Issuu

Rockaway

JOURNAL Since 1883

www.liherald.com

JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

$1.00

Baby Shower offers resources and cheer By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Dozens of expectant mothers gathered at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, in Far Rockaway, on Dec. 19 for Episcopal Health Services’ annual Baby Shower, an event that blended festive holiday spirit with practical parenting support. Hosted by Dr. Jacqueline Maricheau, the hospital’s chair of obstetrics and gynecology, the event was intended to lift families’ spirits during the holiday season with gifts, guidance and community. In partnership with organizaJAIlYNN VegA tions like CamFar Rockaway paign Against Hunger; Love, Nana; and the Queens Public Library, the hospital offered a pop-up shop stocked with books and clothing for newbor ns, along with a raffle that awarded baby-changing bags, car seats, playpens and strollers. There was an educational segment led by Debbie Steger-Cohen, a lactation consultant specialist who addressed the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding and detailed the challenges that new mothers may face during childbirth. “Breastfeeding provides babies with the necessary nutrients, proteins, sugars, antibodies, fats and vitamins to build immunity and be healthy,” StegerCohen told the attendees. She also spoke about St. John’s’ recent “Baby-Friendly” designation — recognition from Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body for the international Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the U.S., which highlights hospitals that support breastfeeding and newbor n care. The evaluation included patient interviews, staff training verification and a demonstration of formula purchasing policies. In July, St. John’s passed all 82 criteria. Steger-Cohen said that the designation means that the hospital fulfills the needs of expecting mothers at “the very highest level.” “It means that moms are assured by

t’s great to know that there’s available help.

India Drew, one of many attendees, had the chance to select an item from a popup shop of goodies for newborns. Aidan Warshavsky/Herald

Zeenea Victoria, left, was one of many who attended Dr. Jacqueline Maricheau’s community event. an independent organization that they are getting the very best maternal child care,” she said. “Everyone who takes care of them is knowledgeable about breastfeeding. We are able to support whatever decision they have in terms of feeding their baby. Even if they’re formula feeding, we will make sure that they’re doing a wonderful job at formula feeding their baby.” While the event was a first-time experience for some, it wasn’t for others, like Jailynn Vega, of Far Rockaway, who is expecting her third child. Vega, a clerk in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, said she was grateful for the chance to attend. “It’s supportive to know there’s other young moms out there,” she said. “Most of what we just learned today, with lactation and everything. Some things I even forgot.” Vega also noted the importance of attending as a health care provider, and as someone who can support another mother. “Even if you’re not a mom, at

least know the information,” she said. “I would want my child just being born to be treated as if you were the mom. I want to make sure that information is with me so that I can provide that same loving care for others.” She highlighted St. John’s’ attention to detail as both colleagues and health care professionals. “When I went on maternity leave when I had my second child, everyone asked how my baby was doing,” she said. “They take care of their patients. That’s what I want.” Maricheau hosted the shower as a way to aid families in need to offset the costs of having a child, especially during the holiday season. “It’s my favorite time of year,” she said. “We’re happy to donate, help and support.” And for mothers like Vega, that support means everything. “Items like diapers can be expensive,” she said. “I struggle a lot, having two other kids. Its great to know that there’s available help.” Maricheau, who has worked at

the hospital for six years, called helping women as a health care provider her “impetus.” “Knowing that I can make a difference, and I can make change in the community, seeing the smiles on their faces,” she said, “[are] why I love taking care of women.” She thanked the partners for their efforts, and applauded her department and Episcopal Health Services’ CEO, Dr. Donald Morrish, for “rising to the occasion.” Steger-Cohen reiterated the hospital’s commitment to ensuring optimal care for expecting mothers, explaining that its efforts go beyond prenatal and inpatient care. “We will support their feeding plans and help them have a rewarding and wonderful experience after birth,” she said.

Rockaway

JOURNAL January 8, 2026 — ROCKAWAY JOURNAL

Since 1883

A Bat Mitzvah 63 years in the making By MELISSA BERMAN

Offices

mberman@liherald.com

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018 Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ STUART RICHNER Publisher ■ JEffREY BESSEN Managing Editor JORDAN VALLONE Deputy Managing Editor JIM HARMON Copy Editor KAREN BLOOM Features / Special Sections Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Sports Editor TIM BAKER Photo Editor ■ RHONDA GLICKMAN Vice President - Sales AMY AMATO Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events LORI BERGER Sales Director

Courtesy Pnina Knopf

Pnina Knopf, a member of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre and an East Rockaway resident, became a bat mitzvah at age 75 on Dec. 20.

In Judaism, it is a rite of passage for a girl to become a bat mitzvah an adult in the eyes of God at age 12. Pnina Knopf b e c a m e o n e 6 3 ye a r s later, at 75. As a girl takes her place in the Jewish community, it is celebrated with creative projects, parties and other gatherings. Most important, the girl prepares for months for a special bat mitzvah service. Knopf, of East Rockaway, the mother of three grown children, a grandmother of three and a member of the HewlettEast Rockaway Jewish Centre, has wanted to become a bat mitzvah her entire life. “I’ve been counting down the years my whole life, since I was 12 years old,” she said. “Growing up in the 1950s and ’60s, in a conservative Jewish family, only male children had a bar mitzvah.”

ELLEN REYNOLDS Classified / Inside Sales Director ■ JEffREY NEGRIN Creative Director CRAIG CARDONE Production Coordinator ■ HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Amityville Record Babylon Beacon Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Herald Glen Cove Herald Hempstead Beacon Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Massapequa Post Merrick Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Seaford Herald South Shore Record Uniondale Herald Beacon Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald

Multi-Organization Women’s Networking Breakfast

How to Achieve Optimal Performance in the Workplace Discover strategies to maximize your productivity and professional impact

MEMBER: Americas Newspapers Local Media Association New York Press Association The ROCKAWAY JOURNAL, (USPS 468200), is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage is paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to The Rockaway Journal, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Subscription rates: $52 per year auto-pay or $65 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Back issues available for $1 at our offices, or by mail. Shipping & Handling fees apply. Major Credit Cards accepted. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. Advertising rates given upon request. Reproduction of all or part of any advertisement or editorial matter created by Richner Communications, Inc., without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Vol. 69 No. 2 Published by

Richner Communications, Inc.

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

Kim Ross, MS, RD, CDN

Thursday, January 15, 2026 8-10 a.m. The Mansion at Oyster Bay Woodbury, NY

Media Sponsor 1332190

Knopf fulfilled her to support her and chaldream on Dec. 20, the day lenge her to do more than before her 75th birthday. what was in her comfort She had searched for a zone.” dee per connection to During the service last Judaism after the Oct. 7, month, Knopf read two 2023, Hamas attacks in Torah portions, one from Israel. “After Oct. 7 I was Miketz, in the book of distraught,” she recount- Genesis, and the Maftir ed. “I have 40-plus rela- p o r t i o n o f a s p e c i a l tives living there, and I Hanukkah reading — was terrified because her for my family. bat mitzvah I did not took place belong to a d u r i n g t e m p l e, a n d Hanukkah. after the war Zakarin broke out, I said her felt a need for favorite part a community o f wo rk i n g of people who with Knopf understood was her carm e a n d ing attitude believed in and building PNINA KNoPf what I did.” a closer relaH e r j o u r- Member Hewlett-East tionship with n e y b e g a n Rockaway Jewish her. “I conwhen she met Centre sider her like the Jewish f a m i l y, ” Centre’s execZakarin said, utive director, Lisa Stein, “and she’s been such a and then Rabbi Michael big part of my life this Schlesinger, on Nov. 3, past year.” 2023. For her mitzvah proj“Lisa was my first liai- ect, a good deed that son to HERJC,” Knopf involves volunteering or said. “It was really a donating, Knopf partretuning home, because nered with SIBSPlace, a my ch i l d re n we n t t o support program for chilHERJC when they were 3 dren with siblings or parand 4 years old. We were ents who have cancer or m e m b e r s u n t i l m y other devastating medidaughter was in fourth cal diagnoses, or chilgrade.” dren who are coping with A f t e r h e r m e e t i n g the death of a family with Schlesinger, Knopf member. was invited to attend ser“I started volunteervices, and she became a ing with SIBSPlace in member in January 2024. 2001, one year after it “I felt I had found my was created,” Knopf said spiritual home, and I of the program, an affilifound my community,” ate of Mount Sinai South she added. “I found peo- Nassau hospital. “SIBple who felt the way I felt, S P l a c e h a s a l w a y s and I made new friends. I remained close to my felt like this is where I heart. The goal of my belong.” mitzvah project is to In November 2024, she bring awareness of SIBapproached Hazzan Bon- SPlace to the HERJC connie Zakarin, the temple’s gregation, the communicantor, about becoming a ty and my family and bat mitzvah. She studied friends.” with Zakarin for over a Although Stein has year by learning how to known Knopf for only read Torah and special two years, they had an prayers. Each week she immediate connection learned a new line from when it came to their her Torah portion and desire to support Israel prayers to lead the bat and the Jewish commumitzvah service. nity. “Pnina is a beautiful “We are so happy to soul and amazing volun- have her here,” Stein teer in our community,” said. “She is such a posiZakarin said. “When she tive, war m, dedicated came to me and said she person. She’s brought so wanted to become a bat much to our community mitzvah, I was super by using her voice to excited for her. I wanted make connections.”

’ve been counting down the years my whole life since I was 12 years old.

HAFTR HigHligHTs

By Erin Nathan The past few weeks at HAFTR High School have been filled with excitement, Hanukkah spirit, and milestones. From welcoming future students to celebrating achievements across athletics, academics, and infusing student life with engaging programming, the winter season has been exciting for the entire student body. Earlier this month, HAFTR hosted eighth grade students for interviews, welcoming prospective students who shared their interests and goals with the school’s faculty and administration. Upperclassmen led tours throughout the building, guiding the eighth graders to meet new teachers, explore classrooms, and get a glimpse of the HAFTR environment. While future students explored what lies ahead, our seniors have been celebrating milestones of their own. College acceptance notifications have begun to arrive for the Class of 2026. Cheers of excitement can be heard throughout the building with each acceptance and concrete plan for the future. We are incredibly proud of our seniors’ hard work and dedication. Each acceptance reflects years of hard work, growth, and effort. HAFTR also continues to shine in the world of innovation through its Robotics Program. Robotics continues to be a point of distinct honor in the building, offering a pathway from lower school curiosity and exploration in middle school to championship-level high school design. This year, once again, HAFTR partnered with CIJE to host the VEX Robotics Tournament, which became a two-day event

showcasing creativity, teamwork, and exceptional student talent. We are incredibly proud of this year’s robotics team, who brought home both first and second place! School spirit has been powerful throughout Hanukkah week, as we celebrate with special programs each day, from intense dreidel competitions to latke-making contests to a high-energy concert featuring Mendy Worch. Each

grade - both boys and girls - also enjoyed their own Hanukkah parties with their teachers and rebbeim, where students played games, bonded, and celebrated together. The rest of Hanukkah continued with a schoolwide color war that brought the energy in the building to a new level. Students were divided into teams of red and blue, building a sense of camaraderie, teamwork, and school pride. As snow begins to fall and winter set-

tles in, there is a collective sense of excitement throughout the school. Whether welcoming in future students, celebrating college acceptances, competing in robotics, or lighting Hanukkah candles together, the school continues to thrive. These moments remind us that HAFTR is not just a place of learning but a home. Erin Nathan is the student columnist for HAFTR High School.

FREE WEBINAR Power Smarter Energy Decisions

HOST

with PSEG Long Island FOR YOUR HOME – FOR YOUR BUSINESS – FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Energy shouldn’t feel overwhelming. This practical webinar breaks down your options so you can take control of costs, reliability, and usage with confidence.

January 30th • 10:00am

MAUREEN FITZGERALD Herald Community Newspapers

What You’ll Learn: Lower and manage energy costs for your household or business

GUEST

Understand outage response & reliability priorities that impact homes and local businesses Use smart meters & Time-of-Day rates to better manage when and how you use energy

Learn what makes PSEG Long Island #1 for Small Business Electric Service in the East, and how those service improvements benefit all customers

LOU DEBRINO Vice President of Customer Operations

Hear from Lou DeBrino, Vice President of Customer Operations at PSEG Long Island to learn about practical tools, programs, and updates designed to help customers make confident, informed energy decisions.

CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR? REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE THE RECORDING!

Erin Nathan

To sponsor a webinar or for more information contact Amy Amato at aamato@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x224

DON'T WAIT! REGISTER TODAY & LEARN HOW TO CUT COSTS

1331695

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ROCKAWAY JOURNAL — January 8, 2026

Hanukkah lit the winter activities’ light

W1 01/08

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

BUS NOW HIRING IVERS AND VAN DR The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.

If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

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

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

DON’T MISS The Bus! LOOK NEW PAY RATES ATES FOR SEPTEMBER

Big Bus

NEW

$31.68/hr.

Non-Beneﬁt Rate

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + 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 OIL DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED P/T-F/T, Weekdays/ Weekends/ And Nights. Experienced Only. Twic Card A Plus. Spanish Speaking A Plus. 631-264-8800

Van

$28.91/hr.

Non-Beneﬁt Rate

We Guarantee 30 Hours A Week

Sign On Bonus van $500.00 for non CDL drivers.

$35,360

$5,000.00 for CDL driver bus and

*Some restrictions may apply.

Will train qualiﬁed applicants

EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION

1327879 1318134

We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage

1326292 1308490

January 8, 2026 — ROCKAWAY JOURNAL

$17.00

516.454.2300 Call Today!

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 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

Deals on Wheels

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat? Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

(Salary is $17.00 per hour)

Why Not Print

Classifieds All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

choose

RICHNER Printing Services

• Eco friendly facility • Environmentally safe soy based inks • Recycled paper • Help reduce the carbon footprint

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223

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

W2 01/08

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Long Beach

Fabulous Ocean Views

elcome to the ultimate coastal retreat, where luxury, comfort, and entertainment meet. Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of modern design and beachside living. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the enclosed four-season room, and step outside to your private backyard oasis with a heated in-ground pool, a relaxing hot tub, cozy firepit, and an impressive outdoor kitchen. This home showcases quality finishes throughout, including stainless steel appliances, Andersen windows, washer and dryer on the second floor, blackout and pull-down bedroom shades. The thoughtful layout offers three spacious bedrooms and two full baths upstairs, plus a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bath, ideal for guests or multi-generational living. Experience the best of the Long Beach lifestyle, just moments from the boardwalk, pristine beaches, and the vibrant coastal community that makes this area so desirable.

Joyce Coletti Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Douglas Elliman Real Estate 30A West Park Avenue, Long Beach 516.313.2700

REAL ESTATE Real Estate WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

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

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

Call us today!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

Q. I notice you write about getting building permits all the time. You would think it was obvious, yet you devote many of your columns to reminding people to get permits. Is this because you find that people don’t already know this? I like the details about buildings that you give, and wish you could write more about that.

A. You would probably be amazed at how often I hear from people wondering if they need a permit for something. Or maybe you wouldn’t. Either way, I started writing this column, which some only see as an advertisement or a blog, in December of 1989, after speaking with a young lady from the Herald who came to speak to my local onte eeper Chamber of Commerce. I was a young architect with a toddler and a kindergartner, both of whom have long since finished college, married and provided my wife, Mindy, and me with grandchildren. When I first spoke to the local editor that day, it was about how I naively started my own practice after leaving an international firm in Manhattan. I realized right away that people are investing the largest amount of what they will ever spend on having a home, and need guidance on how to avoid the pitfalls of shoddy practices, dangerous work done by amateurs and getting ambushed by finding out the work they had done can’t pass a building inspection. She asked me to write a sample column, which wasn’t difficult, since local architects are challenged daily with trying to figure out the best way to get people out of the messes they’re dealing with. I noticed that different building departments had different instruction sheets and different ways of handling the permit process, and that some were extremely helpful, while others basically pushed the responsibility of explaining onto the architect. Some even referred architects, but mostly referred to unlicensed services, which became another problem for many homeowners when plans were incomplete or code-deficient, or where there was only a rubber stamp from an elderly retiree who needed a few extra bucks but wouldn’t be around to answer questions or resolve more technical problems. Basically, the system has no real guidance on whether the most expensive thing homeowners will ever undertake is being done safely, correctly or legally, or whether it will last. I approached bigger building departments about coming up with their own manuals to explain what needs a permit and the best way to get one. Not one, to this day, has either put together such a guide for their department, and not one municipality has ever informed their constituency in one of their newsletters about how important it is to avoid doing things the wrong way, having to go to court, pay a fine, and still have to file for a permit. One government leader even suggested that I write the manual for them. Instead, I write for you. So I try to inform people about how to avoid the hassles for better success — permits and all. Thank you!

Ask The Architect

© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

ROCKAWAY JOURNAL — January 8, 2026

Homes

HERALD

Don’t people understand how important permits are?

W3 01/08

HERALD

Market Place • •

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

FAMILY PLUMBING & HEATING FREE ESTIMATES

WATER HEATERS • SINKS TOILETS • FAUCETS LEAKS • BROKEN PIPES GAS CONVERSIONS BOILERS & MORE

25 OFF Any Job

1329007

With Coupon Only. Not Valid On Prior Service. Not To Be Combined. Must Present At Time Of Service

1328459

100 OFF

BOGO 40% OFF

New Hot Water Heater Or Boiler

CALL TODAY

With Coupon Only. Not Valid On Prior Service. Not To Be Combined. Must Present At Time Of Service

1317149

516-825-3606

WIREMAN/CABLEMAN

1328148

• Flat TVs Mounted - All Wires Hidden FREE • High Deﬁnition Television Antennas Installed Estimates • Camera & Stereo Systems Installed & Serviced • Telephone Jacks, Cable TV Extensions & Computer Wiring • Starlink Satellite Dishes

CALL DAVE davewireman.com / 516-353-1118 (text or call) Lic 54264-RE All Work Guaranteed Credit Cards Accepted

Call Doug 516-259-4444 / 631-201-4444

+ $200 OFF ENDS 3/31

• Carpentry & Custom Trim • Sheetrock / Spackle / Painting • Flooring, Tile & Doors • Bathroom Repairs & Remodeling ng • Gutter Repairs & Replacementss • Rooﬁng, Rooﬁ Chimney & Skylight Leak Repairs Ro epairs pairs Lic. & Ins. Nassau #H200851 Suffolk #HI68009

Minimum purchase of 4

Your Entire Purchase Minimum purchase of 4

516-540-5944

1331031

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” 1326762

1326998

CARPENTER / HANDYMAN KLEIN CONTRACTING

Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured

Free estImAtes...call Anthony romeo 1323594

Open the door to a bright future! Add'l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Expires 12/27/26.

1332073

January 8, 2026 — ROCKAWAY JOURNAL

Check the

&/877(5 GULYLQJ \RX

CRAZY? Job listings today! 6HOO \RXU PHUFKDQGLVH LQ QR WLPH (PDLO \RXU $G WR WKH +HUDOG DQG 3ULPH7LPH &ODVVLÀ HG 'HSDUWPHQW DW VDOHV#OLKHUDOG FRP WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU

516-569-4000 Press 5

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160 SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100 MAKITA 1/4 SHEET finishing sander. M o d e l B 0 4 5 5 0 . $ 5 0 O B O. . t ex t 516-647-1999. RIGID MANUAL PIPE threading set, including dies and pipe cutter. $80 OBO. Text 516-647-1999.

SERVICES

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

Cable/TV/Wiring

Home Improvement

Miscellaneous

Junk Cars Wanted

Check out our Service

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $ 6 0 0 I n G i f t C a r d s . C a l l To d a y ! 1-866-782-4069

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

TOP CA$H PAID

Directory for all your

CALL US LAST!

planning, cleaning or moving

Plumbing

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606

516-766-0000

Cleaning Services WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Home Improvement BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159 CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Br iggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

ROOFING, CHIMNEY & SKYLIGHT All Leaks Repaired * Roof Leak Repairs & Replacements * Chimney Waterproofing, Flashing & Repairs * Skylight Leak Repair & Replacements.* Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates CALL NOW 516-259-4444 / 631-201-4444 SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

HERALD

Crossword Puzzle

Junk Cars Bought

repair, decorating, party needs, and much more!

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

Telephone Services CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Satellite/TV Equipment DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Health & Fitness ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172 ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277 GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-484-3467 today! WE BUY 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Fr e e p i c k u p . Fa s t p a y m e n t . C a l l 1-855-403-3374

NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

ROCKAWAY JOURNAL — January 8, 2026

HERALD

W4 01/08

THANKS TO THE CONGESTION RELIEF PROGRAM, NEW YORK IS ON THE MOVE! One year of the congestion relief program means real results for Long Island. Commute times are down 22% from the LIE to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel— meaning less time wasted in traffic and more time back in your day. [SOURCE: Newsday, 8/6/25]

$500 million in transit improvements this year. [SOURCE: CBS News]

$1.5 billion-dollar LIRR funding increase coming down the track.

Long Island is moving forward thanks to 365 days of the congestion relief program.

Learn more PAID FOR BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND

1330966

January 8, 2026 — ROCKAWAY JOURNAL