Oceanside/Island Park Herald 12-04-2025

Courtesy Donna Kraus

Oceanside High School students, staff and community members assembled and delivered Thanksgiving baskets at the 39th annual Turkey Shoot on Nov. 24 and 25.

At OHS, 39 years of holiday giving

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Oceanside High School’s 39th annual Turkey Shoot — a district-wide food drive that assembles and delivers Thanksgiving baskets to families in need — once again mobilized students, staff and community members last week in a sweeping display of generosity.

What began as a small, student-led idea has grown into one of Oceanside School District’s most defining traditions. Lisa Communiello, the district’s student projects coordinator, spearheaded the event, alongside the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Oceanside schools launch first ‘Let Grow’ campaign

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Oceanside School District began a month-long, districtwide “Let Grow” campaign on Dec. 1, a K-through-12 initiative that rallies educators and families around a goal that is simple but sweeping: helping children become more confident and resilient by encouraging them to do more for themselves at home and in school.

The campaign is based on the work of Let Grow, a national nonprofit based in New York City that makes the case that children are stronger and more capable than contemporary cul-

ture assumes. The organization promotes independent play, real-life problem-solving and activities that help kids deal with stress and reduce anxiety.

Diane Provvido — the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and research and the chair of Parent University, the Oceanside parent-educator committee behind the initiative — said the message of Let Grow resonated deeply in Oceanside. Parent University’s community discussion last year on the book “The Anxious Generation,” by Jonathan Haidt, which explores how smartphones and social media undermine children’s well-

being, sparked communitywide motivation to help young people.

“It was one of those moments where parents, teachers, administrators — all of us — recognized we’ve got to figure this out,” Provvido said. “At the end of the day, we’re recognizing that independence is not just a skill that happens. We have to cultivate it.”

Every two years, the district surveys parents on what support they need most. This cycle, Provvido said, families overwhelmingly asked for help managing social media, anxiety and the pressures of modern childhood.

“In having the Let Grow campaign, it is going to help out kids become more confident, more capable,” Provvido added. “Honestly, being independent is also a protective factor against anxiety.”

Each school in the district tailored its Let Grow activities to its students. Elementary schools created “independence bingo” boards and morning-

announcement challenges, and PTA groups are holding sessions to explain the campaign to families. Tasks for younger children range from making breakfast for their family to doing their own laundry. At the middle school, the focus shifts to adolescent selfadvocacy. “They’re doing workshops on what advocacy looks

All American Deli embraces Oceanside roots

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Four months after opening, All American Deli is positioning itself as one of Oceanside’s newest community partners, with owner Noah Haddad emphasizing service, school support and the neighborhood’s tight-knit character as the foundation of his growing brand.

Haddad opened the Lawson Boulevard deli in Oceanside during the first week of August after purchasing the storefront in May 2025. He owns the business outright, though Haddad partners closely with his father. Together, the two have nearly 30 years of experience in the deli industry, with past shops in the Bronx, Queens and Rockville Centre. Oceanside marks their latest venture, and the model Haddad hopes to replicate.

“Oceanside is home to the first ever All American Deli, and hopefully soon to be the first of many,” Haddad said, adding that he plans to convert his father’s two Rockville Centre storefronts into future locations once his father retires.

The new deli occupies a site familiar to residents — a former deli, Woods Ave Deli, that served the community from the early 1950s into the 2000s. Giving the location new life, Haddad said, was “three months of straight working seven days a week to get the place open.”

All American Deli in Oceanside opened four months ago and is striving for service, school support and the community’s tight-knit charm.

Haddad designed all branding elements himself, including the logo, colors, website and interior aesthetic, aiming to create a look that matched the surrounding neighborhood.

“I noticed a trend that a lot of delis fall by the wayside, kind of half put together,” he said. “While making money is nice, I think the community aspect and providing good service comes first.”

Since launching, All American Deli has already become involved with schools and local organizations. The store sponsored Oceanside High School’s production of “Little Women” on the weekend of Nov. 21 and 22, supported a School No. 2 event at the beginning of the school year, catered the school’s parent-teacher night at South Shore Brewery in Oceanside and has begun working with area businesses for

catering.

Teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other service members receive regular discounts.

“Any way we can help with the schools, with service members, we’ll sponsor,” Haddad said. “We don’t hesitate to donate or help fundraise, post things or just bring awareness. We’re really here to help anybody that helps the community.”

Haddad said customer numbers and online reviews have grown steadily in the deli’s first months. The mission behind the business, he said, reflects the values instilled by his parents — his mother, who immigrated from the Philippines, and his father, who came from the Middle East in the early 1980s.

“It’s the standard American dream,” he said. “They worked hard and build a life for themselves. Being raised in that first-generation family, my goal was to do the same: start a business, work hard and allow their sacrifice to not be in vain.”

The deli’s name, Haddad said, pays tribute to that story.

“That’s why it’s called the All American Deli,” Haddad said. “It’s founded on the idea that you come here, work hard and earn the things you work for.”

After four months in business, Haddad believes the deli is just beginning to take shape.

“We’re only four months in,” he said. “We’re just getting started.”

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The true hidden values of locals’ collectibles

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Island Park Public Library was buzzing with conversation on Nov. 20, as Evolution Cards and Collectibles hosted its first Sports Collectibles Discussion and Appraisal in the Community Room.

The library partnered with the new local business, based on Long Beach Road, for a one-hour event that brought residents together to talk sports memorabilia, baseball cards, pricing, selling and collecting tips. A crowd of familiar and new faces turned out to explore the world of collectibles.

Frank Manzo, owner of Evolution Cards and Collectibles, and his business partner and manager, Daniel Hadoulis, shared insights into card grading, market trends, how to price and sell items and advice for new and longtime hobbyists.

“We’re a newer business that is looking to help out in any way, shape or form, to anyone on the island,” Manzo said. “We do a lot of shows, we do a lot of public events. You’ll definitely see us out on the island.”

Mayor Michael McGinty stopped by to get a glimpse of the wonders of collectibles as well.

“I have a feeling they’re going to continue to do very well,” McGinty said. “Every time I’ve taken a walk with the dog past the store, there have been all sorts of kids in there looking and buying and then that night, half a dozen guys walked up with trading cards to get an estimate of their worth and they were amenable to that.”

The last 30 minutes of the event were devoted to on-site appraisals, with attendees bringing in their own cards and items for a quick estimate — further connecting the new shop to the community.

“I was there for the program, and it was very interesting and very well received by the public,” Jessica Koenig, director of Island Park Public Library said. “People were very excited, and they brought in some interesting items. The discussion was very wide ranging. He covered how to sell on eBay, and he’s happy to give advice on that. So it was a very open and interesting discussion.”

Evolution Cards and Collectibles opened in April, founded by longtime friends, Manzo and Hadoulis.

“I’ve worked in cards before, I’ve been in the industry for like 10 years in various different positions, been to 1000s of card shows, events, things like that,” Manzo said. “I’ve always wanted to own a card store and I think anyone that really is in the hobby, their kind of subconscious dream is to own a card store at some point.”

Koenig said this likely won’t be the last such event.

“I think this was a program that was of interest to people who may not be frequent library users, and we certainly love to bring everybody in,” Koenig said. “So to have a program that appealed to a bit of a different audience was a wonderful thing for us and for Evolution Cards and Collectibles also.”

For more information on the store, visit EvolutionCard.shop.

To see upcoming events at the Island Park Public Library, IslandParkLibrary.org

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 sibling or a professional, may be the answer to such a heart-rending situation.

OCS delivers 650 Thanksgiving meals

Oceanside Community Service (OCS) marked its 35th year of Mission Thanksgiving on Nov. 27, mobilizing more than 50 volunteer drivers and scores of helpers to package and deliver more than 650 hot turkey dinners to families and first responders across the community.

Volunteers gathered early on Thanksgiving Day, where assembly lines were set up to pack individual meals. Outside the gym, 54 volunteer drivers waited to begin deliveries to 135 households, as well as to officers at Nassau County Police precincts, local fire departments and staff working the holiday shift at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

The operation was led by OCS President Bob Transom and Mission Thanksgiving chair Shelley Kleiman. The morning took on added meaning when Michael D’Ambrosio, representing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, presented Kleiman with a citation hon-

oring his longtime service to Oceanside. OCS officials said the event was a result of weeks of coordination by members who handled logistics, purchasing and distribution. Additional support came from the Knights of Columbus Fr. Joseph O’Connell Council 3481 and the Oceanside Community Warriors. Organizers also thanked culinary partners, including Delicious Moments Catering and Steve Pasetti of Pasetti’s Catering, for preparing large portions of the holiday food.

Mission Thanksgiving is one of OCS’s signature efforts in its more than 75-year history of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. In partnership with the Oceanside Federation of Teachers, OCS is also collecting toys for local children to enjoy during the holiday season.

— Abigail Grieco

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Broadway artist brings Native rhythm to OHS

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Broadway actor, composer and director Shaun Taylor-Corbett brought a vibrant lesson in culture and craft to Oceanside High School during a Nov. 24 workshop.

He led theater students through an immersive session in Native American song, dance and storytelling as part of the school’s Work-Based Learning program and Native American Heritage Month.

Taylor-Corbett, who grew up in Rockville Centre and is of Black, Blackfeet, Irish and Scandinavian descent, opened the workshop by sharing how a formative trip to the Blackfeet reservation in Montana at age 15 sparked a decadeslong connection to his roots. He told students that understanding his identity continues to guide his artistic work, and that the Blackfeet worldview holds lessons that reach far beyond tribal culture.

Students took part in the creative process, learning the structure of a powwow song. In small groups, they matched drum rhythms with traditional movement as Taylor-Corbett kept time with a handheld drum. The session ended with all students gathering onstage to perform the full sequence they had learned.

For Oceanside High School senior Logan Bowe, an aspiring Broadway playwright, the day had a lasting impact.

Broadway actor, composer and director Shaun Taylor-Corbett shared his Native American culture, along with career information and advice, with OHS students in a Work-Based Learning experience that also marked Native American Heritage Month.

“We quickly realized that everyone could relate to his story and the larger idea of culture,” Bowe said. “His work blends elements of pop and powwow, and it made me realize I’m missing out by not looking deeper into my own culture.”

Bowe said that the hands-on experience challenged him in the best way.

“Keeping rhythm and singing new music pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “Seeing (Taylor-Corbett’s) passion was inspiring. You could really feel the importance of what he does.”

He added that meeting working art-

ists at this stage in his life is a rare advantage.

“Having consistent Work-Based Learning opportunities like these helps make connections,” Bowe said, “and I know that in the future I will be able to tell Shaun that I remember his story and these connections and relationships will help me succeed in the work I want to do.”

Taylor-Corbett’s career spans stage and screen, including “In the Heights” on Broadway; “The Artist,” a new television series debuting Nov. 27 with Mandy

Patinkin and Zachary Quinto; and “Distant Thunder,” the Off-Broadway musical he co-wrote with his mother, the late Tony-nominated choreographer Lynn Taylor-Corbett. The show follows a young man reconnecting with his Native culture after childhood separation, a narrative influenced by Taylor-Corbett’s own experiences.

As students filed out of the auditorium, the echoes of drumbeats and newly learned songs lingered — a reminder, several said, of how culture and craft can come together in unexpected ways.

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The members of White’s lifesaving team, including Nassau County Police Department officers, Oceanside and Baldwin firefighters and EMS staff and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s trauma team, with White and his parents.

Athlete reunites with his rescuers

During this season of giving thanks, Dante White, 21, and his parents, Theresa and Wayne White, welcomed the chance to reunite last week with the first responders and hospital team in Oceanside 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 on March 10 when he went for a run in his neighborhood. On his way home, he was struck by a car at 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. According to a release from Mount Sinai, if it weren’t for the members of the Oceanside and Baldwin 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 Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside where firefighters, EMS personnel and trauma team members gathered. “I was five

minutes away from dying.” The trauma team 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 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. After seven surgeries at the Oceanside hospital and Mount Sinai’s Manhattan hospital, he was given approval to run again.

“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. “As long as I’m alive, I’m good.”

— Allyson Ferrari

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2 Endo Boulevard,

District promotes confidence and independence

like,” Provvido explained. “If you have trouble with homework, how could you approach your teacher bravely instead of having one of your parents call?”

Oceanside High School is intertwining Let Grow with its existing “independence inventory” and the school’s popular “adulting panels,” in which experts and alumni teach practical skills. Students will be able to select skills they want to learn, such as banking basics or how to change a tire.

Much of the work happens at school, but educators stress that the shift is mostly a home-based one, focused on changing routines, expectations and habits.

“Parenting has changed since I was a kid,” Provvido said. “Community thrives when parents — the community itself — teachers and educators work together in the best interest of our kids and help them to be their best selves.”

For Erin Marone, principal of School No. 2 and a mother herself, the campaign has been eye-opening.

“This Let Grow movement, not only as a principal but as a parent, is helping me realize we have to give our children these responsibilities,” Marone said. “Yes, it’s easier if I do it, but how are they going to learn?”

She said she hopes families embrace the long view. “We think about the amount of students who graduate and

Courtesy Diane Provvido

parents feel.

“As a parent, we often struggle with the realization that our kids are growing up and we need to allow them to become more independent,” Stromer said. “But we still have that inner need to care for them and keep them safe.”

Stromer hopes her children — Ryan, 16, and Jesse, 13 — learn that independence doesn’t mean going it alone.

“When children are successful in new endeavors, it boosts confidence, but they also need to make friends with failure, to not be afraid that certain things may take time and practice to succeed at,” she said. “Developing independence can truly have an impact on feeling more confident, having higher self-esteem and more self-worth. To me, that is growing up strong.”

For many parents, the campaign is prompting its own kind of reflection — recognition that nurturing independence is as much about their growth as their children’s.

“You’re not a bad parent for giving your child independence,” Marone said. “You’re helping them.”

go into the workforce, college, trade school,” Marone said. “We need to prepare them for success, and that’s what we’re hoping Let Grow will slowly develop.”

She added that the campaign’s tim-

ing intentional, saying, “We’re giving a holiday gift that is invaluable.”

Oceanside parent Tara Stromer, who also works in the district and serves on the Parent University committee, said the initiative addresses a conflict many

Stromer echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the gift of independence is a gift for both parties. “It will allow us to diminish fears of letting go, watch our kids thrive and maybe have some help around the house,” she said. “Letting grow is also a bit of letting go.”

Districtwide effort to deliver Thanksgiving meals

nonprofit Oceanside Community Service, which partners with the schools each year to identify families and coordinate assistance. Together, they oversee a system that now spans the entire district.

Each of Oceanside’s schools contributed to the effort, funneling thousands of pounds of donated food to the high school, where student government and student council members sorted and packed the baskets. The food packages were boxed on Nov. 24, and delivered directly to homes the following day.

Depending on need, the Turkey Shoot provides complete Thanksgiving meals for between 130 to 180 local families each year. In some years, donation totals have climbed as high as 10,000 pounds of food.

The event traces its origins to 1986, when Tony Caiazza, dean of students and then advisor of the Varsity Leaders Club, approached Andy Morris, director of student projects, to create what became the first annual Turkey Shoot. Nearly four decades later, students agreed that the mission remains both urgent and personal.

Senior Abigail Maldonado, secretary of the student government’s senior officers, said the event deeply resonates with her.

“Because my family has been through some financial struggles, I know the importance of what it means to have food on Thanksgiving, and how it feels to need assistance,” Maldonado said. “It’s more than us looking good by helping out the community. It’s making sure kids, mothers, fathers, grandmas, grandpas, everyone in those homes, have something to eat.”

Maldonado said the comfort of a Thanksgiving meal carries weight.

“When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of the food that brings everyone together,” she said. “I can’t imagine letting people suffer through the pains of hunger.”

Aleena Zeejah, senior student government shared decision-maker, said the event offers perspective at a moment when pressures are high for many families.

“The whole point of Thanksgiving is being together and eating together,” Zeejah said. “To lift such a big burden on

some families, especially during a difficult time like the holidays, it is so rewarding. It’s important for students our age to see this perspective of life.”

Julia Hershkowitz, a junior officer shared decision-maker, said the Turkey Shoot captures the essence of the season of giving.

“It’s my favorite event of the whole year,” Hershkowitz said. “To make someone happy and give them something so generous, it’s truly a gift in itself.”

Senior class president Max Caine said the operation highlights what the district signifies.

“Not everyone is as fortunate as others, so it’s nice to be able to help anyone and everyone,” Caine said.

The prep work unfolded over hours in the high school, where rows of canned vegetables, stuffing mixes, pasta and festive treats were organized with assemblyline precision. Students who are officers in the General Organization, or G.O. — representatives for the entire school, such as secretary Macie Bronner and president Brian Reluzco — helped lead the detailed sorting, ensuring each basket had all the makings of a full holiday meal.

“We have our entire community come out,” Reluzco said. “Our PTA, our Board of Education, our superintendent, they’re all here. We have everyone come together, and we support our community. It wouldn’t be possible without everyone involved, honestly.”

Matthew Koeppel, senior G.O. vice president, said the Turkey Shoot offers students lessons beyond the classroom.

“It’s a very unique opportunity that we get to do this,” Koeppel said. “It is rewarding for both sides. It teaches us things that we wouldn’t usually do if we weren’t part of a project like this.”

For G.O. treasurer Jeremiah McDowald, seeing the rows of finished baskets lined up for delivery was the moment that captured the scale of the operation.

“I love being part of this,” McDowald said. “We have over 100 baskets, and having people help out our community means so much.”

As volunteers loaded cars for delivery on Nov. 25, students said they hoped every family that received a basket felt the care that went behind it.

Fire Commissioner seeks re-election, unopposed

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Vincent Staffa has spent nearly his entire life connected to the Oceanside Fire Department — first as a kid attending his father’s Sunday meetings and now as a commissioner seeking another fiveyear term in the upcoming election on Dec. 9.

“I think there’s still work to be done,” Staffa said.

Running unopposed in the election, Staffa says his motivation has not dulled in 35 years of service.

“The community is big for me,” Staffa said. “It always keeps me going.”

The Oceanside native has served on the Board of Fire Commissioners for the past decade. As a commissioner, Staffa is responsible for the acquisition of all property needed for the Oceanside Fire Department and ensuring residents tax dollars are used to provide the firefighters of Oceanside with the most advanced equipment needed.

This responsibility, he says, has grown more complex as costs rise and the stateimposed tax caps limit local funding.

“We try to keep our fleet up to date,” Staffa said. “It’s getting harder and harder to do, keeping the fleet in good condition, but still trying to do what’s right for the taxpayers and firefighters.”

This year, the district ordered a new fire truck costing more than $1.3 million — nearly double the cost of a similar rig a decade ago. Staffa said those financial realities make grants and outside support increasingly vital.

“Something we try to do, and we were very successful this year, was getting help from not only local officials, but federal officials as well,” Staffa said.

He credited Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Legislator Patrick Mullaney for helping secure funding for a new ambulance. The district also received a $750,000 federal grant for new self-contained breathing apparatuses — equipment that would have cost more than $1 million to replace.

Staffa said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is the revival of the department’s Junior Program. Once a thriving initiative, it faded out about 15 years ago. Two years ago, the district brought it back, drawing 30 teens between the ages of 14 and 18.

“We have them doing almost everything we do,” Staffa said. “We have them train at our training facility.”

Several program graduates have since joined the department, helping to sustain the volunteer force.

“Volunteers are tough to get,” he said. To reach younger residents where they communicate the most, Staffa said he plans to broaden the district’s online presence.

“We’re starting to upgrade our social media,” Staffa said. “It’s not just Facebook anymore; there’s Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. We plan to get these younger people in and listening. We want

to keep up to date with online happenings because if you’re not on it, you don’t know what’s going on.”

The district has also expanded its community services. Ten members recently completed training to install child safety seats.

“We’re always available,” he added. “We’re willing to get involved with the community as much as possible.”

Looking ahead, Staffa’s top priority is completing a district-wide radio system upgrade. The department needs about 80 radios but currently has only 25 to 30. Securing funding, he said, is essential for firefighter safety.

Staffa said the work is stepped in tradition — the same tradition he grew up with. His father served with the department for 25 years, and as a child, Staffa would tag along to meetings and help out around the station. That early sense of belonging continues to shape how he sees the department’s role.

“Being firemen is not only helping us but helping our neighbors,” Staffa said. “It works out for both the department and the community. Providing comfort to people in a vulnerable time is something that we are able to do for our neighbors.”

While challenges remain, Staffa said he is driven by the team around him.

“None of this would be possible without the professionalism and dedication of the firefighters, paid EMS personnel and district employees,” he said.

The community, he added, is always at the heart of what they do.

“Everyone has to have a great support system, you can never have enough,” Staffa said. “So, if you have one at home, we’re like an extra layer. If you don’t have one at home, we are the first ones to be there for you. It’s a great feeling to keep that tradition going.”

HOST: RABBI ANCHELLE PERL

CO-HOST: JAY OLIVER KIVE STRICKOFF

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.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

DEC

LuminoCity

Festival

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

Winter Market Vendor Fair

Be part of the Friedberg JCC’s festive Winter Market Vendor Fair, share and collect products with our vibrant community! For vendors, set up your booth, showcase your handmade or brand name goods! For those attending, join us for an evening filled with warmth and local connection before the holiday rush begins.

• Where: Friedberg JCC, 15 Neil Court, Oceanside

• Time: 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-4341

DEC

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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

DEC 16

Elon Gold

DEC

7

Oceanside Community Warriors Toy Drive

Give the gift of joy this holiday season! Donate new, unwrapped toys for local children and hospital patients in need of a little extra magic this season. Toys are needed for infants through teens.

• Where: VFW Post 5199, 397 Weidner Ave.

• Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Trees for Troops

DEC

8

Dee’s Nursery holds its annual Trees for Troops. Donated Christmas trees from The Dees’ farm are sent to service members overseas. All are welcome to participate in the big send off!

• Where: The Dees Nursery, 69 Atlantic Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516 )678-3535

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..

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

2025 Holiday Light Show Experience

Oceanside’s Eric Wilzig hosts his annual holiday light show for eight nights only! With all money going towards Blood Cancer United, Wilzig has over 20,000 lights synchronized to music. Kpop Demon Hunters and Benson Boone are this year’s highlights. With a 25-foot mega tree dreidels, menorahs, sparklers and some surprises!. All are welcome!

• Where: 160 E Lexington Ave.

• Time: 6-9 p.m., also Dec. 6, Dec. 12-13, Dec. 19- 21 and Dec. 23

Sounds of the Season

Come home for the holidays as Jay Daniels brings you a holiday sing-along at Island Park Library. It’s a celebration of DEC

6

winter with “Winter Wonderland” and “Let It Snow”; remembrance of traditions with “Adeste Fideles” and “The Dreidel Song,” and more.

• Where: 176 Long Beach Road

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: islandparklibrary.org or (516) 432-0122

Lights on the Green

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce welcomes all to Lights on the Green. Enjoy seasonal fun with holiday crafts, hot chocolate, cookies, food trucks and more!

• Where: Oceanside Schoolhouse Green, 65 Foxhurst Road

• Time: 5 p.m.

• Contact: (301) 299-0693

On stage

The Oceanside Theatre Guild presents “Carnival!, “the charming 1961 Broadway musical inspired by the film “Lili. “A romantic and bittersweet tale, the show follows a French girl who finds herself drawn into the world of a traveling circus. Under the direction of Bruce Bider, the Guild builds on its recent productions with this whimsical musical.

• Where: School No. 6, 25 Castleton Court.

• Time: 8 p.m., also Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 678-1200

Shops at Dox

Dox Bar and Kitchen hosts a “Shops at Dox” Holiday Market! Shop for the holidays, celebrate the season and enjoy live music. Vendors include handbags, jewelry, accessories, clothing, monogramming, housewares and more.

• Where: 10 Broadway, Island Park

• Time: Noon-7 p.m., also Dec. 7

• Contact: (516) 992-2222

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 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

Let’s Meet and Network on Long Island

Join in this free monthly community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening with separate checks.

• Where: IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Contact: Register at lmnoli.com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053

DEC

11

9 Island Park Village of Lights

The Village of Island Park hosts holiday decorating contest! Residents are requested register their homes via email by Dec. 11. Judging is on Dec. 14, after which the winners will be announced. Both homes and businesses can be registered!

• Contact: staff@villageofislandpark.com

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 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE LOAN

TRUST 2007-1XS MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-1XS, -againstMELISSA DELAPAZSMITH, 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 15, 2024, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-1XS MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES

2007-1XS is the Plaintiff and MELISSA DELAPAZ-SMITH, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM, the premises known as 3182 MESSICK AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; tax map identification 43-288-28, 29, 30; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND SATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004456/2016. John J. Fellin, Esq., as 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. 156752

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC Plaintiff, Against

JOHN ARLO AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO FRANK ARLO; JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DISTRIBUTEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF THE ESTATE OF FRANK ARLO, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 09/16/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 12/12/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 82 California Place S, Island Park, NY 11558, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Island Park-Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, State of New York.

Section 43 Block 105 Lots 20, 21 & 22; and Section 43 Block 105 Lot 119

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $699,800.01 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 609404/2022

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Stuart Moskowitz, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 10/21/2025

File Number: 22-301016 CA 156748

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wilmington Trust, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for MFRA Trust 2016-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Maria Piccini a/k/a Maria E. Piccini; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 8, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 3260 Shore Road, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 43. Block 398 Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $671,204.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 613431/2019. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.

Fabiana Ida Talarico, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: November 7, 2025 157051

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs.

JACK T. REICH, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2 Redfield Road, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Island Park, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 9 and Lot 197. Approximate amount of judgment is $260,522.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612970/2023. Cash will not be accepted.

Francis X. McQuade, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157045

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for The Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Margaret Mendez, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 147 Madison Avenue, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land,

NEWS BRIEF

Kindness Kids spread holiday cheer

A volunteer group of high school and middle school students joined School No. 4’s Kindness Club last week to holiday cards for patients at Mount Sinai South Nassau, extending a months-long effort to spread encouragement across the community.

The district’s Kindness Club, advised by teacher Ashley Blum, has become so popular that she split it into two semesters to accommodate demand. This fall, members have created cards for veterans and for With Arms Wide Open, a nonprofit that support families of children with special needs. Students also rotate as “Kindness Officers,” greeting classmates each morning with high-fives, smiles and upbeat messages.

The visiting groups, known as the Kindness Kids, is a student-run non -

with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 43, BLOCK: 140, LOT: 21, 22, 46, 47. Approximate amount of judgment is $712,578.25 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 603718/2024. For sale information, please

53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-097633-F00 87918 157011

profit formed by local high schoolers to organize service projects and inspire other young people to take part. Founding members include Oceanside High School seniors Inigo and Chelsea, who returned to School No. 4 for the holiday card-making visit. The organization has grown to include younger students like students from the Oceanside Middle School.

Inigo said the group is preparing for a smooth handoff when its senior founders head to college.

“We already have members who are ready to take over leadership,” he said.

Both clubs plan to continue partnering on future projects aimed at lifting spirits in Oceanside and beyond.

— Abigail Grieco

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EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City

is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

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

MEDIA

MULTI

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $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

Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

HomesHERALD

Beachside Beauty

This stunning oceanfront retreat is perfectly positioned on the Atlantic, offering panoramic water views from private decks on all three levels, including a beachfront deck, a main-level terrace, and an exclusive balcony off the luxurious primary suite. The primary suite also features

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

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

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.

917-743-7695 Leave Message

Finds Under $100

TUPPERWARE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Vintage set, lights up, 12 pieces total including 5 buildings, $55, 516-884-9994.

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Cleaning Services

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Wanted

OPINIONS

To find personal peace, get involved in giving back

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary meaning of peace is: a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations; a state or period of mutual concord between governments; or a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity. To achieve true peace, I believe it is important for people to first feel peace internally — a state of tranquility or quiet. Personal peace is often not discussed as much as it should be. If there is peace within oneself, it is easier to find peace in a non-peaceful world.

Creating an environment of peace and calm can be challenging when distraction and lack of attention seem to be the default for many people today. Peace is something that can be modeled

Hby our family, friends, mentors, community and leaders. When you see what peaceful behavior looks like from people around you, you start to feel peace. Perhaps that feeling is like a softening in your body, a sense of stability, confidence, grounding and reduced emotional reaction. When you’re in a state of peace, it creates a space, a pause and a chance to breathe and choose a thoughtful response rather than an emotional reaction.

There are many ways for people to develop their own peace. For example, sitting quietly, spending time with a pet, taking a nature walk, talking to a friend, reading, writing, joining organizations with like-minded people and giving back to the community. When people give back, the community benefits, as do those doing the giving, with surges of happiness and feelings of purpose.

the Four Way Test, a reminder to make sure we live up to the Rotary standards of truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship.

elping others makes you happy and gives you a feeling of purpose.

I get this feeling of peace when I work with my local Rotary Club, which offers access to an international organization of like-minded people who believe in fellowship, strengthening communities and overall peace. We begin every Rotary meeting by reciting

If those in warring factions and nations could find ways to develop inner peace, there could be a lot less conflict. In a peaceful state of mind, they might be more likely to achieve a positive outcome for situations in which a collective effort leads to greater benefit, a win-win where the parties gain more than they initially possessed, rather than fixed outcomes in which one side’s gain is the other’s loss. When people just look out for themselves in a zero-sum fashion, they create feelings of isolation and lack of support. This sense of loneliness can also lead to higher levels of emotional dysregulation. Decisions made in a dysregulated, non-peaceful state of mind are often emotionally reactive, not helpful and not thoughtful.

As humans being, we want to thrive in our world — in our nation, in our community, in our group of friends and in our family. To make ourselves feel better, it is essential to support and

encourage one another to be the best we can instead of putting others down. If someone you know gets a big job promotion or achieves something new, you should be genuinely happy for them, not jealous of them. This also creates a sense of peace in ourselves instead of anger, anxiety or comparison.

During peaceful times, individuals, communities and nations can prosper. Being in a constant state of war or violence toward others or oneself leads only to agitation and turmoil. When we’re more connected to one another we are less isolated, feel supported and experience less emotional distress and more peace.

I encourage you to think about ways to connect more, perhaps by joining a community organization, getting involved in a social group or taking up a hobby. Take your attention off a screen, off social media and off parasocial relationships in which you get empty calories, thinking you’ve found peace but are just being led by an algorithm toward a zero-sum conflict. Remember that being a human is messy and difficult, but that is where the true peace of mind, body and soul are found.

Jordan Pecora, who lives in Rockville Centre, is the immediate past president of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club.

How tackling racism broadened my horizons

As 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.

THERALD

Dialing down the holiday stress

he 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

An annual fundraising display on Messick Avenue — Oceanside

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.