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UHS choir lifts spirits and goes viral By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Melissa Baptiste/Herald photos
Members of the Uniondale Show Choir during the school’s second-ever Gospel Fest Nov 9. Its performance drew a standing ovation and later went viral on TikTok, with over 300,000 views in two days.
Uniondale High School’s Rhythm of the Knight Show Choir doesn’t usually perform gospel music. But when it took the stage at this year’s second Gospel Fest Nov. 9, something changed — in the audience, on stage and, soon, online. The gospel-themed performance at the high school drew a standing ovation, brought tears to the eyes of students and staff, and — thanks to a clip posted by choir member Presley Crawford — racked up more than 300,000 views on TikTok in two days. Choir Director Lynnette CarrCoNTINUed oN paGe 7
Uniondale senior, always running somewhere, wins county title By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Ross Wallace, a quiet newcomer to Uniondale High School, has become one of the community’s most talked-about athletes after powering his way to a county cross-country title and snapping a decades-long drought for the Knights. The 17-year-old senior claimed victory at the Nassau Class I cross-country championship on Nov. 1 at LIU Post, finishing the 5-kilometer race in 15 minutes, 35.5 seconds. He crossed the finish line more than 30 seconds ahead of Aidan Urquiola, of Long Beach.
Wallace’s finish didn’t just mark a personal best — it marked Uniondale’s first county title in cross-country in nearly 30 years, his coach, Christopher Stephenson, said. “I was definitely out of breath — that was a very serious run for me, just trying to hang on,” Wallace said, laughing as he recalled it. “I was excited, but not surprised,” Stephenson said. “He was the first county champion I’ve coached in eight years, and Uniondale hasn’t had one in a very long time. What he’s doing is special.” After winning the county title, Wallace moved on to the
qualifier for the state championships on Nov. 8 — where he placed 22nd with a time of 15:47. “I was happy, because I knew I made it on my own work,” he said, “not luck this time.” Wallace credited the consistency of his training. He routinely logs 50 miles per week, with long runs of 10 to 14 miles. Running is where he clears his head, explores new places — and, with headphones on, he says, he “speeds up just because the music gets good.” “I just run a lot,” he added. “Running is my hobby. I like to sightsee whenever I’m running around. “Don’t get me wrong — it would take the breath out of
me at first, but after a while I definitely got used to it.” Until recently, Wallace didn’t want to keep running on a college track or cross-country team, focusing on a future in computer science, but now he is seriously considering it. “My plan for my life is drastically changed,” he said. He moved to Uniondale over the summer, another stop in a
series of relocations resulting from his father’s service in the U.S. Army. Every time the family has uprooted, roughly every other year, Wallace has laced up his running shoes in their new home and headed out, using long runs to map out his new neighborhood and to feel grounded. He’s has lived in Detroit, CoNTINUed oN paGe 10
Steps of strength: Walk for Epilepsy rallies Long Islanders By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, which includes the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island, hosted its annual Walk for Epilepsy at Eisenhower Park, drawing more than 1,000 participants in a show of solidarity for those living with the neurological condition. The event aimed to raise $126,000 — a figure symbolizing the statistic that one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime — and has already generated nearly $95,000. The walk emphasized the importance of education, advocacy and community for the more than 35,000 Long Islanders affected by epilepsy. “Epilepsy affects so many lives — children, families and individuals across every community,” said Lisa Burch, president and chief executive of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “Through the Walk for Epilepsy, we are standing together to raise awareness, strengthen understanding and empower those living with epilepsy to live full and confident lives. The community’s generosity and energy make this event so meaningful year after year.” The Walk for Epilepsy is part of a national effort to bring greater visibility to epilepsy, one of the most common yet misunderstood neurological disorders. About 3.4 million people in the United
Courtesy EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies
The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies hosted its annual Epilepsy Foundation walk, raising funds and awareness for epilepsy, one of the most common yet misunderstood neurological disorders. States — including 470,000 children — are living with epilepsy, which can affect every aspect of daily life. The annual walk helps increase awareness, reduce stigma and fund programs that provide education, support and advocacy to families across Long Island. This year’s grand marshal was 16-year-old Kassandra Facey, honored for her advocacy and personal strength. Facey experienced her first tonic-clonic seizure at age 16, a life-changing moment that launched her into awareness efforts. Now an author and founder of Kassy’s Corner, she works to create a safe, inclusive space for people with epi-
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lepsy, special needs and their families to connect and support one another. “Kassandra’s courage and dedication to helping others embody the spirit of what this event is all about,” said Irene Rodgers, chief development and engagement officer. “Her story reminds us that with understanding, compassion and community, no one has to face epilepsy alone.” Participants at the walk wore custom team shirts honoring loved ones, while local sponsors provided refreshments and signage along the route. The event served as both a celebration of resilience and a call to continue supporting essential programs for the epilepsy com-
munity. Funds raised through the walk support the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island’s programs, including Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification Training, school in-service programs, community education, advocacy and monthly workshops, all offered free of charge. The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies includes three organizations that provide advocacy and healthcare resources for families across Long Island. EPIC Long Island operates a day habilitation program in East Meadow and 18 group homes in Nassau and Suffolk counties, providing clinical services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Each residence is staffed by caregivers who support individuals with varying abilities and challenges. The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island focuses on awareness, advocacy and resources for the 35,000 Long Islanders diagnosed with epilepsy, including community education in schools and healthcare settings and seizure first aid certification training. The South Shore Guidance Center in Freeport, also part of the EPIC family, is an outpatient behavioral health clinic serving Long Islanders of all ages. Services include individual, group and family psychotherapy, substance use treatment, crisis stabilization and medication-assisted treatment.
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The INN says ‘Thank You’ raising $15,000 sdriks@liherald.com
No guests lined the tables at the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen last week. Only supporters chose to sit where they normally serve. It’s the one moment each year when the roles reverse — when community members make a donation not to feed others, but to experience a meal in the soup kitchen themselves. It’s the only time anyone ever pays to eat there, a quiet reminder of the work that happens every other day, when neighbors fill those seats in need. The annual Day of Thanks and Giving fundraiser was founded more than a decade ago. “This annual fundraiser is the only one we have at the Mary Brennan INN, where we raise money to help us with our Thanksgiving meals,” Executive Director Jean Kelly said. This year, Kelly said the event raised about $15,000 to feed those in need on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27. The INN also honored the Mineral Lions Club, which donates turkeys each year for distribution during the holiday. “People feel strongly about Thanksgiving — it is a
Stacy Driks/Herald photos
Rob Kammerer, left INN board member, Day of Thanks & Giving Event Co-Chairs, Ellen Broder, Pauline Ferstenberg and Ray Sikorski and Executive Director Jean Kelly thanking the communtiy with a thanks & giving meal. time that most people think of the soup kitchen,” Kelly said. “For some reason, they realize how lucky they are and what they have. And I feel, you know, that we have Thanksgiving every day here.” Rob Kammerer, INN board member, reminded attendees why the annual fund-
raiser matters. The funds raised are a critical support during the recent government shutdown. “Because of the SNAP snafu in Washington, the INN has been busier,” he said. “As more families struggle with food insecurity and delays in emergency benefits,
we have Thanksgiving every day here.” “It feels good — you feel like you’re making a difference. It’s nice to know that whatever we’re doing can help someone,” said Day of Thanks & Giving event cochair Ellen Broder. Longtime supporter Ben’s Kosher Deli once again provided the full Thanksgiving spread — freshly carved turkey, potatoes, corn, stuffing and cold side dishes. Owner Ronnie Dragoon, a former board member for 20 years, continues supporting those in need. At 77, he still pulls on chef whites when needed. “I grew up poor,” he said. “Helping here keeps my mind active. And I’ve always believed in taking care of people who don’t have.” Broder shared what keeps her coming back after more than a decade. “This place brings out the best in you,” she said. “Kindness, dignity — those are things many of our guests don’t hear often. Here, they’re treated like family.” “I think one of the purposes of Thanksgiving is to really focus on being grateful,” Kammerer said. “Hopefully, having a meal here in the soup kitchen can help us focus, even just for a few minutes, on what we are truly grateful for.”
Students learn about healthy habbits this fall By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
When Claudia Barnes, president of the Lawrence Road Middle School Parent Teacher Association, stepped in to carry on the school’s annual health-focused community event, she had no idea she’d be helping guide a tradition that has become one of the district’s most anticipated gatherings. Now in its third year, the Health, Wealth & Happiness Festival with expanded programming, new youth performers, and a continued mission to educate families about total well being. “We wanted to add a little more excitement this year,” Barnes said. “Every year we get more people, so we keep building.” On Oct 8., one of the biggest additions is a performance by a student group known as the LR Young Entrepreneurs — a team of students whose, including “Lemonade,” and “Henna” “They’re so young, and they’re doing such amazing things,” Barnes said. She came up with Health, Wealth & Happiness because she felt like being healthy is not just about your physical health, but it’s also about financial health and mental health. This year’s vendors and presenters reflect that expanded vision. One of them being Northwell Health. We believe this event is a fantastic opportunity to focus on preventative care and screenings, as well as offer life-saving trainings,” said Christine Patti, an outreach coordinator for the hospital. “Developing healthy habits early is crucial for young people to make informed decisions and live healthy lives.”
One returning highlight was Joseph Cosgriff from Fans for a Cure — a nonprofit organization supports men by advocating for the early detection of prostate cancer –whose powerful presentation on prostate cancer left a lasting impression by parents Barnes said many residents specifically asked for him to return. In keeping with the festival’s theme, Barnes secured donations from several local restaurants, including 270 Deli in nearby Hempstead. “We’re serving healthier options,” she said, noting that the district’s diversity inspired a mix of dishes families can enjoy. As a parent of a Lawrence Road Middle School student, Barnes said one of her goals is to help students build healthy habits early. “They’re still growing,” she said. “If we can prevent chronic diseases by teaching them now, it makes a difference.” Her daughter is also getting involved — not just as a student but as an entrepreneur inspired by business videos she’s been watching. Also, this year’s event also included a bake-off, cornhole games, and a fallthemed activity area with pumpkins. Teachers and parents are invited to submit baked goods for judging. “Research shows too much sugar is harmful,” she said. “Even reducing a little processed sugar can make a big difference.” “The PTA is here to support each other, advocate for our children, and create good educational experiences,” she said. “When families come together, it makes the school stronger.”
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
Future entrepreneur, Ava Lamar, 10, with her custom designs and accessories, and sells a variety of handmade products such as key chains and bracelets.
Amber Hernandez, 13 and Natalie Bravo, 11, created “beaded buddies” provided by Harmony Healthcare Long Island. The only equipment needed is beads and some string.
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Ramona Jones, U.S. Army served in Afghanistan, left, with Vietnam Veterans, Emmanuel Saks, Gary Glick, Jeff Newman who attended the Cradle of Aviation Museum to share their stories with students.
Firsthand accounts take flight at Aviation Museum Hicks High School seniors visited the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Nov. 10 to conduct oral history interviews with U.S. military veterans those serving in Iraq all the way back to Vietnam. Those veterans are, including Ramona Jones, Afghanistan and those in Vietnam Emmanuel Saks, , Gary Glick, Jeff Newman, John Gast, Paul Mundy. Sharran Chambers Murphy and Williedean Moore also attended sharing sto-
ries on “Desert Storm” operations in the Gulf War. Students spoke with the veterans in the museum’s galleries sharing and learning about military service from those who have lived it. The project was part of the schools English class course work, highlighting of first person storytelling and Long Island’s deep ties to aviation and national defense. — Stacy Driks
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things to know about the thanksgiving holiday
Thanksgiving is a holiday rich with history, traditions, and cultural significance in the United States. Whether you’re gathering with family or taking time to reflect, it’s a time to appreciate the harvest, indulge in hearty meals, and celebrate togetherness. While the holiday is often centered around food and family, it has deep historical roots and a complex legacy.
n The complex origins: Pilgrims and Native Americans The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 at Plymouth Colony, where Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans shared a feast. Though often depicted as a peaceful gathering, the reality was more complex. The relationship between settlers and Native tribes eventually turned into conflict and war, leading to the tragic loss of indigenous lands. The idea of Thanksgiving as a national holiday took centuries to establish, and it wasn’t until Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it in 1863 that it became an official part of American culture, aiming to unite the country during the Civil War.
Here are three key things to know for a complete picture of this beloved holiday. There are various pantries in Uniondale providing either non perishables and turkeys for thanksgiving this weekend. Saint Marthas Roman Catholic Church, American Legion and John J. Byrne Community Center. — Brian Kacharaba
From venison to turkey: The evolution of the feast
n Modern significance: Gratitude, mourning, and reflection
Thanksgiving is synonymous with a hearty feast, but the foods served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 were quite different from the dishes we associate with the holiday today. There were no mashed potatoes or pumpkin pies at that original gathering—rather, the menu included venison, corn, beans, wildfowl like ducks and geese, and seafood. Over the centuries, Thanksgiving meals evolved as different cultural influences shaped the American diet. Immigrants brought new recipes, and regional specialties, like cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes, were added. Today, turkey has become the iconic centerpiece, reflecting American culinary traditions and regional preferences that have developed over time
Thanksgiving today serves as a time to gather with loved ones and express gratitude for the blessings of the year. It’s a moment to reflect on health, family, and prosperity, often marked by large meals and festive traditions. For many, it signals the beginning of the holiday season, with parades, football games, and holiday shopping to follow. However, the holiday also carries a complicated legacy for Native Americans. For many Indigenous peoples, Thanksgiving represents a day of mourning, as it marks the start of colonial expansion that led to displacement, loss of culture, and centuries of suffering. The day now encourages reflection on the history and impact of settlercolonialism.
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Unpacking the roots and rituals of the day
Gillen weighs in on government shutdown After voting against last week’s reopening, she underscores the importance of affordable health care By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
The federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended after 43 days of uncertainty for those employed by the government or dependent on federally funded social programs. One of the many Democrats who voted against the agreement to end the shutdown was the 4th Congressional District’s Rep. Laura Gillen, because of Republicans’ refusal to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. “I believe that we can fund the government and we can also make sure that people don’t lose their health insurance,” Gillen said, “and we’re doing everything we can to help the American people face the cost-of-living crisis that we are dealing with across this country.” The bill to reopen the government passed by a vote of 222 to 209, and was signed into law by President Trump. Afterward, Gillen released a statement, saying, “The spending bill passed today does nothing to prevent hardworking Long Islanders from being priced out of their health care. I voted no.” During the shutdown, the work of non-essential departments was halted, while employees of vital departments continued working without pay. Now, about 800,000 federal employees who had been furloughed or working without compensation will start receiving paychecks again, with back pay. The effects of the shutdown continued to be felt for days. The spending package restored full funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through next September, but some of the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the program were still waiting for resumption of their benefits days after the
bill was signed. And disruptions in service at the nation’s airports were expected to continue. Throughout the shutdown, Gillen visited various community groups to see how it was affecting them, including Long Island Cares, Innovative Daycare and a variety of Black- and brown-owned businesses throughout the district. “The hunger of our seniors and veterans should not be a political tool,” she said. Gillen will be up for re-election next year. Since the election of New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Gillen has had a message for her constituents: “I am extraordinarily different.” “My district knows me,” she said. “I was the first Democrat in 112 years to get elected in the town of Hempstead as a supervisor, and I’m going to run the same way I ran before, and that is as a centrist, moderate, fiscally prudent and responsible leader who actually wants to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done.” Gillen expressed her intent to stay focused on the issues, national and local. “The most important thing is we need to be working in a bipartisan fashion to start fixing these problems — addressing the cost of health care, addressing the cost of groceries, addressing the cost of utilities, and finding concrete, fiscally responsible ways to solve these problems,” she said. Gillen’s office can put community members who are struggling in touch with local support groups. “Our district staff office is extremely attentive to the calls that come in,” she said. “If they need help with information about how to contact the (health care) exchange or how to access certain benefits, we provide that information to them.” Gillen’s office can be reached at (516) 739-3008.
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November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
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Show Choir’s gospel message resonates Hicks said it was the greatest online response the group has ever had. Before every performance, the ensemble usually has a pep talk or a prayer to boost the students’ confidence, but this performance felt different. “It felt like the Lord came down,” said student Jesse Mason, a member of the choir. “As we sang, it felt like He was there, empowering us. I felt the Holy Spirit — it was electrifying.” For Carr-Hicks, the night carried even deeper meaning. “Total Praise,” the choir’s final number, filled her with emotion. “That song meant a lot to me,” she said. “I had three brain surgeries last year. They never figured out what caused the bleeding. I had a shunt put in, then taken out. It was a rough nine months, but I’m healthy now, and that moment on stage, it just brought everything full circle. “This group made me cry,” Carr-Hicks added. “In the best way.” Mason recounted she felt nervous at first. “But when I got up there, I felt like everybody, with their energy, brought me to life,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to perform and do my best.” The event brought the community together for a night of powerful music, and raised money for its national-level competitions. These trips are essential in helping these students continue perform-
Melissa Baptiste/Herald photos
Members of the Uniondale High School Show Choir with their director, Lynnette CarrHicks, far left, at a community concert that helped raise funds for the group’s upcoming national competitions. ing on a national stage. The program featured scripture readings and gospel selections that resonated deeply with the performers and the crowd. Nine-year-old guest vocalist stunned the audience with what Carr-Hicks described as “an out-of-this-world voice.” By the end of performance, the audience was on its feet. On Instagram, the Uniondale Show Choirs official page stated, “Only in fourth grade and already stealing the show!” District Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil praised the event at a Union-
dale Resource Center meeting almost two weeks later, noting the large turnout. “It’s more than money,” she said. “That show of support really means something to us. And people told me, ‘We had no idea this was happening in our backyard.’” Carr-Hicks created Rhythm of the Knight in 2010, and the group began competing nationally three years lager. Since then it has grown into one of the most celebrated student ensembles in the region, known for high-energy performances, sharp choreography and emotional storytelling. This year’s group is smaller — just 25 members, compared with around 40 in
previous years — but Carr-Hicks said they are among the strongest vocalists she has ever directed. The choir is about more than music. “We’re like a family,” Mason said. “We support each other, not just in rehearsals, but in life.” Crawford agreed, saying, “When we’re all together, it feels powerful — like we’re one voice.” The group competes each year against schools across the country in Orlando, Florida, FAME Orlando Show Choir of America event part of a national show choir circuit, and has won grand champion and first runner-up titles. Carr-Hicks never expected to reach that level when she started the choir 15 years ago, as she started competing three years later. She hosted Uniondale’s first Gospel Fest in 2021, and brought it back this year, after community members asked for it. “Sometimes the community comes to me and says what they want to see,” she said. “I decided to do the Gospel Fest.” Next up for Rhythm of the Knight was a pre-show performance at the Jonas Brothers concert at UBS Arena on Wednesday, after the Herald went to press, with the hope of meeting the brothers. “They said they want to meet us,” Carr-Hicks said, “but we’re just going to the pre-show prior, when people are coming into the theater.” For Carr-Hicks, Gospel Fest wasn’t just about music. It was about gratitude.
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November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
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Herald honors environmental leadership By ABBEY-ROSE SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com
Across Long Island, a growing number of businesses are leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. From small family-owned shops to large companies embracing environmentally conscious practices, local enterprises are proving that environmental responsibility and economic success can go hand in hand. These efforts not only help reduce the region’s carbon footprint but also strengthen the local economy by inspiring innovation and creating green jobs. Nearly 30 local businesses gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage for an event hosted by the Herald, celebrating sustainability and community impact on Oct. 29 The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, who emphasized the importance of recognizing businesses that prioritize sustainability and help shape a greener future for Long Island. “It is a pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural GreenBiz Awards, where we come together to celebrate the businesses and individuals who are leading the charge for a more sustainable future, right here on Long Island,” he said. “Tonight, we honor those who are driving real change. Reducing waste, conserving energy and protecting the natural beauty that makes Long Island such a special place to live, work and raise our families.” The evening’s emcee, Jill Conway, is a former New York television news reporter and anchor with more than 20 years of experience. She is the founder of Powerful Women USA and host of the award-winning podcast Secrets of Powerful Women, and helped facilitate the event’s program. Part of the event’s ticket proceeds support Save the Sound, an organization dedicated to protecting Long Island and Connecticut’s land, air and water through science, legal action and community initiatives. Honoree Christine Kiourtsis, president of Renewable Recycling, Inc., was recognized in the Recycling category for her innovative work in textile and material recovery. Inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, she began recycling discarded mattresses and box springs, discovering that up to 90 percent of their materials can be reused. Through Renewable Recycling, Kiourtsis helps keep waste out of landfills, reduce transport costs and save taxpayer money. “It’s really important to utilize tax money in a better way than putting it in the dump,” Kiourtsis said. Marshall Brown, president and cofounder of Long Island Conservancy Spadefood Ecosystem Solutions, was honored in the Environmental Innovation category. Brown helped create a film called A River Between Us that led to the largest environmental restoration project in U.S. history. His upcom-
Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The team from Reworld. ing project focuses on implementing water treatment solutions for areas with wastewater or surface water. “We grow microbes on site, strains of common soil bacteria, but with special properties like what they eat in the absence of oxygen,” Brown said. “We take a sewage treatment plant, the microbes get to work, and half of the sludge, at least, gets eaten away.” Brown believes that the return on investment is a couple of months. President/LEED AP of Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Chuck Merritt, was recognized in the Environmental Consulting category. “On Long Island, we all drink the groundwater underneath our feet. So, we all have a responsibility to protect that natural resource,” said Merritt, who added that MECC is involved with a large developer in Mastic who is looking to redevelop land about a half a mile long. In the Waste Solutions category, Reworld is recognized for providing innovative and environmentally responsible waste management services to communities worldwide. Representative Ed Sandkuhi said that Reworld is expanding its engagement with local schools, teaching students about composting. “We raise dead vegetable gardens and use the compost to grow vegetables and not use fertilizers that are highly water soluble,” Sandkuhi said, adding how rewarding it is to see the children’s enthusiasm. Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority and a honoree in the Utilities category, notes that Long Island is particularly vulner-
Chuck Merritt from Merritt Environmental Consulting able to the effects of severe weather and climate change. “We are still trying to promote the adoption of solar, electric vehicles and heat pumps that are going to help us move towards a clean energy future,” she says, emphasizing LIPA’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable solutions for the region. Paraco Gas was honored in the Utilities category. Representative Dan Scicutella said that propane is a very
clean-burning fuel. For areas on the East end that don’t have access to natural gas, propane is a substitute. “We’re looking to expand and grow on the East End, companies from Route 112 and further East,” he said, noting that the company remains committed to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Recognized in the Engineering category, M&J Engineering is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm that provides a wide range of professional services. “As an engineer, we’re at the forefront of a lot of research studies,” M&J Representative Mohammad Malik said. “It’s our job to do what’s right for society and develop new ways to reduce carbon emissions,” Malik notes that M&J is involved in coastal resilience projects and highlights a Patchogue initiative that promotes green infrastructure. The Herald GreenBIZ Awards catalyze environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. The event highlights and honors forwardthinking businesses and educators committed to eco-friendly practices, proving that sustainable operations can thrive alongside financial success. Gold sponsors of the event include The Long Island Conservancy, Reworld and Scott’s Miracle-Gro. Silver sponsors include the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, GreyMart, M&J Engineering, R&M Engineering, Stony Brook University, Edgewise Energy, GreenbergTraurig, Emtec, Merritt, Paraco, and Molloy University. View event photos on our website, RichnerLive.com/greenbiz-awards/ photos/
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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
Marlon Taylor from New York & Atlantic Railway.
Ecosystem Solutions with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.
Neal Lewis, left, from Molloy University Sustainability Institute with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.
Nick Guariglia, left, from ACE NY / NYOWA with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.
Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Charles Vigliotti from Long Island Compost, Todd Kaminsky from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Charlie Barone from Long Island Compost.
Carrie Meek Gallagher from the Long Island Power Authority.
Richard Murdocco, left, from Stony Brook University with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.
Christine Kiourtsis from Renewable Recycling, Inc.
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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom
November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
HERALD SchoolS
Photos courtesy Smith Street Elementary School
Dozens of American flags lined the lawn in front of Smith Street Elementary School as students honored military veterans ahead of Veterans Day.
Smith Street Elementary honors veterans
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very student at Smith Street Elementary School took part in a Veterans Day tribute by placing dozens of American flags on the lawn in front of the school. From pre-K through fifth grade, children lined up class by class, guided by their teachers, including Edward Rodriguez, Cindy Brown-Barrins and Stephanie Stephenson. The colorful display served as a heartfelt thank-you to those who have served in the military. — Stacy Driks
Pre-K teacher Edward Rodriguez guided his students as they held their flags high, ready to honor veterans outside Smith Street Elementary School.
Third grade teacher Stephanie Stephenson stood with her students as they prepared to honor veterans by placing flags outside Smith Street Elementary School.
Students had the opportunity to place their flags handheld American Flag on the lawn.
It’s all about fun, and sightseeing, Wallace says Chicago, Washington, D.C. and some states in between, he said — most recently Michigan. His mother encouraged him to race competitively, and after one meet, he said, he was hooked. Running became his way to settle in, stretch out, and find people who understood him. Socially, however, his life has been difficult, Wallace acknowledges. Even among teammates, connection takes time. “I usually stay to myself a lot,” he said. “I feel like it’s kind of encouraged me to learn more. I’m able to run around and see my surroundings.” But he has started to develop a sense of belonging in Uniondale. Stephenson said Wallace entered the season unsure of where he fit in, often tucking in behind the top runners. But soon he began leading the pack by wide margins. “He’s gotten a lot more confident since coming to Uniondale,” Stephenson said. “He wasn’t sure where he stood. He used to run a minute and a half slower. He always wanted to follow the fastest runner. Now he is that runner.” Despite his success, Wallace keeps things grounded. He is balancing training, classes and school life, and says, “It’s exhausting at the moment.” But academics come first. “If I don’t have time to study or do homework,” he said, “I’ll sacrifice something else.” When he’s not running, he’s drawing or writing. “I really like writing — that’s the one big thing I always constantly do,” Wallace said. “Ever since around fourth grade, I would always write stories, and draw.” As he finishes out his senior year as a Knight, Wallace does have college plans, which, he hopes, involve a campus somewhere near mountains, so he can contin-
ue his bipedal sightseeing. But his future is still being determined, thanks to his dad’s relocation issues. But he remains focused on what’s important. “Just have fun with it,” Wallace said. “Run because you love it. That’s what keeps you going.”
Wallace, a uniondale High School senior, won the nassau County Class i boys’ cross-country title.
Courtesy Uniondale school district
nassau Class i crosscountry champion ross Wallace, far left, with the other top-five finishers, from Long Beach, Herricks, Calhoun and macarthur. Courtesy Ross Wallace
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Highlights of the utility’s spending plan for next year By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Long Island Power Authority has released its proposed 2026 budget, emphasizing affordability, grid reliability and clean-energy investment. The plan also details stronger oversight of Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island under a renewed management contract, and continued cost-saving measures that aim to lower bills for customers across Long Island and the Rockaways.
LIPA is a nonprofit public utility that owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaways, and PSEG Long Island operates that system under contract. Since 2014, PSEG has handled daily grid operations, maintenance and customer service on LIPA’s behalf. The new five-year contract extension, effective Jan. 1, enhances oversight and accountability while maintaining the operational partnership. The agreement reduces management fees by an estimated $17 million and expands cost-control requirements. It also increases the number of measurable performance metrics, covering reliability, customer experience and fiscal management. LIPA officials say this framework ensures that PSEG’s performance will better align with affordability and clean energy goals through greater transparency and operational discipline.
Core spending plan and bill savings
Long-term plan, and public hearings
LIPA’s proposed 2026 operating budget totals about $4.4 billion, alongside a $1 billion capital plan supporting reliability, grid modernization and clean-energy infrastructure. The typical residential customer is projected to see a 3.3 percent decrease in their electric bill, roughly $6.53 less per month than in 2025. This reduction reflects a projected $219 million drop in power supply costs, driven by lower on-Island generation, decreased Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative allowance expenses and savings from the new Power and Fuel Management Services Agreement. The capital budget will rise roughly 3.1 percent, mainly due to refueling costs tied to LIPA’s 18 percent ownership stake in the Nine Mile Point 2 nuclear power plant. Despite inflation and higher labor costs, LIPA projects flat overall operating expenses, while maintaining around $1 billion in annual reliability investments.
LIPA’s long-term fiscal sustainability plan aims to reduce its debt-to-asset ratio from a projected 78 percent in 2025 to 70 percent by 2030, supporting stronger credit ratings and long-term financial health. The 2026 budget reflects roughly $1.4 billion in cumulative cost savings, equal to about 33 percent of customer bills, the result of over a decade of cost-control initiatives. The budget also includes $7.5 million for weatherization projects benefiting low- to moderate-income households, helping to reduce energy usage and improve affordability. Public hearings will be held on Nov. 24, at 10 a.m., at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge; and the same day, at 6 p.m., at LIPA headquarters in Uniondale, with a virtual option available. Written comments are due by Nov. 28, and the LIPA board of trustees will vote on the final budget on Dec. 17.
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November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
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STEPPING OUT
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Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art
A gallery view of the exhibition.
Carving out her place The untold story of sculptor Emma Stebbins By Abbey Salvemini
H
istory gets a powerful rewrite at the Heckscher Museum of Art’s latest exhibition. “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History” is a landmark installation that spotlights a pioneering neoclassical artist whose legacy has been long overlooked. Known for sculpting Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain (immortalized in film and TV), Stebbins — a trailblazing female artist — was the first woman to receive a public art commission from New York City. Yet despite her accomplishments, her name has largely vanished from the art world’s narrative. Now Stebbins receives the recognition she has long deserved. “Carving Out History” firmly reestablishes her place at the forefront of 19th century American sculpture. It explores Stebbins’s bold artistic vision, her barrier-breaking career and her personal life — including her relationship with the renowned Shakespearean actress Charlotte Cushman at a time when such a relationship defied social norms. Stebbins’ works focused on unprecedented imagery of laborers, incisive depictions of literary and biblical subjects and moving portrait busts of her chosen family. Her sculpture was celebrated in the press and sought after by collectors In the mid-19th century. Since then, however, Stebbins fell into relative obscurity. Among the exhibit’s outstanding components, New York City comes to Long Island — via an immersive Virtual Reality experience. Visitors can “walk around” Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain, bringing Stebbins’s most celebrated work to life in an entire new way. A special VR station gives everyone the illusion that Bethesda Fountain is right in front of them in Heckscher Park — through the use of their phones — offering a striking, life-sized view of Stebbins’s most iconic creation. Photos and selfies are encouraged! For many, this will be their first time learning the name behind the fountain — even if you’ve seen it countless times in person and on screen. The exhibit title — “Carving Out History” — reflects both Stebbins’s sculptural practice and the curatorial team’s broader goal: to reclaim and reframe her place in the American canon. This first-of-its-kind exhibit — reshapes how we understand one of our most groundbreaking — and overlooked — artists. “The exhibition itself is carving out a place
for Stebbins’ story,” Chief Curator Karli Wurzelbacher says. The Heckscher’s deep connection to the artist makes the venue especially significant. • Now through March 15 Museum founder August Heckscher had • Open Thursday through a family link to Stebbins — his uncle Sunday, noon-5 p.m. commissioned two of her major works, • Heckscher Museum of Art, Commerce and Industry, which have been 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • Visit Heckscher.org or part of the museum’s collection for over a call (631) 380-3230 for century. information on related Stebbins wasn’t just a woman succeeding programming in a male-dominated field — she also lived openly with her partner at a time when samesex relationships were taboo. Their partnership Emma Stebbins’s marble statue The was both romantic and deeply collaborative, and it Lotus-Eater (1863) purports to illustrate Alfred Tennyson’s poem of the same informed much of Stebbins’s work and worldview. title, in turn derived from an episode They were “the power couple of their in the Odyssey of Homer. Museum time,” according to Wurzelbacher. Purchase: Town of Huntington Art Among the many highlights, Wurzelbacher Acquisition Fund. points to Sandolphon, which captures the depth of Stebbins’s artistry. It depicts an archangel with incredible detail rendered in marble. The sculpture draws inspiration from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As Wurzelbacher explains: “The line ‘the angel gathers the prayers where he stands, and they turn into flowers in his hands’ captures the heart of the work. She paints a vivid image of the archangel holding a garland of flowers — each bloom symbolizing the prayers of the people.” One of the most significant outcomes of her research into Stebbins’s career has been the “discovery” of sculptures whose locations were previously unknown to scholars (one was found in the hallway of the Belfast Central Library!). Two significant works, The Lotus Eater (1863) and the aformentioned Sandalphon (1866), had been in a private collection for decades before being acquired by the museum. Both pieces underwent extensive conservation efforts, including cleaning their discolored marble surfaces and making careful repairs. For curators and staff, this exhibition is not only a professional milestone — it’s personal. “Even though we have a relatively small staff, we can still Sandalphon (also known as contribute to writing the story of American art history and Angel of Prayer, 1866), like bringing these overlooked figures to the public is something Lotus Eater, has been in a we take very seriously,” Wurzelbacher shares. private collection and likely Whether you’re familiar with these sculptures or someone have not been on public view in encountering Stebbins for the first time, this exhibit invites you more than 100 years. Museum to look again — at a familiar fountain, at forgotten stories and purchase: Town of Huntington at the enduring power of carving out one’s place in history. Art Acquisition Fund.
For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. They’ve 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 Doucet’s 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 Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in the U.K. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Thompson. An iconic figure in British folk-rock, Thompson — one of the founding members of Fairport Convention — is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. $75, $65, $55. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Adam Pascal Get ready for a powerhouse night with Broadway legend Adam Pascal — the original voice of Rent’s Roger (Broadway and film) and one of musical theater’s most electrifying performers. With a rock-and-roll edge and soul-stirring vocals, Pascal commands the stage in an unforgettable evening of showstoppers, storytelling, and pure star power. From “Rent” and Aida” to “Chess,” “Chicago,” “Something Ro’tten!” and beyond, Adam brings the house down with iconic hits, guitar licks and rock tunes — all fueled by the raw passion that made him a Broadway icon. The Tony-nominated actor-musician didn’t grow up with aspirations of becoming a Broadway star. But when his childhood friend Idina Menzel asked if he would audition for an off-Broadway musical called “Rent,” he thought “Why not?” and the rest is history. Pascal shares insights into his personal journey with his audience, bringing with him a wealth of experience and plenty of personal anecdotes.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
BeauSoleil
November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Let’s Skate NOV Get ready to enjoy
CALENDAR
donation from Whole Foods Market. Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. An EBT card is required to receive a turkey, and early arrival is encouraged.
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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. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Ongoing during museum hours, through Jan. 4. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Seussical the Musical
Molloy University CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students stage the musical based on beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, and elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks”. Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of freindship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Performers of all ages portray the characters from the familiar Dr. Seuss tales. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m., also Nov 21-Nov. 23 • Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
Thanksgiving Food Drive
The Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center Committee is collecting nonperishable food items to support families in need this Thanksgiving season. Donations can be dropped off in the hall of American Legion. The hall is closed Wednesday and Thursday. • Where: American Legion Hall,
• Where: 79 Vermont Ave. • Time: 2 p.m. • Contact: (516) 853-6864
Girls on the Run 5K
Girls on the Run Long Island wraps its fall season with a funfilled 5K in Eisenhower Park. • Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow • Time: 9 a.m. • Contact: GOTRLongIsland.org/5K
DEC
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Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra ‘Christmas Special’
From redefining rock to reimagining Sinatra, Grammy-winning musician Mark Tremonti, backed by members of Frank Sinatra’s original orchestra, brings his timeless swing and holiday spirit to the Paramount. The lights go down. Familiar horns pipe up from a world-class orchestra as piano twinkles like the jackpot lights on a winning slot machine. Then, the voice kicks in. It has all of the smoky splendor those first few notes hinted at, but it ain’t Ol’ Blue Eyes. In a tailored suit with microphone in hand, it’s Mark Tremonti. The multiplatinum musician sounds just as at home paying homage to the catalog of Frank Sinatra as he does fronting Tremonti or shredding his soul out as the guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed. Moreover, he’s doing it for a reason that would make the Chairman of the Board proud. Accompanied by surviving members of Sinatra’s band as well as various top-notch players, Tremonti cut 14 classics for his Tremonti Sings Sinatra album, which he gifted to the National Down Syndrome Society as part of his new organization Take A Chance For Charity. All album proceeds go to NDSS to help those with developmental disabilities. With over 40 million albums sold, chart-topping releases, sold-out arenas, and countless appearances on television • Where: The Paramount, 370 and magazine covers, Tremonti’s influence on rock music is undeniable. Now, witness a New York Ave., Huntington new side of his artistry as he pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra. This • Time: 8 p.m. is Tremonti like you’ve never heard him. Join in for a feel-good evening of classic jazz • Contact: ticketmaster.com or and seasonal favorites. $108.75, $86.50, $71.25, $59.75, $54.25, $43.75. paramountny.com
545 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: 12:30-4:30 p.m., through Nov. 21 • Contact: (516) 440-6004 or info@uniondaleerc.org
laws, and safe handling practices. Attendees learn how to become legal firearm owners and practice proper use under the guidance of NRA-certified instructors.
NOV Holiday Toy Drive
• Where: Nassau County Rifle & Pistol Range, 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale • Time: Time varies, also Dec. 20. • Contact: tinyurl.com/ NCsafetyCourse
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The Uniondale Police Activity League hosts a community toy drive to help brighten the holidays for children in need. Residents are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 3-18 at the Uniondale Community Center. Those who donate will be treated to light refreshments as a thank-you for their generosity. This is one of several toy drives the PAL plans to host throughout the holiday season to support families in the community. • Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 925 Jerusalem Ave. • Time: 10 a.m.-noon • Contact: (516) 680-5856
Rifle/Pistol Safety Hosted by the Diasporans Firearm Club, this Nassau County Rifle & Pistol safety course introduces participants to the firearms community in New York, local
Native American Fall Festival
Join in the popular annual holiday event that honors the spirit and traditions of Long Island’s early residents at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve. Varied activities include tool and pottery-making, spear-throwing and the use of the atlatl (a spear-throwing tool), primitive fire building (without matches!) and on-site campfire cooking. Sample some authentic native foods and learn about the process of creating “dugout” canoes. Also see displays of artifacts from the museum collection and an authentic reproduction of a wigwam, scavenger hunt, and more. • Where: 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; also Nov. 23 • Contact: garviespointmuseum. com or (516) 571-8010 or (516) 571-8011
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American art was defined by Realism — artists captured the world as they saw it. Often overlooked in conventional approaches to aesthetic progress, this exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
NOV Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
23
Nassau County encourages all families to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year. Families can pick up a free Thanksgiving turkey, made possible through a
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
DEC
12
Christmas tree lighting
Uniondale kicks off the holiday season with an evening of lights and music for all ages. The Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center invites everyone to a festive program featuring a holiday concert, lighting of the community Christmas tree and a free toy giveaway for children. Hot cocoa and seasonal treats are available while supplies last. Organizers are also seeking local residents and businesses willing to donate a live Christmas tree between 12 and 20 feet tall to serve as the event’s centerpiece. Volunteers are welcome. • Where: Uniondale Park • Time: 6-8 pm. • Contact: (516) 555-1234 or email info@uniondaleerc.org
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.
15
How to cook a turkey Kennedy Schoell
UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
Compiled by Herald staff
Isabel Culver
Age 4, Oceanside
Age 7, Rockville Centre
Butter, salt and pepper, stuff it with some stuffing, sprinkle it with love, and put it in the oven til it’s done.
I don’t know, I would put it in the oven. Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Photo courtesy Donna Kraus
Grade 1, Massapequa
Cosette Farr
Ace Ortiz
Age 6, Lynbrook
Age 8, Inwood If I had to cook a turkey I would buy a turkey, put the season stuff on it and put it in the oven!
Get a turkey from the farm, put him in the oven. The oven has to be hot and you cook it for 7 minutes and 8 seconds. Then it’s turkey that we can eat.”
Photo courtesy Massapequa School District
Photo courtesy Angela Ortiz
Photo courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
1319736
You have to catch the turkey, take the feathers off, season it and cook it.
1319924
Landon Blinder
16
Public Notices
November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
LUNI1 1120
LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of ORGANIC CHEMISTRY PRODUCTIONS LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on October 15, 2025. Office located in New York, SSNY has been designated for the process, SSNY shall mail a copy of any process Served against LLC at 29 Marvin Ave Uniondale NY 11553. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 156434 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF LB-IGLOO SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. 814 STATON HOLDING LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1059 Harrison Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 150 and Lots 303-304. Approximate amount of judgment is $779,945.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615545/2022. Lynn Botwinik Almeleh, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 202066-2 156521
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC4, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs.
MAURA PRITCHARD, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 3, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 156 Brookside Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block K and Lot 142. Approximate amount of judgment is $579,539.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602180/2018. Cash will not be accepted. Gerard DeGregoris, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 156517
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU EAST ROCK FINANCIAL, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST EASTLYN ALEXANDER, LAZARANIAN WELLINGTON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 10, 2025 at 3:00 pm, premises known as 708 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 120, Lot 123. Approximate amount of judgment $111,657.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of
filed Judgment Index #001220/2017. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Dri ve Williamsville, NY 14221 16-003348 87680 156598
LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A TAX LIEN INDEX NO.: 605671/2024, ATCF II NEW YORK LLC, Plaintiff, vs CHRISTINE COHEN, if such person be living, if such person be dead, such person’s respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through such person, if such person be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OF CLIFFORD THOMPSON AND ALL PERSONS THAT MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY REFERRED TO IN THE COMPLAINT BY, THROUGH OR UNDER ANY OF THE FOREGOING (THE AFORESAID UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES BEING ALL SUCH HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY NAMED AS A DEFENDANT HEREIN.THE IDENTITY AND ADDRESSES OF ALL THE FOREGOING NOT BEING KNOWN TO PLAINTIFF), Defendants. PREMISES SUBJECT TO TAX LIEN: 1030 Arthur St., Uniondale, NY 11553, Section 36, Block 148, Lot 172 (Group Lot: 172-173). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve
notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exc1usive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: October 30, 2025. Michael Ehrenreich, Attorney for Plaintiff, 555 Willow Ave., Cedarhurst, NY, (516) 942-4216. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON. JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated October 8, 2025. Such order and the Complaint in this action are filed in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, in Mineola, NY. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien on the premises identified above. 156722
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU. Index No.: 200758/20 Date Summons filed
Courtesy Uniondale school district
Northern Parkway School Principal Bilal Polson and California Avenue School Principal Bryan Bruno, speak at the Uniondale Public Library about future inititives.
Global literacy between Ghana and the community Uniondale’s global literacy work continued at the Uniondale Public Library, where the district hosted From Uniondale to Ghana: We Have Stories to Tell, a workshop highlighting its writing exchange with Achinakrom Elementary School in Kumasi, Ghana. The program expands on an initiative first featured by Education Week, which reported how Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil used the children’s book “Tar Beach” to spark a cross-continental storytelling project. Students in both communities read the book, wrote personal narratives, and shared them through an online platform
designed to help children learn about one another’s cultures. District leaders say the goal is to build global citizenship through literacy rather than charity — an approach that has shaped every phase of the partnership. Plans for the next stage of the exchange are already underway, including opportunities for deeper collaboration between classrooms. Uniondale teachers and administrators were recognized for helping sustain the work and guiding students through the growing international connection. — Stacy Driks
Public Notices
8/18/2020 Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial The basis of venue is: Summons with notice Plaintiff resides at 28 Mirin Ave Roosevelt NY, 11575 Kathy Solorzano Plaintiff, -against Francisco Solorzano Defendant ACTION FOR A DIVORCE To the above named defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff OR Plaintiff’s Attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this, Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days
after the Service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you withinthe state of New York) and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Date:12/07/2021 Plaintiff Kathy Solorzano Notice: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties, on the grounds. **** DRL& 170 subd 2 Abandonment. The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action.
The nature of any ancillary or additional relief requested is Kathy Solorzano wants to put him on child support. NOTICE: The date that divorce was filed on August 17th, 2020 At the Supreme Court 101 County Seat Drive Mineola NY, in Nassau County. My name is Kathy Solorzano. I am publishing this in the Uniondale Herald Beacon Newspaper A judgment by default will be entered against Francisco Alberto Solorzano. You have 30 days from the first date of publication notice to respond. 156735
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: ALUMNI ENTERTAINMENT Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 07/09/2025. 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:1205 TULSA ST UNIONDALE NY 11553 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156604
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
17
E1 11/20
Employment
CLASSIFIED
Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.
To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5
Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.
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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. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
1283447
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250 PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
TAX PREPARER WANTED
FREEPORT TAX SERVICE INC. Located Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore Hours Are Flexible And Position Requires 20-40 Hours Per Week During Tax Season Possible Future Opportunities Contact Matt At 516-868-9696
Household Help Wanted HOUSEKEEPER/ MAINTENANCE: 5 hours/ Week. Merrick. English-speaking Citizen Only. Must Be Insured. $20/ hour 917-319-2202
JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REAL ESTATE & MORE... Herald Classifieds... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 REAL ESTATE press 5 & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...
UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
HERALD
November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
18
E2 11/20
Homes
HERALD
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
HOME OF THE WEEK
• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
Hewlett Harbor
Sprawling Expanded Ranch
T
his expansive 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home offers approximately 2,900 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a lush .37-acre lot. The main level features a spacious primary suite with a private bath, ideal for easy first-floor living. A bright and versatile additional room can serve as a home office or bedroom. Entertain with ease in the formal living and dining room, or unwind in one of two cozy dens — one featuring a charming wood-burning fireplace. The updated eat-in kitchen is complete with top-of-the-line double ovens and new countertops. A convenient first-floor laundry area adds to the functionality. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, including two en suite rooms — providing a total of three bedrooms and three full bathrooms on the second floor.
Sara Abikzer Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516.984.6798 Office: 516.741.4333 www.saraabikzer.com @SaraSellsLI info@saraabikzer.com sabikzer@signaturepremier. com
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through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)
Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own. Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!
Call us today!
Your Hometown Newspaper
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All this just to add a bathroom?
Q. I’ve been living in my house for 41 years, and just wanted to add a bathroom at the back, next to my den, for my elderly father. It’s just a bathroom, but when I met with an architect, he told me he had to do plans for the whole house. I thought that his fee and the amount of work were ridiculous just for a bathroom, so I got a draftsman for one-third the cost. It’s now five years later, I still have no permit, and the plans were rejected because the reviewer wants to see more information, including house plans. I should have listened to the architect because the draftsman, it turns out, won’t answer phone calls, and he ended up paying another architect to seal the plans, which were inadequate, anyway. So I’m out the money for bad plans and still need the bathroom, since my father can’t use stairs. Why would the town need plans for the whole house? It makes no sense. A. About 10 years ago, they started with the explanation that whole house plans were needed, because it was suspected that the house might have been used by a previous owner for more than one family, and the municipality wanted to see current conditions to compare with original plans to see if changes need to be put on record. Then it became onte eeper required that plans needed to be provided, because the house either wasn’t on record, if it was built before 1930, before records were kept, or the addition required a zoning variance because it might increase the allowable area of the home’s footprint on the lot. Any way you examine the issues, the architect you first interviewed was correct, but it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Just to get the job, the second person, not even a qualified professional, gave you a low-ball figure and downplayed what was needed. It doesn’t surprise me to hear about your predicament, because this is a constant problem. The most difficult part is that your municipality is pretty capable of notifying you about what a great job they’re doing, but not really giving you alerts about the fact that you may want to check your house records to be sure that you won’t feel ambushed when you get a violation notice for your shed or fence. They could explain that you need to keep street corners clear of taller fences and foliage that can cause car accidents, or that your finished basement may someday delay your house sale while you scramble for a permit. The reason I started writing this column is because almost nobody else figured out that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that people need to know how to avoid problems. Instead, neither the downward spiral of surprising people nor the equally worse problem of people avoiding the costly inevitable dilemma produces a better outcome. Good luck.
Ask The Architect
M
L
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
19
E3 11/20
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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
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E4 11/20
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Answers to todAy’s puzzle
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opInIons
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frequent criticism of public education is that it fails to prepare students for the demands of the “real world. Specifically, many graduates lack the fundamental skills needed to navigate personal finances — understanding credit, managing debt and building long-term wealth through investing. That reality is about to change. On Nov. 5, the New York State Board of Regents passed a landmark regulation mandating personal finance edumonIque cation across the dArrIsAw-AkIl entire K-12 system. This new requirement goes far beyond simply teaching students how to set up a bank account; it requires schools to equip young people with the knowledge needed for savvy financial decision-making throughout their lives. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, all students in grades 5-12 must have education in personal finance, and all students in grades K-4 are required to have financial literacy instruction beginning in the following school year. As Board of Regents Chancellor Les-
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ter W. Young Jr., stated, “As we move toward implementing new graduation measures, equity and excellence remain at the heart of our work. Every student in New York deserves a meaningful education that prepares them not only for college and career, but for life.” Schools will be responsible for teaching young people how to set financial goals, understand the difference between assets and liabilities, and navigate taxes and loans. The mandated curriculum will cover crucial topics, including budgeting and money management, credit and debt management (understanding how credit works responsibly), earning income, risk management (including insurance), and saving and investing. This initiative provides an essential opportunity to teach students the value of living on a budget and the long-term benefits of establishing a strong credit score early in life. This education is critical, because many students enter adulthood without a solid understanding of financial basics, and often encounter their first significant financial decision — like signing up for a credit card — only when they reach college. For many fam-
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ilies, money remains a taboo topic, preventing children from learning the practicalities of paying bills and managing household budgets at home. This lack of preparation is contributing to a wider national trend: Younger Americans are accumulating more debt, and have fewer savings than previous generations. According to a recent CNBC online article, “The youngest consumers, Gen Z, have the lowest overall debt balance on average, but they struggle the most to make payments. About 12.24% of Gen Z’s credit card accounts were 30 days or more past due in 2019.” Given the high cost of college tuition and the rising cost of living, it is more important than ever that schools step up to better prepare students for life beyond school. For this initiative to be truly successful, districts should implement a strategy that is both practical and relevant to students’ lives: 1. Develop practical curriculum: Work closely with teachers, school leaders and industry experts (bankers, credit union professionals, financial planners) to develop age-appropriate lessons.
t’s time for schools to equip our children with the skills they need to thrive.
2. Focus on responsible debt: Avoid curriculum that focuses only on the dangers of credit. Teach students that, when used responsibly, debt is a tool that most adults use to achieve important goals, such as buying a car, purchasing a home or financing an education. 3. Engage families and PTAs: Partner with parents and guardians to support what is happening in the classroom. Many parents are eager to enhance their own understanding of wealthbuilding, making this a great initiative for PTA collaboration. 4. Leverage student entrepreneurship: Thanks to social media and platforms like TikTok, many young people are already interested in wealth building and investing. Many of our students are entrepreneurs — social media influencers, podcasters or personal care service providers (e.g., makeup artists). These student businesses should be valued and utilized as authentic learning opportunities to teach practical finance from a reputable source, not just an algorithm. This is a critical time for schools to be part of the solution and equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in adulthood. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District.
In the fight of our lives, all over again
n November 2020, in the maw of the pandemic, I wrote a column about Thanksgiving dinner with my husband, dinner for just two. Our kids and grandkids and friends were isolating, in hiding from a novel viral enemy. Looking for a historical precedent, I compared the fear crisscrossing America to what it must have felt like in Berlin after World War II, when Stalin’s troops cut off the city. The plan was to choke the Berliners into capitulation to Russia. On the ground, it looked hopeless rAndI and inevitable. Then, in an audakreIss cious countermove, the United States launched the Berlin airlift, and for 15 months planes dropped food, medicine and fuel — 2 million tons of supplies — until Stalin blinked in 1949 and lifted the blockade. We didn’t know it would succeed when we began. We did it because it was what was needed to save Berlin from Stalin’s tyranny. I was inspired by this bit of history because it speaks to America’s ability to
meet the moment. Ingenuity and courage are homegrown assets, and we never needed these strengths more than we did during the pandemic, more than we do now. In that Thanksgiving 2020 column, I wrote, “Our new enemy is Covid-19, which is rampaging through our cities and states, killing people in increasing numbers and threatening our well-being and our prosperity. We need to summon the courage to win this war . . . “We have missed the chance to get ahead of the firestorm, but we still have agency. Don’t gather at parties or bars or family events. It won’t be forever, and it might save someone you love . . . “This Thanksgiving we must accept the sacrifice of a simpler holiday, without expecting family to board planes or sit around a table for 15 or 20. We can do this. We can do it this year, in the hope that next year we can be thankful for lives saved.” One year later, the world had turned. I wrote, “All of us have had our Covid vaccines and boosters; we are brought back to normal by the moonshot of
F
modern medicine, the development of an effective vaccine in 18 months . . . “Today we are back to our jobs. Kids are back in school. This Thanksgiving we will sit down with our family to start reweaving the ties that have stretched thin over the months of this pandemic . . . “I have often written about gratitude for the small things that charge our days with interest and pleasure. This year my gratitude is singular, profound and unending. I am so thankful to the researchers and scientists and companies and governments and leaders who took on Covid-19 and dug in for the fight . . . “I thank everyone who brought us to this day, from the doctors and nurses to the supermarket workers to the teachers and parents of young children, to the bench researchers who put in the hours, day after day and month after month . . . “This year at our Thanksgiving there will be a too-big turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. Leaves and grains for the vegetarian. We will hug and kiss our kids and grandkids, feeling safe enough with our jabs and boosters. Then we will
our years ago next week, it seemed vaccines had saved the day. But no.
feast on my apple cranberry crumble with a topping of gratitude for this country and countries everywhere where scientists are educated, supported and honored because the work they do alleviates suffering and perpetuates life on earth.” This week, as we approach Thanksgiving 2025, it is, quite unbelievably, our very democracy that is under threat. We are in a season of political instability, irrational attacks on our institutions, and a drift toward authoritarianism. As we witness the trampling of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, the military occupation of our cities and the willingness to sacrifice American laws and values for personal gain and power, we know that this threat, too, has gone viral. And, irony of ironies, our government leaders are questioning the efficacy of the original lifesaving Covid-19 vaccine and all the life-saving vaccines that have kept us and our children alive. When we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner this year, my prayer will be for America to find its footing, to support leaders who will launch a political moonshot or Berlin Airlift to save our souls and our country. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
‘Adulting 101’: Financial literacy becomes mandatory
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Herald editorial
UNIONDALE
HERALD November 20, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON
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Rekindling community with face-to-face talk
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n an age when digital arguments erupt faster than we can refresh our screens, it has become almost instinctual to dive into online debates with strangers. Facebook threads balloon into battlegrounds, discussions on X collapse into insults and Reddit comment chains can devolve into tribal shouting matches. For many, this ritual has become a daily habit — almost a sport. Yet it leaves most people feeling drained, angry, unheard and oddly isolated. There’s a healthier, more human alternative: step away from the glowing screen and go meet your neighbors face to face. It sounds old-fashioned, almost quaint, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it powerful. When we talk to people in person — people who live next door, down the street or across the hall — we’re reminded that disagreements do not automatically make someone an enemy. You hear their tone of voice, notice their expressions and see the full, complex person behind the viewpoint. The humanity that gets flattened into a five-word comment reappears. And so does your own. Online, a single sentence can turn someone into a villain in your mind. A meme can become a stand-in for an entire group you’ve never actually spoken to. Algorithms feed outrage because outrage keeps you scrolling. But face-toface conversations break that cycle.
They prioritize curiosity over hostility, nuance over certainty, and listening over scoring points. This shift is good for both civic and personal health. Psychologists have long known that real-world social interactions reduce anxiety, increase life satisfaction and strengthen emotional resilience. Sitting with someone, even someone who has different opinions, calms the nervous system in ways digital communication never can. You breathe more slowly. You think more clearly. You remember that disagreements don’t have to be disagreeable. There’s also something grounding about being part of a physical community rather than a virtual crowd. The person you’re talking to isn’t a random stranger with an anonymous avatar; they’re someone who shares your sidewalk, your grocery store, your weather and your local challenges. That shared context encourages mutual respect. You might still disagree — honestly, you probably will — but the disagreement becomes a conversation, not a war. And consider the ripple effects. When neighbors talk, they build trust. When trust grows, communities become stronger, safer and more resilient. People are more likely to help one another, support local initiatives, and intervene when someone is struggling. Civil discourse becomes possible again — something increasingly rare in a world where
shouting has replaced dialogue. Face-to-face conversations also make room for humility. Online arguments often are myopic and pernicious. In person, you’re more likely to acknowledge what you don’t know, to soften your stance or to revise your thinking. Most surprisingly, you might even discover that the “other side” isn’t as far away as the internet insists. Maybe you share concerns, values or experiences. Maybe you’re both frustrated by the same problems, even if you imagine different solutions. Or maybe you simply end up respecting each other enough to continue the conversation later. And you may learn something new about an issue or about your community — or even about yourself. That’s the heart of a healthy society — not unanimous agreement, but constructive connection. If we truly want better conversations, less stress and stronger communities, the solution isn’t another heated thread or another algorithm-driven argument. There are many ways to move from behind the screen and interact with others in real life. It’s going out to dinner with friends, joining a club, becoming part of a sports team or taking a continuing education class. The internet may connect us instantly, but only face-to-face interactions remind us why connection matters in the first place.
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opinions
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t this time of year, many families with high school students visit colleges. Some visit nearby campuses that are within reach academically and financially, while others travel to what they consider more prestigious institutions. Whichever the choice, it’s imperative for parents and prospective students to plan carefully. Students and their families should consider how far from home is acceptable. Will the student be most comfortable in a large city, a suburban or a rural roBerT a. setting area? Will he or she live on camsCoTT pus, in the town or at home? How large a campus is acceptable? Some universities have 50,000 or more students, and some colleges have fewer than 1,500. The best fit is one that is not only challenging for academic and personal growth, but also caring and focused on student achievement. The cost of tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies is another consideration. Some families are willing to borrow to send their child to a prestigious college. If a good education and preparation for life are the goals, that isn’t
necessary. It’s better to find the best fit for the student. Families and students should use publicly available information such as college guides and the federal College Scorecard to decide on a list of colleges to visit and examine more closely. A high school guidance counselor should have a library of materials, and should know about where former students have gone to college. According to the National Survey of Student Engagement 2017-23, students at most colleges, the least selective as well as the most selective, rate their campus experience about the same on measures of critical thinking and analysis, quantitative reasoning, collaboration with peers, access to diverse perspectives and student-faculty interactions. On the following measures, however, more selective colleges provide the biggest impact: internships, leadership opportunities, working on research with faculty, and studying abroad. The federal College Scorecard can be a useful tool for examining general data about colleges and comparing institutions, but it cannot convey the personality of an institution. A publication such as the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” gives a fuller picture of a campus. After deciding on where to visit, call
for an appointment, ask to sit in on a class, talk to a faculty member and current students, tour a residence hall, and check out the dining facilities. Afterward, reflect on the following:
i
t’s such an important decision, and the answers to so many questions figure into it.
■ Feel: Were the students, faculty and staff you met on campus friendly and spontaneous, or were they cold and scripted? ■ Admissions: What weight is given to test scores? Of what influence are athletic prowess or alumni connections in the admissions process?
■ Academics: Are students assigned a faculty adviser? How easy is it to change majors? Who provides guidance on graduate studies and careers? ■ Who teaches? Do full-time faculty teach undergraduates, or is most instruction done by graduate assistants? ■ Enrollment: Is the student body economically diverse? ■ Financial aid: Will financial aid awards be adjusted for tuition increases? ■ Health and safety: Does the campus have a health center? Does the college provide transportation to go shopping off campus? ■ Housing and food service: Is there
Framework by Tim Baker
At the Rock Hall Museum’s Edgar Allan Poe-themed Masquerade Ball — Lawrence
sufficient residential-hall space to house all undergraduates, or must students live in fraternity and sorority houses or off campus? Does the dining hall offer meals three times a day, seven days a week when classes are in session? ■ Social life: Does the campus offer a rich cultural life and support a variety of clubs and organizations, or do Greek societies dominate the social scene? Do many students leave campus on the weekend? ■ Career placement: Does the career office offer information about jobs on campus and in the summer? Does it have information on internships, both paid and voluntary? Who are some successful alumni in the student’s fields of interest? While college graduates have improved outcomes in income, employment, health and civic engagement, college requires an investment of time, energy and intellect as well as money. So it’s important that the college and the student “fit” together in a way that is not only challenging but supportive. The right fit is more important than prestige. College is intended to enrich your life as well as your wallet. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and a co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”
UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — November 20, 2025
The college search: Are you seeking prestige or ‘fit’?
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