For residents of Nassau County, dealing with the county clerk is something that needs to be done only sparingly — when registering a business, closing on a home or filing litigation. But thousands of people use the services of the office every day, and while it is politically low-profile, it is vital to the county’s operations. more

The race in the 13th Legislative District pits longtime incumbent Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow) against Democratic challenger Pat Maher.Both candidates hope to address high property taxes, … more

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

Q. We want to add a floor to our one-story home, and also want a den addition. Will our taxes go up a lot? We know they’ll increase, but we’re concerned they’ll be too high for us to do the addition. 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