_________________ WANTAGH ________________
HERALD Students explore future classes
Creating festive holiday treats
Students give cards to cops
Page 3
Page 10
Page 15
Vol. 74 No. 1
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2026
$1.00
Annual drive collects over 11,200 toys people’s lips.” In addition to community collections, local schools conJoseph Gallart, a longtime tributed to the effort. Seaford Merrick resident and commu- Manor Elementary School stunity volunteer, has once again dents donated dozens of new spread holiday cheer, collecting toys in a student-driven cammore than 11,200 toys this year paign that ran from Nov. 24 to t h r o u g h h i s n o n p r o f i t , Dec. 10. The Student Council Desirae’s Darlings, in honor of held a holiday sing-along near his late daughter. the collection boxes on the last The annual toy afternoon. drive, operating in “Joe and his its third year as a family are near and for mal nonprofit, dear to my heart, so ensures that chilwhen the opportudren in need receive nity came to congifts during the holinect a cause, I truly day season. Gallart, believe in with stuwho began collectd e n t s wh o h ave JoE GAllART ing toys in 2016, said some of the biggest Founder, t h a t t h i s ye a r ’s hearts in the world, efforts featured a Desirae’s Darlings it was a no-brainsold-out comedy e r, ” Richard show at the BellSchwartz, assistant more Playhouse and a unique principal at Seaford Manor collaboration with local TikTok wrote to the Herald. “Our influencer Mike Ventura, who Viking community has always helped gather more than 800 shown that when they put their toys from his followers. mind and heart into something, “This year was amazing,” the sky is the limit. Gallart said. “We had 73 people “In Desirae’s honor, our stuat our house for breakfast and dents were able to collect an what I call a ‘load and go.’ It incredible number of toys for was electric. Every box I pick families in need,” Schwartz up has Desirae’s picture on it. continued. “This effort was Every time I mention the chari- entirely student-driven through ty, her name is constantly on
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
Luke Feeney/Herald
NYU Langone staff members Dr. Darko Boljevic and Nurse Coordinator Kim Wiand helped Santa and Mrs. Claus — Larry Burke and his wife, Catherine — deliver presents to patients at NYU Langone’s Mineola location, where doctors saved Larry Burke’s life just weeks ago.
Santa Claus gets a second chance
Heart procedure helps Levittown man return in red
By lUKE FEENEY
lfeeney@liherald.com
For years, Levittown’s Larry Burke has brought Christmas joy to sick children and first responders across Nassau County. But this season, it was Santa himself who needed saving. Burke, 74, a retired public-school teacher and a longtime volunteer for the Wantaghbased Project Thank A Cop, feared that his signature holiday role would be cut short this year. He had experienced worsening fatigue and shortness of breath for months — symptoms that ultimately pointed to a failing heart valve. “I couldn’t catch my breath in bed at night,” Burke recounted. “I couldn’t walk and get up from bed to the bathroom. And now that’s all behind me.” On Nov. 24, Burke underwent a transcath-
eter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, at NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola. The minimally invasive procedure had him back on his feet within a day. “The only thing I felt was two little pinches,” Burke said, comparing it with open-heart surgery he endured 12 years ago. “I had a whole lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.” TAVR is a technique that uses a catheter to replace a damaged aortic valve without open-heart surgery. According to NYU Langone, it was initially developed for high-risk patients unable to tolerate major surgery, but is now being used more frequently for healthier, younger patients. The procedure was performed by Dr. Darko Boljevic, an interventional cardiologist at NYU Langone. “We just had to put two tubes into his groin, one for the valve and one for the thigh,” Boljevic explained. “We CoNtiNUeD oN page 7
E
very year I try to get one more toy.
CoNtiNUeD oN page 12
2
New YeAr MeSSAGe
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
Welcoming in 2026
A
s 2026 begins, many of us feel both hope and unease. A new year always invites reflection, but this moment feels heavier. We are not just turning a page on the calendar. We are asking ourselves what kind of people and what kind of society we are becoming. Recent years have stripped away comforting illusions. We have learned that stability can vanish quickly and that events across the world are never as distant as we imagine. What happens elsewhere now reaches our communities, our relationships, and our inner lives. In such a climate, welcoming a new year is not merely symbolic. It is a moral choice. Welcoming 2026 means choosing awareness over autopilot. Modern life moves fast and rewards distraction. We rush from obligation to obligation, headline to headline, notification to notification, yet often feel unsatisfied. A new year offers a rare pause. It invites us to ask not only what we want to accomplish, but who we want to become. There is a strong temptation each January to focus solely on measurable success. More growth. Better metrics. Higher performance. Ambition matters, but ambition alone is hollow. History shows that societies can advance technologically while declining ethically. Individuals can achieve greatly and still feel disconnected. A responsible welcome to 2026 means aligning ambition with values. This is a year to restore dignity to everyday life. Decency is not outdated. Kindness is not weakness. Listening carefully. Speaking honestly. Disagreeing without dehumanizing. These actions rarely go viral, but they quietly shape the culture we inhabit.
End the Year by Lifiting Up Your Neighbors As the cost of living continues to rise, more families across Long Island are turning to us for support. From parents working multiple jobs to seniors on fixed incomes, thousands rely on Long Island Cares for access to healthy, reliable food. Your year-end gift makes an immediate impact. It helps: • Keep our pantries stocked • Supports mobile food distributions • Ensures children, veterans, and seniors have the food they need
It is also a year to rebuild trust. Trust in institutions has eroded. Trust between people has frayed. Trust even in ourselves has taken a hit. Trust is not rebuilt through slogans or dramatic gestures. It grows through consistency. Through reliability. Through keeping promises, especially the small ones no one applauds. Welcoming 2026 requires responsibility without despair. The challenges ahead are real. Economic uncertainty. Social polarization. Technology racing ahead of our ethical frameworks. Yet history is clear. Progress does not come from panic. It comes from clear thinking, moral courage, and steady action even when outcomes are uncertain. This year also calls for gratitude. Not the shallow gratitude that ignores pain, but the mature kind that recognizes what remains good and worth protecting. Gratitude grounds us. It keeps cynicism from becoming our default posture. It reminds us that life, though fragile, is still precious. Finally, welcoming 2026 means treating hope as a discipline, not a mood. Hope is not blind optimism. It is the decision to keep working for a better future even when evidence is mixed. It is the refusal to surrender to apathy. A new year does not change the world by itself. People do. As we step into 2026, may we do so with clarity, humility, and purpose. May we choose to be more patient, more honest, and more humane than we were yesterday. That is how years truly become new. Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual eader of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.
NewS brief
DONATE TODAY AT
www.licares.org
Metro-North, LIRR set ridership records
OR CALL
631-582.FOOD (3663)
Your $10 = 6 Meals 1326326
Close the year with kindness.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that both Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road have achieved new post-pandemic ridership records this December. Metro-North’s ridership reached 827,015 customers during the week of Dec. 15, marking the highest recovery week since the pandemic, representing 88 percent of pre-pandemic ridership in December 2019. The weekend of Dec. 20-21 also saw Metro-North’s strongest weekend performance with 245,638 customers. The LIRR also saw significant ridership gains, with 183,250 riders on Dec. 13, and 152,661 on Dec. 21—both marking the highest post-pandemic weekend figures for the railroad. Rob Free, the president of the LIRR, attributed the increase to improved service and a focus on customer experience. “The LIRR is the best way to travel during the holiday season and year-round,” he
said. Metro-North President Justin Vonashek echoed this sentiment, highlighting service enhancements like super express and holiday lights trains. “We look forward to welcoming even more riders in the new year,” Vonashek said, encouraging riders “to take advantage of the new discounts taking effect in January.” The surge in ridership comes as both railroads maintain record-breaking on-time performance, consistently near 97 percent in 2025. Customer satisfaction is also at all-time highs, with LIRR reaching 81 percent and Metro-North at 85 percent. Both railroads will implement new ticketing policies starting on Jan. 4, including universal reduced fares for seniors and those with disabilities, expanded family fare options, and new flexible ticketing choices designed to enhance the customer experience and save money.. —Brian Kacharaba
Electives take center stage at Wantagh Middle
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
Seventh graders at Wantagh Middle School got a hands-on look at what their final year of middle school could offer — and it goes far beyond the basics. The school hosted its first-ever elective showcase on Dec. 22–23, introducing students to the wide range of courses they’ll be able to choose from as eighth graders. The event was designed to help them make informed decisions ahead of course selection, which begins in January. “This is a nice way to quite literally showcase all of the amazing electives we have to offer,” said Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi. “Once they hear about a class and see what it has to offer, it might pique their interest.” Each seventh-grade team had two full class periods to rotate through nine showcase stations, with each one highlighting one or more of the 12 elective courses available next year. Teachers led short presentations at each table, while eighth graders currently enrolled in the electives shared their experiences and answered questions. Students also reviewed sample projects and got a feel for what they’d be doing in the class. Electives span a wide range of disciplines — from art and business to family and consumer sciences, physical education, science, social studies, technology and theater. Some of the most popular highlights included hands-on baking and culinary classes, robotics and automation, and personal fitness. Quattrocchi noted that these electives allow students to explore subjects that aren’t part of the traditional core curriculum. The showcase not only energized students for the coming school year, she said, but also helped educators guide students toward interests they may continue to pursue in high school and after finishing up their secondary education.
3
Photos courtesy Wantagh School District
Wantagh Middle School’s inaugural Elective Showcase on Dec. 22 and 23 for seventh graders featured an overview of elective courses they can take in eighth grade. Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi welcomed seventh graders, from left, Catherine Smolyaninova, Maeve Burke, Mason Fayda and Ryan Gerbore to the fair, where they rated the courses they would want to take next year.
Ella Biamonte got a hands-on introduction to the ceramics class with help from art teacher Jaclyn Gentilesco.
Science teacher Kathy Stewart talked to students about the Sustainable Agriculture course.
News brief
Help Wanted Digital Pre-Press Operator – Full-Time, Evening/overnight shift J oin our web press production team! The Digital Pre-Press Operator prepares ads, editorial pages, and special sections for high-volume print production, ensuring files meet technical standards, color accuracy, and are press-ready. This hands-on role requires attention to detail, technical skill, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities: • Preflight, prepare, and process digital files through RIP workflows. • Ensure accurate color, resolution, fonts, imposition, and plate readiness. • Perform quality checks on ads and editorial content. • Troubleshoot technical issues with files, RIP, and press output. • Coordinate with editorial, advertising, and pressroom teams. • Maintain file organization, backups, and workflow documentation. Requirements: • 2–5+ years pre-press experience in newspapers, magazines, or high-volume print. • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat; RIP systems knowledge. • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet deadlines. • Ability to lift plates (20–30 lbs) and work in a production environment. Preferred:Experience with web press imposition, color-management systems, or workflow automation. Schedule: Evening/overnight shift, full-time; flexibility needed for peak periods. Compensation: Benefits package and hourly rate based on experience $17.50 - $23.50
Rhoads speaks at Barry Tech brunch 1328219
Email your resume to jnegrin@liherald.com
Courtesy Nassau BOCES
New York State Sen. Steven Rhoads; Nicholas Zgombic, a Barry Tech Police Science student and intern from the Bethpage School District; and Rhoads’ chief of staff, Christopher Dalton, attended the brunch.
Attorney advertising
Protecting Your Future with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law
Planning for Single Relatives Living Alone )F YOU HAVE A SON DAUGHTER SISTER BROTHER OR PARENT LIVING ALONE FOR WHOM YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE AND THEY UNFORTUNATELY BECOME INCAPACITATED OR DIE APART FROM THE EMOTIONAL AND MEDICAL BURDENS YOU MAY HAVE SIGNIlCANT LEGAL AND lNANCIAL TROUBLES ! LITTLE PLANNING IN ADVANCE FOR THESE CONTINGENCIES WILL GO A LONG WAY IN MAKING ANY SUCH DIRE SITUATION MUCH EASIER TO HANDLE )F THEY RENT THEN MAKE SURE THEY NOTIFY THEIR LANDLORD IN WRITING THAT YOU HAVE THEIR PERMISSION TO ACCESS THE APARTMENT !LSO GET A KEY TO THEIR APARTMENT OR HOME OR AT LEAST KNOW WHERE YOU CAN GET ONE SUCH AS FROM A NEIGHBOR ! POWER OF ATTORNEY WILL ALLOW YOU TO HANDLE THEIR LEGAL AND lNANCIAL AFFAIRS DURING ANY PERIOD OF DISABILITY (OWEVER A POWER OF ATTORNEY AUTOMATICALLY CEASES ON DEATH /NCE SOMEONE DIES ONLY THE EXECUTOR UNDER THE WILL MAY HANDLE LEGAL AND lNANCIAL AFFAIRS AND IT MAY TAKE MONTHS AND SOMETIMES YEARS TO BECOME APPOINTED EXECUTOR BY THE 3URROGATE S #OURT ALSO KNOWN AS THE 0ROBATE
#OURT ! PROPERLY CREATED AND FUNDED LIVING TRUST ON THE OTHER HAND GIVES YOU IMMEDIATE CONTROL OF THEIR AFFAIRS UPON DEATH ! HEALTH CARE PROXY AND LIVING WILL ALLOWS YOU TO GAIN ACCESS TO THEIR MEDICAL RECORDS CONFER WITH MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS FOR THEM IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO INCLUDING TERMINATION OF LIFE SUPPORT SHOULD THERE BE NO MEANINGFUL EXISTENCE AND NO HOPE OF RECOVERY 9OU SHOULD KNOW WHERE THEY KEEP RECORDS OF THEIR ASSETS IN THEIR HOME OR APARTMENT /NE OF THE BENElTS OF A PROPERLY FUNDED TRUST IS THAT IT WILL HAVE A LIST OF ASSETS APPENDED TO THE TRUST MAKING IT EASY TO LOCATE WHAT THE DECEDENT OWNED ! LIST OF THEIR ASSETS AND ANY NAMED BENElCIARIES IS ALSO HELPFUL &ORMS TO PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION SUCH AS WHO TO CONTACT IN THE EVENT OF DEATH FRIENDS RELATIVES PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS COMPUTER PASSWORDS FUNERAL AND BURIAL WISHES AND WHO IS TO RECEIVE WHICH PERSONAL ITEMS MAY BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE TRUSTLAW COM UNDER h2ESOURCESv THEN h/NLINE &ORMSv THEN h&INAL )NSTRUCTIONSv
ETTINGER LAW FIRM ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991
trustlaw.com 4RUSTS %STATES s 7ILLS 0ROBATE s -EDICAID
Visit us at trustlaw.com to learn more or search Ettinger Law on YouTube for our elder law estate PLANNING VIDEOS
NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com
-ERRICK 2D 2OCKVILLE #ENTRE s -ARCUS !VE ,AKE 3UCCESS /THER OFlCES IN (UNTINGTON s -ELVILLE s )SLANDIA
1329121
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
4
State Sen. Steve Rhoads was a guest speaker at the recent Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Industry Advisory Brunch, an annual event that brings together educators, students and business leaders from across the county. Rhoads’ office employs a Barry Tech graduate and currently hosts a Barry Tech Police Science student as an intern during the semester, highlighting the school’s connection to workforce development and public service. More than 100 business leaders were recognized during the event, which provides an opportunity for Nassau BOCES board members, administrators, faculty and staff to thank industry partners for their mentorship, guidance and continued support of career and technical education programs. Barry Tech is a Nassau BOCES career and technical education high school offering more than 40 hands-on courses designed to help students gain
practical skills and get a head start in their chosen career fields. Classes are taught in a state-of-the-art facility that simulates real-world work environments and meets current industry standards. Instruction may take place in settings such as an airplane hangar, horsetraining stable, carpentry shop or culinary arts kitchen. Faculty members are professionals in their respective fields who bring real-world experience into the classroom. After completing their studies, students may attend two- or four-year colleges, enter the workforce or continue advanced career training at technical schools. For more information, visit NassauBOCES.org, like Nassau BOCES on Facebook and follow the organization on Instagram.
_________________ WANTAGH ________________
__________________ SEAFORD _________________
HERALD
—Jordan Vallone
HERALD
HOW TO REACH US
Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/wantagh ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: wantagheditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 287 E-mail: wantagheditor@liherald.com
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/seaford ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: seafordeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 287 E-mail: seafordeditor@liherald.com
The Wantagh Herald USPS 16790, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.
The Seaford Herald USPS 665800, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232
E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Wantagh Herald or Seaford Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $52 per year auto-pay or $65 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
5
HEATING COOLING PLUMBING ELECTRIC DRAINS WATER FILTRATION COMMERCIAL WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
Let it Snow,
STAY COZY ANYWAY
100 OFF
�
Oil Heating System Repair
with FREE Oil Tank Inspection
Must be installed by January 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or dispatch fee. Cannot be applied to dispatch fee. Oil tank cannot be buried or enclosed.
1000 OFF
�
Gas Boiler, Gas Furnace, or Heat Pump Installs, Oil-to-Oil, Oil-to-Gas, & Gas-to-Gas Conversions Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must be completed by January 31, 2026.
(516) 716-4501
260 Smith Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735
WE’RE HIRING!
Scan code to apply today!
Financing Available
H.I.#Nassau H010095000, Suffolk 27497-H | MP Roland Reeves #0901, 1208, MP02351, 1296 | ME James Owens #0833
1328843
UniverseHomeServices.com
BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK
HERALD SPORTS
Hofstra wrestling builds championship culture By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Jamie Franco achieved some championship success in his first season as Hofstra wrestling head coach and is looking for more this winter. Hofstra captured two individual EIWA titles in March from graduate students Kyle Mosher and Ross McFarland while placing seventh as a team for the program’s best finish since 2021. Franco, a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier at Hofstra, is looking to build off of those titles with a younger team and see more wrestlers reach the top of the podium when the Pride compete at the 2026 EIWA finals at American University in Washington, D.C. “We are hoping that the success we had last year is going to help pave the way for some of the younger guys and show them that guys on our team can win titles and why not them,” said Franco, who was a Hofstra assistant coach from 2016 to 2023 and spent one season on the Columbia staff before leading his alma mater on the mats. Franco named four captains to try and instill a championship culture: Ryan Arbeit, Jurius Clark, Chase Liardi, and Jake Slotnick. Clark, a redshirt sophomore from Blakewood, N.J, recorded a 4-2 decision at 174 pounds in Hofstra’s 21-15 EIWA win at Sacred Heart on Nov. 13. He captured 13 matches last season and placed seventh at the EIWA Championships at 157 pounds. Slotnick, also a redshirt sophomore, finished in eighth place at 165 pounds in the 2025 Keystone Classic at Penn in Philadelphia on Nov. 23. The Williamstown, N.J. registered an 8-6 victory against 26th-ranked wrestler Cesar Alvan of Columbia on Nov. 16. Liardi, a graduate student from Massapequa, brings veteran leadership after winning 12 matches last season as a captain. Arbeit, a redshirt sophomore from Wantagh who won a Nassau County title in 2022, captured the 133-pound
Will Conlon, right, had one of Hofsta’s wins against powerful Penn. weight class at the New York State Championships as an unattached entrant last year. “We let the team pick their captains and then all the coaches get a vote as well so those four guys really represent what we’re looking for in our student athletes,” Franco said. “We push on our guys that it’s not just about winning wrestling matches but is also about winning in the classroom and winning in the community.” Redshirt sophomore Frank Volpe is showing promise early in the season placing third at 157 pounds at the Princeton Open on Nov. 3. He also picked up one of two Hofstra wins in a 31-6 loss at Columbia with a 2-0 decision against
Pinned by shoulder pain? We’ve Got Specialists For That ®
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications
Jake Slotnick, left, is one of the Pride’s four captains. Charles Scanlan at 157. The Pride have tackled a grueling schedule to open the season which included a 35-8 loss to then 23rd-ranked Penn on Nov. 22 with Matt Waddell and Will Conlon recording wins against the Ivy League power. Conlon, a junior from Alabama, posted a 6-1 decision against Penn’s Martin Cosgrove at 197 pounds. Waddell, a redshirt sophomore from Georgia, won by technical fall at 184 pounds versus Xander Kuokkanen. Hofstra will host local EIWA rival
Long Island University on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. before hosting both Harvard and Brown in two matches on Feb. 15 starting at 1 p.m. The Pride’s last home dual match is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. against Big Ten opponent Rutgers, who was ranked 17th in the nation in late December. “We hope the Long Island community keeps coming out and supporting us,” said Franco. “We hope we can get a good crowd for those guys and watch some great Division I wrestling.”
516.536.2800 | orlincohen.com
1330281
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
6
Surgery restores Burke’s Christmas spirit put one wire in his heart and delivered a valve across the thigh. It was like 45 minutes, and recovery was fast.” Burke was discharged within 24 hours. On Dec. 17, less than a month after the procedure, Burke returned to the hospital not as a patient, but as Santa Claus. Dressed in red velvet with his signature white beard, he reunited with the doctors, nurses, and staff who he said gave him “the best gift of the season.” He was joined by his wife of 52 years, Catherine, who came dressed as Mrs. Claus and gave presents to the entire valve team. “This procedure, the recovery, was so remarkable,” she said. “The change in him and his upgrade as to his feelings and how he behaved and how he was — was just amazing to me.” A former nurse who trained in Brooklyn, Catherine, was stunned at the ease of the procedure compared to her clinical experience decades ago. “We basically dealt with people who had heart attacks and congestive heart failure,” she said. “Nothing ever like a cardiac surgery. Anybody that needed that needed to go to a much larger institution.” The Burkes said the procedure restored more than just Larry’s strength, it lifted his spirits, too. “The fact that he probably wasn’t going to be able to do that this year really had him down,” Catherine said of her husband’s Santa duties. “Now that he’s back doing this, his spirits are up. He’s physically feeling better, but he’s mentally feeling much better.” For Larry, playing Santa isn’t just a seasonal
lichoiceawards.com
costume — it’s a year-round passion. He began donning the suit more than five years ago, volunteering for Project Thank A Cop, a nonprofit founded in Wantagh that works to support law enforcement officers and first responders. “We support first responders, and as our vision has extended over the years,” he said. “We have a Christmas in July, and we do a Christmas collection in December.” From community events to children’s hospitals, Larry has made dozens of appearances — and had no plans of slowing down until his health intervened. Now, thanks to NYU Langone’s team, he says he’s ready for many more holiday seasons to come. “I’m breathing better, feeling better than I felt for many months,” Larry said. “I’m really very grateful to the doctors here and the nurses and the staff–everybody was wonderful.” Members of the hospital’s valve team said Larry’s return was a highlight of their year. “We do about 200 to 250 of these a year,” said Michelle Maier, a physician assistant at NYU Langone. Kim Wiand, a nurse coordinator who has worked on the valve team for 21 years, said she’s seen the program evolve dramatically — but Burke’s visit was a first. “Anybody can have it, it’s great,” she said of the TAVR procedure. “But it’s the first time we’ve seen Santa.” After the press conference Burke presented gifts to 3-year-old Lucia Gallo, who was accompanied by her younger brother Antonio and her parents–East Northport residents Anthony and Stacey Gallo.
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
Continued from page 1
7
Luke Feeney/Herald
Catherine and Larry Burke presented gifts to 3-year-old Lucia gallo, in pink ear muffs, who was accompanied by her younger brother, antonio, and their parents, anthony and Stacey gallo.
When’s the last time you had your hearing checked?
One of Long Island’s Top Audiologists
1330991 1314626
1314625
Dr. Thomas Recher, Au.D.
3375 Park Ave #4006, Wantagh (516) 613-5837 A proud partner of the Mill Neck School for the Deaf
Northwell warns of winter ‘tripledemic’ By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Northwell Health’s Annemarie Stroustrup, Bruce Farber, President and CEO John D’Angelo and Dwayne Breining shared their advice on staying safe during flu season. he focuses on ways to keep people out of the hospital. Regarding this year’s flu vaccine, Farber said, “It is very good at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.” Farber anticipates 25,000 flu deaths this year, exceeding those related to Covid, with a higher concentration of pediatric and senior deaths. Though this year’s flu cannot stop the transmission of the disease, it can effectively reduce its severity. “I’ve not seen a death in somebody who’s been vaccinated, and I have seen plenty of deaths in people who have not been vaccinated,”
Farber said. “I strongly encourage everybody to get the vaccine.” The Northwell team’s other advice for members of the public is to use common-sense strategies in addition to vaccination to avoid spreading diseases. Dwayne Breining, senior vice president of lab services, described tests as an important way of catching and responding to cases before they escalate. Northwell conducts 25 million tests each year in its 100,000-square-foot laboratory, making use of cutting-edge machinery and artificial intelligence
partnered with medical experts. Even with this processing power, there has been a broader need for results. The Northwell team announced LabGold, a free three-in-one “tripledemic” test that can be picked up and dropped off at the system’s various patient service centers. “You can get one of our PCR tests at any health care site,” Breining said. “We recommend the triple test for flu, RSV and Covid, because, symptom-wise, they look the same, so you may not know what you have if you feel sick. … Usually within 24 hours, you’ll have the definitive PCR result.” As the senior vice president of pediatric services at Northwell, Annemarie Stroustrup oversees Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where sickness has spread. “The story that you hear for adults is virtually the same for children,” Stroustrup said. “There is a lot of flu in the community.” Northwell’s pediatric patients show a much lower rate of RSV infection, however. “I think part of that is because there are new products on the market for babies and for pregnant women to get vaccinated or prophylaxed against RSV,” Stroustrup said. “The vaccine does help keep kids out of the hospital.” To learn more about Northwell’s testing and LabGold, visit nwhlabs.Northwell.edu/Covid-19-testing.
BEST HOME HEALTH CARE ON LONG ISLAND!
CARING FOR LOVED ONES
24/7! CARE BEYOND COMPARE
LONG ISLAND’S PREMIER HOMECARE AGENCY
(516) 719-0909
tlccompanies.com “EVERYONE NEEDS A Little TLC
1327110
A “tripledemic” — influenza, Covid19 and the respiratory syncytial virus — is at the heart of Northwell Health’s battle against contagious disease this winter. According to Northwell’s team of doctors, researchers and other medical professionals, Long Island is facing a challenging flu season: While the number of flu cases increases dramatically every week, the rate of hospitalizations jumped 75 percent in a single week, between Thanksgiving and Dec. 5. The outbreak has created a surge in emergency department and urgent care visits throughout the region. “Northwell typically runs about 2,800 to 3,000 patients in our hospital beds,” its president and CEO, John D’Angelo, said at a news conference on Dec. 18. Currently Northwell has 3,500 patients, about 10 percent of whom are suffering from the flu. While Northwell’s surge planning helps it handle the larger volume of patients, D’Angelo warned that flu season was far from over. “We haven’t plateaued yet — we haven’t seen a bump,” he said. “We’re still on kind of that rapid-ascent part of the curve, and we have to see where it goes.” Bruce Farber, Northwell’s chief public health and epidemiology officer, said
1328616
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
8
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
1325744
9
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
10
Mandalay kindergartners craft gingerbread joy Kindergartners at Mandalay Elementary School in Wantagh kicked off winter break on a sweet note, wrapping up December with the school’s annual gingerbread house celebration. The long-standing holiday tradition, held this year on Dec. 22, brought together students, families and lots of candy. Each kindergartner invited one special guest — often a parent, grandparent or other close family member — to join them in building their own unique gingerbread creation. Using small milk cartons as a base, students coated the outside in frosting before decorating with a colorful mix of treats. Tables were filled with pretzels, marshmallows, gumdrops and an array of other confections. The supplies were donated by parents from every kindergarten class, then sorted and distributed by teachers ahead of time. While most of the sweets made it onto the gingerbread houses, some were sneaked as snacks in between decorating. The result? Dozens of colorful, candy-covered creations — each one a personal expression of the student and Courtesy Wantagh School District their guest. Mandalay Elementary School kindergartners welcomed special guests to decorate gingerbread houses on Dec. 22. After the last gumdrop was placed, the finished houses were carefully packed up and sent home for families to enjoy — or to admire before they disappear piece by piece. The event remains a beloved way to close out the calendar year at Mandalay, celebrating creativity, togetherness and a bit of holiday cheer before winter break begins. –Luke Feeney
Corey Bennett and her daughter, Kaia, began the process by covering a small milk carton with frosting.
Kindergarten teacher Kristin Rogate delivered treats to each table. Greyson Rusignolo and his grandmother, Maddy, were proud of their finished festive product.
Brendan Devlin and his father, Fran, discussed where the chimney should go.
11
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
F ! O D T N RS IND LA I F K IS E S TH IT NG LO N O
THE ULTI MATE BUSI NESS EVEN T
MARCH 3 2026
Crest Hollow Country Club Woodbury
BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Showcase Your Expertise at LI Business Summit A business conference, trade show, and networking event celebrating the Long Island business community. Get in front of decision makers, gain new leads, and elevate your brand at this premier event.
Exhibit your products & services to a targeted audience Engage in thought-provoking workshops covering AI, marketing, growth strategies, and much more Connect with other business owners & entrepreneurs
Network with Leaders
Learn & Grow
Boost Your Reach
Explore New Opportunities
Celebrate Success
To purchase tickets, visit www.richnerlive.com
HERALD Thrive Awards Dinner 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Do you know a small or family-owned Long Island business that’s making a big impact? Join us at the HERALD Thrive Awards dinner reception to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and dedication of Long Island’s family and small businesses who drive our economy forward. Whether they’re creating jobs, leading with vision, or giving back to the community, these businesses deserve recognition. Nominate today at richnerlive.com or scan!
Stew Leonard, Jr., Stew Leonard’s
To learn ea more, contact Amy Amato: aamato@liherald.com, 516.569.4000 x224
1329139
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
‘Every year I try to get one more toy’ Continued from page 1
our Student Council, guided by their dedicated advisors, Lisa Perrone and Lisa Nelson.” Nelson and Perrone, along with Student Council members, made signs that were hung around the school to promote the toy drive. “It was a lot of toys,” Nelson said. “We are so grateful for everyone who donated and helped spread cheer to the less fortunate.” Student Council members Danny Cronin and Lucia Ingenito, both fifth graders, enjoyed helping people in need during the holiday season. “It went really good,” Cronin said of the toy drive, to which he and his younger brother donated. “It was a good way to give back to the community. It’s important because people for the holidays all deserve something, and it’s a good time to bring joy to everybody.” All of the donations collected at Manor were picked up by Gallart and will go to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. Gallart’s toy drive also supports other national and local organizations, including Cohen Children’s Medical Center and the Glen Cove Economic Opportunity Council, which distributes toys year-round for birthdays and holidays. Gallart personally delivered donations to Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park and other community centers. Gallart described the annual effort as a way to keep his daughter’s memory alive. Desirae Gallart died in 2010 at age 24. “It keeps it alive,” he said. “Most of the people who donate never met her, but through the stories and the work we do, they get to know who she was.” Volunteers, ranging from longtime supporters to parents teaching their children about giving, helped
Courtesy Joe Gallart
Joseph gallart, third from right, collected more than 11,200 toys through his nonprofit, desirae’s darlings. load and transport toys to Nassau Coliseum for distribution. “The parents are so appreciative. It’s a lesson for kids — Christmas isn’t just about receiving; it’s about giving,” Gallart said. Gallart hopes to expand the toy drive further in the coming years, envisioning outreach, and distribution
12 HOLIDAY WINES PLUS BONUS GIFTS
events in partnership with larger organizations. “Every year I try to get one more toy,” he said. “The goal is to keep growing and involve even more people in giving back.” Since formalizing the nonprofit in 2023, Gallart has distributed more than 26,000 toys, with this year’s total pushing the annual record past 11,200.
Be prepared before the next power outage.
SAVE
155
$
only $7999
Our experts handpicked this highly acclaimed collection to pair perfectly with your favorite dishes from Omaha Steaks. Uncork 12 bottles with bonus gifts for just $79.99 (plus shipping and tax) as your introduction to the Omaha Steaks Wine Club – saving you $155.
Receive a free 5−year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535.
Then, look forward to 12 new selections every three months and enjoy a $30 Omaha Steaks E-Reward Card with each future club case. You’ll also save 10% on every 12+ bottle purchase and get free delivery every time you order. There’s no commitment to continue and every bottle comes with our 100% guarantee.
Savings off retail price. Offer subject to availability and club enrollment. Omaha Steaks Wine is operated independently from Omaha Steaks, LLC. Full terms and conditions online. Void where prohibited by law.
1327709
Order now at GetOSWine.com/Sip304 or call 1.516.973.7683 and mention code AHNE001
Call 516−973−5901 to schedule your free quote! 1327663
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
12
STEPPING OUT
13
Courtesy Met Opera
Last season, Christian Van Horn, left, in the role of “Four Villains” in The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Offenbach’s “Les contes d’Hoffmann,” which received a Live in HD broadcast
From Long Island to Lincoln Center Center stage at the Metropolitan Opera with Christian Van Horn By Daniel Offner
W
ith a voice that can “shake the heavens” (Opera Today), bass-baritone Christian Van Horn is known for his compelling and charismatic stage presence, powerful voice and his unwavering authenticity, both on and off the stage. Growing up in the shadow of Manhattan motivated him to strive for the highest level, knowing that the world’s best performers were only a short train ride away. “New York City was always kind of calling to us,” Van Horn says. “Everyone knew that the people who were the best at everything were in New York City.” That ambition ultimately carried him to the storied Metropolitan Opera, where he made his debut in 2013 and has been a regular presence ever since. This winter, he is scheduled ChrisTian to appear in two Van horn overlapping productions on the company’s stage. Starting Dec. 31, the Met presents a new production of Vincenzo Bellini’s “I Puritani,” featuring Van Horn as Giorgio Walton. The opera runs through Jan. 18 and will be broadcast live in movie theaters across Long Island and worldwide as part of the Met’s longrunning “Met Live in HD” series. He’ll also be performing as Escamillo in Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” which runs from Jan. 11 through Jan. 23 at the Met. Van Horn, 46, was introduced to performing at an early age, when his mother got him involved in the church choir — a decision that quietly shaped his future.
T
here were as many people telling me I couldn’t do it as there was telling me I could.
“I think it was to keep me out of trouble,” he says jokingly. “I just sort of never quit.” He spent his earliest years in Rockville Centre, from birth in 1978, followed by a move to East Meadow, before the family ended up in Centereach, where he attended high school. Through all of it, music remained a constant thread. “I was doing music and Broadway shows right through high school,” he says. “I wanted to keep going. I didn’t know anything else.” After high school, he attended Stony Brook University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music before continuing his studies at Yale. Van Horn began formal classical vocal training in earnest during college, where a professional vocalist recognized his promise and encouraged him to pursue singing as a career. “There were as many people telling me I couldn’t Courtesy Met Opera/Jonathan Tichler do it as there was telling me I could,” he recalls. “I Van Horn in rehearsal for the took a lot of motivation from the ones who told me I upcoming“I Puritani” at the Met Opera. couldn’t.” He adds that his drive was fueled as much by skepticism as encouragement, reflecting the competitive nature of growing up on Long Island. “There’s a competition that exists when people live so close together,” he explains. “I think that sense of proximity and rivalry really shaped how I approach my career — always striving to be better, always aiming for that next level.” Van Horn has since performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London and the Paris Opera. Recognized for his operatic flair and rich bass-baritone voice, he has performed a diverse range of roles, from Mozart and Verdi to more contemporary works. In the upcoming production of “I Puritani” he observes that the demands are especially exacting. “The soloists in this are the Olympic athletes of opera,” he says. At its core, according to Van Horn, performing is about offering audiences a brief escape from what he terms the “monotony” of daily life. “Let’s help people leave reality for a minute. The story we’re telling is easy. It’s a forbidden love story. It’s opera confusion. It’s not rocket science. “And so my whole approach to performing is: let’s bring people into our little world. Let’s ruin them with beautiful music and beautiful singing, and they can go back to the world and look at their phones or watch the news or all the things that make us crazy.” “I Puritani” debuts at the Metropolitan Opera on Dec. 31 and will be broadcast to movie theaters worldwide Live in HD on Jan. 11. “Carmen” follows from Jan. 11 to Jan. 23. For tickets and more information, visit metopera.com.
MANIA brings ABBA fans old and new a night not to be missed. If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained, then you’ll want to see MANIA. In 2024, the iconic pop group celebrated the 50th anniversary of their breakthrough hit single, “Waterloo,” and MANIA is excited to continue sharing the joy of this monumental milestone with audiences on their latest tour. Costumes, lively choreography and impeccable musicianship combine for an unforgettable authentic ABBA experience.Join them as they recreate the magic of ABBA’s music, transporting you back to the ‘70s disco. So dig out those platforms, dust down those flares, join in and enjoy all of your favorites, including “Mamma Mia,” “Voulez Vous,” “Dancing Queen,”“Winner Takes It All,” “Super Trouper,” and many more.
Wednesday, Jan 7, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Albert Lee Celebrated by fans and musicians the world over for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique, guitar icon Albert Lee is back on the road. He performs tracks from his newest album, “Lay It Down” recorded at the legendary Konk Studios in London A double Grammy winner with Earl Scruggs and Brad Paisley, Lee has played with everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to Eric Clapton, to the Everly Brothers to Emmylou Harris. A member of The Crickets in the post-Buddy Holly era, he forged an impressive solo career along the way. His latest album is a love letter to some of Albert’s favorite artists and biggest inspirations. From Mark Knopfler’s blistering “Setting Me Up” to Jimmy Webb’s soaring piano ballad “Too Young To Die,” to The Everly Brothers’ storming hit “The Price Of Love.” Don’t miss the man known as “Mr. Telecaster,” one of the legendary guitarists of rock ‘n roll, rockabilly and country music. He continues to tour with his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar.
Friday, Jan 10, 8 p.m. $53. My Father’s Place 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com.
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
‘Digging the dancing queen…’
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
14
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD JAN
1
‘Home for the Holidays’ Pet Adoption
CALENDAR Search Party,’ an action-packed adventure filled with beloved characters, dazzling skating and immersive storytelling at UBS arena. Mickey and friends journey through exciting worlds as they search for clues, bringing the audience along for an unforgettable, high-energy experience. Perfect for all ages who love Disney magic on ice.
There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during “Home for the Holidays’ at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Preview the cats and dogs online at Hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7 p.m., through Jan. 19, times vary. • Contact: ticketmaster.com
• Where: 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh • Time: Ongoing, through Jan. 4. • Contact: (516) 785-5220
‘Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’
Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. The exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director and renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan) is a completely immersive experience. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater. • Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook • Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
JAN
6
Silent reading party
JAN
JAN
8
Yacht Rock Revue
Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites audiences on a nostalgic voyage through the sun-soaked melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. This dynamic 10- piece ensemble blends impeccable musicianship with a deep reverence for the yacht rock genre. Many reverently consider the Atlanta, Ga. Band keepers of the Yacht Rock fire. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, YRR has emerged as a pivotal figure in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Whether performing in intimate venues or rocking arenas, their concerts promise an immersive musical journey that celebrates the timeless allure of smooth grooves. Inspired by the golden era of soft rock, the band has mastered the art of recreating the breezy and laid-back tunes that defined a generation. From the sun-kissed melodies of Steely Dan and Michael McDonald to the velvety harmonies of Hall & Oates, their repertoire spans an ocean of beloved hits that evoke memories of palm trees, ocean breezes and carefree summers. But Yacht Rock Revue isn’t just a tribute band; they are musical alchemists, seamlessly blending their own unique style • Where: The Paramount, 370 New with the iconic yacht rock vibe. Their original compositions are a modern ode York Ave., Huntington to the genre, capturing the essence of those bygone days while infusing it with • Time: 8 p.m.; also Jan 9-10 a fresh and invigorating twist. $82, $60.25, $49.25 $37.25 • Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m. • Contact: (516) 221-2370
JAN
8
Game time
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution. • Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh • Time: Noon-4 p.m. • Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445
Levittown Public Library hosts a silent reading party for adults. Come, read quietly for an hour and then discuss the books that were read. Attendees can bring their own book or choose one from the library. Registration required.
Wantagh BOE meets
• Where: 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown • Time: 7-8:30 p.m. • Contact: levittownpl.org or (516) 731-5728
• Where: 3301 Beltagh Ave. • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: (516) 592-4000
JAN
7
Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah
Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments. • Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh
Wantagh Board of Education holds its next planning session.
JAN
10
‘Violet’s Victory’
Families are invited to Nassau County Museum of Art for a special story time with children’s author Valerie Goldstein, who shares her inspiring picture book Violet’s Victory! Follow Violet, a determined young girl with lavender hair, as she discovers her
strength, perseverance, and the power of adaptive sports on her journey to achieve her dreams. After the reading, meet the author for a book signing and enjoy a fun, handson craft inspired by Violet’s story of creativity, courage, and confidence. Children must be accompanied by an adult care giver.; $20 adult, $10 members and children. Advance registration preferred. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 1:30-3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JAN
11
Morse Code Moniker
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day. Stop by to learn about Samuel Morse, the telegraph and learn how to spell your name in dashes and dots while making a bracelet. This is a drop-in program. Also discover more about Morse code in Communication Station on the second floor. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
17
Comic showcase
Known for their elite brand of clever comedy, The Ivy League of Comedy visits the Madison Theatre. You’ve heard their brilliant comedic voices on late-night television and Comedy Central and on the club circuit. The lineup features Keith Alberstadt, who’s playful personality radiates on stage. He mixes light-hearted sarcasm with a southern charm and has become a favorite at comedy clubs and theaters. Also Clayton Fletcher, who’s heard every day on Sirius/XM Radio’s Laugh USA, Blue Collar Comedy, and Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole stations. He has been featured on HuluTV’s “Comedy Brew,” MSNBC’s “Your Business,” ESPN’s “World Series of Poker,” and ComcastTV’s “Who’s Laughing Now?” He allows us to see the world through the eyes of the son of a poker-playing mom and a jazz musician dad. And Jane Condon, mom of two boys, has been dubbed “an uppercrust Roseanne.” She loves to tell stories about her adventures (mostly survival tales) with her husband and kids. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
Elated Eagles
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to discover the mighty eagle. Since 1782, the bald eagle has been the United States’ national emblem and mascot. These amazing animals have an impressive wingspan of 7 feet and use their strong wings to soar 10,000 feet in the air. Come learn all about these majestic birds and make your own flying eagle craft in honor of National Save the Eagles Day. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JAN
14
Seaford BOE meets
Seaford Board of Education holds its next meeting.
• Where: 1590 Washington Ave., Seaford • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: (516) 592-4000
JAN
15
Disney on ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party
Enjoy magic of ‘Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s
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.
Students thank local police with heartfelt cards
15
By LUKE FEENEY
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
lfeeney@liherald.com
Seaford Harbor Elementary packed the school’s gymnasium to present cards, and participate in an assembly, featuring officers from the 7th precinct of the Nassau County Police Department. “We’re truly honored to welcome the Nashville county police department to our building for the beyond the badge assembly,” Harbor Elementary Principal Jennifer Bisulca said to open up the assembly. “Having you here means a great deal to our school community.” The event was a result of the school’s high participation in the recent Beyond the Badge NY Cards for Cops campaign. Beyond the Badge, a Massapequa Park-based organization, started the Cards for Cops campaign in 2019. This year, it collected about 11,000 holiday cards to give to local police officers, including 412 from Seaford Harbor students, which is how the school earned a festive visit from the NCPD. County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder had students from grades 2-5 clapping and cheering as he introduced police officers from several units including 7th Precinct POP, canine, motorcycle, mounted and SWAT. The officers had giveaways for children including rubber balls and frisbees with anti-drug messages. Commissioner Ryder also led children in a holiday singalong to Mariah Carey’s hit song “All I Want for Christmas is You,” other songs played included “Run Rudolph Run,” by Chuck Berry, “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas,” by Burl Ives and “Baby it’s cold outside,” Joined by Ryder, several students read aloud their cards, which were messages of appreciation for local
Luke Feeney/Herald photos
Nassau County police officers visited Seaford Harbor Elementary School on Dec. 16 and were meeting with an excited crowd of students from second grade to fifth grade. law enforcement. “Thank you for keeping us safe,” one student read, “Thank you for your dedication, hope you have an amazing holiday,” another Harbor Elementary school student read to the officers. Students from all grades were invited outside following the presentation to learn more about the various units of the NCPD and see horses, motorcycles and police vehicles up-close.
Principal Jennifer Bisulca noted that Harbor’s theme this year is “It Takes a Viking Village,” and police officers are an important part of the Seaford community. “We really show our Harbor Pride in how we honor our community helpers,” Bisulca said. “The students put a lot of effort into creating these thoughtful cards to brighten the days of our police officers.”
Broadway Comes to Babylon!
Join us for a spectacular lineup of Broadway-caliber productions and live events. “A musical worth shouting about!”
JAN 9TH 2026 @ 8PM
JAN 10TH 2026 @ 8PM
JAN 11TH 2026 @ 2:30PM
Perfectly f y
A
FRANK F NK
CENTUR RYof JAN 16TH 2026 @ 8PM
JAN 17TH 2026 @ 8PM
JAN 18TH 2026 @ 2PM
JAN 29th - MAR 22nd 2026 JAN 24TH 2026 @ 8PM
WITH cOde:
*Not to be combined. Discount valid off individual, premium mainstage tickets only.
Tickets on Sale Now!
argyletheatre.com | 631.230.3500 | 34 w. mai n st. babylo n , ny 1 170 2
1329006
5 Off* BEACON
$
16
Public Notices
News brief
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
LWAN1 0101
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Deborah Slade; Donald Slade, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 8, 2015 and amended on September 12,2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 12,2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 960 Barrie Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793-1702. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 51 Block 280 Lot 0036. Approximate amount of judgment $458,503.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 002092/2014. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Richard M. Langone, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: December 1, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 157171
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT E. MCCOURT; DONNA FALCO AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DOLORES FALCO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the
front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 12, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 32 Cliff Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. 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 51, Block 135 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $638,798.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600184/2023. Paul L. Meli, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 201534-1 157157 LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, -againstMICKI HOUSTON A/K/A MICKI STUBENRAUCH, AS NOMINATED AS EXECUTRIX, AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA BERARDI, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 7, 2025, wherein CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC is the Plaintiff and MICKI HOUSTON A/K/A MICKI STUBENRAUCH, AS NOMINATED AS EXECUTRIX, AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA BERARDI, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 27, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 40 EVERGREEN AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714; and the following tax map identification: 46-172-7. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND,
SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BETHPAGE, IN THE TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 600005/2023. Tara Mayerhofer, Esq. Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157446
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-SD1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstALAN D. TRUE, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 13, 2025, wherein HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-SD1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and ALAN D. TRUE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 26, 2026 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2175 SPRUCE STREET, WANTAGH, NY 11793;
and the following tax map identification: 57-300-12 and 13. PARCEL 1 ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WANTAGH IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD. COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK PARCEL 2 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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611359/2022. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq. Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157448
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE SECURITIES BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiff against - SUZANNE M. BRADY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 15, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 26th day of January, 2026 at 2:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of
Call for 2026 Patriot Award nominees The Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee is accepting nominations for its 2026 Honorary Patriot Award, which honors individuals whose character and contributions reflect the spirit of five Seaford High School alumni who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nominees may be anyone who meets at least one of several criteria, including: exemplifying the spirit of the late Thomas Haskell (Class of ’82), Timothy Haskell (’85), John Perry (’82), Robert Sliwak (’77) or Michael Wittenstein (’85); having made significant contributions to the Seaford schools, community or the 9/11 SHS Memorial Committee; or being a Seaford graduate or past Patriot Award winner who has since gained distinction. Contributions to society more
broadly are also considered. Typically, two to three recipients are selected each year. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, along with the name, address, phone number and email of the person submitting the nomination. The deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. All nominations should be sent to TCondonshs911@ Gmail.com. More details about the Honorary Patriot Award, including biographies of Seaford’s fallen heroes and the history of the award, are available at www.seaford911.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/Seaford911 —Luke Feeney
Industry professionals honored at brunch Nassau BOCES Barry Tech recently honored more than 100 industry partners during its annual Industry Advisory Recognition Brunch, recognizing business leaders who support the school’s career and technical education programs. Among those attending the event were Barry Tech Nurse Assisting teacher Marie Brown and industry representatives Nancy Coogan, a retired registered nurse from Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital, and Paula Magdalena Vidal, president of Autism Horizon Consulting. The annual brunch brings together students, educators and Nassau BOCES board members, administrators, faculty and staff to thank industry mentors for their continued
guidance, collaboration and support of student learning. Barry Tech is a Nassau BOCES career and technical education high school offering more than 40 hands-on courses designed to help students develop practical skills and prepare for careers in a variety of fields. Instruction takes place in a state-of-theart facility that simulates real-world work environments and meets current industry standards. More information about Barry Tech is available at nassauboces.org and on Nassau BOCES’ Facebook and Instagram pages. —Jordan Vallone
Public Notices
Nassau, State of New York. Premises known as 3677 Smith Street, Wantagh, NY 11793. (SBL#: 57-89-105) Approximate amount of lien $614,197.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 010340/2015. John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: November 6, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to
comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 157376
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN
ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES J. WEIGAND, JR. A/K/A CHARLES J WEIGAND, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE T. WEIGAND, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 13, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3215 Mark Alan Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot,
piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 494 and Lot 27. Approximate amount of judgment is $533,373.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 605035/2023. Frank M. Scalera, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 240607-1 157442 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
17
S1 01/01
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.
BUS NOW HIRING IVERS AND VAN DR
Deals on Wheels
DON’T MISS The Bus! LOOK NEW PAY RATES ATES FOR SEPTEMBER
Big Bus
NEW
$31.68/hr.
Non-Benefit Rate
Van
$28.91/hr.
Non-Benefit Rate
We Guarantee 30 Hours A Week
Sign On Bonus van $500.00 for non CDL drivers.
$35,360
*Some restrictions may apply.
Will train qualified applicants
EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION
1327879 1318134
$5,000.00 for CDL driver bus and
$17.00
516.454.2300 Call Today!
Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat? Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the
Positions available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties Apply At: www.educationalbusjobs.com/ EOE EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239 One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.
Call the
USA Classified Network today!
1-800-231-6152
(Salary is $17.00 per hour)
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Classifieds All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!
516-569-4000 press 5, then 2
OIL DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED P/T-F/T, Weekdays/ Weekends/ And Nights. Experienced Only. Twic Card A Plus. Spanish Speaking A Plus. 631-264-8800
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250 PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Why Not Print
choose
RICHNER Printing Services
• Eco friendly facility • Environmentally safe soy based inks • Recycled paper • Help reduce the carbon footprint
Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223
Open the door to a bright future! Check the
Job listings today!
516-569-4000 Press 5
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
HERALD
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
18
S2 01/01
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
Merrick
Charming Expanded Cape Cod
Sidewalks, fences and property lines don’t always line up Q. I keep going back and forth, literally, from my plans to my yard, because we’re putting on an addition, which I wanted to be bigger, but I also want to avoid a zoning variance. I understand that a variance would add time and money to the whole process, and if it can be avoided, that’s what I want. But my property looks bigger in every direction from where the addition will go, and I don’t understand why. I used my survey and carefully measured to my sidewalk and fences, and the distances are much more than the survey shows. Should I get another survey? Do you ever see this, and can you explain whether I’m doing something wrong to get the distances? A. From your description, the only thing you may be doing wrong is assuming that the sidewalks and fences are actually boundaries when they probably aren’t. It’s good to avoid the zoning variance process whenever possible, since the request to vary from the zoning regulations is supposed to be reserved for proposed work only when onte eeper there’s a practical problem in resolving the design and/or when there isn’t a better alternative. Unfortunately, the location of many properties isn’t uniform to sidewalks and streets. In other words, the sidewalk is often not a property boundary, but is set back a uniform distance from the street and is a uniform width parallel to the street. The original property line may be inches or even feet farther away from the sidewalk or street, and not right at the edge of the sidewalk. Sure, you take care of that lawn and assume it’s yours, but, in truth, it often isn’t your property, but instead is part of the street right-of-way. When it comes to fences, most often a fence company needs to get in, get out and get paid. As a result, the fence may be in the right place, but probably not. I’m very impressed when people show me the fence permit their new fence received from a responsible fence company, mainly because I rarely see those permits and, instead, we get bogged down with applying for the fence permit when called to do a much larger project. I rarely see a survey where the fences are placed directly on the property line, which is where they’re supposed to be. Instead the fence line meanders off the property line in one direction or the other because nobody wanted to spend money or take the time to have the property line accurately staked by a surveyor. So what you may be measuring is possibly off your property line, giving you misleading information. What should be done is to confirm, with a stakeout, the location of the property lines to determine the location of your proposed addition. You could also ask to have the property staked to know if other fences are correctly placed, and include locating the new addition. Good luck!
Ask The Architect
C
harming expanded 4-bedroom Cape with modern updates and prime location. This beautifully maintained expanded Cape offers a spacious and inviting layout perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Step inside to a bright and airy living room, featuring hardwood floors and plenty of space for family gatherings. The dining area is ideal for both casual meals and formal dinners and flows seamlessly into the renovated kitchen. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring stainless steel appliances, sleek granite countertops, modern cabinetry, and recessed lighting. A door off the kitchen leads to the large backyard, a fantastic space for outdoor entertainment and summer BBQs. The first floor includes two generous bedrooms with ample closet space and a stylishly updated full bathroom. Upstairs you'll find two more large bedrooms, both with great closet storage, along with another fully renovated bathroom. The full unfinished basement offers endless potential use as additional living space for a home gym or storage with the convenience of an on-site washer/dryer. The exterior is just as appealing with well-maintained landscaping, a charming attached 1-car garage and a paver and cement driveway that adds to the home’s curb appeal. In addition, the house is equipped with a generator. Perfectly situated close to transportation, schools, and shopping, this home offers both comfort and convenience. With its combination of classic Cape Cod charm and modern updates, this home is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your own. Asking $779,000.
Rent Your Apartment
REAL ESTATE Real Estate WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
EDITH TESAR Real Estate Salesperson M: 516-382-2075 Denise Azzato Real Estate Sales Person M: 516-644-3929 CB American Homes 493 Atlantic Avenue, Oceanside P: 516-223-2525
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
To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5
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
S3 01/01
Market Place • •
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
HERALD
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
• Carpentry & Custom Trim • Sheetrock / Spackle / Painting • Flooring, Tile & Doors • Bathroom Repairs & Remodeling ng • Gutter Repairs & Replacementss • Roofing, Roofi Chimney & Skylight Leak Repairs Ro epairs pairs
Call Doug 516-259-4444 / 631-201-4444
FAMILY PLUMBING & HEATING
25 OFF Any Job
1326998
$
100 OFF
$
Minimum purchase of 4
Your Entire Purchase* Minimum purchase of 4
OFFER ENDS 12 /31
516-540-5944
WIREMAN/CABLEMAN
New Hot Water Heater Or Boiler
1317149
With Coupon Only. Not Valid On Prior Service. Not To Be Combined. Must Present At Time Of Service
516-825-3606
*
TOLL FREE
With Coupon Only. Not Valid On Prior Service. Not To Be Combined. Must Present At Time Of Service
CALL TODAY
BOGO 40% OFF + $200 OFF
Carpentry & Painting Specialist
Residential and Commercial - All Phases
“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters
516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured
Free estImAtes...call Anthony romeo 1323594
• Flat TVs Mounted - All Wires Hidden FREE • High Definition Television Antennas Installed Estimates • Camera & Stereo Systems Installed & Serviced • Telephone Jacks, Cable TV Extensions & Computer Wiring • Starlink Satellite Dishes
1328148
FREE
ESTIMATES
WATER HEATERS • SINKS TOILETS • FAUCETS LEAKS • BROKEN PIPES GAS CONVERSIONS BOILERS & MORE
1328459
1316015
Lic. & Ins. Nassau #H200851 Suffolk #HI68009
1326762
1327356
CARPENTER / HANDYMAN KLEIN CONTRACTING
CALL DAVE davewireman.com / 516-353-1118 (text or call) Lic 54264-RE All Work Guaranteed Credit Cards Accepted
To Advertise On This Page
Please call Ellen at
516-569-4000 x286
or Email: ereynolds@liherald.com
JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds... REAL ESTATE & MORE... Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
20
HERALD
Stuff
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Finds Under $100
Announcements
ORIGINAL KNOWLES COLLECTIBLE Plates: never used, been stored. must see, $10 each (516) 579-9089
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160
SPARKLING CRYSTAL WINE Decanter with Top. $45.00 Call Pat 516-826-0359
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100 BEDSPREAD: DESIGNER QUEEN Size, Deluxe, with Matching Pillows, Brand New Set. Never Used. $99 516-486-7941 CHILD'S CRIB/MATTRESS. WOOD frame, good condition. $30. Lido beach. (516)705-8398 CHRISTMAS AFGHAN 48X67 $45.00 Brand New. Call Pat 516-826-0359
S4 01/01
WALL SAFE: HEAVY Duty, Key Operated, 12" Square, Brand New in Box. $50. 516-486-7941
SERVICES Cable/TV/Wiring Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $ 6 0 0 I n G i f t C a r d s . C a l l To d a y ! 1-866-782-4069
Cleaning Services WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com
• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 Home Improvement
Home Improvement
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641 DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728 PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
Electricians
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Br iggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
ROOFING, CHIMNEY & SKYLIGHT All Leaks Repaired * Roof Leak Repairs & Replacements * Chimney Waterproofing, Flashing & Repairs * Skylight Leak Repair & Replacements.* Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates CALL NOW 516-259-4444 / 631-201-4444
HERALD
Crossword Puzzle
Miscellaneous GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
Junk Cars Wanted
TOP CA$H PAID
Junk Cars Bought
Check out our Service Directory for all your repair, decorating, party planning, cleaning or moving needs, and much more!
CALL US LAST!
516-766-0000
Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606
Services AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679 INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider. PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Telephone Services CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Satellite/TV Equipment DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Health & Fitness ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172 ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397
AUTOMOBILE & MARINE Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277 GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-484-3467 today! WE BUY 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Fr e e p i c k u p . Fa s t p a y m e n t . C a l l 1-855-403-3374
NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.
Answers to todAy’s puzzle
21
opinions
very new year brings with it the anticipation of what might be. Leaving 2025 and all its tumult and drama in our rearview mirror, Long Islanders, New Yorkers and Americans enter 2026 with hope, anticipation … and some concern. On a positive note, the economy appears to have stabilized, and might even be ready to take off. Inflation has slowed and gas prices are down. All is not perfect, of course. Too many basic food products still pETER have high prices, KinG and there is the specter of artificial intelligence and what impact it will have on the economy and our lives. But at least for the short run, the signs are positive for solid growth and an overall good economy for Nassau and Suffolk. New York City, though, could be another story, and difficulties in the Big Apple necessarily carry the risk of bleeding over into Nassau County. This isn’t a partisan screed, but with its first election ever of an avowed democratic
socialist mayor, the city has raised the stakes. Will Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s economic policies drive businesses — businesses that employ many Long Islanders! — out of New York? Will his proposals to curtail police activity cause an increase in crime and a concomitant increase in cross-border crime? All this will be part of the statewide gubernatorial campaign, which will have Long Island at its epicenter, with County Executive Bruce Blakeman carrying the Republican banner against incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. This race will not only have a focus on the Mamdani factor, but will be run against the competing backdrops of the progressive hold on the Democratic Party and the favorable/unfavorable ratio of President Trump’s policies on Long Island and New York. It could well be a campaign for the history books, with Long Island dominating the prologue, the chapters and the conclusion. On a somewhat lighter note, how will our sports teams do? Can the Yankees escape the doldrums of early postseason playoff exits? Will the Mets overcome the loss of core players and fan favorites
L
Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, and baseball’s star closer, Edwin Diaz, to recapture the magic of the 2024 season? Back to serious matters: 2026 will marks the 250th anniversary of the American experiment, which has seen the United States emerge as the world’s beacon for freedom and liberty, and the most prosperous and powerful military force in the history of the world. With that power and prosperity has come responsibility beyond our borders, manifested dramatically in assisting our European allies in World War I; crushing Hitler and Nazism in World War II; and forging NATO and other alliances with democratic allies to lead the free world through the long struggle of the Cold War to defeat Soviet imperialism and bring down the prison of the Iron Curtain to free the captive nations of Eastern Europe. This was followed, of course, by America’s heroic response to the horrific attacks of Sept. 11, and its coordination of the larger response of the civilized world to Islamist terrorism — particularly its main components, Al Qaeda and ISIS. That struggle isn’t entirely
ong Island looks likely to be the epicenter of the gubernatorial campaign.
over, and we can never take our foot off their throats, but the forces of terrorism have definitely been subdued. My concern now, as we begin 2026, is whether America is in danger of abdicating its position of world leadership and returning to the failed America First isolationist policies of the 1930s, which led us to retreat within our borders and refuse to assist European democracies in the climactic struggle against Hitler and Nazism until it was almost too late. We can’t be weakening western alliances like NATO or in any way enabling resurgent despots like Russian President Vladimir Putin. In deciding what aid to provide countries like Ukraine that are courageously resisting brutal Russian aggression, we must not once again make the isolationist mistake of focusing on the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Forgetting the cruel lessons of the past could only force us to relive them. America’s history is a proud one. It’s my hope that 2026 will see the rekindling and strengthening of the flame of freedom that has burned so brightly since 1776, and the love of liberty that has fueled it. Happy New Year! Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
For President Trump, too many missed opportunities
W
hen you reach the stage in life that I have, you’ve seen politicians come and go. I have seen overly aggressive pols flame out because they thought they knew everything, and it turned out they knew nothing. I have seen brilliant political people crash and burn because they thought their secrets would never be uncovered. And I have watched Donald Trump go through more ups and downs than any political figure I can recall. When Trump JERRY took the oath of office last JanuKREMER ary, I wondered whether he was aware of the many opportunities a president has to create a lasting, positive legacy. Now that he has been in office for a year, I’m taking a look back at his actions, which I will try to keep as fair and balanced as possible, considering that I’m a Democrat. I have known the president in ways other than having interacted with him
as officeholder. I have been one of his many lawyers over a long period, so I’ve had an up-close view of him in the many roles he has played. I’ve watched him in action, and have some knowledge of how he views the outside world and people in general. So I temper my comments with the knowledge of a man who went from master builder to commander in chief. As hard as I try to single out the positive things Trump has done, I must start by saying that his time in office up to now is a long period of missed opportunities. He came into office with a chance to make the Republican Party one of the strongest parties in American history. Instead it faces a potential electoral disaster this coming November. The results of many contests last November prove that the 2026 elections will be a real challenge for the party of Abraham Lincoln. I agree with many of my friends who are Trump supporters that he has successfully closed the border to new entrants, keeping his election promise to do just that. Sadly, President Biden
A
caved in to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and allowed an estimated 11 million immigrants into our country. There is a mechanism for people to enter the country, but it was badly abused under Biden. America has always been the beacon of hope for people throughout the world, but Trump’s current immigration policy is a disaster, because it keeps out much of the professional talent that we badly need. Setting the immigration quota at 7,500 people, with a preference given to white South Africans, makes no sense. Silicon Valley executives will find a way to get the talent they need, but a brilliant researcher from, say, Sri Lanka who wants to work at a hospital specializing in cancer treatment will be blocked from coming here unless his or her potential employer wants to spend a million dollars. We can all agree that there is too much waste in government at all levels. There is a need for careful analysis of needed jobs, and then those that aren’t needed should be eliminated. Regrettably, that didn’t happen in Washington.
nd as a result, the GOP faces a potential electoral disaster in November.
Elon Musk took on the assignment of cleaning house, and used his buzz saw to cut alleged waste. More than 160,000 people lost their jobs, but many in Washington tell me that many badly needed personnel got the ax. As of now, not one person kicked out of their job has been prosecuted for “fraud or abuse.” During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised that his focus would be on cutting costs for the average American. You can call it a “Democratic hoax” or whatever you want, but millions of Americans are hurting from crushing prices, and there is nothing on the horizon that will change that. Lots of readers will weigh in on the pros and cons that I haven’t mentioned, but I don’t have the space to recite them all. The recent remarks of an Indiana Republican state senator struck a chord in my mind. She said she was a Trump supporter, “but I don’t like his tone.” 2025 was a year when he could have set a positive tone for America that could have helped heal our great divide. That was his biggest missed opportunity. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
E
We’re all wondering what the new year will bring
22
Herald editorial
Wantagh
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
HERALD
Established 1990 Incorporating the Wantagh/Seaford Citizen in 2013 Luke Feeney Reporter RobeRt Cummings Multi-Media Marketing Consultant
oFFiCe 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: wantagheditor@liherald.com oFFiCiAL neWsPAPeR: Wantagh School Dristrict Levittown School District Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Assoc.
Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc.
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018 Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ stuARt RiCHneR Publisher ■
JeFFRey bessen
Managing Editor JoRdAn VALLone
Deputy Managing Editor Jim HARmon
Copy Editor kARen bLoom Features/Special Sections Editor tony beLLissimo Sports Editor tim bAkeR Photo Editor ■ RHondA gLiCkmAn Vice President - Sales Amy AmAto Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events LoRi beRgeR Sales Director eLLen ReynoLds Classified / Inside Sales Director
■
JeFFRey negRin Creative Director
Robin CARteR Art Director CRAig CARdone Production Coordinator ■
N
Before the flu bug bites, get the shot
ew York is heading into the heart of winter with warning lights flashing across its health care system. Based on figures provided by Northwell, influenza cases typically increase by 30 percent every flu season, but since Thanksgiving, flu hospitalizations statewide have surged by 75 percent, and cases of the flu, respiratory syncytial virus and Covid-19 are all rising together. Emergency rooms and urgent care centers are busier by the week, hospitals are operating above normal capacity and the seasonal wave has not yet crested. This convergence of viruses is more than a troubling trend line; it is a clear signal that now is the time for decisive action, starting with getting the flu shot. There were 71,123 documented flu cases in New York state as of Dec. 20, according to the State Department of Health. Northwell usually has upward of 3,000 patients in its hospital beds, but as of Dec. 18, there were 3,500, and roughly 10 percent were flu-related cases. Hospitals are accustomed to being busy in the winter, but this season is proving especially challenging. Patient counts have already exceeded typical levels, with flu accounting for a meaningful share of admissions. The virus is spreading rapidly in our communities, and the curve continues to climb. Historically, influenza remains active through March and even April, meaning the strain on hospitals and health care workers could persist for months. When capacity is stretched, delays and disruptions affect everyone, not just those sick with respiratory viruses.
diAnne RAmdAss Circulation Director ■
HeRALd Community neWsPAPeRs Amityville Record Babylon Beacon Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Herald Glen Cove Herald Hempstead Beacon Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Massapeqa Post Merrick Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Seaford Herald South Shore Record Uniondale Herald Beacon Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald
membeR: America’s Newspapers Empire State Local News Coalition Local Media Association New York Press Association Press Club of Long Island Wantagh Chamber of Commerce
Published by Richner Communications, inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 LIHerald.com (516) 569-4000
letters Randi summed up my thinking perfectly To the Editor: I was so happy to read Randi Kreiss’s opinion of the state in which our country finds itself (“The sun rises and sets; the rest is up for grabs,” Dec. 18-24). I have been in a state of depression since the man elected president took office for the second time. Why someone who did not do a good job the first time was elected a second time I will never understand. Some of my family members are suffering. My grandson is attending Brown, and was taking a final exam at the time the murderer was attacking hardworking students preparing for a final. My son is moving off Long Island because he can no longer afford to live here. Violence seems to be tolerated, and sometimes encouraged, and affordable living is not possible for the average worker.
The flu vaccine is one of the most reliable tools available to blunt this impact. While it may not prevent every infection, it significantly reduces the severity of illness. Vaccinated people who do get the flu are far less likely to develop dangerous complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure and heart problems or to exacerbate chronic diseases. These complications are what drive hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions. The stakes are high. Each year, influenza kills tens of thousands of people nationwide, and pediatric deaths from the flu remain a devastating reality. Yet vaccination rates remain lower than they should be, in part because of lingering misinformation and the false belief that it is too late once winter arrives. While early fall is the ideal time to get vaccinated, protection at any point in the season is better than none. The flu virus doesn’t follow a fixed calendar, and immunity gained today can still make the difference between a mild illness at home and a dangerous hospitalization weeks from now. With the virus expected to circulate well into spring, delaying vaccination only increases risk. Laboratory data underscore the urgency. Testing volumes for flu, RSV and Covid have surged as all three viruses spread simultaneously. Because symptoms often look alike, many people underestimate or misidentify what they have, potentially exposing others and delaying care. Rapid molecular tests that check for all three viruses now allow for
faster, more accurate diagnoses, helping people take appropriate precautions and seek timely treatment. Children are feeling the impact as well, with flu widespread in the pediatric population. New preventive options for RSV are helping protect infants, but vaccination remains the best way to keep children in school and out of the hospital. Conflicting guidance and pandemic fatigue have made decision-making harder for families, which makes clear, consistent prevention strategies all the more important. And vaccination should not stand alone. Simple, practical steps can further reduce risk. Frequent hand washing remains one of the most effective ways to limit transmission. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings can add another layer of protection, especially for those at higher risk. Opening windows when possible or using air purifiers helps reduce the concentration of viruses indoors. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as phones, doorknobs and countertops is important, too, because the flu virus can linger on hard surfaces for more than a day. The flu shot isn’t just about individual protection; it’s about community responsibility. As flu, RSV and Covid continue to circulate together, the choice to get vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective steps people can take to protect not only themselves, but also their vulnerable neighbors. Before the flu bug bites, getting the shot — available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies and urgent care centers — can help ensure that this winter is defined by prevention rather than crisis.
23
opinions
A
fter the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I urge you to slow down. Not so much to smell the roses, but rather, from a practical standpoint, to be vigilant against people who could do you harm. Scammers count on us being distracted and easily worried. This is especially true around the holiday season. Fraudsters aim to take advantage of us by getting us to take some action that we wouldn’t have if we knew who they really were. Each year, mileLAine lions of Americans — including phiLLips thousands of Nassau County residents — are affected by scams. According to a recent survey by AARP, about 41 percent of adult Americans — roughly 110 million people — report that they have had money stolen through fraud or misuse of sensitive information. In terms of monetary losses, the impact is staggering. The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2024, consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud
Letters We are living in an upside-down world. Thank you, Randi, for putting into words my feelings for what we are living with today. My hope is that we survive for the next three years.
and scams — a 25 percent increase over 2023. A broader report from AARP estimated that identity fraud and scams cost U.S. adults a combined $47 billion in 2024. No matter how you look at it, it’s a major problem. According to a 2023 report by the FBI, more than 3,000 scams were reported across Long Island in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. Nassau County residents lost about $73.9 million. These numbers almost certainly understate the true impact. Many scams go unreported, and not all losses are captured by official reporting systems. As such, the real number of people harmed and the total financial loss is likely even higher. All year round, I offer scam prevention workshops to Nassau County residents, and I would like to share these practical and easy tips with you:
L
your bank, a government agency or credit company, don’t assume this to be true. Hang up and call the toll-free number on the back of your bank/credit/ membership card or a recent statement and ask if there is a problem with your account.
et suspicious calls go to voicemail, and then research and verify.
■ Do not answer calls from unknown numbers, or callers not in your contacts list. If it’s important, they will leave a message. ■ If you do answer, and the caller (or text message or email) claims to be from
■ Don’t click on links in text messages or emails from unknown senders. They can install malware on your device or take you to harmful websites. ■ Nothing is free. If a caller tells you that you have won a prize but you have to pay a fee to claim it, hang up. It’s a scam.
■ Never send funds — cash, a check, gift cards or wire transfers — to anyone you are not 100 percent sure of. Never. ■ Great investments don’t come in from random strangers. If someone pitches you an investment that sounds too good to be true — like a great guaranteed return — it’s probably a scam. Just because the caller sounds professional doesn’t mean they are legit. Fraudsters have trained actors making scam calls so they come across as trustworthy. They are trained to deceive you
FrAmework by Tim Baker
MARGARET LICATA East Meadow
‘My heart hurts for this country and the world’ To the Editor: I usually don’t respond, or even think about responding, to someone who has written in the paper, but Randi put into words my exact feelings about the world and the country today. Thank you. I feel the exact same way, and my heart hurts for this country and the world. I have two g randchildren and another one on the way, and I’m frightened for them, because they will never know the world that we knew. I hope Randi’s right, and that as the sun rises and sets, the world will turn and better people will come forward to restore America to itself. BETH STEIN North Bellmore
They were looking to the future at the Electric Light Parade – Long Beach
and to create a sense of urgency. Don’t be fooled. And don’t be embarrassed by your uncertainty. And above all, do not send money or give out personal information. There is no way to fully protecting yourself from being scammed, but you can use these simple tools to help. Slow down, let calls go to voicemail and then research and verify. Call a family member, friend or your local police precinct for help. Helpful phone numbers. If someone calls you claiming to be from the IRS, call the Treasury inspector general for tax administration, at (800) 366-4484. If someone calls you claiming to be from Social Security, call the SSA office of the inspector general, at (800) 2690271. If someone calls you claiming to be from Medicare, call Medicare customer service, at (800) MEDICARE (633-4227). If someone calls you soliciting a donation to a charity, call the New York State Charities Bureau, at (212) 416-8401. If you know of an organization that would be interested in a scam workshop, please contact my office at (516) 571-2386, or NCcomptroller@nassaucountyny.gov. Elaine Phillips is the Nassau County comptroller.
WANTAGH HERALD — January 1, 2026
Slow down and verify: tips to prevent getting scammed
Mount Sinai South Nassau is High Performing in Ten Areas of Care.
mountsinai.org/southnassau 1327618
January 1, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD
24