Courtesy Brianna O’Hagan
founder of the Love, Ava Project, eighth from left, is overseeing the holiday toy drive and adopt-a-family initiative, supporting over 35 local families.
Love, Ava initiative celebrates 13 years
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Thirteen years after a small holiday gesture sparked a grassroots movement, the Love, Ava Project launched its biggest toy drive yet in November, mobilizing dozens of South Shore businesses and volunteers to bring Christmas to children and families facing hardship.
Founded over a decade ago by Brianna O’Hagan, general manager of the gastropub EGP Oceanside, Love, Ava has grown into a sizable nonprofit. Its toy drive and adopt-a-family initiative honors the memory of Ava
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
When the switch is thrown showcasing the dazzling display of lights and music at 160 E. Lexington Ave., Oceanside residents know the holiday season has arrived.
For eight select nights, which began on Friday, illusionist and entertainer Eric Wilzig once again is transforming the outside of his home into an immersive holiday light show — a 20-minute, elaborate, music-synchronized spectacle powered by more than 20,000 lights and custom-built props.
The remaining dates for the shows, which are free, are Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 23.
The mesmerizing show began as a small hobby during the pandemic and has evolved into one of Oceanside’s most anticipated December traditions — which involves months of planning.
“This is a passion project that really started over Covid when everything got shut down, and I had some free time on my hands,” Wilzig said. “In me and my DNA is being able to bring happiness to people.”
From the outset, Wilzig aimed to create a show for everyone — one that avoids traditional religious music, substituting it with upbeat, widely beloved songs.
“The main thing about our
show is that it is a holiday light show,” Wilzig said. “It’s not a Christmas show or a Hanukkah show. It’s for the holidays. We’re not playing Christmas carols or Hanukkah music. We’re playing fun music that people, whatever they observe, can come and enjoy.”
His lawn features a 25-foot mega tree, a menorah, dreidels and other animated elements, paired with special effects like fog bursts, sparklers and snow bubbles — a smoke-based effect that makes it appear as if snow is drifting across the property.
Each year, Wilzig posts online, asking neighbors what songs they’d like to hear. Submissions helped shape this season’s playlist,
including music from “KPop Demon Hunters,” a Netflix film that Wilzig said was “extremely popular and a top request,” along with hits by singer-songwriter Benson Boone, who has recently rose in popularity.
“It’s a mix of what people like to hear along with some of my own choices,” Wilzig said.
Long before December arrives,
the work begins on a computer. For 10 months of the year, Wilzig sketches the layout of the display, planning where every element will sit.
“It helps me during the year to kind of visualize where I think things are going to go,” he said.
Many of the physical components are custom-built. More than 100 3D-printed Mickey Mouse
Brianna O’Hagan,
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Families gather to launch the holiday season
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
What began decades ago as a simple tree lighting on the Schoolhouse Green in Oceanside has grown into one of the community’s most spirited traditions. This year’s “Lights on the Green,” organized by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, once again drew crowds of families, businesses and local organizations for an evening designed to kick off the holiday season on Dec. 6.
The event, now in its third year under its revamped format, reflects the vision of the newer Chamber board that set out to transform the lighting into something bigger.
“We wanted to make it more than a tree lighting,” said Brittany Humes, secretary of the Chamber. “We wanted to make it a community event. We want to see Oceanside be the best it can be and to see the community thrive.”
This year’s festivities brought in a wide mix of local groups that helped turn the green into a holiday village. Children from The H Academy preschool performed Christmas songs onstage, followed by Oceanside Middle School’s swing choir, which sang before welcoming Santa — who arrived on a fire truck — for the ceremonial tree lighting.
Around the green, local organizations handed out treats and hosted activities. The Chamber offers a make-your-own ornament station, featuring a snowman theme. The Oceanside Kiwanis Club served hot chocolate, while the Oceanside Community Warriors handed our doughnuts and promoted their toy drive. FrameBar offered holiday glasses for kids, Lady Java’s coffee truck poured warm drinks and COBS Bread gave out fresh pastries.
New this year was a family photo booth that printed pictures on the spot — a hit with parents trying to capture a full-family moment during the holidays.
“The best thing this event does is just bring the community together,” Humes said. “We want people to love the town that they live in and want to be part of the town too.”
For some residents, the event offered a fresh perspective on their hometown traditions. Lifelong Oceanside resident Gianna Rey-Tyler attended for the first time to watch her daughter, Gemma, a pre-K student at The H Academy, perform with her classmates.
“It was wonderful to partake in such a fun event,” Rey-Tyler said. “Seeing everyone there smiling and having a good time, even though it was very cold, was amazing. It feels really special to be part of a community that does nice things like this.”
Rey-Tyler said her favorite moment was watching Gemma sing after weeks of practice at home, and that the family photo booth was a close second, though the biggest takeaway was how the night strengthened her sense of community pride.
“Different organizations are able to showcase all the good things they have to offer and interact with people they may
Donahoe, far left, Jessica Donahoe, Ellie Merseburg, Auggie Merseburg and Stacey Merseburg, far right, enjoyed the Oceanside Christmas tree after its lighting on the Schoolhouse Green.
not have otherwise been able to reach,” Rey-Tyler said. “We will definitely be back next year.”
With another year of holiday cheer behind them, organizers said they’re already looking ahead to building an even brighter celebration next year. For many, the event wasn’t just a celebration of the season, but a reminder of what makes Oceanside feel like home.
Maureen Lennon/Herald The H Academy pre-K students performed several holiday songs to commence Lights on the Green on Dec. 6.
Joe Toppi enjoyed some holiday treats, munchkins and hot chocolate, given out by local businesses and organizations.
Annie
Vienna Madden visited Santa Claus, who came in on a fire truck at the beginning of the ceremony.
Michael D’Ambrosio, far left, Joseph Ponte, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Seth Blau, Brian Driscoll, Joseph Cibellis and John Dianellos, far right, and several young children from the Oceanside community celebrated the tree lighting together.
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Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?
Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored.
Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged
child they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!
In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.
There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.
Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.
Four arrests in alleged grand larcenies across Nassau County
Four people were arrested on Dec. 3 for multiple alleged grand larcenies across Nassau County.
Police have arrested Cosmina Caldararu, 39, Laura Calin, 33 , Alexendru Dumitru, 36, and Constantin Dumitru, 41, all of Bridgeport, Conn.
According to police, Caldararu allegedly stole jewelry from an 18-year-old man in Uniondale on July 28.
Caldararu and C. Dumitru allegedly took jewelry from an 84-year-old man in Baldwin, police said, on Oct. 3.
Officials say Caldararu, Calin, and Alexendru Dumitru allegedly stole jewelry from a 94-year-old woman in Oceanside on Nov. 26, as well as a 66-year-old man in Franklin Square on Nov. 28, and a 79-year-
old woman in Valley Stream on Nov. 29. Police also said that Caldararu and Alexendru Dumitru allegedly took jewelry from a 70-year-old woman and 68-year-old man in Valley Stream on Nov. 30.
Caldararu was charged with seven counts of grand larceny and three counts of conspiracy. Alexendru Dumitru was charged with five counts of grand larceny and three counts of conspiracy. Calin was charged with four counts of grand larceny and two counts of conspiracy. Constantin Dumitru was charged with grand larceny. All four were released on appearance tickets and then there were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement Agents.
— Allyson Ferrari
Man charged after reportedly harassing delivery worker
An Island Park man was arrested after police say he harassed an 18-yearold food delivery worker who stopped to pray outside a residence near 6 p.m. on Dec. 3.
After completing a delivery, the man took a prayer mat from his vehicle, placed it on the ground and began to pray, according to police. A neighboring resident allegedly began yelling at him, using derogatory language, police said.
When the victim explained he was praying, Thomas McGarry, 67, allegedly made a violent threat.
After the subsequent investigation, McGarry was arrested and charged with aggravated harassment. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to First District Court on Dec. 24.
— Abigail Grieco
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.
Lifelong Jets fan will ‘Kick for Cash’ Dec. 28
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
A lifelong and diehard New York Jets fan, Ashley Castanio-Gervasi has been to countless games over the years with members of her family, which has owned season tickets dating back to the mid-1960s.
On Dec. 28, the 33-year-old Oceanside High School graduate, East Rockaway resident and Long Beach High School math teacher and girls’ varsity soccer coach will be on the MetLife Stadium field during halftime of the Jets-New England Patriots game with a chance to win $100,000 thanks to Hellmann’s.
At every Jets home game this season, one lucky fan inside the Tailgate Zone is randomly chosen to attempt the Hellmann’s Field Goal Challenge, a 20-yard attempt where winners received a Jets swag bag full of exclusive merchandise, a $100 Visa gift card, and tickets to the home finale where they will have an opportunity to Kick for Cash.
“There’s nothing quite like the opportunity for fans to set foot on the field at MetLife Stadium, line up to attempt a field goal like the pros do, and have the chance to win a $100,000,” said Jeff Fernandez, Jets Senior Vice President of Business Development + Ventures. “We are excited to team up with Hellmann’s to bring this fun activation to our gameday experience.”
Castanio-Gervasi was that lucky fan Oct. 19 and successfully drilled the field goal, qualifying her for the Kick for Cash. “I’ve played soccer my whole life but I never kicked a football before that day,” said CastanioGervasi, a standout goalkeeper for both Oceanside (2010 graduate) and Stony Brook University (2015 grad.) “My mindset right now is to not practice much at all and just treat it like a soccer ball,” she said. “I’m trying to have
fun with it and think of it as something my dad would be super proud of.”
Ashley attended the Jets-Carolina Panthers game Oct. 19 with more than 80 family members and friends. Each year since her father Frank passed away in 2011, she along with her mother Lorraine and three sisters — Lauren Almonte, Courtney Mercado and Jaclyn Rothschild — have organized a group trip to a Jets game with proceeds going to the Esophegeal Cancer Education Foundation. So far, they’ve raised more than $50,000.
“The Jets have always been a big part of my family,” said Castanio-Gervasi, who as a kid attended Jets youth football camps and training camps at Hofstra University. “Going to games together and tailgating is family time we cherish.”
Ashley and her husband, Matthew, have taken their Jets fandom on the road in recent years as well with trip to see Gang Green in Miami, Buffalo, New England, Chicago, Arizona, Pittsburgh and soon Jacksonville.
But Dec. 28 at MetLife will have a different feel to it with six figures of cash on the table. The distance of the Kick for Cash hasn’t been revealed, but Castanio-Gervasi is expecting it to be longer than 20 yards.
“As an athlete I’ve always performed better under pressure,” she said. “There is such as thing as good nerves. In sports if you’re not nervous for the big moments, you’re not fully invested. I know I’ll be a little nervous, but I can feel it in my bones I’m going to make the kick.”
Courtesy Ashley Castanio-Gervais
Oceanside High School graduate and Long Beach math teacher Ashley Castanio-Gervasi will ‘Kick for Cash’ at MetLife Stadium Dec. 28.
Love, Ava Project hosts its annual toy drive
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Salonia, an Oceanside 16-year-old who died in August 2023 of leukemia. Ava and her family received support from the project during her treatment — a connection that continues to inspire the organization’s work.
Each year the toy drive begins with area businesses volunteering to host donation boxes. This holiday season, between nearly 30 businesses in Oceanside, Island Park, East Rockaway, Rockville Centre and Long Beach have signed on as official dropoff spots. They received collection boxes, and are gathering unwrapped donations through Dec. 17. The project now supports roughly 35 local families as well as children receiving care at NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids in Mineola and at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital.
O’Hagan said she never expected the effort to evolve into a countywide network of donation sites, volunteers and family partnerships. Thirteen years ago, she simply wanted to teach her younger brother and two sisters about the generosity of giving back.
“I was trying to teach my siblings what it means to give to others and to give back to the community,” she recalled.
The mission has only grown since. O’Hagan and a team of dedicated volunteers, including her family, sort, organize and deliver hundreds of toys each year to families in need, some with limited incomes and others facing the challenges of medical emergencies or major financial hardship. The families submit wish lists for holiday gifts as well as everyday needs and wants.
Because the Love, Ava Project keeps in contact with families year-round, the support often extends beyond the holiday season. The long-term relationships, O’Hagan said, are among the most meaningful parts of her work.
“That’s when you realize the impact is bigger than you ever imagined,” she said.
One family the project helped recently, from Oceanside, returned with donations of their own. “Those kids and family members are now wanting to help someone else because they themselves were helped,” O’Hagan said. “Seeing that is incredible. It shows how giving inspires more giving.”
She said she hopes the toy drive reminds the community what the season is truly about.
“Something like this just opens people’s eyes to the fact that we almost get blinded a little by the Christmas season, and get caught up in what we’re going to receive,” O’Hagan said. “But the whole point is to remind them that we should be giving back to other people who aren’t going to receive like them. There are people less fortunate, and it’s so important to give back to them so they can have a good holiday experience.”
With collection boxes in place and toys beginning to pile up, O’Hagan said she hopes this year’s drive will be the project’s most meaningful yet — a tribute to Ava, and a reminder of what a community can accomplish when generosity leads the way.
• EGP, Oceanside
• EGP Land & Sea, Island Park
• Empire Nutrition, Oceanside and Merrick
• Red Label Coffee, all locations
• VFW, Oceanside
• J. Paul’s Terrace Cafe, Oceanside
• Udar Kickboxing, Long Beach
• Flowers By Rachel, Oceanside
• Hal Knopf Real Estate, Oceanside
• Dolce Bella, Oceanside
• Lia’s Pizzeria, Oceanside
• Seaside Celebrations, Long Beach
• Marino, Goetz & Associates, Oceanside
• The H Academy, Oceanside
• Dough Hut, Long Beach
• Speakeasy, Long Beach
• Oceanside Library
• Darkhorse Tavern, Rockville Centre
• Centre Station, Rockville Centre
• South Shore Brewery, Oceanside
• Barrier Brewery, Oceanside & Long Beach
• Long Beach Sandwich Shop
• Swingbellys BBQ, Long Beach
• School of Rock, Rockville Centre
• Hollywood Fitness East & West Long Beach
• Men’s Wearhouse, Oceanside
• Knights of Columbus, Oceanside
• Kinfolk Corner Market, Rockville Centre
• No Good Burger Joint, Rockville Centre
— Brianna O’Hagan
SAFE and students push for prevention
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Oceanside SAFE Coalition and the Oceanside High School Youth Council raised funds to support youth mental health and substance misuse prevention through their annual SnapRaise online prevention fundraiser, which ran through Dec. 4.
The SAFE Coalition — founded in 2015 after a rise in local substance-related deaths — works to prevent and reduce youth substance misuse by partnering with families, schools and community organizations. The coalition addresses alcohol and cannabis use among youth through evidence-based programs, environmental strategies, enforcement partnerships and education.
Working alongside the coalition is the Oceanside High School Youth Council, a student-led mental health initiative. The council trains students to support peers, raise awareness of available resources and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and behavioral health. Throughout the year, its members lead outreach, participate in events and help create prevention campaigns.
“Our mission is to promote student advocacy and empower students to be able to help young people in both crisis and noncrisis situations,” said coalition chair and Youth Council advisor Sara Dowler. “The Prevention Fundraiser is a way to quickly collect funds. Donations through the 501(c)
(3) help the coalition to plan and continue to coordinate prevention programs and activities.”
Dowler said the council’s most meaningful fundraiser comes later in the year, when students organize the “Creating Connections” event. Students organize every aspect, from recruiting teachers to collecting raffle prizes.
The initiative pairs students with trusted adults — teachers, staff or other mentors — for activities like lunch, coffee or shared hobbies. Students buy raffle tickets for a chance to participate. The goal is to strengthen relationships, which are known protective factors against youth mental health struggles and suicide risk.
As fundraising continues, SAFE’s year-
round prevention work remains extensive.
Led by project coordinator Alison Eriksen, the coalition has grown significantly since receiving federal Drug-Free Communities funding in 2019. It now organizes Narcan trainings, workshops, community events and biannual Drug Take Back Days.
“We work together to promote different initiatives throughout the year and reach more population within the community,” Eriksen said. “We’ve been so unbelievably fortunate to have the support and partnership of our [school] district and local community organizations.”
Coalition membership includes representatives from all 12 federally recognized community sectors: parents, youth, schools, law enforcement, businesses, healthcare professionals, government leaders, religious groups, civic volunteers, youth-serving organizations, media and substance abuse service providers. The coalition meets monthly to coordinate initiatives, relying on volunteers to support outreach and event planning.
Thanks to these collaborative efforts, key indicators have improved. Youth Development Survey results show significant declines in 30-day alcohol and marijuana use among middle and high school students since 2019. Meanwhile, perceptions of risk and disapproval from parents and peers have risen.
“The coalition isn’t a place where things get done; the community at large is,” Eriksen said.
Dina Ewashko/Herald
SAFE project coordinator Alison Eriksen, far left, and SAFE coalition chair, Youth Council advisor Sara Dowler, second from right and the Oceanside High School Youth Council raised funds through their online prevention fundraiser, which ended on Dec. 4.
Holiday show for everyone shines bright
heads are scattered throughout the yard; window trims are fashioned from cut and drilled PVC pipes; and arches and other props covering the home are all handmade.
“The actual props are not Home Depot or Lowe’s,” Wilzig said. “Everything is a specific thing that would only be at our house.”
But the most time-consuming element, he said, is the sequencing — the coding that makes each light react to each beat of the music.
“While Jones Beach has lights lit up and you can play the radio in your car, our display, and what takes the most time, is wiring and coding every beat of music,” Wilzig said. “The lights do something to the music — they form images in the tree and then quickly move to the window. That’s the whole aspect that makes this hobby a million hours longer than just plugging in lights.”
Each song takes several hours to code, and Wilzig credits friends who help sequence the more complex selections. Before the show goes live, Wilzig also sets the timing for additional effects like fog machines and sparklers.
While the show is free, donation boxes and QR codes are set up on site to give visitors the option to contribute. All money benefits Blood Cancer United, also known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“It’s a great charity that relates to so many people,” he said.
Wilzig, who performs magic and illusions professionally, sees the light show as an extension of the joy he brings to audiences year-round.
“I go out and make people smile and be amazed and be like little kids again,” Wilzig said. “During Covid, I got into this hobby of lights and music, which, indirectly, is a similar feeling. It brings smiles and happiness.”
As familiar faces return and new faces attend for the first time, Wilzig expressed hope that the show continues to be a bright spot for local families.
“I’m trying to be a tradition for some families and be a little part of the holiday spirit,” he said.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Clockwise from left, Amanda Strumasser, Sabrina Angelides, Melissa Angelides, Dylan Libby, Evie Angelides and Lyla Strumasser attended the Holiday Light Show on its opening night, Dec. 5.
Debra Tai, left, Zoe Marlin and her mom, Meredith Marlin, enjoyed the music and lights during the 20-minute show.
More than 100 3D-printed Mickey Mouse figures adorned the Wilzig family’s lawn during their Holiday Light Experience.
Liz Levengood, right, with her children Hugo and Eleanor, enjoyed the festive music, colorful lights and themed projections.
Oceanside residents and members of surrounding communities came to watch the twinkling light shows, pop the “snow” bubbles, dance and sing along to holiday favorites.
HANUKKAH GREETING
Happy Holidays
May
we be beacons of light this season
The story of Chanukah reminds us that even the smallest light can pierce the darkest moments. During the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BCE), Jews were forced to abandon their traditions and adopt Greek customs under threat of death. Among the many who suffered, one family—the Maccabees—refused to give up their right to live and worship freely. Their defiance made them enemies of the Greek-Syrian empire, yet all they sought was peace and the freedom to practice their faith. History has shown us time and again how often one group tries to impose its beliefs on another. Why does this continue to happen? Often it is rooted in fear—fear of difference, fear of losing power or fear of ideas that challenge the status quo.
In 167 BCE, the Maccabees
launched a revolt, despite being vastly outnumbered. They were only about 600 men facing an army of roughly 3,000 highly trained and well-equipped soldiers. By every rational measure, they had little chance of surviving even a single battle. How often do we encounter challenges that feel just as overwhelming—and give up before we begin? The Maccabees didn’t. They recognized their limitations and chose a different path. Judah Maccabee, a brilliant strategist, used the mountainous terrain to their advantage, striking by surprise and creating the illusion of a much larger force. What we might call “smoke and mirrors” today was, for them, creativity, courage and cal-
culated risk.
After their victory, they rededicated the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. There, they found only one small jar of oil—enough for just one night, though the sacred lamps were never supposed to go out. Still, they lit the menorah. That single flame miraculously burned for eight days, long enough for new oil to arrive.
This story teaches a timeless truth: greatness often begins with something small. A single act of faith, a kind word, or a quiet moment of courage can have an impact far beyond what we imagine. Just as one flame on the Chanukiah becomes eight, our goodness can multiply and inspire others.
If your business offers FSA-eligible products or services - like eye care, dental, chiropractic, physical therapy, or is a pharmacy - now’s the time to advertise!
Local readers are looking to spend their FSA funds before year-end, and our community newspapers and websites put your business right in front of them.
In a world that can feel dark or divided, we each have the power to be a source of light. Every candle reminds us that our actions matter—that one person’s compassion, integrity, or generosity can brighten a room, a community, or even the world. We may not see the results immediately (or ever), but light has a way of spreading.
The Chanukiah teaches us that we do not need perfect conditions or grand gestures. We only need to begin—with one small flame, one good deed, one act of hope.
May we be beacons of light to all those around us this season.
Rabbi Jeshayahu “Shai” Beloosesky, D. Min is the spiritual leader of Temple Avodah in Oceanside, located at 3050 Oceanside Road.
RABBI SHAI BELOOSESKY
Cradle of Aviation welcomes Katie Ledecky
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Catholic Health teamed up last week with the legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky, a world record holder and a 14-time Olympic medalist, for a presentation at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.
Ledecky, a New York Times bestselling author and the most decorated female swimmer in history, spoke to nearly 250 area Catholic middle and high school students, many of them swimmers, on Dec. 1.
Welcomed by Andy Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation, they crowded into the museum’s Catholic Health Sky Theater Planetarium to listen to Ledecky’s discussion with Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, the nonprofit health care system.
Ledecky was just 15, and the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team, when she won her first gold medal at the 2012 Games in London.
“I can think of no better human being than Katie Ledecky to personally inspire us with her journey,” O’Shaughnessy said. She shared some of the highlights of that journey, and discussed her role, since July, as a health and wellness ambassador for Catholic
Health. She graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2015.
“And I think I just really love all the messaging and the support that Catholic Health gives to this community, and the resources that you provide, and the opportunities — and, of course, the health care as well,” Ledecky told O’Shaughnessy. “So just to help spread that message and be a voice for healthy living, it’s such a great match, and I’m happy that this relationship has brought
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.
Holiday classics return to Island Park for sing-along
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Jay Daniels returned to the Island Park Public Library on Dec. 6 for a community holiday sing-along, his second appearance since performing a Burt Bacharach tribute earlier this year.
For Daniels, the holidays have always started with music. Long before he became a traveling performer, before the concerts and senior-community circuits, Daniels learned that the season’s warmth came not only from Christmas tree lights or cookie trays — but from the songs his family played on repeat.
“My family would listen to Bing Crosby, Karen Carpenter, those old Time Life Christmas collections,” Daniels said. “Whether we were on the road or at home, those songs were always there.”
That sense of shared sound and shared memory is what Daniels brought to the Island Park Library. First crafting his seasonal programs nearly 15 years ago, Daniels draws from the songs he grew up with hearing with his parents and from the hymns he knew from church.
That personal connection is also why Daniels pays close attention to what audiences want. Over the years, he has tried working modern or lesserknown holiday music into his shows, experimenting with programs built around film scores and TV specials. But he quickly learned that, especially for older audiences, the heart of the season lies in the familiar.
“I try to balance old and new, but the truth is, my audience is content singing the songs they grew up with,” Daniels said. “Some of them are not as familiar with the newer stuff. They want the favorites of the season.”
That desire for familiarity, Daniels believes, reflects a broader reality about the winter season.
“While some people eagerly await Hallmark movies and festive celebrations, others face emotional or financial challenges that make the holidays more difficult,” Daniels said.
He finds that bringing storytelling and reflection into each show allows him to reach listeners no matter how they are entering the season.
“Nostalgia plays a heavy role,” Daniels said. “One chord takes you back to where you first heard it.”
As a former choir director at Episcopal churches in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, Daniels emphasized the power of connection when it comes to music, which is why he made this event a sing-along. Even when a program isn’t labeled as one, holiday crowds naturally join in, and Daniels welcomes it.
“I look at it this way: we come together with many voices, but when
we sing these songs, we come together as one,” Daniels said. “There are very few places anymore where people want to come together. People have always sung, and I’ve never stopped them.”
The Dec. 6 lineup reflected the spirit of the holidays by incorporating classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Winter Wonderland;” Daniels’ favorites like “White Christmas;” and traditional pieces like “The
Dreidel Song” and “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.”
These selections round out a program meant to bring the community together, one chorus at a time — and that’s exactly what Daniels felt during his performance.
“I looked around and thought this is what the holidays are all about,” Daniels said. “Moments are fleeting. Take advantage of them while they’re here.”
Courtesy Sara Geller
Performer Jay Daniels brought nostalgia and spirit to a night of seasonal music during the Island Park Library’s holiday sing-along on Dec. 6.
December 11, 2025
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.
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
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
• Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m., 6-6:45 p.m., 7:30-8:15 p.m., through Jan. 1
• Contact: luminocityfestival.com
Holiday Toy Drive/ Adopt-A-Family
Help put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season. EGP Oceanside holds its13th annual holiday toy drive and Adopt-A-Family. Donations benefit local children and families in need and the cancer center for kids at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai South Nassau. Donations must be new and unwrapped; also collecting nonperishable food items and clothing.
• Where: Drop locations include (but are not limited to): EGP Oceanside, Oceanside Library, South Shore Brewery, VFW Oceanside and EGP Land & Sea.
• Time: Ongoing, through Dec. 17
• Contact: (516) 766-9547
‘Home for the Holidays’ Pet Adoption
There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during “Home for the Holidays’ at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Preview the cats and dogs online at Hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter.
• Where: 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Ongoing, through Jan. 4
• Contact: (516) 785-5220
Quest: A Writer’s Journey” Book Launch
Oceanside Library celebrates the publication of an anthology showcasing 26 memoirs and interviews of writers from diverse backgrounds who recall how they started. Live presenters include Sandy McIntosh and Spencer Rumsey; Zoom presenters include R L Stein, Mary Mackey and Danusha Lameris.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave, Oceanside
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-2360
DEC
12
Cookie Night with Mrs. Claus
Dee’s Nursery hosts a Cookie Night with Mrs. Claus! Kids can decorate their own
‘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
to share good food, laughter and the warmth of community as the holiday spirit fills the air.
• Where: O’Connell Gardens, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside
• Time: 7:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
• Contact: PGK Dan Ramos at (516) 644-3009 or PGK Dennis Brown at (516) 236-3983
DEC
14
Theatrical Proclamation
Oceanside Lutheran
Church invites all to a theatrical proclamation. OLC has a tradition of transforming the songs and experiences of original Broadway shows to create an original short story presentation. This year, elements of drama, tragedy and comedy to tell a story of the immigration experience to America.
• Where: 55 Fairview Ave., Oceanside • Time: 10 a.m.
Tiny Elves Workshop
Join Ms. Toni for a magical holiday event at To The Stage. Children will enjoy a festive holiday dance party, gingerbread house crafting, snow sensory play, an obstacle course, snowball fun, games and so much more!
• Where: 2826 Brower Ave, Oceanside
• Time: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
apron, make a Christmas craft and decorate holiday cookies! Only children need a ticket; adults are welcome to join the event with their child.
• Where: 69 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 678-3535
Island Park Winter Wonderland
Enjoy a magical winter celebration at the Village of Island Park’s Winter Wonderland on the Village Green. With tree lighting, Nativity blessing, ice skating, inflatables, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa! Check out the heated tent with crafts and activities hosted by the Island Park Library.
• Where: Village Green (Corner of Long Beach & Warwick Roads)
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 431-0600
‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’ Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun
than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Dec. 17-18
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
DEC
13
National Wreaths Across America Day
Join the Oceanside Kiwanis Club in honoring our heroes this holiday season through Wreaths Across America. Each $17 wreath is a beautiful tribute to a veteran’s resting place. Your contribution helps us remember, honor and teach the next generation about the true cost of freedom.
• Contact: (516) 369-0882
Chanukah Concert Drive-In
Chabad of Oceanside hosts a Grand Menorah lighting with an incredible concert by the popular 8th Day Band. Refreshments for everyone right in the comfort of your car!
• Where: Oceanside Park Parking Lot, 3800 Mahlon Brower Drive
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 764-7385
KidStrong Holly Jolly Drop & Go
Parents can go shop, wrap, breathe or just enjoy being an adult for a few hours; KidStrong Oceanside has got the kids, ages 4-11, covered. Kids can enjoy a festive night packed with a confidencebuilding movement, holiday crafts, games and pizza.
• Where: KidStrong, 2816 Long Beach Road, Oceanside
• Time: 6-9 p.m.
• Contact: Text HOLLYJOLLY to (516) 940-0711
Christmas Party
Oceanside Knights of Columbus #3481 welcomes all to celebrate the joy of the season at their annual Adult Christmas Party. With a three-choice dinner, an ice cream bar and festive entertainment by DJ Benny of Signature Sounds. This special gathering offers a chance
• Contact: (516) 707-9807 or Courtney@2thestage.com
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
Oceanside Chorale in concert
“Light Up The Holidays” with the Oceanside Chorale. With refreshments and raffle. $10 donation.
• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 459-8513 or oceansidechorale@gmail.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
1
The Rockettes have been a cherished New York City holiday tradition since 1933. Their first appearance in the inaugural Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall firmly established them as an essential part of the city’s seasonal celebrations. Over the decades, the show has expanded into one of New York’s most beloved annual events, drawing both locals and tourists. Though the production continually evolves—incorporating advanced stage technology, refreshed choreography, and updated narrative elements—it preserves classic numbers like the iconic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” For many families, attending the Christmas Spectacular has become a multigenerational ritual, cementing the Rockettes as enduring symbols of the holiday spirit in New York.
2
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:
3
Their auditions are famously rigorous and attract dancers from across the country. Each year, thousands of hopefuls come to New York to compete for a coveted spot in the lineup. The audition process involves multiple rounds in which dancers must quickly learn and perform complex combinations with absolute precision. Beyond technical excellence, candidates are judged on how well they blend with the group in both appearance and style—a defining aspect of the Rockettes. Even after being selected, dancers undergo weeks of intensive rehearsals, often lasting six hours a day, to build the synchronization and endurance needed.
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.
5
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU Wilmington Trust, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for MFRA Trust 2016-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Maria Piccini a/k/a Maria E. Piccini; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 8, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 3260 Shore Road, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 43. Block 398 Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $671,204.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 613431/2019. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.
Fabiana Ida Talarico, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: November 7, 2025 157051
TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JACK T. REICH, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 22, 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 2 Redfield Road, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Island Park, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 9 and Lot 197. Approximate amount of judgment is $260,522.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612970/2023. Cash will not be accepted.
Francis X. McQuade, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157045
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for The Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Margaret Mendez, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 147
Madison Avenue, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 43, BLOCK: 140, LOT: 21, 22, 46, 47. Approximate amount of judgment is $712,578.25 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 603718/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction.com a t www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Jaime David Ezratty, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-097633-F00 87918 157011
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. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
623/25. OCEANSIDEMarisa DiMartino, Renewal of grant to maintain 4 1/2’ to 6’ high fences & maintain a portion of fence varying in height from 3 1/2’ thru 4 1/2’ high within the clear sight triangle., N/W cor. Oceanside Pkwy. & Clarendon Rd., a/k/a 385 Oceanside Pkwy.
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED
STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
646/25. OCEANSIDE3000 Lawson, LLC, Special exception for floor area ratio (proposed reconstruction of warehouse & remove portion of existing building), variance in off-street parking & special exception to park in the front yard setbacks on Lawson Blvd., Riverside Ave. & Bayview Ave. with insufficient maneuvering aisle., N/W cor. Lawson Blvd. & Riverside Ave., a/k/a 3000 Lawson Blvd.
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 Oceanside 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.
157237
Footlight Players bring holiday concert to Oceanside church
The Footlight Players brought a mix of classical opera, seasonal favorites and original music to The First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside on Nov. 30, performing before a lively crowd as part of the church’s annual holiday concert tradition.
The ensemble, directed by Footlight Players founder Nathaniel Green, delivered a varied program that included “Non Piu Andrai,” “Bring Him Home,” “O Holy Night,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Be My Love,” “M’Appari,” and an original composition by Green titled “What Would I Want for Christmas.”
Green established the Footlight Players as a nonprofit in 1984 at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, debuting with “Rigoletto,” in which he starred. Over the decades, the troupe has staged numerous operas and plays — including several written by Green himself, such as “The Enchanted Spring.”
The performance featured longtime company and church vocalists. Juan Fran-
co, lead tenor and opera singer, has been a central member of the Footlight Players for many years. Brenda Brochon, a soprano, has sung with the First Presbyterian Church Choir for 47 years, while her husband, Richard Brochon, a baritone, has been part of the choir for 55 years.
Accompanying the singers was John Mayhew, who served as organist and music director for the concert. Mayhew has worked in the music ministry for more than four decades, directly vocal and handbell choirs and serving as organist at eight churches across six denominations. He currently serves as organist and choir director at the Oceanside church.
The First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside has been a fixture in the community since 1871, hosting concerts, services and community gatherings for more than 150 years.
— Abigail Grieco
and
School No. 8 student leads food effort
A sixth grader at Oceanside’s Fulton Avenue School No. 8 helped ensure dozens of local families had a brighter Thanksgiving through a student-led food drive benefitting Long Island Reach in Long Beach, a human-services agency that supports thousands of children and families across the South Shore.
Finnleigh Farrell, a longtime volunteer with the nonprofit, helped collect and organize donations alongside advisor Ms. Cleary and members of the school’s Kiwanis Kids Club. Their efforts provided bags of food for more than 35 families in need ahead of the
holidays, school officials said.
Farrell has spent the past three years volunteering with Long Island Reach, assisting with backpack drives, toy drives and Thanksgiving collections. The organization offers therapeutic services, mental health counseling, drug and alcohol treatment and other support, including bilingual services. By contributing to this year’s initiative, Farrell helped extend the nonprofit’s mission while spreading the spirit of gratitude and kindness to families across Oceanside.
— Abigail Grieco
Courtesy Shannon Romig
Finnleigh Farrell, a sixth grader from School No. 8 in Oceanside, has volunteered with Long Island Reach, helping with backpack drives, Thanksgiving food drives
holiday toy drives.
Courtesy Maria Heller
Brenda Brochon, far left, Richard Brochon, Nathaniel Green and Juan Franco performed a holiday show at the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside on Nov. 30.
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Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. 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
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.
Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
TAX PREPARER WANTED
FREEPORT TAX SERVICE INC. Located Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore Hours Are Flexible And Position Requires 20-40 Hours Per Week During Tax Season Possible Future Opportunities Contact Matt At 516-868-9696
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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
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.
Apartment
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!
NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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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-
cratic 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
TI proudly stood with my colleagues as we sounded the alarm on tens of millions of dollars in wasteful spending on politically connected outside legal contracts. And we shed light on the chaos at Nassau University Medical Center amid the ongoing battle to save this vital safety-net hospital that so many people rely on. We fought for policies to make Nassau more affordable by reducing permit fees for businesses and returning illegally collected red-light camera ticket fees to drivers.
Unfortunately, none of the legislation proposed by Democrats made it onto the legislative calendar for a vote, but I’m optimistic that the momentum we created will continue into 2026. Here’s one example: At a recent meeting of the Merrick Community Civic Association, I saw a powerful presentation by Kennedy High School students Ava and Ethan Robinson in support of Robbie’s Law. Their passion showed that the fight for this lifesaving idea is far from over.
There is more work to do, but I have the utmost confidence in the Democratic caucus I leave behind. I owe each member a debt of gratitude. My success
representing the 5th District is directly related to the support, advice and guidance I received from my fellow legislators. Thanks to each of you. My term ends on Dec. 31, but my work will continue until then. I will use every moment to help our community. I’m happy to announce that we will host a winter coat drive in partnership with the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club. If you have new or gently used winter coats and accessories, please drop them off during business hours at the Freeport, North Bellmore or North Merrick libraries, or Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club headquarters, at 294 W. Merrick Road, Suite 12, in Freeport. The drive ends on Dec. 14.
I’m especially grateful for the unwavering love and support that my wife, Jill, our children and extended family gave me on this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I am forever grateful to all of you.
Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve for these two years. From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous holiday season and an amazing 2026. I look forward to seeing you in the community as we continue making Nassau County an even better place to live, work and raise our families.
Seth I. Koslow, of Merrick, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
Those who ignore James Carville face oblivion
he two major American political parties were built by people whose names most of us have never heard of. They weren’t Democratic or Republican officeholders. They were philosophers whose writings moved politicians who embraced their words and used them to try to make the Democratic and Republican parties attractive to voters.
Milton Friedman was a 20thcentury American economist whose ideas were a strong influence on Republicans. Russell Kirk was a highly regarded conservative and a godfather of the conservative movement. William F. Buckley Jr. is a name my generation knows because, for a long period of time, he was the voice of staunch conservative Republicans. A handful of people have shaped the Democratic Party philosophy as well — John Dewey, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls and numerous other names that are foreign to most of us. Dewey believed in a party that enables labor rights, community organizing and local empowerment.
Those old philosophers shaped the two major parties, but there is currently almost no one you could name whom President Trump or President Biden relies or relied on to help make serious decisions. In many ways, Biden was a student of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised dozens of programs that were helpful to countless people. Trump apparently relies on nothing other than his instincts, with occasional input from his adviser Stephen Miller. Miller has strong opinions on many subjects, and Trump often has to restrain him.
F or so many voters, it’s still about the economy, as the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ so eloquently put it.
There is one voice out there today whose message can be good for Democrats and Republicans, depending on who’s listening. I refer to James Carville. Sometimes known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” Carville created the strategy that elected and re-elected President Bill Clinton. His plain talk has been out there for whoever wants to embrace it. His simple advice since 1992 has been, “It’s the economy, stupid.” It worked when Clinton defeated President George H.W. Bush, and in many ways it helped Donald Trump get to the White House. We are now 11 months away from another consequential election, and the
dominant political voice out there pounding the Democratic Party is Carville. He had a message for Democrats last year, when he told them to stop lecturing people and talk to them about their issues. He tried to get that message across to then Vice President Kamala Harris, but she relied on paid advisers who gave her the worst possible advice.
This year, a large group of Democrats paid attention to Carville’s counsel, and it helped them sweep numerous contests in last month’s elections. Democratic Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger were elected the governors of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed through a resolution to redraw his state’s congressional map, which was approved by a landslide. Democrats won other significant contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The winning campaigns focused on the issue of affordability, and Trump’s unpopularity helped all of them.
Next year’s elections will be a huge challenge for both political parties. History shows that the minority party generally wins a majority of the contested seats in Congress. Current polls shows the Democrats winning a large numbers
of seats and likely taking over the House, and projections show them within three seats of taking over the Senate as well. With all this bad news, are the Republicans paying attention? Trump has reacted to the 2025 elections by insisting that the economy is great. He has claimed that prices are down, and that all of the Democratic claims to the contrary are false. Even in the face of the worst consumer confidence figures, he is living in some type of bubble and ignoring what’s really happening. He made some concessions on tariffs, but it will take time for them to have any impact.
The problem for the Republicans is that all of them are on one big ship, and Trump is the captain. The longer he continues to believe, or at least insist in public, that the economy is terrific, the more danger his passengers are in.
At the same time, pundits like Carville are pushing Democrats to stick to variations on his message. Absent a 360-degree turnaround by the GOP in the next several months, Carville’s admonition about the economy could be the winning message for Democrats, and leave Republicans looking stupid.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
SETH I. KOSLOW JERRY KREMER
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.
OPINIONS
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
