas craft stations, making holiday keepsakes to take home. Meet Santa Claus himself, share your wish list and snap a photo to capture the moment. Enjoy delicious cookies and cider in our West Porch. The party features Lucky Duck Puppets’ holiday show, at 7 p.m.The Winter Holiday Puppet Show is an original story about Greg, a North Pole penguin trying to find his place in the world and how he can help spread holiday cheer! $25, $22 ages 3-12 (20% member discount. Advance registration required
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
DEC
Holiday concert
The Long Island Community Chorus invites all to their upcoming concert, “Season of Peace.” $10 suggested donation, children under 12 free.
• Where: St. James UMC, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 599-5705 or email licchorus@gmail.com
Hockey clinic
Long Island Children’s Museum hosts the Long Island Warriors, a nonprofit recreational hockey program and team for military veterans, active military and reserves, for a special hockey clinic for kids in conjunction with the museum’s popular Snowflake Skating exhibit programming. Kids who want to up their sock skating game are encouraged to participate. Warriors players will teach kids about stick handling and passing as they master wrist and slap shots on the LICM’s popular sock skating “ice.” Free for ages three and up with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
the holiday of Hanukah and enjoy special treats and holiday music.
• Where: 750 Hungry Harbor Road, Woodmere
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 295-2478
DEC
Gilded Age Holiday
Visit Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House for a tasty holiday gathering. It was during the Gilded Age that many of the Christmas traditions still celebrated in America today first became part of mainstream culture. From sugar plums to plum pudding, each recipe in ‘The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook” offers a colorful glimpse into the era. The program, based on the book, explores the holiday lore of the time, sharing the origins of beloved customs Treats from the cookbook are available to sample, with books available for purchase. $30 per person. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Holiday Joy’ Christmas Celebration
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Join the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association with the Chabad of Hewlett to celebrate Hanukkah and light the community menorah. With special holiday treats and Hanukkah songs.
• Where: Veterans Memorial Plaza, Hewlett
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 972-2230
Menorah Lighting
Join with the Chabad of the Five Towns to celebrate Hanukkah and light the community menorah at Cedarhurst Park. With special holiday treats, Hanukkah songs and the grand gelt drop.
• Where: 235 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 295-2478
DEC
17
Chabad of the Five Towns Concert
Chabad of the Five Towns hosts a free, community-wide concert in North Woodmere Park along with a special menorah lighting on the ice at Grant Park. Join in to celebrate
Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a vibrant, joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s annual holiday celebration. The performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this remarkable show, now in its 12th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The lively cast includes Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and Broadway performers. Their enthusiasm and energy shine throughout the show, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Timeless songs are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a lively band that adds a festive musical backdrop to the spectacle.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 7 p.m.; also Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
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.
Everything you want to know about the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes for 2025–2026 runs through January 4, 2026 at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.
On many days there are multiple shows per
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The Rockettes have been a cherished New York City holiday tradition since 1933. Their first appearance in the inaugural Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall firmly established them as an essential part of the city’s seasonal celebrations. Over the decades, the show has expanded into one of New York’s most beloved annual events, drawing both locals and tourists. Though the production continually evolves—incorporating advanced stage technology, refreshed choreography, and updated narrative elements—it preserves classic numbers like the iconic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” For many families, attending the Christmas Spectacular has become a multigenerational ritual, cementing the Rockettes as enduring symbols of the holiday spirit in New York.
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day, including a matinee, afternoon, evening, late show.
The official website to buy tickets is rockettes.com/christmas. You can also get tickets via major ticket platforms such as Ticketmaster
The Rockettes are internationally renowned for their extraordinary precision dance techniques. Their reputation centers on impeccable timing, unity, and their signature “eye-high” kicks performed in a flawlessly straight line. Achieving this level of synchronicity requires significant strength, flexibility, and stamina, especially during the demanding holiday performance schedule. Dancers train yearround to maintain the conditioning necessary for repeated shows. Height uniformity—traditionally between 5’6” and 5’10½”—helps create the seamless, uniform line that has become a visual hallmark of the troupe. Their choreography fuses tap, jazz, ballet, and modern dance into a distinctive hybrid style recognized worldwide.
and in person at the Radio City Music Hall box office. The show runs about 90 minutes with no intermission.
Five things to know:
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Their auditions are famously rigorous and attract dancers from across the country. Each year, thousands of hopefuls come to New York to compete for a coveted spot in the lineup. The audition process involves multiple rounds in which dancers must quickly learn and perform complex combinations with absolute precision. Beyond technical excellence, candidates are judged on how well they blend with the group in both appearance and style—a defining aspect of the Rockettes. Even after being selected, dancers undergo weeks of intensive rehearsals, often lasting six hours a day, to build the synchronization and endurance needed.
4
The troupe’s origins trace back to the American Midwest. Before becoming synonymous with Radio
City Music Hall, the Rockettes began in St. Louis in 1925 under choreographer Russell Markert as the “Missouri Rockets.” Inspired by European precision dance ensembles, the group gained popularity and eventually caught the attention of Radio City’s management. After several transformations and expansions, they relocated to New York, where they became a defining feature of the venue.
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During the holiday season, the Rockettes may perform up to four shows daily. These 90-minute performances require exceptional discipline, from executing rapid costume changes to sustaining high energy and flawless precision. This demanding schedule highlights the remarkable athleticism and professionalism that enable the dancers to deliver polished performances for every audience.
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Ability to communicate with sources and editorial team Resume: Highlighting your photography experience &
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To continue providing you with high-quality hyperlocal news in the face of rising costs, as of December 1, 2025, the HERALD's subscription rates will be: annual subscription plan, paid by credit card - $1 per week (billed annually at $52.00); monthly subscription plan, paid by credit card - $2 per week (billed monthly at $8.67); one-year subscription, paid by check - $65 (check made out to "Richner Communications, Inc." and mailed to below address). Subscription plans paid by credit card renew at end of applicable term at then-current rates. Payment can be made online at liherald.com/subscribe, by calling (516) 569-4000 & press 7, or by mail to Herald Subscription Processing Center, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530.
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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
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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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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
Eldercare Offered
CERTIFIED CAREGIVER AVAILABLE 24/7 For: Companionship, Hospice Care, Dementia, ALS, Post Surgery Recovery. Sandra 347-812-1643
HomesHERALD
Buyer’s Dream Home
Don’t miss the chance to own your own private oasis right in the heart of Oceanside. This beautifully maintained home is ideally located close to everything you need houses of worship, schools, parks, pools, restaurants, and endless activities for all ages. Bright, inviting, and airy, this spacious split-level home features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The primary suite enjoys its own private level
Can we add a garage now, and get the permits later?
Q. We’ve met with two architects and two contractors to figure out how we can add a garage to our house or make it free-standing. The contractors were confident the garage could be attached to the house — our first preference — but the architects told us about regulations that make the whole thing doubtful and more expensive. Each one told us about building codes and other problems with our house that might come up. One asked if our shed was legal, and whether we had proof that the second floor and the finished basement of our Cape Cod home had been permitted. We’re now wondering whether we should even do the job. Both contractors keep calling, and even saying that we should build it first and then get it permitted after. Can we do that? Should we do that?
A. You mean ask for forgiveness instead of permission, right? Can the contractors give a guarantee of your success? The way things are going these days, I’m ready to tell you to listen to the contractors and have them direct the whole mess you’ll encounter. Just see if they stick around when the expenses start for all the extra work to undo the mess.
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Two things are happening right now that make things more “challenging.” One is that as building codes become stricter and building officials become less able to communicate what it means to “demonstrate compliance” — and many architects are ready to just quit working in certain communities because of this — you, the owner, become more responsible and less protected from this mess. For example, one community examiner asks to “demonstrate” compliance with mechanical requirements in order to finish a basement. Nobody told me in architecture school that I would someday be doing plans to finish a basement, but what the heck, people need an architect, and in between much larger projects here in the suburbs, it seemed like a simpler task.
But not really. That word “demonstrate” could mean that the owner will have to actually make a choice to air-condition and heat their basement, and specific equipment to do that task may have to be shown on the drawings. In reality … remember reality? In reality, I rarely see a heating or cooling system in a basement.
But your architect is being required to “demonstrate.” This leads back to the contractor, because the architect has almost no chance of selecting any mechanical system to heat or cool in a way that an independent plumber or mechanical company would agree to, much less install. Therefore, the architect is alienated from the simple project “filler” in between projects that involve professional teams of architects, engineers, contractors and construction management. Working in small communities is becoming complicated, and therefore expensive for the homeowner. Listen to the architects, unless you want the mess, and make sure the basement, finished second floor and shed are legal, or expect to spend a lot of money when the problems come up. Good luck!
Monte Leeper, architect.
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Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU State of New York Mortgage Agency, Plaintiff AGAINST Scott E. Eckerle; Christine A. Eckerle; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1242 Waverly Street, Hewlett, NY 11557. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Hewlett, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 39 Block: 092 Lot: 38. Approximate amount of judgment $124,559.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606396/2022. Jaime David Ezratty, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 22-11427NY 87927 156840
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE
SECURITIES CORP., CSAB MORTGAGEBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ELLIOT RINDENOW, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 770 West Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being near
Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 39, Block 197, Lot 72, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 76, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 82. Approximate amount of judgment $1,428,888.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to prov isions of filed Judgment Index #006374/2009. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee, David S. Zeidman, Esq., will be accepted for the downpayment. No endorsed or third party checks, or cash will be accepted. David S. Zeidman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-143727 87829 157009
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, ELIZON MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST I, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS OWNER TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. KELVIN GALLOWAY A/K/A KELVIN A. GALLOWAY, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Order Amending Caption duly entered on April 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 25 Clinton Avenue a/k/a 25 Clinton Street, Inwood, NY 11096. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 40, Block 63 and Lot 195. The approximate amount of judgment is $178,063.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600972/2023.
Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee
Vallely Mitola Ryan PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157075
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. MASPETH FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff -against- BENJAMIN RINGEL, YAEL RINGEL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 25, 2019 and entered on January 28, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lawrence in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Washington Avenue (Craft Avenue), distant 177.80 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of Washington Avenue and the southerly side of Broadway; RUNNING THENCE Westerly on a line at right angles to Washington Avenue, 217.81 feet to land formerly belonging to the heirs of Gilbert Craft, deceased, at a point 210.7 feet southerly from Broadway as measured along said formerly of Craft; THENCE Southerly along said Craft’s land, 150.20 feet; THENCE Easterly, 225 feet 46 feet to Washington Avenue at a point 150 feet southerly from the point or place of BEGINNING; THENCE Northerly along Washington Avenue, 150 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Section: 41 Block: 87 Lot: 23 Said premises known as 15 WASHINGTON AVENUE, LAWRENCE, NY
Approximate amount of lien $626,230.81 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 1482/2017.
LAURIE HORZ, ESQ., Referee
Law Office of Mark L. Cortegiano, Esq. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 65 12 69th Place, Middle Village, NY 11379
{* NASSAU HER*} 156995
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. WEBSTER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff -against- MADELINE WILLIG; JOSEPH WILLIG, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Barnard Avenue, distant 553 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Barnard Avenue with the northerly side of Ibsen Street; being a plot 100 feet by 73 feet by 100 feet by 73 feet. Section: 39 Block: 162 Lot: 96 Said premises known as 562 BARNARD AVE, WOODMERE, NY 11598
Approximate amount of lien $181,086.61 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 614214/2017.
BRIAN J. DAVIS, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 8888.048 {* NASSAU HER*} 156997
Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 231 Polo Lane Lawrence, NY 11559 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 157016
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE: Crown Castle is proposing to install telecommunications antennas & equipment on an existing 45.9-ft light pole located at 287 Briarwood Xing, Village of Lawrence, Nassau Co, NY 11559 (40° 36’ 38.6” N, 73° 42’ 54.7” W). Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: T. Giesen, Terracon, 930 Harvest DR, Ste 430, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 267-512-7038, or tyler.giesen@terracon.c om 157232
LEGAL NOTICE
Village of Lawrence Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:45 P.M. followed by a public meeting on December 22, 2025 at Lawrence Yacht and Country Club, 101 Causeway, Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:30 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board: Rosen , 315 Central Ave - Section 212-23.H (1) of the Village Code states that ¡§every building hereinafter erected or altered shall provide on-site offstreet parking. One parking space shall be provided for each 200 square feet of gross floor area contained in the building.¡¨ Required parking for a space sized 3,607 sq. ft. is 19 parking spaces. Steg, 11 Kewaydin RdSection 212.12.1
Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 17,720 sq. ft. in an area is 3,700 sq. ft. Section 212-15.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft.
Section 212-15.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the minimum side yard setback is 15ft.
Section 212-15.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the minimum aggregate yard setback is 35 ft. Wolfson,57 Harborview W- Section 212.12.1
Schedule dimensional Regulations states, the maximum surface coverage for a lot size of 10.355 sq. ft. in an area is 4.660 sq. ft.
Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum rear yard setback is 30 ft.
Section 212-24.D of the code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a Residence District B, the minimum side and rear yard setback for an accessory structure is 8ft.(Outdoor shower).
Wolff, 15 Beechwood Dr - Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum rear yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum aggregate yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-15.D(2)(c) of the Village Code states the maximum side yard height/setback ratio in Residence District B is 1.5. Section 212-15.D(2) (c) of the Village Code states the maximum side yard height/setback ratio in Residence District B is 1.5. Section 212-16.D(2)(b) of the Village Code states the maximum rear yard height/setback ratio in Residence District B is 0.74.
Zuber, 114 Lakeside Dr E - Section 212.12.1
Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 11,048 sq. ft. in an area is 2,901 sq. ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft. Section 212-39.C of the Village Code states the maximum exterior wall height from the base plane to the underside of the eave is 23 ft. Section 212-47 of the Village Code states,
in a Residence District B the minimum side yard setback for pool equipment is 15 ft. Section 212-47.B of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum rear yard setback for pool is 20 ft. Section 70-11.B of the Village Code states that it shall be unlawful to alter, change, add to or remove from any site soil or other material which will result in any deviation from the original grade of the property.
The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing. All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard By Order of the Board of Appeals Lloyd Keilson Chairman Dated: December 2, 2025 157195
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 12/17/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
626/25. - 627/25. NR
CEDARHURST - Y. David Feit, Variance, lot area occupied, construct addition attached to dwelling; Maintain 6’ high fence in principle side yard of dwelling (Iris St.), without 8’ clear sight triangle at applicant’s & neighbor’s driveways, which may substantially obstruct
line of sight., S/W cor. Sherwood La. & Iris St., a/k/a 43 Sherwood La. 634/25. - 635/25. NR
CEDARHURST - Jeffrey & Sarena Adest, Variances, front yard average setback, lot area occupied, construct 2-story addition which is below design flood elevation attached to dwelling; Variance, side yard, maintain HVAC units attached to dwelling., N/s Park Circle, 90.50’ E/o Park La., a/k/a 33 Park Circle ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Cedarhurst within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 157249
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY HANOVER COMMUNITY BANK, Plaintiff against YAFA PINKHASOVA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 11, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 36 Trinity Place, Hewlett, NY 11557. Sec 41. Block 9 Lot 46. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land,
Day with activities aimed a learning
Lawrence Primary School celebrates World Kindness Day
Lawrence Primary School marked World Kindness Day with a full schedule of activities aimed at teaching students the value of compassion, empathy and small acts of goodwill. The annual celebration serves as a reminder, school officials said, that even the simplest gestures can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Special programs took place throughout the building as students and staff participated in lessons and experiences designed to foster a caring, positive school community. A major highlight came from the second-grade teaching team, which collaborated to create a heart-warming afternoon of activities for their students.
Second graders rotated through several stations that focused on kindnessthemed learning. Activities included a Social-Emotional Learning lesson; read-
alouds and independent reading of kindness-themed books; coloring and crafts; empathy-focused activity sheets; and a service project in which students created handmade blankets to be donated to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital.
Students worked with enthusiasm and intention, knowing their blankets would provide comfort to children in need. Laughter, teamwork and genuine acts of kindness filled the classrooms throughout the afternoon.
“World Kindness Day allows us to model and teach values that make our school and our world a better place,”
Principal Kristen Panzarella wrote in a news release. “Watching our students show empathy, engage in meaningful activities, and create something special for others was truly inspiring.”
— Melissa Berman
Public Notices
situate, lying and being in Hewlett, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,020,079.79 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606955/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the
foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Steven E Losquadro, Esq., Referee File # HNBNY001 157253
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY HANOVER COMMUNITY BANK, Plaintiff against YAFA PINKHASOVA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 11, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100
County Executive Bruce Blakeman seeks governor seat
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
In a video ad unveiled on his campaign website, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman officially announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9.
Blakeman, 70, who was toying with the idea of a gubernatorial run since last year, solidified his ambition for the state’s top elected spot with a 12-point victory over County Legislator Seth Koslow last month.
However, the longtime elected official faces an uphill battle in his own party as upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s poll numbers outshine Blakeman’s and the state GOP has said it didn’t want an intra-party battle and strongly backs Stefanik, 41.
Originally from Valley Stream, Blakeman has spent a good deal of his life in politics. His father, Robert, served in the Assembly and Blakeman’s brother Brad, served on the staff of President George W. Bush.
First elected to the Hempstead town board in 1993, two years later Blakeman was elected to serve in the County Legislature’s first class as that lawmaking body replace the Board of Supervisors. He also served as the Legislature’s first presiding officer. Blakeman, who now lives in Atlantic Beach, was the commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 2001 to 2009, and was appointed to the Hempstead Town Board in 2015. He challenged then County Executive Laura Curran in 2021, and won, and captured another four-year term in November.
In 2014, Blakeman lost to Kathleen Rice to represent the 4th Congressional District that covers a large swath of Nassau’s South Shore. Four years earli-
er, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City and U.S. Senate.
The past few years, Blakeman has strongly supported President Donald Trump and has allowed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold detainees in a portion of the county’s Correctional Center in East Meadow — a first of its kind partnership in the U.S. “The people of Nassau County want us to cooperate with ICE,” he said during his November victory speech at the Coral House in Baldwin. “They want to get the criminals out of our country.” Blakeman advocated for the Las Vegas Sands proposed casino project at the Nassau Hub, which fell apart when the Sands dropped out in April. Previously, he told the Herald that alternative development plans are now progressing under a “Plan B” strategy.
His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.”
“Bruce’s failed statewide electoral record speaks for itself — he has lost every statewide primary and general election over the last three decades in smashing fashion,” Stefanik campaign spokeswoman Bernadette Breslin wrote in a statement. “And after a career of colluding with elected Democrats, Blakeman’s swan song is choosing to prop up Kathy Hochul.”
His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.”
Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 36 Trinity Place, Hewlett, NY 11557. Sec 41. Block 9 Lot 46. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Hewlett, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,020,079.79 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606955/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial
coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Steven E Losquadro, Esq., Referee File # HNBNY001 157167
AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To
legalnotices@liherald.com
Courtesy Lawrence School District
Lawrence Primary School marked World Kindness
about compassion and empathy.
Tim Baker/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9.
opinions
Thank you for the honor of serving the 5th District
Thank you. I cannot say it enough.
Serving as a Nassau County Legislator for the past two years has been a tremendous honor, and an even greater privilege.
I joined the Legislature at a challenging time for Democrats. We were the last line of defense against a Republican supermajority and absolute one-party rule in Nassau.
For two years we fought for our constituents. We fought to get our communities the resources from the county that they not only deserve but pay for with their tax dollars. Under the leadership of Minority Leader Delia DeRiggiWhitton, we proudly stood shoulder to shoulder and delivered.
We successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan to force County Executive Bruce Blakeman to process 14 long-awaited grants for first responders serving Democratic districts — including $100,000 for the Merrick Fire Department. We enacted a capital plan that delivered tens of millions for essential infrastructure investments in Demo-
Tcratic districts and funded first responders, law enforcement and critical countywide infrastructure upgrades.
As a caucus, we fought for American Rescue Plan Act funding that Nassau received after the pandemic, to be set aside for community organizations that helped us weather the storm and strengthen the fabric of our communities. In District 5 we supported our youth by securing $100,000 for Rising Stars in Freeport and $50,000 for the Cedarmore Corporation. We confronted hunger by delivering over $22,000 to the Ladles of Hope food pantry at Our Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport.
focused on the health and safety of our community members.
i have the utmost confidence in the Democratic conference I leave behind.
Our caucus fought for common-sense legislation that would protect the public and save lives. I proposed Gio’s Law to mandate epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, in all county police cars, and Robbie’s Law, to equip all county athletic fields with automated external defibrillators. My colleagues proposed the Families Against Fentanyl Act, which would require the inclusion of low-cost, highly accurate fentanyl-detecting test strips in Narcan kits distributed by county agencies.
We proposed these pieces of legislation because they made sense. All three
I proudly stood with my colleagues as we sounded the alarm on tens of millions of dollars in wasteful spending on politically connected outside legal contracts. And we shed light on the chaos at Nassau University Medical Center amid the ongoing battle to save this vital safety-net hospital that so many people rely on. We fought for policies to make Nassau more affordable by reducing permit fees for businesses and returning illegally collected red-light camera ticket fees to drivers.
Unfortunately, none of the legislation proposed by Democrats made it onto the legislative calendar for a vote, but I’m optimistic that the momentum we created will continue into 2026. Here’s one example: At a recent meeting of the Merrick Community Civic Association, I saw a powerful presentation by Kennedy High School students Ava and Ethan Robinson in support of Robbie’s Law. Their passion showed that the fight for this lifesaving idea is far from over.
There is more work to do, but I have the utmost confidence in the Democratic caucus I leave behind. I owe each member a debt of gratitude. My success
representing the 5th District is directly related to the support, advice and guidance I received from my fellow legislators. Thanks to each of you. My term ends on Dec. 31, but my work will continue until then. I will use every moment to help our community. I’m happy to announce that we will host a winter coat drive in partnership with the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club. If you have new or gently used winter coats and accessories, please drop them off during business hours at the Freeport, North Bellmore or North Merrick libraries, or Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club headquarters, at 294 W. Merrick Road, Suite 12, in Freeport. The drive ends on Dec. 14.
I’m especially grateful for the unwavering love and support that my wife, Jill, our children and extended family gave me on this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I am forever grateful to all of you.
Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve for these two years. From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous holiday season and an amazing 2026. I look forward to seeing you in the community as we continue making Nassau County an even better place to live, work and raise our families.
Seth I. Koslow, of Merrick, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
Those who ignore James Carville face oblivion
he two major American political parties were built by people whose names most of us have never heard of. They weren’t Democratic or Republican officeholders. They were philosophers whose writings moved politicians who embraced their words and used them to try to make the Democratic and Republican parties attractive to voters.
Milton Friedman was a 20thcentury American economist whose ideas were a strong influence on Republicans. Russell Kirk was a highly regarded conservative and a godfather of the conservative movement. William F. Buckley Jr. is a name my generation knows because, for a long period of time, he was the voice of staunch conservative Republicans. A handful of people have shaped the Democratic Party philosophy as well — John Dewey, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls and numerous other names that are foreign to most of us. Dewey believed in a party that enables labor rights, community organizing and local empowerment.
Those old philosophers shaped the two major parties, but there is currently almost no one you could name whom President Trump or President Biden relies or relied on to help make serious decisions. In many ways, Biden was a student of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised dozens of programs that were helpful to countless people. Trump apparently relies on nothing other than his instincts, with occasional input from his adviser Stephen Miller. Miller has strong opinions on many subjects, and Trump often has to restrain him.
For so many voters, it’s still about the economy, as the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ so eloquently put it.
There is one voice out there today whose message can be good for Democrats and Republicans, depending on who’s listening. I refer to James Carville. Sometimes known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” Carville created the strategy that elected and re-elected President Bill Clinton. His plain talk has been out there for whoever wants to embrace it. His simple advice since 1992 has been, “It’s the economy, stupid.” It worked when Clinton defeated President George H.W. Bush, and in many ways it helped Donald Trump get to the White House. We are now 11 months away from another consequential election, and the
dominant political voice out there pounding the Democratic Party is Carville. He had a message for Democrats last year, when he told them to stop lecturing people and talk to them about their issues. He tried to get that message across to then Vice President Kamala Harris, but she relied on paid advisers who gave her the worst possible advice.
This year, a large group of Democrats paid attention to Carville’s counsel, and it helped them sweep numerous contests in last month’s elections. Democratic Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger were elected the governors of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed through a resolution to redraw his state’s congressional map, which was approved by a landslide. Democrats won other significant contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The winning campaigns focused on the issue of affordability, and Trump’s unpopularity helped all of them.
Next year’s elections will be a huge challenge for both political parties. History shows that the minority party generally wins a majority of the contested seats in Congress. Current polls shows the Democrats winning a large numbers
of seats and likely taking over the House, and projections show them within three seats of taking over the Senate as well. With all this bad news, are the Republicans paying attention? Trump has reacted to the 2025 elections by insisting that the economy is great. He has claimed that prices are down, and that all of the Democratic claims to the contrary are false. Even in the face of the worst consumer confidence figures, he is living in some type of bubble and ignoring what’s really happening. He made some concessions on tariffs, but it will take time for them to have any impact.
The problem for the Republicans is that all of them are on one big ship, and Trump is the captain. The longer he continues to believe, or at least insist in public, that the economy is terrific, the more danger his passengers are in.
At the same time, pundits like Carville are pushing Democrats to stick to variations on his message. Absent a 360-degree turnaround by the GOP in the next several months, Carville’s admonition about the economy could be the winning message for Democrats, and leave Republicans looking stupid.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
seTh i. koslow
HERALD
Act now to restore order, safety to e-mobility
New York state is undergoing a transportation transformation. Electric bikes, scooters and skateboards are no longer niche devices. They are everywhere, threading through intersections, racing down sidewalks and rapidly redefining how we move across our communities. Their convenience is undeniable. Their popularity is unmistakable. But the risks — now becoming painfully clear — demand immediate attention. The rise of unregulated electric personal mobility devices has outpaced our laws, our infrastructure and our safety systems. The result is a growing sense of disorder on our streets and a mounting toll of injuries and fatalities that can no longer be brushed aside.
This is why the introduction of S8573/ A157 by State Sen. Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick, of Malverne, and fellow Republican Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, of Staten Island, matters so profoundly. Their legislation would provide what New York currently lacks: a responsible, modern framework to ensure that these increasingly powerful devices are used safely and sanely. It would create a clear registration system through the Department of Motor Vehicles. It would require operators to be at least 16 years old, and to wear helmets. It would establish penalties for dangerous behavior. Most important, it acknowledges that the era of ignoring e-mobility regulation is over. Across the state, residents have voiced
growing concern about the chaos unfolding on sidewalks and streets. Many have witnessed reckless riders speeding through crosswalks, weaving unpredictably through traffic, or operating devices that exceed the speeds of some small motorcycles, all without training, accountability or basic protective gear. These concerns are not mere irritations. They are warnings. And for too long, state law has offered no tools to respond. The consequences are tragically real. The death of 14-year-old Mepham High School student Jayden Flores is a heartbreaking reminder of how high the stakes are. Jayden’s life was cut short on Nov. 6 when he was simply trying to cross an intersection that is familiar to families, commuters and children who navigate it every day.
Jayden’s death shattered a community, devastated his loved ones and reignited fears that New York is allowing a preventable danger to grow unchecked. It was not an isolated incident. New York City accounts for nearly half of all e-bike fatalities nationwide, and injuries involving motorized two-wheelers have skyrocketed in recent years. These are the numbers not of a state that is in control, but rather of one that has fallen behind.
Opponents may argue that regulation will limit the freedom and utility these devices offer. But this legislation would not restrict responsible riders — it aims to protect them. It differentiates between
those who use these devices to commute, work or travel safely and those who endanger themselves and others by treating public roads like racetracks. By establishing clear rules, the bill would strengthen, but not stifle, the e-mobility revolution. It would tell riders: You belong here, but with the same responsibilities that govern every other vehicle user.
Community members deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children can cross the street safely, that seniors can walk on the sidewalks without fear, and that drivers can navigate intersections without unpredictable hazards.
Families should not have to mourn preventable deaths. Schools should not have to activate crisis-counseling teams because lawmakers failed to act. And no parent should have to receive the call that Jayden’s family received — a call that turns a normal morning into a lifetime of grief.
S8573/A157 is not merely a procedural update. It is a necessary, common-sense step toward restoring order, protecting public safety and preventing future tragedies. The Legislature must recognize the urgency of this moment. Every day without clear regulations is another day when lives are at risk.
New York cannot afford to hesitate. The time to act is now. Lawmakers must pass this bill, and ensure that the promise of e-mobility never again comes at the expense of human life.
Long Island is done being treated like a piggy bank
igrew up in Franklin Square, and the suburban way of life isn’t just something I prefer. It’s the way of life that makes sense for families who want safe streets, good schools, backyards and the freedom to live without being crushed by taxes or strangled by government overreach.
As County Executive Bruce Blakeman always says, Nassau is the safest county in America thanks to his leadership, Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, and our outstanding police officers and first responders.
Every day I hear from constituents who are frustrated about what is happening to our communities. This morning someone asked if we could deploy speed cameras in Atlantic Beach. I politely answered, “Absolutely not.” The last thing we need is more of the New York City “ticket to oblivion” mentality creeping into Nassau County. Imagine crawling along at 25 mph amid a maze of speed cameras. I’m one of the slowest drivers you’ll ever meet, but even I wouldn’t tolerate that nonsense.
People are leaving New York City and
bringing the very policies they fled to our suburban communities. Albany’s liberal Democrats are helping that shift, piling on tax after tax, mandate after mandate and restriction after restriction, as if Long Island existed solely to bankroll everyone else.
The numbers tell the story. Long Island sends far more money to Albany and Washington than we get back. Independent research from the Long Island Regional Planning Council shows the imbalance clearly: Nassau and Suffolk contribute billions more in taxes than they recover in state spending. Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and the city supply the majority of New York’s income tax revenue, yet Long Island receives only a small fraction of that support.
we contribute billions more in taxes than we recover in state spending.
Residents feel the consequences every day. The state expanded programs such as the Child Tax Credit and inflation-relief rebates, which sound beneficial on paper, but don’t begin to offset the financial burden placed on Long Island families by taxes, tolls, fees, energy costs, mandates and housing policies.
but it runs east-west. A resident of Cedarhurst who wants to go to Glen Cove can’t do so directly by train. Traveling north requires going to Jamaica, transferring and hoping the schedule aligns.
That explains why our roads deteriorate and our infrastructure lags behind. To Albany, Long Island is a donor region rather than a destination for investment. This year’s numbers make that even clearer: Long Island is set to receive only 7.8 percent of the state transportation budget, a collapse from the 23 percent we’ve historically received. Nassau and Suffolk lead the state in licensed drivers, registered vehicles and lane mileage, yet our region continues to be shortchanged.
Framework by Tim Baker
Albany’s war on energy choice is especially troubling. The push to force future homes to rely on electric heating — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s All-Electric Buildings Act — is misguided and dangerous. My children are grown and out of the house with their own families, and even with careful conservation, my electric bill is high. Requiring every Long Island home to convert to electricity during the winter — in one of the most expensive energy markets in the country — would be disastrous. The courts halted the mandate for now. If it ever advances, the construction industry will suffer, home prices will skyrocket, and families already struggling to remain here will feel even greater strain.
Transportation presents similar issues. Long Islanders rely on cars because we don’t have a subway system. The Long Island Rail Road is valuable,
Albany’s policies ignore these realities, and seem designed to force suburban residents into a lifestyle that resembles Manhattan rather than Nassau or Suffolk. Add congestion pricing on top of that, and it’s clear that state leaders don’t understand us or don’t care.
New York state operates with a citycentric mindset. The city continues to struggle with corruption, crime, mismanagement and failed progressive policies similar to those that have harmed cities such as Chicago, Baltimore and San Francisco. Long Island is treated as an afterthought or, worse, a checkbook. Enough is enough.
Long Islanders are hardworking, taxpaying residents who simply want fairness. We don’t seek handouts, gimmicks or ideological experiments; we seek equity. If we are expected to carry the financial load for the state, then we deserve our fair share in return.
I stand with the families who want to protect their homes, their cars, their energy choices and our suburban way of life. Albany has forgotten who pays the bills. It’s time for us to remind them.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assemblyman District.
ari brown
Mothers Choose Us for Good Reasons
For the fourth consecutive year , Mount Sinai South Nassau is High Performing in Maternity Care.
If you’re getting ready for the birth of your baby, choose Mount Sinai South Nassau, the only hospital on the South Shore to be rated High Performing in maternity care four years in a row by U.S. News & World Report ® We’re proud to provide safer, more empowering experiences for mothers and babies through:
• Reduced C-section rates for low-risk, first-time mothers
• Increased VBAC rates
• Low rates of unexpected newborn complications
• Commitment to exclusive human milk feeding
• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
• Low episiotomy rates
• Birthing-friendly practices
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.
