Public libraries in the 5th State Senate District are now equipped with Narcan kits, providing library patrons with access to naloxone, which reverses or reduces the effects of an opioid overdose. Sen. Steve Rhoads announced the initiative earlier this month.
There’s no place like home
There’s no place like Wantagh and Seaford — but you don’t need us to tell you that.
Want to spend the day outside? Head to Wantagh Park, Seamans Neck Park or the nearby Jones Beach boardwalk — some of the best places around to enjoy the outdoors. Looking for something to do this season? There’s always an event on the horizon here, from the Wantagh and Seaford Homecoming parades to holiday tree and menorah lightings, community fairs and summer concerts at the park.
being mailed to every home, and include our annual Community Guide. Inside you’ll find the places, people, schools and events that make Wantagh and Seaford such great places to live, learn and raise a family.
If you’re not a subscriber, we hope this week’s edition persuades you to become one. Each week, in these pages and online, we cover the stories that matter most — and bring you the local news you can’t find anywhere else.
Libraries now equipped with Narcan State
Sen. Steve Rhoads introduces lifesaving initiative
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Public libraries in the 5th State Senate District just got a little bit safer, thanks to the addition of Narcan — or naloxone — a medication that can be used to reverse or reduce the effects of an opioid overdose.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who has spearheaded the potentially lifesaving initiative, unveiled the program on Oct. 16 in East Meadow. All 12 libraries in his district will be equipped with wall-mounted naloxone rescue kits.
Rhoads said that Nassau County’s 54 libraries see more than 6.5 million visitors each year. In total, they host an average of 125 programs a day, and last year, 775,000 people attended at least one program at a Nassau County public library.
“Libraries are more than just book repositories,” he said. “They are community centers, classrooms, senior hubs, youth spaces,
workforce training sites, and now lifesaving access points.”
Joining Rhoads in rolling out the kits were directors and staff from the libraries in his district, as well as local first responders and representatives of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence and the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
“Libraries are in business enriching lives,” Frank McKenna, director of the Seaford Public Library, said, “but sometimes we need to help save lives. We will be able to provide that service to our communities.”
A total of 20 Narcan rescue kits will be mounted on the walls of libraries in the 5th District, including the Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh facilities.
The kits also will be handy in the Bethpage, Hicksville, Island Trees and PlainviewCoNtiNueD oN Page 8
And speaking of schools, these two communities have some of the best. With award-winning programs, exceptional teachers and students who shine in academics, the arts and athletics, Wantagh and Seaford have long been known for their commitment to excellence in education.
This week’s Heralds are
To keep quality local journalism strong in Wantagh and Seaford, subscribe today at LIHerald.com/subscribe or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 7. You can also support our work with a one-time or recurring donation at LIHerald.com/donate.
The Wantagh and Seaford Heralds are your newspapers. No one knows these towns, their people, and the things they care about better than we do. We’re here for you in the best of times, the worst of times — and every moment in between.
If you’re already a subscriber, thank you for your support. If you’re new to the Wantagh and Seaford Heralds, welcome — our mission is to cover all the news of your neighborhood: from schools to sports, houses of worship to acts of kindness, and everything in between. Enjoy the paper — and thanks for reading!
Jordan Vallone, Deputy Managing Editor
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Hablamos Español
Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC
County Executive Bruce Blakeman provided emergency funding to Island Harvest and Long Island Cares amid the federal government shutdown, affecting SNAP benefits for families facing food insecurities.
Local food banks funded to help those on SNAP
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to the federal government shutdown, announcing that Island Harvest and Long Island Cares will receive additional emergency funding to address a rise in food insecurity.
Blakeman said the move is intended to ensure that families relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are not left without support while federal funding is stalled.
“With the issues that are going on in Washington,
D.C. right now, there are many people who are in jeopardy of not being able to feed themselves and their families. So we are trying to help and supplement the things that a lot of our great not-for-profits are doing here on Long Island,” he said.
The county will provide $50,000 per week to each of the two major regional food banks until SNAP benefits resume. Roughly 31,450 Nassau households rely on SNAP.
Island Harvest CEO Randi Shubin Dresner said the support will go directly toward getting food into homes quickly.
“Food is a right,” she said. “We need to be able to
know that we’re going to be able to have access to a good, healthy meal. And these funds are going to allow us to purchase that kind of food and get it out into the community here in Nassau County really, really quickly.”
Long Island Cares CEO Katherine M. Fritz said the timing is critical for families already struggling.
“This is an important time in our lives on Long Island to make sure that we’re focused on the people — who are struggling every day to make sure that their families have food on their table,” she said.
Information about local food pantries and soup kitchens is available on NassauCountyNY.gov.
Courtesy Office of County Executive Bruce Blakeman
Magic of Lights returning to Jones Beach
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The holiday season is set to sparkle as Magic of Lights returns to Jones Beach State Park, opening Friday, Nov. 21, and running through Jan. 3. Families can drive through a dazzling winter wonderland and explore the Toyota Holiday Village, creating festive memories along the way.
Presented by Family Entertainment Live, the event features the longest light tunnel on Long Island, whimsical Prehistoric Christmas scenes with lifesized dinosaurs, towering 32-foot animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie, Reindeer Road, Toyland, festive elves, and more. Visitors can also enjoy photos with Santa, holiday treats, merchandise, and walk-through holiday attractions at the Toyota Holiday Village.
“Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Tri-State area,” said Ken Hudgens, chief executive of Family Entertainment Live. “We’re proud to return to Jones Beach and continue spreading the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make this season so special.”
“The Magic of Lights Show continues to be an annual holiday tradition that exceeds attendee’s expectations,” George Gorman Jr., regional director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said, “From the first light display through the holiday village, the joys of the season come to life.”
Guests can journey through more than two million twinkling lights, including the awe-inspiring 400-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, Prehistoric Christmas scenes, and the legendary “BIGFOOT Monster Truck” display. Each display is crafted from steel frameworks using cutting-edge CAD technology, combined with 10 miles of LED
Quick facts: Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
Lights: More than 2 million twinkle throughout the display.
Power: 12.6 miles of light cord bring the displays to life.
Labor: 3,750 staff hours go into constructing each show.
Scale: Each installation uses roughly 10 miles of steel framework and 10 miles of LED lighting with 10 different colors.
Showstoppers: Scenes like Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie soar up to 32 feet tall and stretch several hundred feet.
Tickets: Per-vehicle pricing. Purchase at MagicOfLights.com
lights in 10 vibrant colors.
Magic of Lights runs from 5–10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets, priced per vehicle, are available at MagicOfLights.
com.
Jones Beach State Park, which spans 6.5 miles of oceanfront and more than 2,400 acres, welcomes over 9 million visitors annually and features iconic art deco bathhouses, a boardwalk, and the Central Mall with its ship-inspired design.
Herald file photos
The Magic of Lights show is returning to Jones Beach. Long Islanders can drive through the track during the holiday season.
As the track comes to a close, families can explore the Toyota Holiday Village, enjoying sweet treats and warm drinks, perfect for the season.
Courtesy Magic of Lights Live
From candy canes to prehistoric creatures, the path offers something for everyone to look at.
Courtesy Magic of Lights Live Guests can meet holiday characters, like Santa Claus.
elevate the Conversation
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BIG — JUST FOR BEING PART OF OUR LONG ISLAND COMMUNITY!
At Herald Community Newspapers, we’re celebrating you — with an exciting opportunity to take home $15,000 in cash!
It’s simple and completely free to enter.
Just fill out the entry form and submit your details for your chance to win.
Scan the QR code to enter!
Contest Ends: 12/10/25
Imagine what you could do with $15,000:
Take that dream vacation
Pay down bills or student loans
Upgrade your home
Treat your family to something special
Planning For and Executing Inheritances
(Part Two)
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”.
• Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington • Melville
IIrony
believe it’s the times we live in when most of what I look at, think about and experience is constantly viewed through a lens of irony.
Not the irony that respects and recognizes creativity in literature, music and art. Not the irony that makes for humorous musings and a “shrug the shoulders” easy reaction.
No, this is more of the irony that ends with the “you can’t make this stuff up” mentality before moving on to the next news cycle or social media post.
Case in point: Crayola Crayons. If you call the corporate number the outbound message reminds people that Crayola is “a creative world of color” but that it also lets you, through its resources, “imagine the unimaginable.”
annual hot color including “Mocha Mousse” and “Universal Khaki” which is pretty self-explanatory. But when Benjamin Moore defines the color of the year as “Silhouette” that is, “…luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal…” I think we might want to get back to the basics and call it dark brown.
As for possibly the most ironic color name ever? An associate of my son’s speaks of a color that cleared all obstacles in manufacturing to be labeled: “nymph thigh”. Yeah, take that nepo child, Apple Martin.
A few years ago, this would have been a harmless (and for some boring) tagline. Not anymore. Imagining the unimaginable is a daily avoidance as the perceived chaos can sometimes overshadow our sincere attempts at hope and understanding.
Other ironies? The collaborations of snack flavors that were perfectly fine before – and are now sold to us as being quite palatable together. I played a spontaneous game with my family – while walking the aisles of the local dollar store and particularly favored Skittles Soda and Dr. Pepper flavored Beef Jerky.
And then there is the irony associated with names. Self-ascribed color experts like Pantone and Sherman Williams use their clout to describe their
L et us
There’s no escaping, irony is all around us. Even if you want to try and get away from it, there’s no place to go. So, if the LIRR has its own way of preventing passengers from fare beating by punching paper tickets before travelers get on the station’s platform, expect extra time-wasting explanations to train conductors that the commuter has a valid ticket. A valid ticket that’s already been clicked.
Perhaps this may not be such an irony if the idea was to create an incredible bottleneck at the height of rush hour. Anything’s possible if imagining the unimaginable.
A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.
K now
News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com
L auren L ev
With new Time-of-Day Rates, 3 PM to 7 PM is now “me time.” By doing chores that use a lot of electricity before or after those hours on weekdays, you take advantage of the times when energy costs less to produce. So, think laundry at 12 PM. Read a book or catch up on emails at 4 PM. Dishes at 8 PM. It’s all about timing your savings and saving your time. Some of the appliances that use the most energy are shown below. For the complete terms and conditions, go to psegliny.com/timeofday/terms.
Learn more. Scan the QR code or go to psegliny.com/timeofday.
Seaford falls to Sayville in thrilling LIC
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Clinging to a one-goal lead with less than a minute remaining in regulation time of the Long Island Class A girls’ soccer championship game Nov. 5, Sayville needed every inch of goalkeeper Julia Madsen’s fingertips to hold off Seaford and make program history.
A leaping Madsen got just enough of Kendall Tricoli’s high shot from the top of the box to deflect it off the crossbar with 32 seconds left and gathered the rebound to secure the Golden Flashes’ first-ever L.I. title, 2-1, at Harborfields High School.
“It’s a really emotional win I’ve coached these seniors since they were in preschool,” Sayville coach John Burke said. “It’s been a goal of ours for a really long time and means so much to all of us and the community.”
Coming off its third Suffolk County title since 2010, a wild 3-2 win over Bayport-Blue Point days earlier, Sayville built a two-goal lead over Seaford but the Vikings never surrendered. Giuliana Viggiano scored with 6:07 remaining, making for an intense finish.
“Game of inches,” Seaford coach Ken Botti said. “I had no doubts our girls would fight right down to the last second. Super proud of them and their effort. We had opportunities and unfortunately the ball didn’t go in. We were that close to getting it to overtime.
“We had 12 seniors, by far the most I’ve ever had,” Botti added. “Their county champs and going to be missed. It’s going to be tough to turn the page but we have some great
young talent returning.”
One of Seaford’s young standouts, freshman goalkeeper Caden Calderaro, along with her counterpart, Madsen, an eighth-grader, battled windy conditions on a championship stage and impressed. Madsen made 9 stops and Calderaro 7.
Burke said Madsen and junior Molly Moynihan did a phenomenal job splitting keeper duties throughout the season until an injury suffered by the latter moved Madsen into the full-time role just prior to playoffs. The Golden Flashes (6-3-1) ripped off four straight one-goal victories to make history.
Sayville struck first against Seaford in the 26th minute with the wind at its back. Eighth-grader Makayla Farinhas sent a crossing pass to senior Morgan Farrell, who slid a leftfooted roller off the far post for a 1-0 lead.
It stayed that way well into the second half as both defenses stood tall in front of their young keepers. Sayville’s back four of Alexa Yacono, Kensie Cifuentes, Kyla Kastner and Erin Burke, and Seaford’s defense led by Riley Stovall, Mia Leggio, Kiera Lukas and Linda Donovan proved formidable.
The Golden Flashes got the insurance goal they’d desperately need in the 61st minute on a picture-perfect connection between junior Maiya Troll and senior Sophia Buffardi. Troll sent a corner kick into the box and Buffardi rose from a pack of players to send a header home for a 2-0 cushion.
The Vikings finished 12-1-5 and had a long list of individual honors, starting with senior Kaylie Conklin, the goal scorer in the Nassau Class A championship win over Plainedge who earned All-County and Conference A-I Player of the Year. Leggio and fellow senior Ally Cullingford were also All-County.
game.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald Seaford’s Georgina Deros, left, controlled the ball with Sayville’s Kensie Cifuentes on her heels during the L.I. Class A title
Show Off Your Little Fans!
Snap a photo of your “Little Fan“ in their favorite football, hockey or any sports gear or outfit and enter our Little Fans Photo Contest!
Whether it’s your pet in a jersey or child in their favorite team’s colors, we want to see how you get into the sport spirit!
Scan the QR code to submit your photo today for a chance to win a pair of New York Islanders tickets to a game this season and be featured in your Long Island Herald.
Contest Ends 11/20/25
Libraries join front line, combating overdoses
James Kane, ex-chief of the east meadow fire department, said that time isn’t always on first responders’ side, and narcan kits help provide immediate lifesaving care.
Old Bethpage libraries. Each building will be outfitted with between one and four kits, with some requesting more based on their size and layout, a representative of Rhoads’s office told the Herald. The kits were provided at no cost to the libraries. Narcan is administered in the form of a nasal spray to someone experiencing an opioid overdose, and each kit features a QR code that anyone accessing it can scan for a quick debriefing — in English or Spanish — on how to use the spray.
Jessica Sorbello, of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, said that overdose rates are decreasing across the state and nation — which
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Steve Chassman, of the Long island Council on alcoholism & drug dependence, said the inclusion of narcan kits in libraries would help eliminate the stigma associated wth addiction.
deserves to be celebrated. But, she added, rates remain high, especially among minority communities and atrisk populations.
“The library is truly the greatest place that I could imagine rolling out something like this,” Sorbello said, “because we know that libraries are a safe haven.”
In Suffolk County, Rhoads said, there were six reported overdoses in libraries in a single year — showing that this is something that actually occurs in public spaces. Data was not immediately avail-
able for Nassau County. Rhoads, who has been part of the Wantagh Fire Department for 30 years, said that keeping Narcan handy is critically important.
“When you have someone who’s in respiratory arrest, not able to breathe on their own, the fact that (someone) can provide (Narcan) and have it on site is truly lifesaving,” he said. “To be able to reverse the impacts of an overdose is truly incredible.”
Years ago, only first responders were allowed to administer Narcan, according to James Kane, a former chief of the East Meadow Fire Department. Now the opioid antidote is available to the public in many forms — at trainings and at pharmacies as well as at libraries.
“Time, sometimes, is not on our side,” Kane said. “So having this readily available to people, giving them the ability to be trained, having it accessible in a library — there are options to get it done quickly and be able to save people’s lives, which is key.”
Rhoads explained that legislation passed in the State Senate last year to make the addition of Narcan at libraries a statewide initiative. However, it did not pass in the Assembly. Rhoads wanted to adopt the legislation’s ideas in his own district and give it a tangible, local impact — the first of its kind in libraries in New York.
Each Narcan kit includes:
Naloxone nasal spray
■ Quick-use instructions with visual steps
■ QR code linking to English and Spanish training videos
How to respond to an opioid overdose:
■ Check victim for unresponsiveness and call 911
■ Tilt victim’s head back and insert Narcan’s spray nozzle
■ Press plunger firmly to release the dose
■ If no response in 2 to 3 minutes, give a second dose
Why Narcan in libraries?
■ Opioid overdoses can cause respiratory arrest in minutes
■ Narcan can revive someone long enough for emergency responders to arrive
■ Libraries are high-traffic, community-centered spaces — now also lifesaving access points
“Even if one life is saved,” he said, “then this initiative will have been worth everything.”
Steve Chassman, executive director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, said that placing Narcan kits in libraries would help eliminate the stigma associated with addiction.
“Drugs are killing our artists, our thinkers, our family members, our colleagues, our young people at a rate we’ve never seen,” Chassman said. “So this is an opportunity for spreading the message, that we understand this is a disease. We understand there is no cure, but a solution, and we believe in recovery.”
Serving Our Community with:
• Funerals that are dignified, personalized and affordable
• Pre-arrangement planning in your home or our office
• Traditional Cremation options
• Specialized in Veterans Benefits
Nassau County honors those who served
By DANIEL OFFNER
In recognition of the thousands of men and women across Long Island who served or are actively serving in the United States Armed Forces, members of the Nassau County community gathered in front of the memorial at Eisenhower Park on Nov. 9 to honor local veterans for their courage and sacrifice.
WThe Veterans Day ceremony, led by the United Veterans Organization of Nassau County, celebrated the respect, resilience, and dedication of servicemen and women, while emphasizing the importance of veteran agencies that support those returning from active duty.
e will never ever forget about our brothers.
MORRIs MILLER United Veterans Organization
Morris Miller, past president and board member of the United Veterans Organization, served as master of ceremonies.
“As long as we are alive, we will never ever forget about our brothers,” Miller said. “They may not be with us physically, but they’re with us right here in our hearts.”
Eric Spinner, UVO chaplain and senior vice commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 652, led the convocation, offering a solemn prayer for all who have served.
“As we gather this Veterans Day in memory of all who have served and those who continue to serve,” Spinner said, “bless and protect our nation. Be merciful to our honored dead, whose valor, courage, and heroism inspire us to noble action and eternal vigilance in preserving our priceless liberty and our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Spinner also led a poignant POW/ MIA remembrance ceremony honoring those who never returned home,
explaining the symbolism of each item on the small table set in their honor.
“As you enter the ceremony area today, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor,” he said. “It is set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her suppressors.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman thanked the veterans in attendance for their service and reflected on his family’s long history of military involvement.
“Today sometimes gets confused with Memorial Day,” Blakeman said. “Memorial Day is a sacred day. Not a holiday, but a day to remember those who died in the line of duty. Today is more of a celebration of the brave men and women who joined our armed forces to protect our freedom.”
Blakeman shared that both of his parents served during World War II, his son completed a five-year tour with the U.S. Marine Corps, and his nephew, who died on Sept. 11, 2001, was an U.S. Army veteran.
“Today, I am honored to be in your presence, to be your county executive, and to celebrate all of those brave and
courageous men and women who served in the armed forces of the United States of America,” Blakeman said. “May God bless you all, may God bless them, and may God bless America.”
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips commended veterans’ advocates for their tireless work.
“What they do isn’t fancy,” Phillips said. “It doesn’t get the limelight, but there is no one that works harder for our veterans than Ralph Esposito.”
She added that what makes Nassau County so special are the roughly 45,000 veterans who live here.
“In Nassau County, we will never forget. We will never stop honoring. We will never stop fighting for democracy,” Phillips said.
Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, spoke about ongoing initiatives to support local veterans, including food drives and plans for a new housing project in Island Park.
During the ceremony, he personally thanked Blakeman for recently signing over the deed to the former Long Beach Motor Inn site on Austin Boulevard to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The charitable nonprofit, founded in honor of New York City firefighter Steven Siller — who died on Sept. 11, 2001 — has committed to building 57 units of veteran housing on the site.
The Veterans Village will feature private bathrooms and kitchens in each unit, 24/7 on-site staff and clinicians, and services ranging from job training and entitlement advocacy to behavioral health care funded and operated by the foundation.
“You don’t know how important that is, especially on Veterans Week,” Esposito said. “This means a lot. Our veterans suffer every day, but we’re out there to help. We’re always there for you, and we always will be, as long as I have breath in me.”
The ceremony concluded with recognition of veterans from every branch of service, including those who fought in World War II and Korea, followed by a final salute from the Joint Armed Forces firing detail.
“As long as there are veterans among us, we will stand together to honor them,” Miller said. “Because remembering their sacrifice is how we keep their spirit alive.”
Special to the Herald
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Nassau County veterans and elected representatives marked Veterans Day with a reflective ceremony, thanking those who’ve served the United States.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, whose parents and son are veterans, addressed the crowd.
Ralph Esposito, who leads veteran services in Nassau County, spoke about new initiatives coming down the pipeline.
LIPA chief discusses L.I.’s energy future
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
At the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5, Carrie Meek Gallagher, the new CEO of the Long Island Power Authority, spoke about the future of energy on Long Island.
“Energy is very significant to our economy, our businesses and just our way of life here on Long Island,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.
Gallagher, who took over at LIPA from John Rhodes in June, spoke with dozens of energy experts and local business owners about her priorities for the public authority, which owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaway peninsula. She has over 25 years of experience working in energy and sustainability in the public sector, having directed the Long Island office of the state Department of Public Service, and been the acting deputy secretary to the governor for energy and environment, and the regional director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
“Everyone here is committed to making sure that Long Island’s energy need are met in a clean, efficient and safe way,” Pat Guidice, business manger of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049, said. “I can’t tell you how happy we at IBEW-1049 are that Carrie is now at the helm of LIPA, ensuring we have clean and efficient energy that will be provided to Long Island.”
“Carrie’s commitment to the people of Long Island is second to none,” Guidice added.
Madison Gusler/Herald
Long Island Power Authority’s new CEO, Carrie Meek Gallagher, spoke at the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5.
Gallagher said that her priorities are to ensure that there is a clean, reliable and affordable power supply, and to strengthen LIPA’s partnership with PSEG Long Island, which provides electrical service to customers.
“We need power — we need energy to run our economy,” she said. “We know affordability is really critical right now, so that’s something we’re continuing to
focus on.”
Entering contract negotiations with local and outof-state energy providers over the next three years, Gallagher said she is focused on cutting costs without impacting performance. She has also continued outreach about LIPA’s Time-of-Day program, which allows customers to choose when they use electricity, at varying rates.
Gallagher assured attendees that LIPA is prepared for days of high-energy demand. “We have enough capacity on any given day to meet even our peak demands,” she said.
Clean energy — which, she said, Long Island is very committed to — helps relieve the grid in times of high demand. South Fork Wind, she said, has been providing LIPA with power for over a year. She said that Long Island leads the state in solar installations, with nearly 100,000 customers and businesses receiving solar energy. While federal tax incentives for solar power will expire at the end of the year, Gallagher said that LIPA is working with state and local partners to create an alternative option for residents looking to go solar.
“Solar works here,” she said. “We know Long Islanders are willing to adopt it, and we want to continue that momentum, as it really does make a difference.”
According to the state Department of Public Service’s 2024 Electric Reliability Performance Report, Gallagher said, LIPA has outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York for five years. This shows that the agency has consistently provided energy to Long Islanders, and, she added, it continues to invest in ensuring that it can provide reliable and affordable service in the future.
The heroes among us
By Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum
Tonight the candles softly weep, Their tender watch our hearts will keep.
For those who marched through fire’s sear, Whose courage carved the freedom here.
They left their homes with quiet grace,
And longing shone on every face.
They carried dreams through smoke and rain,
So others need not bear that pain.
Some rest where silence fills the air, Their memory woven everywhere.
But some still stand with steady eyes,
The living proof that valor flies. They have faced shadows, learned to deal,
With hearts that only love can heal.
Yet still they rise, still they defend, Their strength our shelter without end.
Not seeking glory, pride, or fame, They served the cause we dare not name.
For peace that breathes in every land,
For kindness shaped by heart and hand.
May healing light around them flow,
May gentle mercies through them grow.
May gratitude, both deep and true,
Be all the honor for the red, white and blue.
And when we lift this flame tonight,
Its glow becomes their living light.
A sign that hope and love endure,
That hearts once brave still make us pure.
So let our voices softly blend,
In praise that has no walls, no end.
For all who served, for all who gave,
The free, the faithful, and the brave.
May every heart rise stronger still,
To walk their path, fulfill their will.
Their light lives on in all we do,
The world is braver because of you.
Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.
Hempstead honors business leaders
R abbi M oshe Weisblu M
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti and the Town Board honored Chamber of Commerce business leaders at the annual breakfast on Oct. 31, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Isles awarded 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The next National Hockey League All-Star Game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont.
For only the second time in franchise history, the New York Islanders will host the NHL’s All-Star game. The league announced Oct. 24 UBS Arena will be the site of the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend. The event is scheduled for Feb. 5, 6 and 7, and the weekend’s festivities will be broadcast by ESPN and ABC. Additional information on the midseason showcase, including ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced when available.
Islanders season ticket members will receive priority access to the event.
“We have been looking forward to UBS Arena playing host to one of our major League events since before construction of this wonderful arena began,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We have every confidence that the Islanders organization, led by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, will deliver a celebration that will make the greater New York region and the NHL proud.”
Tim Baker/Herald
UBS Arena in Elmont will host the NHL All-Star Weekend Feb. 5-7, 2027, the league announced Oct. 24.
The Islanders had originally been awarded the 2026 All-Star Weekend, but that was cancelled this past spring when the league decided not to hold the game in the same year as the Winter Olympic Games taking place in Milan, Italy. The idea then became to turn the weekend into a pre-Olympics event, but the NHL decided to nix that as well to allow players to focus on travel and preparation for the Olympics.
Game three times (2019, 2020 and 2024) and in 2020 won the fastest skater competition, is excited about the event coming to Elmont.
“It’s exciting that the All-Star Game is coming to Long Island,” Barzal said. “UBS Arena is one of the best buildings in the league so it will be great to show off the dressing room and the amenities we have as players. It’s going to be great for our fans to see the best of the best take the ice on the island.”
Fans can sign up to receive news and updates on the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend by going to nhl.com/events/ all-star/nhl-all-star-weekend.
The NHL experienced a new wave of interest last winter when the traditional All-Star Game was replaced by the 4 Nations Face-Off, a four-team tournament contested by winners Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland.
It is now expected each NHL Club will organize an Olympic Winter Games send-off for its respective players traveling to Italy, with more details to be announced in the near future.
Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, who has appeared in the NHL All-Star
The 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend will mark just the second time the Islanders will host NHL All-Star activities, with the first being the 1983 edition, featuring the Campbell Conference AllStars defeating the Wales Conference All-Stars 9-3, and Wayne Gretzky claiming NHL All-Star MVP honors at Nassau Coliseum with a then-record four goals. It’ll also mark the first All-Star Game in the state of New York since 1994, when the New York Rangers hosted it at Madison Square Garden.
STEPPING OUT
Gaelic Storm
‘Jump’ right in with Mickey and his pals
By Karen Bloom
Before we get ready for the big feast, take some time with your family to feast on some Disney magic. The holiday season lights up, once again, as the latest Disney On Ice tour skates into UBS Arena with “Jump In!,” now through Nov. 16. As always, Mickey and the gang start audiences off on some wild adventures from the moment everyone settles in their seats. It’s a jumpin’ and jivin’ ride that begins with a touch of Mickey’s Magical Mouse Pad. Yeah, that’s right, even Mickey has embraced technology with his special version of an iPad!
Truly an outsized spectacle, over 50 characters gather in this —all-new — extravagant showcase of some of Disney’s most beloved tales. Disneyphiles will jump for joy when new characters from “Moana 2” and Anxiety, the newly-introduced emotion in the “Inside Out 2” sequel, appear on ice. Anxiety is, of course, joined by the other characters we all know so well: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear.
Everyone can navigate those thrilling high seas with Moana and feel all the feels in the vibrant world of “Inside Out 2” when these beloved films come to life on ice for the first time. And, naturally, there’s so much more.
Help Stitch fix a glitch as mayhem ensues across the ice, stroll the bustling metropolis of “Zootopia,” glide through the icy realms of “Frozen,” marvel at the playful“Toy Story” universe and travel to the vibrant world of Colombia with the Madrigal family in “Encanto.” Plus, everyone is always in awe when Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Tiana arrive in a dazzling parade of Disney princesses.
These unforgettable characters and their adventures are fully alive as families are transported to world where imaginations soar — and in true Disney spirit “anything can happen if you just believe.”
And that’s how it is for Andrew Austin. The Chicago, Ill.-based skater, who joined the Disney On Ice ensemble in 2022, after concluding his competitive skating career — is certainly living his dream.
He, naturally, has been a Disney fan since childhood (a prerequisite of sorts for skaters in the show). His first experience with Disney on Ice came around age 6, Austin recalls.
“I’ve always loved Disney, especially ‘The Lion King’ and ‘The Little Mermaid.’ A truly poignant memory for me is when my godmother took me [to the show]. I
• Now through Sunday. Nov. 16; times vary
• Tickets start at $40; available at ticketmaster.com or disneyonice.com
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
have such a fond memory of being there with her.”
That memory has since become reality for Austin, who first laced up skates as 6-year-old.
“I soon realized I had a talent for skating and wanted to see how far I could push myself,” he says.”
At 23, Austin decided it was time, as he put it, “to make a new start and begin a new chapter.”
Disney beckoned and he never looked back.
“It’s all magical,” Austin says enthusiastically.
That word again. The Mouse House goes big on the magic — and the magic brings everyone together.
“It’s really about family togetherness and learning the magic of family so it’s a great time for all ages,” Austin says.
Like always, the skating brings a new dimension to the stories we know so well. You’ll see exciting visuals, thrilling stunts and mesmerizing choreography that fully immerse those both on ice and in their seats. The solos, pairs and fast-paced ensemble skating, along with acrobatic routines, keep everyone transfixed to the action unfolding.
“We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, the skating is truly top notch,” Austin adds.
Expect to see acrobatic stunts throughout the show. High-flying performers elevate skating to the next level, with gravity-defying aerial stunts.
It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes Gaelic Storm a true anomaly. The multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with. fans of every genre are attracted to their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. This dedication to their live show dates all the way back to the mid-1990s, when the band kicked off their career as a pub band in Santa Monica, Calif. Those performances ultimately led to their discovery that found the band appearing in the blockbuster film “Titanic” (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”), laying the groundwork for what would come, all while gaining a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band whose songs mix Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative.
Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. $68, $58, $48. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Princess Ariel soars above the ice to “Kiss the Girl,” and Rapunzel’s golden hair is brought to life by flowing aerial silks in a dazzling aerial routine with Flynn Rider.
Throughout it all, you’ll be singing along — no matter your age. Disney’s timeless catalog, including “Let It Go” (Frozen), “Try Everything”(Zootopia), “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (Encanto), “Get Lost” (Moana 2), and many more favorites, are all part of the exciting soundtrack.
Excitement is certainly a descriptive of the entire spectacle.
“It’s really special and exciting for the cast to see all those smiling faces. We’re so happy to see the how the kids connect with the characters ... I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” he continues.
A final word from Austin: “This really is about family togetherness and learning the magic of family, so it’s a great time for all ages. You’ll see how the magic comes from within.”
Matt Friend
Matt Friend has been described as “a gift to comedy.” If you’re not familiar with him yet, now’s the time to find out what he’s all about. Truly an old soul in the body of a 26-year-old, the comedian-actor-impressionist — a 2020 graduate of NYU’s Gallatin School — discovered a love for comedy at the tender age of four after watching Austin Powers and mimicking the characters’ voices. His passion has since propelled him to great heights, amassing over 1 million followers on social platforms. Known for his impressive repertoire of over 250 impressions, from Rami Malek to Timothee Chalamet, he’s a beloved comedic figure on social media, stages and red carpets worldwide. Mattcontinues to captivate audiences with his stand-up shows across the U.S. and abroad. Impressions aside, Matt is a true intellect — wise beyond his years — a student of show business, comedy, politics, and culture.
Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment Anxiety joins everyone’s favorite emotions as they embark on a new journey. Mickey and his pals welcome all to “Jump In.”
Known for his impressive repertoire politics, and culture.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
‘Once Upon A Song!’
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance. In this spirited show books in a library are brought to life in song and dance. A cast of 40 keeps the action moving along, with a live band and and a special appearance by Steve Mitchell as Elvis. The singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and tunes from the Broadway stage, with a tribute to Woodstock and “Wicked.”
With refreshments and post-show dancing until 1 A.M. Seating is night-club style at round tables. $30 per person, available in advance or at the door. Refreshments provided; guests can bring in your own food (just no pork or shellfish).
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” With special opening weekend activities.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Opening drop-in programs start at 1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Community Food Drive
Support the community food drive at King Kullen. Donations of food, infant supplies, personal hygiene items, and monetary contributions benefit St. Francis Food Pantry and St. Jude Episcopal Food Pantry, both in Wantagh. Community support is encouraged to help local families in need.
• Where: 1340 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Contact: wantagh.li/kiwanis
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Nov. 29, Dec. 3-Dec. 4
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
DEC
6
• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444
For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. The band has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucets spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompsons Meltdown Festival in England. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Richard Thompson. An iconic figure in British folk-rock, Thompson is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist. As one of the founding members of the group Fairport Convention, Thompson would have a seismic impact on both U.K. folk and rock, incorporating elements of traditional music (most effectively on 1969’s Liege and Lief) in a way that sparked a new interest in authentic British folk. He left the group by age 21, which was followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist. A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson’s songs including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. Thompson wavered between acoustic projects (2005’s Front Parlour Ballads) and more robust full-band efforts (2013’s Electric), but despite his status as an elder statesman of the singer/ songwriter community, he remained active and engaged as a writer and musician, releasing the powerful 13 Rivers in 2018, when he was 69-years-old. $75, $65, $55.
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution. NOV 20
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
• When: Thursdays, noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445
Paumanacke Garden Club Meeting
Paumanacke Garden Club invites all to its next meeting at Wantagh Public Library. The evening features a demonstration of autumn centerpieces to decorate the Thanksgiving table, with floral arrangements raffled off. Garden enthusiasts and newcomers alike are welcome to attend.
• Where: 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
• Contact: rlkjb@optonline.net or call (516) 781-5019
NOV
23
Paddle-making and storytelling at Long Island Children’s Museum
Step into the world of traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with Chenae Bullock, the artist who crafted the mishoon (Indigenous canoe) featured in the Saltwater Stories exhibit. In this drop-in
program, families discover the deep connection between paddles, water, and the land as you learn about their cultural significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to design and create their own mini paddles, while exploring stories, traditions, and creative activities that highlight the beauty of Indigenous craftsmanship.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Let’s Talk Turkey
As Thanksgiving approaches, get ready by creating some colorful turkeys at Long Island Children’s Museum. Take your terrific turkey home to adorn your Thanksgiving table. For ages 3 and up. This is a drop-in program.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’ Long Island Children’s
Seaford Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk
Seaford Wellness Council hosts its 20th annual Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk. It celebrates two decades of community and fitness, welcoming runners, walkers, and cheerers alike. Strollers are permitted in a separate section. Participants can enjoy hot chocolate and festivities following the race.
• Where: Seaford High School, 1575 Seamans Neck Road
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Contact: seafordwellness.com
DEC
7
Vendors Wanted for Holiday Shopping Day
Congregation Beth Tikvah Sisterhood & Men’s Club seeks vendors for its Holiday Shopping Day. Vendor opportunities available at reasonable rates for selling apparel, jewelry, housewares, collectibles, gifts, toys, seasonal items, crafts, and more.
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: For information and registration, email CBTWantaghHolidayShop@ gmail.com
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.
NOV
HERALD
ATTENTION STUDENTS:
THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
CONTEST RULES:
Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12 One entry per student
Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Requirements: All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.
Mail or hand-deliver to: Wrapping Paper Contest
Herald Community Newspapers
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to:
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted). Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 21
Wedding bells are ringin’
a wedding ceremony should call the Office of the Town Clerk at (516) 812-3014 or visit HempsteadNY.gov.
Creative Tips
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Eddy Mariani and Bryanna Corbett, both of Wantagh, were married by Town Clerk Kate Murray on Nov. 3 at Hempstead Town Hall. Residents interested in obtaining their marriage license or scheduling
HomesHERALD
Location Location!
Costs have gone up how much?
Q. We’re wondering what to do, whether to act now or wait to redo our kitchen and bathroom. We got estimates last spring, but thought we should wait because of the way the economy is going. Our contractor now says costs may have doubled since then. How can that be? We know some materials have gone up, but enough to nearly double? What are you seeing, since you’re involved in this, and are there any suggestions you can make? Our bathroom plumbing is leaking and our kitchen is at least 70 years old, with cabinet doors that are ready to fall off the hinges. Is there any reason to wait?
A. I doubt that, for the foreseeable future, you’ll get a great price to do the work you describe, unfortunately. We’re experiencing a “perfect storm” event in slow motion, and unless people start making themselves heard by either voicing their concerns to those with power or responding by not paying the higher prices, this spiral of rising costs is going to take time to reverse.
There are many parts to any project. Let’s start with planning. I’ve seen that many people naively believe they can just hire somebody or do the job themselves. They believe that within the walls of their home they can do anything. Well, you can — until you get caught. When trucks with a company name, a dumpster or a delivery are spotted in front of your house, a roaming official may show up to inspect, then give you an unreasonable time frame, like 14 to 30 days, to get plans submitted by a licensed architect or engineer or face fines. So you hire the professional and, little by little, learn of things you didn’t know you needed, like a permit for your air conditioning and higher costs for insulation to pass the energy code. Your design professional must submit a detailed set of energy-compliance pages showing how your new work will meet strict requirements. These are already three expenses you may not have expected. A fourth extra cost could be for legalizing, with a time-involved zoning variance, the outdoor A.C. unit if the installers never bothered to check or inform you that where they put the unit won’t pass local zoning requirements, and they avoided the permit you now need.
Now you’re ready for estimates. One will be almost double the others, because competition does that. But you want great quality and Americanmade. So the price rises back up to nearly the level of the higher bidder. Why? Labor increased due to obvious shortages of employees who will work for less. Materials were affected by tariff reactions, and energy costs have risen. Many homeowners are trying to get work done in a mild panic, so demand causes shortages in supplies, which were just catching up after the pandemic.
It may take a groundswell of people choosing not to do work to change things, but historically, prices won’t drop significantly. Good luck!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect
Monte Leeper
DEER PARK YARD SALE: Friday, 11/14, 9AM-5PM. 30 W 21st Street. Vintage Items, Books, Misc.
CAT TREE CLIMBING tower: 6 Foot, Hardly used, Gray material, Like new, $80. (516)486-2363
DOLLS, DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES FOR SALE. Under $99.00. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message
SAMSUNG 40" SMART LED TV w/ Remote. Mdl-UN40H5203AF $60. 516-791-3334
SERVICES
Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry
***MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO
We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287
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.
Handyman
PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE
Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000
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
Painting
CHARLIE THE PAINTER: Highly Skilled Professional Painter. All Phases Of The Painting Trade. Interior/ Exterior. Expert Repairs. Commercial. 25 Years Experience. FREE Estimates. Charlie 516-325-6574
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 Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Telephone Services
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Tree Services
T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
Health & Fitness
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172
ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397
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
AUTOMOBILE & MARINE
Autos For Sale
BMW 650I 2012: Vin #WBALZ5C53CC619800, Blue, Convertible, Asking $8,000. Sale 11/14/25 10am At 75 Dale Street, West Babylon, NY 11704. Call Kirk Cesar 516-491-7459
BMW M5 2007: Vin #WBSNB93517CX07034, Black, 4dr Sedan, Asking $8,000. Sale 11/14/25 10am At 75 Dale Street, West Babylon, NY 11704. Call Mark-Anthony Ellis 516-491-7459
Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect
nassau County Republicans scored outstanding victories in last week’s elections, which, with the other exception of our neighbors in Suffolk County, were a political disaster for Republicans across the country. And those Nassau victories didn’t come easily, or without tension. Anyone who has ever jumped into the political caldron and run for elective office knows the surreal experience and anxiety of election night. Everything that could have been done has been done. It’s all over but the waiting — for either the joy of victory or the agony of defeat.
As is the tradition under county party Chairman Joe Cairo, Republicans held their electionnight gathering at the Coral House in Baldwin. The crowd began gathering about 8:30 p.m., a half-hour before the polls closed. Within an hour, the ballroom was filled to capacity. In a private room at the rear of the building, candidates and party leaders waited to receive and analyze vote tallies from the hamlets, villages, towns and cities that
comprise the nation’s oldest suburbs.
In the lead-up to election night, Nassau Republicans were as upbeat as they could be. The ticket was led by Bruce Blakeman, who was seeking re-election as county executive after a very successful first term. Blakeman had held the line on taxes and, most important, the county was judged the safest in America. Amid growing concern that the anti-police proposals of the favorite to become New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, would increase the crossover crime from Queens into Nassau, Blakeman’s proven propolice, anti-crime policies had strongly resonated with the Nassau electorate. To buttress his strong law-and-order stand, there were District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a career prosecutor, and Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, who stood 24/7 with his men and women in blue.
Tmore than an outside chance. Instead, barely an hour after the polls closed, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was declared the winner in what appeared to be a landslide. Not a good omen.
he election wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout that we anticipated.
But New Jersey would be different, we thought. Polls had shown Republican Jack Ciattarelli closing the gap on Democrat Mikie Sherrill (whom I’d served with in Congress). The final pre-election polls showed Sherrill with just a 2-point lead, and Ciattarelli having all the momentum. Instead, as soon as the state’s polls closed, Sherrill jumped to an immediate lead, which steadily grew.
was always a commanding presence at these moments, had not yet appeared. Shortly after 10 p.m., he entered the room, explaining that he was “under the weather” and been feeling rotten all day. He did, however, have numbers showing that with about 60 percent of the votes counted, Republicans were holding all our current offices, and might possibly pick up one or two more. There was a huge sigh of relief.
But all did not go smoothly on election night. The Nassau results came in slowly, so our attention was focused on the governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia as possible indicators of what Nassau’s results might be. While the Virginia race had been expected to lean Democratic, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears was thought to have
Then, just after 9 p.m., there was more bad news. Mamdani was headed to a clear victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference. In Nassau the votes were still barely trickling in, and all we could see was a blue wave everywhere. There was a feeling of foreboding about what might await us amid reports that the turnout in some Republican areas had been less than expected. This night wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout victory that had been anticipated.
Adding to the concern, Cairo, who
Cairo cautioned, though, that the night wasn’t over until all the votes were counted, saying, “There’s nothing more meaningless than the score at halftime.” About a half-hour later, he returned to announce that the Republican trend had continued. In fact, we had swept every contested seat on the City Council in Long Beach, where Democratic voters have a 7-1 majority, for the first time since 1971.
About 11:30, led by Blakeman and Cairo, Republicans made their way through the Coral House ballroom onto the stage to claim victory, to acknowledge the roaring crowd and to thank them for their efforts and support. Another election night was in the books. It wasn’t easy, but the blue wave had been stopped at the Nassau border!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Getting elected looks easy. Governing is the hard part.
The die is cast. New York City will have a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. But it’s one thing to campaign for public office, and another thing altogether to run one of the biggest cities in the world, with a demanding populace and innumerable challenges. It reminds me of the Robert Redford movie “The Candidate.”
On the morning after he succeeds in winning his senatorial election, Redford’s character, Bill McKay, asks, “What do we do now?”
Having observed a number of mayoral contests, I feel qualified to opine on what first steps a new mayor must take that will make or break his years in office. While there are many positions that Mamdani must fill starting Jan. 1, the most important one is budget director. New York City has a somewhat shaky financial picture, and having someone who can crunch the numbers and package the spending plan will be life or death for him.
The next-most-visible job is that of police commissioner. The New York City Police Department currently has an intelligent and respected leader in Jessica Tisch, who has served with distinction since November 2024. Prior to that she was commissioner of the city Department of Sanitation, where she won the respect of union leaders, who admired her smarts and her approach to the job.
At this stage, Tisch has nothing new to prove. She works well with the police rank-and-file, and has never run afoul of law enforcement unions. She could easily take a job in the private sector and get a big pat on the back for a job well done. On the other hand, she may be willing to continue in the police commissioner’s job until such time as the mayor asks her to take some action that she finds objectionable.
on departmental staffing levels. During the mayoral campaign, both former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani pledged to hire 5,000 new patrolmen, a pledge easier made than accomplished.
M amdani, like Robert Redford’s Bill McKay, may wonder, ‘What do we do now?’
The city needs thousands of new police officers to replace the large number who have opted to retire in recent years, but building up the department isn’t an easy job. Because of the city’s low starting salaries, the pay is unattractive. Many current members of the department have decided to take jobs in the suburbs, where entry-level pay is typically much higher. A new mayor can make all kinds of promises, but the key to getting new cops is higher pay, and as few policy challenges as possible. An overbearing mayor with too many liberal policies will chill the force’s future.
I’ve heard a variety of views about Mayor Eric Adams’s record in office, and there’s no question that he has had a number of ethical issues. Key commissioners and their assistants have been forced to resign due to conflicts and questionable actions. His most ardent supporters claim that the ethics issues have been overstated, but the record is there for everyone to examine, and it doesn’t look good.
The path forward for the new mayor will be most challenging. He is a neophyte, and knows nothing about the city’s true challenges. If he chooses qualified people for his administration, their successes will speak for themselves. If he makes serious mistakes, the Republican establishment will broadcast to the entire world that “we told you so.”
Mamdani hasn’t offered many opinions on how the Police Department should operate, other than suggesting that mental health professionals should accompany officers on patrol on calls involving people with mental health issues. He hasn’t offered any opinions on such programs as Stop and Frisk, or
One of the city’s current weaknesses is its Law Department. The corporation counsel’s office is badly in need of staff to handle the thousands of challenges it faces annually. There are about a thousand people in the department, but because it’s understaffed, taxpayers wind up paying a price in lost cases.
Even though Nassau is a borderline county and Suffolk is even more distant, we need a New York City that has low crime rates and is fiscally sound. An old political sage once told me that “when New York City sneezes, Long Island catches a cold.” Let’s hope the adage doesn’t hold true.
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.
Hochul must sign police radio access bill
at a time when we are grappling with an erosion of public trust, a new threat to transparency is emerging. Across New York, police departments are encrypting their radio systems — cutting off journalists, and, by extension, the public, from critical, real-time information.
It’s not just a press freedom issue. It’s a public safety issue.
From Atlantic Beach to Babylon, Long Islanders deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, especially during moments of crisis — a school lockdown, a shooting or a natural disaster. Instead, we are increasingly forced to rely on rumor, fragmented updates or, worse, no information at all.
In the age of social media misinformation, that’s not just frustrating. It’s dangerous.
Fortunately, state lawmakers have passed a bill that seeks to reverse this perilous trend. The legislation, S.416/A.3516, sponsored by two Democrats in the Legislature, Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, would guarantee credentialed journalists secure, real-time access to encrypted police radio communications.
It is now on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk, awaiting her signature. She must sign it.
letters
Let’s hear about the other sides of Trump, Peter King
To the Editor:
I have always respected Peter King’s political opinions, although I may not have agreed with some of them. I especially appreciate his efforts in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland in the late 1990s.
In his op-ed in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue, “Trump has written the first chapter of a new Mideast history,” King praises President Trump, and rightly so, for his excellent work in bringing together a number of countries and leaders to bring an end to the horrific war in Gaza. Let’s hope it holds. Now, I hope King devotes a column to Trump’s actions (or lack thereof) and behavior as our “domestic” president. We are currently more than 40 days into a government shutdown in which military personal and federal workers are not being paid (but Congress is!), 42 million people have lost most of their SNAP benefits and health insurance prices will double in January. Surely our president could use his power — and he loves doing that — to bring solutions to these important issues. He could order his puppet, Mike Johnson, the speaker of the
For nearly a century, journalists have monitored police radio frequencies and alerted the public to developing emergencies. That’s how people on Long Island and beyond have learned about major accidents, crimes in progress and natural disasters. In some cases, lives have been saved thanks to timely, verified information reported by local media.
Now that lifeline is being cut off.
Proponents of encryption argue that it protects sensitive information and personal privacy. That’s a valid concern — but this legislation addresses it. Under the bill, access would be password-protected, monitored and limited to credentialed journalists. Reporters would not be able to transmit on the channels or interfere in any way. If anyone were to abuse the privilege, his or her access would be revoked. Critically sensitive communications would remain encrypted.
This is not about giving journalists a backstage pass to law enforcement. It’s about making sure the public isn’t left in the dark when seconds count.
We’ve already seen the consequences of delayed information. In Chicago, a delay in releasing police communications during a courthouse shooting in July prevented timely warnings to the
public.
Police departments that initially embraced full encryption are rethinking the policy. In 2022, the Palo Alto Police Department, in California, reversed its policy of encrypting police radio communications and restored real-time access for the public and the press. The reversal came after the department had encrypted its radio feeds in January 2021, citing a state memo that required the protection of personal identifying information.
New York should learn from that example. At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, blocking information — especially during emergencies — only fuels suspicion and confusion. It invites misinformation to fill the vacuum, and puts lives at risk.
Journalists are not adversaries of public safety. In many cases, they are its allies, helping to get accurate information to people who need it. Whether it’s a car crash that shuts down the Southern State Parkway or a threat that necessitates a school lockdown, the public has a right to know — and know quickly.
Hochul has long described herself as a defender of open government and transparency. Now she has a chance to prove it.
House, to reconvene Congress, negotiate and end this disgrace.
Also, I hope King will address the president’s manner and words in dealing with people. Shouldn’t a president try to unite people, and not mock and insult them, as he
has done on many, many occasions and probably will continue to do?
I look forward to those columns.
JIM HAWKINS Baldwin
opinions
When Long Island changed history
Long Island is well known for its beaches, the Hamptons, our pizza places and diners. But we harbor certain secrets — places where generally unknown events shaped history in big ways.
I stumbled on one several years ago, and it triggered the writing of my newest novel, “The Einstein Conspiracy.” It’s a historic thriller based on actual events that occurred on Long Island just as the world was descending into World War II. The secret I uncovered was actually hidden in plain sight: a modest cottage overlooking a harbor on the North Fork. I’d read that Albert Einstein rented the home in the summer of 1939, and there he composed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt that changed the world.
The letter itself is well known to followers of Einstein. He and a colleague,
Letters
We need journalists now more than ever
To the Editor:
Your editorial in the Oct. 16-22 issue, “Real journalists, reporting real stories,” on the vital importance of journalism, resonated with me. I subscribe to three newspapers: the Herald, Newsday and the Daily News. I am a strong believer in the First Amendment, and the power and freedom of the press. We need you now more than ever.
The skepticism for the media lies in the current regime’s constantly labeling it “fake news.” It’s only “fake” when it doesn’t conform to the regime’s edicts. The man in the White House is unilaterally imposing his will, bullying universities, corporations, law firms and the press, and sending troops into states to suppress crime that doesn’t exist.
Our democracy is fragile. We must continue to use our voices and peacefully protest the eroding of our rights and freedoms, the inhumane treatment of non-criminal immigrants, and so much more, lest we become an autocracy. I will continue to support the press, and I thank you for your truth, integrity, honesty and hard work.
MARGUERITE WESTBROOk Lynbrook
Leo Szilard, drafted it to warn FDR that Germany was researching the production of an atomic bomb, and that the science of a chain reaction leading to massive destruction was feasible. At that point, the Holocaust was expanding in intensity, and Germany was planning war across Europe. While an atom bomb in Hitler’s arsenal was unthinkable, the United States government had no serious research program.
My fascination with that cottage ignited the spinning of my own imagination. I spent two years researching Einstein’s stay on Long Island. He arrived on the North Fork on May 1, 1939, right after giving a speech on opening night of the World’s Fair in Flushing. He brought his rickety 14-foot sailboat, which was named Tinef — Yiddish for junk, trash or rubbish. He sailed the Peconic, shopped locally, strolled on the beach at Nassau Point, played the violin with the neighbors. Einstein’s life wasn’t entirely idyllic. He had fled deadly persecution by the
Nazis, including several threats on his life. In America he sought freedom and tolerance. But it wasn’t long before Hitler’s dark shadow reached him.
A fter Albert Einstein spent some quality time in a cottage here, we built the bomb.
In February 1939, a proNazi rally in Madison Square Garden attracted 20,000 people. In Yaphank, 32 miles from Einstein’s North Fork cottage, the Aryan residents of a restricted neighborhood flew swastika flags, trained children to be American storm troopers and named their roads after Hitler, Goebbels and Goering. The community campgrounds were used for pro-Nazi demonstrations and rallies. They were so popular that the Long Island Rail Road ran a train from Penn Station called the Camp Siegfried Special. Meanwhile, in New York City, the FBI pursued an extensive, widespread network of Nazi spies seeking to penetrate our military facilities, defense plants and government offices.
As a member of Congress, I occasionally dabbled in the arts of spin and embellishment. The skill came in handy
FrAmework by Tim Baker
in the writing of “The Einstein Conspiracy.” In the weeks after my first encounter with the old Einstein cottage — now privately owned — I began my own spinning of a novel that pits two FBI agents against a Nazi undercover agent trying to stop Einstein from warning Roosevelt about Hitler’s bomb. It’s based on real places, people and events.
Nearly three months after Einstein and Szilard began drafting their letter, it was finally delivered to FDR on their behalf. A mutual friend insisted on reading it aloud in the Oval Office. The president responded, “What you are after is to see that the Nazis don’t blow us up.” That night, a committee was formed to coordinate a response. An embryonic atomic research program was organized to race Adolf Hitler to an atom bomb.
In time, it became known as the Manhattan Project.
Conceived right here, on Long Island.
Steve Israel represented Long Island in Congress for 16 years, and now owns Theodore’s Books in Oyster Bay. Information on his latest novel is available at einsteinconspiracy.com. He is currently on a national book tour.
