Keyword: 'Deirdre Krasula' | Herald Community Newspapers

Bellmore-Merrick’s Robert Kaefer was recently named the Nassau County Coach of the year for girls’ swimming. He has coached the girls’ program for 15 years and the boys for 16.

Bellmore-Merrick’s Robert Kaefer named county Swim Coach of the Year

It was a record year for the Bellmore-Merrick girls’ swim team. Finishing as runner-up in the Nassau County Championships and having sent five swimmers to the State Championship would have been enough to call it a successful season, but on top of that, the team notched yet another accolade. Coach Robert Kaefer, who has guided swimmers in and out of the pool for more than 15 years, was named the Nassau County Coach of the Year for girls’ swimming, an award voted on by his fellow coaches. more

By Deirdre Krasula, dkrasula@liherald.com | 1/16/12

Brendan Moehringer, 11, and James Moehringer, 12, took a break from the courts at the Bellmore Knights of Columbus' recent free-throw contest.

Bellmore kids have a ball at free-throw contest

Children from throughout the Bellmores gathered over the weekend for the annual Knights of Columbus Free-Throw Championship at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School gymnasium. more

By Deirdre Krasula, dkrasula@liherald.com | 1/16/12

Bellmorite Jarred Bonilla, right, spared with Alex Valentin at the Metropolitan Championship Finals last December. Bonilla is in training for the Golden Gloves tournament that will get under way in the coming weeks.

Bellmore 17-year-old rolls with the punches

Jarred Bonilla is up nearly every morning before the sun rises. The 17-year-old Bellmorite sets out on a 5:30 a.m. run before heading to Kellenberg High School in Uniondale. Following a day of classes, he goes home for a break and then drives to Freeport for three hours of training. That’s Bonilla’s life six days a week, chasing his dream of becoming an elite boxer. more

By Deirdre Krasula, dkrasula@liherald.com | 1/13/12

NICE buses rolled out of the garages on Jan. 1, with new logos and DOT certification stickers. Under the contract with Veolia, buses are required to be inspected every six months.

NICE buses roll out after state inspections

The entire Nassau County fleet of buses was required to undergo extensive safety inspections while the municipal Long Island Bus system was being privatized in December, becoming NICE Bus. While the buses were being inspected to meet New York State Department of Transportation standards, service continued, for the most part, as usual. more

By Deirdre Krasula, dkrasula@liherald.com | 1/13/12

Rabbi Shimon Kramer, center, of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, thanked the U.S. Army veterans in attendance.

Chabad lights the night with giant menorahs

If you happened to notice a U.S. military Humvee leading two limousines with giant menorahs atop them through Merrick and Bellmore streets last week, you were not dreaming. more

By Deirdre Krasula and David Weingrad | 12/27/11

The choir of angels sang during the St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church Christmas pageant.

Silent night, holy night at St. Barnabas pageant

Bellmore children flooded St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church Sunday for the parish’s annual Christmas Pageant. At this long-time tradition, children took on the roles of the Christmas story and acted it out for parents, neighbors and friends. Attendees were treated to the tale of Mary and Joseph as they sought for a place to shelter their newborn son, Jesus. They were also treated to songs by a choir of angels. more

Deirdre Krasula | 12/22/11

This Second Avenue home in Bellmore turns into a winter wonderland when the sun goes down.

Bellmores light the night at the holidays

Hundreds of tiny lights are aglow in the Bellmores this holiday season. Houses throughout the neighborhood are decorated with wreaths, lawn ornaments and various adornments to welcome the holiday season. If you’re looking for a festive way to spend an evening, look no further than outside your front door. Grab a warm cup of cocoa and head out to check out your neighbors’ decorations on your own block or nearby. more

Deirdre Krasula | 12/22/11

Nassau County will end its longstanding contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Long Island Bus as of Jan. 1, at which time Veolia Transportation will take over.

Veolia contract unanimously approved

In a late-night session Monday evening, the Nassau County Legislature unanimously approved a contract with Veolia Transportation Inc. to take over operation of Long Island Bus. The decision came after hundreds voiced their concerns about the contract at a Dec. 5 public hearing. more

By Deirdre Krasula, dkrasula@liherald.com | 12/13/11

Abigail McGlone, 2, of Bellmore, told Santa Claus what she wanted for Christmas at the annual Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting and Holiday Extravaganza last weekend.

Holiday cheer at chamber tree lighting

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores hosted its 16th annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Extravaganza last Friday. Hundreds of local folks stopped by Bellmore Village to watch the tree lighting and take horse-and-carriage rides. Families and friends gathered to take in the carolers and enjoy the night over cups of hot chocolate. Boys and girls also got the chance to meet Santa Claus and tell him what they want for Christmas. more

By Deirdre Krasula, dkrasula@liherald.com | 12/9/11

The Nassau County Legislature will vote on a contract with Veolia Transportation, Inc. that would privatize Nassau’s public bus system on Dec. 19.

Public gets restless at bus hearing

Long Island Bus riders and workers said they got angry when they were forced to wait more than two hours on Monday for a public hearing on a contract with Veolia Transportation, Inc. that would privatize Nassau’s public bus system. The crowd that convened at the county Legislature building catcalled at legislators to get under way and booed at County Executive Edward Mangano, a Republican from Bethpage, when he addressed the Legislature. more

Deirdre Krasula | 12/7/11