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Four LI districts top nation Debt relief

“Because We Care” Town of North Hempstead inauguration 2024 (See page 3)

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Neighbors Neighborsininthe theNews: News: Library unveils new artgrant Restaurant receives exhibit (See page 5) for improvements (See page 3) Calendar: Calendar: Library hosts blood pressure Red Stocking Revue screenings on Jan. 16 hosts casting (See pagecall 6) on Jan. 21 (See page 10) Sports: Sports: receive physical Students Upcomingawards school sports education schedule (See page 12) (See page 8) Long Island Weekly: Long Weekly: StateIsland Department of State Department of Transportation now has a Transportation podcast (See now pagehas 18)a podcast (See page 10) CALL CALL516-403-5120 516-403-5120TO TOSTART START SUBSCRIPTIONTODAY! TODAY! AASUBSCRIPTION

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Nassau County District Attorney Ann Donnelly

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Postmaster:Send Sendaddress address changes Long Island Community Newspapers, P.O. Box 1578, Mineola, N.Y. Postmaster: changes toto Long Island Community Newspapers, P.O. Box 1578, Mineola, N.Y. periodicals postage paid the Post Office Mineola, N.Y. and additional mailing offices 11501.Entered Enteredasasperiodicals postage paid atat the Post Office at at Mineola, N.Y. and additional mailing offices 11501. weeks with a double issue last week year Long Island underthe theAct ActofofCongress.

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Community 132 East Second St.,St., Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (P.O. Box 1578).

Phone: 516-747-8282.

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ANTON MEDIA GROUP • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024

Elected To Serve

3

TOP STORY

Supervisor, Councilmembers sworn into office AMANDA OLSEN aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

T

hey may come from different points of view, but it was clear that all of the assembled electeds at the 2024 Town of North Hempstead inauguration care deeply about their community.

After speeches from County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, blessings from religious leaders, and the acknowledgement of local notables, Nassau County District Attorney Ann Donnelly gave an impassioned speech and administered the oath of office, beginning Jennifer DeSena’s second term as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead.

Supervisor DeSena stated her commitment to the town immediately after re-affirming her oath. “I stand before you today deeply honored and grateful to have been re-elected as your town supervisor for a second term. Since my first day in office, I’ve never once taken for granted the trust that has been placed in me by you, our residents.

Over the past two years as town supervisor, I’ve worked tirelessly to deliver my vision for the future of our great town. As I embark on my second term as town supervisor, I promise that I will continue to uphold that standard and always fight for the best interests of our community.”

She went on to recap some of her accomplishments from the previous administration and pledged to build upon them. “Two years ago, I promised that town government would work with a greater sense of accountability to our taxpayers, and I believe this is something I have accomplished. I have collaborated with local stakeholders, listened to the concerns of our residents and taken action to create positive change. Under my administration, I’ve delivered record setting tax cuts two years in a row for our residents to try and ease the financial burden property owners in this town face after a decade of tax increases coupled with out-of-control inflation and a volatile economy. It has become clear that town government was not acknowledging the affordability crisis on Long Island and may have been contributing to it. I’m proud to put those days of tax and spend behind us.”

The Supervisor stressed transparency, collaboration and tolerance for the coming years. “I’ve brought sunlight to government operations and worked to install measures that brought honesty, integrity and transparency to our town. In two short years, I’ve proved that I can and will turn ideas into

Christine Liu and United States 6th district Congresswoman Grace Meng

Mary Jo Collins and Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips.

meaningful change for our great town. I the most efficient and most responsive town promise to our residents that I will remain in New York, and I am honored to represent committed to serving each and every one the people of District Two.” of you with dedication, transparency, and He also committed to listen and undera tireless passion for the betterment of our stand in order to act appropriately. “My goal community. Our town is a vibrant mosaic is to be a show me councilman. I want you of cultures, backgrounds and ideas. It is this to tell me about the problem and show me very diversity that enriches our lives and the problem. I want to come there, I want helps make North Hempstead a truly special to see it and help me understand…We must place for us to live. As we move the town have a firm grasp on all circumstances and forward, I will continue to embrace our understand exactly how it affects day to day differences, celebrate our shared humanity lives…Even small solutions demand that we and work collaboratively to build a commufirst see the big picture. Throughout my canity where every resident feels valued and reer in public service, I was fortunate to have included.” the trust and support of the people I serve.

Next, Mary Jo Collins was sworn in as Today, I ask for your continued support as Receiver of Taxes by her longtime friend, we work together to make North Hempstead Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. the town we deserve.”

Collins gave a brief speech thankChristine Liu was sworn in by ing her family and the people her friend, United States Sixth who supported her during District Congresswoman the run-up to the election.

Grace Meng. Meng ”Thank you to the taxpaypointed out that Liu is “We will make sure ers of the Town of North the first Asian American to do the best of our Hempstead putting their councilmember in both ability to serve the trust in me. I intend to Nassau and Suffolk wonderful Town of do my very best to live up counties, a significant North Hempstead.” to that trust that you have milestone for both the bestowed on me… one of the town and the Island at large.

—Councilmember Christine Liu things that I look back upon for Liu first compared her the past six months of meeting the path to public service to Meng’s, people and traveling to all the different then reiterated her dedication to the villages, street fairs, VFW halls, many oppor- community. “Thank you to my friends and tunities I had to meet the people of the town family. Thank you to those who have been of North Hempstead…I am so honored to be with me from the beginning when I moved able to have the ability to serve you… I thank here and those who I’ve met along the way you and I look forward to work with you and during this campaign journey.” for you as a new receiver of taxes.”

“Everybody has been so gracious and The last part of the ceremony was resupportive and I want to thank the former served for the swearing-in of the two newly town councilwoman Veronica Lurvey. I have elected councilmembers, Ed Scott and big shoes to fill, but for mentoring me along Christine Liu and re-elected councilmember the process, thank you. Thank you to our Mariann Dalimonte. Ed Scott was sworn in current supervisor, and also our town board

by Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’connell. members,” said Councilmember Liu. “We Scott stated a desire to work together with will work together, for the betterment of our his fellow councilmembers in their mission town and I really do love the theme here beto move the town forward. “I can assure you cause we care. The fact that we are up here that the group that stands before you shares doing what we do is definitely not for the this revitalized sense of mission. Working pay, but it’s because we care for our comtogether, we aim to make North Hempstead munity and the fact that we answer calls,

Mariann Dalimonte was sworn in by former Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth (Screenshots from the Town of North Hempstead livestream)

we listen to our constituents that we want to make our town better, because we care.

And I’m very happy and looking forward to working together with everyone to serve our veterans, the seniors in our community, our school districts, our fire department, our police department, our great commissioner here, all the support that you need from this town. We will make sure to do the best of our ability to serve the wonderful Town of North Hempstead. Thank you so much.”

Lastly, Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte was sworn in by former Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. In typical Dalimonte fashion, she requested that representatives from the Port Washington Police and Fire departments stand with her on the dais.

Dalimonte highlighted some of her proudest accomplishments in her tenure as a councilmember, including public safety improvements and infrastructure and environmental protection projects such as the oyster restoration. She also pledged to continue fostering transparency and inclusion. “When I first ran for town board, I was guided by a simple idea. Everyone’s voice matters. I ran on a platform of transparency to ensure that everyone, not just a select few, would have a seat at the table. It was an idea that resonated across the district. During my first term in office, I implemented a District Six newsletter bringing information about the town directly to the residents. I’m proud to say we have thousands of people on it across the Town of North Hempstead. I look forward in my second term to growing that newsletter. I’ve hosted many mobile office hours and will continue hosting them during my second term. So I originally set out on a platform of transparency…We have so much more to accomplish. It truly takes a team, and team stands for ‘Together Everyone Achieves More,’ to make things happen. I would like to thank everyone who is part of that team, former Supervisor Bosworth, Supervisor DeSena, my former colleagues on the town board, and the hard-working employees at the Town of North Hempstead.

Because of you, we accomplish these goals.”

4

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS

Officials Urge Vaccination Against Flu, COVID-19 And RSV

Kennedy School Staff Adopt Families For The Holidays

Faculty at the John F. Kennedy School continued their long-standing commitment to supporting local families in need during the holiday season. Staff members “adopted” 30 families within the Kennedy School community and collected all the necessary items to help these families celebrate a happy and healthy holiday. Pictured here, (left to right) Patrick Kennedy, Susan Becker, Malka Rahmanan, Assistant Principal Ai-Huei Chang-Lau, Gladys Ramirez, Nicole Zupa, and Principal Ron Gimondo prepare festive gift bags with toys and clothing, as well as large cardboard boxes filled with non-perishable food items to be delivered to local families.

(Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District)

Suburban hospitals and local health departments on Long Island and throughout the Hudson Valley are urging New Yorkers to “tame the triple threat” of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with vaccination.

Tame the Triple Threat—a public health awareness campaign by the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State (SHANYS) and the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO)— could not be more timely. Flu was declared prevalent in NYS on December 6, 2023. COVID-19 and flu rates are steadily rising in the Mid-Hudson and Long Island regions. As of November 29, there were more RSV cases than COVID and flu cases across the state. Rising rates across the board coupled with colder weather and more time spent indoors are ideal conditions for mutating viruses to target healthy New Yorkers.

The Triple Threat campaign urges vaccination if eligible, as it greatly reduces the chance of contending with these three heavyweight viruses. Vaccines are available at hospitals, pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, physician offices, and other locations in our regions. But it’s always wise to call ahead and check on supply.

“Getting your family vaccinated for flu,

COVID-19 and RSV this season is critical, especially for children. It’s also important to stay home when you’re feeling sick and to seek care from your health care provider if symptoms persist or if you are at risk of severe respiratory illness,” said Sarah Ravenhall, executive director of the New York State Association of County Health Officials.

“The flu, COVID-19 and RSV are three distinct infections, but the symptoms can look similar. We hope residents will take precaution against these upper respiratory viruses and opt for vaccination to protect themselves and their families from these contagious diseases,” said Wendy Darwell, president/CEO of the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State.

Members of the public can visit their resource page to learn more vaccinations in their local communities and disease prevention tips. The Suburban Hospital Alliance’s site also houses campaign materials for use by hospitals. Eligibility for each vaccine varies. Check the CDC guidance.

For more information about locating a flu or COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov or contact your local hospital or health department.

—Submitted by the Suburban Hospital Alliance

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2023

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024

Great Neck Library Unveils New Art Exhibit By Warren Mintz Great Neck local artist Warren Mintz will be displaying his Mixed Media Collages in the Great Neck Library Lower-Level Art Gallery at 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck from now to Jan. 26, 2024. We welcome you to come and join us for a reception on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

According to artist Warren Mintz, the creative environment of collage can be explored in terms of three aspects. The first is the discovery of possible backgrounds. The second is the stage of cutting in which items are gath-

Warren Mintz’s Mixed Media Collages

ered. The choice of items can focus on subject matter, color, shape, and size. The cutting stage produces hundreds of items. The third aspect is assembly in which the background and the cuttings are brought together and possible arrangements are explored. This process leads to the creation of a visual reality in which the viewer is invited to join.

For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Library

Pieces prepped for Mintz’s collages.

(Contributed photos)

5

Students Host Holiday Dinner At Great Neck Social Center

The South High School Community Action Committee hosted its annual Holiday Dinner at the Great Neck Social Center on Dec. 13. Nearly 60 seniors attended the festive event, including former Great Neck educators and local politicians. All guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared and served by South High students. The South High Community Action Committee is a student organization committed to helping local organizations and performing community service. The faculty advisor is Dr. Jo-AnnEyre Cruz, guidance department chair.

(Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District)

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JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

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

FRIDAY, JAN. 12

January Birthday Celebration Noon (Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave.) Celebrate January birthdays at the Great Neck Social Center. Call 516-487-0025 to make a reservation.

Dungeons & Dragons Movie & Character Building Night 8 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library, Levels Teen Center) Check out the (surprisingly game-accurate) D&D movie and build your own character for the library’s upcoming D&D workshops and events. For teens seventh grade and up. Levels Teen Center events are Drop-In Events—no registration needed.

SUNDAY, JAN. 14

Great Neck Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave.) Deep Roots Farmers Market, in collaboration with the Great Neck Park District. Twenty-plus vendors featuring locally grown vegetables, fresh baked breads and sweets, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, honey, prepared foods, jams, coffees, and much more. Weekly guest art and craft vendors. Social media: @greatneckfarmersmarket | www.deeprootsfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 16

Caregiver Support Group 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library, Community Room) Being a caregiver is not easy! Spend an hour each Tuesday getting to know other parents and caregivers in Great Neck. This time is just for you (and your little ones of course). No registration necessary.

Blood Pressure Screening 12 p.m.-2 p.m. (Station Branch Small Room) Blood Pressure Screenings with St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. Have your blood

Great Neck Board of Education Public Action Meeting 7:45 p.m. (Parkville School, 10 Campbell St., New Hyde Park) For more information, visit www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings or call 441-4001. Note: This meeting date is different than the date printed in the 2023-24 District Calendar.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17

Womanspace 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave.) 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.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

Defensive Driving 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library, Large Multipurpose Room 34) Complete your Defensive Driving course with the Empire Safety Council. Register in person at the Main Building Circulation Desk. Please bring a $33 check or money order payable to “Empire Safety Council” to reserve your spot. Great Neck cardholders and residents have priority. Please note that this is a 6-hour class with a 30-minute break for lunch.

pressure checked by a clinical nurse, free of charge. Healthcare proxy information is also available.

THURSDAY, JAN. 18

MONDAY, JAN. 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

(Getty Images)

Women in Conversation 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library, Small Multipurpose Room) We share, we care, we dare as we move right along into the next sessions. Join us and walk away with a continued warmup with Adriana O’Ferrall, discussions on women’s issues, world issues, and much more. No registration required.

Bellini And Giorgione In The House Of Taddeo Cantarini The Frick Collection, NYC will be hosting a rare masterpiece through February 4, 2024 loaned from Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum: Giorgione’s “Three Philosophers.” The painting will reunite with the Frick’s own “St. Francis in the Desert” by Giovanni Bellini, two paintings once owned by the Venetian merchant Taddeo Contarini and displayed for many decades in his Venetian palazzo.

Professor Thomas Germano will present a visual Giorgione’s “Three Philosophers” (Contributed photo) lecture discussing the two great Venetian Renaissance No registration is required and the lecartists, their patron Taddeo Contarini, and ture is open to all adults. For more inforhis role in their two works. The Lecture is mation, please contact Great Neck Library on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 at the Great at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramNeck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., Great ming@greatnecklibrary.org.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Library Neck, at 2:00 p.m.

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ANTON MEDIA GROUP • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024

FULL RUN

1A

BOOK TALK

Nassau Library System’s Most Borrowed Books 2023 Public libraries remain an essential resource

AMANDA OLSEN

television and movie adaptations and book clubs, among other factors, for having the chance to shine after their debuts. “The popularity of Tik Tok bringing up those older books that gain popularity seemingly overnight.

It is fascinating. And also the number one book, Lessons In Chemistry, wound up being a TV series, so that helps.”

Zuena said.

While these statistics are fascinating, the NLS doesn’t use them to make decisions on what

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

T

he Nassau Public Library system recently compiled their list of the most borrowed adult fiction and nonfiction books for 2023.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus was the most popular book at Nassau’s public libraries in 2023, with over 14,350 checkouts. The 54 public libraries in Nassau make today’s hottest titles available in print as well as eBooks and digital audiobooks.

“We gathered the list in early December, and it is the most checked out books from the print titles, ebook titles and the digital audio book titles. So those are the digital downloads that you can get through the Nassau digital doorway or the Libby app,” said Lisa Zuena, Communications and Marketing Specialist at the Nassau Library System.

Fiction dominated the list this year, with nine out of ten titles in that category. Of all the entries, only one non-fiction title made the list: Spare, the much-anticipated bombshell memoir by Prince Harry. “Spare was definitely the far and away winner. It got more than double the checkouts of the number two nonfiction book, which is I’m Glad My Mom Died. That was a pretty popular one. The Michelle Obama book is on this list too. But the numbers were just so much lower than the fiction checkout.” Zuena said.

The list of the most checked out books proves that newness isn’t the only factor in a book’s popularity. Of the top ten titles, only 4 were released in 2023.

Two of fan favorite Colleen Hoover’s books made the list this year, with her backlist title It Ends with Us having been

statistics show how important the NLS is to its constituents. “I think it highlights how much people in Nassau County love their library.

You know, people say, ‘Oh, no one goes to the library anymore,’ but I can show you with raw numbers that they do, whether they’re going there and checking out the print books, or they’re taking advantage of the Nassau digital doorway in the Libby app. People here really do love their libraries.” Over 100,000 Nassau residents use their public library every month.

The Nassau Library

2023’s top 10 most circulated titles in Nassau, across print, Ebook, and digital audiobook are: Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Title Lessons in Chemistry Mad Honey It Starts with Us Hello Beautiful Spare It Ends with Us Happy Place Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Someone Else’s Shoes

released in 2016. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo made the number 9 spot yet again, with over 1,100 more checkouts this year than last year. “I’m just still so surprised. I actually was a librarian in one of the libraries a couple of years ago, and some of these books, particularly The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo, I was checking out to people and getting for book clubs. It’s just fascinating to me that years later, it’s still number nine out of 10 top checked out books, so it’s like a blast from the past.”

Zuena said.

Older titles can thank TikTok,

Author Bonnie Garmus Jodi Picoult Colleen Hoover Ann Napolitano Prince Harry Colleen Hoover Emily Henry Gabrielle Zevin Taylor Jenkins Reid Jojo Moyes

books libraries will acquire for the coming year; instead, the individual libraries make those decisions. “It’s a little complicated here at the system level. We run these numbers to see what’s going on, and we can run them as the libraries need, but we don’t purchase books here at the system level.

Each individual library in the county orders their own books.

So they definitely run their own stats to see what’s going on and they do it when they make the collections as well. So they’re using it on an individual level,” said Zuena.

Zuena emphasized that these

Checkouts 14,387 11,387 11,337 10,600 10,302 9,573 8,596 8,216 7,737 7,734

System is a consortium comprised of 54 member libraries and a Service Center for the libraries. Each member library is independent, autonomous, supported by local taxes, and governed by its own board of trustees. All public libraries in Nassau County are members

of NLS. The NLS was created to foster quality public library service in Nassau County, to enhance the public library resources and services available, to affect economies in operations, to provide training and continuing education opportunities and to stimulate development of public library service in unserved areas.

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NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS

American Red Cross LI Welcomes New Board Members AMANDA OLSEN aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

T

he American Red Cross on Long Island proudly announces the appointment of Brian L. Bank, Jim Quent, and Jennifer Solomon to its esteemed Board of Directors. Their extensive knowledge and steadfast dedication to community service greatly enhances the strength of the Red Cross team. A full list of board members can be found here.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we extend a warm welcome to Brian L. Bank as a new member of the American Red Cross Long Island Board of Directors,” said Jose Dominguez, chief executive officer, American Red Cross on Long Island. “Brian’s legal expertise and unwavering commitment to pro bono service exemplify the spirit of compassion and dedication that defines the Red Cross.”

“We are also thrilled to have Jim join the team here at Red Cross,” Dominguez continues. “Jim’s extensive background in government affairs and his dedication to community service makes him an asset to our team. We look forward to benefiting from his strategic expertise and collaborative spirit.”

“Embracing Jennifer Solomon to the American Red Cross Long Island Board is a momentous occasion,” said Matthew Thompson and Anthony Acampora, co-chairs, board of directors, American Red Cross on Long Island. “Her stellar expertise in public relations adds a unique dimension to our team. With Jennifer’s strategic prowess, we anticipate elevating our outreach efforts. We are excited about the diverse perspectives and dynamic skills that Jim, Brian, and Jennifer bring to our collective effort.”

Brian Bank (Photos by Red Cross Long Island)

Brian L. Bank Brian L. Bank, a partner in Rivkin Radler LLP, joins the board with a wealth of experience in commercial litigation, class actions, business dissolution, employment and labor, privacy, data, and cyber law, and compliance. His extensive background includes representing businesses, insurance companies, banks, unions, and individuals in a wide array of legal matters.

A recognized leader in his field, Brian is a past chair of the Employment and Labor Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance practice section. He has earned accolades such as being named a New York Metro Super Lawyer and a Super Lawyer “Rising Star.”

Brian’s commitment to pro bono service shines through his representation of indigent tenants facing eviction, providing a voice for the underrepresented.

Brian, a graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, serves as a co-chair of the Cardozo Alumni Long Island Regional Chapter and resides in Plainview, New York, with his wife, Carly, and two children.

Jim Quent Jim Quent A partner at Statewide Public Affairs with more than 25 years of experience in government affairs, communications, and public policy, Jim Quent brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. His career spans the mechanics of New York City, New York State, and local governments. He represents both non-profit and private sector clients, including Coalition for the Homeless, the Coca-Cola Company, Home Depot and the NYC Special Riggers Association, and helps them navigate state and local government legislative, regulatory and budgetary processes.

Recognized as one of New York’s “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” early in his career, and a City and State 2022 “Age Disrupter,” Jim has managed campaigns, served as deputy chief of staff to a New York State Assembly Speaker, deputy press secretary for two state comptrollers and directed statewide field operations for a New York State gubernatorial campaign.

A passionate supporter of civic engagement, Jim volunteers with multiple organizations, including the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and the Suffolk County Medical Response Corps. Jim graduated from the State University of New York at Albany and also attended La Universidad de Oviedo in Spain. Born and raised in Queens, he now resides in Copiague, Long Island, with his puppy, QoQo.

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Jennifer Solomon Jennifer Solomon Jennifer Solomon, an accomplished public relations professional, brings a plethora of experience in government and community relations, non-profits, and media/ social media communications and strategy.

Under her S Corp, JSolo, Inc., Jennifer has recently or currently represented notable organizations such as the American Lung Association, City and State, Inc., Long Island Association, Newark Venture Partners, Long Island University, Edgewise Energy, The Nature Conservancy, Temple Emanu-El (in New York City), the Right Track for Long Island Coalition, the Workforce Development Institute, and various small businesses and non-profits.

Prior to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Jennifer served as an associate vice president at Rubenstein Associates in the firm’s New York City practice. Her extensive work involved interfacing with clients, counseling on internal communications and policy matters, media strategy (both traditional and social), and event coordination. Notable clients included NYC and Company, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, UJAFederation, The Times Square Alliance, and the High Line.

Jennifer’s career began as a staff assistant to Congressman Steve Israel, where she rose through the ranks to district director, deputy director of communications, and campaign manager. A magna cum laude graduate from SUNY Binghamton with a B.A. in Creative Writing, Jennifer holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.

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Legislators-Elect Davis, Koslow Ring In Season At Toys Drive N

assau County Legislators-Elect Scott Davis (D – Rockville Centre) and Seth Koslow (D – Merrick) rang in the holiday season at one of the nation’s largest one-day Toys for Tots collection drives, which was held outside Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 3 Undeterred by steady, cold rainfall throughout the morning, a steady stream of donors contributed more than 150,000 individual donations during the event, which was launched 13 years ago by Glen Cove’s Joe LaPadula and Jon Holzer of Martino Auto Concepts with support from Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader-Elect Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove). The rain-soaked 13th annual edition of this event was presented by Glen Covebased not-for-profit First City Project and supported an array of corporate and community sponsors, many of whom are from the automotive world.

With the culmination of the holiday season fast approaching, LegislatorsElect Davis and Koslow are working with community leaders in their forthcoming

districts to identify families and agencies that would benefit from Toys for Tots contributions.

“The rain was no match for the tremendous holiday cheer and extraordinary spirit of generosity in the air all around Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Legislator-Elect Davis said.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of a wonderful tradition that supports such a worthy cause, and I am excited by how these toys will brighten the holidays of so many deserving families in Nassau County and throughout our region.”

“What the organizers of this Toys for Tots drive accomplish every year is nothing short of awe-inspiring,” Legislator-Elect Koslow said. “Their philanthropic drive will help provide thousands of families and children with new toys this holiday season – toys that are a symbol of hope for a better future.

It was wonderful to see the generosity of Nassau County’s residents and the magic of the holidays on full display at this remarkable event.”

—Submitted by Nassau County Legislature Minority Caucus

Department Of Environmental Conservation To Not Adopt Saltwater Fishing License Fee The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been utilizing a no-fee marine recreational fishing registry since 2011 to track legal saltwater fishing. In September of 2023, the Department of Environmental Conservation sent a survey out to those registered, asking if they would support a fee-based saltwater fishing license. After collecting a number of responses, Long Island anglers expressed their disdain, resulting in the DEC reversing course. The Department of Environmental Conservation has elected to not adopt the fee, leaving the waters off Long Island free and open for those who wish to conduct saltwater fishing.

“I am pleased with the decision made

by Governor Hochul and the DEC. Part of Long Island’s richness is our beautiful

shoreline and recreational fishing is an integral part for our anglers,” said Senator Monica R. Martinez. “The Department of Environmental Conservation asked, and anglers have spoken. They can now rest assured knowing they will not be charged for utilizing state marine waters and participating in this popular pastime.”

Registration for saltwater fishing is still required.

You need to register if you are 16 and older and are: fishing for migratory fish of the sea within tidal waters of the Hudson River and its tributaries, or waters of Delaware River or Mohawk River; fishing for saltwater fish species in the marine and coastal district.

Registration is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date you register.

There is no lifetime registration.

—Submitted by the Department Of Environmental Conservation

Legislators Davis and Koslow with Toys for Tots Staff and Marines.

(Photos by Peter M. Budraitis)

Gov. Hochul Signs Lead Pipe Right To Know Act Now easier to learn if lead is contaminating drinking water Governor Hochul recently took a major step to get the lead out of New York’s drinking water by signing the Lead Pipe Right to Know Act. Sponsored by Assemblymember Amy Paulin and Senator Gustavo Rivera, the bill will make it easier for New Yorkers to find out if they have a lead pipe contaminating the drinking water in their home. It also gives policymakers more information about the scale of the threat to public health across the state. This greater transparency will help direct resources more effectively towards the replacement of all of New York’s lead pipes.

The Governor’s action builds on a recent proposal by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring water utilities to replace 100 percent of the nation’s lead pipes over 10 years, beginning in 2027. EPA estimates that there are 494,000 lead pipes still

delivering drinking water across New York State, the 6th highest total in the nation. There is no safe level of lead exposure, with harmful health effects including developmental delays and hearing and speech problems.

All water utilities are currently creating inventories to determine how many lead pipes are in their service areas; these inventories must be submitted to EPA and the NYS Department of Health

by October 2024. This bill will require that water utilities follow DOH guidance for how to create those inventories and that all inventories are posted on DOH’s website for the public to access. The bill also requires DOH to create interactive maps of many utilities’ inventories, enabling New Yorkers to better understand the risk from lead pipes in their wider community.

—Submitted by Enviromental Advocates NY

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A Wedding To Top Them All I’ve often written about our daughter in this column, who has always been our pride and joy. I’ll be dedicating today’s work to our girl, who recently took the plunge and eloped with her fiancé at the end of October.

Last autumn, her fiancé came to our home, ring in his pocket, and asked for our girl’s hand in marriage. The beads of sweat that had formed on his temples and the top of his lip made us realize that he was more nervous than he had ever been in our presence, and he was about to ask us something huge. When he pulled the ring box out of his pocket, we knew exactly why. His voice quaked a bit as he specifically asked my husband if he could wed our daughter and promised to take care of her for the rest of his life. They had been together for four years, lived together for almost three, and he was ready to “make it official”.

For the next year, my husband and I continuously asked about the wedding: where it would be held, what they were planning, what time of year they wanted to marry. We offered them advice when they asked, offered them websites to different places that might interest them. We supported them, told them that they could ask us anything, and even did some research into different venues. We also told them that if they wished to elope, we were

SEE YOU AROUND THE TOWN Patty Servidio

good with that.

My daughter has never been a “frilly-frou-frou” kind of gal. She played softball and got her black belt in karate. When she told us that she wanted an outdoor wedding, we were not surprised.

“Elated” is how we felt, because we knew how much she and her fiancé enjoyed hiking and the great outdoors. They did not wish to have a large party afterwards, and instead opted to put that money aside for their future home.

Eloping was a fabulous idea. We wholeheartedly supported their choice.

Their favorite season was autumn. The fall hues that adorned the trees were their vibe, especially since they were huge fans of jeweled tones. It’s not strange at all that our girl loved this time of year, since Hubby and I chose the fall to get married as well. Her style was

boho chic, so I began to research dresses and headpieces that would reflect her uniqueness. She chose a beautiful little eyelet dress with a lace kimono and a dreamcatcher-esque head piece. True to her nature, she did not wear heels.

Instead, her feet were adorned in silver sparkling sneakers. She really looked adorable. The groom wore a burgundy tuxedo, which my husband unintentionally matched with his shirt and tie.

On the day of their wedding, they chose to keep the ceremony private. Our daughter and her fiancé decorated the part of the woods where their vows would be exchanged with a mini pumpkin aisle and dream catchers on the trees. Their only companions were the golden leaves, their officiant, and their photographer. Secretly, our son-in-law sent us pictures of the site and part of the ceremony so we wouldn’t feel left out.

Afterwards, we took pictures with the photographer at a local park. We brought our dogs to be included in the photographs, which really reflected their love for animals and their personal style. My son-in-law bought a beautiful bouquet for our daughter, as well as a studded denim jacket that reflected her new last name. The entire day was so well planned and thought out, and we have never been prouder of them. I honestly feel like it

was the wedding that topped all the weddings we ever attended, including our own. And that’s saying a lot because I really liked our wedding.

A small celebration at an exclusive restaurant followed, which included the bride and groom, the bride’s parents, and the groom’s parents. It was intimate, peaceful, and perfect. The food was excellent, the company was animated and relaxed, and a good time was had by all. It was a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and lots of great memories. That they stuck to their desires for the day made this mom prouder than she has ever been in her life.

For my daughter: I have loved you from the moment of your birth and you have made me the proudest, happiest mama. As you begin this new chapter of your life, know that Dad and I will always be here for you both, that we will always have your backs, and that we wish you all the joy and happiness that Life can hold.

To our new son, we welcome you into our family with open arms. We wish you happiness and health, love, and laughter as you begin your married life. We love you both immeasurably and we are grateful for your presence in our lives. May you always be blessed, prosperous, and happy beyond words. God bless the new Mr. and Mrs. K!

LIGHT for Charity

Kayla Donnenfeld

information, please visit www.

JTCF.org.

My next column was about The Anchor Program Fund, which is a charitable, nonprofit organization that collects money to fund operations of a summer camp run by the Town of Hempstead called Camp A.N.C.H.O.R. “A.N.C.H.O.R.” is an acronym that stands for “Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps

through Organized Recreation”.

For more information, please visit www.campanchor.org.

I then covered Go With Courage, which raises money for cancer research and also has a program that supports Long Island families while a parent or child is in cancer treatment by helping with meals, childcare, homework, tutoring, entertainment and transportation so that relatives of cancer patients can get the attention they need through difficult times. For more information, please visit www. gowithcourage.org.

I also wrote about Book Fairies, which is a charity dedicated to helping solve the problem of illiteracy. Book Fairies collects, upgrades and redistributes new and gently used books to under-resourced communities throughout Long Island and New York City. The charity brings

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2023 LIGHT-Year Happy New Year from L.I.G.H.T. FOR CHARITY™ (‘Long Island Giving Help Together For Charity’). I started this platform in 2023 to shine light on Long Island-based charities that you may not otherwise know about.

I’d like to take this opportunity to look back on all the charities I had researched and written about in 2023. This is the first of my annual “LIGHT-year” columns.

The first charity I covered was the John Theissen Children’s Foundation (“JTCF”). JTCF’s mission is to (1) provide Long Island hospitals and child-care facilities with therapeutic and recreational equipment; (2) support local families with financial assistance to help with their childrens’ medical expenses; (3) offer sick and needy children toys throughout the holiday season; and (4) assist sick and underprivileged children in other ways as well. For more

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

books to schools and community organizations that otherwise don’t have the resources to buy them. For more information, please visit www.bookfairies.org.

My last column of the year was about Adventures in Learning, which is an after-school educational and enrichment program dedicated to improving the lives of Long Island children who need after-school care and instruction. Adventures in Learning offers children in kindergarten through sixth grade a place to come after school for help with homework and engage in other programs and activities. For more information, please visit www. adventures-in-learning.org.

2023 was a very meaningful year for L.I.G.H.T. FOR CHARITY. I’m proud to have the opportunity to spread awareness for such great causes, and look forward to continuing throughout 2024.

F o r c ir c u la tio n in q u ir ie s , e m a il: s u b s c r ib e @ a n t o n m e d ia g r o u p .c o m P u b l i c at i on O f f i c e : 1 3 2 E as t S e cond S t ., M ine ola, N Y 1 1 5 0 1 P h on e : ( 516) 7482 F ax: ( 516) 7425867 ©

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Dry Times

THE SPIRIT OF OUR TOWN

Fr. Ralph Sommer

driving. For the fortunate, the accident results in fines – up to $2000, another $2,500- $3,500 in legal fees and if the driver’s license is suspended, there is the cost of Uber rides or getting family members to drive you around. For the less fortunate, add on injury to self or others, or in the most severe cases, the death of one or more people. The risk of drinking is not worth it when getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately this is one mortal sin that is too common.

Public drunkenness is usually imagined as a drunk person

stumbling up an alley outside a bar, or a loud incoherent passenger on a subway. But sometimes it’s as near as the person sitting next to you on the bleachers, cheering on your child’s team.

Coaches report that drinking among parents has been a problem for some time now. One local Long Island sports league has recently posted banners that read “Stay Sober in the Stands.”

Those Yeti tumblers aren’t just filled with water. While those who are drinking think they are getting harmless pleasure from their inebriation, others – including their children – are observing heightened irrationality, crude talk and behavior, and embarrassment that their mom or dad is drunk again.

Private drunkenness at home is no better. There is a big difference between enjoying beer or wine with a meal and needing to “take the edge off” in order to face the day, the night, or anytime in between. Kids need their parents to be alert, to be interactive, and to bug them about what they are doing. Drunk parents are satisfied that “the kids are alright” because they have slipped into their own

addictive world of the internet and they aren’t bothering mommy or daddy.

So while I appreciate the benefits of the Dry January movement, I’d like to suggest that as the new year is beginning that we consider what I’ll call “Dry Times.” Let’s take a sober look at the obvious moments to refrain from being “under the influence.”

Then schedule dry times during those activities and events.

While those who love us might not give us an extra hug of thanks because we don’t drink at certain times, I’m sure they will notice and appreciate our efforts. And if anyone finds that they cannot keep to their dry time schedule, it is time to recognize that they are powerless over alcohol. And if that’s the case, it would be good to discuss this with loved ones and seek out support to live lives unfettered by addiction.

SUMMER INTERNS WANTED

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Qualifications: • Independent self-starter who can also work well as part of a team • Social media and web skills • Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills • Research and interviewing skills • Knowledge of InDesign/InCopy a plus Position is based in our Mineola office.

Email résumé and writing samples to ipicone@antonmediagroup.com

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Some readers might be participating in a rather new practice called “dry January.” After the holiday celebrations, they are taking the month of January to abstain from alcohol. It’s sort of the calm after the storm, and doctors are touting the value of taking a drinking break. Among the benefits are better sleep, weight loss, more energy, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and improved mood.

Psychologists also note that when people take a break from drinking, they have a chance to assess their relationship with alcohol. Some realize that they live better, parent better, and love better without it. Others discover they can’t live without it and by the second week of January they are back to their regular consumption.

I’m not a prohibitionist – drinking alcohol appropriately doesn’t worry me. But I have seen how drinking can negatively affect people and those they love. First on the list is driving while drunk.

There is a hardly a day when there isn’t an accident on Long Island roads that was a result of impaired

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The SAT Goes Digital

Everything you need to know about the digital SAT

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

T

he SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized exam widely used for college admissions in the United States. Traditionally paper-based, the SAT measures students’ readiness for college and is a key component of the admissions process.

You’ve probably already heard that College Board has started rolling out the digital version of the SAT. Some people think this is an exciting move in the right direction. But many people still have lots of questions.

Transitioning the SAT to a digital format offers several benefits. Firstly, it enhances accessibility, allowing test-takers to familiarize themselves with digital tools, mirroring modern educational and professional environments. Additionally, a digital SAT could provide quicker results, aiding students in timely college applications. Digital testing allows for adaptive assessments, tailoring questions based on a student’s performance, providing a more accurate measure of their abilities.

We asked around and did a little research into the new process and here’s

what we found out.

Is the SAT still important to take?

Yes. The SAT puts your achievements into a standard context. That means it shows off your qualifications to colleges and helps you stand out.

Most colleges—including those that are test optional—still accept SAT scores.

Together with high school grades, the SAT can show your potential to succeed in college or career.

day, the test will be digital starting in spring 2024.

Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of 11th grade. If you took the PSAT/NMSQT earlier this fall, you’ll already know what to expect with the digital SAT.

What’s staying the same?

Isn’t this just the same test but online?

-Still measuring the knowledge and skills that matter most for college and career.

-Still scoring the test on a 1600-point scale.

-Still administering the test in schools or test centers with a proctor present (not at home). Test centers will continue to be open to all students, not just those enrolled in that school.

-Still offering access to free, world-class practice resources.

-Still supporting all students, including those who need accommodations on test day.

When is the SAT going digital?

What’s changing?

No, College Board isn’t just going to take the paper and pencil test and put it on the computer. The testing authority reports enhancements to the test, citing a better experience for the test-taker.

Students testing outside the U.S. first started taking the digital SAT in spring 2023. If you’re in the U.S., whether you’re planning to take the SAT in a test center on a weekend or in school on a school

-You’ll take the SAT on a laptop or tablet.

-You’ll take a shorter test, about two hours instead of three. Find out how adaptive testing makes this possible.

-You’ll have shorter reading passages instead of a few long texts.

-You’ll be allowed to use your calculator on the entire math section and there’s a calculator built right into Bluebook, the digital testing application.

How do I register?

Registration for the spring 2024 digital SAT is not open. If you’re signed up for College Board emails, you already have the information that you need access to in order to register for a test date at a registered test center.

Important Dates

Friday, Feb. 23, 2024: Registration deadline for the March 2024 Digital SAT Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024: Late registration deadline for the March 2024 Digital SAT Saturday, March 9, 2024: The March 2024 Digital SAT test date begins at 7:45 a.m.

We typed in “New Hyde Park” on the test site locator and found 17 test sites within 10 miles with seats still available for the March 9 test date.

Seats and test locations will fill up and begin to close availability as the registration date begins to near on Feb. 23. Register early.

Visit www.collegeboard.org to practice and register for a digital SAT test.

4B JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

Roslyn, Great Neck, Syosset, Jericho Districts Rank Top In Nation Six of the thirteen top districts are on Long Island

C

hoosing a school often depends on the town or city the child lives in.

Many schools have a catchment area, which is the designated area in which the school operates and enrolls most of its pupils. However, some schools do allow pupils from outside of this area to enroll.

The quality of a child’s education can shape their future careers and lives and is an extremely important aspect that should be considered by all.

Experts at TeachSimple have analyzed reviews and ratings of each school district in the U.S and have ranked them from highest to lowest, 1 being the lowest, 5 being the highest. The scores are based on reviews from parents and students, statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, and user-submitted information from schools.

Across the U.S. there is a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, meaning that there are 17 students for every teacher. This number can only be used as an indication of class size and not as the true number of students. The national average expense per student is $12,239. This amount is used for teaching materials and student support services.

1

Radnor, PA, ranks first with 4.70/5. Radnor has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, and the average annual teacher wage in the district is $101,804.

The district receives an average of $26,584 per student, and the majority of this is used for teaching and instruction materials.

2

South Texas Independent, TX, is second with 4.65/5.

The district has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, with more than 50 percent of students eligible for free school meals. The average expense per student is $15,039 which is utilized for teaching materials and support services.

3

Roslyn Union, NY, is close behind in third with 4.63/5.

Roslyn has a high proficiency in both reading and math. The district also has a lower ratio of students-teachers with 13:1 and has an average expense of $32,874 per student.

4

Hewlett-Woodmere Union, NY, ranks fourth with 4.56/5. Twenty three percent of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch in the district and the average expense per student is $41,507. The district has a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1 which could indicate more bespoke teaching in classes.

and have a lower-than-average student-teacher ratio of 11:1.

5

In joint eighth are San Dieguito Union, CA, and Syosset Central, NY, with 4.31/5. While Syosset has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, San Dieguito’s ratio is higher than the national average, standing at 25:1.

Eanes Independent, TX, and Scarsdale Union, NY, are joint fifth with 4.47/5.

Both districts have a lower student-teacher ratio than the national average, with Scarsdale Union having the lowest at 12:1. Reviews by former and current students mention the excellent sports programs at schools within Eanes Independent District.

6

Great Neck, NY, is sixth on the list with 4.39/5. Great Neck’s teachers are paid an average of $133,045 annually

7

Westport, CT, is seventh with 4.38/5. 4.8% of teachers in the district are in the first or second year of teaching and are paid an average of $97,725 annually.

8

9 10

Rounding out the list are Ladue, MO, with 4.30/5.

Township High School District 211, IL, in tenth with 4.25.

11

Half Hollow Hills, NY, with 4.24/5.

12

Joint twelfth place goes to Jericho Union, NY, and Palo Alto Unified, CA, with 4.14/5.

13

Tredfyrrin, PA, rounds out the top districts with 3.97/5.

“School districts are governed by town councils and local-level government.

As such, the funding and level of education offered differ depending on the finances available to that district,” said a spokesperson for TeachSimple. “The federal government funds schools through programs such as the Child Nutrition Act or Title I grants. These target low-income students and families in need of help.”

—TeachSimple (www.teachsimple.com) Sources: Niche school district review site

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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 5B

SAINT ANNE’S SCHOOL Sacraments

Service

Saints

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Scholarship

Welcome home to the tradition and nostalgia of your Catholic Values Education!

We invite you to visit our school so that we can feature our outstanding academic programs, religious education and service opportunities.

Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House Sunday, January 28th, 10 am Mass Open House and Refreshments, 11 am to 12:30 pm

Join Us… All are Welcome, bring a friend!

NURSERY – 8th GRADE

Catholic education is truly an investment in the future!

St. Anne’s is a comparable, local choice for a fraction of your Middle School tuition dollars!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call 516-352-1205 • Visit our website https://stannesgcschool.org/ Questions regarding September enrollment 2024, please email: Ann-Marie Zino, Assistant Principal - annzino@stannesgcschool.org

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6B JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

White House Announces Nearly $5 Billion In Additional Debt Relief

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Another 80,000 borrowers will receive forgiveness

he Biden-Harris Administration announced on Dec. 8 the approval of an additional $4.8 billion in student loan debt relief for 80,300 borrowers. These discharges stem from fixes made by the U.S. Department of Education to income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The recent announcement brings the total approved debt cancellation by the Biden-Harris Administration to nearly $132 billion for more than 3.6 million Americans.

“Before President [Joe] Biden took office, it was virtually impossible for eligible borrowers to access the student debt relief they rightfully earned,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The data released once again make clear that the administration’s relentless efforts to fix the broken student loan system are paying off in a big way, with more than 3.6 million borrowers now approved for nearly $132 billion in loan forgiveness. This level of debt relief is unparalleled and we have no intention of slowing down.”

These debt relief approvals are in two categories: • $2.2 billion for nearly 46,000 borrowers through fixes to IDR that will provide borrowers with an accurate count of progress toward forgiveness and address longstanding concerns with misuse of forbearance. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has now approved almost $44 billion in IDR relief for nearly 901,000 borrowers.

• $2.6 billion for 34,400 borrowers through PSLF. This includes borrowers who have benefited through the limited PSLF waiver and ongoing regulatory improvements to the programs. This brings total relief through PSLF up to $53.5 billion for almost 750,000 borrowers since October 2021. By contrast, only about 7,000 borrowers had received forgiveness

programs that leave graduates with unaffordable debts or insufficient earnings. In the wake of the Supreme Court decision on the administration’s original student debt relief plan, the administration continues its work to pursue an alternative path to debt relief through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act.

Photo Getty Images

through these programs at the start of the Biden-Harris Administration.

The administration has taken historic steps to reduce the burden of student debt and ensure that student loans are not a barrier to opportunity for students and families. The administration earlier this year launched the most affordable

student loan repayment plan— SAVE—which makes many borrowers’ monthly payments as low as $0 and prevents balances from growing because of unpaid interest.

The administration secured the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade and finalized new rules to protect borrowers from career

Beyond the relief under IDR and PSLF, the Biden-Harris Administration has also approved: • $11.7 billion for almost 513,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability.

• $22.5 billion for more than 1.3 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.

—U.S. Department of Education

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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 7B

NYSUT Report: State Testing, Graduation Requirements

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ith momentum building across the state and nation to rethink the flawed standardized assessment systems that are limiting students, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) released a new report outlining new recommendations for state and federal policy makers.

NYSUT’s More Teaching Less Testing report is based on findings from a group of more than 65 educators, school-related professionals and higher education faculty who convened at the request of delegates at NYSUT’s annual convention this year.

The More Teaching Less Testing Task Force was charged with identifying how classrooms might look, sound and feel without highstakes testing. The members were also asked to identify recommendations that could improve and diversify, for evaluating collegeand career-readiness.

“We know that the modern workforce relies on skills like communication, collaboration, and ability to work as part of

a team—skills not necessarily measured by a standardized test,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “When it’s time to graduate, students should have multiple options to show they are ready. Expanding our graduation requirements to allow for career and technical education programs, capstone portfolios, or project-based pathways is how we prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”

In New York, the State Education Department convened a Blue Ribbon Commission to “explore what it means to obtain a diploma in New York state and what that diploma should signify.”

SED’s findings are set for release in November 2023.

In Congress, U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s proposed More Teaching, Less Testing Act would give states options to test less frequently and with more reasonable evaluation measures.

To meet the energy of both of these movements, the NYSUT

Photo Getty Images

Task Force crafted recommendations on both graduation requirements and state and federal testing mandates.

Key proposals include:

• Providing for additional pathways to graduation that do not rely solely on Regents exams, such as capstone projects, experiential and project-based learning, and career and technical education programs.

• Fixing the flawed grades 3-8 assessment system by revising

the content and structure of the exams and delinking the test results from teacher evaluations.

• Revising the federal testing requirements through the proposed More Teaching Less Testing Act with flexibility for states to make the exams more reasonable, useful and less stressful on students. This would allow for a return to a grade-span testing approach or the option to use representative sampling.

The recommendations build upon NYSUT’s firm and longstanding position that overreliance on standardized testing forces a “teach to the test” model that strips the joy of learning and teaching from our classrooms.

If adopted, these policies would revamp federal and state assessment systems to better support students’ natural curiosity and authentic education.

“From kindergarten to 12th grade, our Task Force found the overemphasis on these tests has limited students’ abilities to demonstrate knowledge in various ways and find joy in their exploratory learning,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone. “It is long past time we make policy decisions that support our all of our students, with multiple measures of achievement and across diverse learning styles.”

Visit www.nysut.cc/moreteaching for the full report.

—New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)

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JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

We are Friends Academy.

Let your life speak.

Deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 school year is January 15!

Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island.

We are the #1 ranked private school on Long Island and an independent, college-preparatory Quaker school, serving age 3 - Grade 12.

Our timeless values elevate our outstanding academic program to create a unique educational experience, where your student will be empowered to inquire, reflect, and engage in real-world, life-changing ways.

Scan here to learn more and schedule a visit 270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 516-676-0393 | friendsacademy.org 244225 M

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024

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9A

HOME & DESIGN

Mouse In The House

Understanding the influx and effective control measures

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF editors@antonmediagroup.com

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s winter descends upon us, so does the increased likelihood of finding unwelcome houseguests scurrying across our floors—the house mouse, Mus musculus (scientific). While these tiny rodents may be a common sight throughout the year, their presence tends to peak during the colder months. Understanding why mice seek refuge indoors during winter and adopting effective preventive measures can help homeowners keep their homes rodent-free.

One of the primary reasons for the surge in indoor mouse activity during winter is the quest for warmth and shelter. As temperatures drop outside, mice instinctively search for cozy spaces to escape the harsh conditions. Houses offer an ideal haven, providing mice with warmth, protection from the elements, and a readily available source of food. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces are often left unattended, creating accessible entry points for these rodents.

Mice are highly adaptable creatures, capable of squeezing through tiny openings as small as a dime. As winter approaches, they capitalize on any vulnerabilities in a home’s exterior, exploiting gaps, cracks, and crevices to gain entry. Once inside, they can wreak havoc, causing damage to property, contaminating food, and posing health risks through the spread of diseases and allergens.

To effectively address the issue of increased mice activity in winter, homeowners can adopt a multi-faceted approach: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, identifying and sealing potential entry points. Pay close attention to gaps around windows and doors, utility

entrances, and openings in the foundation.

Use materials like caulk, steel wool, or weather stripping to close off these access points.

Maintain A Clean Environment Mice are attracted to food sources, so keeping your living space clean and well-maintained is crucial. Store food in airtight containers, promptly clean up crumbs and spills, and dispose of garbage regularly. This reduces the incentives for mice to enter your home.

Trim Vegetation And Remove Clutter

Trim branches and vegetation that may

provide mice with easy access to your home.

Remove clutter, such as piles of leaves or firewood, from the vicinity of your house, as these can serve as hiding spots for rodents.

Use Mouse Traps

Strategic placement of mouse traps in key areas can help control an existing infestation. Choose traps that are humane and safe for both pets and humans. Check traps regularly and dispose of captured mice.

Professional Assistance

If the infestation is severe or persistent, seeking the help of professional pest control services may be necessary. Pest

control professionals can assess the situation, identify entry points, and implement effective eradication strategies.

The surge in house mouse activity during winter is a natural response to the need for warmth and shelter. By understanding the reasons behind their intrusion and taking proactive measures to seal entry points, maintain cleanliness, and employ traps, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of a winter rodent infestation. Adopting these practices not only protects your property but also ensures a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.

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Seal Entry Points

Photo Getty Images

10A JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

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Keeping Your Skin Safe From Jack Frost

Skin care tips with Dr. Eve Lupenko JENNIFER CORR

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MORE UPCOMING SHOWS

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

he winter is a season when many people complain of dry skin.

That’s because moisture in the skin is likely to evaporate due to cold and dry air and lack of humidity caused by space heaters and the fireplace. Overly hot baths and showers could also cause dry skin because they strip the skin of natural oils.

“As we get older, our skin dries out more,” said Dr. Eve Lupenko, a dermatologist with Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology in Woodbury. “Especially during the winter, there’s no humidity in the air and the heat ventilation is very drying, so for people who are finding that they’re getting drier, we recommend moisturizers and you have to use the right moisturizer.”

Lotions, Dr. Lupenko said, could make you even drier. And while good for overall health, drinking a lot of water will not reduce dryness in the skin.

“You’re better off using something in a cream formulation,” Dr. Lupenko said, recommending CeraVe Moisturizer Cream and La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizer Cream.

In addition to using the right moisturizer, Dr. Lupenko recommends taking a short shower, five minutes in and out, with warm water instead of hot water.

“Then when you get out of the shower, pat dry, and while you’re still damp get a good moisturizer all over and you want to

get it on within those three minutes because you want to trap the water in the skin,” Dr. Lupenko said. “If it evaporates, if it towel dries off, not only does the water come off the surface of the skin, but it wicks out of the skin also.”

Even though beach season is over, it’s still important to protect your skin from the sun, Dr. Lupenko said.

“I highly recommend broad-spectrum sunblock every day, even in winter, even on cloudy days,” Dr. Lupenko said. “You’re not going to get a sunburn. However, the UVAtanning rays are present all year and they go through glass. And they’re present on cloudy days. And those UVA-tanning rays, while we used to think they were the safer ones, we now know that they go deeper in the skin and these are the rays that cause the signs of aging, like wrinkles, crepey skin, brown spots and also contribute to skin cancer.”

Dr. Lupenko added that there’s no grading system yet for UVA protection, so the only way to know if a sunblock has UVA protection is if it says “broad spectrum.”

“A lot of people will say to me, ‘I have SPF in my makeup and my moisturizer,’” Dr. Lupenko said. “SPF is not a big deal this time of the year. You need something that’s broad spectrum and you’re not putting on enough makeup or moisturizer to really get good sunblock coverage.”

Finally, this time of year is a good time for procedures like botox, fillers, lasers and chemical peels because there’s less exposure to the sunlight and more downtime from events. To learn more about Dr. Lupenko, visit www.greenbergcosmeticsurgery.com/ about/dr-eve-lupenko/.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Long Island Hosts Annual Toy Drive

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) was proud to run its annual Holiday for Kids’ Sake toy and gift card drive in support of over 550 children across Long Island.

“I am once again blown away by the generosity and support of our donors.

Individuals and companies stepped up in a major way to help us sponsor and shop for over 550 children in need this holiday season. I have watched this program grow each year, and I am forever grateful to be part of such a special initiative.” Said Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Meredith Michaels.

For over 20 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island has held this unique holiday giving program, which allows every child in its program, along with all their siblings to submit wish

lists during the holidays. Sponsors sign up to shop for those children, ensuring every wish is met! Going above and beyond to engage friends, colleagues, and neighbors to also join in. We have partners across Long Island, who help us sponsor over 550 children and help to make their holiday season extra special.

On Sunday, December 17th, volunteer drivers arrived at the BBBSLI Nassau headquarters to pickup red sacks filled to the brim with gifts and deliver them straight to the homes of our families.

BBBSLI has been making a positive difference in the lives of Long Island’s youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs.

—Submitted by Big Brothers, Big Sisters

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 11A

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February Events At CSH Whaling Museum

Activities for adults, kids and families Narwhal Ball (For Kids & Families) Feb 4, I 11-4 p.m. (10:30 for Museum Members) The whole family is invited to a wintry celebration! Explore the world of polar sea creatures through special activities and presentations. Gather around for “Storytime with Elsa” as she shares tales from her icy domain and meet the icy queen herself to snap a photo. Indulge in an icy treat with ice cream sponsored

by Kilwin’s of Huntington. Create frosty crafts, including ice paintings and narwhal designs, to take home with you.

Online Tickets: $20 Kid (All Access) $8 adults, $6 seniors; Museum Members - $15 Kids, $5 adults/seniors Door Tickets: $25 Kid (All Access) $8 adults, $6 seniors; Museum Members - $20 Kids, $5 adults/seniors Register online – cshwhalingmuseum. org/narwhal .....................

Crafts & Cocktails: Watercolor Wonders (For Adults 21+) Feb 8, 6:30-8 p.m.

Explore the science of water through the world’s oldest kind of painting - watercolor!

Discover how both sailors and painters learned to exploit the unique properties of water for their own purposes. Harness the power of physics to engineer a colorful layered cocktail to enjoy while you experiment with a variety of fundamental watercolor techniques. Create a nautical watercolor painting to take home. Adults 21+ $30 Participant, $20 Museum Members.

Register online – cshwhalingmuseum. org/events .....................

World Whale Celebration (For Kids & Families) Feb 20, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

From blue whales to belugas, we’ll have a whale of a time celebrating these awesome mammals in honor of World Whale Day! See and touch real whale bones from our collection and learn how you can help keep the oceans safe for these incredible creatures. Make an interactive ocean sensory jar featuring a clay whale of your own creation!

Admission + $10, Members $5 (No registration required.) .....................

From Sea Chanteys to Hip Hop (For Kids & Families) Feb 22, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Did you know that between one-quarter and one-third of all the American whaling crews were people of color? This Black History Month, we’re celebrating the remarkable contributions made by African American whalers to the music sailors sang at sea! Explore the rich traditions of West

African music found in sea chanteys, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Create your own sistrum - a traditional rattle using shells.

Admission + $10, Members $5 (No registration required.) .....................

Beyond the Book: Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge

by Erica Armstrong Dunbar Feb 29, 6:30 p.m.

Delve into the powerful story of an extraordinary young woman’s pursuit of freedom against the backdrop of a young nation founded on the contradictions of freedom and enslavement. Dunbar reconstructs the life of Ona Judge, who fought against her enslavers - George and Martha Washington. Enjoy an intimate look at the museum’s special exhibit - From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora - and discover the surprising role the whaling industry played in carrying people to freedom. $15 Participant, Free for Museum Members Register online – cshwhalingmuseum. org/bookclub .....................

Star Studded Crafts (For Kids) Through March 2024 During Gallery Hours: Thu – Sun, 11-4 p.m.

Enjoy our self-serve crafts inspired by the stars!

Free with admission. .....................

Wish Upon A Star, Scavenger Hunt (For Kids) Through March 2024 During Gallery Hours: Thu – Sun, 11-4 p.m.

Inspired by Disney’s new film Wish, go on a star-themed scavenger hunt in the gallery.

Score a glow-in-the-dark star! Free with admission. .....................

Museum Adventure Activity: Polar Explorers (For Kids) Through Mar 31, 2024 During Gallery Hours: Thu – Sun, 11-4 p.m.

Discover the wonders of the Arctic in this self-guided activity. Hunt for clues and solve puzzles throughout the museum as you follow in the footsteps of early polar explorers. Learn about their incredible journeys and the amazing creatures they discovered.

Decorate your own compass box to take home for your own adventures. Ages 6+ Admission + $10, Members $5 Hours at The Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor: Fall/Winter Gallery Hours: Thu – Sun, 11-4 p.m., Open extra days Feb 19-23.

—Submitted by the Whaling Museum

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ProtectingYour YourFuture Future Protecting Your Future Protecting Protecting Your Future withMichael Michaeland andSuzanne Suzanne Ettinger Ettinger with withMichael Michaeland andSuzanne Suzanne Ettinger Ettinger with Attorneys-at-Law Attorneys-at-Law Attorneys-at-Law Attorneys-at-Law

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON Adapted from author Doug Armey, the following are keys to keeping your brain “lit” as you age.

1.

FLOW. A sedentary life causes brain deterioration.

Blood flow to the brain keeps oxygen in your brain cells which gives them life. Keep moving, walking and get some exercise.

2.

ENERGIZE. Junk food clogs your arteries and lowers energy, causing a sedentary lifestyle. Healthy food gives energy to your body and brain. Refuel and brighten the lights.

3.

RECHARGE. Lack of enough sleep causes deterioration of the brain. Your brain needs downtime to recharge. Give it enough recharging and keep the lights burning bright.

4.

RELAX. Constant high stress has damaging effects on the brain and can lead to destructive habits which add further damage. Learn to control stress and let the lights shine.

5.

ENGAGE. Like muscles your brain needs exercise.

Too often people, after retirement, retire their brains also so they atrophy. Stay engaged, exercise your brain with reading, puzzles and other challenges to keep the lights going on strong.

6.

LOVE. When people grow isolated their brains lack stimulation and they grow dull. Stay connected with family and friends to brighten the lights.

7.

ADVENTURE. Many older people lose their zest for new adventures. You don’t need to climb Everest just break out of dull routines. Any venture out to new places turns up the lights.

8.

PURPOSE. People can lose interest in life after they have retired, feeling they have no purpose. Look for opportunities to volunteer. Helping others keeps the lights flaming.

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WORD FIND

12A JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

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This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direct always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you hav

By Holiday Holiday Mathis

By Holiday Mathis pleted the puzzle, there will be 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

By Mathis

HOROSCOPES HOROSCOPES

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND The human body

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Complex problems invite your brilliance. You won’t take them on thinking you’ll solve them, and this humility contributes to your success. People who believe they already know are impossible to teach. Seeding doubt can be the first step in leveling up. Bonus: Looking at the situation from dozens of angles, you’ll see much beauty in it.

WORD FIND The human body Solution: 16 Letters

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Looking back on the year, you notice goals met and unmet. Keep in mind that your strongest accomplishments can be from things that are hard to quantify. You will continue to find fortification through uplifting others, fostering harmony in the world, crafting beauty, promoting well-being and dismantling obstacles to emotional brightness.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When a relationship takes you both higher and lower, maybe it’s love. Love is an experience of vividness that tests your heart’s elasticity. Anyone can pick and choose the good qualities while trying to change the bad. Love does more. It accepts the full range and makes room for the complete person. Don’t forget to love yourself this way, too.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You will be challenged this week to lose your projections, biases and expectations. To anticipate one thing and get another could cause you to react in a way that’s less fitting for the reality of a situation. To achieve the optimum state of readiness, you must be ready for anything -- what you want, what you don’t want, the known and unknown world...

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The difference between good fortune and misfortune is impossible to know in real time. You’ll be happiest when you take off all pressure to define the situation. Remain positive and let love lead you to react accordingly. You’ll turn good things into better things. You’ll turn difficult situations into opportunities to grow and show grace.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have nothing to prove this week, not to yourself and not to anyone else. In the absence of any sense of striving, you operate from a position of sincerity, and your choices have great integrity. You know what’s yours and you own it completely. This extends to responsibilities and prizes, problems, opportunities, gifts and more.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Because you’re always evolving, don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little embarrassed about former decisions and incarnations. That just goes with the territory for lifelong learners. When the old work seems small and weird, it’s evidence of how much you’ve grown. You’ll continue to challenge yourself and blossom.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re very dear to others and they consider you more often than you might guess. However, this week, you will be especially receptive, and in quiet moments you will feel people thinking of you and be assured of your strong connection. You’ll also have an impact in the lives of strangers, as casual interactions will be filled with meaning.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Whether creating tight relationships, finding your passion or building a beautiful lifestyle, for the important things in life, there is no right or wrong way, but there are definitely better and worse fits for you.

You’ll experiment to find an excellent groove. You’ll try a few things that don’t work before you get to what does.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll turn out very intelligent work, but oddly enough, it will feel like you don’t even have to think about it. You’re subconsciously dialed in, using your innate talents and doing what comes very naturally to you. And just as you sometimes think better mindlessly, you will also see amazing things with your eyes closed.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You rise to ever-greater heights. You’ll be struck by dazzling inspiration, and you’ll also get to brilliance through your amazing work ethic that requires no motivation, only dedication. More highlights: You’ll feel called to novel places and activities that stretch you where you’ll wind up meeting kindred spirits. It feels like destiny, and it is. You’ll sock away a large sum for a later date and watch it grow. You’ll be able to help someone who really needs it, and you will someday count this among your proudest moments.

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Ankle joint Anus Aorta Arch Arms Bladder Blood vessels Bones Bowel Brow Cell Coccyx

Duct Eyelashes Femur Foot Ankle joint Heart Anus Heel Aorta Hips Arch Arms IliumBladder Blood Instep Knee vessels Bones LegsBowel LiverBrow LobeCell Coccyx

Lung Mouth Nails Navel Lung Duct Neck Mouth Eyelashes Femur Node Nails Foot Nose Navel Heart Neck Oral Heel Node Hips Palm Nose Ilium Pore Oral Instep Palm Pubis Pore Knee Legs Pubis Sebaceous Sebaceous Liver gland Lobe

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FROM KING FEATURES SYNDICATE, 300 W. 57th STREET, 41st FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Solution: An amazing machine Solution: An amazing machine

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). To love who you are is among the greatest successes you could achieve. Contentedness is a talent, a discipline and a state of being from which much good can spring. Before you set your sights on new goals, prioritize your relationship with yourself. The attention you place there is well placed indeed, and from there all else will fall into alignment.

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ve a strong sense of being in control. You’ll cultivate contentedness and declare the meaning and relevance of all that’s in your life. You’ll be running at full capacity. Everything orders itself because it must, so you’re extremely organized and so efficient that everything gets handled in good time.

Solution: 16 Letters

Creators Syndicate

Crea tors te 737 3rd Syndica Street • Hermosa 90254 CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.Beach, 236CA

Date: 1/10/24

Date: 1/10/24 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com By Steve Becker

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER

CONTRACT BRIDGE

FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

The pause that refreshes South dealer.

Both sides vulnerable.

NORTH ♠AJ96 ♥ J 10 5 ♦AQ73 ♣7 4 WEST EAST ♠84 ♠ K Q 10 5 3 2 ♥A K 7 4 ♥Q 9 6 3 2 ♦52 ♦4 ♣Q J 9 6 2 ♣5 SOUTH ♠7 ♥8 ♦ K J 10 9 8 6 ♣ A K 10 8 3 The bidding: South West North East 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 3♦ Pass 4 NT Pass 5♥ Pass 6♦ Opening lead — king of hearts.

A conscientious declarer tries to guard against all possible distributions of the adverse cards. Even when a contract seems certain, he should ask himself, “What can defeat me?”

This habitually cautious approach can pay handsome dividends. Had South been a practicing member of this school, he would have made six diamonds on today’s deal instead

of going down one.

West led the K-A of hearts.

Declarer ruffed the second heart, drew two rounds of trump and cashed the A-K of clubs. When East showed out on the second club, declarer was in trouble. He couldn’t ruff his three club losers with dummy’s two remaining trumps, so he eventually lost a club and went down one.

By drawing two rounds of trump, South in effect staked the outcome on a 4-2 or 3-3 club division — an 84% probability. But it did not protect against a 5-1 club division, a 15% probability.

To guard against this possibility, declarer should have drawn only one round of trump and then played the A-K of clubs. Had he done this, he could have ruffed three clubs in dummy and made the slam.

The basis for choosing this line of play is that only a bad club break can defeat the slam. But if the player with the singleton club started with only one trump, the slam can still be made.

It is true that if the defender with one club has more than one trump, this line of play will fail. But in that case, the slam is highly unlikely to make no matter how declarer proceeds.

Tomorrow: Killing defense. ©2024 King Features Syndicate Inc.

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7

Lea Caplan To Be Honored At Temple Beth-El L

ongtime volunteer Lea Caplan, a retired CPA of 40 years who currently completes tax returns for lower-income seniors through AARP’s Tax Aide, will be honored at an enhanced Shabbat service at Temple Beth-El (TBE) on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 10:30 a.m.

The community is welcome to celebrate Caplan, an active participant in Sisterhood, Torah Study, the rabbi’s Siddur class and the Worship Committee.

“Lea is always there to help out when you need her, from setting up Shabbat lunch to ensuring the technology is working properly,” said TBE Rabbi A. Brian Stoller. “She is a dedicated student. An accountant by trade, she brings a logical, analytical approach to our class discussions. Her curiosity and sharp intellect are matched by her warm and caring heart.

Lea is a treasure to the TBE community, and I feel blessed to know her.”

Before joining TBE, Caplan and her husband, Sandy, spent Jewish holidays with their families. Caplan grew up in Albany attending religious school at Temple Israel, a Conservative congregation; her husband grew up in Port Washington belonging to Temple Judea, a Reform synagogue.

“When our older son, Evan, started kindergarten, we wanted him to begin in an after-school Jewish education program and

LEGAL GREAT NECK LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS NOT A PERMIT New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Notice of Complete Application D ate: 12/20/2023 Applicant: BELGRAVE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL DIST PO BOX 408 GREAT NECK, NY 110220408 F acility: BELGRAVE WPCD 34-01 255TH ST|2/374/8-11 GREAT NECK, NY 11022 Application ID : 1-282200043/00001 Permits( s) Applied for: 1 - Article 17 Titles 7 & 8 Municipal SPDES - Surface Discharge Proj ect is located: in NORTH HEMPSTEAD in NASSAU COUNTY Proj ect D escription: The Department has prepared a draft permit and has made a tentative determination, subject to public comment or other information, to approve a renewal and modification of Permit NY0026841 pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 750-1.18, and 750-1.19, the Priority Ranking System known as New York State’s Environ-

had to decide whether to join a Conservative or Reform temple,” explained Caplan.

“Sandy felt he would be uncomfortable at a Conservative one; I was willing to try a Reform temple, and we heard TBE had a great kindergarten program. This was 1990, and Cantor Lisa Hest had just started at TBE. I found her tunes familiar and knew it would be a great match.”

The family’s involvement began with religious school and Friday night services. Over time, Caplan and her husband joined Sisterhood, Brotherhood and the Young Couples Club. She eventually became Sisterhood treasurer and held that position for six years.

While the boys were teens, Caplan became a regular at Torah Study. When her youngest, Seth, left for college in 2006, she joined the adult confirmation class.

“The following two years were tough for Sandy and me, as he lost his father and I lost both my mother and stepmother,” noted Caplan. “Being part of Torah Study and confirmation class was very comforting. We studied some Central Conference of American Rabbis responsa, and I was able to discuss the Reform practices dealing with death with our rabbis. Though we knew we made the right choice by joining TBE, the confirmation class truly cemented our decision.”

During COVID, the long-standing Worship Committee member helped coordinate

mental Benefit Permit Strategy (EBPS). This modification will also serve to renew the SPDES permit, the term of which was extended under the State Administrative Procedures Act (SAPA).

The Belgrave Water WPCD is a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) that receives flow from domestic users with effluent consisting of treated sanitary wastewater.

Treatment consists of preliminary, primary, secondary and disinfection. Discharge is through outfall 001 to Little Neck Bay, a Class SB waterbody.

The proposed changes to the permit are are summarized as follows: remove Schedule of Compliance for Total Residual Chlorine and Nitrogen; remove Quantification and Removals Study for Copper; add Mercury Minimization Program (MMP) – Type IV; add Schedule of Compliance for Bacterial Assessment Study for Enterococci; add Schedule of Additional Submittals; update Total Copper limit; add Biennial Pollutant Scan; add summer Nitrogen, Ammonia Total (as N) Action Level; add Enterococci Daily Maximum monitoring and final effluent limit to permit limits table; reduce Total Residual Chlorine Limit; add

and lead Shabbat services on Zoom. She is also part of TBE’s social justice group that promotes voting, participates in Whitney Pond Park cleanups and is an usher during Yom Kippur services.

“I know Lea through our work on the Worship Committee, our attendance at Torah Study, our participation at services and through social action,” said congregant Howard Herman. “Her observations and questions are always on point and demonstrate her selflessness and concern for others. She more than carries her share in everything she volunteers for. Her high moral and ethical standards reverberate through all she does. I am proud to call her a friend and confidante.”

Join Caplan when she discusses the parashah Va’Eira at 5 Old Mill Rd. in Great Neck. To learn more, call 516-487-0900, visit www.tbegreatneck.org or email info@ tbegreatneck.org.

—Submitted by Temple Beth-El of Great Neck

Longtime Temple Beth-El volunteer Lea Caplan will be honored at an enhanced Shabbat morning service on Saturday, Jan. 13. (Contributed photo)

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LEGAL NOTICES WET testing action levels; update percent removal for CBOD5; remove the First and Second Incremental Water Quality Based Effluent Limits and Monitoring LISS TMDL table; update Nitrogen, Ammonia (as N); complete details and changes are identified in the drfat permit and fact sheet. As a result of the EBPS full technical review, a new five-year term is proposed.

The draft SPDES permit with fact sheet is available online at https://dec.ny.gov/fs/projects/draftpermits. The draft permit files are contained within regional folders and named by the SPDES number contained in this notice.

Requests for a legislative (public statement) hearing must be sent in writing to the DEC contact person below by the comment deadline. The Department assesses such requests pursuant to 6 NYCRR Section 621.8. Refer to this application by the application number listed above and SPDES Number NY0026841.

Availability of Application D ocuments: Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact per-

son. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

St ate E nvironmental Q uality R eview ( SE Q R ) D etermination Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment.

A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.

SE Q R Lead Agency None Designated St ate H istoric Preservation Act ( SH PA) D etermination The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The application type is exempt and/or the project involves the continuation of an existing operational activity.

Coastal M anagement This project is located in a Coastal Management area and is subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act. D E C Commissioner Policy 29, E nvironmental Justice and Permitting ( CP-29) It has been determined that the proposed action is not subject to CP-29.

Availability F or Public Comment Comments on this project must be submitted in writing

to the Contact Person no later than 01/26/2024 or 30 days after the publication date of this notice, whichever is later.

Contact Person JAMES J ELDRED NYSDEC 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233 (518) 402-9158 1-10-2024-1T-#244427-GN

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of NEXTGEN GARDENS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of NY on December 4, 2023. Office location: Nassau County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 40 Schenck Avenue #2L, Great Neck NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity.

2-14-7; 1-31-24-17-10-20246T-#244415-GN LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, Two Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider the adoption of the budget and salary schedule for the fiscal year beginning

March 1, 2024 and ending February 28, 2025. This meeting will only take place if the budget is not adopted at the regularly scheduled Board meeting of January 17, 2024.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all persons interested in the 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 M. Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer 1-10-2024-1T-#244494-GN LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, Two Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider the adoption of the final budget and salary schedule for the fiscal year beginning March 1, 2024 and ending February 28, 2025.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all persons interested in the 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 M. Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer 1-10-2024-1T-#244533-GN LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bidders BOARD OF EDUCATION Great Neck Union Free School District The Board of Education of the Great Neck Union Free School District (hereinafter “the School District”), in accordance with Section 103 of Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, hereby invites reputable and qualified bidders to submit sealed bids for the provision of supplies, materials, and services for the following: Interior and Exterior Building Repairs (Bid # 2023-24-18) Bid specifications may be obtained from the School District’s Purchasing Office, which is located in the Phipps Administration Building, 345 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, New York, 11020, Monday through Friday, excluding school holidays, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by contacting the purchasing agent via email (jmarContinued on page 8

8

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

SPORTS & RECREATION

Great Neck School District Sports Schedule Girls Junior Varsity Basketball • Friday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m., Girls JV Basketball vs. East Meadow High School at East Meadow Great Neck South High School High School • Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m., Girls Boys Varsity Basketball JV Basketball vs. Herricks High • Friday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., Boys School at Herricks High School Basketball vs. East Meadow Boys and Girls Fencing High School at Great Neck • Friday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m., Fencing South High School vs. Syosset High School at Great • Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., Boys Neck South High School Basketball vs. Herricks High School at Great Neck South Wrestling High School • Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m., The Great Neck Public School District is currently in its 2023-24 winter sports season. Below are some upcoming games:

Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Wrestling vs. Roslyn High School at Great Neck South High School • Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m., Boys JV Basketball vs. Herricks High Great Neck North High School School at Great Neck South Boys Varsity Basketball High School • Friday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m., Boys Basketball vs. Carey High School Girls Varsity Basketball at Carey High School • Friday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., Girls • Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., Boys Basketball vs. East Meadow Basketball vs. Roslyn High High School at East Meadow School at Roslyn High School High School • Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7p.m., Girls —Information compiled by Basketball vs. Herricks High Julie Prisco School at Herricks High School

LEGAL NOTICES Continued from page 7 tin@gr eatneck.k12.ny .us ) or pho ne ( 516- 441-4070) .

Bid subm issions w il l be receiv ed by the School D istrict, at the same address, unt il 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31, at w hich time and pl ace they w il l be ope ned and read al oud. T here w il l be no discus sion at the time of bi d ope ning. Bids subm itted after this time and date w il l not be considered. I ncompl ete bi ds may not be considered.

T he School D istrict reserv es the right to w aive any informal ities in the bi ds, rej ect any or al l bi ds, and/ or mak e a ful l or pa rtial aw ard.

T he School D istrict fur ther reserve s the right to consider expe rience, servi ce, and repu tation in connection w ith the serv ices to be rendered. I n addition, the School D istrict reserve s the right to consider the financial responsibility and specific qualifications of the p rospe ctive bi dders, as set forth in the bid specifications, in its eva l ua tion of the bi ds and aw ard of the contracts.

1-10-2024-1T -#244546- G N LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bidders BOARD OF EDUCATION Great Neck Union Free School District PUBLIC NOTICE is hereb y g iv en for sep arate seal ed b ids for: Bond and Capi-

Great Neck Students Receive Outstanding Physical Education Awards Four students from the Great Neck Public Schools are recipients of the Outstanding Physical Education Award from the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD). Congratulations to award winners Lillian Wu and Dylan Yaghoutiel from North High School, and Michael Angelaras and Shannon Ethier from South High School.

The Outstanding Physical Education Award honors high school seniors who are recognized as leaders in physical education and serve as role models to their peers.

Award recipients lead a healthy and physically active lifestyle, and demonstrate responsible behaviors such as good sportsmanship, character, and citizenship. The Nassau Zone Outstanding Physical Education Awards Ceremony was held on Dec. 4 at The Inn at New Hyde Park.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District Shannon Ethier and Michael Angelaras are pictured with South High School Athletic Director Don Herr. (Contributed photos)

LEGAL NOTICES

tal Improvement Projects (STEM Lab Expansion) at North Middle School. Bids w il l b e receiv ed b y the School D istrict u ntil 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 31, 2024, at the Phipps Administration Building, 345 L ak ev il l e R oad, G reat N eck , N ew Y ork 11020, at w hich time and p l ace they w il l b e p u b l icl y op ened and read al ou d.

T he Contract D ocu ments may b e ex amined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); how ev er the Contract D ocu ments may onl y b e ob tained thru the Office of REV Plans, 28 Church Street-Suite 7, Warwick, New York 10990 (877-272-0216) b eg inning on Wednesday January 10, 2024. Comp l ete dig ital sets of Contract D ocu ments shal l b e ob tained onl ine ( w ith a free u ser accou nt) as a dow nl oad for a non-refundable fee of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the fol l ow ing w eb site: bbs.biddyhq.com O p tional l y , in l ieu of dig ital cop ies, hard cop ies may b e ob tained directl y from R E V u p on a deposit of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each comp l ete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the GREAT NECK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT and may b e u ncertified. All bid addenda will

Dylan Yaghoutiel and Lillian Wu are pictured with North High School Athletic Director Mitch Braun.

b e transmitted to reg istered p l an hol ders v ia email and w il l b e av ail ab l e at the ab ov e referenced w eb sites. Any b idder requiring documents to be ship p ed shal l mak e arrang ements w ith the p rinter and p ay for al l p ack ag ing and ship p ing costs. P l an hol ders w ho hav e ob tained hard cop ies of the b id docu ments w il l need to mak e the determination if hard cop ies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directl y w ith the p rinter for hard cop ies of addenda to b e issu ed. T here w il l b e no charg e for reg istered p l an hol ders to ob tain hard cop ies of the b id addenda. T he b id dep osit for hard cop ies w il l b e retu rned u p on receip t of plans and specifications, in g ood condition, w ithin thirty day s after b id date, ex cep t for the l ow est resp onsib l e b idder, w hose check w il l b e forfeited u p on the aw ard of the contract.

A non-mandatory pre-bid site walk through is scheduled for January 17, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., at North Middle School, 77 Polo Road, Great Neck, NY 11023. Meet at the main entrance.

T he Contract w il l b e aw arded to the l ow est resp onsib l e b idder or the b ids w il l b e rej ected w ithin 45 day s of the date of op ening . T he School D istrict reserv es the discretionary rig ht to w aiv e any informal ities, to accep t or rej ect any al ternativ es, or to rej ect

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

that the sole remedy for indirectly by the COVID-19 mined in the sole discretion al l b ids and adv ertise for new b ids if in its op inion the b est any schedule modifications pandemic shall be an ex- of the School District.

1-10-2024-1T -#244547- G N interest of the School D istrict or delays caused directly or tension of time, to be deterw il l thereb y b e p romoted.

Bidder may not w ithdraw its bid until forty-five ( ) day s after the b id op ening , ex cep t in accordance w ith G eneral M u nicip al L aw Section 103( 11) .

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting uncertainty with regard to when the Owner’s schools will be in session during the 20232024 school year, the restrictions, if any, applicable to construction activities in the Owner’s facilities as a result of State, Federal or Local orders, laws, regulations or rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic (including but not limited to prevention measures of social distancing and disinfecting), and the duration of any such restrictions, the Owner may modify the construction schedule, including the anticipated start date, set forth in the Contract/Bid Documents. By submitting a bid, the Bidder consents to any such schedule modification and further acknowledges and agrees that there shall be no additional compensation for schedule modifications caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bidder further acknowledges and agrees

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SCHOOL NEWS GREAT NECK FACULTY ACHIEVE, MAINTAIN NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION The Great Neck Public Schools is pleased to announce that three faculty members have been recognized among the National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) class of 2023. Dr. Jo-AnnEyre Cruz, director of guidance at South High School, and Erica MacDonald, school counselor at South High, are among 50 accomplished educators from New York State who achieved National Board Certification this year. Additionally, North Middle special education teacher Savannah Ahern, who earned her National Board Certification in 2018, is recognized as a Maintained NBCT. National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have earned recognition as outstanding educators through a rigorous, performance-based, peer-review process, demonstrating their proven impact on student learning and achievement. Certification is valid for five years; Maintained NBCTs have achieved an additional fiveyear certification through continued demonstration of educational excellence and leadership.

Savannah Ahern serves as the faculty advisor for the North Middle Garden/Greenhouse Club. She previously coached several GNPS athletic teams, including boys varsity swimming at North High as well as girls swimming and diving, winter track, and spring track at North Middle. She was recognized by Section VIII as the 2017 Nassau County Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year.

In May 2022, she was awarded a LifeChanger of the Year Certificate of Excellence through an annual program by the National Life Group Foundation that celebrates K-12 educators and school employees making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.

Dr. Jo-AnnEyre Cruz

Erica MacDonald has served as a school counselor for Great Neck public and private school students since 2016. She started in her current role as a member of the South High guidance department in 2020, and she took on administrative responsibilities this past summer as an assistant principal for the GNPS Summer School program. Prior to her arrival at South

Dr. Jo-AnnEyre Cruz has been a member of the South High guidance department for 16 years, and she has served as department chair Savannah Ahern for eight years. Her career in educaSavannah Ahern first achieved tion spans 20 years, including four National Board Certification in years as a math teacher and one 2018 and she was recognized year as a high school counselor in as a Maintained NBCT in 2023. the Bronx. She serves as the faculty Ms. Ahern is a special education advisor for South High’s Communiteacher at North Middle School, ty Action Committee. where she has taught for the past Dr. Cruz is also currently an 10 years. Before arriving in Great Adjunct Assistant Professor at St. Neck, she taught for two years in the NYC Department of Education. John’s University, which is where she earned her Educational DocIn addition to her work inside the classroom, Ms. Ahern currently torate in Instructional Leadership.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: CHRISTA FULTON MEMORIAL TEACHER AWARD The Great Neck Public Schools encourages alumni to consider nominating a GNPS educator for the annual Christa Fulton Memorial Teacher Award. The deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024.

The sole purpose of this award is to recognize GNPS educators who have had a profound impact on the lives of students. Alumni from North High School, South High School, and Village School may nominate an elementary teacher, a secondary school teacher, a guidance counselor, or a social worker for this award.

A nomination letter detailing how the selected teacher has had an impact on the individual’s life must be submitted via Google Form (https://forms.gle/ZUpknKGeqhPFHd9H7). Authors should

Dr. Jo-AnnEyre Cruz

(Contributed photos)

identify themselves only by their student number, which may be obtained from the guidance office at the high school they attended (or for Village School graduates, the middle school attended). Nominations are due by Jan 31.

A five-member award committee will carefully consider all nominations and select two recipients based on the perceived impact that the teachers had on their students’ lives.

For additional information about this award, including the nomination and selection process, contact Dr. Stephen C. Lando, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, at slando@ greatneck.k12.ny.us.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District

Erica MacDonald

National Board Certification National Board Certification is awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

NBCTs have earned recognition as outstanding educators through a rigorous, performance-based, peer-review process, demonstrating their proven impact on student learning and achievement.

Candidates for this certification must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, teaching practice, Erica MacDonald and use of data and assessments.

The certification process—which High, she was a college countakes several years to comselor at the North Shore Hebrew plete—requires portfolio entries, Academy. Ms. MacDonald’s career computer-based assessments, also includes work as a director of and standards-based evidence of guidance for schools in Arizona successful teaching strategies. and upstate New York.

The Teacher Center in the Great Ms. MacDonald is the faculty Neck Public Schools offers support advisor for the Great Neck Female for educators working toward their National Board Certification.

Empowerment Society and a coParticipating teachers represent a chair of South High Shared-Decision Making Committee. A former wide range of grade levels and subject areas, and National Board-cerprofessional ice skater who once toured Southeast Asia and Australia tified mentors who offer guidance with “Disney on Ice” and currently throughout the process. Educators work collaboratively to share competes on a national competsuccessful strategies, strengthen itive adult synchronized skating educational programs, and work team, Ms. MacDonald has shared toward the personal and profesher talents as an ice skating coach sional accomplishment of achievat the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink in Great Neck since 2008. She ing National Board Certification. resides in Great Neck and has two —Submitted by the Great Neck children enrolled in the District.

Public Schools District

SOUTH MIDDLE STUDENTS SHINE IN MOMATHLON TOURNAMENT On Dec. 20, two teams of students from South Middle School’s Math Team traveled to Brookhaven National Laboratory to compete in the Long Island Regional MoMathlon. This regional tournament features middle school students from across Long Island competing in three rounds of mathematical problems: individual round, team round, and mix-up rounds.

In the lower division of the

individual round, South Middle students earned four of the top five spots: Austin Chen placed first, Zale Zhang placed second, Nathan Yu placed third, and Yu Han Chen placed fifth. In the upper division of the individual round, Michael Sun came in fourth place.

During the team round, South Middle’s Team A finished in second place and Team B came in third place. Team A has been in-

vited to the MoMath Tournament of Champions on Jan. 17, where they will compete against middle school teams in New York City.

The MoMathlon competition is co-sponsored by the National Museum of Math, Con Edison, and the Brookhaven National Laboratory. The faculty advisor of the South Middle Math Team is Nathan Wong, science teacher.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District

South Middle School’s MoMathlon participants are pictured with Nathan Wong, science teacher/math team faculty advisor (left) and William Giannone, math department head (right). (Contributed photo)

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JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

L LI IW IW LIW

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

LONG ISLAND WEEKLY

The New York State Department Of Transportation Has A New Podcast The stories behind the state’s vast transportation network

JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

P

icture this: you’re traveling somewhere upstate to see family or go skiing, and you see a truck ahead of you dumping salt on the highway.

You may have wondered before what goes into a snow and ice response, but now, the New York State Department of Transportation provides an opportunity to hear from DOT employees directly through a podcast called the DOT POD. The podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Amazon Music, making for easy listening in your vehicle while traveling.

Josh Heller and Anya Kardos are the podcast hosts.

Kardos has worked in the news business for 24 years, starting at the ABC affiliate in Detroit,Mich., moving onto Lansing, Mich. and then to Albany, N.Y. Heller’s background is in sports broadcasting. He did play-by-play broadcasting for mostly hockey teams, traveling the country with different teams until ending up in Albany working for a minor league hockey team. He was doing voiceover work before getting the job at the DOT. “We’re constantly looking for new and innovative ways to get our stories and get our messages out there,” Heller said. “This was just a new way to do that, maybe a new audience to reach, and a way to not only talk about what

we do and why we do it but also the people who are on the ground doing it.”

Kardos added that the podcast gives the public an opportunity to see the people behind the projects and their keen insights on what makes the state’s transportation network work.

“We’re much more than just bridges and structures,” Kardos said. “We are people here. We’re one DOT.”

Heller said that so far, putting together the DOT POD has been a smooth process.

“I think the one thing that struck me when I came here from a news background, as someone who is always looking for the next great story, is that this place is not lacking for that at all,” Kardos said. “There are great stories, not just behind the projects, everywhere you turn, across the state with DOT. And that is what really struck me, from the get-go, is how many great people there are here and all the interesting work that they’re doing.”

Heller said he was impressed when he found out that the DOT is made up of almost 8,000 employees.

“That blew my mind, just how a well-oiled machine has to be for things that frankly we take for granted,” Heller said. “The amount of work that goes into what we see every day is staggering.” The DOT POD, for

now, updates every two weeks.

Podcast titles released so far include “Harry White Joins the DOT POD,” “Snow and Ice Spectacular” and “Road Salt.”

When asked what has been the most interesting part of organizing this podcast series, Kardos said it’s been getting to know the DOT employees outside of their careers.

“There’s a lot of folks here who have amazing hobbies,” Kardos said. “There are some folks who are really into beekeeping, maple syrup making, dance and comedy, like with Harry White. Our first episode featured Harry White, because he uses a mix of humor to kind of express very complex ideas.”

Harry White is a bridge engineer with

decades of experience who is known for combining his wit and hilarious anecdotes to break down concepts behind the department’s bridge designs. And while he jokes that he makes “tens of dollars” as a stand-up comic, he has opened for some A-List comedians.

On the show, White discusses his passion for engineering and making serious ideas fun while also widening the door for the next generation of engineers in New York.

Recruiting the next generation of DOT employees was not the impetus for the DOT POD; however, both Heller and Kardos said, it certainly has the ability for people who are looking to make a change in their lives to explore what a career with the DOT might look like.

“I think it definitely opens a window of a perspective of what someone can do here,” Kardos said. “If you’re a young person and you’re interested in the mechanical trades, there’s so many programs. We have an internship program, we have a partnership with the [State University of New York] Illustration Getty Images

SUNY system, and we have a lot of outreach and connections within the communities of the state that really open doors for people who might be considering a career with DOT.” So far, Heller said, the feedback from the DOT POD has been positive, both internally and externally.

“It’s been great so far,” Heller said.

To listen to episodes of the DOT POD, visit webapps.dot.ny.gov/podcast.

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • JANUARY 10 - 16, 2024

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