Baldwin Herald 12-04-2025

Dante White, 21, and his parents, Theresa and Wayne.

Baldwin athlete reunites with the health care heroes that saved his life

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

During this season of giving thanks, Dante White, 21 of Baldwin, and his parents, Theresa and Wayne White, welcomed the chance to reunite last week with the first responders who helped saved his life in March of this year.

White, a 20-year-old student at the University of New Haven at the time, was home from school for spring break, and went for a run in his neighborhood on March 10. On his way home, he was struck by a car at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Clyde Road. In an attempt to jump out of the way, he landed on the hood of the car, and his right arm smashed through the windshield, lacerating his skin and severing the artery in his armpit.

He lost consciousness and was bleeding uncontrollably, and, according to a release from Mount Sinai, if it weren’t for the members of the Baldwin and Oceanside fire departments who responded to the scene, and the trauma team at the hospital he was treated, he most likely would have died.

“I would have for sure died,” White said on Nov. 26, during a visit to the hospital where the departments’ firefighters and EMS personnel and trauma team members gathered. I was five minutes away from dying.” The trauma team at the hospital quickly treated his wounds, and saved his life.

“His survival was not the work of one person, or even one team,” MSSN Trauma Medical Director James Maurer said, “but the results of a coordinated effort involving

Community aids Jamaica after hurricane

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

Christina Espeut, a PTA mom at Meadow Elementary School, and her family take an annual trip to Jamaica. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October, Espeut had to break the news to her children that their family trip was canceled this year.

T“Mommy, how can we help?” Caelyn Espeut, 10, a fifth-grader at Meadow Elementary, asked through tears. She insisted that her mother email Meadow Elementary Principal Yolanda Martin, as well as the school’s Parent Teacher Association, to set up a relief initiative for the people affected by the hurricane. Everyone was on board, and they got started.

out to her and asked if she was willing to help.

“Without a doubt,” Espeut recalled her aunt saying. “Whatever you all need to help with this relief, we’re happy to step in.”

here’s still people in this world that care.

ChRISTINA

ESpEuT

PTA mom, organizer

Once people saw the flier Espeut made, the donations came pouring in. “People were texting me that lived in Baldwin, parents, even people in different boroughs, just like, ‘Hey, can I send you Amazon stuff? I heard about this initiative,’” she said. “It was a complete success.” Donations were collected not only at the school and at Espeut’s home in Baldwin, but also at Gala Fresh Supermarket on Nov. 22.

One potential problem residents faced as they began planning was out-of-pocket costs and international shipping fees. But Espeut had a plan. Her aunt owns ACM Shipping International, a company that ships overseas, so she reached

“They made signs, they made fliers, they were at Gala handing them out, letting people know that they were collecting things that were in need,” Meadow PTA Co-president Sophea Sainsurin recounted. The students had collected money in donations, and then purchased items at ConTinueD on page 16

Christmas Eve Package

32999+ tax serves up to 10 people

• seafood salad (2 lbs) -OR- • fried jumbo shrimp (2 lbs.)

• baked clams • mussels with garlic wine sauce (can be made spicy) • mussels fra diavolo (can be made not spicy)

• penne with vodka sauce and shrimp • fusilli with mixed seafood sauce (shrimp, calamari, lobster, clams)

• bowie pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach and shrimp

• shrimp oreganata

• stuffed flounder with mixed seafood • flounder francese

• haricot vert almondine (string beans) • broccoli cauliflower oreganata • roasted red potatoes

COOKIE TRAY AND 2 BREADS INCLUDED WITH PACKAGE

Christmas Day Dinner Package

30999+ tax serves up to 10 people

• signature antipasto platter

• meat or cheese lasagna • baked ziti with meat or cheese • rigatoni siciliana with eggplant and mozzarella

• herb crusted prime eye round roast sliced with potatoes and onions in au jus • spiral glazed ham

• boneless pork loin stuffed with prosciutto, provolone, basil sliced with potatoes and onions

• chicken francese –OR- chicken marsala

New Years Eve Packages

17999+ tax serves 10-12 people

• Italian • American -OR-

• classic chicken (breaded or grilled) mozzarella and roasted peppers

• hot wings • sweet wings • sausage and peppers

• baked ziti • stuffed shells • meatballs

• hot appetizer sampler • eggplant rollatini

34999+ tax serves 20-25 people

• Italian • American -OR-

• classic chicken (breaded or grilled) mozzarella and roasted peppers

• eggplant rollatini with fresh mozzarella and ricotta • roasted red potatoes • haricot vert almondine (string beans) • broccoli and cauliflower oreganata

COOKIE TRAY AND 2 BREADS INCLUDED WITH PACKAGE

• hot wings • sweet wings • sausage and peppers

• baked ziti • stuffed shells • meatballs

• hot appetizer sampler • eggplant rollatini

ALL CHRISTMAS ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY 12/20 AND MUST BE PICKED UP BY 12/24 AT 4pm

Annual tree lighting this weekend

The Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting and holiday celebration at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 7.

The joyful celebration will take place at the Baldwin Historical Society, located at 1980 Grand Ave. There will be live entertainment by local artists, free pony and reindeer rides, as well as complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider, donuts and candy canes. Santa will arrive on a fire truck to bring gifts for children.

Before heading over to the tree lighting, join the community at The Irish Pub’s Toy Drop-Off and Car Show at 9 a.m. There will be a complimentary buffet and coffee from The Milk Stop.

Toy donations will be accepted at both events.

— Allyson Ferrari

Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby presents a citation to BCC President Victor Sookdeo at the 2024 tree lighting. (On stageBaldwin Girl Scouts and Emcee Debra

All too often a client comes in with a sad tale about an estranged child. Naturally, they are at a loss as to what to do about the situation when it comes to leaving that child an inheritance.

Years ago, the famous advice columnist Ann Landers wrote that her all time most requested column for reprint was on this very subject. Ann wrote that an inheritance should be considered a gift and that if the gift is not deserved one should not be expected. While that may have been good advice at the time and perhaps still is in most cases, like many things it is more complicated today.

In practice, we find that many of these once loving sons and daughters have married individuals with borderline or narcissistic personality disorders. Their spouses are manipulative and controlling. They seek to separate the loving son or daughter from their family so as to better control their spouse. The estranged child knows from experience that going against the wishes of their narcissistic spouse is like throwing

Thomas W. Stokes tapped to lead public safety net hospital

gasoline on a fire — so they go along to get along.

Why does this happen? The manipulator has an enormous advantage over the clients’ son or daughter. The manipulator is a professional, having been this way all their life, honing their skills. The estranged son or daughter is an amateur — they have no experience in being manipulated. It may take years for them to even understand they are being manipulated and then more years, if ever, to build up defenses to the manipulation.

When young children are involved, the estranged child well knows the adverse consequences of having any normal relationship with their children should they seek a divorce from the narcissist.

Our advice is to try to understand and be compassionate with an estranged son or daughter in this situation. An Inheritance Protection Trust (IPT), that may only be used for them and your grandchildren, managed by either a sibling or a professional, may be the answer to such a heart-rending situation.

LAW FIRM

Nassau University Medical Center has named Thomas W. Stokes as its permanent president and chief executive officer. Stokes, 54, is the chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine in Manhattan.

Starting in January, he will takeover managing the day-today operations at the safetynet hospital, based in East Meadow, the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, and other community health centers and outreach operations.

His appointment comes at the end of a turbulent year for NUMC, which was taken over by New York state in May, following provisions that passed in the budget for fiscal year 2026. The changes, which took effect June 1, shifted control from County Executive Bruce Blakeman to Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Demo-

crats.

In addition, the state granted the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation, expanded oversight, including the ability to approve hospital contracts exceeding $1 million. The hospital’s public benefit corporation, the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is also required to conduct a study on strengthening NUMC by Dec. 1, 2026.

State-appointed leadership fired Meg Ryan, the former chief executive at NUMC, in June. She was replaced by Dr. Richard Becker, the interim president and chief executive of the hospital.

Stokes will assume the top office at NUMC from Becker in 2026.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED MAKES A DIFFERENCE

At Hungerford & Clark Funeral Home we see that our community and surrounding communities are struggling during these difficult financial times. We have GENEROUSLY LOWERED our funeral home charges & casket prices. No family should have to forego having a traditional funeral service because of cost. We will always CHOOSE PEOPLE OVER PROFITS and will find a service option for all families with Dignity & Respect. Our licensed Bi-lingual on site Funeral Directors are here to provide you unparalleled service. We pride ourselves on constantly giving back to our community, supporting our local police and fire associations, being proud members of the local church communities, members of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce & residing at our Funeral home to be a neighbor in our community.

• 50 Car Parking Lot & 100 Car Municipal Parking Across The Street

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To Our Communities, We are not managed by a non owner or corporation. We do not associate with online discount providers or freelance Funeral Directors with no connection to the community. We provide a beautiful facility, affordable pricing & staff who will treat your family like our own.

Athlete recovered from accident in March

paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physicians, social workers, and many others whose names the public may never know, whose impact is unforgettable.”

White, a track athlete at New Haven, thought he would never be able to run again. But after seven surgeries at the Oceanside hospital and Mount Sinai’s Manhattan hospital, he was given approval to run again by his doctors.

“Dante, your determination and courage have inspired all of us,” Maurer said. “As we head into this season of gratitude, we’re thankful that not only you’re here with us today, but you have a promising path forward.”

White said he was thankful to be alive and to get a second chance at life. “People will always ask me ‘Am I good?’ I’m always good,” he said. “Even when I was at my lowest moment, I’m still good. As long as I’m alive, I’m good.”

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Baldwin Middle School teachers recognized

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Molloy University as a distinguished institution of higher education. During the Family and Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Association awarded several achievement recognitions to its expanding alumni network.

Delaney Shank, an English Language Arts teacher at Baldwin Middle School, was one of the honorees, receiving the “Recent Alumni Award,” which recognizes an alum who graduated within the last ten years and has shown significant professional or community achievement.

A dedicated member of the Molloy Alumni Association, Shank is passionate about inspiring her students to pursue higher education. Last year, she played a pivotal role in chaperoning a group of AVID students to Molloy University to further their academic aspirations. As the recipient of the “Recent Alumni Award,” Shank was acknowledged for her efforts in fostering connections between her alma mater and Baldwin Middle School, as well as her contributions to the Alumni Association.

Additionally, Baldwin Middle School ELA teacher Courtney Nelson recently participated in SUNY Old Westbury’s Teachers’ Panel, where she shared her experiences, insights, and inspirations with prospective teacher candidates.

Diana Jones-Sukhram, Dean of the School of Education at SUNY Old Westbury, noted that Nelson’s authenticity, honesty, and passion resonated deeply with both students and staff. The experiences and perspectives she shared provided future educators with a valuable glimpse into the realities, challenges, and rewards of the teaching profession.

In an email, Sukhram said, “Many of the students have already expressed how motivated and encouraged they felt hearing from you.”

Erica Taylor, principal of Baldwin Middle School, and Natasha Arthurton, assistant principal, attended the panel to support Nelson.

“Ms. Nelson is an exceptional educator and an inspiring leader who represents the Baldwin School District with tremendous pride and professionalism,” Taylor

said. “She spoke with passion, honesty, and an undeniable love for her students and the art of teaching. Through her words, she encouraged every aspiring educator to discover their purpose, surround themselves with like-minded individuals, and embrace the power of mentorship. Her presence truly exemplified what it means to teach with heart, lead with purpose, and serve with excellence.” Baldwin Middle School takes great pride in having both educators as integral members of the faculty.

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Cecere Fullerton Family Funeral Home

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mountsinai.org/southnassau

Town waives adoption fees for shelter pets

By LUKE FEENEY

lfeeney@liherald.com

With the holiday season underway, Hempstead town officials are hoping residents will open their hearts and homes to a four-legged friend.

As part of its annual “Home for the Holidays” adoption initiative, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is waiving all adoption fees from Nov. 24 through Jan. 4. The program, now expanded through a new partnership with the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, includes a free $50 Milleridge gift card for every family that adopts a pet.

“We are thankful to the Milleridge Inn for supporting this adoption initiative,” Town Supervisor John Ferretti said at a festive launch event on Nov. 20. “Few things are more uplifting than the joy of adopting a pet, and I encourage families to take advantage of this great opportunity — and then celebrate the season with a holiday meal at the festive Milleridge Inn.”

Ferretti was also joined by Trip, Petey and Indy–three festivally dressed up dogs who were treated to a special holiday meal at the Milleridge Inn. In addition to having their adoption fees waived, all adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped at no cost. Standard state licensing fees still apply.

Milleridge Inn owner and president Butch Yamali, who described himself as an animal lover, said the collaboration was a natural fit. “Every dog and cat at the Town’s shelter deserves to spend the holidays with a family,” Yamali said.

“We’re happy to support adopters by offering a complimentary holiday dinner gift certificate to anyone who welcomes a pet into their home during this program.”

For the launch, the Milleridge team set up a special pet-friendly banquet, with veterinarian-approved Thanksgiving dishes prepared by the chef and served by waitstaff.

Town officials at the announcement included Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilmen Dennis Dunne, Tom Muscarella and Chris Schneider, Councilwomen Missy Miller and Laura Ryder, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.

“This holiday season is shaping up to be the most heartwarming yet,” Ferretti said. “When you’re looking to bring home a new companion, always adopt — don’t shop.”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John

announces that the town’s animal shelter will waive all adoption fees through Jan. 4 as part of the “Home for the

campaign.

TodayToday

New York Islanders support families in need

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The New York Islanders’ Children’s Foundation, in partnership with UBS, purchased and distributed 200 meals on Nov. 24 to local families ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Islanders’ Children’s Foundation partners with local community groups and nonprofit organizations, including Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Veteran Beacon House, Gateway Youth Organization and Rock and Wrap it Up, to identify families in need.

Ithink all of us athletes, we recognize that we’re fortunate.

Butch GORING

New York Islanders legend

The distributed meals were purchased from Stew Leonard’s and included a turkey, four sides, dessert and dinner rolls.

Volunteers from UBS and members of the New York Islanders, including former player Butch Goring, and Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock, as we all players’ significant others were onsite to distribute meals.

In a press package, shared with the Herald by the New York Islanders, Pulock said, “It’s special to have this opportunity just to do something small, make people smile, make families be able to come together and have a nice meal together. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Islanders Children’s Foundation, a registered nonprofit, was created in 2003 under the leadership of late-Islanders owner Charles Wang, who had a passion to help children and provide them with the best opportunities to live happy, healthy and successful lives.

Its mission is dedicated to serving local communities, now and in the future. It supports, educates and develops area youth while investing in local families and commu-

nity wellbeing. The foundation also supports nonprofit organizations that share its common mission, developing programs that create a lasting legacy.

Current ownership shares Wang’s values, and is committed to being a leader in the philanthropic causes that continue to make the Children’s Foundation a staple in the Long Island community. The Children’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Goring, in a video package shared with the Herald, said the appreciation of community members served was “very obvious.”

“Everybody is very thankful to be able to go home and

Butch Goring, center, legendary player with the New York Islanders, helped distribute 200 meals to local families on Nov. 24.

share a meal, not only with themselves, but certainly with friends,” he said.

Athletes, he added, are in a position to give back.

“I think all of us athletes, we recognize that we’re fortunate,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about our next meal. It’s going to be there for us. There are many people who are less fortunate, so when you can help out and make Thanksgiving, which is such a special day, and you can make that a little more special for them — it has a lot of merit.”

For more on the work of the Islanders Children’s Foundation, visit NHL.com/Islanders.

STEPPING OUT

A holiday treasure

Immerse

yourself in New York Dance Theatre’s ‘Nutcracker’

By Roksana Amid

For more than four decades, New York Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” has marked the arrival of the holiday season for thousands of Long Island families. This year, the 43rd annual performance — set for Dec. 20 and 21 at Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse — promises to deepen that legacy with an expanded immersive experience, celebrated guest artists and a renewed emphasis on the history that defines the company.

Since 1982, New York Dance Theatre, in partnership with the Ohman School of Ballet, has staged the full-length classic each December. Rooted in the Balanchine tradition handed down from founder Frank Ohman — a former student and soloist under George Balanchine — the production has grown into one of the region’s most recognizable holiday events. Yet for Executive Artistic Director Nicole Loizides, its staying power is not simply about technique or spectacle. It’s about belonging.

• Dec. 20-21, noon and 5 p.m.

• Tickets start at $33, available at ohmanballet.org or (631) 462-0964

• Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hempstead

“We really feed ourselves in tradition,” Loizides says. “Especially around the holidays, people want a place where they can feel comfortable to come home, rest, rela and celebrate together. Our Nutcracker stays rooted in that.”

Long before the overture begins, audience members are invited into the world of the Silberhaus family — the setting of the ballet’s opening scene. When guests enter the Playhouse lobby, costumed Victorian performers greet them, musicians play seasonal melodies and the scent of apple cider wafts through the air.

Children are invited to hang ornaments on a Christmas tree, one of many ways the production blurs the line between audience and story.

Loizides describes it as a “semi-immersive pre-show experience,” one the company has been refining for several years. This season, the lobby experience expands through a new partnership with the Long Island High School for the Arts, whose student musicians perform as audiences arrive.

“As soon as people enter our lobby doors, they’re invited in by characters from our very first act,” Loizides says. “We serve warm apple cider, we have

Allman Betts Family Revival

live music from some of our most talented youth on Long Island, and we try to capture the spirit of the season of giving within our community. Our audiences are growing tenfold because of that comfort.”

The lobby transformation mirrors the company’s mission: to create a space that feels familiar, nostalgic, and welcoming — something Loizides believes people crave amid today’s fastpaced, hyper-digital world.

“So many things get wrapped up in what’s new on social media or what’s trending,” she says “But this time of year, people want tradition. They want to feel grounded. That’s what we offer.”

This year’s production — as always — features an impressive roster of professional dancers. Brittany Pollack, a soloist with New York City Ballet, and Daniel Ulbricht, a principal dancer with the company and artistic advisor for NYDT, take on the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Broadway performers Joseph J. Simeone and Samuel Colina also appear, joining New York Dance Theatre soloists Sandra Cieslak, Olivia Fohsz, Trevor Montgomery, and Craig Wasserman.

Loizides also returns to the stage, portraying Frau Silberhaus. It’s a moment she describes as both personal and symbolic, especially as the company prepares to enter its 50th anniversary year.

North Shore Village Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Moll returns for his third season in the featured roles of Lead Father and Mother Ginger, contributing to the intercompany collaboration that has become a production hallmark.

Children’s roles are danced by students of the Ohman School of Ballet and the School of American Ballet, the official training academy of New York City Ballet. For many young performers, “The Nutcracker” is their first experience dancing alongside professionals, a tradition that honors Frank Ohman’s commitment to nurturing the next generation.

NYDT’s devotion to tradition is not abstract — it lives in the steps, sets, props, and costumes that have shaped the production for decades. Ohman secured permission from the George Balanchine Trust to use the original Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux, grounding the show in Balanchine’s distinctive style. He also created supplementary scenes and dances that appear in no other staging, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the ballet and expanding opportunities for young dancers.

“What Frank added doesn’t exist anywhere else,” Loizides says. “It gives more solo moments to our youth, especially the young Clara, and it brings additional cultural dances into the second act. It’s something very special.”

Many of the costumes and props used onstage were gifted directly from Balanchine and former New York City Ballet crew members and are now entering formal archival preservation. Some pieces, Loizides notes, are still durable enough to appear in performance.

“That tradition dates back over 50 years,” she says.“These items are a direct link to Balanchine himself. They’re part of our history.”

As the company prepares to embark on its 50th anniversary, she is focused on balancing innovation with the artistic values that first shaped the organization.

“For us, even with new opportunities and initiatives all year, the Nutcracker stays rooted in tradition,” she adds. “This is where our community gathers. It’s where people feel at home.”

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music at the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival! This extraordinary concert is hosted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Inspired by the legendary Last Waltz, this tour features a revolving cast all coming together to honor the timeless legacy and rich catalog of the Allman Brothers Band. This year’s amazing lineup features the Allman Betts Band, the iconic Jimmy Hall, former Wet Willie singer and Allman Brothers alumni; alongside Robert Randolph, Amanda Shires, G. Love, Judith Hill, Jimmy Hall, Cody & Luther Dickinson, Alex Orbison, and others. Special guests may also join in. Set against the backdrop of the famous Allman Brothers Brotherhood of Light show, blending electrifying music with stunning visuals, it’s an unforgettable night that honors the rich history and timeless catalog of the Allman Brothers Band.

Sunday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $108.75, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

‘Home for the Holidays’

Swing into the holiday season with Home for the Holidays with the Future of Jazz Orchestra presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Under the musical direction of Joe Block, expect to hear refreshing takes of your favorite holiday tunes. Joining the orchestra are vocalists Katie Oberholtzer and Imani Rousselle. Oberholtzer, a recurring figure at Birdland, the Jazz Club at the Aman, and Dizzy’s Club, has captivated audiences with her cross-genre performances. Rousselle, recently seen in Broadway’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” is celebrated for the warmth and poise she brings to stage. The Future of Jazz Orchestra is a young big band collective curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center that is comprised of musicians at the start of their jazz career. Pulling from local education programs at Juilliard, Temple, Manhattan School of Music, and more, the orchestra showcases musicians who are fresh on the jazz scene in NYC.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

TodayToday

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

DEC

The Nutcracker Leggz Ltd. Dance rings in the holiday season with Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, now in its. 10th season at the Madison Theater. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Joan MacNaughton, international ballet stars are joined by gifted young dancers from all over the metropolitan area. The South Shore Symphony brilliantly brings to life the composer’s extraordinary music making this magical extravaganza a must-see for everyone!

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7 p.m.; also Dec. 6, 5 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3 p.m.

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 7, 2:15, p.m., Dec. 10-12

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

DEC

6

Gingerbread House workshop

Families can decorate a gingerbread house at Baldwin Public Library, presented by Fanny Cakes. Registration required.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: Sessions vary by age range

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

Holiday at Westbury House

Celebrate the holiday season at Old Westbury Gardens when the timeless holiday tradition returns. Step inside Westbury House and experience the magic of Christmas past with rooms beautifully decorated in period style and filled

DEC 16

Elon Gold

person or joining online.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 7-8 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

DEC

10

Mount Sinai South Nassau Vaxmobile returns

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile is available at Baldwin Public Library for screenings.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

Board of Education meeting

The Baldwin Board of Education holds their monthly meeting at Lenox Elementary School.

• Where: 551 Lenox Road

• Time: 8 p.m.

DEC

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Close out 2025 with some laughs with comedian Elon Gold, best known for his relatable takes on being Jewish and getting through the weirdness of life. Considered by many to be this generation’s Borscht Belt King, he’s no stranger to those who watch Netflix. His act brings laughs to both Jews and non-Jews alike all over the world, including sold out shows in England, Sydney and Johannasburg. He’s made dozens of memorable appearances on late-night talk shows and TV series, especially his hilarious recurring role as Head of Hulu on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. His one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He has made ten appearances on the “Tonight Show” and recently performed on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. He has starred in FOX’s “Stacked” and developed and starred in the NBC series, “In-Laws.” Prior guest star credits include “Crashing,” “Frasier,” “Chappelle’s Show,” and “Chelsea Lately” among others. He was also a writer/performer on ABC’s “The Dana Carvey Show.” Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.” He has also just wrapped filming the titular role in the upcoming feature “The Badchan,” from renowned Israeli director Gidi Dar. $76.25 and $54.25..

with festive cheer. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy holiday treats like cookies and warm cider, and don’t miss a special visit from Santa himself. $18, $15 seniors (62+) and full-time students, $8 children (ages 7–17), free 6 and under and members.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

DEC

7

Holiday Flute Choir

Long Island Flute Club’s Holiday Flute Choir returns to Westbury House’s Red Ballroom with “Silvery Sounds of the Season,” an hour-long concert of holiday carols and seasonal favorites. The choir, which has performed at Old Westbury Gardens since 2007, consists of professional and adult amateur flutists from across Long Island. The choir is under the direction of flutist and Old Westbury Gardens docent Lauren Osnato. Seating is limited; arrive early to ensure entrance to the concert. Included with admission.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road,

Old Westbury

• Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Toy Drop-Off/Car Show/

Tree Lighting

Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, along with The Irish Pub, Baldwin Hot Rod Association, The Milk Stop, and Little St. Nick’s Foundation present a full day of holiday fun. Check out incredible vintage cars, donate a toy for Little St. Nick’s Foundation, and see the Baldwin Fire Department trucks up close, all while enjoying the complimentary buffet and coffee from The Milk Stop. Then head over to the Baldwin Historical Society for the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting, 3:30 p.m., to officially kick off the holiday season, with refreshments, entertainment, and more.

• Where: The Irish Pub and Milk Stop, Atlantic Ave.; also 1980 Grand Ave.

• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., followed by Chamber tree lighting

• Contact: baldwinchamber.com

Happy Hanukkah!

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to get ready for Hanukkah by learning all about dreidels. Find out about the game’s history and rules and then decorate

your own dreidel to take home. This is a drop-in activity.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1-3 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Splish Splash… Animal Bath

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.” Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Author visit

DEC

8

Baldwin native Jane L. Rosen visits Baldwin Public Library for a discussion of her works, including “Songs of Summer,” the third in her Fire Island trilogy. Rosen’s “On Fire Island” was the 2025 pick for Long Island Reads and a favorite of the BPL Afternoon Book Discussion group. Patrons have the choice of attending in

11

Spongebob Squarepants party Baldwin Public Library welcomes kids in grades 4-7 to celebrate the new movie. Draw your own Doodlebob and play bingo with iconic lines from the show. Snacks provided. Registration required.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

The Baldwin Civic Association meets at Baldwin High School.

• Where: 841 Ethel T. Kloberg Dr.

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A TAX LIEN INDEX NO.: 605666/2024, ATCF II NEW YORK LLC, Plaintiff, vs PAMELA G. KRUSE, if such person be living, if such person be dead, such person’s respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through such person, if such person be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, Defendants.

PREMISES SUBJECT TO TAX LIEN: 2250 Lancaster Ave., Baldwin, NY 11510, Section 54, Block 466, Lot 9. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exc1usive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief

demanded in the complaint. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.

NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: November 3, 2025. Michael Ehrenreich, Attorney for Plaintiff, 555 Willow Ave., Cedarhurst, NY, (516) 942-4216. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON.

JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated October 8, 2025. Such order and the Complaint in this action are filed in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, in Mineola, NY. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien on the premises identified above. 156700

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: DR. CLOTAIRE ARISTE MEDICAL SERVICES, PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/04/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 987 Woodoak Drive, Baldwin NY, 11510. 156865

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. JUMBEE ENTERPRISES LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 05/21/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 890 May Place, Baldwin, NY 11510

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

156908

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2016-5, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, -againstELMOR JOHNSON, 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 October 16, 2025, wherein TOWD

POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2016-5, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and ELMOR JOHNSON, 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 6, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 740 WESLEY STREET, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 36-178-112.

ALL THAT CERTAIN, PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613679/2023. Michael J. Sepe, 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. 157053

To place a notice here call

at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

Hurricane relief effort by Meadow school community

from page 1

Gala Fresh for the relief effort.

To ensure that the donations would find their way to the communities and people in need, Espeut researched foundations in Jamaica, and ultimately decided to partner with the Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation, a foundation run by Juliet Holness, the wife of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“I think the route of just asking people, ‘Hey, can I ship this to you and you hand it out?’ is not safe because of how desperate people are in Jamaica right now, so it’s best to go with a foundation where they have security and make sure you’re safe,” Espeut said. “Based on the age group of Meadow and the children that were really concerned, I wanted to go with a foundation that would help boys and girls their age.”

Through the relief effort, students learned about civic engagement, and about the ways in which they can help not only their local community in times of need, but communities in

other parts of the world as well.

“The world is kind of crazy right now,” Espeut said, “but it reminded me, and gave me such warmth to know, that there’s still people in this world that care, there’s still gratitude, there’s still people that want to show up for the less fortunate.” Seeing a schoolchildren, along with their parents, put together bags and boxes to mail out to Jamaica, a place her family holds near to their hearts, took her breath away, she added.

The effort to help rebuild Jamaica is still in its early stages. Asked about other ways in which people can continue to help the initiative Meadow started, Sainsurin said, “We have to continue to help support them, and the other countries that were affected by this, because the devastation in Jamaica right now is beyond a one-time effort.”

Espeut echoed that sentiment. “Continuing to give to the school,” she said. “I’m happy to do pickups or have things shipped to my home. Make sure that we continue to give.”

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EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

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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.

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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. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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On renovations and tax increases

Q. There’s a lot of renovation going on around us, and I don’t see one permit sign or window sign. One neighbor told me he didn’t want his taxes to go up, so he’ll get a permit if he gets caught or when he sells. Isn’t that taking a chance? Will taxes definitely go up, and what are my chances of getting caught for adding a roof over my front door and changing out my windows?

A. Whenever a carton of milk is tipped over on the table, there are those who immediately start mopping up the spill, while others quickly grab the carton to stop the spill at its source. Some try to solve the problem, while others try to fix the mess it creates.

Apartments For Rent

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Taxes are the biggest worry, it seems, when it comes to renovation, and the number one question I get. I’m not sure if you’ll get caught, but since taxes don’t reduce, it’s safe to say that you could do nothing and your taxes will go up. I have been advocating for years to have a two-tier property tax system in which your house is taxed separately from property taxes. Many municipalities, from Philadelphia and Boston to cities and towns across Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, have explored and adopted this system, in which building improvements are taxed one-fifth of what they would be in your county.

All the savings for your home renovation, no matter how big or small, encourage public safety through permits and improvements. Where penalties for working without a permit are enforced on the builder, as in New York City, builders doing work, and not just the property owner, have a financial stake, and the local economy gets stronger from sales taxes instead of penalizing people, forever, because they wanted a family room, etc. Sadly, what happens in your county is that the system actually promotes unsafe practices, code violations, work needing to be redone once the owner “gets caught,” such as redoing piping, kitchen removal and zoning hearings that could have been avoided if there were planning, permits and strong penalties.

I regularly get questions about whether existing work “meets code,” when people completely misunderstand that building codes are the bare minimum, and do not fully cover the tolerances or behavior of materials, specific life safety issues or special cases requiring more stringent engineering, from resisting freezing to melting, weak soil, explosion or flame spread, to name a few. It’s common because of your local tax and permit system, and almost seems to be encouraged by allowing people to file to “maintain” work, built illegally, in essence mopping up the spill instead of helping people avoid the spill in the first place.

Building departments accommodate hidden work by simply asking owners to have a licensed professional accept responsibility, stating in letters and in plans that the work is code-compliant, as if professionals have a special super power to see through walls. But no use crying over spilled milk, right? Good luck!

© 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.

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opInIons

Affordability must be part of our state energy policy

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to the well-being of New York families. As a legislator concerned with personal health, our environment and the need for our communities and businesses to thrive, I support the long-term goal of decarbonizing our state.

There is no doubt that carbon emissions, created when fossil fuels are burned, cause climate change. We see the impacts every day on Long Island. The increasing frequency of extreme weather, coastal flooding and the acidification of the ocean are real problems that we must work to address in a measured and responsible approach.

Our state is not ready for an all-electric building mandate, however. Any policy that restructures our energy systems must ensure that dependability and affordability are not compromised. Transitions of this magnitude must be grounded in technological readiness and grid capacity, and take into account the significant cost borne by taxpayers.

That’s why I signed a letter last month, along with many of my col-

Aleagues, addressed to Gov. Kathy Hochul, asking for a pause on the implementation of the new all-electric building mandate. This pause should remain, pending a thorough reassessment of grid reliability; an analysis of the cost impact on homeowners, renters, small businesses and local governments; and the mitigation of risks. In order to enhance transparency and feasibility, we must invite stakeholders and the public to review these transition plans.

That’s why we asked Governor Hochul to pause the allelectric building mandate.

In 2021, when this legislation was first introduced, I did not co-sponsor it, signaling my serious concerns about cost, grid reliability and lack of vital infrastructure. I opposed the bill coming to the floor in 2022. It was eventually passed as part of the 2023 state budget, when I was no longer in office. If I had been, I would have voted no.

A pause is a prudent measure to ensure that we don’t jeopardize system reliability, impose runaway costs or force other unintended consequences on our constituents, businesses and municipalities. Actions on the federal level, like attacks on the Home Energy Assistance Program, compound the affordability crisis and make pursuing cleanenergy goals that much more difficult.

The all-electric building mandate could disincentivize new housing proj-

ects and further compromise the statewide housing crisis if implemented before infrastructure, reliability and affordability issues are resolved. Slowing needed housing development and driving up construction costs are contrary to the steps we have taken to make New York more affordable. A recent report from the New York Independent System Operator further validated my decision to request that the governor pause this new mandate.

The report warned that our grid, as it stands, might not be able to handle the electrical load expected as a result of rapid electrification, especially during the winter months. Weather could also impede the delivery of new electrical models, meaning heat could be unavailable for some New Yorkers during the winter when supply is a matter of life or death. The NYISO has also warned about the risks of power outages across Long Island, New York City and the state during extreme heat in the summer months when capacity is overextended.

The NYISO has stated that until zeroemissions resources with dispatchable capacity are fully online, fossil-fuel-fired generation will remain essential to maintain system reliability. More work needs to be done in terms of stress-test-

ing the grid during high-use periods, cost-rate impact studies and acceleration of clean-energy projects to ensure capacity.

Implementing the all-electric building policy prematurely could leave New Yorkers without reliable, affordable power. Though decarbonization goals are well intentioned, ignoring the reality of our housing and affordability crisis, and leaving New Yorkers without sufficient cost-effective, reliable energy is reckless, and not a viable option.

Recent federal policy has not been supportive of these goals, either. Despite insurmountable scientific evidence, and Long Island’s own firsthand experience with the effects of climate change, it is still dismissed by some on the federal level as a conspiracy theory or a hoax. Without a federal partner, ambitious clean-energy goals become that much harder to attain.

Hochul has heeded our advice, implementing a pause of the mandate until further notice and pending litigation. Once these concerns, outlined in our letter, have been addressed, I am eager to continue moving New York in a direction that is cleaner, affordable, energyreliable and one my constituents will be proud to pass down to future generations. I remain committed to balancing affordability, grid reliability and their needs with a measured approach.

Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.

How tackling racism broadened my horizons

s a Mepham High School student in Bellmore in 2021, I joined ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force. I remained an active member of the task force up until I started college in the summer of 2023. I was never surprised by how meaningful my work was, but what surprised me was how many ways I benefited from my time at ERASE Racism.

I’m still benefiting, as a student on a full scholarship at the University of Richmond, where I’m now on a semester abroad, studying cities through people, planning and politics. The Long Island region is benefiting as well, as more homegrown leaders prepare to take the lead.

ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force is composed of high school students from across Long Island who are passionate about racial justice and making positive change in their schools and communities. It helps students develop their leadership skills, identify their

strengths and assets, and build alliances with students of different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds as well as across school districts. Its members work collaboratively on projects that further racial justice.

One of the best parts of the task force was getting to meet students from across Long Island with diverse backgrounds whom I never would have met otherwise. One such friend was a student at Baldwin High School at the time, and is now at Columbia University. We still get together during college breaks.

nity Leadership Program.

I benefited in so many ways as an ERASE Racism Student Task Force Member.

Working with a wide variety of students from different districts, my perception of myself as a leader grew. Together we explored challenges to racial justice, shared our experiences and insights, and considered how best to overcome barriers. Together we organized events like the annual Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow Conference and, for three summers, prepared and presented at the Reimagining Education Summer Institute at Teachers College. I also became part of the Mepham School and Commu-

Those activities inspired my passion for multiculturalism, and the experience that I gained in the process made me a stronger candidate for college. In my college applications, I drew on my experience with two Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow conferences and three Reimagining Education institutes. Based on those applications, I earned two college scholarships, which together cover my entire tuition, room and board. Today I am both a Richmond Scholar and an Oliver Hill Scholar at Richmond.

Now, as an Ambassador for the Richmond Scholars program, I read applications of scholar candidates and understand even better how compelling experiences like the ones I had as a Student Task Force member can be. I even return each year to ERASE Racism to talk with task force members about college essays.

Now studying abroad, I’m continuing to explore my passion for multiculturalism. My studies are taking me to Argentina, Spain and South Africa, as I conduct a research project on migration in urban settings.

High school students on Long Island have many benefits on which to draw, but Long Island remains one of the 10 most racially segregated metropolitan regions in the United States. That segregation is reinforced in education by the fact that suburban Long Island’s two counties are divided into 125 school districts that reflect the racial segregation in housing. The districts in turn prevent students even in neighboring villages from knowing one another and benefiting from their diverse perspectives.

High school students should look for ways to overcome that barrier. The absurd number of school districts — and the extraordinary waste of taxpayer money involved — may not change soon, but students can take steps to cross those boundaries and get to know one another. ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force is one avenue. The resulting friendships and the insights shared are vital to the region’s future. Many more Long Island high school students may just find, as I did, that working to advance racial justice will create a new generation of leaders who seek to overcome existing barriers. They may just discover that they become those leaders themselves.

Alli Alvarez, who lives in Bellmore, is a junior at the University of Richmond.

Dialing down the holiday stress

the holiday season carries a reputation for joy, connection and celebration, yet for many adults it also reliably delivers stress, pressure and emotional overload. Between family dynamics, financial expectations, packed schedules and the internal push to be relentlessly cheerful, it’s no surprise that mental health can take a hit.

This year, consider a more intentional approach by reclaiming this time with strategies that help you thrive, not just survive.

Our culture is saturated with glossy versions of holiday perfection: immaculate homes, harmonious families, gourmet meals and coordinated pajamas.

Social media amplifies it, encouraging comparison even when we know better. But perfection is both impossible and unnecessary. A successful holiday isn’t measured by aesthetics or extravagance; it’s defined by what feels meaningful, peaceful and manageable for you.

One of the healthiest mental shifts you can make is letting go of other people’s expectations, whether it’s your extended family’s traditions or the imaginary audience in your Instagram feed. Give yourself permission to scale down, choose differently, or avoid what drains you. The real “perfect” holiday is the one that supports your well-being.

If there is one skill that reduces holiday stress more than anything else, it’s

boundary-setting. The season often arrives with invitations, obligations and emotional expectations that stack up quickly. Saying yes to everything is unsustainable and usually unnecessary.

A “polite no” doesn’t require elaborate excuses. Try simple scripts such as:

“I appreciate the invite, but I’m keeping things low-key this year.”

“That sounds meaningful, but I can’t take on anything extra right now.”

Setting limits isn’t unkind — it’s responsible. Boundaries protect the energy you need for the commitments and people that genuinely matter.

Holiday spending is one of the biggest, and most underestimated, sources of December stress. Gift-giving can be joyful, but only when it’s grounded in reality rather than guilt or comparison.

Create a budget before you shop, not afterward. Consider setting price caps for group exchanges, opting for homemade gifts or planning shared experiences rather than material items. Most important, reject the mindset that whispers that love must be proven through financial sacrifice. Some of the most meaningful gifts cost nothing: time, connection and attentive presence.

During a season of constant invitations, the most radical choice you can make is protecting your routine. Sleep, movement and downtime are the foundation of mental stability. Schedule “empty time” the same way you would

schedule an appointment. Leave room for rest, flexibility and the ability to say yes to what genuinely nourishes you.

If you rely on therapy, journaling, medication or meditation, guard those habits fiercely. You don’t have to abandon mental health routines simply because the calendar gets festive.

For those experiencing grief, loss or estrangement, the holidays can magnify pain. There is no correct way to “handle” grief during a season of what often feels like forced joy. Give yourself permission to feel whatever arises — sadness, anger, numbness or even unexpected happiness. Create rituals that honor lost loved ones, allow yourself space to step back from celebrations, or connect with others navigating similar emotions. You are not required to “perform” cheerfulness.

January often hits like emotional whiplash. Build in recovery time rather than expecting yourself to launch into new-year productivity immediately. Plan a quiet weekend, revisit your budget, reset your sleep schedule and reestablish routines that ground you. The goal is to ease into the new year, not crash into it.

The holidays don’t need to be an endurance test. With realistic expectations, thoughtful boundaries and a commitment to your mental well-being, you can transform the season from chaotic to intentional.

opinions

Health care’s short-term fix and long-term solution

The biggest issue around most Thanksgiving tables last week — other than gratitude — was just how expensive everything seemed. Costs have risen sharply in the past few years, and people are looking for answers.

People are sick of politicians’ petty partisan attacks. They’re asking, “What can you do to make life more affordable?” Some things are straightforward: tariffs make groceries, clothing and Christmas presents more expensive. The growing federal debt is driving up interest rates. Demand for energy to power A.I. data centers, combined with the cancellation of a bunch of green-energy projects, is driving up energy costs. Fewer workers on farms and in industrial plants, hospitality and health care due to deportation — or being scared to show up for work — increases overtime costs.

Rising health care costs are at the top of the affordability crisis list, but addressing those costs is extraordinarily complex.

First, we need an immediate fix in

the next few weeks to extend premium tax credits to avoid an explosion in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Then, over the next two years, we need to develop a bipartisan plan to reduce hyperinflated health care costs meaningfully.

iRight now, over 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced Premium Tax Credits to afford health insurance. These credits, which expire at the end of the year, require a person buying health insurance to pay 8.5 percent of their income for coverage, with the rest covered by the federal government. If Congress fails to fix this soon, those millions will see their premiums jump by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, overnight. For many, that would mean losing coverage altogether. Even those who don’t use the credits would be affected: When the risk pool shrinks, premiums rise for everyone.

in the system and ensure that the program functions as intended.

This bill isn’t perfect, but no bipartisan compromise is. Time is running out, and my colleagues and I haven’t seen anyone else stepping up with a truly bipartisan plan. So we did.

n a litany of steps we need to take to improve our system, a few stand out.

Next, the long-term solution: Over the next two years, we need a bipartisan effort to address the decades-long rise in health care costs. Health care is too expensive. Insurance is too expensive. The Affordable Care Act achieved its objective of insuring tens of millions of Americans who had never been insured. Before the ACA, 50 million people were uninsured; today, that number is less than half.

increase life expectancy. Smoking, alcohol, improper diet and lack of exercise are the leading avoidable causes of premature death. We have made significant strides in addressing smoking; we need to do the same with obesity. We must do better! Let’s emphasize healthy eating and exercise, de-incentivize alcohol, and get the medical community more focused on prevention and early detection.

Doctors should be guiding treatment, not insurance companies. Physician payments have fallen dramatically, while doctor expenses have risen by even more. In a world where doctors are subject to burnout, excessive lawsuits and spending more time on defensive paperwork than patient care, our physician pool is hemorrhaging.

First, the immediate fix: I recently introduced the Bipartisan HOPE Act. It would extend the premium tax credits for two years, and institute a salary cap to target assistance to those most in need.

The act also includes strong guardrails to combat fraud, with protections that safeguard taxpayers, restore trust

LeTTers

SUNY errs in rejecting Conzatti appointment

To the Editor:

Re last week’s story “Rejection of NCC leader sparks opposition”: As a former member of the Nassau Community College board of trustees, I take exception to the arbitrary and meritless decision by the SUNY board of trustees in denying the application of the college’s chief administrative officer, Maria Conzatti, for a permanent position.

SUNY’s board voted 12-0 to reject Ms. Conzatti’s application without a scintilla of reason or justification for such a monumental decision, impacting almost 18,000 students and over 800 faculty members. By creating this crater in leadership at the college, when public educational institutions face so much uncertainty and financial challenges, SUNY is overtly causing an unnecessary and counterintuitive crisis that could have been avoided.

I have known Maria Conzatti for almost 14 years, and she has demonstrated a clear and unequivocal track record as an effective, dedicated and professional administrator who has earned the trust of the students, faculty and administration over a multi-decade career at NCC.

As a legislator, I, along with my colleagues, have an obligation to ensure that

our contribution to the college’s budget is being applied judiciously and appropriately. For SUNY to now leave the college rudderless until a permanent leader is found — which, in my experience, can take up to a year — is irresponsible and concerning to me and the taxpayers of Nassau County.

ARNOLD W. DRUCkER Plainview

Arnold Drucker is the deputy minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, and was a member of the Nassau Community College board of trustees until 2016.

Curtis Sliwa didn’t keep Andrew Cuomo from winning

To the Editor:

I was surprised, when reading Peter king’s op-ed “Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect” (Nov. 13-19), by his statement, “Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference.”

Even when adding Sliwa’s 7.1 percent of the vote to Andrew Cuomo’s 41.6 percent in the New York City mayoral election, they still fall significantly short of

In a litany of steps we need to take to improve our system, a few stand out. The government desperately needs to lower prescription drug costs. The Biden administration passed legislation that allowed Medicare to negotiate prices on 25 drugs, but we need more. President Trump said himself that Big Pharma is “getting away with murder.”

We need to do a much better job on preventive care. People need to be healthier, and medical issues must be addressed long before they spiral out of control. Doing so will save money and

I’ve been in public service for the better part of 30 years, as the mayor of Glen Cove, Nassau County executive, and now in Congress. I’ve learned that one-party solutions are fleeting, easily replaced. We need a bipartisan fix now, and over the next two years I pledge to work with my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus — a bipartisan group of members that I co-chair, that is committed to solving complex problems — to develop a robust health care framework that lowers costs for generations to come.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Zohran Mamdani’s decisive victory. I’m not sure why there’s the need to minimize Mamdani’s popularity. Clearly he’s resonating with a lot of people, and I don’t think pretending

that he’s not will be useful or productive for the next election cycle.