Wantagh Herald 12-04-2025

HERALD

Ainsley Martinez/Herald

Rep. Laura Gillen, left, and Georgina Cornago announced the federal push to fund EpiPens for first responders to carry and administer in June at Lynbrook Village Hall. Behind them was a photo of Cornago’s son, Giovanni Cipriano, who was 14 when he died from an allergic reaction.

Gio’s Law heads to Washington

By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Appearing before the House Judiciary Committee last week, Rep. Laura Gillen moved Gio’s Law toward becoming federal policy — this time with Giovanni Cipriano’s mother at her side.

For more than a decade, Georgina Cornago has pressed lawmakers to ensure that first responders nationwide can carry and administer epinephrine to those who have life-threatening allergic reactions. Her son, Giovanni, a 14-year-old from Lynbrook, died in 2014 after suffering anaphylaxis while help was minutes away. New York has since authorized police officers to carry EpiPens, but advocates say that access remains inconsistent, expensive, and dependent on individual departments’ budgets.

Cornago, visiting Capitol Hill for the first

time on Nov. 20, said the moment felt larger than anything she had imagined after 12 years of work.

“I never would have imagined that it was going to be a national bill,” she said.

Gio’s Law, introduced by Gillen and Republican Long Island Rep. Andrew Garbarino, would create a federal grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase epinephrine and secure training for officers.

Departments nationwide have struggled to afford the devices, which can cost up to $600 per single use set. The proposal also encourages expanded training in and awareness of emergency allergy response.

Gillen said that having Cornago present, and Giovanni’s photograph displayed in the hearing room, shifted the conversation from procedure to lived experience.

“I don’t expect that there will be too many no votes on such an important, noncontro-

This book club attracts those of all ages

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

For more than a decade, the Monday Afternoon Book Discussion at the North Bellmore Public Library has been a hub of lively conversation, laughter and connection for readers of all backgrounds.

Led by longtime Bellmore resident Stephanie Cohen, the book club draws members from across the area — including Gold Kanner, a 94-year-old Wantagh resident who has been attending for the past four years.

Bfresh discussion among the members.

Before her retirement, Kanner worked for decades as an office manager at a Freeport day care center, and later as a senior page at the East Meadow Public Library. Now, the book club offers her exactly what she needs: intellectual stimulation, social engagement and a sense of belonging.

ook club is wonderful for me because there’s other people to talk to.

“Book club is wonderful for me because there’s other people to talk to and to listen to me,” Kanner said. “It’s a very informal group. We enjoy each other’s company, and we really get into the meanings of the books.”

GolD KANNER

94-year-old book discussion member

A lifelong reader who received her first library card at age 8 in Brooklyn, Kanner has added her own brand of joy to the meetings. Her “silly verse” reflections, often written in rhyme, spark laughter and

“It’s important for people my age who live alone to have someone to say hello to, to discuss a TV show, or just share a thought,” she said.

Cohen, a former teacher and longtime member of the Friends of the Library, which assists in fundraising events, has led the book club for more than a decade. She carefully selects books from a wide range of sources — including The New York Times reviews — and emphasizes participation over perfection.

“This is not a technical kind of book discussion,” she said. “We discuss what we liked,

ContinuEd on PaGE 7

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Decorated coffee sleeves created by students

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

students at Forest Lake Elementary School found a creative way to give back to their community one coffee cup at a time.

Fourth and fifth graders at the Wantagh school decorated hundreds of beverage sleeves in November, adding thoughtful messages and drawings designed to brighten someone’s day. The colorful cup holders will be distributed by the French Workshop, a local café and bakery in Wantagh, during the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

The project was a collaboration between the school and the French Workshop, giving students a chance to share joy beyond the classroom. Each sleeve featured handwritten words of kindness, fall-themed artwork, and personal messages of gratitude. Before decorating, students engaged in classroom discussions about the meaning of thankfulness and brainstormed ways to express it through art.

Teachers used the activity to guide conversations around the importance of appreciating life’s everyday moments, especially during the holiday season. Students reflected on the people and

experiences they were most grateful for, using the cup sleeves as a tangible way to pass that feeling on to others in their neighborhood.

Allison Santaniello, a fourth grade teacher at Forest Lake Elementary School, expressed her excitement for her students to be able to view their own art throughout the area. “I love that they’re going to see their work out in the community,” Santaniello said in a press release. “This also led to great conversations in the classroom about all of the little things they are grateful for.”

The project combined elements of art, writing, social-emotional learning and community service. By participating, students not only practiced creative expression but also learned about the impact small gestures can have on others. Teachers emphasized that the real lesson came in recognizing the value of giving without expecting anything in return.

The decorated sleeves are expected to accompany hot beverages sold by the French Workshop throughout Thanksgiving week. Forest Lake staff hope to continue offering similar serviceoriented projects throughout the school year, as part of a broader effort to build empathy, citizenship and character across all grade levels.

day.

Fourth graders Michael Bonnano and Vivianne Gabriel help create more than 500 decorated coffee cup sleeves to spread joy in the Wantagh community.

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All too often a client comes in with a sad tale about an estranged child. Naturally, they are at a loss as to what to do about the situation when it comes to leaving that child an inheritance.

Years ago, the famous advice columnist Ann Landers wrote that her all time most requested column for reprint was on this very subject. Ann wrote that an inheritance should be considered a gift and that if the gift is not deserved one should not be expected. While that may have been good advice at the time and perhaps still is in most cases, like many things it is more complicated today.

In practice, we find that many of these once loving sons and daughters have married individuals with borderline or narcissistic personality disorders. Their spouses are manipulative and controlling. They seek to separate the loving son or daughter from their family so as to better control their spouse. The estranged child knows from experience that going against the wishes of their narcissistic spouse is like throwing

gasoline on a fire — so they go along to get along.

Why does this happen? The manipulator has an enormous advantage over the clients’ son or daughter. The manipulator is a professional, having been this way all their life, honing their skills. The estranged son or daughter is an amateur — they have no experience in being manipulated. It may take years for them to even understand they are being manipulated and then more years, if ever, to build up defenses to the manipulation.

When young children are involved, the estranged child well knows the adverse consequences of having any normal relationship with their children should they seek a divorce from the narcissist.

Our advice is to try to understand and be compassionate with an estranged son or daughter in this situation. An Inheritance Protection Trust (IPT), that may only be used for them and your grandchildren, managed by either a sibling or a professional, may be the answer to such a heart-rending situation.

News brief

A diverse cast of students at the Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh are prepared to hit the stage in Into the Woods Jr., the temple’s fall theatrical production.

‘Into the Woods Jr.’ hits the temple stage

A diverse cast of students at the Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh are prepared to hit the stage as a part of the temple’s annual fall production. There will be three shows of Into the Woods Jr. at the temple, located on 2900 Jerusalem Ave. in Wantagh. The show is a one-act, junior version of the musical Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, adapted for younger performers. The cast has been hard at work preparing for the show, according to Lisa Shubin, the production’s executive producer. “We have a cast of 32 children ranging in age from 6 to 17,” she said. “They’ve been working very hard since September on this, rehearsing several times a week.”

The first show will be this Saturday at 7 p.m., with a follow up show the day after at 2 p.m. The final showing will be on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The musical weaves together characters and plots from clas-

L et us

sic fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk. It is designed to be more accessible to younger actors and audiences.

Temple B’nai Torah is a congregation that embraces a progressive and inclusive vision of Reform Judaism through worship, study of Torah and righteous deeds according to its website. The congregation strives to create a multi-generational home in the region by staying connected to their roots, as well as offering spiritual enrichment, Jewish education and community engagement.

The show is directed by Congregation Co-President, Alisa Baroukh. To order tickets, reach out to TBTtix@tbtwantagh.org. To learn more about the temple, visit TbtWantagh.org.

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News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

Sayville edges Wantagh in LIC shootout

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Spotting Sayville two touchdowns in last Friday’s Long Island Class III football championship game wasn’t an ideal situation for Wantagh, but falling behind early was nothing new and nothing it hadn’t overcome many times.

It was the fifth time in six weeks the Warriors trailed in the first half, but for a fourth time they rallied to lead. However, they just couldn’t stop Sayville’s ground attack featuring senior tailback Tristan Vitale and senior quarterback Patrick Coan from writing a different ending.

Vitale rushed for 239 yards and five touchdowns and Coan added 229 yards rushing and a score as the Golden Flashes capped an undefeated season with an exciting 42-35 victory at Hofstra University. It’s the eighth L.I. title for Sayville (12-0) in program history.

“We’ve been finding ways to win games all year, just not today,” Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs said. “We’ve been coming out of the gate and giving

up points early every week. It’s hard to come back every time.

“To watch these guys get better every week, win a county championship and leave it all out on the field today was special,” he added. “We thought we had one more miracle left. But you know what, they played their [butts] off. I’m really so proud of them.”

The Warriors (8-4) were led by their fantastic four: seniors Joe Nicholson, Devin Paccione and quarterback Carter Loughman, and sophomore Luke Martini. Loughman fired touchdown passes to each of the other three and passes for 278 yards. Nicholson and Martini added rushing touchdowns as well. Paccione had 121 receiving yards and two interceptions. Martini had 11 tackles.

Both teams scored at least one touchdown in every quarter, and the extra points were automatic with Sayville senior Henry Reiss going 6-for-6 and Wantagh sophomore Brendon Wood hitting 5 of 5.

Wood also hit a perfectly placed onside kick that nearly sparked a Warriors comeback in the fourth quarter.

After Vitale’s 10-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth gave the Golden Flashes a 42-28 lead, Wantagh responded with a 71-yard scoring drive highlighted by a 38-yard catch by Paccione on fourth-and-4 to keep the chains moving. Martini’s 7-yard touchdown run cut the margin in half, then senior Luke Gonsowski recovered the ensuing on-side kid.

But, Sayville’s defense allowed just one first down on that possession and bent but didn’t break on what would be the Warriors’ final drive of the season. Wantagh moved from its own 24 to the Sayville 47 when on fourth-and-13 Luke Neugebauer’s interception sealed it.

“Up front we really did a great job,” said Sayville head coach Robert Hoss, whose team racked up 555 total yards behind the offensive line of composed of tackles Richard Fontanetta and Chase Neugebauer, guards Ben Kloska and Austin LaRosa, center Alex LaBella. “They hurt us with some big plays in the first half,” he added. “Chunk plays have been a problem for us all year, but we’ve been resilient all year.”

Library group regulars relish book chats

what we didn’t like, what we learned, what we understood, and then we apply it to our own lives. The discussions are carried by the members, and that’s what makes it so special.”

One of those members is North Bellmore resident Kathy Zullo, who has lived in the community for nearly 50 years and has been part of various book groups at the library for more than a decade.

“I think what makes this group so unique is that we come together from different backgrounds, different religions, different perspectives — but the common thread is the love of reading,” Zullo said. “The group makes me read books I might not normally pull off the shelf, and I think that’s a growth experience.”

For Zullo, the monthly meetings that meet on the third Monday, aren’t just about literature.

“You get to know everybody’s name,” she said. “You ask how they are, and you hear about the life things happening to people. It becomes a whole different layer of friendships connected through the library.”

Zullo’s connection to Kanner goes back decades, with the two working together at a daycare center, but they only reconnected recently when Kanner reached out to her.

“We went out to lunch, and we brought poems we used to write to each other as part of a Christmas secret-elf exchange,” Zullo said. “She has such a dry sense of humor. She can come out with one-liners that amaze me.”

When Kanner expressed a desire to

stay active and engaged after her husband, Morty, died, Zullo encouraged her to join the book club — and watched her thrive.

“She was a little quiet at first, but she brings another wonderful element to the group,” Zullo said. “She’s a great

reader, and her writing — those rhyming verses — adds so much. Everyone loves it.”

Zullo said she has drawn inspiration from Kanner’s energy and commitment to staying sharp.

“You always wonder — are elderly people well because they do all these things, or do they do all these things to stay well?” Zullo said. “Gold drives herself places. She stays social. She reads constantly. She’s carved out a life that keeps her vibrant.”

Cohen wholeheartedly agreed with that assessment of Kanner.

“It is wonderful to have someone like Gold,” Cohen said. “Her writing came as a big surprise. She contributes so much, and she keeps her brain active and engaged. I hope I’m half as sharp at her age.”

The book club, Zullo added, is one of the community’s most meaningful offerings — a space that has grown alongside the library’s expanding role under its current director.

“I wish more people would come,” she said. “But even with 10 or 12, the group is warm, welcoming, and so enriching. The library has become a real community center, and the book group is a wonderful part of that.”

For more information on the Monday Afternoon Book Discussion, visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org.

Bill moves forward after testimony in Congress

How Gio’s Law reached Capitol Hill

2014

■ Giovanni “Gio” Cipriano, 14, of Lynbrook, dies after a severe allergic reaction.

■ His mother, Georgina Cornago, begins advocating for first responders to carry and administer epinephrine.

2017

■ Lynbrook becomes one of the first villages in New York to equip police vehicles with EpiPens, partnering with Northwell Health to supply them at no cost.

■ Local officials cite the program as a model for regional adoption.

2022-2023

■ New York state passes legislation allowing law enforcement and other trained personnel to carry and administer epinephrine.

■ Departments statewide note that the cost, up to $600 per single use set, remains a barrier.

2025

■ Rep. Laura Gillen and Rep. Andrew Garbarino announced they are co- sponsoring Gio’s Law, aimed at creating a federal grant program to help departments nationwide acquire epinephrine and training.

Nov. 20

■ Gillen testifies before the House Judiciary Committee, with Cornago in attendance. The testimony counts as the bill’s first hearing, allowing it to move toward markup and a potential committee vote. Gillen and Cornago meet with bipartisan lawmakers throughout the day to build support.

Next steps

■ A markup session in the Judiciary Committee.

■ If approved, the bill advances to the House floor for a full vote.

■ Supporters expect broad bipartisan backing.

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versial bipartisan piece of legislation like this,” Gillen, who represents Wantagh, Seaford along with several other South Shore communities, said.

Her appearance before the Judiciary Committee counts as an official hearing, a required step before the bill can move to markup —to formally debate and amend — and then a potential full House vote. Gillen and Cornago spent the rest of the day meeting with lawmakers from both parties, urging the judiciary committee to advance the bill to a committee vote and then to the House floor.

Garbarino, who represents southeastern Nassau County along with portions of southwestern Suffolk said in a June press release announcing the legislation that it will make “sure first responders have what they need to save a life”

“This bill gives departments the resources to equip officers with epi-pens and provide the training they need to use them,” Garbarino said. “I’m proud to colead this commonsense legislation to establish Gio’s Law nationwide and help prevent another tragedy like the one that took Gio’s life.”

Lynbrook, where Giovanni grew up, was one of the first communities in New York to equip its police officers with EpiPens after his death.

Following her son’s death, Cornago led efforts in 2019 to pass Gio’s Law statewide. It authorizes certain New York emergency

service providers to be trained to treat anaphylaxis and carry EpiPens in their vehicles.

The law previously mandated EpiPen training and stocking for first responders in counties with populations of less than 1 million, but it was recently expanded to counties with populations of up to 2 million — which means it could have been implemented in Nassau County. Police department ambulances in Nassau County are equipped with EpiPens, but patrol cars aren’t — and by putting them there, the lifesaving care could be more accessible in emergencies.

Last year, Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow introduced a bill that would require patrol vehicles to be equipped with EpiPens and require officers to be trained to administer them in emergencies. Suffolk County adopted Gio’s Law in 2023, Nassau County did not adopt Koslow’s proposed bill.

The federal proposal is intended to eliminate the financial hurdles that have slowed or limited adoption elsewhere. Police officers nationwide, Gillen said, should have the tools to respond the moment anaphylaxis begins — regardless of their ZIP code or department budget.

Cornago, who began advocating for legislation after her son’s death so that “no other parent will feel what I felt.”

“It was a surreal experience,” she said.

Additional reporting by Luke Feeney

News brief

Thomas Stokes to take over NUMC

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, His appointment comes at the end of a tubbulent 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.Stateappointed 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 in 2026.

— Jordan Vallone

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New York Islanders support families in need

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The New York Islanders’ Children’s Foundation, in partnership with UBS, purchased and distributed 200 meals on Nov. 24 to local families ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Islanders’ Children’s Foundation partners with local community groups and nonprofit organizations, including Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Veteran Beacon House, Gateway Youth Community Outreach and Rock and Wrap it Up, to identify families in need.

Irecognize that we’re fortunate.

The distributed meals were purchased from Stew Leonard’s and included a turkey, four sides, dessert and dinner rolls.

Volunteers from UBS and members of the New York Islanders, including former player Butch Goring, and Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock, as we all players’ significant others were onsite to distribute meals.

In a press package, shared with the Herald by the New York Islanders, Pulock said, “It’s special to have this opportunity just to do something small, make people smile, make families be able to come together and have a nice meal together. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Islanders Children’s Foundation, a registered nonprofit, was created in 2003 under the leadership of late-Islanders owner Charles Wang, who had a passion to help children and provide them with the best opportunities to live happy, healthy and successful lives.

Its mission is dedicated to serving local communities, now and in the future. It supports, educates and develops

area youth while investing in local families and community wellbeing. The foundation also supports nonprofit organizations that share its common mission, developing programs that create a lasting legacy.

Current ownership shares Wang’s values, and is committed to being a leader in the philanthropic causes that continue to make the Children’s Foundation a staple in the Long Island community. The Children’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Goring, in a video package shared with the Herald, said the appreciation of community members served was “very obvious.”

“Everybody is very thankful to be able to go home and share a meal, not only with themselves, but certainly with friends,” he said.

Athletes, he added, are in a position to give back.

“I think all of us athletes, we recognize that we’re fortunate,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about our next meal. It’s going to be there for us. There are many people who are less fortunate, so when you can help out and make Thanksgiving, which is such a special day, and you can make that a little more special for them — it has a lot of merit.” For more on the work of the Islanders Children’sFoundation, visit NHL.com/Islanders.

Last Hope’s annual auction packs Mulcahy’s

Supporters of Last Hope Animal Rescue filled Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh on Nov. 9 for the nonprofit’s annual fundraising auction — its largest one-day benefit of the year.

From 2 to 6 p.m., guests enjoyed a buffet, open bar and live music while bidding on dozens of items to support the group’s mission of saving at-risk cats and dogs.

It was the second year Mulcahy’s hosted the event, which drew adopters, volunteers and local residents. For years, the auction rotated through historic sites such as the American Airpower Museum in Old Bethpage and Walt Whitman’s Birthplace in Huntington Station, but the lively concert-hall setting has become a fitting home as the fundraiser increasingly highlights “experience” and “adventure” prizes.

The auction helps fund Last Hope’s yearround rescue work. The organization places roughly 500 cats and 300 dogs annually, most of them abandoned or facing euthanasia in overcrowded shelters. Proceeds support food, supplies, transportation, and veterinary care — the group’s most significant expense. Since the pandemic, medical costs have continued to rise sharply.

Recent rescues underscored why the fundraiser matters. Stella, a kitten found after being struck by a car near Route 110 in Farmingdale, arrived with two broken legs and will require orthopedic surgery and possible amputation. Piper, a Beagle brought from Kentucky, needed specialized neurological surgery after volunteers discovered undetected nerve pain.

Guests bid on a weeklong Florida condo stay, New York Islanders club-level and boxseat tickets, a $500 MGM gift card, a Broadway package, a 65-inch Smart TV, signed sports memorabilia, home appliances, local attraction passes, artwork and restaurant gift cards. Organizers said the enthusiastic turnout reflected a simple truth: love may be free, but rescue takes a community.

To learn more about Last Hope, or to get involved, visit it’s website LastHopeAnimalRescue.org.

–-Luke Feeney

Be aware of utility scams this holiday season

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

As the holiday season approaches, PSEG Long Island is warning households and businesses to stay alert for a rise in utility impersonation scams that target customers at their most vulnerable moments. With scammers posing as PSEG Long Island employees and other local utilities, many victims are pressured to make immediate payments under the threat of having their power shut off — a tactic that has become increasingly common across Long Island and the Rockaways.

On Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 19, PSEG Long Island urged customers to “Slow Down. Verify. Stop the Scam,” encouraging residents to pause before reacting to any threats involving their electric service.

Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of customer operations, said scammers often rely on urgency to blindside their victims. “It may be an advanced digital scam, an in-person scammer or a telephone call, but most scammers try to blindside you with an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be,” he said. “If you are unexpectedly contacted by someone claiming to be from PSEG Long Island and threatening to immediately shut off your power without payment, take a step back and contact PSEG Long Island independently to verify before acting.”

Monica Martinez, executive director of Utilities United Against Scams, said the national theme — “Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam” — offers a simple but effective tool to help customers avoid becoming victims.

Many scammers demand payment through outside web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. PSEG Long Island does not accept any of these methods, and a request for payment in such

forms is a clear red flag. Scammers often use phone “spoofing” technology so their calls appear to come from PSEG Long Island, and may claim a customer must pay immediately or face disconnection. Others may demand

a deposit for a priority meter installation, something the company does not require. If customers receive a suspicious call or email requesting payment, the company urges them to independently contact customer service at (800) 490-0025 before doing anything else.

In addition to phone and digital schemes, some scammers have taken their tactics door to door, posing as utility workers and showing fake identification. They may ask for personal information or offer fraudulent discounts. PSEG Long Island employees always carry official identification and must present it when asked. Residents who feel unsafe or pressured during an in-person interaction are encouraged to refuse entry and call 911 if the individual escalates.

Scammers have also created fake websites designed to mimic legitimate utility pages, hoping customers will mistakenly enter payment information. PSEG Long Island’s real website uses the “.com” domain and can be found at psegliny.com. More recently, the utility has warned of fraudulent QR code stickers placed on public electric vehicle charging stations that redirect users to sites requesting personal or financial information. PSEG Long Island does not require customers to engage with its website to activate a public charger.

The utility encourages customers to familiarize themselves with how legitimate representatives handle phone calls. A real PSEG Long Island employee will only speak with the customer of record, will know the account details, and will not discuss the account if the customer of record is unavailable. The company works with Utilities United Against Scams, which has helped remove more than 14,830 scam-related phone numbers from operation.

More information about current scam trends and prevention tips can be found at PSEGLINY.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/ScamAndFraud.

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STEPPING OUT

A holiday treasure

Immerse

yourself in New York Dance Theatre’s ‘Nutcracker’

By Roksana Amid

For more than four decades, New York Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” has marked the arrival of the holiday season for thousands of Long Island families. This year, the 43rd annual performance — set for Dec. 20 and 21 at Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse — promises to deepen that legacy with an expanded immersive experience, celebrated guest artists and a renewed emphasis on the history that defines the company.

Since 1982, New York Dance Theatre, in partnership with the Ohman School of Ballet, has staged the full-length classic each December. Rooted in the Balanchine tradition handed down from founder Frank Ohman — a former student and soloist under George Balanchine — the production has grown into one of the region’s most recognizable holiday events. Yet for Executive Artistic Director Nicole Loizides, its staying power is not simply about technique or spectacle. It’s about belonging.

• Dec. 20-21, noon and 5 p.m.

• Tickets start at $33, available at ohmanballet.org or (631) 462-0964

• Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hempstead

“We really feed ourselves in tradition,” Loizides says. “Especially around the holidays, people want a place where they can feel comfortable to come home, rest, rela and celebrate together. Our Nutcracker stays rooted in that.”

Long before the overture begins, audience members are invited into the world of the Silberhaus family — the setting of the ballet’s opening scene. When guests enter the Playhouse lobby, costumed Victorian performers greet them, musicians play seasonal melodies and the scent of apple cider wafts through the air.

Children are invited to hang ornaments on a Christmas tree, one of many ways the production blurs the line between audience and story.

Loizides describes it as a “semi-immersive pre-show experience,” one the company has been refining for several years. This season, the lobby experience expands through a new partnership with the Long Island High School for the Arts, whose student musicians perform as audiences arrive.

“As soon as people enter our lobby doors, they’re invited in by characters from our very first act,” Loizides says. “We serve warm apple cider, we have

Allman Betts Family Revival

live music from some of our most talented youth on Long Island, and we try to capture the spirit of the season of giving within our community. Our audiences are growing tenfold because of that comfort.”

The lobby transformation mirrors the company’s mission: to create a space that feels familiar, nostalgic, and welcoming — something Loizides believes people crave amid today’s fastpaced, hyper-digital world.

“So many things get wrapped up in what’s new on social media or what’s trending,” she says “But this time of year, people want tradition. They want to feel grounded. That’s what we offer.”

This year’s production — as always — features an impressive roster of professional dancers. Brittany Pollack, a soloist with New York City Ballet, and Daniel Ulbricht, a principal dancer with the company and artistic advisor for NYDT, take on the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Broadway performers Joseph J. Simeone and Samuel Colina also appear, joining New York Dance Theatre soloists Sandra Cieslak, Olivia Fohsz, Trevor Montgomery, and Craig Wasserman.

Loizides also returns to the stage, portraying Frau Silberhaus. It’s a moment she describes as both personal and symbolic, especially as the company prepares to enter its 50th anniversary year.

North Shore Village Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Moll returns for his third season in the featured roles of Lead Father and Mother Ginger, contributing to the intercompany collaboration that has become a production hallmark.

Children’s roles are danced by students of the Ohman School of Ballet and the School of American Ballet, the official training academy of New York City Ballet. For many young performers, “The Nutcracker” is their first experience dancing alongside professionals, a tradition that honors Frank Ohman’s commitment to nurturing the next generation.

NYDT’s devotion to tradition is not abstract — it lives in the steps, sets, props, and costumes that have shaped the production for decades. Ohman secured permission from the George Balanchine Trust to use the original Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux, grounding the show in Balanchine’s distinctive style. He also created supplementary scenes and dances that appear in no other staging, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the ballet and expanding opportunities for young dancers.

“What Frank added doesn’t exist anywhere else,” Loizides says. “It gives more solo moments to our youth, especially the young Clara, and it brings additional cultural dances into the second act. It’s something very special.”

Many of the costumes and props used onstage were gifted directly from Balanchine and former New York City Ballet crew members and are now entering formal archival preservation. Some pieces, Loizides notes, are still durable enough to appear in performance.

“That tradition dates back over 50 years,” she says.“These items are a direct link to Balanchine himself. They’re part of our history.”

As the company prepares to embark on its 50th anniversary, she is focused on balancing innovation with the artistic values that first shaped the organization.

“For us, even with new opportunities and initiatives all year, the Nutcracker stays rooted in tradition,” she adds. “This is where our community gathers. It’s where people feel at home.”

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music at the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival! This extraordinary concert is hosted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Inspired by the legendary Last Waltz, this tour features a revolving cast all coming together to honor the timeless legacy and rich catalog of the Allman Brothers Band. This year’s amazing lineup features the Allman Betts Band, the iconic Jimmy Hall, former Wet Willie singer and Allman Brothers alumni; alongside Robert Randolph, Amanda Shires, G. Love, Judith Hill, Jimmy Hall, Cody & Luther Dickinson, Alex Orbison, and others. Special guests may also join in. Set against the backdrop of the famous Allman Brothers Brotherhood of Light show, blending electrifying music with stunning visuals, it’s an unforgettable night that honors the rich history and timeless catalog of the Allman Brothers Band.

Sunday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $108.75, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

‘Home for the Holidays’

Swing into the holiday season with Home for the Holidays with the Future of Jazz Orchestra presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Under the musical direction of Joe Block, expect to hear refreshing takes of your favorite holiday tunes. Joining the orchestra are vocalists Katie Oberholtzer and Imani Rousselle. Oberholtzer, a recurring figure at Birdland, the Jazz Club at the Aman, and Dizzy’s Club, has captivated audiences with her cross-genre performances. Rousselle, recently seen in Broadway’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” is celebrated for the warmth and poise she brings to stage. The Future of Jazz Orchestra is a young big band collective curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center that is comprised of musicians at the start of their jazz career. Pulling from local education programs at Juilliard, Temple, Manhattan School of Music, and more, the orchestra showcases musicians who are fresh on the jazz scene in NYC.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

TodayToday

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

DEC 6

Holiday at Westbury House

Celebrate the holiday season at Old Westbury Gardens when the timeless holiday tradition returns. Step inside Westbury House and experience the magic of Christmas past with rooms beautifully decorated in period style and filled with festive cheer. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy holiday treats like cookies and warm cider, and don’t miss a special visit from Santa himself. $18, $15 seniors (62+) and full-time students, $8 children (ages 7–17), free 6 and under and members.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Dec. 1314, Dec. 20-21

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Vendors Wanted for Holiday Shopping Day

Congregation Beth Tikvah Sisterhood & Men’s Club seeks vendors for its Holiday Shopping Day. Vendor opportunities available at reasonable rates for selling apparel, jewelry, housewares, collectibles, gifts, toys, seasonal items, crafts, and more.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: For information and registration, email CBTWantaghHolidayShop@ gmail.com

Tai Chi session

Meet with John Marvin for a weekly Tai Chi for Arthritis program at Wantagh Library. Geared towards seniors, but all are welcome. Tai Chi combines motion with deep breathing to increase strength, balance and posture, in addition to stress reduction. Registration required.

• Where: 3285 Park Ave.

• Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.

• Contact: wantaghlibrary.libcal. com.

Seaford BOE meets

The Seaford Board of Education holds its monthly meeting. Be informed on district issues.

• Where: 1590 Washington Ave., Seaford

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 592-4000

DEC

Elon Gold

many of the Christmas traditions still celebrated in America today first became part of mainstream culture. From sugar plums to plum pudding, each recipe in ‘The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook” offers a colorful glimpse into the era. The program, based on the book, explores the holiday lore of the time, sharing the origins of beloved customs Treats from the cookbook are available to sample, with books available for purchase. $30 per person. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

’80s vs. ’90s Christmas Party

Decadia brings the ultimate throwback holiday party, packed with live music from two of the most iconic decades in pop and rock history; with a Christmas twist.

• Where: Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh

• 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..

every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

Game time

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

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 Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments

‘Into the Woods Jr.’

Temple B’nai Torah Junior Players welcome all to their staging of “Into the Woods Jr.” Stephen

Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Awardwinning musical. All of your favorite characters, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch are in action in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables, ideal for young audiences. $20, $15 seniors, $10 youth.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370 or email tbttix@temple-bnaitorah.org

Holiday fun at Westbury House

Step into the magic of Christmas at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House! Bring the kids a festive night filled with holiday fun! Explore, through a self-guided tour, the beautifully decorated mansion with a special Christmas scavenger hunt. Get creative at Christmas craft stations, making holiday keepsakes to take home. Meet Santa Claus himself, share your wish list and snap a photo to capture the moment. Enjoy delicious cookies and cider in our West Porch. The party features Lucky Duck Puppets’ holiday show, at 7 p.m. Their Winter

Holiday Puppet Show is an original story about Greg, a North Pole penguin trying to find his place in the world and how he can help spread holiday cheer! $25, $22 ages 3-12 (20% member discount. Advance registration required

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

My Country 96.1 Secret Holiday Show

The popular country radio station hosts a surprise-filled night of holiday tunes and guest performers — the lineup is a secret, but the good vibes are guaranteed.

• Where: Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com/ mulcahys or (516) 783-7500

Gilded Age Holiday

Visit Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House for a tasty holiday gathering. It was during the Gilded Age that

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com/ mulcahys or (516) 783-7500

Holiday at the museum Families are invited to Nassau County Museum of Art for some holiday-inspired fun. Discover what makes the historic home sparkle during the holidays! Embark on a holidaythemed art hunt, get creative with festive art-making, and gather around for storytelling. Wear pajamas and bring your favorite plushie for an extra cozy evening at the museum. All ages are welcome! $30 per family ($20 members) in advance; $35 per family ($25 members) day of. Advance registration preferred.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 5-7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

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

News brief

Braiding dough, bonding through tradition

Congregation Beth Tikvah recently hosted a Challah Bake, where Hebrew School children learned to knead and braid dough while discovering the deeper traditions of Shabbat.

The bake took place on Nov. 16 at the temple–located at 3710 Woodbine Ave. in Wantagh. Congregation officials described it as full of laughter, stories, and hands-on learning. Participating students connected to generations before them and proudly took home their own beautifully braided challah, filled with gratitude, heritage, and Jewish pride.

According to its website, the temple is an egalitarian Conservative congregation with a rich history bringing together Jewish ideals and Conservative practices. The website describes it as a synagogue for Jewish learning, friendship, and building strong family rituals and traditions.

For more information about Membership and CBT Hebrew School registration please call the office at (516) 785-2445.

—Luke Feeney

The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.

We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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

PART TIME

BOOKKEEPER/ OFFICE MANAGER

• Must be able to manage all

•

•

•

•

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of bookkeeping experience.

•

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• Hourly rate based on experience.

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications,

One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

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

Beachside Beauty

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

On renovations and tax increases

Q. There’s a lot of renovation going on around us, and I don’t see one permit sign or window sign. One neighbor told me he didn’t want his taxes to go up, so he’ll get a permit if he gets caught or when he sells. Isn’t that taking a chance? Will taxes definitely go up, and what are my chances of getting caught for adding a roof over my front door and changing out my windows?

A. Whenever a carton of milk is tipped over on the table, there are those who immediately start mopping up the spill, while others quickly grab the carton to stop the spill at its source. Some try to solve the problem, while others try to fix the mess it creates.

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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To find personal peace, get involved in giving back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How tackling racism broadened my horizons

As a Mepham High School student in Bellmore in 2021, I joined ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force. I remained an active member of the task force up until I started college in the summer of 2023. I was never surprised by how meaningful my work was, but what surprised me was how many ways I benefited from my time at ERASE Racism.

I’m still benefiting, as a student on a full scholarship at the University of Richmond, where I’m now on a semester abroad, studying cities through people, planning and politics. The Long Island region is benefiting as well, as more homegrown leaders prepare to take the lead.

ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force is composed of high school students from across Long Island who are passionate about racial justice and making positive change in their schools and communities. It helps students develop their leadership skills, identify their

strengths and assets, and build alliances with students of different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds as well as across school districts. Its members work collaboratively on projects that further racial justice.

One of the best parts of the task force was getting to meet students from across Long Island with diverse backgrounds whom I never would have met otherwise. One such friend was a student at Baldwin High School at the time, and is now at Columbia University. We still get together during college breaks.

nity Leadership Program.

I benefited in so many ways as an ERASE Racism Student Task Force Member.

Working with a wide variety of students from different districts, my perception of myself as a leader grew. Together we explored challenges to racial justice, shared our experiences and insights, and considered how best to overcome barriers. Together we organized events like the annual Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow Conference and, for three summers, prepared and presented at the Reimagining Education Summer Institute at Teachers College. I also became part of the Mepham School and Commu-

Those activities inspired my passion for multiculturalism, and the experience that I gained in the process made me a stronger candidate for college. In my college applications, I drew on my experience with two Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow conferences and three Reimagining Education institutes. Based on those applications, I earned two college scholarships, which together cover my entire tuition, room and board. Today I am both a Richmond Scholar and an Oliver Hill Scholar at Richmond.

Now, as an Ambassador for the Richmond Scholars program, I read applications of scholar candidates and understand even better how compelling experiences like the ones I had as a Student Task Force member can be. I even return each year to ERASE Racism to talk with task force members about college essays.

Now studying abroad, I’m continuing to explore my passion for multiculturalism. My studies are taking me to Argentina, Spain and South Africa, as I conduct a research project on migration in urban settings.

High school students on Long Island have many benefits on which to draw, but Long Island remains one of the 10 most racially segregated metropolitan regions in the United States. That segregation is reinforced in education by the fact that suburban Long Island’s two counties are divided into 125 school districts that reflect the racial segregation in housing. The districts in turn prevent students even in neighboring villages from knowing one another and benefiting from their diverse perspectives.

High school students should look for ways to overcome that barrier. The absurd number of school districts — and the extraordinary waste of taxpayer money involved — may not change soon, but students can take steps to cross those boundaries and get to know one another. ERASE Racism’s Student Task Force is one avenue. The resulting friendships and the insights shared are vital to the region’s future. Many more Long Island high school students may just find, as I did, that working to advance racial justice will create a new generation of leaders who seek to overcome existing barriers. They may just discover that they become those leaders themselves.

Alli Alvarez, who lives in Bellmore, is a junior at the University of Richmond.

Dialing down the holiday stress

the holiday season carries a reputation for joy, connection and celebration, yet for many adults it also reliably delivers stress, pressure and emotional overload. Between family dynamics, financial expectations, packed schedules and the internal push to be relentlessly cheerful, it’s no surprise that mental health can take a hit.

This year, consider a more intentional approach by reclaiming this time with strategies that help you thrive, not just survive.

Our culture is saturated with glossy versions of holiday perfection: immaculate homes, harmonious families, gourmet meals and coordinated pajamas.

Social media amplifies it, encouraging comparison even when we know better. But perfection is both impossible and unnecessary. A successful holiday isn’t measured by aesthetics or extravagance; it’s defined by what feels meaningful, peaceful and manageable for you.

One of the healthiest mental shifts you can make is letting go of other people’s expectations, whether it’s your extended family’s traditions or the imaginary audience in your Instagram feed. Give yourself permission to scale down, choose differently, or avoid what drains you. The real “perfect” holiday is the one that supports your well-being.

If there is one skill that reduces holiday stress more than anything else, it’s

boundary-setting. The season often arrives with invitations, obligations and emotional expectations that stack up quickly. Saying yes to everything is unsustainable and usually unnecessary.

A “polite no” doesn’t require elaborate excuses. Try simple scripts such as:

“I appreciate the invite, but I’m keeping things low-key this year.”

“That sounds meaningful, but I can’t take on anything extra right now.”

Setting limits isn’t unkind — it’s responsible. Boundaries protect the energy you need for the commitments and people that genuinely matter.

Holiday spending is one of the biggest, and most underestimated, sources of December stress. Gift-giving can be joyful, but only when it’s grounded in reality rather than guilt or comparison.

Create a budget before you shop, not afterward. Consider setting price caps for group exchanges, opting for homemade gifts or planning shared experiences rather than material items. Most important, reject the mindset that whispers that love must be proven through financial sacrifice. Some of the most meaningful gifts cost nothing: time, connection and attentive presence.

During a season of constant invitations, the most radical choice you can make is protecting your routine. Sleep, movement and downtime are the foundation of mental stability. Schedule “empty time” the same way you would

schedule an appointment. Leave room for rest, flexibility and the ability to say yes to what genuinely nourishes you.

If you rely on therapy, journaling, medication or meditation, guard those habits fiercely. You don’t have to abandon mental health routines simply because the calendar gets festive.

For those experiencing grief, loss or estrangement, the holidays can magnify pain. There is no correct way to “handle” grief during a season of what often feels like forced joy. Give yourself permission to feel whatever arises — sadness, anger, numbness or even unexpected happiness. Create rituals that honor lost loved ones, allow yourself space to step back from celebrations, or connect with others navigating similar emotions. You are not required to “perform” cheerfulness.

January often hits like emotional whiplash. Build in recovery time rather than expecting yourself to launch into new-year productivity immediately. Plan a quiet weekend, revisit your budget, reset your sleep schedule and reestablish routines that ground you. The goal is to ease into the new year, not crash into it.

The holidays don’t need to be an endurance test. With realistic expectations, thoughtful boundaries and a commitment to your mental well-being, you can transform the season from chaotic to intentional.

Health care’s short-term fix and long-term solution

The biggest issue around most Thanksgiving tables last week — other than gratitude — was just how expensive everything seemed. Costs have risen sharply in the past few years, and people are looking for answers.

People are sick of politicians’ petty partisan attacks. They’re asking, “What can you do to make life more affordable?” Some things are straightforward: tariffs make groceries, clothing and Christmas presents more expensive. The growing federal debt is driving up interest rates. Demand for energy to power A.I. data centers, combined with the cancellation of a bunch of green-energy projects, is driving up energy costs. Fewer workers on farms and in industrial plants, hospitality and health care due to deportation — or being scared to show up for work — increases overtime costs.

Rising health care costs are at the top of the affordability crisis list, but addressing those costs is extraordinarily complex.

First, we need an immediate fix in

SUNY errs in rejecting Conzatti appointment

To the Editor:

the next few weeks to extend premium tax credits to avoid an explosion in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Then, over the next two years, we need to develop a bipartisan plan to reduce hyperinflated health care costs meaningfully.

iRight now, over 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced Premium Tax Credits to afford health insurance. These credits, which expire at the end of the year, require a person buying health insurance to pay 8.5 percent of their income for coverage, with the rest covered by the federal government. If Congress fails to fix this soon, those millions will see their premiums jump by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, overnight. For many, that would mean losing coverage altogether. Even those who don’t use the credits would be affected: When the risk pool shrinks, premiums rise for everyone.

in the system and ensure that the program functions as intended.

This bill isn’t perfect, but no bipartisan compromise is. Time is running out, and my colleagues and I haven’t seen anyone else stepping up with a truly bipartisan plan. So we did.

n a litany of steps we need to take to improve our system, a few stand out.

Next, the long-term solution: Over the next two years, we need a bipartisan effort to address the decades-long rise in health care costs. Health care is too expensive. Insurance is too expensive. The Affordable Care Act achieved its objective of insuring tens of millions of Americans who had never been insured. Before the ACA, 50 million people were uninsured; today, that number is less than half.

increase life expectancy. Smoking, alcohol, improper diet and lack of exercise are the leading avoidable causes of premature death. We have made significant strides in addressing smoking; we need to do the same with obesity. We must do better! Let’s emphasize healthy eating and exercise, de-incentivize alcohol, and get the medical community more focused on prevention and early detection.

Doctors should be guiding treatment, not insurance companies. Physician payments have fallen dramatically, while doctor expenses have risen by even more. In a world where doctors are subject to burnout, excessive lawsuits and spending more time on defensive paperwork than patient care, our physician pool is hemorrhaging.

First, the immediate fix: I recently introduced the Bipartisan HOPE Act. It would extend the premium tax credits for two years, and institute a salary cap to target assistance to those most in need.

The act also includes strong guardrails to combat fraud, with protections that safeguard taxpayers, restore trust

LeTTers

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

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

leave the college rudderless until a permanent leader is found — which, in my experience, can take up to a year — is irresponsible and concerning to me and the taxpayers of Nassau County.

ARNOLD W. DRUCkER Plainview

Arnold Drucker is the deputy minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, and was a member of the Nassau Community College board of trustees until 2016.

Curtis Sliwa didn’t keep Andrew Cuomo from winning

To the Editor:

I was surprised, when reading Peter king’s op-ed “Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect” (Nov. 13-19), by his statement, “Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference.”

Even when adding Sliwa’s 7.1 percent of the vote to Andrew Cuomo’s 41.6 percent in the New York City mayoral election, they still fall significantly short of 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

I’ve been in public service for the better part of 30 years, as the mayor of Glen Cove, Nassau County executive, and now in Congress. I’ve learned that one-party solutions are fleeting, easily replaced. We need a bipartisan fix now, and over the next two years I pledge to work with my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus — a bipartisan group of members that I co-chair, that is committed to solving complex problems — to develop a robust health care framework that lowers costs for generations to come.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Framework by Tim Baker

In the story “3 Things to know: Wantagh BOE Meeting,” in last week’s issue, six student clubs were incorrectly described as new. Revised club charters were approved by the Board of Education for the BEST Club, the Yearbook Club, the Chess Club, Model Congress, Health Occupations Students of America and the Surfrider Ocean Conservation Club as part of a consent agenda, but there was no discussion about them by the board.

mountsinai.org/southnassau