__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD
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As Long Island’s premie r combines expertise an choice, Douglas Elliman d your needs. Thinking excellence tailored to of selling? Contact me .
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Vol. 27 No. 51
$1.00 $1.00
DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2024
Sales Volume on Long Island in 2023
5,258 Homes Sold on Long Island in 2023
Phoebe Altman
Lic. R. E. Salesperson
O 516.623.4500 M 516.680.6466 phoebe.altman@ellim an.com elliman.com
110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746 ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPOR . 631.549.7401. © 2024 AND SUFFOLK WITH A TITLE TUNITY. *ALL COMPANY BRANCHES INCLUDED, SOLD DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL INDEPENDENTLY-OWNED AND DATE OF JANUARY 1, 2023 TO DECEMBER 31, 2023UNITS CLOSED IN NASSAU OPERA IN A COMPARISON OF AND COMMERCIAL SALES. SOURC TED REAL ESTATE COMPANIES. BASED ON RESID ENTIAL, CONDO/COOP, LAND E: MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OF LI.
1266444
Reading with peers in Merrick
–Long Island Market Stats
$4.49 Billion
Taking care of business
75 Bellmore-Merrick H.S. students face off in annual competition principal at Calhoun, served as his school’s representative chairperson for the BMBC. “It’s a great opportunity Competition between 25 teams of three students tested across the board,” Melkonian their professional skills before said. “The kids hear the reallocal business leaders at the world application of what annual Bellmore-Merrick Busi- they’re lear ning in school. ness Challenge on Dec. 5. That’s what this event is trying The 75 high school students to shine a light on.” were selected from the three The business competition participating star ted seven schools: Sanford H. years ago, adding Calhoun High a live, practical S ch o o l , Jo h n F. experience to the Kennedy High district’s business School, and Weleducation prolington C. Mepham gram. High School. The “I believe busicompetition took ness is the foundaplace at the Brooktion for all educaside School, the tion and entrepred i s t r i c t ’s h e a d - MARk MElkoNIAN neurship,” Melkoquarters, in North Assistant principal nian said. “I want Merrick. to grow that busiCalhoun High School Each team was ness mindset in assigned one of our district. There five topics to create a brief is a connection between what pitch about either retail mar- you need to be successful in keting, sports and entertain- high school, and what you need ment marketing, hospitality to be successful in college and services, entrepreneurship, or ultimately successful in the technology. The competition business world.” requires teammates to think Before and after the competicritically about the prompts tion, the district provided other they are given, create a pitch, educational and career-buildpresent it, and answer the judg- ing activities such as an inspies’ questions within one hour. rational presentation by keyMark Melkonian, assistant Continued on page 2
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo
jdalessandro@liherald.com
Holden Leeds/Herald
Hot cocoa and holiday cheer with Merrick Chamber Santa Claus arrived at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse on Dec. 7 for a meet-and-greet with local children. The event was organized by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, and Santa arrived via fire truck, thanks to volunteers at Empire Hose Company No. 3. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Safety updates about Gateway Inn shared at civic association meeting By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Neighbors received key updates about the Gateway Inn — which has long been a source of community concern — during a Merrick Community Civic Association meeting hosted last month at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse. The civic association welcomed representatives from the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County Police Department to inform the community about the current state of the inn and its operations. The Gateway Inn, at 1780 Sunrise Highway, Merrick, has been in the spotlight over the last year, with community members citing many con-
cerns, including building violations, and noise and safety complaints. An arrest earlier this year for prostitution sparked community backlash, and the civic association held a meeting on Aug. 13 to address residents’ concerns and work toward meaningful solutions. At the August meeting, the civic association, led by its president, Berta Weinstein, welcomed area police officers, several government officials from the town, county and state level, as well as representatives from the county’s department of social services. Each group interacted with more than 100 meeting attendees, and responded to questions about several situations that have affected Merrick residents that live near the inn. Continued on page 24
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believe business is the foundation for all education and entrepreneurship.