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5K fun lights up village streets

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Play 4 Mary basketball event raises funds, hope By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Courtesy Pat McGuire

long Island champions

South Side High School’s girls’ volleyball team captured the Long Island Class A title Nov. 12 with a five-set victory over Half Hollow Hills West. Story, additional photos, page 6.

The gym at St. Agnes Cathedral School pulsed with energy and emotion last weekend — a swirl of gold ribbons, bouncing basketballs and young athletes playing with a purpose far bigger than the score. With every basket and every cheer, the community honored a girl they’ve never forgotten — the late Mary Ruchalski, who died of rhabdomyosarcoma when she was 12— raising $5,000 for the Mary Ruchalski Foundation at the school’s third annual Play 4 Mary event. From Friday evening through Sunday, dozens of CYO basketball players on the school’s Stags teams dedicated their home games to the foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research and families of Continued on page 24

PBA drive brings food and toys to needy families By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

On a crisp morning in Rockville Centre, a steady stream of cars rolled into the village police headquarters parking lot — not in response to an emergency, but to answer a call from their neighbors. The Rockville Centre Police Benevolent Association hosted its third annual Drive-Up Food Drive last Saturday, and this year the tradition included a heartfelt twist: a toy drive was added to help bring holiday comfort to families served by the Hispanic Brotherhood Food Pantry, on Maple Avenue.

The PBA collected beans, canned goods, juice, pasta, rice, tomato sauce, tuna, vegetable oil and unwrapped toys outside police headquarters on Maple Avenue. Donors drove through and handed their contributions to volunteers — many of them off-duty village police officers who spent their day lending a hand to help residents in need. In previous years, roughly 200 cars have pulled up and dropped off donations, and organizers said this year’s turnout was similar. The PBA promoted the event heavily on social media and throughout the village. It was held the same day as the village’s annu-

al 5K and Family Fun Run, a strategic choice to capture the attention of residents and visitors passing the station. “We wanted to do a toy drive for a while, and we really didn’t know the best way to make sure the Rockville Centre community gets that benefit,” PBA President Mike Rollo said. “The 5K runs right by our police station. We get as much exposure as possible and help people during the holiday season beyond food, which is kind of our goal.” This marks the second year of the PBA’s partnership with the Hispanic Brotherhood, and the organization’s executive director, Marguerite Keller,

attended last weekend’s event. Rollo first reached out to her two years ago, she said, at a time when the food pantry shelves were nearly bare heading into the holidays. “We’re part of the community — we’ve always been a part of the community,” Keller said. “For the community to give back to us in the form of food

that we can then turn around and give to those in need, it’s just huge.” Village officials also showed their support. Mayor Francis X. Murray joined members of the village board to thank the volunteers and donors. “They’re volunteering to collect food for the needy of RockContinued on page 23

November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Photos courtesy Gene Vassel

Rockville Centre students proudly displayed their handmade “Thank You for Your Service” posters during the Ninjas4Veterans event at the American Legion on Nov. 10. The group later delivered the posters and treats to 99 local veterans.

‘Ninjas’ secretly surprise village veterans with love By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

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Several Rockville Centre families gathered at the American Legion on Maple Avenue on Nov. 10 to take part in a heartfelt community project: making posters to honor local veterans. The event, organized by Ninjas4Veterans and founded by Rockville Centre residents Gene and Anne Vassel, brought together 92 students from more than 50 families, along with volunteers, to show appreciation for those who have served in the U.S. military. Tables were covered with poster boards, markers, and bags of candy as children and parents worked side by side to create colorful “Thank you for your service – Happy Veterans Day” signs. During the event, guest speaker Michael F. O’Leary, a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Navy, shared a few words about his experience while serving in Vietnam and expressed his gratitude to the families for supporting veterans in the community. When the posters were complete, the young “ninjas” headed out across Rockville Centre for their annual mission. They quietly visited the homes of 99 veterans, hung the posters on front doors, left a bag of treats, rang the doorbell, and ran away—anonymously spreading Veterans Day cheer. “It was the first time having an event at the American Legion, which is quite fitting,” said co-founder Gene Vassel. “It was a great event.” As the event approached a decade, Ninjas4Veterans has continued to grow since its founding. This year’s event recognized the largest number of veterans so far, with 99 homes receiving posters and treats. The idea has inspired other chapters in other areas on Long Island, New York City, and New Jersey. Each group shares

Vietnam veteran Michael F. O’Leary spoke with Rockville Centre students as they created Veterans Day posters during the Ninjas4Veterans event. the same mission of honoring veterans while raising money for organizations such as Rangers Lead the Way and Rivers to Recovery. “It makes the veterans feel great because they’re being recognized on Veterans Day,” Gene Vassel said. “And it’s just a fun way of doing it. It’s like ghosting and booing, but for Veterans Day. It’s all around just a good time.” Vassel said the feedback from both families and veterans has been overwhelmingly positive. Some veterans’ families have shared photos of the posters on social media, thanking the “ninjas” for their thoughtful surprise. “Without the community, it wouldn’t be possible,” Vassel said. “It’s just great to see young people excited to appreciate and honor the veterans that are in our community.” If you know of a veteran who would like to receive a custom poster next year, you can e-mail GeneVassel at Ninjas4Vets@gmail.com.

Locals shine in annual 5K village race

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

Local residents hit the ground running last Saturday as hundreds of residents laced up for the annual Village of Rockville Centre 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run, transforming the village streets into a blur of color, cheers, and pre-holiday energy. The event drew participants of all ages. The 5K race kicked off on Front Street, between North Village Avenue and North Centre Avenue, then wound onto Maple Avenue before climbing up Brower Avenue. From there, runners joined Hempstead Avenue for a long stretch before looping back toward finish, navigating through N. Village Avenue and returning along Front Street to cross the line. In the end, Rockville Centre natives swept the podium in the men’s 5K race on Nov. 15, with James Albarella winning with a time of 17 minutes, 57.13 seconds. Kevin Dunbar finished just over a minute later and Peter Bechhoff crossed the finish line in just over 19 minutes. Rockville Centre’s Samantha Augeri was the top woman finisher with a time of 19:30.34, almost 25 seconds ahead of fellow villager Mary Kate Giordano. Matty Lemley (Boys 1-9), Emma Lombardo (Girls 10-14), Madeline McKenna (Girls 15-19), and Harrison Walley (Boys 15-19) all won their respective age groups while representing Rockville Centre.

Michael Rechter/Herald photos

Nearly 400 people competed in the 5K race through the streets of Rockville Centre on Nov. 15.

Top Finishers 5K Race Men 1. James Albarella, RVC, 17:57.13 2. Kevin Dunbar, RVC, 18:57.49 3. Peter Bechhoff, RVC, 19:08.89 4. Brody Hoffman, Levittown, 19:26.35

First-place winners Samantha Augeri and James Albarella were honored after the race by Rockville Centre Village Trustees Katie Conlon and Kathleen Baxley and Legislator Scott Davis.

5. Conor Lynch, Sayville, 19:29.33

5K Race Women 1. Samantha Augeri, RVC, 19:30.34 2. Mary Kate Giordano, RVC, 19:55.19 3. Sibel Canlar, NYC, 21:10.39 4. Meghan Wilken, South Hempstead, 21:14.79 5. Fiona Haegeland, Cold Spring Harbor, 23:38.58 The Musa Family of Rockville Centre got plenty of exercise competing in the event.

Rockville Centre’s Peter Bechhoff finished third in the 5K race after completing the course in just over 19 minutes.

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On Nov. 15, a motorist reported that their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which fled the scene while parked in Municipal Parking Field #3.

On Nov. 11, Jason Reid, 33, of Jamaica, N.Y., was arrested and charged with assault and criminal obstruction of breathing while receiving medical treatment at Mercy Hospital.

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On Nov. 10, Jason Shure, 34, of Rockville Centre, was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief after an investigation at his residence.

On Nov. 10, a motorist reported that a vehicle was stolen from their driveway. The vehicle was tracked and recovered a short time later, parked and unoccupied, in Brooklyn.

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one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.” — Hugh Sidey “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” — Kahlil Gibran “The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.” — Dalai Lama “Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing” — William Shakespeare “As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.” — Helen Keller

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On Nov. 13, the Rockville Centre Police Department conducted an intensified traffic enforcement detail throughout the village, focusing on improving roadway safety and ensuring compliance with traffic laws. During the operation, officers issued a total of 40 traffic tickets, including 12 for speeding, reflecting their commitment to reducing dangerous driving behaviors and maintaining a safer environment for all who travel through the community.

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November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

11/17/25 11:22 AM

The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just

have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.

November 9 – November 16

Year To Date

General Alarms – 3 Still Alarms – 7 Rescue – 4 Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 49 Mutual Aid Fire – 0 Mutual Aid Rescue – 0 Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0 Total – 63

General Alarms – 402 Still Alarms – 261 Rescue – 162 Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 2074 Mutual Aid Fire – 72 Mutual Aid Rescue – 2 Mutual Aid Ambulance – 8 Total – 2981

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Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The Rockville Centre Herald USPS 74660, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Rockville Centre Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $12.50 per quarter auto-pay or $60 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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HERALD SPORTS Cyclones capture L.I. title, head upstate By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

In sports, teams that breeze through regular seasons can sometimes be unprepared for adversity when postseason competition gets tougher. Case in point: South Side girls volleyball The Cyclones lost just once in 15 matches entering their Long Island championship contest against Half Hollow Hills West, and 11 of those wins came in straight sets, including the Nassau A title match against Plainedge the previous weekend. Slow starts have been the norm for South Side, according to coach Steve Mariano, and that pattern held when the Cyclones had to rally from an early 7-1 deficit to win the first set against the Red Devils. And on Nov. 12 against Half Hollow Hills West, they again found themselves in an 18-12 hole in the opening set before recovering with a 13-2 run. But the momentum didn’t carry over. The Colts won the second set 25-18 and the third 25-20, then put South Side’s season on the brink by jumping out to a 6-1 lead in the fourth. Mariano called a timeout to settle his team. “Honestly, I wasn’t concerned,” he recalled. “This team has fought back from being down four, five, six points literally throughout the playoffs. Even though we won a lot of matches in three in the playoffs, a lot of those games were challenging. We were down by quite a bit, especially in the beginning.” The Cyclones rewarded Mariano’s faith by winning the fourth set 25-18 and taking the fifth more comfortably, 15-5, to claim their first Long Island championship since 2002. Senior Amy Berenbroick finished with 46 assists for South Side, which lost to Sayville in the same game last year. There was one more hurdle before their long-awaited return to states: the Class A Southeast Regional title match against Rye at John Jay High School in Cross River last Saturday. The Cyclones again started slowly and dropped the first set 25-13, but rebounded to outlast

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Allie Fingleton had 9 kills to help the Cyclones beat Rye last Saturday to punch their ticket upstate. the Garnets 25-22 in the second. On the 25th point, junior Lena Miller’s kill attempt was blocked by a Rye player with such force that the ball ricocheted off South Side’s Allie Fingleton and sailed back over the net into the Garnets’ side, where it wasn’t returned. “There were some crazy points in that match,” Mariano said. South Side jumped out to 10-4 and 17-7 leads in the third set and didn’t look back in a 25-17 win. The Cyclones held a 21-17 lead in the fourth before Rye rallied and fought off South Side’s first match point with an ace that tied the set at 24. That led to a wild sequence that eventually sealed the victory. Senior Keira Mullaney’s two kills, along with ones by Fingleton and Miller, set up match points that Rye answered each time. With the score tied at 28, Miller notched her 11th and final kill, and

Erik Lee/Herald photos

South Side won a five-set marathon over Half Hollow Hills West to capture the Long Island Class A title Nov. 12. sophomore Catlin Ferrari followed with one on the next volley for the win. Ferrari has been a closer of sorts for South Side in the playoffs, also finishing off Plainedge with a powerful swing in the third set. “It’s incredible,” Mariano said. “Not every team gets the chance to even play for a regional championship, because some teams go straight to states. Our section happened to have to play a regional this year to get in. I told the girls, ‘Don’t look at it as it not being fair; look at it as an opportunity to win a championship that other teams don’t have the opportunity to win.’ They embraced that.” Mullaney led the team with 19 kills,

Fingleton had 9, and Ferrari collected 7. “We worked really hard in practice,” said senior libero Maeve Britt. “We know we deserved these opportunities, so we just wanted to play to our potential. And we also have such a great team chemistry on and off the court that we all work hard for each other and we trust each other.” South Side will now travel to Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls to compete for its second state championship in program history and its first since 1993. The Cyclones will compete in pool play against Islip, Burnt Hills, and Williamsville South this Friday, with the top two teams advancing to Saturday’s championship match.

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

HERALD SPORTS

South Side falls in hard-fought semifinal By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Thirteen yards. That’s how close the South Side football team was to reaching the Nassau Conference III final, from competing for a third county championship in school history. The second-seeded Cyclones instead met in the Hofstra end zone for a final time this season following an 18-15 loss to third-seeded Bethpage Sunday night at Shuart Stadium. “Our team has figured out ways all year long to put the ball in the end zone,” South Side head coach Phil Onesto said. “It’s just one of those things, a couple of inches here or there, and that decides the game.” Bethpage advances to meet fourth-seeded Wantagh in the county championship this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. back at Hofstra. The Warriors edged topseeded Carey, 21-14, in the other semifinal. “All four teams that were playing in our conference had a shot to be the champions at the end of the day, two close games we had,” Onesto said. “Bethpage is a great team, we knew that going in, we knew it was going to be a nail-biter, and that’s what it was. No shame in losing to a good team.” Connor McNulty connected with Kieran Vetter for a 31-yard touchdown to give the Cyclones a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Bethpage running back Chase Solliday (16 carries, 163 yards) responded with a pair of touchdown runs in the second quarter to put the Golden Eagles up 12-7 before Vetter beat Bethpage’s Liam Farrell to a jump ball at the 9-yard line and ran in for a 24-yard touchdown. McNulty connected with AJ Magaraci on the 2-point conversion to give South Side a 15-12 lead with 1.1 seconds left in the first half. The Cyclones had a chance to extend that lead, but James LiPetri intercepted McNulty at the 13-yard line with 8:22 left in the third quarter. Bethpage (9-1) then marched 77 yards in nine plays, capped by Solliday’s third touchdown run, a 6-yard score, to give the Golden Eagles an 18-15 lead with 3:50 left in the third quarter. South Side (7-3) made big plays in the fourth quarter — Vetter forced and recovered a fumble at the Bethpage 44-yard line with 7:01 left, and Magaraci had a big fourth-down conversion to again get the Cyclones to the 13-yard line. But on 4th-and-5 from the 15-yard line with 52 seconds left, Bethpage’s Vincent Morice came up with his team’s third pick of the game to close out the game. “I thought we had a great game plan on offense, defense, and special teams,” Onesto said. “It’s just a couple of missed opportunities here and there. But as far as the effort, it was across the board. All our guys played their hearts out.”

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Kieran Vetter caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Connor McNulty in the Cyclones’ 18-15 conference II semifinal defeat to Bethpage.

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Student’s self-portrait earns recognition By ISABELLA PLANTE Intern

Gabriela Guizzo, a senior at South Side High School, earned a spot in the 2025 Nassau County High School Juried Art Exhibition for her striking colored-pencil self-portrait. Guizzo began the piece over the summer, determined to create a final, portfolio-defining work that showcased the skills she has developed throughout her artistic career. A dedicated IB Visual Arts and Art Explorations student, she displayed her portrait at the Art Guild of Port Washington, where it was publicly exhibited on Nov. 2. Her work stood out among submissions from across the county, highlighting both her technical ability and her emerging artistic voice. Guizzo said her goal for the piece was to fully capture the anatomy of a hand. “I’ve never really done any drawings where a hand is a main focal point,” Guizzo said, adding that she wanted to “really push the saturation with the colors and get all the textures of the skin.” That dedication to technique drove her creative choices and fueled the more than 100 hours she invested in the portrait over the summer. “I chose fine pencils because of the amount of precision you can get with the details and the really fine lines,” she said. “But I think I’m inspired by a lot of portrait artists.” Keith Gamache, Guizzo’s art teacher, said he recognized her talent from the start. He recalled first noticing her work as a freshman, when one of her pieces was displayed in the hallway by another teacher.

“Her work just instantly stood out then, and continues to stand out from her peers,” Gamache said. He explained that the piece featured in the Guild exhibition emphasizes her strengths, praising her hyper-realist style and remarkable level of detail. “She’s drawn down to the pores in the skin when you look at it closely,” he said. The portrait, created entirely with colored pencil, is not only technically impressive but also “emotionally powerful.” Gamache added that her art is “flawless, really for her age and surpasses most people in general.” Jill Guizzo, Gabriela’s mother, said she recognized her daughter’s talent from the moment she could “touch crayons.” As she watched Gabriela’s skills develop, she noticed early signs of the photorealistic quality that now defines her work. “Even at a very young age, she was able to be more realistic than you would expect,” Jill Guizzo said. “I think the moment I realized, ‘Wow, she is a portrait artist,’ was when she found my favorite photo of my two girls and painted it so incredibly beautifully.” She was referring to a portrait Gabriela created of Jill’s daughters, Gabriela and her sister, Paloma. Guizzo’s artwork has earned multiple honors from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in both 2024 and 2025, including Silver Keys for her pieces “First Place” and “Above the World” in the drawing and illustration category. She also received honorable mentions for three additional works, further highlighting the consistency and range of her artistic talent.

Courtesy Jill Guizzo

Gabriela Guizzo’s colored-pencil self-portrait showcases her detailed rendering of facial expression and hand anatomy, earning her a place in the county’s juried art exhibition.

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High schoolers meet Broadway at Molloy By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Long Island High School Theatre Festival returned to Molloy University for an action-packed day for area high school students. This fourthannual event gave students a chance to learn tips and tricks from the world of theater. Molloy brought together roughly 200 students from South Side and nine other Long Island high schools for a day of collaborative activities, performances and workshops. Each session was designed to build skills and provide meaningful connections with peers and theater professionals. This year’s festival, held on Nov. 7, had a special twist with the return of Molloy CAP21 alum Diego Enrico to the Madison Theatre stage. Enrico, now a Broadway star playing Elder Cunningham in “The Book of Mormon,” shared his experiences with the students. “It’s really fun to be back so soon to the Madison Theatre,” he said. “And it’s super nostalgic. Having been around the country doing shows and performing in different theaters, I sort of took this space for granted in college. It’s really a nice full-circle moment to come back and experience it in a totally different light.” The festival began inside the theater, where students were introduced to Enrico. “Diego is an alum of the program here,” said James Bulleri, department operations director for CAP21. “We run a BFA musical theater program at CAP21 and we’re really proud of all of our alums.” Enrico assured students that he was there to offer encouragement and guidance. “There’s so many voices telling you so many different things,” Enrico said. “I remember what that feeling was like, and looking for who I was in that moment was scary. I’m sure a lot of you are going through the same thing, but just know that you’re not alone in that situation.” After his keynote, students had the

Photos courtesy Molloy University

Approximately 200 high school students across Long Island participated in collaborative group activities and workshops at Molloy. opportunity to ask questions before moving to their designated workshops. “This is an opportunity for students to come to Molloy and not only experience Molloy itself, but also to explore what they can do in theater,” Bulleri said. Students participated in hands-on workshops including acting, choreography, and improvisation, with one workshop led by Enrico himself. Meanwhile, teachers from each visiting high school attended a session on high school theater production. Each student could visit three workshops. “Meeting and working with Diego was so inspiring,” said Ben Behar, a student who attended the festival. “He taught me that no matter what, I’m always the best version of myself—and that who I am can serve so many different purposes, both on stage and in everyday life. Being in the same room with a professional actor who’s now on Broadway was truly life-changing.” For more information on Molloy’s CAP21 program, visit Molloy.edu.

High school students got the opportunity to refine their skills with professionals at the festival. Diego Enrico spoke at his alma mater, as this year’s keynote speaker for the Long Island High School Theatre Festival.

Each teen was bestowed with the intelligence and teachings from the CAP21 program during their visit.

Molloy bringing Broadway to Carnegie Hall agriffin@liherald.com

Courtesy Molloy University

Molloy University and its CAP21 musical theatre program will host a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall on Nov. 25. known for training notable figures such as Kristen Bell, Lady Gaga and Matthew Morrison. CAP21 students split their studies between Molloy’s campus in Rockville Centre and its teaching facility in Lower Manhattan. Its most recent star, Nichelle Lewis, from the Class of ‘21, landed the iconic role of Dorothy in the 2024 Broadway revival of “The Wiz.” Among these Broadway stars, the CAP21 students will have the chance to join them on stage in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “We bring in talented students who

audition for this program from around the country,” said Molloy President James Lentini. “We have students from all over the U.S. here in our CAP21 program, so our own students will get a chance to be on stage.” The audience will get a taste of true Broadway with the South Shore Symphony, at a time when many other Broadway shows have scaled back to smaller bands. “There’s nothing I love more than a full orchestra,” Rudetsky said. “And it’s extremely devastating to me that Broadway now has literally nine people in a

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Put down the Playbill and see Broadway like you’ve never seen it before, right in Rockville Centre. Molloy University, in conjunction with its CAP21 musical theatre program, is hosting a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall, featuring Emmy-nominated Broadway personality Seth Rudetsky in “Seth Rudetsky and His Broadway Friends” on Nov. 25. All the secrets of Broadway will be revealed, leaving theatergoers with a deeper appreciation for the stage. “To think I’m really headlining a concert at Carnegie Hall, it’s very bizarre and amazing,” Rudetsky said. “It’s terrifying, but also really, really exciting.” The evening of music and storytelling will showcase the talents of Santino Fontana, Norm Lewis, Andrea Martin, Jessie Mueller and Will Swenson, alongside Long Island’s South Shore Symphony, for a memorable night on 7th Avenue. “Everyone’s gonna sing the song that they’re known for,” he said. “But then, in addition, they’re gonna sing these other amazing songs that have really fun stories attached to them, really comedic and fun inside stories.” This one-night-only event aims to spotlight the CAP21 program, a worldclass musical theatre conservatory

band. I mean, it’s unbelievable.” Over 60 members of the South Shore Symphony, led by conductor Aaron Gandy, will bring their music to life in a unique New York City event combining performance, conversation and on-stage collaboration with Rudetsky. “We’ve worked with [Gandy] before as a guest conductor,” said symphony president and Rockville Centre resident Wayne Lipton. “It’s really a tremendous amount of talent, singing songs, talking a little bit about their careers, and having Seth both interview and have a chance to play with the orchestra, it’s really a first big attempt at something in New York City.” Molloy’s CAP21 program offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre, blending academic studies with training in acting, dance, movement, stagecraft and voice. Students also receive professional development in audition technique and career preparation for working with industry professionals in New York City. “Molloy’s reputation continues to grow,” Lentini said. “Here we are on Long Island, a Catholic school in the Dominican tradition, lots of universities in New York, and we are building more of a national footprint with programs like CAP21 that recruit students nationally.” For more information and to buy tickets, visit CarnegieHall.org.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN

Gillen weighs in on government shutdown After voting against last week’s reopening, she underscores the importance of affordable health care By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended after 43 days of uncertainty for those employed by the government or dependent on federally funded social programs. One of the many Democrats who voted against the agreement to end the shutdown was the 4th Congressional District’s Rep. Laura Gillen, because of Republicans’ refusal to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. “I believe that we can fund the government and we can also make sure that people don’t lose their health insurance,” Gillen said, “and we’re doing everything we can to help the American people face the cost-of-living crisis that we are dealing with across this country.” The bill to reopen the government passed by a vote of 222 to 209, and was signed into law by President Trump. Afterward, Gillen released a statement, saying, “The spending bill passed today does nothing to prevent hardworking Long Islanders from being priced out of their health care. I voted no.” During the shutdown, the work of non-essential departments was halted, while employees of vital departments continued working without pay. Now, about 800,000 federal employees who had been furloughed or working without compensation will start receiving paychecks again, with back pay. The effects of the shutdown continued to be felt for days. The spending package restored full funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through next September, but some of the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the program were still waiting for resumption of their benefits days after the

bill was signed. And disruptions in service at the nation’s airports were expected to continue. Throughout the shutdown, Gillen visited various community groups to see how it was affecting them, including Long Island Cares, Innovative Daycare and a variety of Black- and brown-owned businesses throughout the district. “The hunger of our seniors and veterans should not be a political tool,” she said. Gillen will be up for re-election next year. Since the election of New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Gillen has had a message for her constituents: “I am extraordinarily different.” “My district knows me,” she said. “I was the first Democrat in 112 years to get elected in the town of Hempstead as a supervisor, and I’m going to run the same way I ran before, and that is as a centrist, moderate, fiscally prudent and responsible leader who actually wants to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done.” Gillen expressed her intent to stay focused on the issues, national and local. “The most important thing is we need to be working in a bipartisan fashion to start fixing these problems — addressing the cost of health care, addressing the cost of groceries, addressing the cost of utilities, and finding concrete, fiscally responsible ways to solve these problems,” she said. Gillen’s office can put community members who are struggling in touch with local support groups. “Our district staff office is extremely attentive to the calls that come in,” she said. “If they need help with information about how to contact the (health care) exchange or how to access certain benefits, we provide that information to them.” Gillen’s office can be reached at (516) 739-3008.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen spoke to hundreds of her constituents about the state of the country at a town hall at Hofstra University in April.

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‘Puffs’ casts a spell on South Side students By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

South Side High School just got a little more magical as theater students prepare for the production of “Puffs”. This fast-paced romp follows “Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” by Matt Cox. During those seven years, a certain boy wizard conquered evil at this school, but this is not his story. The play offers a familiar yet fresh perspective, focusing on three potential heroes trying to survive a school of magic that proves to be full of danger. Among them are the “Puffs”, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a love of badgers. “Puffs” reimagines the classic story in the 1990s, combining laughter, fun, and important life lessons geared toward the students’ age group. “I hope that the audience will leave feeling some joy, but also get them thinking a little bit about transitions that are all around us, because the world’s changing all the time,” said Russell M. Dembin, theater teacher and co-advisor of the SSHS Drama Guild. “It’s a bit of a cliché to put it that way, but maybe with a slightly heightened awareness of what kids are experiencing.” Senior Reagan Zelles plays Wayne Hopkins, a kindhearted student determined to be a hero, despite living in the shadow of a boy with a certain scar. “Wayne has taught me the lessons of how you just have to find your own purpose, and how you find purpose in everyday things in your life,” she said. “You don’t have to do something extravagant to be an important person.” Playing Oliver Rivers, Wayne’s shy best friend, is

Courtesy Rockville Centre Schools

Magic comes to South Side High School in its production of “Puffs,” running Nov. 19–22. junior Matthew Connolly, who is also in SSHS’s IB theater class. “I resonate a lot with Oliver as a character, more so than my other roles that I’ve played,” he said. “It’s nice to really be able to play a character that I relate to so heavily. It’s sort of as if I’m just playing an exaggerated version of myself and an entirely different person.” Senior Amalia Breen plays Megan Jones, the gothic, misunderstood girl whom Oliver develops feelings for. “I hope the audience learns that no matter where you come from, you can find joy in what you do,” she said. “Even if you’re not happy with where you are or

the circumstances that have been handed to you, you can turn it in a positive way.” “Puffs” also features a narrator to set the scene, and SSHS’s is senior James Herard, 17. This is Herard’s first leading role at South Side, where he brings comedic flair to the show. “I’m very grateful for the experience of narrating the whole show,” he said. “I like it because I kind of get to watch the show myself, in a way, so that’s kind of cool.” The show will run from Nov. 19–22. For more information, visit SSHS.RVCSchools.org.

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Highlights of the utility’s spending plan for next year By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The Long Island Power Authority has released its proposed 2026 budget, emphasizing affordability, grid reliability and clean-energy investment. The plan also details stronger oversight of Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island under a renewed management contract, and continued cost-saving measures that aim to lower bills for customers across Long Island and the Rockaways.

The LIPA—PSEG relationship LIPA is a nonprofit public utility that owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaways, and PSEG Long Island operates that system under contract. Since 2014, PSEG has handled daily grid operations, maintenance and customer service on LIPA’s behalf. The new five-year contract extension, effective Jan. 1, enhances oversight and accountability while maintaining the operational partnership. The agreement reduces management fees by an estimated $17 million and expands cost-control requirements. It also increases the number of measurable performance metrics, covering reliability, customer experience and fiscal management. LIPA officials say this framework ensures that PSEG’s performance will better align with affordability and clean energy goals through greater transparency and operational discipline.

Core spending plan and bill savings

Long-term plan, and public hearings

LIPA’s proposed 2026 operating budget totals about $4.4 billion, alongside a $1 billion capital plan supporting reliability, grid modernization and clean-energy infrastructure. The typical residential customer is projected to see a 3.3 percent decrease in their electric bill, roughly $6.53 less per month than in 2025. This reduction reflects a projected $219 million drop in power supply costs, driven by lower on-Island generation, decreased Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative allowance expenses and savings from the new Power and Fuel Management Services Agreement. The capital budget will rise roughly 3.1 percent, mainly due to refueling costs tied to LIPA’s 18 percent ownership stake in the Nine Mile Point 2 nuclear power plant. Despite inflation and higher labor costs, LIPA projects flat overall operating expenses, while maintaining around $1 billion in annual reliability investments.

LIPA’s long-term fiscal sustainability plan aims to reduce its debt-to-asset ratio from a projected 78 percent in 2025 to 70 percent by 2030, supporting stronger credit ratings and long-term financial health. The 2026 budget reflects roughly $1.4 billion in cumulative cost savings, equal to about 33 percent of customer bills, the result of over a decade of cost-control initiatives. The budget also includes $7.5 million for weatherization projects benefiting low- to moderate-income households, helping to reduce energy usage and improve affordability. Public hearings will be held on Nov. 24, at 10 a.m., at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge; and the same day, at 6 p.m., at LIPA headquarters in Uniondale, with a virtual option available. Written comments are due by Nov. 28, and the LIPA board of trustees will vote on the final budget on Dec. 17.

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Herald honors environmental leadership By ABBEY-ROSE SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

Across Long Island, a growing number of businesses are leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. From small family-owned shops to large companies embracing environmentally conscious practices, local enterprises are proving that environmental responsibility and economic success can go hand in hand. These efforts not only help reduce the region’s carbon footprint but also strengthen the local economy by inspiring innovation and creating green jobs. Nearly 30 local businesses gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage for an event hosted by the Herald, celebrating sustainability and community impact on Oct. 29 The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, who emphasized the importance of recognizing businesses that prioritize sustainability and help shape a greener future for Long Island. “It is a pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural GreenBiz Awards, where we come together to celebrate the businesses and individuals who are leading the charge for a more sustainable future, right here on Long Island,” he said. “Tonight, we honor those who are driving real change. Reducing waste, conserving energy and protecting the natural beauty that makes Long Island such a special place to live, work and raise our families.” The evening’s emcee, Jill Conway, is a former New York television news reporter and anchor with more than 20 years of experience. She is the founder of Powerful Women USA and host of the award-winning podcast Secrets of Powerful Women, and helped facilitate the event’s program. Part of the event’s ticket proceeds support Save the Sound, an organization dedicated to protecting Long Island and Connecticut’s land, air and water through science, legal action and community initiatives. Honoree Christine Kiourtsis, president of Renewable Recycling, Inc., was recognized in the Recycling category for her innovative work in textile and material recovery. Inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, she began recycling discarded mattresses and box springs, discovering that up to 90 percent of their materials can be reused. Through Renewable Recycling, Kiourtsis helps keep waste out of landfills, reduce transport costs and save taxpayer money. “It’s really important to utilize tax money in a better way than putting it in the dump,” Kiourtsis said. Marshall Brown, president and cofounder of Long Island Conservancy Spadefood Ecosystem Solutions, was honored in the Environmental Innovation category. Brown helped create a film called A River Between Us that led to the largest environmental restoration project in U.S. history. His upcom-

Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The team from Reworld. ing project focuses on implementing water treatment solutions for areas with wastewater or surface water. “We grow microbes on site, strains of common soil bacteria, but with special properties like what they eat in the absence of oxygen,” Brown said. “We take a sewage treatment plant, the microbes get to work, and half of the sludge, at least, gets eaten away.” Brown believes that the return on investment is a couple of months. President/LEED AP of Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Chuck Merritt, was recognized in the Environmental Consulting category. “On Long Island, we all drink the groundwater underneath our feet. So, we all have a responsibility to protect that natural resource,” said Merritt, who added that MECC is involved with a large developer in Mastic who is looking to redevelop land about a half a mile long. In the Waste Solutions category, Reworld is recognized for providing innovative and environmentally responsible waste management services to communities worldwide. Representative Ed Sandkuhi said that Reworld is expanding its engagement with local schools, teaching students about composting. “We raise dead vegetable gardens and use the compost to grow vegetables and not use fertilizers that are highly water soluble,” Sandkuhi said, adding how rewarding it is to see the children’s enthusiasm. Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority and a honoree in the Utilities category, notes that Long Island is particularly vulner-

Chuck Merritt from Merritt Environmental Consulting able to the effects of severe weather and climate change. “We are still trying to promote the adoption of solar, electric vehicles and heat pumps that are going to help us move towards a clean energy future,” she says, emphasizing LIPA’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable solutions for the region. Paraco Gas was honored in the Utilities category. Representative Dan Scicutella said that propane is a very

clean-burning fuel. For areas on the East end that don’t have access to natural gas, propane is a substitute. “We’re looking to expand and grow on the East End, companies from Route 112 and further East,” he said, noting that the company remains committed to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Recognized in the Engineering category, M&J Engineering is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm that provides a wide range of professional services. “As an engineer, we’re at the forefront of a lot of research studies,” M&J Representative Mohammad Malik said. “It’s our job to do what’s right for society and develop new ways to reduce carbon emissions,” Malik notes that M&J is involved in coastal resilience projects and highlights a Patchogue initiative that promotes green infrastructure. The Herald GreenBIZ Awards catalyze environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. The event highlights and honors forwardthinking businesses and educators committed to eco-friendly practices, proving that sustainable operations can thrive alongside financial success. Gold sponsors of the event include The Long Island Conservancy, Reworld and Scott’s Miracle-Gro. Silver sponsors include the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, GreyMart, M&J Engineering, R&M Engineering, Stony Brook University, Edgewise Energy, GreenbergTraurig, Emtec, Merritt, Paraco, and Molloy University. View event photos on our website, RichnerLive.com/greenbiz-awards/ photos/

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

Marlon Taylor from New York & Atlantic Railway.

Ecosystem Solutions with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Neal Lewis, left, from Molloy University Sustainability Institute with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Nick Guariglia, left, from ACE NY / NYOWA with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Charles Vigliotti from Long Island Compost, Todd Kaminsky from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Charlie Barone from Long Island Compost.

Carrie Meek Gallagher from the Long Island Power Authority.

Richard Murdocco, left, from Stony Brook University with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Christine Kiourtsis from Renewable Recycling, Inc.

How to cook a turkey Compiled by Herald staff

Kennedy Schoell

Isabel Culver

Age 4, Oceanside

Age 7, Rockville Centre

Butter, salt and pepper, stuff it with some stuffing, sprinkle it with love, and put it in the oven til it’s done.

I don’t know, I would put it in the oven. Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Photo courtesy Donna Kraus

Landon Blinder

Cosette Farr

Ace Ortiz

Grade 1, Massapequa

Age 6, Lynbrook

Age 8, Inwood

You have to catch the turkey, take the feathers off, season it and cook it.

If I had to cook a turkey I would buy a turkey, put the season stuff on it and put it in the oven!

Get a turkey from the farm, put him in the oven. The oven has to be hot and you cook it for 7 minutes and 8 seconds. Then it’s turkey that we can eat.”

Photo courtesy Massapequa School District

Photo courtesy Angela Ortiz

Photo courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

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STEPPING OUT

Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

A gallery view of the exhibition.

Carving out her place The untold story of sculptor Emma Stebbins By Abbey Salvemini

istory gets a powerful rewrite at the Heckscher Museum of Art’s latest exhibition. “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History” is a landmark installation that spotlights a pioneering neoclassical artist whose legacy has been long overlooked. Known for sculpting Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain (immortalized in film and TV), Stebbins — a trailblazing female artist — was the first woman to receive a public art commission from New York City. Yet despite her accomplishments, her name has largely vanished from the art world’s narrative. Now Stebbins receives the recognition she has long deserved. “Carving Out History” firmly reestablishes her place at the forefront of 19th century American sculpture. It explores Stebbins’s bold artistic vision, her barrier-breaking career and her personal life — including her relationship with the renowned Shakespearean actress Charlotte Cushman at a time when such a relationship defied social norms. Stebbins’ works focused on unprecedented imagery of laborers, incisive depictions of literary and biblical subjects and moving portrait busts of her chosen family. Her sculpture was celebrated in the press and sought after by collectors In the mid-19th century. Since then, however, Stebbins fell into relative obscurity. Among the exhibit’s outstanding components, New York City comes to Long Island — via an immersive Virtual Reality experience. Visitors can “walk around” Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain, bringing Stebbins’s most celebrated work to life in an entire new way. A special VR station gives everyone the illusion that Bethesda Fountain is right in front of them in Heckscher Park — through the use of their phones — offering a striking, life-sized view of Stebbins’s most iconic creation. Photos and selfies are encouraged! For many, this will be their first time learning the name behind the fountain — even if you’ve seen it countless times in person and on screen. The exhibit title — “Carving Out History” — reflects both Stebbins’s sculptural practice and the curatorial team’s broader goal: to reclaim and reframe her place in the American canon. This first-of-its-kind exhibit — reshapes how we understand one of our most groundbreaking — and overlooked — artists. “The exhibition itself is carving out a place

for Stebbins’ story,” Chief Curator Karli Wurzelbacher says. The Heckscher’s deep connection to the artist makes the venue especially significant. • Now through March 15 Museum founder August Heckscher had • Open Thursday through a family link to Stebbins — his uncle Sunday, noon-5 p.m. commissioned two of her major works, • Heckscher Museum of Art, Commerce and Industry, which have been 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • Visit Heckscher.org or part of the museum’s collection for over a call (631) 380-3230 for century. information on related Stebbins wasn’t just a woman succeeding programming in a male-dominated field — she also lived openly with her partner at a time when samesex relationships were taboo. Their partnership Emma Stebbins’s marble statue The was both romantic and deeply collaborative, and it Lotus-Eater (1863) purports to illustrate Alfred Tennyson’s poem of the same informed much of Stebbins’s work and worldview. title, in turn derived from an episode They were “the power couple of their in the Odyssey of Homer. Museum time,” according to Wurzelbacher. Purchase: Town of Huntington Art Among the many highlights, Wurzelbacher Acquisition Fund. points to Sandolphon, which captures the depth of Stebbins’s artistry. It depicts an archangel with incredible detail rendered in marble. The sculpture draws inspiration from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As Wurzelbacher explains: “The line ‘the angel gathers the prayers where he stands, and they turn into flowers in his hands’ captures the heart of the work. She paints a vivid image of the archangel holding a garland of flowers — each bloom symbolizing the prayers of the people.” One of the most significant outcomes of her research into Stebbins’s career has been the “discovery” of sculptures whose locations were previously unknown to scholars (one was found in the hallway of the Belfast Central Library!). Two significant works, The Lotus Eater (1863) and the aformentioned Sandalphon (1866), had been in a private collection for decades before being acquired by the museum. Both pieces underwent extensive conservation efforts, including cleaning their discolored marble surfaces and making careful repairs. For curators and staff, this exhibition is not only a professional milestone — it’s personal. “Even though we have a relatively small staff, we can still Sandalphon (also known as contribute to writing the story of American art history and Angel of Prayer, 1866), like bringing these overlooked figures to the public is something Lotus Eater, has been in a we take very seriously,” Wurzelbacher shares. private collection and likely Whether you’re familiar with these sculptures or someone have not been on public view in encountering Stebbins for the first time, this exhibit invites you more than 100 years. Museum to look again — at a familiar fountain, at forgotten stories and purchase: Town of Huntington at the enduring power of carving out one’s place in history. Art Acquisition Fund.

For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. They’ve been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding ﬁddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in the U.K. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Thompson. An iconic ﬁgure in British folk-rock, Thompson — one of the founding members of Fairport Convention — is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. $75, $65, $55. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Adam Pascal Get ready for a powerhouse night with Broadway legend Adam Pascal — the original voice of Rent’s Roger (Broadway and ﬁlm) and one of musical theater’s most electrifying performers. With a rock-and-roll edge and soul-stirring vocals, Pascal commands the stage in an unforgettable evening of showstoppers, storytelling, and pure star power. From “Rent” and Aida” to “Chess,” “Chicago,” “Something Ro’tten!” and beyond, Adam brings the house down with iconic hits, guitar licks and rock tunes — all fueled by the raw passion that made him a Broadway icon. The Tony-nominated actor-musician didn’t grow up with aspirations of becoming a Broadway star. But when his childhood friend Idina Menzel asked if he would audition for an off-Broadway musical called “Rent,” he thought “Why not?” and the rest is history. Pascal shares insights into his personal journey with his audience, bringing with him a wealth of experience and plenty of personal anecdotes.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

BeauSoleil

November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Skate NOV Let’s Get ready to enjoy

CALENDAR

all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Ongoing during museum hours, through Jan. 4. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Seussical the Musical

Molloy University CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students stage the musical based on beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, and elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks”. Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of freindship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Performers of all ages portray the characters from the familiar Dr. Seuss tales. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m., also Nov 21-Nov. 23 • Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444

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

DEC

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra ‘Christmas Special’

From redefining rock to reimagining Sinatra, Grammy-winning musician Mark Tremonti, backed by members of Frank Sinatra’s original orchestra, brings his timeless swing and holiday spirit to the Paramount. The lights go down. Familiar horns pipe up from a world-class orchestra as piano twinkles like the jackpot lights on a winning slot machine. Then, the voice kicks in. It has all of the smoky splendor those first few notes hinted at, but it ain’t Ol’ Blue Eyes. In a tailored suit with microphone in hand, it’s Mark Tremonti. The multiplatinum musician sounds just as at home paying homage to the catalog of Frank Sinatra as he does fronting Tremonti or shredding his soul out as the guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed. Moreover, he’s doing it for a reason that would make the Chairman of the Board proud. Accompanied by surviving members of Sinatra’s band as well as various top-notch players, Tremonti cut 14 classics for his Tremonti Sings Sinatra album, which he gifted to the National Down Syndrome Society as part of his new organization Take A Chance For Charity. All album proceeds go to NDSS to help those with developmental disabilities. With over 40 million albums sold, chart-topping releases, sold-out arenas, and countless appearances on television • Where: The Paramount, 370 and magazine covers, Tremonti’s influence on rock music is undeniable. Now, witness a New York Ave., Huntington new side of his artistry as he pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra. This • Time: 8 p.m. is Tremonti like you’ve never heard him. Join in for a feel-good evening of classic jazz • Contact: ticketmaster.com or and seasonal favorites. $108.75, $86.50, $71.25, $59.75, $54.25, $43.75. paramountny.com

Exhibit NOV On Nassau County

Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American art was defined by Realism as artists captured the world as they saw it. As abstraction rose, Realism never disappeared; it evolved. It has center stage here, exploring how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

NOV Paddlemaking and storytelling at Long Island Children’s Museum

Paddle-making and storytelling at

Long Island Children’s Museum Step into the world of traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with Chenae Bullock, the artist who crafted the mishoon (Indigenous canoe) featured in the Saltwater Stories exhibit. In this drop-in program, families discover the deep connection between paddles, water, and the land as you learn about their cultural significance. Visitors can design and create their own mini paddles, while exploring stories, traditions, and creative activities that highlight the beauty of Indigenous craftsmanship. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Let’s Talk Turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches, get ready by creating some colorful turkeys at Long Island Children’s Museum. Take your terrific turkey home to adorn your Thanksgiving table. For ages 3 and up. This is a drop-in program. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

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

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ awardwinning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon; you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Nov. 29, Dec. 3-Dec. 4 • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

NOV 1863 Thanksgiving

Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for some holiday fun. Immerse

yourself in the sights and smells of the festive season, as those early years of our national day of feasting and giving thanks comes alive. Imagine that it’s 1863 and you’re preparing a holiday meal for your family, following President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of the first official national holiday of Thanksgiving Day. The restored site bustles with activity as it readies for an old-fashioned Thanksgiving: wood-burning stoves, beehive ovens and hearths are fired up to prepare foods and baked goods made from 19th-century recipes. Culinary exhibits include the “spitting” and roasting of turkey in a tin reflector oven beside the Williams House hearth and preparation of pies at the Powell House. Also on display are 19th-century methods of food preservation employed for late fall crops. Historical period music adds to the festive atmosphere each afternoon. $15, $12 seniors and children 5-12. • Where: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Contact: oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org or call (516) 572-8409

DEC

Night Out On The Lion

Molloy University hosts its annual gathering for kids ages 5-10. With snacks, games and more. Registration required by Dec. 1. • Where: Wilbur Arts Center, 1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre • Time: 5:30-9 p.m. • Contact: Alex at agoessmann@ molloy.edu

DEC

Holiday Open House Enjoy music, snacks and more at the Phillips House Museum.

• Where: 28 Hempstead Ave. • Time: 2-4 p.m. • Contact: (516) 670-5737

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.

Residents generously donate during drive

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

Continued from page 1

What is the Hispanic Brotherhood? Founded in 1984 by a group of Hispanic residents of Rockville Centre and surrounding areas, the Hispanic Brotherhood was created to support the area’s fast-growing immigrant population. As the community expanded, so did the organization’s reach. Today it serves Rockville Centre as well as Baldwin, Freeport, Lynbrook and Oceanside, through grants from state and county agencies, the Long Island United Way, foundations and local churches. The nonprofit provides a wide range of immigrant resettlement services, including housing and employment counseling, job placement, translation services, immigration and legal assistance, naturalization guidance, advocacy in tenant-landlord and workplace disputes, and emergency food support. The organization also operates an AfterSchool Child Care and Tutorial Program for youth ages 5 to 17, with teachers leading sessions that coordinate with the students’ schools, as well as the Hispanic Brotherhood Senior Citizen Club. It is guided by a bilingual, bicultural board of directors, with Executive Director Maguerite Keller overseeing daily operations and volunteers from civic and religious groups providing ongoing support.

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Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Hundreds of food items have been donated to the Hispanic Brotherhood’s pantry this month.

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ville Centre, and all this food collected will go to Hispanic Brotherhood, which is a wonderful organization in Rockville Centre started by Marguerite Grasing,” Murray said. “On behalf of the village board and myself, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Trustee Katie Conlon, we thank them so much for their efforts to help the needy people of Rockville Centre.” The village’s Lions Club was also among the volunteer groups, with club president Jeff Chesner helping collect donations. “We work with the PBA, and they do things for us also,” Chesner said. “We got a flier from them for several different upcoming events, this being one of them, and they mentioned that they could use some volunteers, so I was happy to come out and help.” With community interest growing, the PBA is now considering expanding the food drive with a possible spring event. “The Hispanic Brotherhood has been a great partner with us for the last couple of years,” Rollo said. “They’re amazing people over there, and we just love the opportunity to help them and help the community.” For more information on the Rockville Centre PBA, visit RVCPBA.org.

Public Notices

November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIONES ANUALES DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE LAKEVIEW DEL CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK A LOS VOTANTES CALIFICADOS DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE LAKEVIEW: POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con el Capítulo 403 de las Leyes del Estado de Nueva York de 1977, se celebrarán elecciones en el Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview el 2 de diciembre de 2025. Las urnas se abrirán entre las 16:00 y las 22:00. hora estándar, en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, ubicada en 1120 Woodfield, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, en dicho Distrito, con el fin de elegir a un (1) Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca, por un período de cinco (5) años, para suceder a Andrea Maddison, cuyo mandato vence el 31 de diciembre de 2025. La votación se realizará mediante papeleta. Las urnas abrirán a las 16:00 h y permanecerán abiertas hasta las 22:00 h, o el tiempo que sea necesario para que los votantes presentes puedan emitir su voto. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la resolución adoptada en la reunión de la Junta Directiva del Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, celebrada el 15 de octubre de 2025, los candidatos a la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca deberán presentar sus candidaturas ante el Secretario del Distrito en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, 1120 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, al menos diez (10) días antes de la fecha de dicha elección, con la firma de veinticinco (25) electores cualificados (según se define más adelante) del Distrito. Un elector cualificado es una persona registrada para votar y que ha residido en el Distrito de la Biblioteca al menos 30 días antes de la elección. Solo los electores cualificados residentes pueden ejercer el cargo de Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca o votar en las elecciones del

Distrito. Los formularios de solicitud están disponibles en la Biblioteca. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia para las elecciones de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview pueden presentarse en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, ubicada en 1120 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, Nueva York 11570. Las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas por la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante, o un (1) día antes de la elección si la papeleta se entregará personalmente al votante. Las papeletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 2 de diciembre de 2025. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les habrán emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección en la oficina administrativa de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview entre las 10 a. m. y las 5 p. m. de cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto los domingos, y entre las 10 a. m. y las 5 p. m. y las 12 del mediodía del sábado anterior a las elecciones. Dicha lista también estará disponible para su consulta en el centro de votación durante la elección de los miembros de la Junta Directiva. Por Orden de la Junta Directiva del Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview. Fecha: 15 de octubre de 2025 __________________ Rockville Centre, Nueva York Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview Secretario de Distrito 156794 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION LAKEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE LAKEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with

Chapter 403 of the Laws of the State of New York for 1977, an election will be held in the Lakeview Public Library District on December 2, 2025, the polls to be opened between the hours of 4 p.m. o’clock and 10 o’clock p.m. standard time, at the Lakeview Public Library, 1120 Woodfield, Rockville Centre, New York , in said District for the purpose of electing one (1) Library Trustee, one for a term of five (5 ) years to succeed Andrea Maddison which term expires on the 31st day of December 2025. The voting will be by paper ballot. The polls will opened at 4:00 p.m. and remain opened until 10:00 p.m. and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballot. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Trustees of the Lakeview Public Library District held on the 15th day of October 2025, candidates for Library Trustee shall file their names with the District Clerk at the Lakeview Public Library, 1120 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, New York, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such election, subscribed by twentyfive (25) qualified electors (as defined below) of the District. A qualified elector is a person who is registered to vote and who has resided in the Library District at least 30 days prior to the Library District election. Only resident qualified electors are eligible to hold office of Library Trustee or to vote at a Library District election. Petition forms are available at the Library. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots for the Lakeview Public Library election may be made at the Lakeview Public Library at 1120 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, New York 11570. Completed applications must be received by the Lakeview Public Library at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or one (1) day before the election; if the ballot is to be personally delivered to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received at the

Lakeview Public Library no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 2, 2025. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection in the administrative office of the Lakeview Public Library between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election except Sundays, and between the hours of 10a.m. and 12 noon on the Saturday prior to the election, and such list will also be available for inspection at the polling place at the election of members of the Board of Trustees. By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Lakeview Public Library District. Dated: October 15th, 2025 __________________ Rockville Centre, New York Lakeview Public Library District Clerk 156792

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: BOWA Ventures, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/5/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 91 Dorchester Rd, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156729 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: PAC Homes LLC Application for Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/31/25. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 53 S Lewis Place, Rockville Centre NY, 11570. Certificate of Formation filed with

Courtesy Brie Ellwood

the StagS helped raise $5,000 during the play 4 mary event last weekend.

Players raise $5K for the Mary Ruchalski Foundation Continued from page 1

children undergoing treatment. The weekend of remembrance and competition kicked off on Nov. 13 with a poster-decorating session in Mary’s honor. The girls shared pizza in the school gym as they created handmade signs and crafted bracelets to sell at the games. “Mary Ruchalski was a St. Agnes student,” Brie Ellwood, a CYO coach, said. “She played CYO, she played softball, she played basketball, she played a lot of different sports, and she got her (cancer) diagnosis when she was 11. So that’s a lot of these girls’ ages, and they can relate to it.” Players wore special shirts during the games, each marked with a gold ribbon for pediatric cancer awareness. “What’s really great about it is the kids,” Mary’s mother, Carol Ruchalski, who started the foundation, said. “They own it. They own the Play 4 Mary, so they make the hair bows that we give out to each team.” Before each game, the girls shook hands with their opponents and read a speech about the importance of pediatric cancer awareness. “Today we play for Mary,” they read aloud. “Today we wear bows in her honor, our gold ribbon representing pediatric cancer. Mary was a bright light in this world. She was an excellent student, friend and athlete.” The STAGS players shared Mary’s story with visiting teams and specta-

tors. “Her life was abruptly ended when she was diagnosed at the age of 11, only a few months after playing in the state championships for softball,” the speech continued. “She went through 15 months of rigorous, toxic treatment, which left her unable to walk towards the end of her life. She asked her family to never give up on her. “Playing for Mary is a way for athletes to give back and make a difference while doing what they love,” the text concluded. “It is a reminder to dig deep and give each day your all because you can. Today you play for someone else — you play for a kid who doesn’t get the chance because cancer has taken it away.” Several players volunteered to work a bake sale during the games. Students made the baked goods, and snacks and drinks were donated. Avery Reid, 11, was helping out for the second year. “I like Play 4 Mary because I usually do the business,” she said, referring to fundraisers like the bake sale, “and I think it’s a really cool idea that we do this for a player who used to play, but sadly died of cancer. The fundraiser is really cool.” “What I love about it is this is something Mary would have been all about,” Carol Ruchalski said. “I feel like she’s really here for all of this, so it’s such a great event — I love it.” For more information about the foundation, visit TheMaryRuchalskiFoundation.org.

Public Notices

the Secretary of State of Delaware on 07/08/24. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156835

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

C1 11/20

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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

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 MULTI MEDIA 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

1283447

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. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave 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

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 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

TAX PREPARER WANTED

FREEPORT TAX SERVICE INC. Located Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore Hours Are Flexible And Position Requires 20-40 Hours Per Week During Tax Season Possible Future Opportunities Contact Matt At 516-868-9696

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JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REAL ESTATE & MORE... Herald Classifieds... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 REAL ESTATE press 5 & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

HERALD

November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

C2 11/20

Homes

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HOME OF THE WEEK

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Hewlett Harbor

Sprawling Expanded Ranch

his expansive 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home offers approximately 2,900 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a lush .37-acre lot. The main level features a spacious primary suite with a private bath, ideal for easy first-floor living. A bright and versatile additional room can serve as a home office or bedroom. Entertain with ease in the formal living and dining room, or unwind in one of two cozy dens — one featuring a charming wood-burning fireplace. The updated eat-in kitchen is complete with top-of-the-line double ovens and new countertops. A convenient first-floor laundry area adds to the functionality. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, including two en suite rooms — providing a total of three bedrooms and three full bathrooms on the second floor.

Sara Abikzer Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516.984.6798 Office: 516.741.4333 www.saraabikzer.com @SaraSellsLI info@saraabikzer.com sabikzer@signaturepremier. com

Results that Move You

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept.

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All this just to add a bathroom?

Q. I’ve been living in my house for 41 years, and just wanted to add a bathroom at the back, next to my den, for my elderly father. It’s just a bathroom, but when I met with an architect, he told me he had to do plans for the whole house. I thought that his fee and the amount of work were ridiculous just for a bathroom, so I got a draftsman for one-third the cost. It’s now five years later, I still have no permit, and the plans were rejected because the reviewer wants to see more information, including house plans. I should have listened to the architect because the draftsman, it turns out, won’t answer phone calls, and he ended up paying another architect to seal the plans, which were inadequate, anyway. So I’m out the money for bad plans and still need the bathroom, since my father can’t use stairs. Why would the town need plans for the whole house? It makes no sense. A. About 10 years ago, they started with the explanation that whole house plans were needed, because it was suspected that the house might have been used by a previous owner for more than one family, and the municipality wanted to see current conditions to compare with original plans to see if changes need to be put on record. Then it became onte eeper required that plans needed to be provided, because the house either wasn’t on record, if it was built before 1930, before records were kept, or the addition required a zoning variance because it might increase the allowable area of the home’s footprint on the lot. Any way you examine the issues, the architect you first interviewed was correct, but it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Just to get the job, the second person, not even a qualified professional, gave you a low-ball figure and downplayed what was needed. It doesn’t surprise me to hear about your predicament, because this is a constant problem. The most difficult part is that your municipality is pretty capable of notifying you about what a great job they’re doing, but not really giving you alerts about the fact that you may want to check your house records to be sure that you won’t feel ambushed when you get a violation notice for your shed or fence. They could explain that you need to keep street corners clear of taller fences and foliage that can cause car accidents, or that your finished basement may someday delay your house sale while you scramble for a permit. The reason I started writing this column is because almost nobody else figured out that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that people need to know how to avoid problems. Instead, neither the downward spiral of surprising people nor the equally worse problem of people avoiding the costly inevitable dilemma produces a better outcome. Good luck.

Ask The Architect

© 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.

C3 11/20

Market Place • •

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

HERALD

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C4 11/20

Wanted To Buy

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November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opInIons

s Long Island residents will say, should we take the ferry between the Island and New England, or drive around? The drive around, navigating the web of roads and bridges on the Island’s far west, can be quite a trip, as I learned last month, when that ferocious nor’easter hit us, causing cancellations of both the Cross Sound Ferry, between Orient Point and New London, Connecticut, and the Bridgeport & Port kArl Jefferson Ferry. We were taking grossmAn a little vacation in southern Vermont, and suddenly needed to get back to Long Island. But the ferries weren’t running in the storm, and the choice was going around. And what a six-hour trip! Now, I don’t mean to join the longdebated call for a bridge across the Long Island Sound. But as we sat in traffic on our way to the Bronx Whitestone Bridge, I thought about a recent renewal of the call for highways as substitutes for the ferries that cross the Sound. A prominent Connecticut housing developer, Stephen A. Shapiro, called

last month for a 14-mile bridge from western Suffolk County, at the northern terminus of Sunken Meadow State Parkway, to Interstate 95 in Bridgeport. As Shapiro told News 12 Connecticut: “It would cut down severely on travel time from Long Island to Connecticut … from three hours down to 20 minutes.” He projected a cost of $50 billion, and said the bridge should be federally financed. Shapiro’s “idea is catching the eyes of some lawmakers as well,” Brian Gioiele, editor of the Connecticut newspapers the Shelton Herald and the Milford Mirror, wrote. He quoted Connecticut State Rep. Joe Hoxha, who said, “A project that can bring in revenue and that will lower taxes, bring jobs and economic growth as well as protect American lives in the event of a natural disaster should be welcomed with open arms.” A proposal for a bridge across the water — or a tunnel under it — isn’t new. In 1938, New York Sen. Royal Copeland proposed an 18-mile bridge from Orient Point to either Groton, Connecticut, or Watch Hill, Rhode Island. It never happened. In 1964, New York public works czar Robert Moses and Gov. Nelson Rockefell-

er commissioned a feasibility study of a bridge from Oyster Bay to Rye, in Westchester County. There was strong opposition in both communities, and no bridge was built. Then, in 1972, the state Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Federal Highway Administration, considered several Sound crossings, including bridges between Syosset and Rye, Sands Point and New Rochelle, and Port Jefferson and Bridgeport. A tunnel was also studied, but deemed financially prohibitive. In 1979, Gov. Hugh Carey commissioned another study of several crossing routes. But state planners concluded that existing ferry services were preferable, citing the high cost of the bridge proposals. In 2008, Vincent Polimeni, of the Garden City commercial developer Polimeni International, proposed a privately financed toll tunnel between Oyster Bay and Rye, with a $25 toll each way. It had a projected cost of $10 billion, and was designed by an engineering firm that had worked on the Channel Tunnel — the Chunnel — between England and France. The proposal went nowhere.

hat did Govs. Rockefeller, Carey and Cuomo II all have in common?

And in 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched a feasibility study for, once more, a crossing between Oyster Bay and Rye. It determined that an 18-mile tunnel, at a cost of $31 billion to $55 billion, was the most viable option, but it was shelved in the face of, once again, opposition in the affected communities. So it has gone — or hasn’t gone. Public comments on Reddit about Shapiro’s newest bridge scheme are, as usual, mixed. One person posted, “It would be easier to build a Japan-South Korea tunnel. … NIMBY’s too strong on both sides.” And another: “Despite the fact this very well could give me a job right out of college (I’m studying to be a civil engineer) I do not like this at all. I happen to like my (relatively) low-traffic area in Mount Sinai. Also, the cost, environmental impacts, NIMBY opposition, structural requirements (which compound with length and variance in the Sound bed), and traffic implications are enough of a reason for me to be opposed. I am, however, in favor of subsidizing ferry tickets and possible expansions to other north shore ports.” In any event, beware of driving around. Carl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

In the fight of our lives, all over again

n November 2020, in the maw of the pandemic, I wrote a column about Thanksgiving dinner with my husband, dinner for just two. Our kids and grandkids and friends were isolating, in hiding from a novel viral enemy. Looking for a historical precedent, I compared the fear crisscrossing America to what it must have felt like in Berlin after World War II, when Stalin’s troops cut off the city. The plan was to choke the Berliners into capitulation to Russia. On the ground, it looked hopeless rAnDI and inevitable. Then, in an audakrEIss cious countermove, the United States launched the Berlin airlift, and for 15 months planes dropped food, medicine and fuel — 2 million tons of supplies — until Stalin blinked in 1949 and lifted the blockade. We didn’t know it would succeed when we began. We did it because it was what was needed to save Berlin from Stalin’s tyranny. I was inspired by this bit of history because it speaks to America’s ability to

meet the moment. Ingenuity and courage are homegrown assets, and we never needed these strengths more than we did during the pandemic, more than we do now. In that Thanksgiving 2020 column, I wrote, “Our new enemy is Covid-19, which is rampaging through our cities and states, killing people in increasing numbers and threatening our well-being and our prosperity. We need to summon the courage to win this war . . . “We have missed the chance to get ahead of the firestorm, but we still have agency. Don’t gather at parties or bars or family events. It won’t be forever, and it might save someone you love . . . “This Thanksgiving we must accept the sacrifice of a simpler holiday, without expecting family to board planes or sit around a table for 15 or 20. We can do this. We can do it this year, in the hope that next year we can be thankful for lives saved.” One year later, the world had turned. I wrote, “All of us have had our Covid vaccines and boosters; we are brought back to normal by the moonshot of

modern medicine, the development of an effective vaccine in 18 months . . . “Today we are back to our jobs. Kids are back in school. This Thanksgiving we will sit down with our family to start reweaving the ties that have stretched thin over the months of this pandemic . . . “I have often written about gratitude for the small things that charge our days with interest and pleasure. This year my gratitude is singular, profound and unending. I am so thankful to the researchers and scientists and companies and governments and leaders who took on Covid-19 and dug in for the fight . . . “I thank everyone who brought us to this day, from the doctors and nurses to the supermarket workers to the teachers and parents of young children, to the bench researchers who put in the hours, day after day and month after month . . . “This year at our Thanksgiving there will be a too-big turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. Leaves and grains for the vegetarian. We will hug and kiss our kids and grandkids, feeling safe enough with our jabs and boosters. Then we will

our years ago next week, it seemed vaccines had saved the day. But no.

feast on my apple cranberry crumble with a topping of gratitude for this country and countries everywhere where scientists are educated, supported and honored because the work they do alleviates suffering and perpetuates life on earth.” This week, as we approach Thanksgiving 2025, it is, quite unbelievably, our very democracy that is under threat. We are in a season of political instability, irrational attacks on our institutions, and a drift toward authoritarianism. As we witness the trampling of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, the military occupation of our cities and the willingness to sacrifice American laws and values for personal gain and power, we know that this threat, too, has gone viral. And, irony of ironies, our government leaders are questioning the efficacy of the original lifesaving Covid-19 vaccine and all the life-saving vaccines that have kept us and our children alive. When we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner this year, my prayer will be for America to find its footing, to support leaders who will launch a political moonshot or Berlin Airlift to save our souls and our country. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

Yet another cross-Sound bridge proposal

Herald editorial

Rockville centRe

November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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Rekindling community with face-to-face talk

n an age when digital arguments erupt faster than we can refresh our screens, it has become almost instinctual to dive into online debates with strangers. Facebook threads balloon into battlegrounds, discussions on X collapse into insults and Reddit comment chains can devolve into tribal shouting matches. For many, this ritual has become a daily habit — almost a sport. Yet it leaves most people feeling drained, angry, unheard and oddly isolated. There’s a healthier, more human alternative: step away from the glowing screen and go meet your neighbors face to face. It sounds old-fashioned, almost quaint, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it powerful. When we talk to people in person — people who live next door, down the street or across the hall — we’re reminded that disagreements do not automatically make someone an enemy. You hear their tone of voice, notice their expressions and see the full, complex person behind the viewpoint. The humanity that gets flattened into a five-word comment reappears. And so does your own. Online, a single sentence can turn someone into a villain in your mind. A meme can become a stand-in for an entire group you’ve never actually spoken to. Algorithms feed outrage because outrage keeps you scrolling. But face-toface conversations break that cycle.

They prioritize curiosity over hostility, nuance over certainty, and listening over scoring points. This shift is good for both civic and personal health. Psychologists have long known that real-world social interactions reduce anxiety, increase life satisfaction and strengthen emotional resilience. Sitting with someone, even someone who has different opinions, calms the nervous system in ways digital communication never can. You breathe more slowly. You think more clearly. You remember that disagreements don’t have to be disagreeable. There’s also something grounding about being part of a physical community rather than a virtual crowd. The person you’re talking to isn’t a random stranger with an anonymous avatar; they’re someone who shares your sidewalk, your grocery store, your weather and your local challenges. That shared context encourages mutual respect. You might still disagree — honestly, you probably will — but the disagreement becomes a conversation, not a war. And consider the ripple effects. When neighbors talk, they build trust. When trust grows, communities become stronger, safer and more resilient. People are more likely to help one another, support local initiatives, and intervene when someone is struggling. Civil discourse becomes possible again — something increasingly rare in a world where

shouting has replaced dialogue. Face-to-face conversations also make room for humility. Online arguments often are myopic and pernicious. In person, you’re more likely to acknowledge what you don’t know, to soften your stance or to revise your thinking. Most surprisingly, you might even discover that the “other side” isn’t as far away as the internet insists. Maybe you share concerns, values or experiences. Maybe you’re both frustrated by the same problems, even if you imagine different solutions. Or maybe you simply end up respecting each other enough to continue the conversation later. And you may learn something new about an issue or about your community — or even about yourself. That’s the heart of a healthy society — not unanimous agreement, but constructive connection. If we truly want better conversations, less stress and stronger communities, the solution isn’t another heated thread or another algorithm-driven argument. There are many ways to move from behind the screen and interact with others in real life. It’s going out to dinner with friends, joining a club, becoming part of a sports team or taking a continuing education class. The internet may connect us instantly, but only face-to-face interactions remind us why connection matters in the first place.

opinions

t this time of year, many families with high school students visit colleges. Some visit nearby campuses that are within reach academically and financially, while others travel to what they consider more prestigious institutions. Whichever the choice, it’s imperative for parents and prospective students to plan carefully. Students and their families should consider how far from home is acceptable. Will the student be most comfortable in a large city, a suburban or a rural roBerT a. setting area? Will he or she live on camsCoTT pus, in the town or at home? How large a campus is acceptable? Some universities have 50,000 or more students, and some colleges have fewer than 1,500. The best fit is one that is not only challenging for academic and personal growth, but also caring and focused on student achievement. The cost of tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies is another consideration. Some families are willing to borrow to send their child to a prestigious college. If a good education and preparation for life are the goals, that isn’t

necessary. It’s better to find the best fit for the student. Families and students should use publicly available information such as college guides and the federal College Scorecard to decide on a list of colleges to visit and examine more closely. A high school guidance counselor should have a library of materials, and should know about where former students have gone to college. According to the National Survey of Student Engagement 2017-23, students at most colleges, the least selective as well as the most selective, rate their campus experience about the same on measures of critical thinking and analysis, quantitative reasoning, collaboration with peers, access to diverse perspectives and student-faculty interactions. On the following measures, however, more selective colleges provide the biggest impact: internships, leadership opportunities, working on research with faculty, and studying abroad. The federal College Scorecard can be a useful tool for examining general data about colleges and comparing institutions, but it cannot convey the personality of an institution. A publication such as the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” gives a fuller picture of a campus. After deciding on where to visit, call

for an appointment, ask to sit in on a class, talk to a faculty member and current students, tour a residence hall, and check out the dining facilities. Afterward, reflect on the following:

t’s such an important decision, and the answers to so many questions figure into it.

■ Feel: Were the students, faculty and staff you met on campus friendly and spontaneous, or were they cold and scripted? ■ Admissions: What weight is given to test scores? Of what influence are athletic prowess or alumni connections in the admissions process?

■ Academics: Are students assigned a faculty adviser? How easy is it to change majors? Who provides guidance on graduate studies and careers? ■ Who teaches? Do full-time faculty teach undergraduates, or is most instruction done by graduate assistants? ■ Enrollment: Is the student body economically diverse? ■ Financial aid: Will financial aid awards be adjusted for tuition increases? ■ Health and safety: Does the campus have a health center? Does the college provide transportation to go shopping off campus? ■ Housing and food service: Is there

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Rock Hall Museum’s Edgar Allan Poe-themed Masquerade Ball — Lawrence

sufficient residential-hall space to house all undergraduates, or must students live in fraternity and sorority houses or off campus? Does the dining hall offer meals three times a day, seven days a week when classes are in session? ■ Social life: Does the campus offer a rich cultural life and support a variety of clubs and organizations, or do Greek societies dominate the social scene? Do many students leave campus on the weekend? ■ Career placement: Does the career office offer information about jobs on campus and in the summer? Does it have information on internships, both paid and voluntary? Who are some successful alumni in the student’s fields of interest? While college graduates have improved outcomes in income, employment, health and civic engagement, college requires an investment of time, energy and intellect as well as money. So it’s important that the college and the student “fit” together in a way that is not only challenging but supportive. The right fit is more important than prestige. College is intended to enrich your life as well as your wallet. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and a co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 20, 2025

The college search: Are you seeking prestige or ‘fit’?

Share the Warmth. Spread the Love. This November, every Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty oﬃce will be collecting new and gently used coats for those in need across our local communities. Your donation helps bring comfort and warmth to someone this season because at Daniel Gale, we care. Drop off your donation at any of our offices through November 30cW. Together, we can make a diﬀerence.

Rockville Centre Oﬃce 36 S Park Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 516.678.1510

danielgale.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

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November 20, 2025 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD