Republican Dr. Fred Jones is challenging Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat, in the race for the 19th District seat held by Denenberg for nine years. The 19th L.D. includes Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick and parts of Freeport, North Merrick and Wantagh. more

Leave it to the Chabad Center for Jewish Life to put a modern twist on a centuries-old celebration. Instead of observing the Jewish holiday of Sukkot by eating large meals and sleeping under a Sukkah, a structure resembling an awning, Chabad organized a fete under the train tracks at the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station on Oct 5. Festival-goers enjoyed an unusual holiday repast of onion rings, hot dogs and sushi provided by Supersol Caterers; music and dancing courtesy of the Minster Brothers Orchestra and The Dancing Rabbis; and the entertainment of Keith Leaf the "Fire Juggler." “We want to enable every person to participate in the holiday of Sukkot,” Chabad Rabbi Shimon Kramer said. “The main theme of Sukkot is unity and this was a very positive and joyous way to do it.” more

As they have at recent Central District Board of Education sessions, roughly a half-dozen parents and members of a recently formed, ad hoc community group, Time for Turf, spoke again at the Oct. 7 board meeting, reiterating their desire to see artificial-turf football fields at Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham high schools. And, they said, they're not going away. In two recent meetings at which Time for Turf members spoke, they were unchallenged in their calls for synthetic-turf fields, with Central District officials primarily listening to their concerns and, most recently, forming a district committee to examine ways to improve all of Central's 31 athletic fields at its three high schools and two middle schools. This time, the calls for artificial turf were met by vocal opposition from Fred Kleiman, a local resident. Repeatedly noting the per-field cost for synthetic turf of more than $1 million, Kleiman said it would be "fiscally irresponsible" of the Central District to consider such a proposal, given that it would likely mean a property-tax increase amid a deep recession. more

A proven track record, a sensitivity to individual constituents’ concerns and an aggressive approach to tough issues are three of the key traits of a model elected representative. During his 10 … more

Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Bellmore Family Street Festival, sponsored by the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce, has been postponed, and has been rescheduled for the weekend of Oct. 24-25. more

Your chance to get a taste of southwest Nassau County is coming up as the Peninsula Counseling Center plans its annual fundraiser. There will be 45 restaurants, bakeries, caterers and wineries participating in A Tasteful Evening at the Woodmere Country Club on Oct. 19. more

Thousands of local folks thronged Merrick Avenue last Saturday and Sunday for the annual Fall Fest, sponsored by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. At this year's festival, there was a little something for everyone, from carnival rides to crafts to fire demonstrations to pony rides and a petting zoo. Additionally, there was entertainment at the Town of Hempstead Showmobile throughout the weekend. And in the middle of it all, the Merrick Herald had a booth, staffed by Merrick Herald Accountant Executive Ilene Dixel, Senior Editor Scott Brinton, and reporter Sari Zeidler and Nancy Hiler. more

The Merrick School District welcomed the newest additions to its staff at the Sept. 29 Board of Education meeting. Joining the faculty this year are art teachers Robyn Jordan at the Birch School and Amanda Kaminsky at Chatterton School. Also teaching English as a Second Language districtwide is Christine Treglia. "These teachers went through an extensive interview process," Dr. Ranier Melucci, district superintendent, said. "On behalf of the Board of Education, the central office and the Merrick community, I want to welcome each of our three new teachers to the school district." Also discussed at the meeting were plans for the new school year, including continuation of guided reading programs and the inclusion of fun, wellness-based physical activities for students, like the popular game Dance Dance Revolution. The next Board of Education meeting will be on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at Levy-Lakeside School. All board meetings are open to the public. more

Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes, a Republican from Levittown, is seeking re-election to a third four-year term. He is being challenged by Democrat Matthew Hynes, who is also from Levittown.The … more

George Maragos, CEO of a financial services business, is challenging two-term incumbent Howard Weitzman in the race for Nassau County comptroller. Maragos said that the county’s finances have been poorly managed for the past eight years, and he believes his experience can bring needed change. more