The community gathered at the Village Green to celebrate its annual holiday tree lighting, drawing hundreds of cheerful residents who were excited to usher in the holiday season on Dec. 4. The festivities featured well-wishes from Mayor Francis Murray and other local officials and music from South Side Middle and High School performers. After a countdown, the massive Christmas tree, right, was illuminated, symbolizing hope and unity. Above, the Breen family enjoyed the event beneath a canopy of glowing holiday lights. Mom Jen with Claire, 2, while dad Ryan is hoisting five-year-old Emma. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Dancing to a professional beat in NYC
By ISABEll A Pl ANTE Intern
The South Side High School International Baccalaureate dance program had a rare and unforgettable opportunity: a master class led by professional dancers from the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
HMade possible by a Rockville Centre Education Foundation grant, the experience showcased the dedication and the growing skill of the student dancers.
During last Friday’s class at New York City Center, students learned three sections of “Revelations,” the iconic work created by the choreographer Alvin Ailey in 1960 that has become the world’s most widely viewed modern dance piece. The South Side students returned to the center on Tuesday to watch the dancers who had worked with them perform “Revelations” live.
aving our students learn Revelations choreography directly from company dancers ... offers a transformative experience they will never forget.
CHRISTINA FERRARA-MuTER IB dance teacher, South Side High School
The Ailey company’s commitment to sharing dance with the broader community — rooted in Ailey’s belief that dance should be accessible to everyone — guides its work with students and schools, according to Christina FerraraMuter, South Side’s IB dance teacher. The dancers learned three excerpts from the masterpiece, taught by two Ailey company members using the Horton technique, the foundational style of Lester Horton, a dancer, choreographer, teacher and modern dance pioneer who influenced Ailey. The sections — “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel,” “Wade in the Water” and “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham” — gave students a powerful introduction to the artistry and athleticism that define Ailey’s work.
Ailey often spoke of creating from his “blood memories,” the Continued on page 20
Eric Donaldson/Herald photos
Mothers Choose Us for Good Reasons
For the fourth consecutive year , Mount Sinai South Nassau is High Performing in Maternity Care.
If you’re getting ready for the birth of your baby, choose Mount Sinai South Nassau, the only hospital on the South Shore to be rated High Performing in maternity care four years in a row by U.S. News & World Report ® We’re proud to provide safer, more empowering experiences for mothers and babies through:
• Reduced C-section rates for low-risk, first-time mothers
• Increased VBAC rates
• Low rates of unexpected newborn complications
• Commitment to exclusive human milk feeding
• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
• Low episiotomy rates
• Birthing-friendly practices
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.
Twinkle all the way at the Village Green
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
The Village Green shone bright as the Village of Rockville Centre celebrated its annual tree lighting to ring in the holiday season.
Hundreds of residents from the village and beyond gathered on the Green along Maple Avenue on the evening of Dec. 4. Families and friends huddled together in the cold near the stage to enjoy the festivities.
Mayor Francis Murray welcomed all those in attendance.
“I am thankful for being your mayor, and on behalf of the entire village board, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and best wishes for the holiday season,” he said. “May God bless us all and continue to bless our beloved Village of Rockville Centre.”
Father Michael Duffy of the Cathedral of St. Agnes delivered a Christmas blessing before the program kicked off with “Jingle Bell Rock,” performed by South Side Middle School’s Chorale, South Side High School’s Couriers and the school’s wind ensemble.
Trustee Emilio Grillo then welcomed invited guests and elected officials, including State Sen. Siela Bynoe, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, Congresswoman Laura Gillen, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti and Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder.
“It’s one of my favorite things because it’s really an opportunity for the village to come together,” Davis said. “It’s all different people from all parts of the village. It’s very festive, and it’s a great way to start the holiday season on a good note.”
The tree lit up moments later following a countdown led by Murray. Alongside the towering Christmas tree, a menorah and nativity scene were also illuminated, offering a message of hope and light for the village. Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom–Beth David followed with a benediction.
As merry music filled the air, Santa Claus arrived, catching a ride with the Rockville Centre Fire Department. Jolly St. Nick brought along some familiar friends, including Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Children rushed to the edge of the Green to share their Christmas wishes with Santa.
The tree will continue to shine brightly throughout the holiday season for all to enjoy.
Five-year-olds
The community came together to celebrate the season as South Side Middle School’s Corral and South Side High School’s Couriers and wind ensemble performed festive tunes during the ceremony.
Eric Donaldson/Herald photos
Among the attendees was County Legislator Scott Davis, clockwise from top left, Congregation B’Nai Sholom-Beth David Rabbi David Lerner, Town of Hempstead Councilwomen Mindy Roman and Laura Ryder, Village Trustees Emilio Grillo, Gregory Shaughnessy, and Katie Conlon, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray, Timmy Roberti, and James Roberti.
Santa Claus made a special entrance on a Rockville Centre fire truck, spreading holiday cheer and waving to the crowd.
Vincent Diaz, 6, was all smiles as he spent some time with Frosty the Snowman.
Emma Breen and Hadley Rogers of Rockville Centre were excited to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
GLYNN FUNERAL HOME
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”.
Crime watCh
harassment
On Dec. 1, a motorist reported that someone yelled at them and spat on their vehicle while in the vicinity of Broadway and Lakeview Avenue.
On Dec. 3, someone reported that they received threatening text messages from a known person that caused them to fear for their safety.
assault
On Dec. 7, a motorist reported that someone punched him in the face in the vicinity of Clinton Avenue.
larCeny
On Dec. 1, a Maine Avenue resident reported that their bicycle was stolen from their apartment building.
On Dec. 1, a motorist reported that someone stole an emblem from their vehicle while parked in Municipal Parking Field #8.
On Dec. 2, an employee of HomeGoods reported that two individuals stole merchandise from the store.
On Dec. 5, a homeowner reported that someone stole a package from the front of their residence.
On Dec. 6, someone reported that their cell phone was stolen while they were at the Rockville Centre Public Library.
unusual inCident
On Dec. 3, a police officer on patrol assisted a Maine Avenue resident after their Jazzy electric scooter was disabled on N. Centre Avenue. A bus with a wheelchair lift from the Sandel Senior Center was requested and the individual was driven to their residence by the senior center staff.
Criminal misChief
On Dec. 6, a motorist reported that someone damaged their vehicle while parked in a Maple Avenue parking lot.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
fire watCh
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
December 1 – December 7
General Alarms – 9
Still Alarms – 4
Rescue – 2
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 42
Mutual Aid Fire – 2
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
Total – 59
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 430
Still Alarms – 278
Rescue – 175
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 2210
Mutual Aid Fire – 77
Mutual Aid Rescue – 2
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 8 Total – 3180
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.
Village pays tribute to Pearl Harbor vets
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
On a chilly Sunday morning, as partial ice patches clung to the surface of Mill River, local veterans gathered in solemn remembrance of a day that reshaped the world.
Standing side by side with the backdrop of the river in sight, veterans and village and community officials paused once more to honor the thousands lost at Pearl Harbor — more than eight decades after the attack that thrust America into war.
The village’s annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony, held in the Centennial Park parking lot, brought together almost 20 veterans from Rockville Centre and nearby areas along with village officials and members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department Color Guard. American Legion Post 303 Director Joe Scarola led the ceremony.
Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray delivered a forceful reflection on the morning of December 7, 1941, when Japanese aircraft launched a devastating attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor.
“On Dec. 7, 1941, at approximately 10 minutes to 8, these animals — and they were — flew their planes over Pearl Harbor and killed almost 2,500 of our vets, our finest naval people,” Murray stated.
“They sank the Arizona and many of our other ships.”
The attack, carried out by more than 350 Japanese aircraft in two waves, crippled the Pacific Fleet. In addition to the 2,403 Americans killed and 1,178 wounded, battleships such as the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were destroyed or badly damaged, and nearly 200 American aircraft were lost on the ground.
The next day, President Franklin D.
Roosevelt delivered his historic “date which will live in infamy” address, prompting Congress to declare war on Japan and bringing the United States fully into World War II.
“America came together as we always do and went after them and it took a little while but the Battle of the Coral Sea and then Midway with some great heroes — Dusty Kleiss was one of them — they sank four of their flattop air-
craft carriers that day in Midway.
“We dropped two atom bombs on them,” he added. “Nobody ever wanted to do that, but we had to, and we won the war. We’ll never, ever forget that day. We will always remember those soldiers, those naval officers who died that day in an unprovoked attack.”
The ceremony’s emotional centerpiece came when Murray and American Legion member Walter Paruch Jr. walked to a wooden standing area above the river’s surface and tossed a flowery wreath into Mill River.
Paruch, 77, said the moment always brings back memories of growing up surrounded by his father’s generation of veterans. Walter Sr. served in the U.S. Army as a tanker during World War II
“It means a lot because I remember growing up, all my father’s friends were veterans,” he said. “And today, the veterans in Rockville Centre, you see them here So, to me, I just remember those early memories.”
It was that connection that made the annual tribute especially meaningful for him.
“It’s a tribute to those fallen soldiers who went behind me… or in front of me,” Paruch added. “That’s what it represents. It’s a tribute to them. All of them, many more of them.”
Following the wreath toss, Scarola led a moment of silence accompanied by the sound of bells and the playing of taps.
Deliah Roberts/Herald
American Legion 303 member Walter Paruch Jr., left, and Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray tossed the ceremonial wreath into Mill River.
Cradle of Aviation welcomes Katie Ledecky Olympic swimming legend,
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
a multi-gold medalist, is now a Catholic Health wellness ambassador
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
Must
or
Reliable Transportation Punctuality &
Reach Local Shoppers
Update to rates of subscription plans :
To continue providing you with high-quality hyperlocal news in the face of rising costs, as of December 1, 2025, the HERALD's subscription rates will be: annual subscription plan, paid by credit card - $1 per week (billed annually at $52.00); monthly subscription plan, paid by credit card - $2 per week (billed monthly at $8.67); one-year subscription, paid by check - $65 (check made out to "Richner Communications, Inc." and mailed to below address). Subscription plans paid by credit card renew at end of applicable term at then-current rates. Payment can be made online at liherald.com/subscribe, by calling (516) 569-4000 & press 7, or by mail to Herald Subscription Processing Center, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530.
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Katie Ledecky and Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy discussed her partnership with Catholic Health as a health and wellness ambassador.
Blakeman will run for N.Y.
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
In a video ad unveiled on his campaign website, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman officially announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9.
Blakeman, 70, who was toying with the idea of a gubernatorial run since last year, solidified his ambition for the state’s top elected spot with a 12-point victory over County Legislator Seth Koslow last month.
However, the longtime elected official faces an uphill battle in his own party as upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s poll numbers outshine Blakeman’s and the state GOP has said it didn’t want an intra-party battle and strongly backs Stefanik, 41.
Originally from Valley Stream, Blakeman has spent a good deal of his life in politics. His father, Robert, served in the Assembly and Blakeman’s brother Brad, served on the staff of President George W. Bush.
First elected to the Hempstead town board in 1993, two years later Blakeman was elected to serve in the County Legislature’s first class as that lawmaking body replace the Board of Supervisors. He also served as the Legislature’s first presiding officer.
Blakeman, who now lives in Atlantic Beach, was the commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 2001 to 2009, and was appointed to the Hempstead Town Board in 2015. He challenged then County Executive Laura Curran in 2021, and won, and captured another four-year term in November.
In 2014, Blakeman lost to Kathleen Rice to represent
the 4th Congressional District that covers a large swath of Nassau’s South Shore. Four years earlier, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City and U.S. Senate.
The past few years, Blakeman has strongly supported President Donald Trump and has allowed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold detainees in a portion of the county’s Correctional Center in East Meadow — a first of its kind partnership in the U.S.
“The people of Nassau County want us to cooperate with ICE,” he said during his November victory speech at the Coral House in Baldwin. “They want to get the criminals out of our country.”
Blakeman advocated for the Las Vegas Sands proposed casino project at the Nassau Hub, which fell apart when the Sands dropped out in April. Previously, he told the Herald that alternative development plans are now progressing under a “Plan B” strategy.
His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.”
“Bruce’s failed statewide electoral record speaks for itself — he has lost every statewide primary and general election over the last three decades in smashing fashion,” Stefanik campaign spokeswoman Bernadette Breslin wrote in a statement. “And after a career of colluding with elected Democrats, Blakeman’s swan song is choosing to prop up Kathy Hochul.”
His campaign ad highlighted his county executive win in a “Democratic county,” keeping his promises not to raise taxes and maintaining Nassau as “the safest county in America,” and as stated in the ad by the narrator, “locking up thugs.”
Sold Over Asking!
Helping my wonderful sellers close on their Lynbrook home of 40+ years was truly special. I’m thrilled to have sold it for $26,000 over asking! A beautiful full-circle moment as both the seller and buyer begin their next chapter. Thinking of selling? Call me today.
Tim Baker/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his intention to run for governor of New York on Dec. 9.
Neighborhoods glow with creative displays
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Rockville Centre lit up the season with a dazzling array of holiday house displays, each offering a distinct take on Christmas cheer.
On Pine Street, one home transforms its front lawn into a whimsical holiday playground, filling the yard with more than 20 illuminated toy cars driven by various holiday characters. Snow globe–style effects shine on a nearby lamppost and across the home’s brick exterior. A Toys for Tots donation box sits at the edge of the display for anyone wishing to contribute new or gentlyused toys.
A few blocks away on Voorhis Avenue, a more traditional scene unfolds. A bold “Merry Christmas” sign, classic wreaths, and Santa silhouettes decorate the façade, while Nativity figures and lighted trees fill the front yard.
On Dogwood Lane, an expansive and elegant setup stretches across a
wide property, featuring glowing reindeer, wrapped trees, and bright red and green shrubs. A large illuminated tree on the home’s balcony anchors the display.
One of the more vibrant and over-the-top presentations can be found on Olive Court, where an entire yard is filled with towering inflatables—including snowmen, reindeer, elves, and a wide cast of holiday characters. Five colorful arches line the sidewalk, creating a festive walkway for visitors.
A home at the corner of Shepherd Street and Long Beach Road offers a family-friendly burst of color, complete with candy-cane borders and inflatable favorites such as Santa, the Grinch, and Minions.
And for those who prefer simple, all-white décor, the first two houses on Arbor Lane deliver a more understated elegance. The neighboring Tudor-style homes shine with meticulously outlined roof peaks and glowing evergreens, creating a warm, classic look.
wreaths, and Santa silhouettes, complemented by Nativity figures and glowing trees in the front
On Dogwood Lane, a sweeping, elegant setup features glowing reindeer, wrapped trees, and bright holiday shrubs, all centered around a striking illuminated tree on the home’s balcony.
Brian Kacharaba/Herald photos
A home on Olive Court packed its lawn with a colorful crowd of inflatable characters and bright arches over the sidewalk, creating a cheerful, larger-than-life Christmas display.
On Voorhis Avenue, a classic Christmas tableau unfolds, featuring a bright “Merry Christmas” sign, traditional
yard.
A Pine Street home dazzles the neighborhood with a vibrant Christmas display featuring over 20 toy cars covered in colorful holiday lights.
Wonder Wall prepares for annual showcase
By REI WOLFSOHN Contributor
This year’s Wonder Wall Holiday Art Fair, returning to The Art Studio, brings together an eclectic mix of work from prolific local artists, along with hands-on, family-friendly activities that make it one of the season’s most spirited community art events.
Artists from Rockville Centre and surrounding areas will display and sell their work on Dec. 14 between 3:30-6:30 p.m. All pieces are priced at $80 or less, with the hope that art-curious visitors will feel encouraged to begin their own collections. A scavenger hunt, a social media photo station and holiday cardmaking activities will also be available.
Twenty-year village resident Julie Manteria has a piece in the show called “Surfer Girl,” a gel-plate acrylic work created using an existing photograph and beach-themed background colors. She typically works from her own photos, much like her photographer father.
“It’s really nice to see that our little town is prioritizing art and culture,” Manteria said. “I’m drawn to composition. I’m not necessarily emulating the exact colors that I saw that day. I’m sort of reimagining it with a new palette, breathing new life into it and creating a new vision for my existing work.”
While Manteria has taken the marble painting class at The Art Studio, anoth-
er Rockville Centre resident, Meghan Taylor, has taught the pet portrait study there.
Taylor’s style is influenced by the range of mediums she uses. One of those is watercolor, which informs the gray washes and blooms in her ink
drawings featured in the show.
“I feel like style is one of those things, like handwriting, where you can’t consciously figure it out,” she said. “You just keep making art, and it somehow bubbles up.”
Taylor’s pieces include “Capybara
Contemplates a Snack,” in which a capybara nibbles a flower; “Dapper Chinstrap,” featuring penguins; and “Inky Elephant,” which she hopes will help viewers appreciate and respect the animal.
Her work is often inspired by the nature in and around the village.
“I love walking around this town and all the nature that’s in it — like Mill River and Lester Park, and there’s that new nature path in Morgan Days Park,” Taylor said. “It’s very varied.”
According to Art Studio owner Danielle Barbaro, the fair has evolved over its four years, becoming more accessible and affordable for new collectors.
“Instead of going, ‘Hey, I want to spend $400 on this,’ which is a big investment, they can start small with an artist they like,” Barbaro said. “They can follow artists, get to know what’s out there. It’s a baby step into buying art.”
The event has also become increasingly playful.
“The scavenger hunt is going to be based on the work we have,” Barbaro said. “It encourages people to engage with the art, talk about the art and look for details. It gets them into everything, which will be fun.”
The fair will also feature holiday card-making and a creative photo area for social media posting.
The Art Studio is located at 221 N. Long Beach Rd. in Rockville Centre.
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald
Studio
What Is light? Reflections for this holiday season
Iknow that for many people (and particularly for Amazon), this time of year is filled with favorite holidays — Hanukkah and Christmas often arriving together, homes glowing with candles and lights, children waiting with excitement for gifts of love, and families searching for a bit of comfort in the coldest, darkest season of the year.
Rabbi DaviD J. LeR neR
Through my studies, I have noticed that there is something curious about Hanukkah. For most Jewish holidays, ancient sages devoted entire volumes of discussion to their meaning and practices. But for Hanukkah, there are only a few pages. And those pages begin with a simple, surprising question: Mai Hanukkah? — “What is Hanukkah?”
Why ask such a basic question?
A beautiful answer suggests this: when we see a faint light in the distance — something small, fragile, and hard to define — our first instinct is to ask, “What is that?” Hanukkah is that kind of light: a flicker of hope in a darkened world, a small flame pointing toward something much larger than itself.
At its heart, Hanukkah began with an act of courage by a small group of people who refused to let their faith, dignity, and future be extinguished. When they returned to their desecrated Temple, they found a single small jar of oil, enough for only one night.
But imagine that jar. Someone had hidden it away in a moment of chaos — perhaps with foresight, perhaps with fear, perhaps simply with love. A quiet hope that one day, someone would find it, and light would return. How many whispered prayers, how much longing for the future, might have been sealed inside that small container?
And so, the miracle of Hanukkah is not only that the oil lasted longer than expected. It is that the light was found at all.
And this is where Hanukkah and Christmas quietly meet.
Both holidays live in the deepest darkness of the year and rely on the same spiritual truth: light is not something we wait for; it is something we bring.
Each of us carries a hidden spark. We each carry a small, sealed place of goodness, courage, and compassion. It can be buried (particularly in challenging times) under fear, cynicism, dis-
traction, or exhaustion. But sometimes it takes only a single act of kindness, forgiveness, or moral bravery to uncover it.
In a world that often feels dim, the task of this season is not to deny the darkness, but to add light one small act at a time. Maybe this year, adding light means reaching out to someone who feels alone. Maybe it means forgiving someone, standing up for truth and for what is right, or quietly helping where
no one will notice.
When our tradition asks, “What is Hanukkah?” it is really asking each of us: What kind of light will you bring? May this season be filled with light for each and every one of us.
A Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all.
David J. Lerner is the rabbi at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre.
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
TodayToday
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.
Everything
you want
to
know
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
1The 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
about the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
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.
STEPPING OUT
Baking up holiday cheer
‘Tis the season munch on a cookie
By Karen Bloom
There’s nothing quite like the smell of cookies baking to say “home for the holidays.”
Share the joy straight from your oven by gathering friends and family for a festive baking day. Mix, roll, bake, laugh — and, of course, taste — as everyone contributes to a tray (or two) of homemade treats.
For many households, holiday baking is a cherished tradition, and it only gets sweeter when shared. Turn the kitchen into a holiday workshop: assign roles for measuring, mixing and decorating, turn up the seasonal music, and let creativity and sprinkles fly.
Even refresh those holiday favorites. Chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies are classics, but find inspiration in trying something new, such as Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies might become a fast new favorite.
Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies
Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee and semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Add a crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons instant coffee
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 soft peppermint candies, crushed
Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease or line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt butter and 1 cup chocolate morsels in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
Transfer chocolate mixture into a large mixer bowl; add sugar and beat until combined. Add coffee granules, vanilla extract and peppermint
Elon Gold
Close out 2025 with some laughs with comedian Elon Gold, best known for his relatable takes on being Jewish and getting through the weirdness of life. Considered by many to be this generation’s Borscht Belt King, he’s no stranger to those who watch Netflix. His act brings laughs to both Jews and non-Jews alike all over the world. He’s made dozens of memorable appearances on late-night talk shows and TV series, especially his hilarious recurring role as Head of Hulu on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. His one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” among other projects.
extract; beat just until combined. Beat in eggs. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until all is incorporated. Fold in remaining 2 cups chocolate morsels.
Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, using a medium size cookie scoop. Sprinkle each cookie with a little of the crushed peppermint candies.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 36 cookies.
Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
Hanukkah is more than latkes. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in style with these tasty bites.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• Colored sugar or decorating icings
Beat first 4 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add flour; mix well. Cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Heat oven to 350° F. Roll out dough to 1/8-inch-thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 2-inch cookie cutters; sprinkle with colored sugar. Or, leave plain to frost later with decorating icing (after cookies are baked and cooled). Place on baking sheets.
Bake 12 to 15 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost and decorate as desired.
Melted Snowman
These cookies are cute tasty holiday treat.
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
Decorations:
• 12 large marshmallows
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 drop red food coloring, or as desired
• 1 drop yellow food coloring, or as desired
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Beat butter in a bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat white sugar, baking powder, and salt into butter until just combined. Beat egg, milk, and vanilla extract into butter-sugar mixture; add flour and mix until dough is just combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is slightly chilled, about 10 minutes.
Scoop dough into balls slightly larger than golf balls; flatten into cookies. Arrange cookies on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
Butter a microwave-safe plate. Place marshmallows on the prepared plate.
Microwave marshmallows until slightly puffed, 10 to 15 seconds. Gently press marshmallows until bottoms slightly ooze.
Whisk confectioners’ sugar and water together in a bowl until icing is slightly thicker than drizzleconsistency. Pour icing over cookies so it runs over the edges, reserving about 1 tablespoon.
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl, about 30 seconds. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag with a small tip or a plastic bag with a corner snipped.
Press 1 marshmallow close to an edge of each cookie to be the snowman’s head. Draw “stick arms” onto the icing using the melted chocolate.
Divide the reserved 1 tablespoon icing into 2 small bowls. Mix red food coloring into 1 of the bowls and orange food coloring into the other bowl. Decorate the snowmen with scarves or ties using the red icing and yellow icing.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $76.25 and $54.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
‘A Celtic Christmas’
An annual sold-out tradition everywhere they perform, Cherish The Ladies returns to celebrate the holiday season. Led by the charismatic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden —a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award Winner — they’ve brought their signature blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, vocals and step dancing to the White House, the Olympics and to PBS, in addition to concert halls. Their beloved Celtic Christmas program is a festive, family-friendly concert featuring their signature sound on classic carols. Each song is beautifully arranged to showcase their Celtic instrumentation, rich harmonies and remarkable step dancing. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this annual Christmas tour has been complemented by four acclaimed holiday albums. Etraordinary step dancers elevate the concert, featuring five-time World Champion David Geaney and All Britain Champion and Riverdance alumnus Noel Spillane, among others.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $48, $43, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
Melted Snowman
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
DEC
11
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during “Home for the Holidays’ at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Preview the cats and dogs online at Hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter.
• Where: 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Ongoing, through Jan. 4
• Contact: (516) 785-5220
Board of Education meets Rockville Centre UFSD holds its next meeting. Stay informed on school district matters.
• Where: South Side High School, 140 Shepherd St., Rockville Centre
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: rvcschools.org or (516) 255-8957
Friday flicks
DEC
12
Stop by Rockville Centre Public Library to watch “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning” (PG-13, 169 min). Hunt and the IMF pursue a dangerous AI called the Entity that’s infiltrated global intelligence. With governments and a figure from his past in pursuit, Hunt races to stop it from forever changing the world. No registration.
• Where: 211 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257
‘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
‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ with The Rascals
Holiday art fair
Art Studio RVC hosts a “Wonder Wall,” a kid friendly and affordable holiday art fair featuring works by local artists, all priced at $80 or less. Families can also enjoy an art scavenger hunt, a holiday cardmaking station, and a photo booth. All of the proceeds go to the artists. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.
• Where: 221 N. Long Beach Road, Rockville Centre
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 763-2050
Oceanside Chorale in concert
“Light Up The Holidays” with the Oceanside Chorale. With refreshments and raffle. $10 donation.
• Contact: (516) 459-8513 or oceansidechorale@gmail.com
DEC
15
• Where: Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
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.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: livenation.com
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
Holiday fun at Westbury House
Step into the magic of Christmas at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House! Bring the kids a festive night filled with holiday fun! Explore, through a self-guided tour, the beautifully decorated mansion with a special Christmas scavenger hunt. Get creative at Christmas craft stations, making holiday keepsakes to take home. Meet Santa Claus himself, share your wish list and snap a photo to capture the moment. Enjoy delicious cookies and cider in our West Porch. The party
features Lucky Duck Puppets’ holiday show, at 7 p.m.The Winter Holiday Puppet Show is an original story about Greg, a North Pole penguin trying to find his place in the world and how he can help spread holiday cheer! $25, $22 ages 3-12 (20% member discount. Advance registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
DEC
14
Breakfast with Santa Santa, his elves, and special guests Rudolph and Frosty visit the RVC Recreation Center for a festive breakfast! Enjoy a delicious meal with pancakes, bagels, cereal, and hot and cold beverages. Children will receive a keepsake ornament and can take photos with Santa. $17 per person for residents and $19 for nonresidents (children under 1 year old are free).
• Where: 111 N. Oceanside Road
• Time: 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 678-9338
Holiday
concert
The Long Island Community Chorus invites all to their upcoming concert, “Season of Peace.” $10 suggested donation, children under 12 free.
• Where: St. James UMC, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: 516-599-5705 or email licchorus@gmail.com
Hockey clinic
Long Island Children’s Museum hosts the Long Island Warriors, a nonprofit recreational hockey program and team for military veterans, active military and reserves, for a special hockey clinic for kids in conjunction with the museum’s popular Snowflake Skating exhibit programming. Kids who want to up their sock skating game are encouraged to participate. Warriors players will teach kids about stick handling and passing as they master wrist and slap shots on the LICM’s popular sock skating “ice.” Free for ages three and up with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
All About ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ Rockville Centre Public Library hosts a session with Sal St. George in honor of Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday. Learn the fascinating story behind his show’s creation.
• Where: 211 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257
Film talk
DEC
17
Join film historian Larry Wolff at Rockville Centre Public Library as he discusses the heartwarming Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street.” Learnthe complete background story of how it was shot with real New York locations. So sit back and enjoy this timeless holiday tale that continues to make Christmas magic for adults and children! Included are film highlights as well as a book, memorabilia and autograph display.
• Where: 221 North Village Ave.
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
South Side dances into Alvin Ailey’s world
lived experiences, emotions and cultural history passed through generations of Black communities confronting oppression. Those memories became the foundation of “Revelations,” transforming his personal history into a universal expression of faith, suffering, endurance and joy through dance.
Kelly Walsh, a junior at South Side and a member of the IB class, said the experience left a lasting impression.
“Taking class at NYCC with Ailey dancers didn’t just impact my dancing — it completely changed my perspective on history,” Walsh wrote in an e-mail. “The pieces we learned, and that Ailey created, relate to the civil rights movement and represent a sense of hope and faith at that time. Learning and understanding the choreography of Alvin Ailey was truly a transformative experience because of how he took his suffering, made it into movement and created happiness through dance.”
Ferrara-Muter said the timing of the workshop was intentional.
“I wanted them to learn from the dancers before the performance,” she said, noting that experiencing the choreography with their own bodies helped the students better understand its depth onstage. “I really think that will enhance their appreciation for the piece, the movement, the sheer athleticism that the piece demands.”
Working within the Horton technique, Ailey’s signature style, was eyeopening for many of the students. With the IB cohort still small due to its recent
LEGAL NOTICE
South Side High School’s iB dance students pose with professional dancers from the alvin ailey american dance theater after a master class in new York City. the workshop focused on ailey’s signature Horton technique and the iconic work ‘revelations.’ they all gained invaluable insight into the world of modern dance.
launch — and only a handful of students having prior experience in modern dance — the workshop introduced them to a movement style that was both unfamiliar and exhilarating. Learning the choreography directly from company dancers made clear the technique’s physical intensity and precision.
“Horton technique is beautiful and quite challenging,” Ferrara-Muter wrote. “I know the students have a newfound appreciation for this style of
Public Notices
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: BOWA Ventures, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/5/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 91 Dorchester Rd, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156729
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.
NAME: PAC Homes LLC
Application for Authority filed with the Secretary of State of
New York, (SSNY) on 10/31/25. NY Office
location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 53 S Lewis Place, Rockville Centre NY, 11570. Certificate of Formation filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on 07/08/24.
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156835
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on JANUARY 6, 2026 at which time they will be
publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: CONTROLS UPGRADE: ENGINE GENERATORS 9 & 10
Bid No. 2512E1(1173)
The contract documents and specifications can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. Please contact Stephen Blom at sblom@rvcny.us to confirm your attendance at recommended site walk through or conference call to be completed by
December 19, 2025. Drawings are also available upon request and after an NDA is signed. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than December 29, 2025. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 157252
dance now after taking class and watching the piece live.”
Watching her students absorb the work firsthand was meaningful for Ferrara-Muter as well.
“It was truly thrilling to watch these students learn from professional dancers,” she said.
She noted that the experience was in keeping with the purpose of the IB dance program, which prioritizes cultural exposure and diversity in dance traditions.
“Having our students learn ‘Revelations’ choreography directly from company dancers not only aligns perfectly with IB goals, but offers a transformative experience they will never forget.” Ferrara-Muter added.
Nicole Vanco, a senior in the dance program, said she was deeply moved by the technique and the history behind the work.
“Being taught Alvin Ailey’s signature style, technique and choreography gave us authentic exposure to the professional dance world,” she wrote. “It was an inspiring and deeply positive experience that broadened our understanding of what is possible in dance.”
The setting added to the impact. Inside the historic studio, students danced on the same floors where generations of celebrated artists have trained.
“The students were captivated by the sheer elegance of the iconic New York City Center studio,” Ferrara-Muter said. “You could feel the history in the walls; it seemed to move through your whole body, making the entire experience exhilarating.”
When the class ended, she added, “Every student was in awe.”
Courtesy Christina Ferrara-Muter
Employment HERALD
CLASSIFIED
Fax
PART TIME
•
•
• Payroll
• Reconcile accounts and maintain financial records.
• Perform administrative tasks such as filing and correspondence.
Qualifications:
• 3+ years of bookkeeping experience.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks (Desktop or Online).
• Experience with payroll
•
EDITOR/REPORTER
OUTSIDE SALES
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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
Eldercare Offered
HomesHERALD
Buyer’s Dream Home
Don’t miss the chance to own your own private oasis right in the heart of Oceanside. This beautifully maintained home is ideally located close to everything you need houses of worship, schools, parks, pools, restaurants, and endless activities for all ages. Bright, inviting, and airy, this spacious split-level home features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The primary suite enjoys its own private
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.
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!
Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
SNEAKERS: 2 pairs, 50.00 each. size 10D and 91/2M never worn 516-5025699 Evenings
WHITE OR GREY 3" Wire Plastic Handles w/ screws 164 pcs. 10 Cents ea. 516-350-3539
SERVICES
Cable/TV/Wiring
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
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
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
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.
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 Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
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
Miscellaneous
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
Plumbing
PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES!
Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606
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 Ac-
cept 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
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
Tutoring
READING TUTOR : Certified In Wilson, Fundations, Orton-Gilliham. Will Focus On All Skills Needed To Improve Vocabulary, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Comprehension And Phonics. 516-650-5776; mypaltj@yahoo.com
opinions
Desperately seeking bipartisanship and compromise
Recently I took part in several WABC radio talk shows moderated by the station’s owner, New York business mogul John Catsimatidis. The topics we covered initially focused on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s election, County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s overwhelming victory in last month’s election and the upcoming statewide race for New York governor. Among the participants were veteran political leader Craig Eaton, a former chairman of the Republican Party in Brooklyn, and David Paterson, whose decadeslong career of service included being governor, state senator and state Democratic Party chairman.
The conversations soon veered from specific races to the issue of the almost total disappearance of bipartisanship in today’s politics and government. Despite our varying political views and beliefs, we were in full agreement that needless partisanship and mindless rancor are weakening the nation’s fabric and threaten our future.
The 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.
Let me be clear. I say this not as a blind idealist, nor as someone who believes that the old days were all love and harmony. Not after more than a halfcentury of fighting to survive the minefields of Nassau County, New York state and Washington politics! No, those days weren’t heaven on earth. But there were lines that weren’t to be crossed and responsibilities that had to be met.
Instead Dewey let it be known through channels that he would not use the devastating info: America was still at war, and Japan wasn’t aware we had broken its code. Dewey would not undermine the commander in chief in time of war, even if it meant not winning the presidency.
We can have bipartisan relationships without giving up core principles.
And this sense of basic civility certainly precedes my time in politics. A clear example was the 1944 presidential election, between President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat who was running for his fourth term, and New York Gov. Thomas E. Dewey. After 12 years in office and almost total domination of the political scene, FDR was the Republicans’ number one political enemy. They wanted him stopped at all costs.
During the campaign, Dewey was secretly informed that United States intelligence had broken Japanese code months before the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. That meant that Dewey could hold FDR responsible for failing to act on that vital intel, or, more conspiratorially, charge that FDR intentionally allowed the attack to go forward to drag the United States into World War II.
In later years, Ronald Reagan, our most conservative president, and then House Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, a diehard liberal, found ways to compromise — often over an evening drink — even on third-rail issues like Social Security. More important, they never let their political differences become personal.
Even during the much more partisan years of President Bill Clinton’s administration and Newt Gingrich’s House speakership, there were historic bipartisan achievements, including welfare reform and the only balanced budget and surplus in the past half-century.
During my time in Congress, I worked closely with Clinton on foreign policy issues such as the Good Friday Agreement, which ended the centuries-old struggle in Northern Ireland, and stopping Serbian aggression in the Balkans. And domestically, I successfully urged Clinton to revive the East Side Access
project, connecting the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Station despite the opposition of his budget office and the lack of support from some New York Democrats.
In Congress I worked closely across the aisle on vital issues for New York, such as Sept. 11 health care and victims compensation, homeland security funding for police and first responders after 9/11, and disaster aid following Superstorm Sandy.
I was able to establish solid bipartisan relationships in Washington, with leading Democrats Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton, Charlie Rangel and Ed Towns, and in New York, with Paterson, Andrew Cuomo and former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, who was a source of advice and counsel for me.
All that I did with these Democrats was achieved without any of us sacrificing our core principles. These were combined efforts on issues that transcended party lines and benefited our constituents. We saved the partisan arguments for ideological issues on which we couldn’t find compromise. That’s what democracy should be all about. It worked for the betterment of the voters of my district, state and nation. We need more of it.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Those who ignore James Carville face oblivion
Those old philosophers shaped the two major parties, but there is currently almost no one you could name whom President Trump or President Biden relies or relied on to help make serious decisions. In many ways, Biden was a student of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised dozens of programs that were helpful to countless people. Trump apparently relies on nothing other than his instincts, with occasional input from his adviser Stephen Miller. Miller has strong opinions on many subjects, and Trump often has to restrain him.
For so many voters, it’s still about the economy, as the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ so eloquently put it.
There is one voice out there today whose message can be good for Democrats and Republicans, depending on who’s listening. I refer to James Carville. Sometimes known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” Carville created the strategy that elected and re-elected President Bill Clinton. His plain talk has been out there for whoever wants to embrace it. His simple advice since 1992 has been, “It’s the economy, stupid.” It worked when Clinton defeated President George H.W. Bush, and in many ways it helped Donald Trump get to the White House. We are now 11 months away from another consequential election, and the
dominant political voice out there pounding the Democratic Party is Carville. He had a message for Democrats last year, when he told them to stop lecturing people and talk to them about their issues. He tried to get that message across to then Vice President Kamala Harris, but she relied on paid advisers who gave her the worst possible advice.
This year, a large group of Democrats paid attention to Carville’s counsel, and it helped them sweep numerous contests in last month’s elections. Democratic Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger were elected the governors of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed through a resolution to redraw his state’s congressional map, which was approved by a landslide. Democrats won other significant contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania. The winning campaigns focused on the issue of affordability, and Trump’s unpopularity helped all of them.
Next year’s elections will be a huge challenge for both political parties. History shows that the minority party generally wins a majority of the contested seats in Congress. Current polls shows the Democrats winning a large numbers
of seats and likely taking over the House, and projections show them within three seats of taking over the Senate as well. With all this bad news, are the Republicans paying attention? Trump has reacted to the 2025 elections by insisting that the economy is great. He has claimed that prices are down, and that all of the Democratic claims to the contrary are false. Even in the face of the worst consumer confidence figures, he is living in some type of bubble and ignoring what’s really happening. He made some concessions on tariffs, but it will take time for them to have any impact.
The problem for the Republicans is that all of them are on one big ship, and Trump is the captain. The longer he continues to believe, or at least insist in public, that the economy is terrific, the more danger his passengers are in.
At the same time, pundits like Carville are pushing Democrats to stick to variations on his message. Absent a 360-degree turnaround by the GOP in the next several months, Carville’s admonition about the economy could be the winning message for Democrats, and leave Republicans looking stupid.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
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.
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
I proudly stood with my colleagues as we sounded the alarm on tens of millions of dollars in wasteful spending on politically connected outside legal contracts. And we shed light on the chaos at Nassau University Medical Center amid the ongoing battle to save this vital safety-net hospital that so many people rely on. We fought for policies to make Nassau more affordable by reducing permit fees for businesses and returning illegally collected red-light camera ticket fees to drivers.
Unfortunately, none of the legislation proposed by Democrats made it onto the legislative calendar for a vote, but I’m optimistic that the momentum we created will continue into 2026. Here’s one example: At a recent meeting of the Merrick Community Civic Association, I saw a powerful presentation by Kennedy High School students Ava and Ethan Robinson in support of Robbie’s Law. Their passion showed that the fight for this lifesaving idea is far from over.
There is more work to do, but I have the utmost confidence in the Democratic caucus I leave behind. I owe each member a debt of gratitude. My success
representing the 5th District is directly related to the support, advice and guidance I received from my fellow legislators. Thanks to each of you.
My term ends on Dec. 31, but my work will continue until then. I will use every moment to help our community. I’m happy to announce that we will host a winter coat drive in partnership with the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club. If you have new or gently used winter coats and accessories, please drop them off during business hours at the Freeport, North Bellmore or North Merrick libraries, or Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club headquarters, at 294 W. Merrick Road, Suite 12, in Freeport. The drive ends on Dec. 14.
I’m especially grateful for the unwavering love and support that my wife, Jill, our children and extended family gave me on this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I am forever grateful to all of you.
Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve for these two years. From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous holiday season and an amazing 2026. I look forward to seeing you in the community as we continue making Nassau County an even better place to live, work and raise our families.
Seth I. Koslow, of Merrick, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
seTh i. koslow
Framework by Tim Baker
At the Holiday Boat Parade on the Nautical Mile — Freeport
