Great Neck Record 12/21/22 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

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2022 Year In Review

JULIE PRISCO

As 2022 comes to a close, we look back at all that has happened over the year. With new stores opening, village projects finishing up and funding provided to local organizations, we have seen downtown businesses and a sense of community grow.

Residents and local officials have come together to stand up for change and take action. Even during times of conflict and confusion, the Great Neck community has worked hard to make their voices heard.

Here are some highlights from the Great Neck Record’s 2022 coverage:

Hurricane Ida Relief Funding

In mid-March, New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti announced her proposal to get Hurricane Ida relief funding incorporated into the 2022-23 NYS budget. Assemblywoman Sillitti visited homes in Port Washington, Great Neck, Manhasset and New Hyde Park to assess damage from Hurricane Ida in September of 2021.

Many people on the North Shore were affected by the storm and, even months after the storm, had flooding and other damages not yet fixed from the storm’s aftermath.

Port Washington resident Hassan Imam had his backyard destroyed by an unexpected flood of mud that began on the night of Sept. 1, 2021. In Great Neck, there was a whole group of houses on about four blocks that didn’t have basements. They were on slabs, so instead of water filling up the basements, it was the first floor. A gentleman from New Hyde Park had his basement filled to the top with water, and a woman from Manhasset had water take away the earth from her yard.

“I knocked on many doors and promised residents I wouldn’t forget about them, and I haven’t,” said Assemblywoman Sillitti. “Most of the people in this area are in the middle of the peninsula. They’re nowhere near the water, so not many people had flood insurance. FEMA came in, and we are grateful for their assistance, but it wasn’t enough to fix everything. There is a big disparity between what insurance covered, what FEMA covered, and what the actual reality was.”

Since learning of the widespread devastation from Hurricane Ida, Assemblywoman Sillitti has gotten help for the residents from the Town of North Hempstead elected officials. Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey, Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, Councilman Peter Zuckerman, and Supervisor Jennifer DeSena supported Assemblywoman Sillitti.

Assemblywoman Sillitti acknowledged that the relief fund isn’t going to cover everything, but she said that “it is an extra piece of the puzzle to get these people back on their feet and moving.”

On April 9, the NYS budget was adopted, and $41 million to help homeowners repair Hurricane Ida storm damage was approved through the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery.

Great Neck High Schools Nationally Ranked

In late April, U.S. News and World Report released their rankings of the Best High Schools in America for 2022. Both Great Neck’s North and South High Schools are featured on the list.

The 18,000 public high schools are rated on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. On the nationwide list of Best High Schools, South High ranked #195 and North High Ranked #503.

“I continue to feel proud and privileged to be the principal of such a great school,” said

South High Principal Dr. Christopher Gitz. “Our faculty, staff, students and community work tirelessly, together, to provide all of our students with the best opportunity for success.”

According to the U.S News and World Report, it was determined that South High has a 97 percent graduation rate and scored 80.4 out of 100 on the college readiness index. North High has a 93 percent graduation rate and scored 66.8 out of 100 on the college readiness index.

U.S. News and World Report took their rankings and analyzed the top 1,000 schools to determine the best 250 high schools in the nation for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). North High ranked #119, and South High ranked #152 on the STEM list.

“We are proud of the leadership and caliber of our STEM teaching,” said North High Principal Dr. Daniel Holtzman. “Each year, we see student growth and increased interest in this area of study.”

Both North High School and South High School consistently receive high rankings

in National high schools and STEM high schools. Based on the U.S. News and World Report’s analysis, teachers’ and students’ commitment to education and enthusiasm to succeed are evident.

“Our schools are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and this honor is a direct result of the accomplishment of our students, the quality of our educational programs, and the commitment of our dedicated educators who help every student achieve their personal best,” says Superintendent Dr. Teresa Prendergast. “I thank our Board of Education and our entire school community for supporting our programs and our students.”

Stop Asian Hate With Education

At the end of May, government officials, Chinese-American and Asian-American community groups, students and teachers got together in Great Neck to support a bill expanding Asian-American history education in schools across New York State. The Asian American History Education Bill, sponsored by NYS Senator John Liu, will require elementary and high schools to provide instruction in Asian-American history and civil impact.

According to the FBI and NYPD, anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents are at an all-time high. The rally supporting the Asian-American History Education Bill detailed the Asian-American struggle in our community and why education is necessary to combat this hate.

“With the climate of hate and division being stoked by white supremacists who want to tell us that diversity is a bad thing, we’re here to tell them our diversity is our strength,” said NYS Senator Anna Kaplan. “It is time to empower our community with knowledge and fight hate together with education.”

Student leaders spoke of their personal stories involving discrimination and the lack of Asian-American history being taught in school. Students shared their experiences with racism, their acts of activism in their schools, and their reasons for supporting the Asian-American History Education Bill, while encouraging everyone in attendance to do the same.

“Supporting this legislation is a step towards promoting an equitable view of Asian-Americans in the U.S.,” said Vicki Lin, Junior at Great Neck South. “It’s an opportunity to teach the brutal history Asian-Americans have endured while also sharing our wonderful traditions and culture.”

Senator Liu introduced the Asian-American History Education Bill in 2021 upon seeing a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans in New York and across the country.

“I don’t believe any human being is born with hate, but they learn to hate through a combination of fear and ignorance,” said

From the left; New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti joined by Town of North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey, Councilman Peter Zuckerman and Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte in advocating for aid to residents such as Oscar Ochoa, Hassan Imam and Sharon Kuo. (Photo from ZE Creative Communications)

On the left, Great Neck South High School. On the right, Great Neck North High School. (Photo provided by the Great Neck Public School District)

Senator Liu. “The only way to stop and reverse the hate is by teaching people about who we are, what our history has been and what our experience has led us to.”

Currently, the Asian-American History Education Bill is in the Senate committee and being reviewed by the education committee. Visit goaction.net/aapihistorybill/ to learn more about the Asian-American History Education Bill.

Legislator Pilip Honors Inaugural USMMA Women’s Soccer Team

On Sept. 20, Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (District 10) visited the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) to support the Women’s Soccer Team before their first conference game. USMMA is located at 300 Steamboat Rd. in Kings Point, and USMMA’s Women’s Soccer team is the 19th D3 sport offered at the academy.

“It’s the first year of our women’s program, and we’re very proud of the group we’ve got,” said Head Coach Carlos Mendes. “We’ve gotten great support from the academy and from our county, so we’re excited to be here.”

Legislator Pilip was joined by the academy’s Deputy Superintendent RDML Susan L. Dunlap to greet the team before the game. Legislator Pilip presented the team and coaching staff with individual Nassau County Legislature Citations to commend

them for their hard work and honor their inaugural season. The team presented Legislator Pilip with a soccer ball they all signed and named her an honorary captain to thank her for her support.

“It’s wonderful to see the team working together,” Legislator Pilip said while watching the game. “They are a new team, but they work together very well.”

“The women’s soccer team is brand new; it’s been two years in the making,” said Athletic Director Kristofer Schnatz. “Coach Mendes is a great hire for us. Within the next two years, we’d like to get the roster up to 22 to 25 women on campus.”

Athletic Director Schnatz acknowledged that many people in the Great Neck community don’t really know what USMMA is and who they are. As a member of the Great Neck community, Schnatz is looking forward to growing the campus community and getting connected to the larger Great Neck community.

“We’re trying to do a better job at getting into the community and working with the PAL and other local organizations,” said Schnatz. “That’s always been a passion of mine as an Athletic Director; to get our athletes out there as much as we can. So any chance we get the opportunity to highlight our athletes, what they’re doing and bring people here, we always want to do that for them.”

Concern About The Stepping Stones Lighthouse

The Stepping Stones Lighthouse has been in poor condition and has needed repairs for many years. The wear and tear from storms and other weather conditions over the years has put the lighthouse in danger of falling into the water. As an important landmark and part of Great Neck’s history, the restoration of this lighthouse is a concern for many involved parties and residents.

The lighthouse was built in 1876 to help ships navigate the Long Island Sound waters and rocky reefs and guard the approach to New York City’s East River.

The Town of North Hempstead applied to take over stewardship of Stepping Stones and in 2008, the lighthouse was transferred to the Town of North Hempstead. Since the Town of North Hempstead gained stewardship of the lighthouse 14 years ago, not much has been done to restore or maintain it. In 2014, North Hempstead partnered with the Great Neck Historical Society and the Great Neck Parks District to raise funds and awareness for the lighthouse.

Marc Katz, Vice President of the Great Neck Historical Society, shared that about a year ago, North Hempstead hired a company to build a dock at the lighthouse so that boats could dock there and unload construction material to repair the lighthouse. This company put pilings in the ground and got partially into this project before the town stopped them from completing it.

Bob Muller, President of the United States Lighthouse Society, Long Island Chapter, outlined the next steps to get started with the preservation. “The first steps are very clear and really easy: they need to finish that dock. And that’s all up to the town. And we also need to stabilize that lighthouse to get it watertight.”

“It is really at the entrance to Long Island Sound so what we proposed is that it could be environmentally available and useful to researchers who wanna study pollution and to study the sea life in the Long Island sound,” Katz added.

In recent months, the Great Neck Historical Society has had private meetings with town board members to talk about the significance of the lighthouse and the process of restoring it.

“I think [the lighthouse] is an important part of our history,” said ToNH Councilmember Veronica Lurvey. “It’s an important marker of the economic growth of the area. At a time when we’re so fractured on many different issues, uniting around what has made us into a vibrant community is important. I think it’s important that we continue to work towards the restoration.”

“Preservation is a good thing, but you have to know the price. We don’t, and we don’t have a price. So I’m not against preservation. I have no problem with preservation, but there has to be a price, and right now we don’t know that price,” said ToNH Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.

The restoration of any lighthouse is expensive. There are grants and funds from fundraising events for the lighthouse, but more is needed.

“We’re at a point right now where I think it’s a no-brainer based on the research that’s been done,” said Councilmember Lurvey. “We have money put aside, grant funding, and it’s in the capital plan from last year.”

Katz and the Historical Society are in the process of planning a meeting with the Great Neck Park District and the Town of North Hempstead to discuss finishing the dock and the next steps toward stabilization.

Government officials stand with residents to show support. (Photo by Julie Prisco)

The USMMA Women’s Soccer Team with the coaching staff, Legislator Pilip and Deputy Superintendent RDML Susan L. Dunlap. (Photo provided by the office of Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip)

YEAR IN REVIEW from previous page

REVIEW

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@antonmediagroup.com.

Womanspace

1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Great Neck Social Center) These seasoned ladies have gathered for a number of years, tuned in to what active folks think about. When this group hears about something on the local, state, national or global scene they select an expert from their various contacts to come talk about it. For new ideas and friends, see how stimulating and entertaining these active ladies are on. Call 516-487-0025 for more information.

Weekday Matinee

SUNDAY, DEC. 18MONDAY, DEC. 26

Happy Hanukkah!

SATURDAY, DEC. 24 Christmas Eve

SUNDAY, DEC. 25 Christmas Day

TUESDAY, DEC. 27

Tech Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Parkville Branch Library Community Room) Stop by the Parkville Branch to get help with basic tech questions about your tablet, smartphone, laptop, and more. Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis. No registration is required.Visit greatnecklibrary.com for more information.

Jack Frost with Plaza Theatricals 11 a.m. at the Main Library Community Room or 4 p.m. at the Parkville Branch Community Room. Join Plaza Theatricals for Jack Frost, a play all about the season of winter! This program is suitable for children of all ages with an accompanying adult. Please use your child’s library card to register. Visit greatnecklibrary.com for more information.

Adult Education Classes: Yoga 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. (Great Neck Social Center) Yoga session 3 begins. There is emphasis on basic yoga poses and balancing exercises. Our standing yoga poses build strength, range of motion and alignment, balancing poses improve balance of course, but also promote flexibility and focus. Bends stretch back and hamstring muscles and improve breathing. Twists aid in digestion and tone abs. Instructor Beth Mohr. Call 516-487-0025 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28

Project Independence

12 p.m.-2 p.m. (“Yes We Can” Community Center) A Town of North Hempstead event for seniors. Bridge class. Classes are for beginners and those with basic knowledge who wish to improve their skill. Call 311 to register or for more information.

2 p.m. on Wednesday at the Main Library Community Room. 2 p.m. on Thursday at Station Branch Community Room. Elf (2003, PG-13) A human baby accidently ends up at the North Pole and grows up among the elf community. Stars Will Ferrell, James Caan and Bob Newhart. Visit greatnecklibrary.com for more information.

Winter Cocoa and Art

7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Main Library Large Multipurpose Room 34. 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Parkville Branch Library Community Room. Cocoa, winter stories, and a snowy art project! This program is suitable for children of all ages with an accompanying adult.Please use your child’s Library card to register. This program may not be suitable for children with allergies. Visit greatnecklibrary.com for more information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 29

Project Independence

12 p.m.-1 p.m. (Roslyn Community Center) A Town of North Hempstead event for seniors. Golden Hearts Bingo and Blood Pressure Screenings. Call 311 to register or for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 31

Happy New Years Eve!

Noon Year’s Eve

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Main Library Community Room) Ring in the New Year at noon instead of midnight. This program is suitable for children of all ages and will take place at the Main Building. Please use your child’s Library card to register. Visit greatnecklibrary.com for more info.

SUNDAY, JAN. 1

Happy New Year!

TUESDAY, JAN. 3

Blood Pressure Screening

12 p.m.-2 p.m. (Station Branch Small Room) St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center blood pressure screenings. High blood pressure affects an astounding one in four American adults. This condition usually has no symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent killer.” Have your blood pressure checked by a clinical nurse, free of charge. Healthcare proxy information is also available.

ANTON YEAR IN REVIEW

Anton Looks Back At The Year 2022 2022

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

GLEN COVE:

Shooting At Glen Cove Mansion

Glen Cove Mansion temporarily lost its liquor license in July, following a July 10 shooting there that injured three.

The New York State Liquor Authority reported that the “Big Fendi Birthday Celebration” was held in violation of express directions from the town of Glen Cove, which advised the Glen Cove Mansion on July 7, 2022 that its event permit had been disapproved. “Ignoring that direction and the absence of a permit, the hotel allowed a promoter to host a pool party at the mansion with approximately 150-200 patrons,” the New York State Liquor Authority reported. “Shortly after 5 p.m. a fight erupted inside the premises involving 10 to 12 patrons. There was gunfire and three persons were shot, including a security guard attempting to intervene.”

“Police responding to the premises encountered a chaotic and dangerous scene, with patrons pushing and running to exit the establishment while employees attempted to mop up blood from the crime scene,” the report continued.

Reported by Patch, two weeks after The Mansion had its liquor license pulled — the venue announced it has reached an agreement with the state. As part of the agreement, The Mansion can have its liquor license back if it pays a $50,000 fine and complies with restrictions set forth by the SLA.

SYOSSET:

Street Named After Late Hero Reporter

On Nov. 12, local legislatures, members of the Marie Colvin Memorial Foundation, Syosset High School senior Sabrina Guo and the sister of the late war reporter Marie Colvin, Cat Colvin, gathered with fellow community members in downtown Oyster Bay for a street renaming ceremony.

Marie Colvin was born in Astoria and was raised in Oyster Bay. According to the Marie Colvin Memorial Foundation, in a career spanning more than 30 years, Colvin reported from the front lines of war zones around the world and was renowned for her bravery, tenacity, skills and compassion. Colvin, working for The Sunday Times of London, was one of the few Western journalists inside Syria. On Feb. 22, 2012, she was killed at the makeshift media center where she and several other journalists were staying when it was bombed by Syrian rocket fire.

Oyster Bay Cove resident Guo spearheaded the street re-naming. “Marie Colvin Way” can now be found on West Main Nassau

County Legislator Josh Lafazan heard Guo’s request for the street re-naming, so he filed legislation to enshrine Colvin’s legacy in the heart of downtown Oyster Bay in July. The Nassau Legislature unanimously approved the proposal on Sept. 19th.

MANHASSET:

Lighthouse In Critical Need Of Repair

The Stepping Stones Lighthouse has been in poor condition and has needed repairs for many years. As an important landmark and part of Great Neck’s history, the restoration of this lighthouse is a concern for many involved parties and residents.

Since the Town of North Hempstead gained stewardship of the lighthouse 14 years ago, not much has been done to restore or maintain it. “In the 14 years [that the town has had stewardship over the lighthouse], the building has been deteriorating,” said Marc Katz, Vice President of the Great Neck Historical Society. “The outside is fairly firm, but the inside is not; plaster is falling, and it’s not holding up well in the weather.” Katz and the Historical Society are in the process of planning a meeting with the Great Neck Park District and the Town of North Hempstead to discuss finishing the dock and the next steps toward stabilization.

PORT WASHINGTON:

Our Country Honors a Brave Long Island Resident

During a special ceremony held at the White House on July 7, President Joseph R. Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Sandra Lindsay, RN, DHSc, for becoming the first American to receive an approved Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and her continued advocacy for public health equity.

At 18 years old, Dr. Lindsay immigrated to Queens, NY, from Jamaica to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She now lives in Port Washington and has more than 27 years of nursing experience, most of which in critical care.

“During the height of the pandemic, Dr. Lindsay poured her heart into helping

patients and keeping her fellow nurses safe. And when the time came, she was the first American to become fully vaccinated outside of clinical trials,” President Biden said.

On Dec. 14, 2020, the world watched as Dr. Lindsay made history and received the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer vaccine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ-MC).

“I am beyond thankful to President Biden for recognizing that momentous day and my continued efforts to end vaccine hesitancy and promote health care for everyone, no matter where you live, who you are, or the color of your skin,” said Dr. Lindsay.

North Shore Express Trains Have Been Saved

On Sept. 28, New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Port Washington) and Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti (D-Port Washington) joined Long Island Rail Road Interim President and Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi for a press conference at the Port Washington LIRR Station. They announced that LIRR officials have heard the concerns of the community and are abandoning plans to eliminate express train service to Penn Station on the Port Washington Branch of the LIRR.

Months ago the LIRR released its draft schedules showing train service to Grand Central after the East Side Access Project is complete. Elected officials and commuters were unhappy with the proposed changes to the Port Washington branch, affecting commuters across the North Shore. The changes included increased commute time and the elimination of peak-hour express train services.

Senator Kaplan and Assemblywoman Sillitti held “Save Our Express Trains” press conferences and public hearings. Their outreach efforts engaged over 3,100 community members to fill out a survey and the results were shared with MTA leadership. The town of North Hempstead’s elected officials, various village mayors and many residents supported the movement, and after months of fighting their voices were heard.

“I am pleased that our service planners were able to find ways to create express service within the envelope of existing train and track capacity constraints,” said LIRR Interim President and Metro-North Railroad President Rinaldi.

LONG ISLAND: Ripples Of Neo-Nazi Hate

Over the summer, several major news incidents surrounding a central theme of hate drew focus to the region.

Dozens of anti-semitic fliers were distributed in three Nassau communities that have also been spotted in multiple states, calling the Biden Administration or abortion or Disney or Covid “[in] every single aspect [Jewish].” Ones found in Oceanside and Rockville Centre included headshots of high-ranking Biden administration or military members, labelling them as Jewish and/ or (in bright letters) transgender people.

Four days later, a pride flag was targeted at Oceanside Lutheran Church, where one had also previously been stolen. The church’s pride flag, meant to show welcome to all, was then targeted twice in one day last month. News 12 Brooklyn reported: “At around noon [on July 26], one person tried to pull a pride flag down - but couldn’t - instead, left the flag with a tear in its side. At around 7:30 p.m., someone else came and was able to steal the flag.” The same day, Rolling Stone broke a story that drew international attention, relating to the June arrest of former U.S. Marine Matthew Belanger, 25, of Selden, who’s been under federal investigation for more than a year. Court documents revealed that Belanger, who was charged with illegally obtaining two rifles in Port Jefferson with help from an unnamed New York police officer, had previously been planning to attack and then alternately burn down an unnamed Long Island synagogue, and to commit and promote mass acts of sexual and reproductive violence.

WESTBURY:

Village Of Westbury 90th Anniversary

The Village of Westbury turned 90 this year, and residents and visitors alike explored the area’s history in November through a series of cultural and educational events.

Westbury Arts and the Westbury Historical Society joined forces for a special exhibit marking the Village of Westbury’s 90th anniversary, featuring an extensive collection of photos, maps, and memorabilia.

Locations that hosted the exhibit include: Westbury Memorial Library, 445 Jefferson Street, with selections from the Westbury Historical Society; the Yes We Can Community Center, 141 Garden Street, where residents shared their family photos of a bygone era; and Westbury Arts Gallery, 255 Schenck Avenue, where the theme of the materials on display was “change.”

Sandra Lindsay, RN, DHSc,was honored at a special ceremony held at the White House where President Joseph R. Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (Courtesy of Northwell Health) The Port Washington LIRR Station. (Photo by Julie Prisco)

‘The Next Chapter’

An independent bookstore has opened in the spirit of Huntington’s Book Revue

JULIE PRISCO

The Next Chapter, one of Long Island’s largest independent bookstores, is now open. Huntington’s Book Revue closed its doors in September 2021. Book lovers around Long Island were sad to see the store close after 44 years in business. The bookstore was located in the heart of Huntington Village and was a spot for people to unwind with coffee and a good book or meet friends to splurge on their favorite magazines.

A dedicated employee and manager of the Book Revue, Mallory Braun heard the community’s wishes to bring the store back and worked hard over the past year to make it happen. Book Revue owner Richard Klein supported Braun’s endeavor and has been helping her along the way.

The reincarnated vision of the Book Revue is called The Next Chapter and is located at 204 New York Ave. in Huntington.

“I wanted to get this going, and I knew it was something the community wanted,” Braun said. “And I thought it would be a good opportunity for myself because I had been intending on working in rare books as my career, so it all made sense.”

Shortly after its closing, Braun began working on building a staff and preparing book pop-ups throughout Huntington and Long Island. Braun started with two people, her brother Nolan and her friend Joe. While Book Revue owner Klein isn’t staff, “he’s been here the whole time and helps a lot,” Braun said.

In the late winter of 2022, The Next Chapter brought boxes and boxes of books around the island and set up little book markets at places like Huntington’s Main Street Nursery, Farmingdale’s Flux Coffee, and Glen Cove’s Southdown Coffee.

“I didn’t have staff at first, and I couldn’t do it by myself,” said Bruan. “I was setting up the business, thinking about how I wanted to do things, and planning all the logistical things. I started hiring people in early spring [of 2022].”

“We started out just doing used books, and we learned a lot from doing the pop-ups so often,” said Braun. “The pop-ups were very labor intensive because you had to put books in the right sections and spend a lot of time on set up to only be at that location for such a short amount of time.”

Toward the end of the pop-up sales, Braun and her staff had mastered the setup and breakdown. They brought the remaining books to sell in boxes and would line them up on tables for people to browse and purchase.

“A lot of people were coming to the popups and it was great,” Braun said. “It was a way for us to build momentum, tell people what was going on and make some money. I had a staff at that point, and we were accepting donations, picking up books from people and moving warehouses multiple times.”

The Next Chapter’s staff consists of new hires and some familiar faces from the Book Revue. The pop-ups helped generate lots of funds for The Next Chapter’s new location, in addition to a Kickstarter, where many people from the book community could donate.

“It was wonderful,” Braun said. “Lots of people are very generous, excited and helpful. It was nice to see such amazing support.”

In mid-summer, The Next Chapter announced they had found their new location. The new store is a large building on New York

Avenue located near the popular coffee shop Stella Blue, Six Harbors Brewing Company and Heckscher Park.

“The Book Revue was basically in the center of town and I clocked how long it would take to get from there to this new location, and it’s a five-minute walk,” Braun wqie. The Next Chapter has free street parking and a spacious parking lot with about 20 spots for visitors and shoppers.

The new space is freshly painted and has an updated ceiling. Bookshelves have been installed along the walls and free-standing bookshelves are spread out throughout different sections of the store. Tables are set up with staff picks, discounted books and new releases.

“We’re obviously still building the business, so as people find out about us, things

will get even better here,” Braun wqie.

While the majority of the store is open and set up for shoppers, a back section is still being put together and organized to have even more space for a kids’ section.

The Next Chapter staff and shoppers look forward to having author events hosted at the shop.

“We’re looking to have events soon,” said Braun. “In order to have some big-name authors come here, you have to prove to the publisher you can sell the books. So if people are interested in reading a new book, they should purchase all the new books they want from us. Then we can show that data to publishers to prove it is worth it for authors to be sent to our store.”

The Next Chapter has its store organized and ready for shoppers to browse all the sections from memoirs, history, religion, young adult, children and romance to graphic novels, science fiction, horror, fantasy and more. While browsing the store, shoppers can find areas containing rare books and beautifully bound first-edition novels, poem collections and short story compilations. The store offers gifts for any book lover, such as colored pens for annotating and trendy notebooks. Other non-book items available include records, tarot cards and zipper pouches.

The bookshop is actively receiving donated books and stocking the store with new releases and everyone’s favorite classics. Currently, the shop is working on getting titles from the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2022 list.

Visit www.thenextchapterli.com or follow the shop on Instagram @thenextchapterli to be updated on The Next Chapter’s progress.

The Next Chapter storefront located in Huntington. (Photo from The Next Chapter website)

Staff picks and children’s section. (Photo by Julie Prisco)

REVIEW

A Year Of Comic Book Movies

This year was a big year for comic book movie releases. Many of these film releases were highly anticipated, especially considering some faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marvel and DC released great movies featuring beloved superheroes such as Black Panther and Batman. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is well established, starting its award-winning movie universe with Iron Man, released in 2008. The MCU has released 30 movies and multiple TV shows that intertwine with their movie timeline. While the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) hasn’t quite got its universe timeline and character casting locked in yet, they have produced some incredible movies that have fans excited for the future of the DCEU.

Below are this year’s most anticipated comic book movies:

The Batman

Released: March 4, 2022 Worldwide Box Office according to IMDB: $770,836,163

Over the past few decades, we have seen numerous actors take on the role of Batman. From Michael Keaton, George Clooney and Val Kilmer to Christian Bale and Ben Affleck, many A-List celebrities have played the iconic role. This year, we saw Robert Pattinson step into the role of Batman.

The Batman movie explores Gotham’s underground corruption when a sadistic murderer goes on a killing spree and murders political figures and crime bosses. The Batman introduces vital roles such as Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle (also known as Catwoman), Andy Serkis as Alfred, Paul Dano as Riddler and Colin Farrell as Penguin.

Unlike previous womanizer portrayals, Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne was grunge, moody and a recluse. Batman fans raved about this portrayal, as it was unique and new to most depictions of Batman. The movie was set in a gloomy atmosphere with an equally grim soundtrack featuring Nirvana’s “Something in the Way. “

While the film showcased Batman’s cool tech, like the classic Batmobile and contact lenses capable of recording video and audio, fans were enamored with the comic book-like storytelling. The movie follows a dynamic story of Batman’s struggles with himself while dealing with the twists and

turns of an investigation.

The Batman was adored by fans worldwide. This movie helped put the DCEU back on the map after their other widely criticized films. Batman and DC lovers hope the DCEU can continue its comeback.

Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness

Released: May 6, 2022 Worldwide Box Office according to IMDB: $955,775,804

After the 2021 release of Spiderman: No

Way Home, fans were excited to dive deeper into Marvel’s multiverse plans with Doctor Strange. Fans got to see characters they already know and love, like Doctor Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Wong (Benedict Wong) and Wanda Maximoff, The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson).

The movie introduces us to America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), a young girl whose power is to travel the multiverse. Throughout the film, Doctor Strange sets out on a journey to protect America from the Scarlet Witch, who is on the hunt to steal America’s powers for herself.

The movie is vividly colorful as Doctor Strange and America travel through different universes. But when the film focuses on the Scarlet Witch, we get a dark glimpse into Wanda’s struggles since the end of her TV show, WandaVision

While exploring the multiverse, Doctor Strange and America come across a universe where the Illuminati exists. In this universe, fans were thrilled to see some of their favorite comic book characters, such as Reed Richards (John Krasinski) and Professor X (Patrick Stewart). Seeing these characters brought into the MCU for this movie has given fans hope for future projects.

see COMIC BOOK FILMS on page 10A

The Batman (Photo from IMBD)

Happy Holidays

To those that I have been fortunate to call my clients, I thank you for trusting me as your real estate professional. Nothing brings me more satisfaction, than bringing happiness to individuals as they transition from one home to another. I love my clients, the neighborhoods I serve, and all they have to offer. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with health and happiness in the new year.

With Sincere Gratitude

Doctor Stange: Multiverse of Madness had the same playful banter we expect from the MCU, with a surprising addition of horror elements. The movie left fans questioning the Scarlet Witch’s future and excited for the next Doctor Strange film, where we can expect to see another infamous comic book character introduced into the MCU.

Thor: Love and Thunder Release: July 8, 2022 Worldwide Box Office according to IMBD: $760,928,081

Thor: Love and Thunder was the fourth Thor film in the MCU. After the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok, fans were thrilled to see director Taika Waititi continue his take on Thor as fun-loving and bright. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is summoned to face the threat of Gorr, the God Butcher (Christian Bale). While we already know Thor’s old flame, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), we see her in this movie as Mighty Thor. But now, Foster is hiding a secret that she is dealing with terminal cancer. Thor gets his friends, King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Takia Waititi) and Mighty Thor, to join him on a quest to find Gorr and eliminate him.

We are introduced to Zeus (Russell Crowe). We don’t see much of him in the film, but fans expect him to come back in future films.

The film explores deep themes of finding happiness and love while dealing with grief, and we are still given quick-witted jokes and bold visuals that Waititi is

known for in his movies.

Black Adam

Released: Oct. 21, 2022

Worldwide Box Office according to IMBD: $389,256,034

Black Adam introduced fans to the DCEU character Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson). The movie tells the origin story of Teth-Adam (Black Adam), who rises from a 5,000-year imprisonment and displays unrelenting god-like powers.

Black Adam was awoken from his slumber to be the savior of his country, but his powers drew the attention of the Justice Society of America (JSA). The JSA introduces us to new characters, including Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) and Atom

Smasher (Noah Centineo).

Throughout the film, Black Adam has a no-mercy attitude that the JSA cannot let slide. The film explores Black Adam as a morally gray character. In the end, Black Adam and the JSA end up putting their differences aside and working together to help save the country from a villain trying to destroy the world.

This film received many mixed reviews from fans and critics. While it didn’t live up to expectations after The Batman premiered earlier in the year, it wasn’t the worst of DC’s films.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release: Nov. 11, 2022

Worldwide Box Office according to IMBD: $769,920,219

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was the first MCU film featuring Black Panther after Chadwick Boseman’s (Black Panther) death in 2020. This highly anticipated film answered many questions about the future of the Black Panther character.

The movie handled the death of King T’Challa (Black Panther) in a gracious and honorable way. There was no use of creepy CGI to bring Chadwich Boseman back for a scene. Instead, they showed a beautiful and emotional funeral for the fallen King.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deals with a vulnerable Wakanda after the death of its king, in which Wakanda must fight to save itself. As tensions rise with foreign countries and an underwater civilization threatens Wakanda, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Okoye (Danai Guria) have to get help and prove their country’s strength.

The film introduces Namor (Tenoch Huerta) as the leader of the underwater civilization, Talokan, and Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) as Ironheart. Fans are excited to see what the MCU has in store for both characters.

Throughout the movie, we see our favorite characters deal with grief, loss and generational trauma. Shuri perseveres and ends up becoming the new Black Panther for Wakanda.

The film features intriguing social and political commentary while showing the beautiful world of Wakanda and Talokan. This MCU movie was an emotional ride for fans as they said goodbye to one Black panther and hello to a new one.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Photo from IMBD)

REVIEW

Environmental Round-up For 2022

Coyote Sightings-For many people, coyotes go along with windswept desert bluffs, cacti and sagebrush, or cartoon anvils and crafty roadrunners. Picturing them running along the tracks of the LIRR or picking garbage out of a dumpster is unfamiliar at best. But these opportunistic animals, though still rare, have been established on Long Island for at least the last seven years.

In terms of population, western Nassau County has approximately 13 individuals, with three to four in the Manhasset group. The male who was sighted recently is most likely the male from the breeding pair of that group. Other coyotes have been spotted in Searingtown, Great Neck, Oyster Bay, Roslyn and Port Washington. Some of these animals are transitive, where they spend a little time in an area before moving on. In general, though, coyotes are social animals that live in both family bands and looser groups of unrelated individuals in a particular territory.

Native Plants- Redoing your yard with native plants can be overwhelming, and it can be strange to be the first person on the block to replace your manicured lawn with a meadow of wildflowers, but there are resources out there to make the transition easier. Both the Long Island Native Plant Initiative and ReWild Long Island work with homeowners to establish native gardens.

Cliff Erosion-Coastal Technologies Corp, a local family company, collaborated with The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy (SPPC) to demonstrate its new cliff stabilization and revitalization technology. A Manhasset father-son duo started Coastal Technologies Corp in 2021 with a mission to help erosion challenges facing coastal communities and habitats. Coastal Technologies Corp has created innovative products to combat coastal erosion and add coastal resilience. The Cliff Stabilization System products include devices that naturally build dunes and products that prevent beaches from being washed away in hurricanes and nor’easters.

Osprey Platform- A tall osprey perch and platform had once stood in the marsh surrounding the cul de sac at the end of Hoffstot Lane in Sands Point, but a storm took the structure down. A person who owns property in the cul de sac spread the word about the incident.

Jim Jones, a retired biology teacher who now works at Bethpage State Park, and is a member of the Osprey Protection Team at PSE&G Long Island, gathered a small group to put up a new osprey platform.

“We waited till the start of spring to bring the platform out,” said Jones. “It has to be at the right time in terms of low tide. On the day we brought the platform out, low tide was at 7 a.m. and we had good weather. It was a lot of fun and we got it done in about an hour.”

Climate Change- The Town of North Hempstead Board unanimously adopted a climate education and outreach plan to build widespread understanding about climate change and actions we can take to mitigate and adapt to our changing world. An active initiative of the plan is a community benchmark survey to assess fears, concerns, and priorities associated with climate change today. The town collaborated with faculty at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) to develop the survey, which can be found on the town’s website and is accessible in multiple languages.

Water Quality- Scientists at Stony Brook University have completed their assessment of water quality in Long Island’s estuaries in 2022. During the months of June through September, every major bay and estuary across Long Island was afflicted by fish kills, algal blooms and oxygen-starved, dead zones. Excessive delivery of nitrogen from onsite wastewater has been cited as the root cause of these disturbing events. Despite all of the gloomy news, there were some signs of hope in the data.

“In Long Island Sound, the dead zone in 2022 was nearly 100 square miles smaller than it was 20 years ago thanks to sewage treatment plants removing 60 percent more nitrogen and reducing the flow of nitrogen into the Sound proper”, said Dr. Christopher Gobler, Professor of Stony Brook University. “This proves that reductions in nitrogen loading does improve water quality. It is likely that the fish kills in 2022 would have been far worse had these improvements not been made.”

A coyote spotted in Roslyn (Photo by the Wild Dog Foundation)

Soon the platforms will become a comfortable nest for ospreys to settle into. (Photo provided by Jim Jones)

Native plants provide habitat and sustenence to wildlife. (Photos by Peggy Maslow)

Thank you to a truly extraordinary team and the extraordinary residents we serve.

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. EVERY DAY.

CHEERS TO A HAPPY HOLIDAY!

TO YOU. TO US. TO ALL!

For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: THEBRISTAL.COM

Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.

G2D Group Brings WorkSmart To The Gold Coast

Anew collaborative shared workspace is making its debut in Port Washington in January 2023, ushering in a new era of the modern office. Developed by Long Island-based G2D Group, WorkSmart offers flexible office space and numerous amenities to optimize job performance, while empowering businesses to reach new heights.

The expansive space at WorkSmart is a catalyst for collaboration, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups to build stronger businesses. From large companies seeking a central hub to independent creative professionals looking to connect, WorkSmart can accommodate a team of any size. Flexible meeting areas equipped with state-of-theart technology are perfect for in-person,

virtual or hybrid meetings.

With its clean lines and modern sensibilities, the sleek design of the space creates a professional yet inviting environment for individuals; the stunning surroundings inspire productivity, therefore maximizing output on the job. Other vital resources and amenities include Wi-Fi, video conferencing abilities, private offices, printing, and scanning services, break areas and mail reception.

WorkSmart i s a dynamic place for bridging the gap between communities and companies, and giving employees the opportunity to report for work in a beautiful, safe environment. It will be located at 1 Channel Dr. in Port Washington.

Visit www.g2dworksmart.com for details.

–Submitted by WorkSmart

WorkSmart offers flexible office space.

Bruce Blakeman Nassau County Executive

Fortunoff Celebrates Its Centennial

The department store’s first 50 years

BY ESTHER FORTUNOFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

As

I think back over my decades of experience in our family business, there is a lot to smile about. Sorting through tons of old photos, newspaper articles and advertisements, I fondly recall many rewarding experiences.

Because a centenary is such an incredible milestone, my family and I have searched out (and found) images that many in the third generation had never seen.

It all began in 1922 in Brooklyn, when my grandparents, Max and Clara Fortunoff, launched their business in the Roaring Twenties, a time of progress, industrialization and optimism.

Back then, Fortunoff was nothing more than a pushcart laden with pots and pans. The business expanded into a general store, specializing in kitchenware. Both family and business grew through the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, surviving first the Depression, then World War II. The store carried items that every home needed, and built a reputation for good quality and value pricing.

When World War II ended and the soldiers came home, more members of the Fortunoff family joined to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.

The second generation, Marjorie, Lester and Alan, joined an experienced homegrown team that expanded the company’s one store in the East New York section of Brooklyn into a sprawling complex with eight stores in a two-block radius.

The stores stayed open late and catered to appreciative crowds of shoppers. The stores expanded their offerings to include kitchenware, towels, linens, curtains and curtain rods, lamps, furniture, silverware and china. Each additional product category demanded ever-increasing numbers of service personnel. Max and Clara, along with their diverse staff, welcomed the second generation and their spouses into the growing enterprise, and kept adding new products. My mother, Helene, with her husband, Alan, decided to try fine jewelry, and it became a legendary department.

The Fortunoff family also felt it important to give back to the community, offering jobs for high schoolers from the neighborhood, some of whom ended up staying with the company for more than 50 years.

The full history of the Brooklyn stores has been told before, but here are a couple of my favorite photos, showing my mother Helene’s first jewelry counter and my father Alan at the cash register in 1957.

In the 1960s, the family chose to follow many of our customers to the suburbs of Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester.

Over the next 50 years, Fortunoff opened a half-dozen new stores in the tri-state area.

We found a great location for a department store in Westbury, adjacent to

Roosevelt Raceway. This was the realization of a dream to put the various Brooklyn shops under one roof. The Westbury store opening was a high watermark for the family as well as our tens of thousands of customers.

They built a 150,000-square-foot

superstore across the parking lot from Ohrbach’s, one of the country’s most popular department stores at the time. Many of our employees from Brooklyn followed the business to Long Island. Fortunoff became a true American success story, fully stocked with china, crystal, pots and pans, silverware, gifts, lamps, jewelry, unique items from all over the world—and even gourmet foods. In addition to quality products and great values, the Westbury store featured a well-trained staff of primarily women to help with merchandise choices and gift wrapping. As news of the store grew, the turnout was amazing. Customers jammed

the aisles, sometimes three deep, with shoppers marveling at the many showcases full of new and exciting selections.

My mother and her team created a gigantic jewelry department set up quite differently from other jewelry stores at that time. To be as close as possible to her customers, my mother had her office right off the sales floor with a staff of women she personally trained.

Alan and Helene traveled the world to source unusual designs from undiscovered designers, an unusual thing for a woman to do back then. To support the overwhelming success of the Westbury location on Long

Island, the jewelry and silver businesses created a strong executive team behind the scenes as well as at the counter and on the sales floor.

My parents had always dreamed of a more cosmopolitan upscale location and, in 1969, they opened a boutique on 57th Street, between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue. The move to Manhattan made the Fortunoff hallmark combination of best products at everyday low prices available to city dwellers, businesspeople, tourists and visitors from around the country and the world.

The store on 57th Street was a typical city structure—very narrow, with several floors of merchandise. Jewelry was on the ground level and watches and flatware were above. My mom and dad added antique jewelry and antique silver, which they sourced from England. I worked as a teenager on weekends and the city life was certainly exciting. We were across the street from the imposing and impressive structure, “The First Women’s Bank.”

I went off to college out west, while our growing family was enjoying the success that came with hard work and the “right stuff.” Since my mother was from New Jersey and knew the area, and since many of the old Brooklyn customers had moved there, my parents began the process of looking for a location and found a brand new mall being built, which was opened on 1974, called Paramus Park, in Bergen County.

Fortunoff was the “third anchor” in the new center, which included A&S and JC Penny. Our store was a fabulous, modern, spacious 15,000 square-feet with showcase

after showcase of fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, costume jewelry, watches, flatware (the largest selection in the U.S.), silver tea services and picture frames. An innovative feature was our watchmakers and jewelers, positioned behind a large glass partition and visible to our customers while they worked. The watch and jewelry service center in Paramus was bustling and the place where I later learned so much about the jewelry business. We had a sit-down diamond area and a large selection of jewelry and watches at every price point.

I flew in from college for the Paramus Park opening. It was very exciting. In fact, each store opening was like an extended family reunion, with Fortunoff family members from the first and second generations (my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles), and as many of the cousins as were old enough to attend and help cut the ribbon. We always invited employees from all the areas of the company, along with friends and suppliers, to join us for these special events, too.

The key staffers hired in Paramus became the backbone of subsequent New Jersey store locations, including Wayne and Woodbridge. Fortunoff became an iconic business unlike any other in the country, mentioned on popular TV shows, featured in newspapers and magazines, and studied in business schools. A true American success story.

Visit www.fortunoffjewelry.com to read the second chapter of Esther Fortunoff’s blog.

Visit www.longislandweekly.com to find out what else Esther told us about the iconic store and its legacy.

Clockwise from top:

Lester and Alan (1940); Helene Fortunoff at the jewlery counter, 1957.

Ready For Their Close-Up At The Nassau County Museum Of Art

BY CHARLES RILEY editors@antonmediagroup.com

Karl V. Anton, Jr., Publisher, Anton Community Newspapers, 1984-2000

Publishers of Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot Great Neck Record Manhasset Press

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Letters to the editor are welcomed by Anton Media Group. We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. All material contributed to Anton Media Group in any form becomes the property of the newspapers to use, modify and distribute as the newspaper staff assigns or sees fit. Letters to the editor can be mailed to: editors@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County Museum held its elegant preview party for

Big Picture,” its new star-studded photography show, a glittering cast of artists, collectors, high-level members and the media were the first to see the art. Among the guests were trustee Harvey Manes, prominent collectors Wendy and Gary Davis, Michele and Bruce Clark, Cary Goldinger and artists Pam Waldroup and Jessica Tan Gudnasson, who was once a top model and now is on the other side of the camera. The exhibition features every great name in photography from Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange to Man Ray and a famous shot by Robert Capa of D-day. It runs until March 5 and any fan of photography will be sorry to miss it.

From left: Gary and Ellen Davis, Museum Director Charles Riley and Cary Goldinger (Photos by Tab Hauser)

Pam Waldroup with her photographs of the Nassau County Museum of Art staircase

Mary Chen and Cherry Hou

From left: Angela Bing, Grace Jiang, Eva Su, Cindy Jiang and Cherry Hou

Keming and Charles Riley, Gary and Ellen Davis and photographer Jessica Tan-Gudnason

Museum board member Dr. Harvey Manes

Patrick and Luana McGunnigle

Long Island Weekly: A Year In Celebrity Interviews

Buddy Guy

DAVE

GIL de RUBIO

dgilderubio@antonmediagroup.com

Over the years, Long Island Weekly has managed to corral numerous celebrities from the worlds of music, television, film and publishing for some intriguing conversations. The year 2022 was no different. Here are some of the highlights.

Stanley Nelson

Even though director Stanley Nelson’s Attica lost Best Documentary Oscar to heavily favored Summer of Soul, his most recent project was less about racking up awards and more about raising awareness. “I think we’re still dealing with the same struggles—law enforcement, decency and humanity and people wanting to be treated like human beings,” Nelson said. “Hopefully, a bunch of things are coalescing at the same time and for a tiny bit of that, it’s the film Attica making people start to rethink the prison system. As filmmakers, we try to keep insight as to what our real goals are and what they are here is making sure we have as many people as possible see the film. The awards nods are all great, but in the final analysis, that will push more people to recognize and see the film and that’s what we really want.”

Keb’ Mo’

The blues might be a strange place to associate with Compton, a Los Angeles neighborhood more associated with hip-hop acts like N.W.A., but it’s where much-loved American artist Keb’ Mo’ (born Kevin Moore) calls home. In speaking with Long Island Weekly , he shared what his community was like growing up. ““At the time, Compton was middle-class people trying to get their kids through college. A lot of the men had good jobs at the Douglas Aircraft Company and Lockheed. They were machinists and had health plans. My mom was a hairdresser with a shop. There were a lot of businesses because people had jobs in that area. Kids were doing alright.”

The year 2023 will see Buddy Guy embarking on a farewell tour, a well-earned respite for this blues icon who turns 87 on July 30 of next year. The subject of a pair of recent documentaries, 2021’s Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away and this year’s, The Torch, Guy is a faithful torchbearer for a genre that’s lost a number of its cornerstone trailblazers in recent years, including B.B. King, John Lee Hooker and Otis Rush. “The way they treat the blues now, you don’t hear it on your big radio stations anymore,” he remarked. “Your big AM/FM stations don’t play blues hardly anymore. So whatever little I can do to help keep blues alive, I’m open for it.”

Joan Osborne

One of the side benefits of the pandemic was that the existential pause button that got pressed allowed people to do some otherwise neglected house cleaning. A nesting project of this description allowed Joan Osborne to fortuitously unearth a box of previously unreleased performances dating back to the ‘80s that allowed her to release this year’s 13-track Radio Waves “Most of my life’s work has disappeared without a trace,” she said. “I’ve made 10+ studio albums, but the vast majority of the songs I’ve sung hundreds and thousands of times over decades of touring across the globe, has never been recorded. I found all of this stuff and normally, if I was in my busy pattern, I might have looked at it, taped the box up again, shoved it back in the closet and not given it a second thought. Because I had the time, I was able to listen through a lot of this stuff and give it the attention it deserved.”

Héctor Elizondo

Consummate character actor Héctor Elizondo has been plying his trade for nearly 60 years, appearing on stage and racking up roughly 157 credits in film and on television. And while the 85-year-old thespian saw his latest project, the Chuck Lorre CBS sitcom B Positive, get canceled after two seasons back in May, the Manhattan native appreciated the chance to still practice his craft. “I love the environment because

seniors are very rarely highlighted in their life,” he explained. “The life of a senior isn’t as valued as much and this is of course a culture that genuflects at the altar of youth, but not at the altar of experiences and a life well-lived. These are the people who raised the children, paid the taxes, fought the wars and have been the good citizens. Too many are forgotten at a time in their life when they are still very useful.”

Steve Vai

Convalescing off shoulder surgery and eager to hit the road coming out of the pandemic, Carle Place native Steve Vai has a new record called Inviolate. He shared that nothing delights him more than coming back to Long Island. “It’s always a hoot [coming back],” he said. “It’s a little bit of a push because there are a lot of people to see in a short period of time. But I cut my teeth on Long Island in high

school playing all the bar circuits in the ‘70s. Whenever I’m on Long Island, it’s the feeling you get when you’re on what feels like your home turf. I’ve been living in California for 42 years, it feels like home, but it feels like a second home whenever I set foot in New York. And they’re so vastly different that when you’re on your home turf that’s 3,000 miles away, you’re there. You’re in the environment.”

Joe Satriani

This year may have seen the release of Joe Satriani’s latest recorded effort, The Elephants of Mars, but it also allowed him to return to an early love–painting.

“I wound up with this new career as an artist that just sort of fell into my lap,” Satriani explained. “The two really seem to help each other out—the painting and the recording. I recently flew out to Gatlinburg, TN, a beautiful little town in the Smoky Mountains. I did an art show and a private musical performance for the patrons that was at the [Gaitlinburg] Convention Center. It was such a crazy thing to do, especially after years of pandemic. Just to be able to play guitars I’ve painted for people that bought them and see all my canvas work in one big room—it’s great.”

Jimmy Smits

For Brooklyn native, the major role he plays in the CBS crime procedural East New York is a sort of homecoming for him.

“[With this show], the stars felt like they aligned in regards to what’s happening with law enforcement and what’s been happening in New York along with women empowerment and having a character who is really a strong voice. We’ve come up with this ensemble of actors that is really tight and wonderful, but the characters are really compelling, unique and they each have their own spin on [the storylines]. It felt like something I really wanted to be a part of. And also for my old neighborhood—to kind of give props to it and give back in a way.”

Steve Vai (Photo by Larry DiMarzio)

Buddy Guy (Photo courtesy of PBS)

Jimmy Smits as Assistant Chief John Suarez

Joan Osborne (Photo by Greg2600/CC BY-SA 2.0)

OF THE MONTH

Garden City High School senior Stevie Finnell is known for his prowess in multiple sports, and will head into his final high school semester, and later on to Duke University, with some big accomplishments under his belt.

This fall, the Trojans’ varsity running back helped lead his team to a 12-0 season (filling out a 30-game winning streak) that included the Trojans’ seventh straight Nassau-wide title and an especially triumphant Long Island

SPONSORED BY ORLIN & COHEN

ATHLETE SPORTS

Athlete Of The Month: Stevie Finnell, Football

BY JANET BURNS jburns@antonmediagroup.com

Class II championship win.

In the late November final at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium, Finnell scored all four touchdowns for Garden City for a 28-0 win. He also gained 346 yards on 17 carries, the second most yardage ever gained in a Long Island Championships game. Garden City coach Dave Ettinger told Roger Rubin for Newsday, “In that Long Island championship, we were struggling on offense [by] turning the ball over and he just took that game over.”

In December, Finell was honored as Nassau County’s most outstanding player as the 81st recipient of the Thorp Award at the Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association banquet.

Eduardo Ramirez wrote for GardenCityAthletics.com, “Stevie had standout performances on both sides of the ball all season, but it was his elevated play in the post-season that separated him from all others.”

Of course, the 6’2” 195-pound star athlete didn’t just make his mark in football. Finell is rated as a four star midfielder by Inside

Lacrosse, and has accepted a scholarship to Duke this year after previously committing to Syracuse University in 2021.

Finnell with his Thorp Award.

(Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools)

Stevie Finnell, center, with his parents during an NCAA sighing ceremony in November 2022.

WE LOVE OUR PETS

Chicken Chat: The Straight Yolk On Backyard Birds

AMANDA

OLSEN

The number of people keeping backyard chickens has exploded in the last few years. The pandemic only served to accelerate this trend, since people were stuck at home and encouraged to find outdoor activities. Watching your personal flock is a relaxing way to take your mind off the chaos of the outside world, and they are a pet with benefits: delicious, fresh eggs.

Observing chickens is a relaxing, mesmerizing way to spend time. People are often surprised by how gregarious and curious chickens can be. Each bird has its own personality. Some are very interested in people, to the point that you can teach them to come when called. They will eat out of your hand and jump up into your lap for pets. Others are more cautious. Some chickens are sneaky and will find an out of the way place to hide and lay their eggs, ignoring the nest box completely. Interacting with your chicks on a daily basis when they are still small can help them grow accustomed to people and being handled, but some hens are just unfriendly.

Pet chickens can be a great hobby, but they are by no means low maintenance. Like all animals, they need constant access

to food and water, shelter, and a place to get out and exercise. Chickens will fight, especially if they don’t have enough space. They don’t call it a ‘pecking order’ for no reason. Their enclosure also needs to be secure from predators. Raccoons, opossums, foxes and hawks are all a threat to your flock. Sturdy doors on all entrances and a roof for your pen are a must. Burying the wire for your pen will also help.

Keep in mind that most vets will not treat chickens, so you’ll need to handle medical issues yourself. This can range from a foot infection to mites to end of life care.

Another reality to come to terms with: keeping chickens attracts rodents. Metal food containers and a treadle feeder can help mitigate this issue. Rodents will chew through plastic, so metal is a must. The treadle feeder minimizes both access and spillage. The platform that opens the feed trough is set to a chicken’s weight, so when the chicken steps on it they can feed, but a rat is too light.

You will also need to deal with their poop. Chickens poop 24 hours a day, even while they sleep. This amounts to some serious manure. This accumulation can smell, and if you free range your birds it will be everywhere in your yard. Most coops will need the bedding changed once a month and a deep clean at least twice a year,

usually in spring and fall.

Chickens can live ten years, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Egg laying falls off significantly as they age, with the first two years being the most productive. You can increase the size of your flock by twos over time but integrating new birds can be difficult.

It’s important to know the rules for your town before spending money. Plenty of places forbid chickens altogether. Others limit the number of birds and the size of your set up. There are often bans on roosters because they are noisy and can be aggressive. So what if you are moving, your hens stopped laying, or the upkeep is overwhelming? What if your batch of six chicks ends up as five hens and rooster? Or maybe you’ve run afoul of the town and have to rehome your flock. If you purchased from a private party, you can try reaching out to see if they will take back your birds. You can contact local chicken groups on social media. There

REGIONAL RESOURCES

North Fork Chicken Rescue Jamesport nofochickenrescue@ gmail.com

Long Island Zoological Society and Animal Farm Petting Zoo Manorville 631-878-1785 info@afpz.org

are also a few chicken rescues on Long Island that may take in surrendered chickens or help owners find new caretakers for their birds.

Most importantly, it is a crime

to abandon any domesticated animal. Leaving your chickens in a park or patch of woods will only result in a very short, scary time for those birds and could result in charges.

A selfie of the author with her current favorite chicken, Speck. (Photo by Amanda Olsen)

HOMES

Recently Sold

Nestled on top of a quiet hill in the heart of Mill Neck, this home at 317 Mill Hill Rd. sold on Nov. 19 for $12,000,000. This newly built French Country estate was designed by Michael Jay Wallin and constructed by Qualico Contracting Corporation. On more than 17 pristine acres, this unprecedented residence is filled with natural light, has tall ceilings, custom millwork, antique wood beams and ornate limestone fireplace mantels. The gated grounds feature a saltwater pool and cabana, boxwood gardens, oversized slate patios, a walking trail and a nostalgic courtyard parking lot. The property also features a separate two-bedroom guest home with approved expansion plans. The home has seven bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.

This custom-designed waterview ranch home at 934 The Concourse, within the private Mill Neck Estates homeowners association (HOA), sold on Nov. 23 for $790,000. This beautiful home is one of a 93-home community that offers private beach access and mooring rights. Swim, sail or kayak on the Mill Neck Creek beach. This rare find on a 115’ x 100’ lot has waterviews of Oyster Bay Harbor and Centre Island from multiple rooms. The layout consists of a oversized living room with a fireplace, a massive eat-in-kitchen and formal dining room combo. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large den with another fireplace. Other features include brand new windows and siding, gas heating, a generator, rear deck, an updated boiler and air conditioning. HOA fees are $217 per month.

HOME & DESIGN Winter Lawn Care Tips

Winter lawn care for a wide variety of turfgrasses slightly differs from that of spring, summer and fall. Your lawn is no longer in the active growing season.

Lawn care in the winter is still just as important as other seasonal maintenance practices as your winter care will greatly determine how well your lawn comes out of dormancy in the spring.

When grass is too short, it doesn’t offer as much protection for the base of the grass blades and allows frost to get into the growing areas of your lawn. Keeping this area as protected as possible with slightly taller grass creates a barrier-like protection for the grass blades and stolons.

Be careful not to mow your lawn if there’s a lot of moisture from snow or ice as this may damage the grass blades. Make sure the lawn is dry and only mow when temperatures are about 40 degrees.

Irrigation maintenance practices during the winter aren’t usually as important in areas that receive rain or snow. You will just need to water your lawn less than the active growing season.

Fertilization should generally take place during the active growing seasons such as the spring, summer and fall. There is really not a need to apply fertilizer once temperatures consistently drop below 40 degrees. It’s similar to giving someone a pill while they are sleeping—it won’t be as effective.

It’s best to prepare your lawn with the nutrients it needs to survive winter dormancy during the fall.

Keep an eye out for winter grass weeds. Applying an herbicide during the winter isn’t always effective since your lawn is dormant, which is why it’s best to apply products preventively in the fall.

Most pests are going to be inactive at this time since it’s so cold outside. Oftentimes insects and pests will burrow under objects in the lawn like lawn ornaments, toys that have been left out, weeds, rotted branches, etc.

A good way to keep them from overwintering in your lawn and causing damage in the spring again is by removing a lot of these objects from your lawn so that pests don’t have a place to take shelter from the cold.

Certain insects like grub worms, ants, fleas, ticks, chinch bugs and spiders are sometimes known to survive during the colder parts of the year if they have places to take shelter.

Written by Sod Solutions Content Strategist Valerie Smith

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.

HOROSCOPES

By Holiday Mathis

By Holiday Mathis

Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll be playing the long game this week, which allows you to be experimental. If what you try doesn’t work, you try something else until something clicks. is is the way of progress. Keep stepping up and stepping out. Ultimately, the success of an endeavor boils down to your persistent and varied e orts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). On the fence about trying something new? Just say yes. It’s better to be adventurous than keep doing something so similar to what you did a hundred times before that you won’t even remember it. Connect to as much life as you can connect, and see more of life rather than stay in the places you’ve already been.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll make excellent use of your words. You’ll think ahead about what you want to say to people, even in casual scenarios. You may go so far as to rehearse, knowing that in the moment you’re face-to-face, things might change. You’ll be versatile, quick on your feet, playing the “room” you’re given.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). e usefulness and beauty of things isn’t a constant. You’ll update your taste. You’ll give another look to your personal environment. You’ll pare down your possessions and put some new items on your wish list. en you’ll do a similar process with your thoughts, with an emphasis on what’s pretty and helpful.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your moods will be like steps, connected in an order. Whether you move fast or slow, you’ll move through a whole range on your way to other levels. To jump improbably to di erent emotional places would be odd. ere’s comfort and stability in allowing for incremental change and adjusting expectations accordingly.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have many talents and roles in life, which will be re ected in the varied activities of the week. Expect stark juxtapositions that make you feel like a superhero or spy able to switch in an instant into a completely di erent person to handle the challenge or seize the opportunity at hand.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Forget about work for a minute and pretend the world is your playground. What then? You have charismatic power to wield. If so inclined, you could use it to mesmerize your subjects. Of course, the exercise is pointless if you don’t know what you want. Give some thought to your desires. What is it you’d like to try next?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). In a culture trending toward isolation, it’s rare for anyone to have dozens of friends from di erent walks of life. But a diverse social life is the sort of rare thing worth striving for, especially given your adventurous drives. In each friendship, you’ll have a unique window to the world. You’ll add to your network this week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Mark Twain suggested that “when you can’t get a compliment any other way, pay yourself one.” But why wait for a lull? You’ll be complimented right and left this week, but they aren’t always the kind you most need to hear -- you’re the one most quali ed to give those, so do it. Be generous with yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). e question of how much to do for your friends and loved ones will arise. Too much can be as bad or worse than not enough. As every baker knows, it’s not just the ingredients but the amounts you deliver that matter. Good measuring can make the di erence between a rising cake and a messy op.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have a sentimental attachment to the things that made you happy when you were small. Revisiting some of these old loves will be a source of comfort, whimsy and insight today. As you get older, you understand your younger self di erently. e better you know yourself, the easier it is to mold a happy life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When it’s fun, you dive in; when it’s hard, you solider on. is is your success secret: You anticipate change, especially in your own motivation levels and how you feel about the work. e bottom line is, if the result is important enough to you, you’ll keep moving forward until you make it happen.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

is solar return brings you a visceral sense that the moment is upon you to do the thing you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s a vacation overseas, vehicle upgrade, cooking class or learning to shu e dance, you’ll stop waiting for the day when you have more money or more time, and you’ll jump in and make it happen. More highlights: creative satisfaction, love that takes your heart on a dizzying ride and a professional success that emboldens you to risk more and win more, too.

WORD FIND

The lucky country

A better line of play (which also fails in the actual case) would be to abandon further trump leads after two rounds and play the K-Q and another spade.

This method of play would succeed if East started with a doubleton spade — and it would not matter whether or not he had the missing trump. If he discarded, you could take the ace and safely ruff your fourth spade with dummy’s jack, while if he ruffed, you would play low and later be able to discard a heart from dummy on the ace of spades and eventually ruff a heart.

But a third and best approach is to lead a diamond to the ace at trick three, ruff a diamond, lead a spade to the queen, ruff another diamond, then lead a spade to the king and ruff dummy’s last diamond with your last trump.

You would then lead a heart to dummy’s king and draw West’s last trump with dummy’s jack, discarding your heart loser. After this, you’d collect the ace of spades and ace of hearts to finish with 12 tricks. Your only loser, by this line of play, would be a spade at the very end. All told, you’d score six

instead of the obvious five and so make the slam instead of going down one.

Weekly Sudoku

Three Day Miracle Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Oh most beautiful ower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine of splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show herein you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech Thee from the bottom of my heart to secure me this necessity. (Make you Request) There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee. (repeat 3 times). Oh Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (repeat 3 times). Amen Thank you for your mercy to me and mine.

This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted. The prayer must be published. CD

AUTO

Monticello.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

The successful candidate should have a minimum of five (5) yrs. professional exp. in school administration or comparable teaching leadership.

This individual will provide leadership and vision in ongoing planning, implementation, development, direction, review, and evaluation of the district’s curriculum and instructional services. They would be responsible for ensuring that the district’s educational objectives align with state frameworks and to instructional practices that yield the highest standards for student achievement and instruction excellence.

NYS SDL or SDA Certification Required

Please apply online by Jan 9th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire

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Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability in connection with the rental, sale or financing of real estate. Nassau also prohibits source of income discrimination. Anton Community Newspapers does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800660-6920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)

Town Hosts Annual Manhasset Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Town of North Hempstead hosted the Annual Manhasset Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, in conjunction with the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, Manhasset Park District, and Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department on Friday, Dec. 2 at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset. Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Councilmembers Peter Zuckerman, Dennis Walsh, and Mariann Dalimonte, along with Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and Romina Tehrany representing Council Member Veronica Lurvey attended.

The event included a performance by the Manhasset High School Brass Choir,

Manhasset Chamber of Commerce “All Roads Lead Home” poster contest presentation, and a visit from Santa following the tree lighting. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 304 and Reverend Father Robert A. Romeo assisted with the Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, and the blessing. Hundreds of members of the community attended to enjoy the festivities and witness the tree lighting. Refreshments were provided by For Five Coffee Roasters of Manhasset and Herb & Olive Marketa.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

of

Town officials kick off the holiday season at the Town’s annual tree lighting ceremony at Mary Jane Davies Green.

Crowds gather at Mary Jane Davies Green for the annual North Hempstead tree lighting ceremony.

Poster contest participants show of their creations. (Contributed photos)

As the snow tumbles to the ground and lights are being hung around streets and homes, Village High School wraps Christmas gifts for families in need in Hempstead, Long Island. The student government wraps new, donated toys while listening to music and continuing this tradition from previous years.

Ronni Graf, the math teacher at Village School, Great Neck Public Schools alternative high school, kicked off the partnership with Village and the Bethlehem project with Pastor Tito Velazquez in 2012.

“It was the year of Sandy and we were all looking for ways to give back to the community,” explained the beloved math teacher. “We personally donated gifts and my whole family went to their church to help them wrap.”

The donations at first started as a family project and then Ronni thought it would be a great idea for the school to get involved. She started collecting gifts and wrapping them and the students all love doing it.

Pastor Tito has been a pastor for his church ACVM (Christian Assembly New Life) for 12 years while also focusing on community work, like donating gifts and helping reconnect families. He grew up in Central America where he said there were a lot of “broken families.” When he became

The Gift Of Giving

a Pastor, he wanted to make sure all families were integrated and learned to communicate with each other. Pastor Tito presents the church as a place where parents learn the importance of family and connections. Pastor Tito says that he serves as a bridge between his congregants and God. One word Pastor Tito uses to describe his relationship with God is, “love”. He hopes for his congregants to have the same meaningful relationship as they seek out their own relationships with God.

Partaking in this Village School charitable project has opened students eyes. They now see the people who live near them on Long Island struggling for hope and joy. Students who participated this year in wrapping gifts allowed them to understand the importance of giving back and looking out for others. Doing this project allowed them to be connected to a wider community. Donating gifts can give that five-year-old girl who had a really troubling year the laugh she really needed for the holidays.

LEGAL NOTICES

GREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: ONE WAY UP AUTO, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 8/25/2022. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to 16 MIDDLENECK ROAD #522 GREAT NECK, NY 11021 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

1-4-2023; 12-28-21-14-7; 11-30-2022-6T-#236053-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Lehman Mortgage Trust Mortgage Pass Through ertificates Series Plaintiff AGAINST Ramin Gidanian; Nazanin Kohan a/k/a Nazanin Gidanian; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of

Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 3, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 18, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 106 Oxford Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11023. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Great Neck, in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 2 Block 353 Lot 15. Approximate amount of judgment $824,300.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to proisions of filed udg ent Index# 601724/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Desiree L. Fusco, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: November 4, 2022 1-4-23; 12-28-21-14-20224T-#236196-GN

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JAKLIN MECANIK, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 20, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 18, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 57 Steamboat Road, Great Neck, NY 11024. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Great Neck, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 1, Block 199 and Lot 55. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,485,397.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed udg ent nde #010144/09. This foreclosure

sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

John McFaul, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 202911-4 1-4-2023; 12-28-21-14-20224T-#236308-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF THOMASTON

100 EAST SHORE ROAD

GREAT NECK, NY 11021 (516) 482-3110 FAX (516) 829-5011

PLEAST TAKE NOTICE that the Final Assessment Roll of the Village of Thomaston for the fiscal year March to February 29, 2024 has been filed with the Village d in istrator at the Village Hall, 100 East Shore Road, Thomaston, Great Neck, NY effective January 1, 2023 where it may be viewed on the Village of Thomaston website at www.villageofthomaston. org/tax_information or may be seen and examined by any

person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any Village business day.

BY ORDER TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, VILLAGE OF THOMASTON Steven Weinberg, Mayor Denise M. Knowland, Village Administrator Dated: December 21, 2022 12-21-2022-1T-#236340-GN

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Thomaston will hold a public hearing on January 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 100 E. Shore Road, Great Neck, NY, to consider the adoption of the proposed budget for the Village for the fiscal year co mencing March 1, 2023 and ending February 29, 2024.

At the said date and time, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Administrator at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to

facilitate such attendance and participation.

All relevant documents ay be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 100 E. Shore Road, Great Neck, NY during regular business hours or may be viewed at: www. villageofthomaston.org/meeting_schedule.

Dated: December 13, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steven Weinberg, Mayor Denise M. Knowland, Village Administrator 12-21-2022-1T-#236458-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall, Two Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Manju Kumari to operate a Cosmetology salon to be known as NEEL threading and waxing salon, located at 37 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all persons interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLAZA

Ted Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer 12-21-2022-1T-#236499-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF KENSINGTON

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVthat the final assess ent roll of the Village of Kensington for the fiscal year be ginning March 1, 2023 and ending February 28, 2024 has been co pleted erified and filed with the Village lerk at the Village Hall, 2 Nassau Drive in said Village, where it will re ain on file sub ect to inspection by any person for fifteen days starting anuary 1, 2023. It is also available to view on our website: www. vok-ny.com

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES

INC. VILLAGE OF KENSINGTON

Susan Lopatkin, Mayor Melissa McComb, Village Clerk

Dated: December 29, 2022 12-21-2022-1T-#236501-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall, Two Gussack

Students preparing gift donations. (Contributed photo)

—Written by Sigal Weitzman, Student at Great Neck Village School

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THE GREAT NECK LIBRARY’S DEBATE ON BANNING CERTAIN BOOKS

The center of the debate around the recent Great Neck Library board election is the banning of books like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, which has been called into question due to claims that it exposes sexually explicit imagery and obscenity to children. However, this argument, based entirely on a few panels of sexual exploration within the book, is not only misleading but also harmful to perpetuate.

Gender Queer is an honest, healthy depiction of the coming of age that naturally includes a few sexual experiences—fitting for its intended audience, given that Kobabe specifically recommended the book for high schoolers and above. Considering that said high schoolers and above have likely already gone through puberty, think and recognize sexual thoughts, and were probably properly educated on the topic of sex through their school system, it is hard to say that a few drawings have the capability to irreversibly damage their psyche.

Likewise, to claim that the book is marketed towards children is a gross misrepresentation of its undistorted form: it isn’t like people are deliberately placing Gender Queer among Charlotte’s Web and The Cat in the Hat. Rather, taking its rather mature subject matter into account, the title would be aptly filtered under the 16+ label. When

cataloged properly within the library, then, the likelihood of a person picking up a book with the title Gender Queer without having at least a vague sense of the subject matter is extremely, extremely slim. Additionally, the book’s mere presence in the library will not automatically force every unwitting person over the age of 16 to pick it up and digest it: just as with any other book, teens who do not want to be subject to the topics within Gender Queer can simply exercise their ability to… well, ignore it completely.

But suppose this portrayal of sex really is awful, and no high schooler should ever be subject to its extreme obscenity. In that case, why stop at books? If this memoir should be banned for obscene content, why not shows like Riverdale, shows that feature on-screen sexualization and portrayal of underage characters having sex for no narrative purpose? Why is a realistic, healthy exploration of one’s sexual identity in an already restricted book banned when blatantly purposeless sex in shows marketed towards thirteen-and-olders are not only barely restricted, but extremely prominent in teen culture? Sure, little kids shouldn’t be allowed to view extremely explicit sexual content, but does that objection really apply to the matter of developing teens reading a

LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES

from page

Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Mahtab Soleimanzadeh to operate a Nutricionist Office to be known as MS Nutritional Wellness PLLC, located at 53 & 55 Cuttermill Rd., Great Neck NY.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all persons interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLAZA

Ted Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer 12-21-2022-1T-#236546-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Saddle Rock will hold a public hearing on January 4, 2023, at the Village of Saddle Rock Village Hall, to consider the adoption of the proposed budget for the Village for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard at said meeting.

Dated: December 15, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dan Levy, Mayor Carmela Speciale, Village Clerk-Treasurer 12-21-2022-1T-#236554-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice

Architectural Review Board

PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Architectural Review Board of the Village of Kensington will hold a public hearing on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023 at p.m. at the Village Hall located at 2 Nassau Drive, Great Neck, NY on the following application: 85 NASSAU DR., Mirza also known as Section 2, Block 227, Lot 204 (Installation of 49 windows)

All persons will be heard at the time and place above stated. Copies of the application are available at the Village Hall for inspection during regular business hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Andrea Dennett, Chairperson Joyce Cheung, Co-ChairpersonArchitectural Review Board

Dated: December 15, 2022 12-21-2022-1T-#236588-GN

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING INC. VILLAGE OF RUSSELL GARDENS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Russell Gardens will hold a Public Hearing and Regular Meeting on the 5th day of January 2023 at 8:00 P.M . at Village Hall, located at 6 Tain Drive, Great Neck, New York. To consider the adoption of the proposed budget for the Fis-

cal Year Ending February 2024 . All people interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at said public hearing. A copy of the budget is available on the Village website: www. russellgardens.com and at Village Hall, where it may be inspected by any interested person during regular office hours.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Russell Gardens adopted Local Law 5-2022 , entitled, “Tax Levy Limit Override” at the Public Hearing held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 . A Local Law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c. Dated: 12/21/2022

By Order of the Board of Trustees Inc. Village of Russell Gardens David M. Miller, Mayor Danielle Pennise, Village Clerk Treasurer 12-21-2022-1T-#236591-GN

coming-of-age story with only a few panels of sexual exploration?

Simple: it shouldn’t, but not even this reasoning is going to stop detractors from arguing their point. That’s because it’s not really the sexual explicitness of the book that’s being challenged, but rather, the open expression of LGBT identity. The best interests of the children are clearly only secondary to these concerned adults’ own agenda—if preserving their kids’ innocence is truly their goal, what kind of example are they setting to these naive eyes by hate-criming pro-LGBT library candidates on the streets? By banning the

reinforces itself: if the topic of sex itself is made taboo, it will be harder for books to discuss sexuality, diminishing awareness of the LGBT experience and in turn isolating many more LGBT teens from discovering themselves through the wisdom of others. Ultimately, then, banning books such as Gender Queer is not only a restriction of the freedom of expression, but also a harmful message to youth everywhere: at the drop of a hat, the adults around you have the power to actively inhibit your own comingof-age experience simply to satisfy their personal wants.

—Submitted

by Sue Zhang,

on December 28,

in the new year with our 2023

on January 4. We wish all of you a very happy, healthy & safe holiday season!

To submit Legal Notices Call (516) 403-5143 or visit our website at antonmediagroup.com or email us at legals@antonnews.com

LOCAL STUDENTS WIN MINI RESEARCH GRANTS TO FUND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PROJECT PROPOSALS

The South Asian American Women’s Alliance (SAAWA) recently announced the SAAWA Annual Mini Research Grant Award winners in the field of earth and environmental science for 2022-2023. The mini grants were created to increase interest in our environment.

The SAAWA seeks to encourage and promote leadership and innovation among students in STEM fields to help build tomorrow’s workforce among the community. The SAAWA Mini Research Grant for Environmental Issues is one of the many ways the SAAWA challenges, motivates and encourages students.

“One of the greatest challenges facing the next generation is the degradation of our environment,” writes the SAAWA on their website. “We at the SAAWA strongly feel that the solution to this problem will come from this generation of scientists and engineers, and it is our duty to encourage the brightest of them to pursue careers in these fields.”

Research project proposals are submitted to SAAWA from middle and high school students. Funding is intended to offset the cost of materials and computer software expenses pertaining to a new research project in the environmental field. The amount of the award is $200.

SAAWA received 48 proposals from 22 schools and selected 16 student winners. Three students out of the 16 are from Great Neck and one is from Port Washington.

• Justin Tao and Quan Wei (Grade 11)

Great Neck South High School

• Joanne Lee and Zoe Chan (Grade 11)

Great Neck South High School

• Shaan Merchant (Grade 11) Great Neck South High School

• Audrey Ren (Grade 10) Paul D. Schreiber High School

REGISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY ED WINTER SESSION

The weather is getting colder and Great Neck Community Ed is gearing up for the 2023 Winter Session! The digital catalog is available online and registration is currently underway. Classes will begin on Jan. 3, 2023. In addition to offering more than 90 courses, Community Ed is also pleased to announce the return of Broadway theater trips. These popular trips, which include transportation and show admission, are advertised via email only. Interested individuals should confirm with Community Ed that their email addresses on file are up-to-date.

Course offerings for the Winter Session include a full array of classes in the areas of creative arts and crafts, fitness and movement, world languages, literature and writing, history and our world, hobbies and technology, performing arts and entertainment, and personal growth. In-person classes take place at 30 Cumberland Ave. in Great Neck, and online classes are available via Zoom.

Registration may be completed by phone at (516) 441-4949, via email at gncontinuinged@greatneck.k12.ny.us, or by using the links in the digital catalog on the Community Ed website at www.greatneck. k12.ny.us/ce.

For a complete list of winter classes, view the catalog online at www.greatneck.k12.

Winter Catalog (Contributed photo)

ny.us/ce or call (516) 441-4949. Be sure to follow Great Neck Community Ed on Facebook for the latest news and updates. We hope you and your family will join us this winter!

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

Research partners Justin Tao and Qian Wei are developing a novel composite material for breaking down microplastics in water. Research partners Zoe Chan and Joanne Lee are developing a novel composite material that leverages human hair’s adsorbent properties to aid in oil spill management. Shaan Merchant is

working independently to develop a drone adaptation that is capable of detecting and classifying plant diseases in an agricultural setting. Their science research teacher is Nicole Spinelli.

The project proposals must meet the following requirement to be considered for the mini grant.

• Must be pursuing a new environmental-based research project in Fall 2022 and must have a science research teacher as a mentor.

• Must participate in the SAAWA science competition.

•Topics of the research project must be in earth and environmental science.

Topics for the project proposal can be any topic in the environmental field. The SAAWA suggests topics like water management, deforestation, the impact of climate change, renewable energy, food security, air and noise pollution, and human health.

Mini-grant recipients will present their work at the SAAWA Science Fair later this school year. To learn more about the South Asian American Women’s Alliance, whose mission is to encourage, promote leadership and innovation among students in STEM fields to help build tomorrow’s workforce among the community, please visit https:// www.saawa.org/

—Information provided by the Great Neck Public School District with additional reporting by Julie Prisco

GNPS/TV CURRENT PROGRAMS

Programs currently airing on Great Neck Public Schools Television (GNPS/TV) are District Faculty Recital, Adult Learning Center Graduation, and Focus on Education.

GNPS/TV programs are available on demand, 24/7, on the school district website, www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/tv. Programs can also be viewed in the incorporated villages of Great Neck on Optimum Channel 75 and on Verizon Fios Channel 32. Airing times in program descriptions below are for Optimum and Verizon viewing.

District Faculty Recital

The annual District Faculty Recital is a wonderful celebration of music in the GNPS school community. Each year, dozens of faculty members take the stage and share their musical talents to raise funds for student music scholarships. Tune in to GNPS/TV to watch this year’s Recital, which was held on Oct. 20. The event was coordinated by elementary music teacher Patrick Kennedy and emceed by elementary music teacher Chad Lasky. District Faculty Recital airs at 7 and 11 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m.

Adult Learning Center Graduation

The Great Neck Public Schools Adult Learning Center (ALC) hosted its 49th annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony

on June 9. The event celebrated the achievements of ALC participants who received New York State High School Equivalency Diplomas, met NYS benchmarks for English language proficiency, and demonstrated a commitment to learning through outstanding attendance during the 2021–22 school year. Adult Learning Center Graduation airs at 9 a.m., and 1, 5, and 9 p.m.

Focus on Education

Focus on Education is an ongoing series hosted by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa Prendergast, highlighting what’s new and interesting in the district. This episode features high school assistant principals Kathlyne Snyder from North High School, and Adam Hopkins and Rory Parnell from South High School. Focus on Education airs at 10 a.m., and at 2, 6 and 10 p.m.

GNPS/TV Programming

GNPS/TV programming reflects the offerings of the Great Neck Public Schools and the achievements of its students and staff. Programs are student-produced. For more information, contact Robert Zahn, director of educational television and broadcast media, at rzahn@greatneck.k12.ny.us.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

From the left: Joanne Lee, Qian Wei, Zoe Chan, and Shaan Merchant are pictured with science research teacher Nicole Spinelli (not pictured: Justin Tao). (Photo from the Great Neck Public School District)