Sean Kennedy/Herald Middle school students from across Nassau County taking part in the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Symposium lined up to vote on which candidates presented the best plans for economic development in their communities, choosing between the pink and blue parties.
By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent
Hundreds of cans, packages and canisters of food filled up John J. Byrne Community Center in Uniondale during a Thanksgiving food drive organized by two local women.
By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent
The bright minds of 60 middle school students from across Nassau County learned about important civic issues on Nov. 22, when the local chapter of Jack and Jill of America held its annual Global Leaders of Tomorrow Symposium at Chaminade High School in Mineola.
“Our chapter is focused on building tomorrow’s leaders,” Donyshia Boston-Hill, the chapter’s president, said. “In these formative years, when they are in their tweens, we’re focused on really having them envision themselves as being tomorrow’s future leaders.”
Jack and Jill of America is a chapterbased organization that connects mothers and children, aged 2 to 19, through educational activities and programs that emphasize cultural awareness, educational development, health education and advocacy, civic service and legislative advocacy, and social/ recreational areas.
“Whether it’s finance, leadership, or health and wellness, it’s key for us to give them that ability to just open their minds and see all the possibilities that are out there,” Boston-Hill said.
The symposium encouraged the students to collaborate in teams and discover the importance of civic engagement within their local areas.
After the initial presentation, the students were separated into three classrooms, with each room representing either the community of Elmont, Baldwin or Westbury. In each room, students were split into two groups, or parties, to come up with the best plan for their respective communities.
For some groups, a main point of interest was discussing economic development and entrepreneurial ideas. The discussions delved deeper into education on loans, debt, credit, and interest rates.
“Today, I learned about where businesses should be located and how to build up our communities,” Nathan Francisque, an
Uniondale residents Mirtho-Myra Lamonier and Thalia Thony accepted the donations from dozens of generous participants over the course of three days — Nov. 21 to 23 — hoping to help people in need in Uniondale and across Long Island.
I think this
is such
Program, known as SNAP, suffered critical funding shortages, impacting over 40 million people across the United States. While the program is on track to return since the shutdown ended last month, its effects can still be felt throughout communities across the country, including Uniondale.
an amazing opportunity to give back . . . This is such a vital time to give back and help other people.
“With the current state of everything, and the current inconsistencies with government benefits, we thought that I should do something,” Lamonier said. “I was talking to (Thalia) about it, and I said that we should do something. She agreed, and that day she made a flier, and we started organizing from there.”
ThAlIA ThoNY Food drive co-organizer
After the federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
“I have people who are close to me that are on SNAP, and so this whole idea became about my spirit,” Lamonier said. “Every day I wake up saying that I’m so grateful for having food, but there’s still people out there that need it.”
After collecting three days’ worth of donations, the two donated them to Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church, in Uniondale, and the Freeport branch of Long Island Cares, a food bank that serves Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Across Long Island, more than 310,000 people lack access to food, according to L.I. Cares, including over 70,000 children.
“I think this is such an
CoNTiNued oN paGe 7
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Girl Scouts of Nassau County including those from Uniondale and Hempstead spent a Saturday inside Hofstra University’s science labs, taking part in hands-on workshops designed to spark interest in STEM careers through the 10th annual Imagine Your Possibilities conference.
For 11-year-old Maya Moore, a Girl Scout from Uniondale, on Nov. 13 the day offered experiences she doesn’t often get in school. She said most of the workshops introduced her to completely new ideas, especially the one about DNA.
“At first, I just thought DNA was to help connect families through genetics,” Maya said. “But we learned that you can also solve crimes with it.”
Her mother, Latoya Moore, said Maya had shown a growing interest in science since transitioning from California Avenue School to middle school. She added that the conference helped show her daughter that there’s more to STEM than just equations and textbooks.
“She’s doing much better in the classroom now,” Latoya said. “And I wanted her to see there’s creativity and purpose in science too.”
Rande Bynum, in her eighth year as chief executive of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said Hofstra has been a strong partner throughout the decadelong STEM conference. She emphasized how hands-on lab experiences help Girl Scouts expand their understanding of science and see new career possibilities.
Girls as young as in the sixth grade through 12th attended the imagine your possibilities opportunity.
Bynum noted that partnerships with companies like Estée Lauder have deepened that exposure, showing girls how science connects not only to cosmetics, but also to fields like marketing, law and business.
“Giving girls access to college labs and female STEM mentors is crucial for building confidence early,” Bynum said.
For Maya, for example said she was especially drawn to the hands-on engineering aspect of the program too.
“I like solving things and getting them to work step by step,” she said.
During the conference, women scientists led the workshops, showing the girls real-life examples of women succeeding in science and technology. For Bynum it was important for the girls to see what their possibilities are in the STEAM field because it is mainly male dominated.
“I think it’s cool when women do it,” Maya said. “A lot of people think we can’t work in that type of stuff.”
According to the Girl Scouts of the USA, only 28 percent of the U.S. STEM workforce is female — making early access to mentors and labs like Hofstra’s all the more vital.
Miho Tanaka, Estée Lauder’s vice president of global product safety and green chemistry, served as the keynote speaker. She helped girls understand how science influences everything from cosmetic formulas to packaging decisions.
Girl scouts were able to see the work-
ings and behind the scenes of the cosmetic field and how it connects to science.
“The understanding of lip gloss, nail polish, or whatever your thing is it translates to the “how that gets made” and “why that gets made”, and what its impact is on the planet, and packaging and all that that needs to be popular.”
It’s awesome to see the hands-on experiences the girls get,” she added. “They’re literally in the lab, doing the work, meeting the people, and seeing the possibilities. We know girls are interested in STEM. What they often need is access—real equipment, real scientists, and real examples of women doing these
jobs.”
The half-day conference transformed Hofstra’s labs into learning spaces where girls rotated through workshops in DNA analysis, civil engineering, wind energy, forensic science, color manipulation and sustainability.
Bynum added that girls often face stereotypes and limited exposure to advanced science fields.
“I think there are probably stereotypes that girls can’t do certain things, and so I think Girl Scouts does a really good job in helping girls overcome those stereotypes,” Bynum said.
She gave several examples of girls who might have those challenges, “You might be the only young woman in the class, and I think sometimes being the “only” is a barrier.”
Girl Scouts works to counter these barriers by supporting college access and helping girls navigate financial aid. Still, Bynum noted that long paths to STEM careers can be difficult for those who need income sooner, and that while progress is being made, gender bias remains a real obstacle.
The Imagine Your Possibilities conference is part of a broader initiative by Girl Scouts of Nassau County to increase girls’ access to science and technology fields. The organization runs a yearround slate of STEM-focused programming, reaching more than 2,000 girls annually across the county.
In Uniondale, several troops regularly participate in coding workshops, robotics competitions and nature-based science projects through partnerships with local nonprofits and school-based programs.
“We want girls from every ZIP code, every background, to know STEM is for them,” said Bynum. “That starts with visibility, but it grows with opportunity.”
On Nov. 1 Jorge A. Espinosa,49, of Uniondale was arrested for shoplifting at Marshalls near the mall in Westbury.
On Nov. 2, Juan Guardado,37, of Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at JC Penny.
On Nov. 2, Mexroj Ortigov, 20 and Ismoiljon Sultonkulov, 20, both from Brooklyn were arrested for shoplifting at Macys.
On Nov. 3, a victim reported an unknown subject remove two handbags from Roosevelt Field Mall.
port was arrested for shoplifting at JC Penny.
On Oct. 31, Charlaine Ferguson,36, of Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at a Target in Westbury.
On Nov. 1, Hector M. Barajas, 60, of Uniondale, was arrested at the Home Depot in Levittown, at 3350 Hempstead Turnpike.
On Nov. 5, Dontrell Anderson,22, of Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at a TJ Maxx in Carle Place. The store is located at 217 Glen Cove Dr. Criminal Mischief to Auto
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On Nov. 4, Natalia Lipari,35, of East Meadow was arrested for shoplifting at Macys.
On Nov. 5, Lanajsia Powell, 20 of Free-
On Nov. 2, a victim reports an unknown subject damaging the side middle passenger window while parked at 597 Irene St. South Hempstead.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
A New Jersey man was arrested in connection with a grand larceny reported on April 25, 2024, in Uniondale, Nassau County police said.
A homeowner hired North Falcon Construction Company of 285 Avenue C in Manhattan. The homeowner issued a check for $59,202.50 to a man who identified himself as Mohammed Ali.
Police later determined the name was an alias used by Zohaib Farrukh, 37, of Piscataway, N.J. Farrukh cashed the check, but the homeowner never received any services and was unable to reach him despite multiple attempts, prompting a call to police, authorities said. Police found Farrukh and took him into custody, on Nov. 22. He is charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud.
After he was arraigned on Nov. 23, Farrukh was issued and as of press time no further information was available.
Police ask anyone who believes they may also have been victimized to con-
Farrukh, of New Jersey, was charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud, after allegedly taking over $59,000 from a Uniondale homeowner.
tact their local precinct or call 911. All calls are confidential.
As Christmas is approaching on Dec., 24 the community is celebrating the holidays with music, lights, and community cheer. This December, local organizations are coming together to host a series of festive events — from the Empowerment Center, the PAL’s family celebration and the Uniondale Fire Department’s Santa Ride. Families
The Uniondale Police Activity League will host its first annual “A Season of Giving” Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event includes toy giveaways, food, music, vendors, and a visit from Santa. Organizers are collecting toy donations and “Dear Santa” letters in advance. Families are invited to join a day of generosity, fun, and community holiday spirit.
The annual Christmas tree lighting and concert, organized this year by the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center, will take place Dec. 12 at 710 Uniondale Ave. The family-friendly event typically draws hundreds of residents and features holiday music, free toy giveaway, and an appearance by Santa Claus. More than just a celebration, the lighting is a show of unity and joy, especially for families facing financial stress during the holidays.
The Uniondale Fire Department’s annual Santa Ride returns Saturday, Dec. 21, starting at 1 p.m. Santa will ride through town on a fire truck, waving and handing out candy as families gather outside to greet him. It’s a longtime tradition that brings holiday cheer to every corner of Uniondale. Residents are encouraged to listen for sirens and follow the route on the department’s social media.
amazing opportunity to give back,” Thony said. “For us, it’s just a great feeling to be able to say that we put this together. So many people from the community came out to help us to really give back, especially during Thanksgiving. This is such a vital time to give back and help other people.”
EDavid Greaves, the community center’s president, offered the use of its building, on Jerusalem Avenue, as the food drive’s collection point. “It’s incredibly gratifying for our organization to be able to play a part in helping alleviate things such as food insecurity and other disparities in our community,” Greaves said. “It’s a pleasure having the ability to hold events like this that benefit our community.”
“When you learn about stats from other locations across America, you’re certainly shocked, but sometimes you don’t really take the time to think about where you live, in your own community.”
For Lamonier, the food drive, the amount of donors involved and the number of food-insecure people they potentially helped all combined to give her a larger perspective.
ery day I wake up saying that I’m so grateful for having food.
Mirtho-Myra LaMoniEr Food drive co-organizer
Thony, who works in the public health industry, added that her background gave her an understanding of the need not only across Long Island, but also in Uniondale.
“Having studied public health, food insecurity was one of the topics we researched a lot,” she said.
“I think so often we get caught up in our own lives and what we have going on, and there’s so many things going on in the world,” she said.
“There are so many people that are your neighbors, or people in general, that are on food stamps or government benefits, and who don’t have access to a homecooked or fresh meal.”
Both women said they gained a sense of pride from being able to help combat the hunger crisis, both locally and regionally. “These people are suffering, so it feels good to be able to say that I gave back,” Lamonier said. “I’m proudly able to say that I was able to contribute to at least one person’s meal for the day.”
mirtho-myra Lamonier, far left, and thalia thony, both of uniondale, collected food to donate to Saint martha roman Catholic Church and the freeport branch of Long island Cares.
By SUSANNA CIURLEO Correspondent
The holiday season is considered a joyful time that is often quietly burdened by stress, loneliness and unresolved grief.
Trudy King invited people to confront these emotions head-on as the organizer and host of “Overcoming Holiday Blues,” a wellness workshop held at the John J. Byrne Community Center in Uniondale on Nov. 22.
Guidance on recognizing and managing anxiety, stress, depression, and loss, were offered. Participants were also given a creative outlet through spoken-word, poetry, and hands-on selfhelp activities.
King is a director of the Apostolic Caribbean Christians, a not-for-profit community group that sponsors civic events in partnership with the Town of Hempstead, such as Caribbean flagraisings, heritage celebrations and gospel evenings.
“We have a training element as well,” she said, “offering courses every month in such topics as mental health awareness, conflict resolution, and parent and family relationships. One of my favorites is called ‘Set for Success’, where we, for example, help a stay-athome mom rebuild her confidence and manage her time and money, in order to prepare her for meeting the next job opportunity head-on.”
Susanna Ciurleo/Herald
Social media influencer and content creator Khaliyah Megadine was one of four women to receive recognition for their efforts and dedication.
King noted that 89 percent of people experience an increase in issues relating to mental health over the holidays,
and this workshop was created in response to the emotional strain many people feel during a period that can amplify financial worries, family tensions or the absence of loved ones.
Author and life coach Angie McDonald from Wounded2Wonderful Coaching joined on Zoom. McDonald offered practical ways to address each stage of grief to heal and grow, particularly from the loss of a loved one that coincides with the holiday season.
Spoken-word and poetry instructors
Janet Wade and Dr. Beryl Williams led participants in translating their feelings into verse through writing prompts and group sharing. Williams, the founder of the Caribbean American Poetry Association, said that even those that initially doubted their creative abilities surprised themselves by how much they can express through writing.
“It’s particularly effective in a group setting such as this,” Williams said. “Another person may inform what they themselves are feeling, and give them the courage to express themselves as well. Writing processes both the pain and pleasures of life.”
Wade, an award-winning poet added: “Poetry is an anchor. You can take a negative emotion and turn it into a positive one.”
A range of age groups attended. Recent college graduate Samisha Elyse presented products from her skincare
line Shea Elysee LLC while Khaliyfah Megadine, 28, a social media influencer and content creator, said that inspiring wellness is the foundation of her work.
“Thankfully, there is a light being shined on mental health and our younger generation, but I feel that we can do more,” Magadine said. “I don’t want young people to wait until they’re older and burnt out to make mental health a priority. It needs to happen now.”
She, along with Sherry Williams, founder of the Together We Serve Food Pantry, were among the long-time volunteers including Tilda Francis and Paulette Moore who received a Certificate of Appreciation signed by local community leaders for their hard work and dedication.
King said she is grateful for the support of the Community Center and her partnership with local restaurants that provide food for these sessions, and she hopes to expand the workshops through sponsorships and grants.
“At the end of this session, I hope the participants will walk away empowered by new tools to recognize and manage signs of anxiety, stress, grief, and depression.” she said. “I want them to give themselves permission to respond to these overwhelming emotions with compassion rather than shame and self-criticism.”
Ronnie Williams, far left, Simone Stennett, Lesli Sanchez, UERC Board Member Rosslynn Pieters, Jenny Martenez, Seymou Edwards, President and Board Member of UERC Stacey Richardson and Christopher Avila at American Legion handing out Turkeys.
Since Nov. 3, the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center has been collecting food donations to support local families for Thanksgiving at the American Legion Hall. After weeks of community generosity, and the help of Rosslynn Pieters, the center began distributing meals on Nov. 21, at its location. Volunteers, boardmembers and staff prepared bags filled with essentials and Turkeys to help Uniondale residents enjoy a holiday meal. The effort reflects the center’s ongoing mission to support neighbors in need through compassion, outreach, and service.
Simone Stennett receives a Thanksgiving turkey from Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center volunteer Stacey Richardson during the center’s holiday giveaway.
The Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center and its partners distributes turkeys and essential holiday items to residents during its annual Thanksgiving giveaway.
Date: Tuesday, December, 16,
Uniondale Fire Commissioner Richard Troy Harris, has been part of the Uniondale community for more than 40 years and has spent more than 25 years serving the Uniondale in public safety and civic leadership, is running for re-election — unopposed.
A Uniondale High School graduate and Nassau Community College alum, Harris has served with the Uniondale Fire Department for 21 years. He was first elected fire commissioner in 2007 and has since helped steer the department through critical times, including the Covid-19 pandemic. During the height of the crisis, Harris helped coordinate the distribution of protective face masks to Uniondale schools, supporting student and staff safety.
Cathedral International Church, he serves under the leadership of Bishop R.W. Harris.
In 2014, Harris was honored by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Dorothy Goosby for 25 years of community service. The Uniondale Community Council also recognized him in 2016 for his work on the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Outside of his fire service, Harris works as head of security at ShopRite and with the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Highways. His commitment to safety and community runs through every role he takes on.
His faith continues to Grace Cathedreal International Church in Uniondale, under the leadership of Bishop R.W. Harris.
He is also certified as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician and Certified First Responder, both credentials he earned in 2006.
His community involvement goes far beyond emergency response. Harris coached Uniondale PAL Football in 2003, and remains an active member of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association. A longtime congregant at Grace
Harris lives in Uniondale with his wife, Monique Harris. They have three children and three grandchildren. Running unopposed in the Dec. 12 fire district election, Harris looks to continue the work he’s been dedicated to for decades — keeping Uniondale safe, supported and strong.
— Stacy Driks
Art instructor Celicia Gargill led a workshop at the Uniondale Public Library where participants painted fallthemed pumpkin fields using acrylic paint on canvas. The session, open to teens and adults, offered a creative way to celebrate the season.
Gargill is not only an artist but an entrepreneur as well. She was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and migrated to the United States in 1999. She was later inspired to create her own company, Authentic Heartwork — Art from the Heart — where she serves as chief executive.
Her work has appeared across Long Island, including at libraries such as Oyster Bay. At the Uniondale library, her previous sessions have guided visitors in painting flamingos, butterflies and more.
To find out when she’s returning, visit uniondalelibrary.org.
— Stacy Driks
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
A finished canvas from the Uniondale Public Library’s recent painting workshop shows a vibrant pumpkin field with a snowman standing in the background, blending fall and winter themes in acrylic.
cussions, especially as it will impact them come adulthood.
eighth grader from Valley Stream, said. “We also learned about where we should plan on locating businesses.”
While debating the policies that the students sought to implement, they elected leaders who would create speeches for their respective parties.
“I feel like it was really beneficial to know that I had people that I could talk to, debate with, and agree with on certain topics,” said seventh grader Zora Exum of Franklin Square, who also served as one of the candidates for Westbury. “This experience helped me with leadership, especially within our group.”
O“I think that it’s good for me to learn these things because, sooner or later, I’m going to have to go through this,” Johnson said. “Most of us here will have to. I think that we should start learning this early, so we can get better at it for later.”
ur chapter is focused on building tomorrow’s leaders.
DOnyshia BOstOn-hill Chapter president
After the contingent of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students listened to both parties’ speeches for each of the three communities, they were asked to vote for which they thought could best lead each community.
“For me, I learned about voting today and how the democratic process works,” Kaleb Johnson, an eighth grader from Baldwin, said.
Despite learning about and voting on these important issues, some students already saw the practicality of their dis-
After the voting was finished, the chapter brought in speakers with expertise in financial literacy and responsibility. For the adults in the room, it was an opportunity to provide insight for students who are on the right track.
“We’re true believers that it takes a village to raise our children,” BostonHill said. “We use our network to bring in these speakers, and the more collaboration we have from the community, you keep kids off the street, you keep them focused on moving forward in life, and you raise good citizens.”
Overall, it was an experience that the students said that they wouldn’t forget as they start on the path to becoming a future leader.
“This entire experience really benefited me,” Exum said. “These are things that I will carry for the rest of my life.”
By Roksana Amid
For more than four decades, New York Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” has marked the arrival of the holiday season for thousands of Long Island families. This year, the 43rd annual performance — set for Dec. 20 and 21 at Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse — promises to deepen that legacy with an expanded immersive experience, celebrated guest artists and a renewed emphasis on the history that defines the company.
Since 1982, New York Dance Theatre, in partnership with the Ohman School of Ballet, has staged the full-length classic each December. Rooted in the Balanchine tradition handed down from founder Frank Ohman — a former student and soloist under George Balanchine — the production has grown into one of the region’s most recognizable holiday events. Yet for Executive Artistic Director Nicole Loizides, its staying power is not simply about technique or spectacle. It’s about belonging.
• Dec. 20-21, noon and 5 p.m.
• Tickets start at $33, available at ohmanballet.org or (631) 462-0964
• Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hempstead
“We really feed ourselves in tradition,” Loizides says. “Especially around the holidays, people want a place where they can feel comfortable to come home, rest, rela and celebrate together. Our Nutcracker stays rooted in that.”
Long before the overture begins, audience members are invited into the world of the Silberhaus family — the setting of the ballet’s opening scene. When guests enter the Playhouse lobby, costumed Victorian performers greet them, musicians play seasonal melodies and the scent of apple cider wafts through the air.
Children are invited to hang ornaments on a Christmas tree, one of many ways the production blurs the line between audience and story.
Loizides describes it as a “semi-immersive pre-show experience,” one the company has been refining for several years. This season, the lobby experience expands through a new partnership with the Long Island High School for the Arts, whose student musicians perform as audiences arrive.
“As soon as people enter our lobby doors, they’re invited in by characters from our very first act,” Loizides says. “We serve warm apple cider, we have
live music from some of our most talented youth on Long Island, and we try to capture the spirit of the season of giving within our community. Our audiences are growing tenfold because of that comfort.”
The lobby transformation mirrors the company’s mission: to create a space that feels familiar, nostalgic, and welcoming — something Loizides believes people crave amid today’s fastpaced, hyper-digital world.
“So many things get wrapped up in what’s new on social media or what’s trending,” she says “But this time of year, people want tradition. They want to feel grounded. That’s what we offer.”
This year’s production — as always — features an impressive roster of professional dancers. Brittany Pollack, a soloist with New York City Ballet, and Daniel Ulbricht, a principal dancer with the company and artistic advisor for NYDT, take on the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Broadway performers Joseph J. Simeone and Samuel Colina also appear, joining New York Dance Theatre soloists Sandra Cieslak, Olivia Fohsz, Trevor Montgomery, and Craig Wasserman.
Loizides also returns to the stage, portraying Frau Silberhaus. It’s a moment she describes as both personal and symbolic, especially as the company prepares to enter its 50th anniversary year.
North Shore Village Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Moll returns for his third season in the featured roles of Lead Father and Mother Ginger, contributing to the intercompany collaboration that has become a production hallmark.
Children’s roles are danced by students of the Ohman School of Ballet and the School of American Ballet, the official training academy of New York City Ballet. For many young performers, “The Nutcracker” is their first experience dancing alongside professionals, a tradition that honors Frank Ohman’s commitment to nurturing the next generation.
NYDT’s devotion to tradition is not abstract — it lives in the steps, sets, props, and costumes that have shaped the production for decades. Ohman secured permission from the George Balanchine Trust to use the original Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux, grounding the show in Balanchine’s distinctive style. He also created supplementary scenes and dances that appear in no other staging, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the ballet and expanding opportunities for young dancers.
“What Frank added doesn’t exist anywhere else,” Loizides says. “It gives more solo moments to our youth, especially the young Clara, and it brings additional cultural dances into the second act. It’s something very special.”
Many of the costumes and props used onstage were gifted directly from Balanchine and former New York City Ballet crew members and are now entering formal archival preservation. Some pieces, Loizides notes, are still durable enough to appear in performance.
“That tradition dates back over 50 years,” she says.“These items are a direct link to Balanchine himself. They’re part of our history.”
As the company prepares to embark on its 50th anniversary, she is focused on balancing innovation with the artistic values that first shaped the organization.
“For us, even with new opportunities and initiatives all year, the Nutcracker stays rooted in tradition,” she adds. “This is where our community gathers. It’s where people feel at home.”
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music at the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival! This extraordinary concert is hosted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Inspired by the legendary Last Waltz, this tour features a revolving cast all coming together to honor the timeless legacy and rich catalog of the Allman Brothers Band. This year’s amazing lineup features the Allman Betts Band, the iconic Jimmy Hall, former Wet Willie singer and Allman Brothers alumni; alongside Robert Randolph, Amanda Shires, G. Love, Judith Hill, Jimmy Hall, Cody & Luther Dickinson, Alex Orbison, and others. Special guests may also join in. Set against the backdrop of the famous Allman Brothers Brotherhood of Light show, blending electrifying music with stunning visuals, it’s an unforgettable night that honors the rich history and timeless catalog of the Allman Brothers Band.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $108.75, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Swing into the holiday season with Home for the Holidays with the Future of Jazz Orchestra presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Under the musical direction of Joe Block, expect to hear refreshing takes of your favorite holiday tunes. Joining the orchestra are vocalists Katie Oberholtzer and Imani Rousselle. Oberholtzer, a recurring figure at Birdland, the Jazz Club at the Aman, and Dizzy’s Club, has captivated audiences with her cross-genre performances. Rousselle, recently seen in Broadway’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” is celebrated for the warmth and poise she brings to stage. The Future of Jazz Orchestra is a young big band collective curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center that is comprised of musicians at the start of their jazz career. Pulling from local education programs at Juilliard, Temple, Manhattan School of Music, and more, the orchestra showcases musicians who are fresh on the jazz scene in NYC.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
LuminoCity 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
Get ready to enjoy 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
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. From dreamlike landscapes and uncanny portraits to images so exact they look like photographs, works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. This exhibit explores 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
The Nutcracker Leggz Ltd. Dance rings in the holiday season with Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, now in its. 10th season at the Madison Theater. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Joan MacNaughton, international ballet stars are joined by gifted young dancers from all over the
Resource Center invites everyone to a festive program featuring a live holiday concert, the lighting of the community Christmas tree and a free toy giveaway for children. Hot cocoa and seasonal treats are available while supplies last. Organizers are also seeking local residents and businesses willing to donate a live Christmas tree between 12 and 20 feet tall to serve as the event’s centerpiece. Volunteers are welcome.
• Where: Uniondale Park
• Time: 6-8 pm.
• Contact: (516) 555-1234 or email info@uniondaleerc.org
Uniondale High School’s Show Choir lights up the stage with its Holiday Spectacular, a spirited performance filled with music, movement, and seasonal cheer. The show, at Uniondale High School, brings students, families and neighbors together to celebrate the season through song. $20, $10 students and children.
• Where: Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich St.
• Time: 6-8 pm.
• Contact: uniondaleschools.org or (516) 918-1270
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Close out 2025 with some laughs with comedian Elon Gold, best known for his relatable takes on being Jewish and getting through the weirdness of life. Considered by many to be this generation’s Borscht Belt King, he’s no stranger to those who watch Netflix. His act brings laughs to both Jews and non-Jews alike all over the world, including sold out shows in England, Sydney and Johannasburg. He’s made dozens of memorable appearances on late-night talk shows and TV series, especially his hilarious recurring role as Head of Hulu on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. His one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He has made ten appearances on the “Tonight Show” and recently performed on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. He has starred in FOX’s “Stacked” and developed and starred in the NBC series, “In-Laws.” Prior guest star credits include “Crashing,” “Frasier,” “Chappelle’s Show,” and “Chelsea Lately” among others. He was also a writer/performer on ABC’s “The Dana Carvey Show.” Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.” He has also just wrapped filming the titular role in the upcoming feature “The Badchan,” from renowned Israeli director Gidi Dar. $76.25 and $54.25..
metropolitan area. The South Shore Symphony brilliantly brings to life the composer’s extraordinary music making this magical extravaganza a must-see for everyone!
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 7 p.m.; also Dec. 6, 5 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also Dec. 7, 2:15, p.m., Dec.
10-12
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
360 Planetarium Show
Visitors can step into a world beyond imagination in a music sensory journey by of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood at Cradle of Aviation. This multi-sensory 360 degree experience will leave audience members mesmerized. Tickets start $44, with discounts for students, military and seniors over 60.
• Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 6 p.m., also 7:15 and 8:45
• Contact: tinyurl.com/ Mesmerica360
‘Night Before Krampus’ Moonlight Market returns to the Cradle of Aviation Museum for a special after-hours holiday edition of “Night Before Krampus.” With over 150 vendors offering art, handcrafted goods, jewelry, apparel, curiosities, and seasonal gifts. Guests can enjoy live music, performance showcases, and live glassblowing while exploring the museum galleries after hours, with free parking available. $15 in advance through Eventbrite or $25 at the door. For ages 18 and up.
• Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 6 p.m.-midnight
• Contact: tinyurl.com/ MoonlightMarket25
Celebrate the holiday season at Old Westbury Gardens when the timeless holiday tradition returns. Step inside Westbury House and experience the magic of Christmas past with rooms beautifully decorated in period style and filled with festive cheer. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy holiday treats like cookies and warm cider, and don’t miss a special visit from Santa himself. $18, $15 seniors (62+) and full-time students, $8 children (ages 7–17), free 6 and under and members.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Dec. 1314, Dec. 20-21
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Christmas tree lighting Uniondale kicks off the holiday season with an evening of lights and music for all ages.
The Uniondale Empowerment
The Uniondale Police Activity League brings community together for its first annual “A Season of Giving.” Families can expect a warm, festive afternoon. Children will receive toys, meet Santa, and enjoy music and good food, all at no cost. Local vendors join in as well, turning the event into a neighborhood gathering that celebrates generosity and connection.
• Where: John J. Byrne Community Center
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 668-0958 or email uniondalepal@gmail.com
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
LEGAL NOTICE
SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A TAX LIEN INDEX NO.: 605671/2024, ATCF II NEW YORK LLC, Plaintiff, vs CHRISTINE COHEN, if such person be living, if such person be dead, such person’s respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through such person, if such person be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OF CLIFFORD THOMPSON AND ALL PERSONS THAT MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY REFERRED TO IN THE COMPLAINT BY, THROUGH OR UNDER ANY OF THE FOREGOING (THE AFORESAID UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES BEING ALL SUCH HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY NAMED AS A DEFENDANT HEREIN.THE IDENTITY AND ADDRESSES OF ALL THE FOREGOING NOT BEING KNOWN TO PLAINTIFF), Defendants.
PREMISES SUBJECT TO TAX LIEN: 1030 Arthur St., Uniondale, NY 11553, Section 36, Block 148, Lot 172 (Group Lot: 172-173). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exc1usive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is
complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.
NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: October 30, 2025. Michael Ehrenreich, Attorney for Plaintiff, 555 Willow Ave., Cedarhurst, NY, (516) 942-4216. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON.
JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated October 8, 2025. Such order and the Complaint in this action are filed in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, in Mineola, NY. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien on the premises identified above. 156722
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: ALUMNI ENTERTAINMENT
Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 07/09/2025. 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:1205 TULSA ST UNIONDALE NY 11553
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156604
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NYS Application ID: NA-0138-25-136683 for eating place beer has been applied for by L & J Munchie Spot Corp. to sell beer at retail in a delicatessen under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 814 Nassau Rd. Uniondale, NY 11553 for on premises consumption. 156976
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR CARLSBAD FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST SATURIN THOMAS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 13, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 727 Beck Street, Uniondale (T/O Hempstead), NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 132, Lot 38-40. Approximate amount of judgment $309,661.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008552/2016. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle D rive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-001926 87948 157013
Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-18, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Mary Alice Turner a/k/a Mary A. Turner; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 5, 2026, at 3:00PM, premises known as 865 Southern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 50 Block 286 Lot 131. Approximate amount of judgment $818,838.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 009443/2012. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: October 31, 2025
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 157083
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff -againstKEVIN HEARN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY M. HEARN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 23, 2025 and entered on February 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at
Thomas W. Stokes was named the president and chief executive officer of Nassau University Medical Center, Nassau County’s only public safety net hospital.
Nassau University Medical Center has named Thomas W. Stokes as its permanent president and chief executive officer. Stokes, 54, is the chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine in Manhattan.
Starting in January, he will takeover managing the day-to-day operations at the safety-net hospital, based in East Meadow, the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, and other community health centers and outreach operations.
His appointment comes at the end of a turbulent year for NUMC, which was taken over by New York state in May, following provisions that passed in the budget for fiscal year 2026. The changes, which took effect June 1, shifted control from County Executive Bruce Blakeman to Gov. Kathy Hochul
and state Democrats.
In addition, the state granted the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation, expanded oversight, including the ability to approve hospital contracts exceeding $1 million. The hospital’s public benefit corporation, the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is also required to conduct a study on strengthening NUMC by Dec. 1, 2026.
State-appointed leadership fired Meg Ryan, the former chief executive at NUMC, in June. She was replaced by Dr. Richard Becker, the interim president and chief executive of the hospital.
Stokes will assume the top office at NUMC from Becker in 2026.
100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 50-03901-221 Said premises known as 1300 PEMBROKE STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553
Approximate amount of lien $454,709.54 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 605631/2021.
SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee
Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* UNIONDALE*} 156991
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Bank of America National Association, as Trustee, successor by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-3, Plaintiff
AGAINST Estate of Virginia Yearby, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 709 Nostrand Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of
Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 50, BLOCK: 359, LOT: 1. Approximate amount of judgment is $519,361.71 plus interests an d costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607294/2023. For sale information, please visit XOME at www.xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Scott H. Siller, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-072713-F02 87735 157005
School
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and correspondence.
Qualifications:
• 3+ years of bookkeeping experience.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks (Desktop or Online).
• Experience with payroll processing.
• Hourly rate based on experience.
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI
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
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
This stunning oceanfront retreat is perfectly positioned on the Atlantic, offering panoramic water views from private decks on all three levels, including a beachfront deck, a main-level terrace, and an exclusive balcony off the luxurious primary suite. The primary suite also features a cozy fireplace and a brand-new spa-inspired bathroom with radiant heated floors. With five spacious bedrooms and the potential to add a sixth,
Q. There’s a lot of renovation going on around us, and I don’t see one permit sign or window sign. One neighbor told me he didn’t want his taxes to go up, so he’ll get a permit if he gets caught or when he sells. Isn’t that taking a chance? Will taxes definitely go up, and what are my chances of getting caught for adding a roof over my front door and changing out my windows?
A. Whenever a carton of milk is tipped over on the table, there are those who immediately start mopping up the spill, while others quickly grab the carton to stop the spill at its source. Some try to solve the problem, while others try to fix the mess it creates.
Taxes are the biggest worry, it seems, when it comes to renovation, and the number one question I get. I’m not sure if you’ll get caught, but since taxes don’t reduce, it’s safe to say that you could do nothing and your taxes will go up. I have been advocating for years to have a two-tier property tax system in which your house is taxed separately from property taxes. Many municipalities, from Philadelphia and Boston to cities and towns across Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, have explored and adopted this system, in which building improvements are taxed one-fifth of what they would be in your county.
All the savings for your home renovation, no matter how big or small, encourage public safety through permits and improvements. Where penalties for working without a permit are enforced on the builder, as in New York City, builders doing work, and not just the property owner, have a financial stake, and the local economy gets stronger from sales taxes instead of penalizing people, forever, because they wanted a family room, etc. Sadly, what happens in your county is that the system actually promotes unsafe practices, code violations, work needing to be redone once the owner “gets caught,” such as redoing piping, kitchen removal and zoning hearings that could have been avoided if there were planning, permits and strong penalties.
I regularly get questions about whether existing work “meets code,” when people completely misunderstand that building codes are the bare minimum, and do not fully cover the tolerances or behavior of materials, specific life safety issues or special cases requiring more stringent engineering, from resisting freezing to melting, weak soil, explosion or flame spread, to name a few. It’s common because of your local tax and permit system, and almost seems to be encouraged by allowing people to file to “maintain” work, built illegally, in essence mopping up the spill instead of helping people avoid the spill in the first place.
Building departments accommodate hidden work by simply asking owners to have a licensed professional accept responsibility, stating in letters and in plans that the work is code-compliant, as if professionals have a special super power to see through walls. But no use crying over spilled milk, right? Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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The biggest issue around most Thanksgiving tables last week — other than gratitude — was just how expensive everything seemed. Costs have risen sharply in the past few years, and people are looking for answers.
People are sick of politicians’ petty partisan attacks. They’re asking, “What can you do to make life more affordable?”
Some things are straightforward: tariffs make groceries, clothing and Christmas presents more expensive. The growing federal debt is driving up interest rates. Demand for energy to power A.I. data centers, combined with the cancellation of a bunch of green-energy projects, is driving up energy costs. Fewer workers on farms and in industrial plants, hospitality and health care due to deportation — or being scared to show up for work — increases overtime costs.
Rising health care costs are at the top of the affordability crisis list, but addressing those costs is extraordinarily complex.
First, we need an immediate fix in
Athe next few weeks to extend premium tax credits to avoid an explosion in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Then, over the next two years, we need to develop a bipartisan plan to reduce hyperinflated health care costs meaningfully.
I
Right now, over 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced Premium Tax Credits to afford health insurance. These credits, which expire at the end of the year, require a person buying health insurance to pay 8.5 percent of their income for coverage, with the rest covered by the federal government. If Congress fails to fix this soon, those millions will see their premiums jump by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, overnight. For many, that would mean losing coverage altogether. Even those who don’t use the credits would be affected: When the risk pool shrinks, premiums rise for everyone.
in the system and ensure that the program functions as intended.
This bill isn’t perfect, but no bipartisan compromise is. Time is running out, and my colleagues and I haven’t seen anyone else stepping up with a truly bipartisan plan. So we did.
n a litany of steps we need to take to improve our system, a few stand out.
Next, the long-term solution: Over the next two years, we need a bipartisan effort to address the decades-long rise in health care costs. Health care is too expensive. Insurance is too expensive. The Affordable Care Act achieved its objective of insuring tens of millions of Americans who had never been insured. Before the ACA, 50 million people were uninsured; today, that number is less than half.
increase life expectancy. Smoking, alcohol, improper diet and lack of exercise are the leading avoidable causes of premature death. We have made significant strides in addressing smoking; we need to do the same with obesity. We must do better! Let’s emphasize healthy eating and exercise, de-incentivize alcohol, and get the medical community more focused on prevention and early detection.
Doctors should be guiding treatment, not insurance companies. Physician payments have fallen dramatically, while doctor expenses have risen by even more. In a world where doctors are subject to burnout, excessive lawsuits and spending more time on defensive paperwork than patient care, our physician pool is hemorrhaging.
First, the immediate fix: I recently introduced the Bipartisan HOPE Act. It would extend the premium tax credits for two years, and institute a salary cap to target assistance to those most in need.
The act also includes strong guardrails to combat fraud, with protections that safeguard taxpayers, restore trust
In a litany of steps we need to take to improve our system, a few stand out. The government desperately needs to lower prescription drug costs. The Biden administration passed legislation that allowed Medicare to negotiate prices on 25 drugs, but we need more. President Trump said himself that Big Pharma is “getting away with murder.”
We need to do a much better job on preventive care. People need to be healthier, and medical issues must be addressed long before they spiral out of control. Doing so will save money and
I’ve been in public service for the better part of 30 years, as the mayor of Glen Cove, Nassau County executive, and now in Congress. I’ve learned that one-party solutions are fleeting, easily replaced. We need a bipartisan fix now, and over the next two years I pledge to work with my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus — a bipartisan group of members that I co-chair, that is committed to solving complex problems — to develop a robust health care framework that lowers costs for generations to come.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
s a Mepham High School student in Bellmore in 2021, I joined ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force. I remained an active member of the task force up until I started college in the summer of 2023. I was never surprised by how meaningful my work was, but what surprised me was how many ways I benefited from my time at ERASE Racism.
I’m still benefiting, as a student on a full scholarship at the University of Richmond, where I’m now on a semester abroad, studying cities through people, planning and politics. The Long Island region is benefiting as well, as more homegrown leaders prepare to take the lead.
ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force is composed of high school students from across Long Island who are passionate about racial justice and making positive change in their schools and communities. It helps students develop their leadership skills, identify their
strengths and assets, and build alliances with students of different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds as well as across school districts. Its members work collaboratively on projects that further racial justice.
One of the best parts of the task force was getting to meet students from across Long Island with diverse backgrounds whom I never would have met otherwise. One such friend was a student at Baldwin High School at the time, and is now at Columbia University. We still get together during college breaks.
nity Leadership Program.
I benefited in so many ways as an ERASE Racism Student Task Force Member.
Working with a wide variety of students from different districts, my perception of myself as a leader grew. Together we explored challenges to racial justice, shared our experiences and insights, and considered how best to overcome barriers. Together we organized events like the annual Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow Conference and, for three summers, prepared and presented at the Reimagining Education Summer Institute at Teachers College. I also became part of the Mepham School and Commu-
Those activities inspired my passion for multiculturalism, and the experience that I gained in the process made me a stronger candidate for college. In my college applications, I drew on my experience with two Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow conferences and three Reimagining Education institutes. Based on those applications, I earned two college scholarships, which together cover my entire tuition, room and board. Today I am both a Richmond Scholar and an Oliver Hill Scholar at Richmond.
Now, as an Ambassador for the Richmond Scholars program, I read applications of scholar candidates and understand even better how compelling experiences like the ones I had as a Student Task Force member can be. I even return each year to ERASE Racism to talk with task force members about college essays.
Now studying abroad, I’m continuing to explore my passion for multiculturalism. My studies are taking me to Argentina, Spain and South Africa, as I conduct a research project on migration in urban settings.
High school students on Long Island have many benefits on which to draw, but Long Island remains one of the 10 most racially segregated metropolitan regions in the United States. That segregation is reinforced in education by the fact that suburban Long Island’s two counties are divided into 125 school districts that reflect the racial segregation in housing. The districts in turn prevent students even in neighboring villages from knowing one another and benefiting from their diverse perspectives.
High school students should look for ways to overcome that barrier. The absurd number of school districts — and the extraordinary waste of taxpayer money involved — may not change soon, but students can take steps to cross those boundaries and get to know one another.
ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force is one avenue. The resulting friendships and the insights shared are vital to the region’s future. Many more Long Island high school students may just find, as I did, that working to advance racial justice will create a new generation of leaders who seek to overcome existing barriers. They may just discover that they become those leaders themselves.
Bellmore, is a junior at the University of Richmond.
he holiday season carries a reputation for joy, connection and celebration, yet for many adults it also reliably delivers stress, pressure and emotional overload. Between family dynamics, financial expectations, packed schedules and the internal push to be relentlessly cheerful, it’s no surprise that mental health can take a hit.
This year, consider a more intentional approach by reclaiming this time with strategies that help you thrive, not just survive.
Our culture is saturated with glossy versions of holiday perfection: immaculate homes, harmonious families, gourmet meals and coordinated pajamas.
Social media amplifies it, encouraging comparison even when we know better. But perfection is both impossible and unnecessary. A successful holiday isn’t measured by aesthetics or extravagance; it’s defined by what feels meaningful, peaceful and manageable for you.
One of the healthiest mental shifts you can make is letting go of other people’s expectations, whether it’s your extended family’s traditions or the imaginary audience in your Instagram feed. Give yourself permission to scale down, choose differently, or avoid what drains you. The real “perfect” holiday is the one that supports your well-being.
If there is one skill that reduces holiday stress more than anything else, it’s
boundary-setting. The season often arrives with invitations, obligations and emotional expectations that stack up quickly. Saying yes to everything is unsustainable and usually unnecessary.
A “polite no” doesn’t require elaborate excuses. Try simple scripts such as:
“I appreciate the invite, but I’m keeping things low-key this year.”
“That sounds meaningful, but I can’t take on anything extra right now.”
Setting limits isn’t unkind — it’s responsible. Boundaries protect the energy you need for the commitments and people that genuinely matter.
Holiday spending is one of the biggest, and most underestimated, sources of December stress. Gift-giving can be joyful, but only when it’s grounded in reality rather than guilt or comparison.
Create a budget before you shop, not afterward. Consider setting price caps for group exchanges, opting for homemade gifts or planning shared experiences rather than material items. Most important, reject the mindset that whispers that love must be proven through financial sacrifice. Some of the most meaningful gifts cost nothing: time, connection and attentive presence.
During a season of constant invitations, the most radical choice you can make is protecting your routine. Sleep, movement and downtime are the foundation of mental stability. Schedule “empty time” the same way you would
schedule an appointment. Leave room for rest, flexibility and the ability to say yes to what genuinely nourishes you.
If you rely on therapy, journaling, medication or meditation, guard those habits fiercely. You don’t have to abandon mental health routines simply because the calendar gets festive.
For those experiencing grief, loss or estrangement, the holidays can magnify pain. There is no correct way to “handle” grief during a season of what often feels like forced joy. Give yourself permission to feel whatever arises — sadness, anger, numbness or even unexpected happiness. Create rituals that honor lost loved ones, allow yourself space to step back from celebrations, or connect with others navigating similar emotions. You are not required to “perform” cheerfulness.
January often hits like emotional whiplash. Build in recovery time rather than expecting yourself to launch into new-year productivity immediately. Plan a quiet weekend, revisit your budget, reset your sleep schedule and reestablish routines that ground you. The goal is to ease into the new year, not crash into it.
The holidays don’t need to be an endurance test. With realistic expectations, thoughtful boundaries and a commitment to your mental well-being, you can transform the season from chaotic to intentional.
As we begin the holiday season and a time of year filled with love, thanksgiving and gratitude, just saying “thank you” is the understatement of a lifetime.
On Nov. 4, I had the tremendous honor of being elected to serve the residents of the reapportioned Legislative District 5, and I will be forever grateful for the trust you have placed in me. It is a victory that belongs not just to me, but also to my friends and family, our supporters in labor, and all of the volunteers who worked so tirelessly to make it possible.
Your dedication, energy and belief in our shared vision kept our campaign strong from start to finish. I’m proud of the campaign we ran — one rooted in connection, showing up, and commitment to the people we serve — and I’m committed to standing up for our values and fighting every day to make Nassau County more affordable for working families in every community.
I will be representing a newly apportioned District 5 in 2026, and it’s important to take a moment to explain what that means and how we got here. The maps that were used in this year’s election (and which will be in place through 2032) are a result of a settlement reached after community advocates and civil liberties organizations sued the county, alleging that illegal gerrymandering permeated the map used in the 2023 election. District 5 is one of the six majority-minority legislative districts in which the population is composed of at least 50 percent underrepresented voting groups.
iScott Davis and Russell representing the balance of the community. Most of the hamlet of West Hempstead and portions of Franklin Square are new to the district, and I’m excited to continue this work with you and for you in the years to come.
’m convinced that at this tumultuous moment, our voices are our power.
When I was first elected to the Legislature in a special election in February, I had the privilege of serving all of Uniondale, Westbury and New Cassel, along with portions of the Village of Hempstead. My lifelong home of Uniondale remains at the core of District 5, which I will serve alongside my new colleague, Legislator-elect Viviana Russell, who will represent Westbury and New Cassel.
I will also take on a larger portion of Hempstead village, with Legislators
To the Editor:
Re last week’s story “Rejection of NCC leader sparks opposition”: As a former member of the Nassau Community College board of trustees, I take exception to the arbitrary and meritless decision by the SUNY board of trustees in denying the application of the college’s chief administrative officer, Maria Conzatti, for a permanent position.
SUNY’s board voted 12-0 to reject Ms. Conzatti’s application without a scintilla of reason or justification for such a monumental decision, impacting almost 18,000 students and over 800 faculty members. By creating this crater in leadership at the college, when public educational institutions face so much uncertainty and financial challenges, SUNY is overtly causing an unnecessary and counterintuitive crisis that could have been avoided.
I have known Maria Conzatti for almost 14 years, and she has demonstrated a clear and unequivocal track record as an effective, dedicated and professional administrator who has earned the trust of the students, faculty and administration over a multi-decade career at NCC.
As a legislator, I, along with my colleagues, have an obligation to ensure that our contribution to the college’s budget is being applied judiciously and appropriately. For SUNY to now leave the college rud-
While the district lines have changed — significantly in the case of our district — the work and my focus is the same, and my passion for public service remains unwavering.
As a Uniondale High School student, I volunteered for Planned Parenthood as a Teen Advocate, and I immersed myself in the organization’s campaigns to reduce teen pregnancy and prevent sexually transmitted infections. At age 18, I joined the Uniondale Fire Department, and over the past 15 years I became the first woman to serve as captain of Manor Company 3 before achieving the rank of second lieutenant. Prior to becoming a legislator, I was elected to two terms on the Uniondale Public Library board and served as the board’s president.
In the County Legislature, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in the
derless until a permanent leader is found — which, in my experience, can take up to a year — is irresponsible and concerning to me and the taxpayers of Nassau County.
ARNOLD W. DRUCkER Plainview
Arnold Drucker is the deputy minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, and was a member of the Nassau Community College board of trustees until 2016.
To the Editor:
I was surprised, when reading Peter k ing’s op-ed “Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect” (Nov. 13-19), by his statement, “Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference.”
Even when adding Sliwa’s 7.1 percent of the vote to Andrew Cuomo’s 41.6 percent in the New York City mayoral election, they still fall significantly short of Zohran Mamdani’s decisive victory. I’m not sure why there’s the need to minimize Mamdani’s popularity. Clearly he’s resonating with a lot of people, and I don’t think pretending that he’s not will be useful or productive for the next election cycle.
GARY FERRAR Franklin Square
legislative minority to secure equitable investments in our communities. This year we broke a months-long blockade on more than $1.3 million in grants for our first responders; secured tens of millions of dollars for vital infrastructure improvements in the 2025 capital plan and secured long-awaited grants for cultural institutions through the Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Fund.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to properly resource our partners in law enforcement and to expedite the delivery of nearly $100 million in opioid settlement funds to the agencies on the front lines of delivering treatment, prevention and recovery resources to those struggling with substance use disorder.
I remain firmly convinced that, at this tumultuous and consequential moment in history, our voices are our power, and collectively we have tremendous strength. I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you in the fight for a better future in 2026 and the years to come. Should you ever have a question or concern that you would like to share with me, don’t hesitate to contact me at (516) 571-6205 or onicks@ nassaucountyny.gov.
Olena Nicks, of Uniondale, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
mountsinai.org/southnassau