More than 50 Lynbrook residents gathered in Greis Park on Thanksgiving morning to take part in the annual Turkey Trot, including Jackie Zenker, right, and her daughter, Avery, 6. Story, more photos, Page 6.
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
A sheen of oil has appeared once again on the Mill River in East Rockaway, the second such incident in four months, after PSEG Long Island detected a pressure drop in an underwater transmission cable on Nov. 25. The new leak of dielectric fluid was seeping through an outflow pipe on Atlantic Avenue, and state environmental crews were working to vacuum the mineral oil from the water’s surface.
The state Department of Environmmental Conservation reported that no wildlife had been impacted.
Twork being performed.”
According to Elizabeth Flagler, PSEG’S communications director, the cable was immediately de-energized after the leak was discovered.
The cause remains under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest damage to the cable’s external coating, which may have weakened the pipe’s integrity over time.
his isn’t just an engineering problem.
MIRIAM R AFAIloVICh
Professor of materials science, Stony Brook University
“PSEG Long Island is working in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to remediate the nonhazardous fluid, which is similar to mineral oil,” a statement from PSEG, released on Nov. 25, read.
“PSEG Long Island has also been in close contact with town and village officials to keep them apprised of the
The leaked fluid, a light mineral oil used to insulate high-voltage power lines, is not considered dangerous to humans. But experts warn that it can harm fish, birds and other wildlife.
“This type of oil can smother small creatures and interfere with gas exchange in gills or other membranes,” J. Bret Bennington, professor and chair of the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability at Hofstra University, said. “It floats on water, and can be skimmed off, but it is still an irritant.”
DEC crews deployed absorbent booms and containment barriers last week to prevent
Continued on page 11
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
In a small classroom at East Rockaway High School, five ninth graders formed a loose semicircle around their laptops, the bright reflections of code flickering across their faces. What began as a routine assignment in AP Computer Science, creating a game using the skills learned that semester, steadily turned into something much larger: an introduction to the world of programming, collaboration, and deadlines.
For Thomas Donovan, Andrew Richter, Adam Kolakowski, Edison Guilbert, and Stanley Liu, the project was their first real attempt to build something from the ground up. Their class had only recently introduced concepts like logic, loops, and basic structures. Now they had to turn those fundamentals into full, working games.
One group designed Boundless, a physics-driven game framework that lets users manipulate environmental variables like gravity and friction. Instead of focusing on a single game, they built a tool other students could expand, modify, and adapt — an idea sparked directly in the classroom.
Their teacher had explained that programmers often work from existing code, remixing it to serve new purposes. It was a moment that stuck.
“People take other people’s code and
then they change it to make it their own right, to serve their own,” Kolakowski said.
That principle guided the entire design. Rather than build a game locked into one set of rules, they created something flexible — a template players could reimagine. Their world scrolls like a classic platformer, but hidden behind each movement is a system of variables adjusted with key presses. Setting gravity to zero sends the player drifting. Increasing friction slows every step. A few taps can turn a standard 2D landscape into a moonwalk.
Across the room, another student worked on something more nostalgic: a Mario-inspired platformer rebuilt from a
game he had previously designed. He grew up playing retro arcade titles on an old multi-game console at home, and he translated that early love of pixelated logic into a modern classroom project. Instead of intricate graphic design, he relied on simple shapes — rectangles, circles, ovals, polygons — arranged into moving characters and interactive scenes.
As the deadline approached, the class transitioned from experimentation to urgency. For many, this was the first time their code had to work rather than simply demonstrate a concept. Time pressure became its own part of the curriculum.
“It was definitely time management,” Donovan said.
Because it was their first year in com-
puter science, they had to teach themselves much of what the project required — not only to complete it, but to revise it when things broke.
“There were a lot of last minute changes,” Guilbert added.
While the project introduced them to the fundamentals of programming, it also made them think about what comes next. With artificial intelligence expanding rapidly into classrooms, jobs, and creative work, several students said they were beginning to imagine themselves in fields that might not exist yet. They spoke about AI less with fear than with curiosity — as a tool that could change how they work, not replace the work entirely. Some hoped to move into software, hardware, engineering, or game development, fields they said feel increasingly connected to AI.
“Computers, coding hardware, any of the sort, yeah, but it’s just like a really big thing in my life,” Guilbert said.
Others said they simply wanted to keep making things — to put something into the world with their name on it.
By the time the class period ended, their screens were still alive with motion — jumping sprites, shifting gravity, scrolling worlds. Whether or not they become programmers, they’ve already done the one thing every coder remembers: watching an idea turn into something that finally works.
“It’s really your own that you made it by yourself,” Donovan said.
• Repairs & Touch-ups – Fixing minor issues that can deter buyers.
• Deep Cleaning – Making your home sparkle from top to bottom.
• Staging & Styling – Transforming spaces to highlight their best features.
• Organizing & Decluttering – Helping you
A detailed miniature replica of the Old Grist Mill, a historic landmark in East Rockaway, is now on display at the East Rockaway Public Library. The model, created by the Historical Society of Lynbrook and East Rockaway, is part of an effort to preserve and share the village’s early history.
The Old Grist Mill was built in the 17th century along the Mill River and served as a central location for grinding grain for local farmers. Powered by a waterwheel, the mill became an economic and social hub for the community, supporting trade and commerce throughout East Rockaway’s early development.
The miniature captures the defining features of the original mill, including its waterwheel, sloped roof, and wooden siding. A small crowd of figures is included in the display to illustrate the scale of the building and the community that would have interacted with it.
The East Rockaway Public Library has hosted several exhibits in collaboration with the Historical Society over the years, and this miniature replica is the latest in a series designed to provide visitors with a tangible connection to the village’s past. The display allows residents and visitors to visualize the Old Grist Mill and its role in the early economy and daily life of East Rockaway.
The replica will remain on view during regular library hours, offering an educational experience for students, families, and history enthusiasts. The original mill, though no longer operational, remains an important symbol of East Rockaway’s growth and heritage.
Post 335 Commander Anthony Samuel presented an award to First Lieutenant Susan Dominguez of the Lynbrook Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Company for her lifesaving efforts during Law and Order Night on Nov. 6.
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
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
The American Legion Post 335 honored a Lynbrook police officer and a fire department EMT for lifesaving actions during separate emergencies at its annual Law and Order Night on Nov. 6 at the VFW. The awards recognized first responders for their work in critical incidents last year.
Post 335 Commander Anthony Samuel presented an award to First Lieutenant Susan Dominguez of the Lynbrook Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Company for her lifesaving efforts during Law and Order Night on Nov. 6.
— Ainsley Martinez
First Lieutenant Susan Dominguez was honored.
News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com
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Hundreds of runners and spectators gathered at Greis Park on Thanksgiving Day for Lynbrook’s annual Turkey Trot, a community tradition that opened the holiday with family-friendly races and seasonal festivities. Participants of all ages took part in the morning run, with many residents using the event as a kickoff to the holiday weekend. The race wound through the park before finishing back at the fieldhouse, where volunteers greeted runners with refreshments and medals. The annual event is organized to promote health, fitness and community spirit.
—Ainsley Martinez
Runners moved past clusters of bundled-up supporters at Greis Park, where the Turkey Trot brought together residents from across the village.
Participants of all ages took off from the starting line at Greis Park, beginning Lynbrook’s traditional Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.
The Turkey Trot mets over 50 attendees of all ages, who met in the fieldhouse before the race.
The holiday season in Lynbrook brings a full lineup of community traditions designed to bring neighbors together and brighten the winter weeks. From classic ceremonies at 5 Corners Plaza to family-friendly celebrations and cultural observances, the village offers festive options for all ages. Whether you’re looking to enjoy holiday lights, share breakfast with Santa, or take part in a menorah lighting, Lynbrook’s seasonal events help set a warm and joyful tone for December.
— Ainsley Martinez
n Tree Lighting & Blessing of the Crèche — Dec. 5
Lynbrook’s annual tree lighting and crèche blessing at 5 Corners Plaza marks the official start of the village’s holiday celebrations. Families gather as the tree is illuminated at 7 p.m., creating one of the season’s most anticipated community moments. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, seasonal music and the chance to join neighbors in celebrating tradition. For full details, including updates, visit LynbrookVillage.net.
n Breakfast with Santa — Dec. 13
Families looking for a cheerful holiday outing can enjoy Breakfast with Santa, held at 78 Hempstead Ave. This kid-friendly event offers a chance for children to meet Santa in a relaxed setting while sharing a festive meal. Parents can snap photos, enjoy time together and take part in one of Lynbrook’s long-standing December traditions. While the exact time has not been announced, the event typically draws strong attendance and is ideal for young families seeking a warm, memorable holiday experience. Additional information will be available at LynbrookVillage.net.
n Lynbrook’s Menorah Lighting — Dec. 16
The community comes together again at 5 Corners Plaza for Lynbrook’s annual menorah lighting at 6:15 p.m. The ceremony honors the traditions of Hanukkah and provides a space for residents of all backgrounds to join in celebration and reflection. The event features the lighting of the menorah’s candles, symbolizing hope and perseverance during the holiday season. Families often gather early to watch the setup and share the moment with neighbors. For updates or additional event details, visit LynbrookVillage.net.
Filip Beben, a senior on the Malverne/East Rockaway varsity soccer team, received honors at the 2025 Nassau County Soccer All-Scholastic Dinner.
State Senator Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick recognized Filip Beben, a senior on the Malverne/East Rockaway varsity soccer team, for his outstanding leadership at the 2025 Nassau County Soccer All-Scholastic Dinner.
Finishing as one of Nassau County’s top scorers, Beben helped lead his team to the Class AA playoffs — a stark turnaround from the team’s winless 2024 season.
In September, Beben faced a difficult choice between continuing to play with his MLS Next club or staying with his high school team. Choosing loyalty to his teammates and school, Beben remained with the varsity squad
“Filip and his parents’ belief in put-
ting school and community first not only elevated Malverne/East Rockaway Soccer but also shined a light on the unparalleled joy playing high school soccer provides for athletes and everyone involved in the game,” Rob Anderson, Malverne/East Rockaway coach, said.
“Filip exemplifies what it means to be a true champion,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “His skill on the field is matched by his dedication to his teammates and his community. Filip’s dedication and integrity demonstrates the best of student-athletes, someone who not only excels on the field but is an example to everyone around him.”
–Madison Gusler
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courtesy Steve Grogan
Lynbrook firefighters worked to quickly extinguish a kitchen fire at the Burger Shack early Sunday morning, shutting off a broken gas line behind a fryer to prevent further damage.
Lynbrook firefighters quickly extinguished a kitchen fire at the Burger Shack at the intersection of Broadway and Eldert Street early Sunday morning.
Firefighters, under the command of Chief Clayton Murphy, responded to a reported building fire at 1:51 a.m., according to Lynbrook Fire Department spokesman Steve Grogan. Vulcan Company 422 was first on the scene after the fire chiefs arrived and took the hydrant in front of the building. A hose line was
Firefighters extinguished the fire inside a kitchen at Burger Shack.
stretched to the back door of the restaurant, while additional firefighters from other companies backed up Vulcan members.
Chief Murphy said the fire was caused by a break in the gas line behind a fryer in the kitchen. The flames were quickly extinguished, and firefighters accessed the wall to shut off the gas line valve. Fire crews remained on the scene for approximately 45 minutes.
—Ainsley Martinez
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
In partnership with the Friends of the Israel Defense Force and Israel Committee at Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, members had the opportunity to attend “Survived to Tell: an Immersive Encounter with Israel’s Defenders.”
Whether you’re a soldier, student, parent or simply a friend, Israel belongs to all of us.
TovA MARkoWITz HERJC Israel committee chair
Attendees heard from three Israel Defense Force reserve duty soldiers and experienced stories of survival from the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks through virtual reality, on Nov. 24. The FIDF is a non-political, non-military organization that provides for the well being of active IDF solders, veterans and family members. It was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors, and is the only organization authorized by the Israeli army to collect charitable donations for the IDF in the United States.
Tova Markowitz, event chair, organized this event to show gratitude for the IDF and by coming together as a strong Long Island community.
“Through virtual reality and indepth conversation we’ll step into the shoes of soldiers and survivors of Oct. 7,” Markowitz said. “Lone soldiers and reservists continue to defend Israel with courage, resilience and unwavering commitment. This is an act of remembrance and act of solidarity.”
Markowitz said by coming together to support Israel and advocate for those who serve is an active reminder that our voice matters.
“At HERJC, our Israel committee lives by a simple phrase ‘Israel is for everyone,’” she added. “Whether you’re a soldier, student, parent or simply a friend, Israel belongs to all of us.”
Through virtual reality technology, attendees stepped inside first-hand stories of IDF veterans hearing and viewing their testimonies of courage, resilience and their message of hope.
Aviv Kurnas, North American regional director of Israel-IS, oversaw the VR portion of the evening and facilitated the conversation following the experience.
“lSRAEL-IS was established in 2017 by three IDF officers whose post-army travels exposed them to the rampant negative views about Israel,” according to Israel.Is.org.
“’Survived to Tell’ started in Israel, the idea was to bring stories of survivors l to college campuses in the U.S,”
Attendees had the opportunity to view real-life Oct. 7, 2023 survival stories through virtual reality.
Kurnas said. “For them to be face-toface and have a human connection with the subject of Oct. 7.”
It features five different stories of survival: Nova Festival survivors, hostages who retuned home from captivity and reservists.
“The idea is for them to have a face and story they can connect to,” he said. “Today, they are seeing the story of one of the civilians who drove down south and was fighting there for hours in very bad conditions without any weapons and his personal gun.”
Kurnas was in the U.S when Oct. 7, 2023 happened and he visited college campuses a few days later where experienced antisemitism.
“It was very clear that people do not understand the magnitude and the stories of what happened that day,” Kurnas said. “Israel-Is decided to develop this as a method of not only bringing a story but making people be apart of it and feeling like you’re on the ground that day.”
Kurnas said he wished he didn’t have to educate people on this but when he sees empathy on people’s faces, that’s the main reason he does it.
“There’s no reason to be doing this,” he said. “I wish the world understood on its own. Everyone should learn one story so in 50 years it won’t be like Holocaust survivors but actually something that lives in us that we can share
with the rest of the world.”
After participating in the VR portion, listened to a panel of reserve soldiers share their stories of Oct. 7, 2023. Panelists included Hananel Levy, law clerk, office of the Nassau County attorney from West Hempstead and Amit Yaacov, emissary.
Levy shared his opinion on putting a “disturbing content” warning before the VR experience due to the severity of what is shown.
“I wish we were able to get everyone that denies what happened to show them the truth,” Levy said. “Hamas had not problem videoing everything they did and when you’re disseminated to the mass you have to cater to the people that have the lower threshold of capability of retaining that information.”
As part of the VR team, Yaacov added that the VR experience was not made for the Jews, it was for college campuses and high school students across the country.
“There is a limit to what you can show on accounts,” Yaacov said. “This is also a moral statement by not showing the horrors. We don’t need you to justify what we’re doing because this is what they did to us.”
Yaacov said that the soldiers could bare it because they witnessed it firsthand, but when they show it to students there are versions with bodies dying and without.
“In a way Israel is fighting on eight fronts,” Levy said. “Seven of them are geopolitical and the eighth is social or discursive. You’re getting to the heart of the matter with the VR experience.”
the oil from spreading further into the canal. A drum skimmer was removing oil from the water’s surface, and the collected fluid was being transported offsite for proper disposal.
More than 30 workers were involved in the cleanup effort, and five vacuum trucks were operating at the site. Flagler stated that crews would remain on-site around the clock until the problem was fully remediated.
Miriam Rafailovich, a professor of materials science at Stony Brook University, said that incidents like this highlight deeper systemic issues with the underwater transmission of electrical power. Mineral oils used in cable insulation, she explained, are toxic to fish, crustaceans and plant life.
“This isn’t just an engineering problem,” Rafailovich said. “It’s a problem that intersects biology, toxicology and energy policy. We need more interdisciplinary solutions.”
Researchers at Stony Brook and elsewhere are exploring self-healing oils, nanocomposite materials, and alternative power transmission methods, such as hydrogen fuel and battery storage, to mitigate future environmental risks.
The utility is also working with the U.S. Coast Guard, local municipalities and wildlife rescue groups to manage the situation.
A similar incident occurred in July, when a leak in a PSEG underground transmission cable released hundreds of gallons of dielectric fluid into the Mill River, at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Access Road, leaving an oily, rainbow-streaked scene on the water’s surface.
East Rockaway resident Lorraine Guarnieri Keegan, 73, has lived in a canal-front home on West
a second oil spill in four months, this one on nov. 25, once again left a sheen of dielectric fluid drifting across the mill river. more than 30 workers were involved in the cleanup effort, a drum skimmer was removing oil from the water’s surface, and five vacuum trucks were operating a the site.
Boulevard, just off Reynolds Channel, her entire life. She knows that coastal living comes with a cost, as in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy hit, convincing her family to raise their home on stilts.
“When you’re born on the water, it’s in your blood,” Keegan said. “I feel like a mermaid almost.”
To Keegan, disasters like floods are an inevitable part of life near the coast. But last week’s leak, she
said, was an unexpected burden. “We’re hurting our waters, which we’re supposed to protect,” she said. “We have to protect Mother Nature. That’s it.”
Residents who encounter wildlife affected by the spill are advised to contact local rehabilitation centers, including the Wildlife Center of Long Island, in Hutington, or Sweetbriar Nature Center, in Smithtown.
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.
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
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.
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.
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
• Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m., 6-6:45 p.m., 7:30-8:15 p.m., through Jan. 1
• Contact: luminocityfestival. com
Join the village for the annual tree lighting ceremony and crèche blessing. Rain date is Dec. 6.
• Where: 5 Corners Plaza
• Time: 7-9 p.m., lighting at 7 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookVillage.net
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
Participate anytime and attend as often as you like. Adult attendance required and participation encouraged. Supplies provided. Walk-ins and siblings welcome.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance at Elmont Memorial Library. In this special holiday show, “A Musical Wonderland,” cast of 30, plus special guests, keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform the best holiday songs of all time and more. Free admission.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207
Breakfast with Santa The annual holiday tradition returns. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Greis Park Recreation Center.
• 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..
• 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
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 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
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
Plaza Theatrical invites to all to its stage at Elmont Memorial Library to celebrate the holidays in true Motown style! Enjoy a sensational afternoon of soulful tunes, joyful dancing, and nostalgic vibes at the electrifying concert. Get ready to groove, spread the festive cheer and make unforgettable memories. $40, $35 seniors.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870
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
DEC
9
Lybrook Library Board meets
The Lynbrook Library Board holds their next meeting. Open to the public.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org
DEC
13
Family Chess Club
Join anytime and attend as often as you like at Lynbrook Public Library. Adult attendance required and participation encouraged. Chess sets provided or bring your own.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: 2:30-4 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org
• Where: Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave.
• Contact: LynbrookVillage.net
Holiday concert
DEC
The Long Island Community Chorus invites all to their upcoming concert, “Season of Peace.” $10 suggested donation, children under 12 free.
• Where: St. James UMC, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 599-5705 or email licchorus@gmail.com
14 DEC 15
Lynbrook Village Board meets
The Village Board holds their next meeting. Open to the public.
• Where: 1 Columbus Dr.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookVillage.net
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.
• Must be able to manage all
Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT
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.
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
Inside Sales
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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
Qualifications:
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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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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.
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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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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
mountsinai.org/southnassau