_________________ WANTAGH ________________
HERALD Celebrating 34 years of giving
lighting up the winter sky
Coming together on the court
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Vol. 73 No. 51
DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025
$1.00
Zoning board defers ruling on Islamic Center activities at the center. “For the last four years,” Ali told the board, “our congregaThe Town of Hempstead tion has lived with a level of Board of Appeals has reserved hostility and fear that no reliits decision on an application gious community anywhere in by the Islamic Center of Nas- this town should ever have to sau in Wantagh after a tense endure.” According to the zoning public hearing that lasted more application, the than six hours and Islamic Center is drew over 200 peoseeking a use variple to Hempstead Town Hall on Dec. ance to allow stor3. age of commercial Mohammad Ali, mechanical equipa trustee of the ment and a trailer mosque, presented on the residentialthe center’s applily zoned lot. The cation to the application also board, requesting requests side and approval to relorear yard varianccate a 6-foot-tall es, and approval fence on the propto install a 6-footerty and maintain tall fence in front the on-site storage of the building of two HVAC units line on Oakfield and a commercial MohaMMaD ali Avenue — a locatrailer. The proper- Trustee, Islamic Center tion that, accordty, at 2856 Jerusa- of Nassau ing to town zoning lem Ave., sits on rules, may the southwest corobstruct the line ner of Oakfield Avenue and is of sight at a neighboring drivezoned as a Residence B district, way. which generally limits such The mosque offers prayer uses. services, religious functions, Ali argued that the current spiritual guidance and counselplacement of the fence creates ing, children’s activities, and a “significant safety and securi- serves as a general community ty risk,” especially for memConTInueD on page 5 bers attending services and
By lUKE FEENEY
lfeeney@liherald.com
Courtesy New York Islanders
Justin Rodriguez, far left, store manager at the Staten Island Bob’s Discount Furniture, presented a check to John Theissen, founder of the John Theissen’s Children’s Foundation, alongside store managers Rebecca Helfenbein and Lawrence Skea.
John Theissen Children’s Foundation receives donation at Islanders game By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
The holiday spirit was in full swing outside UBS Arena as fans, nonprofits, and Islanders legends came together to collect toys for children in local hospitals — and to celebrate a charitable gift to a Wantaghbased foundation. Bob’s Discount Furniture donated $2,500 to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation on Dec. 11 during a joint holiday event with the New York Islanders and the Little Saint Nick Foundation. The John Theissen Children’s Foundation, founded by Wantagh resident John Theissen, supports sick and underprivileged children across Long Island through toy drives, financial assistance, medical sup-
port, back-to-school programs, and recreational events. Theissen started the organization after surviving a brain tumor as a child and seeing the loneliness and difficulty that young patients face in hospitals. “I was honored by it,” Theissen said. “Bob’s Discount Furniture has been supporting us throughout the years with donations; it was nice.” Islanders fans attending the team’s 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks were encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys as part of the franchise’s annual holiday toy drive. Those who donated four or more toys received a voucher for tickets to a future Islanders game. “This year, we’re looking to partner with the Little Saint Nick Foundation just to give
2025-26 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW December 18, 2025
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ur congregation has lived with a level of hostility and fear that no religious community … should ever have to endure.