2 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com The Merrick Chamber of Commerce Working for You! P.O. Box 53, Merrick, NY 11566 516.771.1171 1220049 The Merrick Chamber of Commerce Working for You! P.O. Box 53, Merrick, NY 11566 516.771.1171 Ira Reiter President
2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 3 F R I E N D S F O R L I F E " A F F O R D A B L E R A T E S , W I T H O U T S A C R I F I C I N G T H E Q U A L I T Y O F C A R E " HOMECARE Friends For Life makes it possible for seniors to live in their own home. Our extraordinary family of caregivers can tend to your loved one, so you can get back to being a daughter or son. You can depend on us. We’ve been proudly making lives better in New York for the past 14 years and counting. HOURLY AND LIVE IN CARE ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CARE COMPANION CARE BATHING AND DRESSING SUPERVISION OVERNIGHT SUPERVISION MEDICATION REMINDERS MEAL PREPARATION WEEKEND AND HOLIDAY CARE SENIOR LIVING ADVISORS MEDICAID CONSULTANTS Free Service and Assessment Non-Attorney Advocates With over 25 years experience, our Senior Advocates hold your hand through the entire process from start to finish. Finding the best housing solutions based on clinical, financial and cognitive needs. We offer a variety of senior living options: -Assisted Living -Independent Living - Memory Care Communities - Hospice Care Facilities - Adult Homes and more. Our team of specialists have 15+ years experience and are well versed in preparing and expediting the Medicaid application process. Our team has a 100 % guaranteed approval rate. Our experienced specialists assist with: -Eligibility & Application Filing -Pooled Income Trust Application -Asset Protection -Community and Nursing Home Medicaid -Assisted Living Program (ALP) (516) 900- 1818 (516) 208-8030 www.friendsforlifeny.com Nassau, Suffolk, & The Five Boroughs 1225163
FEATURED District-wide pantry feeds those in need 14 Julianna Tand’s work comes from the ‘heART’ 17 Circle of Hope gives hope to those battling cancer 22 Chamber President's message................................................8 Chamber of Commerce................................................... 30-34 Clubs and Organization...........................................................12 Elected Officials .........................................................................24 Important Numbers ...................................................................13 Jewish War Veterans .........................................................26-27 Places of Worship..................................................................... 20 Publisher's Letter...........................................................................6 Robbie Levine Foundation.............................................28-29 Reach the Herald ........................................................................25 South Merrick Community Civic Association .......10-11 INSIDE On the cover: Julianna Tand from Julianna’s Works of HeART Photo: Tim Baker/Herald Cover design: Jeffrey A. Negrin THE COVER 4 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 5 SCAN HERE TO ADOPT TODAY! 25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050 516.883.7575 • animalleague.org • RR006 FOLLOW US ON: North Shore Animal League America has a wide variety of pets to choose from. BRING HOME YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND! OPEN DAILY FOR ADOPTIONS: 10 AM – 6 PM N O RT H S H O R E A N I M A L L E A G U E A M E R I C A 1224723
We are pleased to present our annual Living In Merrick, a special supplement to the Merrick Herald. Those of us who live here know Merrick is a wonderful community with a rich history. Our annual guide is a testament to its post-pandemic resurgence. Not only does it include vital information about Merrick, but it also gives you a look at some of the people and places that represent the best of the hamlet. Think of Living In Merrick as an “owner’s manual” for newcomers and longtime residents alike. As you’ll see in these pages, there’s an amazingly rich social fabric here. An abundance of services and organizations are available to residents. No matter what your interests, age, religion or needs, the hamlet has much to off er. It’s somewhat unbelievable to think that people have lived in “modern” Merrick as far back as the 1600s. What started as a fi shing and farming town has evolved into a bustling Long Island suburb. The area derives its name from the Merokee Native American tribe, who once inhabited the land. The one-of-a-kind community boasts several synagogues and churches, as well as a beautiful nature preserve maintained by the Town of Hempstead. There are also unparalleled coastal South Shore neighborhoods. Merrick Avenue connects the hamlet's northern half to its southern counterpart. There’s history, everywhere you look. In Merrick, you’ll fi nd people that care. Whether it’s the area’s three school districts — which are committed to providing an excellent education to its many students — the South Merrick Community Civic Association, which does great things for the community, or the Historical Society of the Merricks, which preserves the suburb’s most precious artifacts, buildings and memories, Merokeans take care of their own. Living In Merrick is published in cooperation with the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. We are honored to mark another year as the chamber's offi cial publication. We hope that you fi nd this edition useful and informative, and that you enjoy reading the Merrick Herald 52 weeks per year. Be well and be safe. Stuart Richner Publisher P.S. If you're not currently receiving the Merrick Herald by mail each week, please help keep quality local journalism alive in your community by subscribing. See our ad on Page 16 for subscription information, or fi nd us online at LIHerald.com/subscribe, or call (516) 569-4000, Ext. 7. Stuart Richner PUBLISHER A letter from the Editor Jordan Vallone Publisher Stuart Richner Vice President of Sales Rhonda Glickman Executive Editor Michael Hinman Deputy Editor Jeff rey Bessen Features/ Special Sections Editor Karen Bloom Multi Media Marketing Consultants Robert Cummings Creative Director Designer Jeff rey Negrin A special supplement to the MERRICK HERALD MERRICK In Association with The Merrick Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MERRICK 6 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
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The Merrick Chamber of Commerce is very proud to be part of the Merrick community. The chamber is made up of businesses, organizations and civic members that help serve and promote all the wonderful things our town has to offer. We help to develop relationships with our members, and act as a liaison between local businesses and various levels of town and county governments. The chamber creates a business-friendly environment that ensures our community will be a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. The chamber gives back to our community by holding many events, such as the Kids Festival in April, and our Fall Festival this October. Don’t miss our visit from Santa, holiday lighting of the tree and Menorah, and Halloween parade/trick or treat. Each year we give out scholarships to deserving seniors from our local Merrick high schools. This year we will again be lighting up Merrick with holiday LEDs and garland around poles going down Merrick Avenue, and the gazebo will be lit as well. We also replaced the old and broken "Merrick" sign on the Long Island Rail Road at Merrick Avenue with a beautiful new one that will last for years to come! This guide contains a list of Merrick Chamber of Commerce members. Please show your support by shopping local. Our success allows us to give back to our community. If you would like more information, please call the Merrick Chamber of Commerce at (516) 771-1171, or visit us at MerrickChamber.org. Ira Reiter President, Merrick Chamber of Commerce a message from the merrick chamber president board of directors 2023 executive board • ira reiter - president The Barking Biscuit • margaret mueller - Vice president RS Beanery • sharon davis - 2nd Vice president S.J. Edwards, Inc. • margaret biegelman - secretary Douglas Elliman - Margaret Biegelman • andrew s. nachamie - treasurer Andrew S. Nachamie, PC • femy aziz immediate - past president Serengeti Design Studios • christine mooney - administrative assistant Merrick Chamber board members • Joe baker South Merrick Community Civic Association • Lori berger Merrick Herald • marian fraker-gutin Signature Premier Properties - Marian Fraker-Gutin • arlene gregory Coldwell Banker American Homes • mathew kryder Petschauer Insurance • Julie marchesella Queen of Hearts • douglas mills Printing Emporium • randy shotland New York Life • nelson tso Nelson Tso Courtesy Office of Dr. Natalya Rooney The Merrick Chamber of Commerce welcomed Dr. Natalya Rooney and her business, Merrick Avenue Optometry, this summer. 8 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 9 LOOKING FOR A GREAT ACTIVITY FOR YOUR CHILD? 1224779 NASSAU COUNTY POLICE ACTIVITY LEAGUE The Merrick unit, provides organized sports and other activities for the youth of our community. Our goal is the development of good relationships through positive interaction between the community and police ocers. Merrick PAL provides organized sports such as soccer (both intramural and travel levels), judo (with certied instructors), summer baseball, and tennis. Our programs are year round and we rely on volunteers to support our programs. By sustaining these programs it helps make our community a better, safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and play. To learn more about our programs or to nd our how you can volunteer, click through the website and see what we have to oer. [email protected] (516) 867-6279 NCPAL - MERRICK UNIT 2276 City Place Merrick, NY 11566 FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN ALSO CALL OR EMAIL US! merrickpal.org
By Jordan Vallone If there’s one group that’s best known around Merrick for doing good deeds and helping the community, it’s the South Merrick Community Civic Association. Originally founded to tackle issues in neighborhoods south of Merrick Road, it is now one of the last remaining civic associations in the hamlet, encompassing all of Merrick and reaching into the north sides of town to do what it does best. Up until recently, the group was run by Joe Baker, a longtime Merrick resident and community activist. Its new president, Berta Weinstein, served as the group’s vice president under Baker. “Even though it’s called South Merrick,” Weinstein said of the civic group’s name at a recent event, “we want to incorporate all of Merrick — we’re going to be inclusive to everyone.” At monthly meetings, the civic association hosts different speakers, including police officers from local precincts, school officials, or volunteers from other community groups, just to name a few. Topics in the past have Dan Tommasino/Herald Top photo: The South Merrick Community Civic Association is always helping the community, whenever possible. Known for some of its events, such as the spring clean sweep, the civic association does what it can to keep Merrick safe and beautiful. Joe Abate/Herald Bottom photo: The civic association hosts a candidate forum during election years so the community can become acquainted with politicians up for election. Berta Weinstein — the group's new president — as well as past president Joe Baker, work with Francine and Lenny Goldstein to help run the annual event. ranged from community safety, school safety to environmental concerns, being that Merrick is coastal — and vulnerable — during storms. The group also regularly hosts a candidate forum before election night in November, so the community can get to know who’s running. And then there's a clean sweep in the spring, a beautification project that collects garbage and debris from frequently traveled areas in Merrick. If there’s another meeting taking place in Merrick, its likely someone from the civic association will be in attendance, to see how the group can help. A few years back, working alongside a group of dads who wanted to install a new playground, civic members helped obtain funding for a new park on Wynsum Avenue. A nonpartisan organization, the group accepts members from every background. Throughout the years, it has built solid relationships with local electeds, who also regularly come by meetings to see where help can be offered. For more on the civic group, its role in Merrick, and how to join, visit SouthMerrickCivic.org. For updates and information on upcoming meetings and events, visit its Facebook, South Merrick Community Civic Association. “If we don’t take care of our neighborhood, nobody else will,” Weinstein said. “We want to keep the neighborhood safe and clean for our children.” South Merrick Civic is Dan Tommasino/Herald Top photo: The South Merrick Community Civic Association getting together with board member Jodi Turk-Goldberg, immediate past president Joe Baker, president Berta Weinstein, and board members Mark Salsberg, Howard Seidman and Tricia Sattar. Jessica Ren/Herald photos Middle photo: Berta Weinstein, who served as the civic association’s vice president for 17 years, was recently sworn in as president. The group is expanding to now encompass all of Merrick. Bottom photo: The civic association recently partnered with Nassau County Police Department for a situational awareness presentation, which informed those in attendance how the department responds to emergencies in the community and schools. 10 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
By Jordan Vallone If there’s one group that’s best known around Merrick for doing good deeds and helping the community, it’s the South Merrick Community Civic Association. Originally founded to tackle issues in neighborhoods south of Merrick Road, it is now one of the last remaining civic associations in the hamlet, encompassing all of Merrick and reaching into the north sides of town to do what it does best. Up until recently, the group was run by Joe Baker, a longtime Merrick resident and community activist. Its new president, Berta Weinstein, served as the group’s vice president under Baker. “Even though it’s called South Merrick,” Weinstein said of the civic group’s name at a recent event, “we want to incorporate all of Merrick — we’re going to be inclusive to everyone.” At monthly meetings, the civic association hosts different speakers, including police officers from local precincts, school officials, or volunteers from other community groups, just to name a few. Topics in the past have Dan Tommasino/Herald Top photo: The South Merrick Community Civic Association is always helping the community, whenever possible. Known for some of its events, such as the spring clean sweep, the civic association does what it can to keep Merrick safe and beautiful. Joe Abate/Herald Bottom photo: The civic association hosts a candidate forum during election years so the community can become acquainted with politicians up for election. Berta Weinstein — the group's new president — as well as past president Joe Baker, work with Francine and Lenny Goldstein to help run the annual event. ranged from community safety, school safety to environmental concerns, being that Merrick is coastal — and vulnerable — during storms. The group also regularly hosts a candidate forum before election night in November, so the community can get to know who’s running. And then there's a clean sweep in the spring, a beautification project that collects garbage and debris from frequently traveled areas in Merrick. If there’s another meeting taking place in Merrick, its likely someone from the civic association will be in attendance, to see how the group can help. A few years back, working alongside a group of dads who wanted to install a new playground, civic members helped obtain funding for a new park on Wynsum Avenue. A nonpartisan organization, the group accepts members from every background. Throughout the years, it has built solid relationships with local electeds, who also regularly come by meetings to see where help can be offered. For more on the civic group, its role in Merrick, and how to join, visit SouthMerrickCivic.org. For updates and information on upcoming meetings and events, visit its Facebook, South Merrick Community Civic Association. “If we don’t take care of our neighborhood, nobody else will,” Weinstein said. “We want to keep the neighborhood safe and clean for our children.” South Merrick Civic is Dan Tommasino/Herald Top photo: The South Merrick Community Civic Association getting together with board member Jodi Turk-Goldberg, immediate past president Joe Baker, president Berta Weinstein, and board members Mark Salsberg, Howard Seidman and Tricia Sattar. Jessica Ren/Herald photos Middle photo: Berta Weinstein, who served as the civic association’s vice president for 17 years, was recently sworn in as president. The group is expanding to now encompass all of Merrick. Bottom photo: The civic association recently partnered with Nassau County Police Department for a situational awareness presentation, which informed those in attendance how the department responds to emergencies in the community and schools. 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 11
Clubs & OrganizatiOns general Organizations Circle of Hope (516) 833-3057 Rabbi: Shimon Kramer 2174 Hewlett Ave., Suite 101 Community Parent Center (516) 771-9346 President: Nina Lanci 1260 Meadowbrook Road barry and Florence Friedberg JCC (516)766-4341 Board chair: Fred Richman 15 Neil Court, Oceanside 11572 Pnina Chapter/ Dayan lilah group of Hadassah nassau (516) 766-2725 President: Rachel Rosen 430 De Mott Ave., Rockville Centre 11570 Friends of the Merrick library (516) 377-6112 President: Donna Rosenblum 1179 Merrick Ave. Merrick brotherhood Council (516) 868-9833 President: Lawrence S. Garfinkel 1179 Merrick Ave. Merrick Chamber of Commerce (516) 771-1171 President: Ira Reiter 153 Merrick Ave. N, Merrick Chorale (516) 851-0246 President: Katherine Tiffany 1872 Old Mill Road Merrick Kiwanis Club (516) 679-8787 Piccolo Ristorante, Sunrise Highway, Bellmore 11710 (meeting location) Merrick lions Club (888) 655-7999 President: Michelle Gagnon Meetings via Zoom united Cerebral Palsy of long island (631) 232-0011 President/CEO: Colleen Crispino 250 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge 11788 Merrick symphony Chamber Orchestra (516) 623-6118 P.O. Box 125 south shore audubon society (516) 764-3596 President: Russ Comeau P.O. Box 31, Freeport 11520 Civic Organizations Merrick Estates Civic association (516) 867-9605 President: Geoffrey Sherman 2935 Shore Drive Merrick gables Homeowners association (516) 623-8924 President: Derek Donnelly P.O. Box 677 north bellmore-north Merrick little league (516) 476-2185 President: Craig Kute 1285 Bellmore Ave. North Bellmore 11710 Merrick-bellmore little league President: Matthew O’Brien P.O. Box 435 Fraternal Organizations Knights of Columbus Council no. 3689 (516) 785-9407 Grand Knight: Vincent Palazzolo 101 Frederick Ave. Bellmore 11710 Knights of Columbus Council no. 6561 (516) 679-5639 Grand Knight: Ed Ronan sons & Daughters Of italy in america giovanni Caboto, lodge no. 2372 (516) 458-0097 President: Rosemarie Dichiara 2301 Penatiquit Ave., Seaford 11783 Jewish War Veterans Post no. 652 (516) 868-1393 Ensign: Laurence Solowey Commander: Gary Glick 2080 Kenneth Road american legion Post no. 1282 (516) 521-6989 Commander: Robert Dishman 160 W. Merrick Road Veterans of Foreign Wars Merrick-Freeport Post no. 1310 (516) 546-6976 Commander: Paul Zydor 1 Harvard Ave. Jordan Vallone/Herald file John Pinto, left, president of the Historical Society of the Merricks, with Joe Baker, right, immediate past president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association. Merrick Park Homeowners association (516) 379-3232 President: Barry Fox P.O. Box 178 north and Central Merrick Community association (516) 972-6988 President: Sue Moller President: Lou Ciccone P.O. Box 190 Old lindenmere Civic association (516) 546-5632 President: Joe Kralovich P.O. Box 298 south Merrick Civic association (516) 578-0649 President: Berta Weinstein Merrick Golf Course, Meeting room 2550B, Clubhouse Road Youth Organizations bellmore-Merrick Youth association (516) 361-0604 President: Gary Ouelette P.O. Box 571 Catholic Youth Organization Curé of ars CYO (516) 623-1400 Pastor: Monsignor Frank Caldwell 2323 Merrick Ave. sacred Heart CYO (516) 379-1356 Pastor: Reverend Stephen Brigandi 720 Merrick Ave. boy scouts of nassau County Theodore Roosevelt Council (516) 797-7600 President: Christopher A. Maher 544 Broadway, Massapequa 11758 girl scouts of nassau County (516) 741-2550 110 Ring Road W. Garden City 11530 12 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
Important numbers Merrick Library (516) 377-6112 North Merrick Library (516) 378-7474 Merrick F.D. Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 (516) 867-4459 Friendship Engine & Hose Co. (516) 378-9599 Empire Hose Company No. 3 Inc. (516) 378-3633 North Merrick Fire Department NMFD Headquarters (516) 223-4102 Emergency Merrick (516) 221-7044 North Merrick (516) 221-1500 Non-emergency Merrick: (516) 221-7055 North Merrick 2 (516) 233-4102 Police Emergency 911 1st Precinct (516) 573-6100 7th Precinct (516) 573-6700 Bellmore-Merrick Emergency Medical Services Non-emergency (516) 785-7700 Emergency (516) 742-3300 Town of Hempstead Numbers Dept of Sanitaton (516)-378-4210 Building Department (516) 538-8500 Town Hall (516) 489-5000 Parks and Recreation Department (516) 292-9000 Senior Enrichment (516) 485-8100 Veterans Services (516) 812-3506 Public Safety Department (516) 538-1900 Animal Shelter (516) 785-5220 Board of Appeals (516) 812-3004 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 13 1224780 LICENSED & INSURED ELECTRICANS ** ARE YOU READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS **
By Jordan Vallone The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has always been an anchor between the two hamlets due to the vast educational experience it provides two middle schools and three high schools. Each school partakes in community issues and does great things. But the district also helps families in need through the BellmoreMerrick Community Cupboard, a food pantry located at the Brookside School — the district’s headquarters on Meadowbrook Road in North Merrick. The service has helped dozens of families receive adequate amounts of food since 2016, as well as home and beauty supplies. The cupboard was the brainchild of Karin McMahon, a health teacher at Wellington C. Mepham High School, and Tiffany Rzempoluch, a teacher in the Meadowbrook Alternative Program. “It’s kind of a labor of love from the school district,” McMahon said. “Anyone who wants to help us out — it’s great. We’ll never turn them away.” Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Top photo: The Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard, operated by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, has grown drastically since it opened in 2016. It works to ensure families in need receive food and other necessities. Bottom photo: School district students are very supportive of the cupboard’s efforts, showing that support in the form of donations. The cupboard has continuously grown and expanded over the years, as all of the schools in the district have become involved through different initiatives. There’s plenty of opportunities for students and families to get involved and make donations. Outside organizations, like local Boy and Girl Scout troops, will also run drives to benefit the pantry. The pantry remained open throughout the beginning and height of the coronavirus pandemic as well, because the district recognized some families may be struggling obtaining food and other items due to financial losses caused by the pandemic. Families who receive assistance from the community cupboard can do so without the fear of exposure or stigma. McMahon says a representative from the community cupboard might also meet with a family in need. “Sometimes they just need somebody to talk to,” she said. “And we’ll just sit here and talk to them for a while.” There are intake forms for those needing assistance available in both English and Spanish on the school district’s website. Families may also contact the community cupboard’s private line at (516) 992-1072. District-wide pantry Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Top photo: The high schools and middle schools in the district regularly get involved in the cupboard’s efforts. The John F. Kennedy High School student government ran a successful fundraiser that allowed them to donate $7,000 worth of food. Courtesy Dana Carullo Bottom photo: Outside groups, such as Daisy Troop 946 in Bellmore, have also ran successful food drives that benefit the pantry. 14 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
By Jordan Vallone The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has always been an anchor between the two hamlets due to the vast educational experience it provides two middle schools and three high schools. Each school partakes in community issues and does great things. But the district also helps families in need through the BellmoreMerrick Community Cupboard, a food pantry located at the Brookside School — the district’s headquarters on Meadowbrook Road in North Merrick. The service has helped dozens of families receive adequate amounts of food since 2016, as well as home and beauty supplies. The cupboard was the brainchild of Karin McMahon, a health teacher at Wellington C. Mepham High School, and Tiffany Rzempoluch, a teacher in the Meadowbrook Alternative Program. “It’s kind of a labor of love from the school district,” McMahon said. “Anyone who wants to help us out — it’s great. We’ll never turn them away.” Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Top photo: The Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard, operated by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, has grown drastically since it opened in 2016. It works to ensure families in need receive food and other necessities. Bottom photo: School district students are very supportive of the cupboard’s efforts, showing that support in the form of donations. The cupboard has continuously grown and expanded over the years, as all of the schools in the district have become involved through different initiatives. There’s plenty of opportunities for students and families to get involved and make donations. Outside organizations, like local Boy and Girl Scout troops, will also run drives to benefit the pantry. The pantry remained open throughout the beginning and height of the coronavirus pandemic as well, because the district recognized some families may be struggling obtaining food and other items due to financial losses caused by the pandemic. Families who receive assistance from the community cupboard can do so without the fear of exposure or stigma. McMahon says a representative from the community cupboard might also meet with a family in need. “Sometimes they just need somebody to talk to,” she said. “And we’ll just sit here and talk to them for a while.” There are intake forms for those needing assistance available in both English and Spanish on the school district’s website. Families may also contact the community cupboard’s private line at (516) 992-1072. District-wide pantry Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Top photo: The high schools and middle schools in the district regularly get involved in the cupboard’s efforts. The John F. Kennedy High School student government ran a successful fundraiser that allowed them to donate $7,000 worth of food. Courtesy Dana Carullo Bottom photo: Outside groups, such as Daisy Troop 946 in Bellmore, have also ran successful food drives that benefit the pantry. 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 15
16 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com I MERRICK Subscribe today to stay up-to-date on all the important news you need to know: • Local schools • High school sports • Town and county government • Shopping, dining and more! real local, real news. 0000000 Sign up today and get 3 months FREE! Use promo code: GUIDE23. Go to liherald.com/subscribe Select the MERRICK HERALD from the list and enter promo code: GUIDE23 to get 3 months FREE! - Questions? Call us at 516-569-4000 x7 Hurry, this limited time offer ends on 9/30/23 Note: Offer good on our auto pay option only. Your credit card will be automatically charged $9.75 after the 3 FREE months and every quarter after that.
By Jordan Vallone ulianna Tand proves you’re never too young to start making a difference. The 11-year-old incoming sixthgrader at Old Mill Road School in North Merrick began volunteering when she was still in kindergarten with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, a nonprofit whose mission is to create programs that support children’s health and well-being. The charity operates at 42-room house in New Hyde Park where families can stay while their children undergo treatment at the nearby Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Julianna's family, at first, took part in its baking program at the New Hyde Park home. “You’d bring your own supplies, and they would have their commercial kitchen set up, and we would just bake for two or three hours,” her mother, Jennifer Tand, said. “It just supplemented the food they would provide for the families.” But, when the coronavirus pandemic began, the baking program ended, so Julianna took it upon herself to find a different way to help out. An artist, she began creating all of sorts of pieces, such as shadowboxes, small statues, and Christmas ornaments with clay. Taking orders through an online form, she charged $10 per character, and all of the profits directly benefited the Ronald McDonald House. Her creations and small business idea spurred into Continued on page 18 work comes from the ‘heART’ Tim Baker/Herald photos Top Photo: Julianna Tand’s efforts have spread through the North Merrick community. A charity paint night that she hosted was well attended by dozens of people. She raised over $5,000 for the Ronald McDonald House at the event. Bottom Photo: Julianna has spent most of her life giving back to others. Her nonprofit, Julianna’s Works of HeARt, has raised thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which operated a home in New Hyde Park. J 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 17
what is now a certified nonprofit, Julianna’s Works of HeART. Her efforts have stretched beyond just selling items, though. She also auctions off artwork — or other items, like Islanders tickets — on her Facebook page, with the help of her mom. Some of her past pieces, include a figurine of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders — who was famously photographed sitting by himself on a folding chair on the steps of the Capitol during President Biden’s inauguration — sold in April of 2021, raking in $3,100. Last November, she held one of her biggest fundraisers to date: a paint night at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in North Merrick, which raised more than $5,000. Julianna's efforts were recognized by local Tim Baker/Herald Julianna Tand's grandmother, artist Debbie Viola — and perhaps an inspiration for Julianna’s creation — leads a fundraising paint night. Continued from page 17 politicians on Long Island. She was honored by both Hempstead and Oyster Bay town officials earlier this year for her good deeds. As of March, she’d raised $20,000 for the charity. The Ronald McDonald House has also expressed its gratitude to Julianna for all she’s done throughout the years, saying that “on behalf of the families who benefit from your efforts, thank you, Julianna’s Works of HeART.” Coming up this year, Julianna says she’d like to host another paint night because of how successful the one last year was. Now a nonprofit, she can receive bigger donations. She’s also planning a more kid-oriented fundraiser — likely at a laser tag facility — and a portion of the proceeds would be set aside for donation. For updates, visit her page, Julianna’s Works of HeART, on Facebook. “She’s such a sweet and sensitive kid,” Julianna’s grandmother, Debbie Viola said. “It only takes one person. It’s kind of like, ‘be the one’ — and I look at her as the one who is making a difference.” And the support means a lot — especially to Tim Baker/Herald photos Top photo: Julianna, with her mom, Jennifer, dad, Rob, and twin brother, Brandon. Bottom photo: Creating art with clay, such as these earrings, Julianna sells or auctions off items to raise money for the charity. a young trailblazer who is not even a teenager yet. “I hope to show other kids my age that you don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference,” Julianna said. “I’m one kid, and I can make a big difference in the lives of others.” 18 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
what is now a certified nonprofit, Julianna’s Works of HeART. Her efforts have stretched beyond just selling items, though. She also auctions off artwork — or other items, like Islanders tickets — on her Facebook page, with the help of her mom. Some of her past pieces, include a figurine of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders — who was famously photographed sitting by himself on a folding chair on the steps of the Capitol during President Biden’s inauguration — sold in April of 2021, raking in $3,100. Last November, she held one of her biggest fundraisers to date: a paint night at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in North Merrick, which raised more than $5,000. Julianna's efforts were recognized by local Tim Baker/Herald Julianna Tand's grandmother, artist Debbie Viola — and perhaps an inspiration for Julianna’s creation — leads a fundraising paint night. Continued from page 17 politicians on Long Island. She was honored by both Hempstead and Oyster Bay town officials earlier this year for her good deeds. As of March, she’d raised $20,000 for the charity. The Ronald McDonald House has also expressed its gratitude to Julianna for all she’s done throughout the years, saying that “on behalf of the families who benefit from your efforts, thank you, Julianna’s Works of HeART.” Coming up this year, Julianna says she’d like to host another paint night because of how successful the one last year was. Now a nonprofit, she can receive bigger donations. She’s also planning a more kid-oriented fundraiser — likely at a laser tag facility — and a portion of the proceeds would be set aside for donation. For updates, visit her page, Julianna’s Works of HeART, on Facebook. “She’s such a sweet and sensitive kid,” Julianna’s grandmother, Debbie Viola said. “It only takes one person. It’s kind of like, ‘be the one’ — and I look at her as the one who is making a difference.” And the support means a lot — especially to Tim Baker/Herald photos Top photo: Julianna, with her mom, Jennifer, dad, Rob, and twin brother, Brandon. Bottom photo: Creating art with clay, such as these earrings, Julianna sells or auctions off items to raise money for the charity. a young trailblazer who is not even a teenager yet. “I hope to show other kids my age that you don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference,” Julianna said. “I’m one kid, and I can make a big difference in the lives of others.” 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 19
PLACES OF WORSHIP Churches Community Presbyterian Church (516) 378-7761 Pastor: Moira Ahearne 2101 William Place Grace Reformed Baptist Church (516) 379-2408 Pastor: Robert Karson Pastor: Douglas Totter Pastor: Daniel Mercado 36 Smith St. Long Island Marthoma Church Office: (516) 442-7227 Parsonage: (516) 208-3523 President Vicar: the Rev. Shaji Kochummen 2350 Merrick Ave. Merrick United Methodist Church (516) 378-9222 Pastor: Lucie wa Mbiya Pastor: Rev. Akio Iyoda 1425 Merrick Ave. Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart (516) 379-1356 Pastor: Rev. Stephen Brigandi Associate Pastor: Rev. Peter Sarpong 720 Merrick Ave. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (516) 379-1368 Priest: the Rev. Father Nikiforos Fakinos Church School Director: Tom Arianas Church School Director: Panagiota Perlegis 2421 Hewlett Ave. St. John’s Lutheran Church (516) 379-3858 Pastor: the Rev. Perry J. Kirschbaum 1 Van Roo Ave. The Parish Family of Curé of Ars The Catholic 'Field Hospital' of Merrick (516) 623-1400 Pastor: Monsignor Frank Caldwell 2323 Merrick Ave. Synagogues Chabad Center for Jewish Life (516) 833-3057 Director: Rabbi Shimon Kramer Program Director: Chanie Kramer 2174 Hewlett Ave., Suite 101 Tim Baker/Herald file Rabbi Shimon Kramer and wife Chanie with their kids, from left, Leibel, Mirel, Leah and Sarah at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life’s Purim Party. Congregation Beth Ohr (Merged with Temple Israel of South Merrick) (516) 781-3072 Rabbi: Rishe Groner 2550 S. Center Ave., Bellmore 11710 Congregation Ohav Sholom (Affiliated with the Orthodox Union) (516) 378-1988 Rabbi: Ira Ebbin President: Jordan Smith 145 S. Merrick Ave. Merrick Jewish Center Congregation Ohr Torah (Conservative) (516) 379-8650 Rabbi: Joshua Dorsch Rabbi Emeritus: Charles A. Klein 225 Fox Blvd. Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore (Reform) (516) 378-3477 Rabbi: Michael Baum 2377 Merrick Ave. Young Israel of Merrick (516) 378-2573 Rabbi: Daniel Haramati President: Stuart Daitch 107 S. Hewlett Ave. 20 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 21 Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org 1223185 Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org • Early Childhood programming • Kindergarten through Seventh Grade • Teen programs • Sisterhood – Men’s Club • Adult Education – Hazak (55+) • Community Service and Activism • Minyan And so much more... * Early Childhood programming * Kindergarten through Seventh Grade * Teen programs * Sisterhood - Men's Club * Adult Education-Hazak (55+) * Community Service and Activism * Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner, Cantor Joshua Diamond and Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore, NY 11710 516-781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org * Early Childhood programming * Kindergarten through Seventh Grade * Teen programs * Sisterhood - Men's Club * Adult Education-Hazak (55+) * Community Service and Activism * Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner, Cantor Joshua Diamond and Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore, NY 11710 516-781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org Early Childhood programming Kindergarten through Seventh Grade Teen programs Sisterhood - Men's Club Adult Education-Hazak (55+) Community Service and Activism Minyan - And so much more... Come Meet Our New Rabbi Rishe Groner & Our Energetic Community Congregation Beth Ohr All Memberships include High Holiday Tickets For more information, contact our office 2550 Centre Avenue ~ Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 ~ www.cbohr.org 1222368 LONG ISLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL ENROLLMENT. • Three Montessori-certified teachers • Nursery, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten programs • Emphasis on math and reading skills • Music, art and science enrichment, including special projects • Weekly Spanish instruction • Affiliated with the American Montessori Society 1224892 Long Island Montessori 718 The Plain Rd., Westbury, NY 11590 Phone: 516-997-0250 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Website: hǭp://www.longislandmontessori.com/ Facebook: hǭps://www.facebook.com/LIMontessori
By Jordan Vallone A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating. And at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life — which serves the Jewish community of Bellmore, Merrick and Wantagh — the Cindy Knoll Circle of Hope and its subsidiary, Dress for Recovery, provides emotional support and hands-on help to patients and their families coping with breast cancer and other illnesses. Circle of Hope was co-founded in 2012 by Cindy Knoll, who’s name the nonprofit now bears. Knoll died in August 2021 from brain cancer, at 56. At the time of the organization’s founding, the wife of Chabad Center rabbi Shimon Kramer, Chanie, said the Chabad saw the need for there to be a center for outreach and support for breast cancer patients. “Unfortunately,” she said, “there are so many people in this area dealing with the disease. Whatever they need, we want to be there for them.” Today, Circle of Hope unites the community Courtesy Rachel Leiner Photography Top photo: Dozens of women have become part of the Circle of Hope, volunteering and raising awareness for the services offered, like at the group’s Journey for a Purpose benefit. Herald file Bottom photo: Cindy Knoll, who’s name the nonprofit now bears, died from brain cancer in August 2021. A breast cancer survivor at the time of its founding, she wanted to create a community center to support women going through difficult times. and brings hope and encouragement to those who need it most. It offers several programs, and some highlights include prevention and awareness seminars, meal delivery to homes for those undergoing treatment, financial assistance, support groups and a wig bank. Dress for Recovery, which is part of Circle of Hope, was founded in 2020 by Loraine Alderman, who was undergoing breast cancer treatment the year before. The clothing bank provides large shirts with ample space for surgical drains, as well as various zippers for doctors and nurses to access chest ports for chemotherapy. “There’s not one store in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where you can walk in and buy this type of clothing,” Alderman said. “They’re only available online, and they’re expensive. We are the only place where people Circle of Hope helps can come and get everything — free of charge.” Last year, Dress for Recovery also received a donation of seatbelt covers from Evening Star Quilters, a Mineola-based nonprofit quilting organization. The seatbelt covers help protect a raw chemotherapy port, which are attached to a main artery in the chest and require a lot of protection. “We tried to figure out how to make something good out of what was going on,” Alderman said. “It’s really about paying things forward and just trying to help other people.” All services in Circle of Hope and Dress for Recovery are free, confidential, and offered to everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. For more, email [email protected], or call (516) 833-3057, Ext. 104. Courtesy Lisa Fessler Top photo: The Circle of Hope, headquartered at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, supports women with breast cancer and other illnesses. Chanie Kramer, co-director of the Chabad, with Circle of Hope co-founders Cindy Knoll and Lisa Fessler Jordan Vallone/Herald Botom photo: Loraine Alderman, left, founded Dress for Recovery, a subsidiary of Circle of Hope. It provides clothing to those undergoing cancer treatment. 22 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
By Jordan Vallone A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating. And at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life — which serves the Jewish community of Bellmore, Merrick and Wantagh — the Cindy Knoll Circle of Hope and its subsidiary, Dress for Recovery, provides emotional support and hands-on help to patients and their families coping with breast cancer and other illnesses. Circle of Hope was co-founded in 2012 by Cindy Knoll, who’s name the nonprofit now bears. Knoll died in August 2021 from brain cancer, at 56. At the time of the organization’s founding, the wife of Chabad Center rabbi Shimon Kramer, Chanie, said the Chabad saw the need for there to be a center for outreach and support for breast cancer patients. “Unfortunately,” she said, “there are so many people in this area dealing with the disease. Whatever they need, we want to be there for them.” Today, Circle of Hope unites the community Courtesy Rachel Leiner Photography Top photo: Dozens of women have become part of the Circle of Hope, volunteering and raising awareness for the services offered, like at the group’s Journey for a Purpose benefit. Herald file Bottom photo: Cindy Knoll, who’s name the nonprofit now bears, died from brain cancer in August 2021. A breast cancer survivor at the time of its founding, she wanted to create a community center to support women going through difficult times. and brings hope and encouragement to those who need it most. It offers several programs, and some highlights include prevention and awareness seminars, meal delivery to homes for those undergoing treatment, financial assistance, support groups and a wig bank. Dress for Recovery, which is part of Circle of Hope, was founded in 2020 by Loraine Alderman, who was undergoing breast cancer treatment the year before. The clothing bank provides large shirts with ample space for surgical drains, as well as various zippers for doctors and nurses to access chest ports for chemotherapy. “There’s not one store in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where you can walk in and buy this type of clothing,” Alderman said. “They’re only available online, and they’re expensive. We are the only place where people Circle of Hope helps can come and get everything — free of charge.” Last year, Dress for Recovery also received a donation of seatbelt covers from Evening Star Quilters, a Mineola-based nonprofit quilting organization. The seatbelt covers help protect a raw chemotherapy port, which are attached to a main artery in the chest and require a lot of protection. “We tried to figure out how to make something good out of what was going on,” Alderman said. “It’s really about paying things forward and just trying to help other people.” All services in Circle of Hope and Dress for Recovery are free, confidential, and offered to everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. For more, email [email protected], or call (516) 833-3057, Ext. 104. Courtesy Lisa Fessler Top photo: The Circle of Hope, headquartered at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, supports women with breast cancer and other illnesses. Chanie Kramer, co-director of the Chabad, with Circle of Hope co-founders Cindy Knoll and Lisa Fessler Jordan Vallone/Herald Botom photo: Loraine Alderman, left, founded Dress for Recovery, a subsidiary of Circle of Hope. It provides clothing to those undergoing cancer treatment. 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 23
ELECTED OFFICIALS TOWN OF hempsTead Don Clavin Town of Hempstead Supervisor Dennis Dunne Councilman 6th District Kate Murray Town Clerk NassaU COUNTY Nassau County Legislator District 13 Thomas McKevitt (R) 1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-6213 Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly (R) 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-3800 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) 1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-3131 Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell (R) 240 Old Country Road Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-2664 FedeRaL United States Senator Charles E. Schumer (D) 757 3rd Ave., Suite 1702 New York, N.Y. 10017 (212) 486-4430 United States Senate 313 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-6542 United States Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D) 780 3rd Ave., Suite 2601 New York, N.Y. 10017 (212) 688-6262 United States Senate 478 Russell Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4451 sTaTe Christopher Carini Councilman 5th District Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips (R) 240 Old Country Road Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-2386 nccomptroller@ nassaucountyny.gov Nassau County Legislator District 19 Michael J. Giangregorio (R) 1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-6219 Governor Katherine Hochul (D) State Capitol Building Albany, N.Y. 12224 (518) 474-8390 State Attorney General Letitia James (D) NYS State Capitol Building Albany, N.Y. 12224 (518) 776-2000 State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli (D) 110 State St., Albany, N.Y. 12236 (518) 474-4044 State Assemblyman 14th District David G. McDonough (R) 404 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, N.Y. 11710 (516) 409-2070 Legislative Office Building 443, Albany, N.Y. 12248 (518) 455-4633 State Senator 5th District Steven D. Rhoads 4236 Merrick Road First Floor Massapequa, NY 11758 (516) 882-0630 Legislative Office Building, 513 Albany, N.Y. 12247 (518) 455-3161 United States Representative 4th District Anthony D’Esposito 229 7th Street, Suite 102 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 (516) 739-3008 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5516 24 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
stay connected with the we are just a away! CLICK, CALL OR LETTER In many ways, putting out a newspaper each week is an interactive process. We need your participation to do our job, so we offer you — our readers and partners — a reminder of how and when to reach us. Tell us what’s going on in your community, or news of upcoming events sponsored by civic, service, religious or community organizations. The deadline is 10 a.m. the Friday prior to publication. Notices are printed free of charge, but must be typed. We also welcome the news of your family life, your business life and your social life. We accept, at no charge, obituaries and Neighbors in the News items, including awards, honors, births, graduations, marriages and promotions. We value your opinions, and provide a forum for them in our popular Letters to the Editor space. Letters are accepted until 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication. The Herald also offers tours of its Garden City headquarters and printing plant for schools, scouts and other community groups. To schedule a tour, contact Michael Romero at (516) 569-4000, Ext. 235, or email [email protected]. Jordan Vallone • Editor Email: [email protected] Mail: Merrick Herald, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 Website: www.liherald.com Editor: Jordan Vallone ([email protected]) Advertising Account Executive: Robert Cummings ([email protected]) (516) 569-4000 ext. 247 Subscriptions: (516) 569-4000, press "7," or online at www.liherald. com/subscribe. family life, your business life and your social $1.00 Vol. 25 No. 21 MAY 19 - 25, 2022 A Field of Flags in N. Merrick Page 3 Author gets ready to release books Page 5 HERALD __________________ Merrick _________________ By JoRDAN VAlloNE [email protected] Art has always been a passion for Joseph Solorzano-Ruiz. The Merrick School sev Avenue Middle enth-grade student h left an impact as on many — his p ents, his teach arers and ev school district en the — with his m creations any . He has won a handful of awards this year alone, and hi love of art, s and his talen developing. t, are still An avid drawer, painter and sculptor, Joseph, 13, is fond blending of various media way to a on the finished proj moved to begin ect. He was creating he said, artwork, at a young ag watched h e, as he is older brother, Gary, also an artist, create his own piec es. - “I started just in notebooks just sketch — ing,” Joseph said. my broth “But er, he started to really get into art, and I basically foll his footsteps.” owed in Gary, 19, a 2021 graduate of San ford H. Calhoun - High School, now studyin is g art at Adelphi Un versity. “I r ieally learned him,” Joseph s a lot from aid of his brother. “It carried down to me.” While he said he likes a l different s ot of tyles, his favorite is real ism. “A lot o - f people say it’s copying just stuff down,” Joseph sa “But if someo id. ne asks me t picture, one th o draw a ing that I’ve n is that if they say, oticed ‘Oh, what do you Continued on page 4 ElECTIoN WINNERS North Merrick Union Free School District board Meg Ryan (899), William Luciani (827) and Steven Enella (743) defeated Christine Mitkish and Carson Termotto North Merrick Union Free School District budget Total: $36.02 million. Passed, 1,039-506 Merrick Union Free School District board Gina Piskin (1,250) and Jennifer Schatzman (1,144) defeated Tara Casino and Jessica Mack Merrick Union Free School District budget Total: $55.62 million. Passed, 1,651-594 Bellmore-Merrick Central High district budget Total: $177.1 million. Passed, 5,266-2,430 — Jordan Vallone Artist in the making Merrick Ave student taps into many styles for his ‘stress-relieving’ work Jordan Vallone/Herald JoSEpH SoloRzANo-RUIz, A seventh-grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School, showed off one of his creations, a costume mask he made of the Marvel Comics character Venom. Steven Enella North Merrick trustee Gina piskin Merrick trustee William luciani North Merrick trustee Meg Ryan North Merrick trustee Jennifer Schatzman Merrick trustee 1111028 $10000* discount 1174431 $1.00 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 25 WINDOW THERAPY 1223618 516-400-9226 | www.windowtherapy.com Free Shop at Home or Visit Our Showroom: ALL CUSTOM: • BLINDS • SHADES • SHUTTERS • DRAPERIES 147 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518 Changing Your View Of The World Since 1982 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE, GIVE US A CALL.
Jewish War Veterans help community By Jordan Vallone If you ask Gary Glick what plagues modern military veterans most, he’d describe the number of people who do not know or understand what benefi ts they are entitled to after service. Helping veterans — whether they live in or outside of the immediate community — is the mission of the Jewish War Veterans. Especially at Post 652 — which serves Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, East Meadow and surrounding communities — which has made an eff ort to remain active on community issues. Members can often be seen at veteran events, and well as helping Boy Scout troops complete community service projects. Just last year, for example, the group helped an aspiring Eagle Scout restore a World War I Memorial in Merrick. Although not well-known, the national Jewish War Veterans group has been around since 1896. Glick, Post 652’s commander, spends a lot of time dispelling myths like Jews never served in confl icts like the Civil War. In fact, some 8,000 Jewish men served. On both sides. “Our biggest concern is to get the word out that we exist,” said Ed Freeberg, a lifetime member of the organization. “The Jewish War Veterans has existed for about 127 years, and very few people know about it. So, our job is to do a tremendous amount of outreach.” Post members are often seen at commemorative events on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and in public schools. Members help conduct ceremonies for Jewish soldiers and establish working relationships with local rabbis. In the past, Glick has responded to calls from veterans dealing with mental health crises from Kate Nalepinski/Herald fi le Top Photo: The Jewish War Veterans recognize members when they hit milestone birthdays. Eric Spinner, left, helped Wantagh’s Murray Steinberg celebrate his 99th birthday. Courtesy Ed Freeberg Bottom Photo: The Jewish War Veterans Post 652 is always doing its part to help veterans, and is often seen out and about in the community. At a Hanukkah celebration last year, Cmdr. Gary Glick joined Rabbi Shimon Kramer of the Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh to help celebrate. untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, and worked with additional organizations to help provide housing or food to veterans in need. The more outreach the group can provide, the better off veterans are. “There’s 130,000 of us out here” on Long Island, Glick said, ‘and I’ll tell you right now, there’s maybe a handful that know what’s going on.” Courtesy Ed Freeberg Top Photo: Partnering with the Daughters of the American Revolution, the local Jewish War Veterans chapter help deliver blankets and wraps at the Long Island State Veterans Home. Jordan Vallone/Herald fi le Bottom Photo: The local Jewish War Veterans post works to make sure veterans across Long Island know and understand benefi ts they are entitled to. It also takes part in community projects, such as the restoration of the World War I Memorial in Merrick for an Eagle Scout project. Eric Spinner helped clean and restore the stonework. Despite the seriousness of their cause, the group also takes part in holiday celebrations as well as milestone birthdays for veterans. And while the eff orts of the group consist of diligent, hard work for everyone involved, it is truly a labor of love. For more on Post 652, visit We-Are-Vets.us. : 26 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
Jewish War Veterans help community By Jordan Vallone If you ask Gary Glick what plagues modern military veterans most, he’d describe the number of people who do not know or understand what benefi ts they are entitled to after service. Helping veterans — whether they live in or outside of the immediate community — is the mission of the Jewish War Veterans. Especially at Post 652 — which serves Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, East Meadow and surrounding communities — which has made an eff ort to remain active on community issues. Members can often be seen at veteran events, and well as helping Boy Scout troops complete community service projects. Just last year, for example, the group helped an aspiring Eagle Scout restore a World War I Memorial in Merrick. Although not well-known, the national Jewish War Veterans group has been around since 1896. Glick, Post 652’s commander, spends a lot of time dispelling myths like Jews never served in confl icts like the Civil War. In fact, some 8,000 Jewish men served. On both sides. “Our biggest concern is to get the word out that we exist,” said Ed Freeberg, a lifetime member of the organization. “The Jewish War Veterans has existed for about 127 years, and very few people know about it. So, our job is to do a tremendous amount of outreach.” Post members are often seen at commemorative events on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and in public schools. Members help conduct ceremonies for Jewish soldiers and establish working relationships with local rabbis. In the past, Glick has responded to calls from veterans dealing with mental health crises from Kate Nalepinski/Herald fi le Top Photo: The Jewish War Veterans recognize members when they hit milestone birthdays. Eric Spinner, left, helped Wantagh’s Murray Steinberg celebrate his 99th birthday. Courtesy Ed Freeberg Bottom Photo: The Jewish War Veterans Post 652 is always doing its part to help veterans, and is often seen out and about in the community. At a Hanukkah celebration last year, Cmdr. Gary Glick joined Rabbi Shimon Kramer of the Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh to help celebrate. untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, and worked with additional organizations to help provide housing or food to veterans in need. The more outreach the group can provide, the better off veterans are. “There’s 130,000 of us out here” on Long Island, Glick said, ‘and I’ll tell you right now, there’s maybe a handful that know what’s going on.” Courtesy Ed Freeberg Top Photo: Partnering with the Daughters of the American Revolution, the local Jewish War Veterans chapter help deliver blankets and wraps at the Long Island State Veterans Home. Jordan Vallone/Herald fi le Bottom Photo: The local Jewish War Veterans post works to make sure veterans across Long Island know and understand benefi ts they are entitled to. It also takes part in community projects, such as the restoration of the World War I Memorial in Merrick for an Eagle Scout project. Eric Spinner helped clean and restore the stonework. Despite the seriousness of their cause, the group also takes part in holiday celebrations as well as milestone birthdays for veterans. And while the eff orts of the group consist of diligent, hard work for everyone involved, it is truly a labor of love. For more on Post 652, visit We-Are-Vets.us. : 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 27
By Jordan Vallone Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation has one mission: to keep kids safe while playing youth sports. Founded by Jill and Craig Levine in 2006, the foundation honors their son Robbie, who died suddenly at the age of 9, when his hear stopped while he was running the bases during a Little League practice in September 2005. Today, the foundation serves many purposes in Merrick and beyond. It educates the public and youth sports leagues on the importance of Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, in saving lives, with the goal of making defibrillators standard equipment in youth sporting programs. The foundation also works to ensure that AEDs in public places are located in accessible sites, raises awareness for cardiac screenings in children to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, and provides funding to enable youth groups and youth athletics to purchase and be trained in the use of AEDs. Lastly, it financially supports baseball teams or leagues in low income areas by providing an Tim Baker/Herald photos Top photo: Public and youth sports leagues learn the importance of Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, in saving lives. Each year, Robbie’s Run, a 5K race, is a major source of funding for the organization, and attracts community support annually. Bottom photo: Craig and Jill Levine created Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation, in honor of their son, Robbie Levine, who died suddenly at 9 in 2005, when his heart stopped while he was running the bases at a Little League practice. AED and necessary training for use. The work of the foundation wouldn’t be possible without community support. Jill Levine, the president of the Merrick Board of Education, is involved in several additional Bellmore-Merrick organizations. The Levine’s three children all attended Merrick schools, and John F. Kennedy High School in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District. The schools and teachers have been supportive of the foundation’s efforts. Earlier this year, the foundation partnered with the North Merrick Fire Department for a CPR training, that taught over 100 attendees crucial, lifesaving skills. “Born out of tragedy, the Levine foundation frequently offers these free courses to people wanting to learn,” the fire department wrote on Facebook. “We want to thank all that came out to learn, and especially the Levine foundation for allowing us to be apart of it.” The foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Robbie’s Run, an annual 5K race that takes place at the Norman J. Levy Lakeside School and the streets surrounding it. Attracting hundreds of runners every year, the race helps the foundation raise thousands of dollars annually for the good cause. Levine told the Herald at a previous race that it was incredible that all these years later, the work of the foundation is still going strong. “We’re very appreciative of the Merrick community for supporting the foundation and supporting the race,” she said. For more, visit RobbieLevineFoundation.org. one AED at a time Top photo: Robbie’s Run has morphed into more than just a race. At the most recent run on May 21, there was entertainment and food for hundreds of runners and families. Middle photo: High school students from Bellmore-Merrick schools also take part in the organization’s work. Emma Razukiewicz and Ryan Friedman participated in the most recent race. Bottom photo: The race fundraiser has a 5K, as well as a children’s fun run. Best friends Frank Venditti and James Hind crossed the finish line together. 28 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
By Jordan Vallone Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation has one mission: to keep kids safe while playing youth sports. Founded by Jill and Craig Levine in 2006, the foundation honors their son Robbie, who died suddenly at the age of 9, when his hear stopped while he was running the bases during a Little League practice in September 2005. Today, the foundation serves many purposes in Merrick and beyond. It educates the public and youth sports leagues on the importance of Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, in saving lives, with the goal of making defibrillators standard equipment in youth sporting programs. The foundation also works to ensure that AEDs in public places are located in accessible sites, raises awareness for cardiac screenings in children to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, and provides funding to enable youth groups and youth athletics to purchase and be trained in the use of AEDs. Lastly, it financially supports baseball teams or leagues in low income areas by providing an Tim Baker/Herald photos Top photo: Public and youth sports leagues learn the importance of Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, in saving lives. Each year, Robbie’s Run, a 5K race, is a major source of funding for the organization, and attracts community support annually. Bottom photo: Craig and Jill Levine created Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation, in honor of their son, Robbie Levine, who died suddenly at 9 in 2005, when his heart stopped while he was running the bases at a Little League practice. AED and necessary training for use. The work of the foundation wouldn’t be possible without community support. Jill Levine, the president of the Merrick Board of Education, is involved in several additional Bellmore-Merrick organizations. The Levine’s three children all attended Merrick schools, and John F. Kennedy High School in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District. The schools and teachers have been supportive of the foundation’s efforts. Earlier this year, the foundation partnered with the North Merrick Fire Department for a CPR training, that taught over 100 attendees crucial, lifesaving skills. “Born out of tragedy, the Levine foundation frequently offers these free courses to people wanting to learn,” the fire department wrote on Facebook. “We want to thank all that came out to learn, and especially the Levine foundation for allowing us to be apart of it.” The foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Robbie’s Run, an annual 5K race that takes place at the Norman J. Levy Lakeside School and the streets surrounding it. Attracting hundreds of runners every year, the race helps the foundation raise thousands of dollars annually for the good cause. Levine told the Herald at a previous race that it was incredible that all these years later, the work of the foundation is still going strong. “We’re very appreciative of the Merrick community for supporting the foundation and supporting the race,” she said. For more, visit RobbieLevineFoundation.org. one AED at a time Top photo: Robbie’s Run has morphed into more than just a race. At the most recent run on May 21, there was entertainment and food for hundreds of runners and families. Middle photo: High school students from Bellmore-Merrick schools also take part in the organization’s work. Emma Razukiewicz and Ryan Friedman participated in the most recent race. Bottom photo: The race fundraiser has a 5K, as well as a children’s fun run. Best friends Frank Venditti and James Hind crossed the finish line together. 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 29
Joe Abate/Herald At the Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s installation dinner in January, Cynthia Seniuk, superintendent of the North Merrick School District, accepted an award from Douglas Mills and chamber president Ira Reiter. MERRICK Chamber of Commerce All businesses are in Merrick, NY 11566 unless noted Continued on next page Bourbon & Brews John Amaruso (516) 554-4718 361 Merrick Ave. Budd-Morgan Central Station Alarm Co Inc. Tracey Morgan (516) 221-0440 2050 Bellmore Ave Bellmore 11710 BuddMorgan.com Carefree Racquet Club Kathy Miller (516) 489-9005 1414 Jerusalem Ave. CareFreeTennis.com Carjoy Ester Horowitz (631) 466-7410 1 Old Country Road Carle Place 11514 CarjoyUSA.com Cathy's Touch Gilda Aparicio (516) 377-1127 67 Merrick Ave. CathysTouch.com Center for Jewish Life and Maimonides Educational Service Shimon Kramer (516) 833-3057 2174 Hewlett Ave., Suite 100 CertaPro Painters of Merrick Ralph Schwartz (516) 705-8266 2527 Merrick Road Bellmore 11710 Merrick.CertaPro.com Chabad Center for Jewish Life Rabbi Shimon Kramer (516) 833-3057 2174 Hewlett Ave. ChabadJewishLife.org Champions Martial Arts Sungwon Kang (516) 223-5425 391 Merrick Ave. Taekwondo.net 1 of A Kind Live Edge Slabs Isabel Munoz Doerbecker (516) 234-5489 4140 Austin Blvd Island Park 11558 1OfAKindLiveEdgeSlabs.com AB Martial Arts Andrew Ball (516) 804-5866 2223 Jerusalem Ave. MartialArtsMerrick.com Acupuncture Wellness Emma Zhang (516) 208-5555 141 Merrick Ave. Su-AcupunctureWellness.com Amazing Discount/ Protocol Trade Inc. Faisal Sattar (516) 517-2827 60 Merrick Ave. American Legion Merrick Post No 1282 Bob Dishman (516) 521-6989 160 W, Merrick Road MerrickPost1282.org Andrew S. Nachamie PC (516) 678-7110 7 Smith St. Nachamie.com Ann Parry Photography Inc. Ann Parry (516) 732-9454 Ann-Parry.com As Burgers Go Inc. Lauren Budd (917) 450-0303 263 Horton Highway Mineola 11501 AsBurgersGo.com As You Wish Parties Kristen Robertson (516) 590-7878 59 Merrick Ave. AsYouWishParties.org Association for the Community Parent Center Inc Wendy Tepfer (516) 771-9346 1260 Meadowbrook Road CommunityParentCenter.org Bags n things Shari Greenberg (516) 509-5068 2746 Judith Drive Bellmore 11710 BiCounty Electric Laurette Rezny (516) 221-2225 2279 Jerusalem Ave. North Bellmore 11710 BiCountyElectric.com Body & Brain Yoga and Health Centers Inc. Amy Long (516) 227-0101 1161 Merrick Ave. Bond Vet Brooke Goldstein (631) 942-9796 2192 Merrick Road BondVet.com Citizens Bank Daniel Clayton (516) 608-1880 2150 Merrick Road MyInvestorsBank.com Club Pilates Merrick - Bellmore Pam Rosenbluth (516) 550-7088 1674 Merrick Road Cobra Consulting Group, LLC Dave Denenberg (516) 330-9930 2340 McCord Ave. CobraCG.com Coldwell Banker American Homes Jane Mincer (516) 302-8500 55 Merrick Ave. CBAmHomes.com Companions Animal Hospital Irene Jiminez (516) 431-1133 1798 Merrick Road CompanionsAHNY.com Congregation Beth Ohr Cynthia Jacobson (516) 781-3072 2550 Centre Ave. Bellmore 11710 CBOhr.org CSG CFO Solutions LLC Christine Garvey (646) 379-5728 1261 Meadowbrook Road CSGCFOSolutions.com CSM Engineering Carolyn Shah Moehringer (516) 378-4887 626 RXR Plaza Uniondale 11550 CSMEngineering.com Cultural Arts Playhouse Merrick Bruce Grossman (516) 694-3330 1750a Merrick Ave. CAPMerrick.com 30 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
Continued from previous page MERRICK Chamber of Commerce All businesses are in Merrick, NY 11566 unless noted D & P Auto Sales Inc. Phil Assabi (516) 781-5641 18 E. Sunrise Highway DAndPAutoSales.com Designs by Donna Donna Wexler (516) 721-0852 3176 Wynsum Ave. InvitationsByDesignsByDonna.com Dime Community Bank Nancy Intagliata (718) 782-6200, Ext. 5957 1775 Merrick Ave. Dime.com Donna Carbone's Dance Arts Carrie Dale (516) 377-7733 57 Merrick Ave. DanceArtsMerrick.com Douglas Elliman - Barbara Schultis Barbara Shultis (516) 623-4500 2300 Merrick Road Elliman.com Douglas Elliman - Louise Pitlake Louise Pitlake (516) 623-2253 2300 Merrick Road Elliman.com/lpitlake Douglas Elliman - Margaret Biegelman (516) 510-9290 2300 Merrick Road MargaretBiegelman.com Douglas Elliman - Seth Pitlake Seth Pitlake (516) 521-7976 2300 Merrick Road Elliman.com/spitlake Douglas Elliman- Phoebe Altman Phoebe Altman (516) 680-6466 1921 Leonard Lane Elliman.com/phoebealtman Dr. Scott Schonfeld (516) 705-8020 31 Merrick Ave. DrScottSchonfeld.com Esquire Tuxedos Michael Zisman (516) 378-6060 2156 Merrick Road EsquireTuxedos.com Expedia Cruises Joyce Mariner (516) 900-5483 29A Merrick Ave. ExpediaCruises.com/merrick First National Bank of Long Island Joe Nappi (516) 771-6000 1810 Merrick Ave. FNBLI.com Fishman & Tynan PLCC Maureen Tynan (516) 379-9806 1757 Merrick Ave. FJF Remodelers, Inc Frank Firriolo (516) 379-4043 2605 Kenny Ave. FJFRemodelersInc.com Continued on next page Home Instead Senior Care Mark Labib (516) 826-6307 19 Merrick Ave HomeInstead.com/236 Home RX Anthony Scuccimarri (516) 623-8900 2174 Hewlett Ave. HomeRXOfLI.com Hungerford & Clark Funeral Home Michael Carpinone (516) 379-3119 110 Pine St. Freeport 11520 HungerfordAndClark.com Island Empanada of Merrick Alex Melian (516) 608-2663 2142 Merrick Ave. IslandEmpanadaMerrick.com Jay Sorid Law Firm Jay Sorid (516) 675-2000 626 RXR Place Uniondale 11553 Jovia Richard Salmon (516) 561-0030 1000 Corporate Drive Westbury 11590 Joviafinancial.com JP Morgan Chase Bradley Balano (516) 868-3345 2122 Merrick Ave. Just Bead It by Rachel Rachel Roth (516) 697-2496 2793 S. Saint Marks Ave. Bellmore 11710 JustBeadItByRachel.com KB Beauty by Laser Lina Bonnen (516) 629-7088 1820 Merrick Road KBBeautyByLaser.com Key to Behavioral Therapy Ethalia Piacquadio (516) 996-8629 1625 Foxglove Road Kiddsmiles Gaby Morgan (516) 365-5439 2211 Merrick Road Kiddsmiles.com Kona Ice of LI South Shore Julieann Puglin (516) 342-5757 1483 Merrick Ave. Kona-Ice.com Krafty Hands Mausam Mascarelli (631) 431-9658 1666 Merrick Road KraftyHandNY.com Krohn, Rosenblum and Rosenblum Charles Rosenblum (516) 868-0808 25 Merrick Ave. Flowers by Voegler Theresa Soto (516) 481-1277 1171 Merrick Ave. FlowersByVoegler.com Fortune Crystals (516) 214-6018 2116 Merrick Ave. FortuneCrystals.com Frankies Original Pizzeria and Restaurant (516) 377-9500 1696 Merrick Road FrankiesMerrick.com Friends for Life Home Care & Medicaid Consultants Amy Recco (516) 208-8030 4 Merrick Ave. FriendsForLifeNY.com Gardens by Rachel Inc. Rachel Ginsberg (516) 582-0848 2903 Preston Lane GardensByRachel.com Giammusso & Associates, Inc. Michael Giammusso (516) 322-2716 112 Smith St. GiammussoAssociates.com Glow Skin Care Salon Inc. Shirley Valencia (516) 962-9390 52A Merrick Ave. Goddess Within Spa Mary Ann Roncondino (516) 992-2503 2209 Merrick Road GoddessWithinSpa.com Grace Reformed Baptist Church Pastor Doug Totter (516) 379-2408 36 Smith St. Gcali.com Hard Bean Merrick Seong Chan Victor Kim (631) 304-6647 15 Merrick Ave. HardBeanMerrick.com Havin' A Blast Balloons Danielle Edwards (646) 243-7552 1832 ADA Place HavinABlastBalloons.com HDH Davidson Donald & Helen Davidson (516) 385-6958 985 Little Whaleneck Road Hislon Jewelers Jeff Kasper (516) 208-6194 2164 Merrick Road HislonJewelers.com Historical Society of the Mavericks John Pinto (516) 661-8402 1910 Frederick Ave. 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 31
Continued from previous page MERRICK Chamber of Commerce All businesses are in Merrick, NY 11566 unless noted Jim Green/Herald file Christine Mooney, an administrator of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, with Marian Parker, one of the chamber’s past presidents at the Merrick Festival & Street Fair, held annually by the chamber. Continued on next page Kumon of Merrick Steve Dershowitz (516) 206-4200 71 Merrick Ave. Kumon.com/merrick Kwik Wok Chinese Restaurant David Chen (516) 868-0750 1839 Merrick Road Kwik-Wok.business.site L & A Babysitting Inc. Liz Toro (516) 401-1709 197 Elsie Ave. La Strada of Merrick Eva & Guy Saraniero (516) 867-5488 2100 Merrick Ave. LaStradaOfMerrick.com Land and Home Design Inc. Sherry Marzigliano (516) 655-6503 1760 Gildersleeve St. Law Office of Nicole D. Venditti, PC Nicole Venditti (516) 849-3161 1776 Princeton Place Liberty Pam Bellings (516) 214-7849 60 Brooklyn Ave. LibertyEnergyAndWater.com Long Island Live Events LLC Rachel Morgenstern (516) 661-0950 1626 James St. LongIslandLiveEvents.com Lookable Chris Dordon (516) 915-0103 2324 Merrick Road MyLookable.com Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC Sandra Alvarenga (516) 336-8622 483 Chestnut St. Cedarhurst 11516 MaidenbaumTax.com Mary Vasconi 1737 Frederick Ave. Margaritas Cafe William Martinez (516) 280-4021 139b Merrick Ave. Meadowbrook Collision Bruce Schanstra (516) 705-8846 415 Babylon Turnpike Freeport 11520 MeadowbrookCollision.com Megan C. Ryan Esq. Megan Ryan (516) 841-5948 11 Dunstan Drive Merrick Ave. Optometry Natalya Rooney (516) 200-0241 30 Merrick Ave. MerrickAveOptometry.com Merrick Community Nursery School & Day Camp Christine Cicero (516) 868-1071 69 Willis Ave. MerrickCommunityNurserySchool.org Merrick Dance Centre Courtney Wrigley (516) 623-0962 160 W. Merrick Road MerrickDanceCentre.com Merrick Family Eye Care Brian Caiola (516) 546-3227 2126 Merrick Mall DrBenzoni.com Merrick Herald Lori Berger (516) 569-4000 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City 11530 LIHerald.com Merrick Hot Yoga Michael Gonias (516) 379-9643 76 Merrick Ave. MerrickHotYoga.com Merrick Library Diane Bondi (516) 377-6112 2279 Merrick Ave. MerrickLibrary.org Merrick Oral Surgery Steve D'Abundo (516) 546-1444 2116 Merrick Ave. MerrickOralSurgery.com Merrick Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Rania Elbaz (516) 547-1997 1756A Merrick Ave. MerrickPediatricDentistry.com Merrick Surgical Supplies & Home Care Inc. Leo and Andra Levine (516) 378-0119 139 Merrick Ave. MerrickSurgical.com Merrick-Freeport Veterans of Foreign Wars William Seidenstein (718) 755-9826 P.O. Box 52 Mikey G's Embracing Wings Foundation Carmen Geraldi (516) 426-8908 14 Berkshire Road MikeyGsEmbracingWings.com Mio Posto Restaurant (516) 665-3030 16 Merrick Ave. Mirror Mirror Hair Boutique Stephanie Martin (516) 415-7681 2096 Merrick Ave. MirrorMirrorMerrick.com Moms & Tots Judy Rubin (516) 623-4099 145 S. Merrick Road MomsAndTotsLI.com Monarch Life Coaching LLC Tom Marino Coaching Thomas Marino (516) 521-9081 5 Chelsea Drive TomMarino.com Montana Brothers of Merrick Frank Montana (516) 749-6064 2162 Merrick Mall MontanaBrother.com Mortgage Professionals Corp. Lisa Napolitano (516) 369-5129 48 Lindenmere Drive MortgageProfessionals.com Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital Dana Sanneman (516) 377-5365 2277 Grand Ave. Baldwin 11550 32 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
Continued from previous page MERRICK Chamber of Commerce All businesses are in Merrick, NY 11566 unless noted S. Robert Kroll Esq. S. Robert Kroll (516) 378-3051 25 Merrick Ave. S.J. Edwards, Inc. Sharon Davis (516) 208-9988 2163 Merrick Ave. SJEdwards.com Salon Speciale Christina Speciale (516) 682-2464 44 Merrick Ave. Sandra G. Johnson, CPA PC (516) 409-1120 109 Bedford Ave. Bellmore 11710 JohnsonCPATax.com Santasventures John Santaniello (516) 761-8282 2106 Decker Ave. Selective Associates, Inc. Phil Adamo (516) 546-5500 1687 Merrick Ave. SAIInsurance.com Serengeti Design Studios Femy Aziz (516) 623-2828 45 Merrick Ave. SDSPortraits.com Signature Premier Properties Kathy Viard (516) 223-9463 324 Merrick Ave. Signature Premier Properties - Lynn Karp (516) 659-2291 324 Merrick Ave. LynnKarp.com Signature Premier Properties - Marian Fraker-Gutin (516) 868-6660 12 Bedford Ave. Silver Fin Capital Group LLC Seth Feinman (516) 304-5008 11 Grace Ave. Great Neck 11021 SilverFinCapital.com South Merrick Community Civic Association Joe Baker (516) 978-8310 2642 Colonial Ave. SouthMerrickCivic.org Standard Thread Karen Fletcher (516) 662-0436 39 Merrick Ave. StandardThread.com State Farm Agency John Candon (516) 783-5522 1745 Merrick Ave. AgentCandon.com Stop & Shop (516) 867-9892 2160 Merrick Mall Pink Pineapple NY Inc Angela Bennett (516) 608-8182 105 Merrick Ave. PinkPineappleNY.com Polished Dental Care Lauren Greco (516) 344-5353 31 Merrick Ave. PDCLI.com Popick Accounting & Tax Services LLC Justin Popick (516) 608-8372 1980 Broadcast Plaza PopickTax.com Printing Emporium Douglas Mills (516) 223-2220 14 Kees Place PrintingEmporium.com Pure Pilates Kristine Schanstra (516) 867-0008 2285 Babylon Turnpike PurePilatesMerrick.com Queen of Hearts Julie Marchesella (516) 377-1357 29 Merrick Ave. QueenOfHeartsUSA.com Rachel Morgenstern (516) 661-0950 1626 James St. RMFPC.com Racol Technology Solutions Jennifer Hyland (516) 760-8181 2155 Abbot Ave. RacolTech.com Richner Printing Services Michael Karff (516) 569-4000, Ext.288 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City 11530 [email protected] LIHerald.com Riko's Pizza Kenneth Gibbons (516) 283-2328 68 Merrick Ave. RikosPizza.com Roma Pizza Nick Maltese (516) 223-7476 53 Merrick Ave. Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart Steven Brigandi (516) 379-1356 720 Merrick Ave. SacredHeartNM.org Rotary Club of Freeport Merrick DeRosette Harrison (516) 378-0562 294 W. Merrick Road Freeport 11520 FreeportMerrickRotary.org R.S. Beanery Margaret Mueller (516) 208-3538 153 Merrick Ave. RSBeanery.com N.F. Walker Inc. Merrick Funeral Home Danford Baxter (516) 378-0303 2039 Merrick Ave. NFWalkerFH.com Natural Remedies Josh Duren (516) 992-8417 1016 Jerusalem Ave. Nelson Tso (516) 286-4777 2081 Blanche Lane Neurology Mind Care PLLC Mariel Deutsch (516) 636-3873 1955 Merrick Road, Suite 204 NeurologyMindCare.com New York Life Randy Shotland (516) 909-5813 95 Halley Drive Blue Point 11772 North Merrick Public Library Susan Santa (516) 378-7474, Ext.10 1691 Meadowbrook Road NMerrickLibrary.org North Star Auto Body Anthony Capone (516) 781-2200 2374 Merrick Road Bellmore 11566 Carwise.com/auto-body-shops/ northstar-auto-body-ii-bellmoreny-11710/595240 NSX inc Fakhar Najeeb (516) 263-3787 2080 Vine Drive NSXInc.com Nu Med Med Spa & Integrative Wellness Chrissy Scavo RN, BSN (516) 776-8062 31 Merrick Ave. NuMedNY.com On Point Land Services Corp. Anthony Nozzolillo (516) 600-9750 2163 Merrick Ave. OnPointLand.com Outback Steakhouse Jenny Medina (516) 377-7761 2124 Merrick Mall Outback.com Paddy Power Colin McInerney (516) 223-3900 70 Merrick Ave. PaddyPowerPub.com Palms Direct Brett Sanicola (516) 507-9770 954 West Shelley Road North Bellmore 11710 PalmsDirect.net Petschauer Insurance Mathew Kryder (516) 419-4266 377 Oak St. Garden City 11530 jpins.com Continued on next page 2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 33
Continued from previous page MERRICK Chamber of Commerce All businesses are in Merrick, NY 11566 unless noted Courtesy Town Councilman Chris Carini The Merrick Chamber of Commerce always spreads holiday cheer. In December, chamber representatives were joined by elected officials for a tree lighting ceremony. Christine Petronella (516) 208-4979 2155 Merrick Road Stretchzone/merrick.com Summit Physical Therapy Graham Webb (516) 867-0500 209 Merrick Ave. SummitPT.info Sunrise Car Wash Ira Wishe (516) 378-2980 1820 Sunrise Highway Sunrise Chiropractic & Wellness Office Dr. Fred Jones (516) 378-0404 2260 Hewlett Ave. Sunrise-Chiropractic.com Synergy Fitness of Merrick Michael Padovano (516) 867-7767 125 Merrick Ave. SynergyFitClubsLI.com Tastefully Simple Jan Petersen (516) 317-6167 3122 Clubhouse Road TSbyJan.com Teachers Federal Credit Union Lyndsey Brown (631) 698-7000 1638 Merrick Road Temptations for Her Jeff & Randi Grann (516) 623-5772 2165 Merrick Road TemptationsForHer.com The Annex Wellness & Fitness Center Jamie Rockwin (516) 322-1335 2258 Sycamore Place TheAnnexWellFit.com The Barking Biscuit Ira Reiter (516) 221-7923 3524 Northview Ave. Wantagh 11793 TheBarkingBiscuitLLC.com The Best Kept Secret Sheri Bleiwad (516) 581-7825 2769 Lindenmere Drive The Needlepaint Nook Janice Tillis (516) 623-0250 2110 Merrick Mall TheNeedlepaintNook.com The Nesting Pl, LLC Jacqueline Aiello (631) 318-3382 2150 Merrick Mall TheNestingPlLI.com The Pit Stop Restaurant Tony Rubano (516) 223-7799 1706 Sunrise Highway PitStopEats.com Therapeutic Solutions Physical Therapy Jamie L. Rockwin (516) 623-4388 1757 Merrick Ave. TherapeuticSolutionsPT.com TLC Companions Gregory Massimi (516) 719-0909 332 Broadway Bethpage 11714 TLCCompanions.com Toshiba Business Solutions Steve Downey (516) 282-5971 23 Buckingham Road Business.Toshiba.com Total Care Adult Health, NP, PLLC Amy Waldman (516) 548-8432 1401 Jerusalem Ave. TCAdult.com Vaksman & Agron Team with VIProperties Tatyana Agron (646) 902-1091 SvetlanaVaksman.vipropertiesny.com Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Thomas Weiss (516) 437-4385 3000 Marcus Ave. Lake Success 11042 VMMLegal.com W&L Tree Service & Landscaping Wilfred Mendez (516) 445-1020 76 Central Parkway Webster Bank Lydia Edu-Daly (516) 405-6898 2090 Merrick Road WebsterBank.com WIN Home Inspections Steven Enella (516) 221-2023 1643 Hendrickson Ave. wini.com/merrick With Love & Light Tiffany Sizse (631) 988-4541 41 Merrick Road WithLoveAndLightLI.com Board of Directors 2023 Executive Board • Ira Reiter - President The Barking Biscuit • Margaret Mueller - Vice President RS Beanery • Sharon Davis - 2nd Vice President S.J. Edwards Inc. • Margaret Biegelman - Secretary Douglas Elliman - Margaret Biegelman • Andrew S. Nachamie - Treasurer Andrew S. Nachamie PC • Femy Aziz Immediate - Past President Serengeti Design Studios • Christine Mooney - Administrative Assistant Merrick Chamber Board Members • Joe Baker South Merrick Community Civic Association • Lori Berger Merrick Herald • Marian Fraker-Gutin Signature Premier Properties - Marian Fraker-Gutin • Arlene Gregory Coldwell Banker American Homes • Mathew Kryder Petschauer Insurance • Julie Marchesella Queen of Hearts • Douglas Mills Printing Emporium • Randy Shotland New York Life • Nelson Tso Nelson Tso 34 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com
2023 - 2024 Living In Merrick 35 Congratulations to our Mount Sinai South Nassau 2023 Castle Connolly Top Doctors! Ann Buhl, MD Director, Gynecologic Oncology Rajiv Datta, MD Department Chair, Surgery Director, Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center Director, Surgical Oncology/ Head & Neck Steven Harris, MD Urology Jay Itzkowitz, MD Department Chair, Emergency Services Carlos MontoyaIraheta, MD Chief, Pediatric Cardiology Matthew Rifkin, MD Department Chair, Radiology Neil Soskel, DO Family Medicine Alan Garely, MD Department Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology Director, Urogynecology Sherry Megalla, MD Cardiology Our doctors were peer-nominated and selected based on extensive research, careful review and screening conducted by Castle Connolly’s physician-led research team. Nationally, only 7% of more than 850,000 practicing doctors in the United States earned Castle Connolly “Top Doctors” designation this year. mountsinai.org/southnassau 1220289
36 Living In Merrick www.liherald.com Check out all our menus & more at www.salpino.com Meal Serves 4 People Come See the Largest Selection in the State Catering Packages PACKAGE 1 PACKAGE 2 • Hamburgers • Hot Dogs • Chicken on a Stick • Steak on a Stick • Baby Back Ribs • Potato Salad • Corn on the Cob • Bow Tie Salad • String Bean Salad • Cheese & Parsley Sausage • Burgers or Chicken Burgers • Filet Mignon Steaks • Baby Back Ribs • Marinated Chicken on a Stick • Marinated Steak on a Stick • Boar’s Head Hot Dogs • Salpino’s Homemade Macaroni or Potato Salad • Farfalle or Caprese Pasta Salad • String Bean Salad or Baked Beans • Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl Includes all buns, ketchup, mustard, American cheese & paper goods. $29.99PP + tax Min. 20 ppl COWBOY PACKAGE RODEO PACKAGE • 1 Cheese & Parsley Sausage Wheel • 1 USDA Prime London Broil (Marinated or Plain) • 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders • 12 All Natural Chicken Skewers • 2 Packs of Boar’s Head Skinless Hot Dogs • Slider & Hot Dog Buns • 1 Cheese & Parsley Sausage Wheel • 10 All Natural Chicken Legs • 12 USDA Flank Steak Skewers • 12 USDA Sirloin Sliders • 2 Packs of Boar’s Head Skinless Hot Dogs • 2 lbs. of Homemade Potato Salad & Macaroni Salad • 3 lbs. Fresh Cut Fruit Salad • Slider & Hot Dog Buns Includes hot dog buns, slider buns, ketchup and mustard RODEO PACKAGE 2 lbs. of Homemade Potato Salad & Macaroni Salad • 3 lbs. Fresh Cut Fruit Salad • Slider & Hot Dog Buns $99.99 + tax Feeds 10-12 ppl $145.99 + tax Feeds 10-12 ppl $20.99PP + tax Min. 30 ppl Includes all buns, ketchup, mustard, American cheese & paper goods. Includes hot dog buns, slider buns, ketchup and mustard Come See The Largest Selection In The State Celebrating Over 37 Years & Counting NORTH BELLMORE 1540 Newbridge Rd. • 516-900-1540 CHOOSE 3 LARGE TRAYS • Penne Ala Vodka • Baked Ziti • Stuffed Rigatoni Bolognese • Rigatoni Bolonese • Cavatelli Calabrese • Orrechiette Broccoli Rabe • Tortellini Alfredo • Stuffed Shells • Baked Manicotti • Penne Primavera • Chicken w/ Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes • Chicken Marsala • Chicken Francese • Chicken Parmigiana • Chicken Pizzaioli • Chicken Cacciatore • Chicken Grigio • Stuffed Chicken • Pork Filet Salpino • Sausage & Peppers • Sausage & Potatoes • Sausage & Broccoli Rabe • Meatballs • Eggplant Parmigiana • Eggplant Rollatini • Mussels Marinara • Musels in Garlic & Ail Custom Cakes available for all occasions Custom Salpino’s Gourmet Italian Bakery All heros come with Potato, Macaroni and Cole Slaw. We Only use Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses 3-6 Ft. Party Heros Available THE ORIGINAL (Min. 30 People) (Under 30 People is add’l Fee) Gourmet Catering Package Large selection Homemade Italian Cookies, Pastries, Breads and Desserts CATERING AVAILABLE • Communions • Graduations • Birthdays • Anniversaries & All Other Occasions NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. NOT ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES. Store Hours • Mon.-Fri. 8am-7pm • Sat. 8am-6pm • Sun. 9am-4pm Come with Garden Salad, Dinner Rolls, Papergoods, Serving Utensils, Extra Sauce and Grated Cheese POPULAR EXTRAS: Server $120 for 4 Hours Medium Antipasto Platter $90 Large Antipasto Platter $110 Assorted Pastries Platter $105 2 Lb Cookie Tray $29.99 3 Lbs. $39.99 $1295 Per Person NS-2173599901 Catering Packages PACKAGE 1 COWBOY PACKAGE RODEO PACKAGE PACKAGE 2 • Hamburgers • Hot Dogs • Chicken on a Stick • Steak on a Stick • Baby Back Ribs • Potato Salad • Corn on the Cob • Bow Tie Salad • String Bean Salad • Cheese & Parsley Sausage • Burgers or Chicken Burgers • Filet Mignon Steaks • Baby Back Ribs • Marinated Chicken on a Stick • Marinated Steak on a Stick • Boar’s Head Hot Dogs • Salpino’s Homemade Macaroni or Potato Salad • Farfalle or Caprese Pasta Salad • String Bean Salad or Baked Beans • Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl • 1 Cheese & Parsley Sausage Wheel • 1 USDA Prime London Broil (Marinated or Plain) • 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders • 12 All Natural Chicken Skewers • 2 Packs of Boar’s Head Skinless Hot Dogs • Slider & Hot Dog Buns • 1 Cheese & Parsley Sausage Wheel • 10 All Natural Chicken Legs • 12 USDA Flank Steak Skewers • 12 USDA Sirloin Sliders • 2 Packs of Boar’s Head Skinless Hot Dogs • 2 lbs. of Homemade Potato Salad & Macaroni Salad • 3 lbs. Fresh Cut Fruit Salad • Slider & Hot Dog Buns Includes all buns, ketchup, mustard, american cheese & paper goods. Includes hot dog buns, slider buns, ketchup and mustard Includes hot dog buns, slider buns, ketchup and mustard Includes all buns, ketchup, mustard, american cheese & paper goods. COWBOY PACKAGE RODEO PACKAGE • 1 Cheese & Parsley Sausage Wheel 1 USDA Prime London Broil • 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders • 12 All Natural Chicken Skewers • 2 Packs of Boar’s Head Skinless Hot Dogs • Slider & Hot Dog Buns • 1 Cheese & Parsley Sausage Wheel 10 All Natural Chicken Legs • 12 USDA Flank Steak Skewers • 12 USDA Sirloin Sliders 2 Packs of Boar’s Head Skinless • 2 lbs. of Homemade Potato Salad & Macaroni Salad • 3 lbs. Fresh Cut Fruit Salad • Slider & Hot Dog Buns Includes hot dog buns, slider buns, ketchup and mustard Includes hot dog buns, slider buns, ketchup and mustard Includes all buns, ketchup, mustard, american cheese & paper goods. $ 20.99PP $ 99.99 $ 145.99 $ 29.99PP + tax + tax + tax + tax Min. 20 ppl Min. 30 ppl Buon Appetito! Serves Minimun of 4 Feeds 10-12 ppl Feeds 10-12 ppl Choice of Sauce: • Vodka Sauce • Tomato & Basil • Marinara • Garlic & Oil • Bolognese Valid Monday through Friday 3pm-6:30pm. Please place your order by 3pm. Includes Fresh Baked Italian Bread. $ 3999 + tax DINNER SPECIAL Available Weekdays – Ready in 90 Minutes FIRST COURSE Choose One Pasta: • Linguini with Zucchini Noodles in Garlic & Oil • Baked Ziti • Manicotti (8 pc) • Penne • Spaghetti • Rigatoni • Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc) SECOND COURSE Choose One Entree: • Chicken Marsala • Chicken Francese • Eggplant Parmigiana • Chicken Parmigiana • Meatballs • Sausage & Peppers • Grilled Teriyaki Flat Iron Steak with Sauteed Peppers, Onions and Mushrooms - $20 extra SALAD Choose One • Garden Salad • Ceasar Salad • Penne or Rigatoni Ala Vodka • Baked Ziti • Stuffed Rigatoni Bolognese • Rigatoni Bolognese • Cavatelli Calabrese • Orrechiette Broccoli Rabe • Tortellini Alfredo • Stuffed Shells • Baked Manicotti • Penne Primavera • Chicken Marsala • Chicken Francese • Chicken w/ Broccoli & Sundried Tomatoes • Chicken Parmigiana • Chicken Pizzaiola • Chicken Cacciatore • Chicken Grigio • Stuffed Chicken • Pork Filet Salpino • Sausage & Peppers • Sausage & Potatoes • Sausage & Broccoli Rabe • Meatballs • Eggplant Parmigiana • Eggplant Rollatini • Mussels Marinara • Mussels in Garlic & Oil GOURMET CATERING SPECIAL $ 1195 (Min. 30 Piople) (Under 30 People is add’l Fee) Choose 3 Large Trays Per Person Comes with Garden Salad, Dinner Rolls, Papergoods, Serving Utensils, Extra Sauce and Grated Cheese Check out all our menus & more at www.salpino.com NORTH BELLMORE 1540 Newbridge Road • 516-900-1540 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 8am-6pm • Sun 9am-4pm • Salpino’s of North Bellmore @SalpinoFoodMarket NORTH BELLMORE 1540 Newbridge Road • 516-900-1540 THE ORIGINAL SALPINO ITALIAN FOOD MARKET & CATERING 1220078 Salpino’s Gourmet Italian Bakery Custom Cakes available for all occasions 3–6 Ft Party Heroes Available All heroes come with Potato, Macaroni and Cole Slaw. We Only use Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses. $21.99