Manhasset Press 3/13/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.7

Key Changes In The Air

Christ Church Manhasset gains new organist

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

The sound of a church organ is iconic. The organ at Christ Church is no exception; the notes reverberate, filling the space with sound that seems to come from the very stones. The instrument itself dominates, the pipes reaching heavenward from either side of a massive stained glass window.

But without a skilled musician, the instrument cannot inspire. Fortunately, Christ Church has been in the capable hands of two such musicians: Merideth Baker manned the keys off and on starting in 1978 until November of 2023, and then her lifelong friend and successor, Leslie Waltzer, took over.

Baker has made a career out of liturgical music. She began in the city at Church of the Heavenly Rest, but when she heard about several openings on Long Island she came to audition, first at Christ Church and then at South Shore Lutheran. “I was playing the postlude after the service when someone came up to me and said, ‘there’s a phone call for you.’ And it was Frank Johnston, the rector then (at Christ Church) saying, ‘Would you take the job? Would you please come up and speak to us right now?’ and I said, ‘Well, I have to finish the song, but yes.’ Baker recalled.

She did take the job, which allowed her many musical opportunities beyond just playing the organ for services. “I had a youth choir of 30 kids. I had adult choir of almost 30 and that includes a paid quartet…I bought handbells. It was a lovely time,” Baker said.

that,” said Baker.

Waltzer has also been a lifelong musician. “I had a career as an opera singer for a number of years, and I did a lot of traveling, freelancing. I also have been a pianist and an organist since an early age. And I’ve always had liturgical work. Liturgical music has been a focus for me since I was in high school,” Waltzer said. “So yeah, I’ve had a long music career, doing many, many different things.”

You feel like you’re in an English country church-

yard when you walk to the church, and the people are so warm and hospitable.

—Leslie Waltzer, Organist

At this time, however, she was also completing her doctorate. So she made a move to Cold Spring Harbor, and then ultimately ended up at the Catholic chapel for West Point, where she was director of music for 25 years. When she retired in 2016, she returned to Long Island and shortly thereafter, to Christ Church Manhasset. “I came and it was glorious. One of my youth choir members from before was now senior warden of the church. It’s sort of a strange flipping of responsibilities. It was like coming home. And I really enjoyed

Waltzer started at the church right before Christmas, and seemed to step in without missing a beat. “I started on November 5, 2023. It was just a serendipitous occurrence because I had just reconnected with Meredith the year before. I had done some sub work for her singing at Christ Church and then I was subbing for other organists in Nassau and Suffolk counties. And so then Meredith indicated to me that she was going to retire, and would I be interested.”

Coming out of the pandemic has been difficult for many activities where people gather, and Christ Church is no exception. The church did provide online services, with Baker playing in her home. “I liked the commute, because during COVID We just did Zoom services. So I was commuting from my kitchen to my music room to play

my Steinway for services on Zoom,” said Baker.

Both Waltzer and Baker said the new rector, Stephen Tamke, helped to foster a supportive environment for the music program. “Father Stephen is a dream to work for and work with. And the choir is so accomplished. I’m just looking forward to continuing what Meredith established and working with Father Stephen and all the possibilities going forward. Now that we’re out of COVID, of course, it’s a little easier,” Waltzer said.

“We’re hoping that more people will discover that Stephen is just a magnificent director. And that Leslie has a great, great handle on this program, and that the church will grow again, because COVID and

everything else really was difficult,” said Baker.

Waltzer, for her part, is looking forward to continuing the legacy Baker has created at Christ Church. “I have big shoes to fill. But I it’s just such a beautiful program. It’s such a high level of music making… I’ve worked in a lot of places, in a lot of different churches, and I can say that Christ Church is almost heaven sent. It’s just such a beautiful place. You feel like you’re in an English country churchyard when you walk to the church, and the people are so warm and hospitable. There’s a lot of wonderful activities and after church events and things, so it’s been just wonderful. I can’t say enough positive about Christ Church. I tell all my musician friends how lucky I am.”

The organ and pipes at Christ Church Manhasset. (Photos by Christ Church Manhasset)

Meredith Baker and Leslie Waltzer

Village Elections March 19

The Village of Flower Hill

The official polling site will be Village Hall, located at 1 Bonnie Heights Rd., Manhasset. between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Call (516)627-5000 for more information.

The following offices will be filled at the 2024 election:

Mayor

Nominee: Incumbent Mayor Randall Rosenbaum

Village Justice

Nominee: Dennis Reisman

Trustee

Nominee: Claire Dorfman

Trustee

Nominee: Gary Lewandowski

Trustee

Nominee: Arthur Smith

The Village of Munsey Park

The official polling site will be Munsey Park Village Hall, 1777 Northern Blvd., Munsey Park, between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Call (516)365-7790 for more information.

The following offices will be filled at the 2024 election:

Trustee Nominee: Greg LiCalzi

Trustee Nominee: Regina Im

The Village of Plandome

The official polling site will be Plandome

Village Hall, 65 South Drive, Plandome, NY between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Call (516)627-1748 for more information.

The following offices will be filled at the 2024 election:

Mayor

Nominee: John Kurkjian Trustee

Nominee: James Corcoran

Trustee

Nominee: Robert Broderick

Trustee

Nominee: Damien Quinn

The Village of Plandome Heights

The official polling site will be Plandome Heights Village Hall, 37 Orchard Street,

Marilyn Lichtman Foundation Gives $10k Grant To Guidance Center

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Long Island’s leading not-for-profit children’s mental health center, is honored to announce that The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation has donated $10,000 towards supporting the Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court.

The Children’s Center at Nassau Family Court is a program of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center that offers a place of respite for children whose families have business in court. More than a babysitting service, the Children’s Center is an early-learning environment that fosters developmental skills through age-appropriate play, activities, and free books for the children to take home. Every aspect of the Children’s Center is designed with kids in mind, allowing them to explore new things in a structured, professionally supervised way.

“Many of the organizations we support involve children in many different situations,” said Robert Brull, President of the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation. “As a former investigator, I’ve seen what trauma can fall upon children from court cases, especially cases involving divorce and/or child abuse. Giving a child the ability to feel safe and comfortable while parents or guardians go through the court’s justice system is a positive step in reducing emotional damage to the child.”

Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, Director of

Robbery Of USPS Letter Carriers

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) who robbed USPS letter carriers on January 27, 2024. The first incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. near 217 Thompson Shore Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030. The second incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. near 25818 Kensington Pl., Great Neck, NY 11020.

Take no action to apprehend this person yourself. If you have any information about this incident, please contact the: U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say

Manhasset, NY between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Email Info@PlandomeHeights-ny.gov for more information.

The following offices will be filled at the 2024 election:

Mayor

Nominee: Kenneth C. Riscica Trustee

Nominee: Eric Carlson Trustee

Nominee: Mary Hauck Trustee

Nominee: Kristina Lobosco

the Leeds Place — Serving Young People, expressed immense gratitude towards the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s generous donation. “Our goal at the Children’s Center is to keep kids out of the courtroom and provide a safe place for them to grow,” said Dr. TaylorWalthrust. “The Center is free for any family with business at Nassau County Family Court, so this grant will allow us to continue and expand upon this important program. Thank you to Robert and the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for caring about our children.”

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation honors the legacy of Marilyn Lichtman through philanthropic contributions to those in need throughout our community, aiming to enhance the lives of future generations.

—Submitted by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

“Law Enforcement”). Reference Case No. 4236760-ROBB/4236973-ROBB. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

—From the United States Postal Inspection Service

The Village of Plandome Manor

The official polling site will be the Plandome Manor Village Hall, 55 Manhasset Ave., Manhasset, between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Call (516)627-3701 for more information.

The following offices will be filled at the 2024 election:

Trustee

Nominee: Antonio De Sousa

Trustee

Nominee: Patricia O’Neill

—Complied by Amanda Olsen

County Legislator Mazi Pilip Visits Plandome Heights Village Hall

On February 28, 2024 Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip visited Plandome Heights Village Hall to discuss the various intersections and opportunities between the County and the Village, including Public Safety. Meeting with the Legislator was Mayor Kenneth C. Riscica, Trustee Mary Hauck and ARB member Jerry Love. Matters related to the County’s ownership of Plandome Road in the Village was also a topic of discussion.

Commenting on the meeting, Mayor Kenneth C. Riscica said, “We look forward to a close working relationship with Legislator Pilip just as we had with her predecessor, Legislator Richard Nicolello. As a small

Village, close relationships with our municipal partners are important to our success.”

—Submitted by the Village of Plandome Heights

Lauren McGowan, Kathy Rivera, Robert Brull, Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, Monica Dolley, and volunteers Ashley Gentiluomo & Alex Breslin (Photo by North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center)

Trustee Hauck, Legislator Pilip, Mayor Riscica, & ARB member Jerry Love (Photos by the Village of Plandome Heights)

USPS Mail Carrier (Photo from the United States Postal Inspection Service website)

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Town Board Summary

being coated with something sticky.

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

The Town of North Hempstead town board held their monthly meeting March 5. The meeting opened with the public comment period. What follows is a brief summary of those remarks and then select resolutions; for more details, please visit the Town website to view the complete archived footage of the meeting.

Before public comment began, Supervisor DeSena spoke about the situation on Brussel Ave. in New Hyde Park. She stated that a judge had granted the squatters there permission to live in the home based on fraudulent paperwork. The town has filed a letter of affirmation with the court stating that they are ready to proceed under the “zombie” law and work with the bank on the foreclosure if the judge allows that process to go forward.

Item 41 was called out of order to allow the deputy town clerk to administer the meeting. Passed unanimously.

The first member of the public spoke about ongoing parking issues in Carle Place.

Next, a speaker wanted to address the vandalism of free-standing mailboxes in Lakeville Estates. The boxes’ mail slots are

Then a gentleman got up to address the situation with the squatters. He stated that it was his understanding that the same people had been squatting in a different home previously.

Speakers four and five spoke about the cats. The Town of North Hempstead is still without a cat shelter. The first speaker said that the lives of animals were more important than rain barrels and plantings, which the town is currently funding. He was also upset that the grant money for companion animals had to be repaid since it was not used correctly. The second speaker was unhappy that they had not been able to hold the smaller meeting with the town to discuss the cat issues. The TNR voucher program has been extended in the hopes of attracting more veterinarians.

container in her neighbor’s driveway for a very long time and she didn’t think they had a permit for it. She also stated that the house was humongous and that she had heard there was a pool inside. Walsh stated that the Town is working on this as well.

Resolutions:

1 through 5: All of these resolutions were to set dates and times for hearings, which will be held April 9 at 10 a.m.

A member of the public stated that a tenant in his area was parking multiple cars all over the neighborhood. The neighbor also allows his dog to relieve itself wherever it likes. Councilman Walsh stated the Town is working on responding to this issue.

The final comment was in regards to a home on Laurel Drive in New Hyde Park. The resident stated that there was a shipping

11: . A resolution authorizing the award of a bid for the collection and delivery of waste and recyclables from Harbor Links. The CSEA president spoke on this resolution and stated that in the future he wanted this garbage collection brought under the Town’s jurisdiction since North Hempstead has union employees who collect garbage already. Passed unanimously.

12: A resolution authorizing the engineering of a wave attenuator float structure at North Hempstead Beach Park, Passed unanimously.

14: A resolution authorizing the execution of a license agreement with Be The Rainbow, Inc. For the placement of pride flags on lamp posts along Main Street in Port Washington. Passed unanimously.

17: A resolution authorizing the

WANT TO RETIRE EARLY? READ THIS FIRST.

As a nancial advisor, I have seen rsthand how much planning it takes to retire early. Deciding to leave the workforce (and say goodbye to your steady paycheck) earlier than you previously intended to may come with many considerations. If you are intrigued by the idea of retiring early, read on for some suggestions for how to assess if moving your retirement date forward is something within your reach.

1. Define your dream retirement. A realistic early retirement plan doesn’t happen by chance. It takes careful planning and deliberate action. Before you can gure out how to make early retirement a viable option, take time to envision the kind of life you want to lead when you leave your primary career. Where will you live? What kind of activities do you plan to pursue? These are the types of questions that will help you de ne what you want your retirement to be like.

2. Quantify your goal. Many retirees nd they spend more money in the early years of retirement because they have more time to travel and pursue hobbies. If this aligns with your retirement vision, be generous in your estimate of how much money you need each year. Once you have an estimate of how much it will cost, you will be better able to map the steps you’ll need to take to save enough money to fund it.

3. Decide which income source to tap into first. Once you know how much your early retirement will cost, you’ll want to line up the order in which you will tap into your investments. How much income you need, the tax treatment of your investments, and the timing of when you’ll take Social Security are all factors to consider as you map out how you will create a paycheck in retirement.

4. Adjust your saving and spending today. Once you have a clear idea of how much your dream retirement will cost, you can evaluate the potential tradeoffs and sacri ces necessary to make it happen. This will likely require reducing spending while maximizing the amount you are saving.

5. Continue investing for growth. It’s common for retirees to adjust their investment allocation to be more conservative in order to protect their principal from potential market downturns or increased volatility. While this may make sense for some, it’s important for your portfolio to at least keep on pace with in ation. After all, retirement can easily last several decades. Even modest in ation can make a meaningful impact over that timeframe. Factoring in ation into your projections can help you maintain your purchasing power throughout retirement.

execution of a license agreement With Kyra’s Champions for the placement of pinwheels at Mary Jane Davies Green in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Shayna Blumenfeld spoke passionately about continued efforts to reform State laws surrounding child custody. Passed unanimously.

19: A resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with QNS Aquatic Centers, Inc for a swim lesson program at Manorhaven Beach Park, Port Washington and Harbor Hills, Great Neck. These programs are complicated by the life guard shortage. Passed unanimously.

25: A resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County for the placement of oyster gardens at Town dock. Councilmember Dalimonte stated that this program is at no cost to residents. DeSena stated she wished she had more details. A heated discussion between Walsh and Dalimonte followed. Passed unanimously.

32: A resolution authorizing the execution of an amendment to a license agreement with the Leadership Training Institute for the use of the Roslyn Community Center, Roslyn Heights. Passed unanimously.

46: A resolution designating parking spaces in Port Washington public parking district lot four as electric vehicle parking and charging spaces and setting a fee for electric vehicle charging in such spaces. Continued to April 2.

6. Don’t overlook health care expenses. Many retirees are surprised by how much of their budget goes toward medical expenses. Don’t be one of them. Make nding health insurance a top priority. And, consider the pros and cons of purchasing long-term care insurance.

7. Be flexible. In life and investing, there are no guarantees. Unexpected events can happen any time, and many have nancial implications. Think about what your options are if your savings come up short, such as adjusting your retirement date, spending or perhaps picking up a part-time job, and make sure you have the right insurance in place to cover your various assets.

Retiring early is a big dream. If you want help deciding if or how moving your retirement date forward is realistic for you, meet with a nancial advisor. Together you can review your goals, investments, risk tolerance and other factors to help you make retirement decisions with con dence.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through

Leeds Pond Battle Continues

The Village of Plandome Manor held a Special Board of Trustees Meeting on March 5 for an appeal of Design Review Board application 2023-9 for 1362 Plandome Rd.

This was not a de novo hearing, meaning no new testimony or evidence was presented; however, the appellant and respondent were afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The board of trustees was charged with reviewing the record previously presented to the design review board.

Chris Murray from Rivkin Radler spoke on behalf of the appellant, Eastern LLC, of 1 Stonytown Rd, which is an adjoining neighbor of 1362 Plandome Rd.

Murray highlighted the most important evidence within the appellant’s application such as dirt running into Leeds Pond, flooding in his client’s backyard, dry wells installed below the water table, and obstruction of a view of Leeds Pond due to newly planted arborvitaes.

“The DRB ignored an uncontradicted expert report and appraisal that showed the impact of this design and impact on my client’s property is a combination of $182,000 in lost value,” said Murray. “That’s not insignificant.”

John Stellakis, associate attorney from Certillman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP was present on behalf of the respondent. He was willing to answer any questions from the board, however the board did not have any.

The board made the decision to review

the record and made a motion to reserve decision on the application. A written decision will be sent to both parties in the mail.

The organization Save Leeds Pond has been documenting the effect of construction at 1362 Plandome Road on the pond and its ecosystem. The group alleges that the efforts to remediate runoff and other damage have failed. They state that the dry wells were installed below the water table, rendering them prone to flooding and therefore useless, and that the landscaping is not in keeping with DEC requirements.

Leeds Pond, a 22-acre fresh body of water in Plandome Manor, is the main collection for more than 2000 acres of watershed, and it outflows into Manhasset Bay. More than 150 species of birds have been documented at the pond. It is adjacent to the Leeds Pond Preserve, which is the home of the Science Museum of Long Island. The edge of this pond is already mostly developed, with homes extending nearly all the way around the approximately 4500 feet of shoreline.

—Previous reporting by Anton Media Staff

(Photo by Daniel Greilsheimer)

A view of the outflow into Manhasset Bay. (Photo by Daniel Greilsheimer)

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O 516.354.6500

M 516.318.3760

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O 516.354.6500

M 917.900.2757

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Strathmore Colonial

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CALENDAR

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

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 13

Book Discussion: Covenant of Water Presented in the Manhasset Library Community Room from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. A shimmering evocation of a lost India and of the passage of time itself, The Covenant of Water is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the hardships undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. Contact Cheryl Kallberg at ckallberg@manhassetlibrary.org or (516) 627-2300 ext. 206 for more information.

Scam Prevention for Seniors

From 1 to 2 p.m. in the Manhasset Public Library Community Room. Learn to recognize scams related to the Social Security Administration, IRS, grandparent schemes and more. Topics include...Current scams to be aware of and how to protect yourself, Who is targeted and why, Suspicious activities and possible signs of financial

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

abuse, What to do if you have been a victim, How to report fraud and financial exploitation. Presented by the Family & Children’s Association. Registration is recommended, but not required. Contact John McClellan at jmcclellan@manhassetlibrary.org or (516) 627-2300 ext. 207.

FRIDAY, MAR. 15

Senior Spring Fling

11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Charles J. Fuschillo Park, 200 Carle Rd., Carle Place) The Town of North Hempstead presents the Senior Spring Fling for senior residents. Includes lunch, coffee, dessert, dancing and games. Registration is required, call 311 to reserve a spot.

Manhasset High School Presents:

You Can’t Take It With You

Manhasset High School Theater Department will perform the 1930s play

You Can’t Take It With You on March 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Manhasset High School. Tickets available at showtix4u.com

You Can’t Take It with You is a comedic play in three acts by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The original production of the play premiered on Broadway in 1936, and played for 838 performances. The play won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was adapted for the screen in 1938, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

SATURDAY, MAR. 16

New York State Boater Safety Course

8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Michael J. Tully Park at 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park) North Hempstead’s Public Safety Department has several Bay Constables who are certified under the New York State Parks Department to teach the New York State Boater Safety Course. The town is presenting this course free of charge to town residents. This is an excellent opportunity for residents who have not already taken a boater safety class to do so, in order to operate a motor boat or personal watercraft in New York State waters. Register at www.register-ed.com/

SUNDAY, MAR. 17

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

SUNDAY, MAR 24

Sunday Afternoon Live @MPL

A Performance by Trio from The American College of Greece will take place in the Community Room of the Manhasset Public Library from 2 to 3 p.m. Come enjoy an afternoon concert from the Music Faculty at Deree- The American College of Greece, featuring: Maira Milolidaki, soprano; Leslie Jones, cello; and Christine Tokatlian, piano. The program will include works by Tim Beyer, Cindy Cox, Amelia Kaplan, Douglas Knehans, Constandinos Koukias, Pamela Madsen, Spiros Mazis, and Edward Smaldone. All are welcome. Registration suggested but not required.

You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling suicidal, call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline: (516)6791111. The 988 Suicide and Crisis line is also available 24/7 by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255.

1.

wood 5 LLC, 51 Pinewood Road, Manhasset, NY 11030 also known as Section 3, Block 199 Lot 17 for variances of §240-6(G) and (N) of the Code of the Village of Flower Hill. The applicant seeks to maintain an existing curb cut of 17’3” with a flare out totaling 20’6” where the maximum permitted is 16’ with a flare out totaling 19’ and a retaining wall in the rear and side yard setbacks of 0.45’ at the closest point on the north side and 0.8’ on the south where all retaining walls are required to have a 4’ minimum setback.

2. Application of Mr. Eduard Aranov, 72 Knollwood Road West., Roslyn, NY 11576 also known as Section 6, Block B4, Lot 31 for variance of §240-6(N) of the

Code of the Village of Flower Hill. The applicant seeks to construct a retaining wall with a setback of 0’0” from the rear property line where all retaining walls are required to have a 4’ minimum setback. Persons who may suffer from a disability which would prevent them from participating in said hearing should notify Ronnie Shatzkamer, Village Clerk, at (516) 627-5000 in sufficient time to permit such arrangements to be made to enable such persons to participate in said hearing.

By Order of the Zoning Board of Appeals

Michael Sahn, Chairperson

Ronnie Shatzkamer, Village Administrator

Flower Hill, New York

Dated: March 13, 2024 3-13-2024-1T-#246583MAN

LEGAL NOTICE

Incorporated Village of Plandome Heights

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Plandome Heights at a regular meeting of the Board held on March 4, 2024, duly adopted a resolution amending a previously approved appropriation not to exceed $600,000 from the Village’s Capital Reserve Fund for cap-

LEGAL NOTICES

ital projects relating to existing Village roadways, street signs, street lights, parklands and leasehold interests; under the March 4, 2024 resolution, the unused balance of the previously authorized appropriation may now be applied to fees and expenses for professional services, including without limitation engineering, surveying, design, appraisal, financing, and legal services, and other ‘soft costs’ relating to the possible acquisition of a leasehold or fee ownership interest in real property and improvements for Village governmental purposes; said resolution is subject to permissive referendum pursuant to the General Municipal Law.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Marie Brodsky Village Clerk/ Treasurer March 06, 2024 3-13-2024-1T-#246587MAN

LEGAL NOTICE

Incorporated Village of Plandome Heights

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Plandome Heights at a regular meeting of the Board held on March 4, 2024, duly adopted a resolution appropriating the sum not to exceed $90,000,

from the Village’s Capital Reserve Fund, to be applied to certain capital improvement projects relating to the digitization of Village records, which resolution supersedes and replaces a prior resolution appropriating the sum not to exceed $60,000 for such capital projects, in order to increase the authorized expenditure by $30,000, and which resolution is subject to permissive referendum pursuant to the provisions of the General Municipal Law.

BY ORDER OF THE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Marie Brodsky Village Clerk/ Treasurer March 06, 2024 3-13-2024-1T-#246588MAN

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE

The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on February 6, 2024, and an abstract thereof has been published and posted as required by law and the period of time has elapsed for the submission and filing of a petition for a permissive referendum and a valid petition has not been submitted and filed. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such

obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Town of North Hempstead, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of publication of the notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.

Ragini Srivastava Town Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 6, 2024, AUTHORIZING HVAC IMPROVEMENTS, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $200,000, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE TOWN IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $200,000 TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION

The object(s) or purpose(s) for which the bonds are authorized is the construction of

HVAC improvements.

The maximum amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $200,000.

The period of probable usefulness of the bonds is ten (10) years.

A complete copy of the Bond Resolution summarized above

shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Town Clerk, Town Hall, 200 Plandome Road, Manhasset, New York.

Dated: February 6, 2024 Manhasset, New York 3-13-2024-1T-#246603MAN

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Preservation Long Island To Host Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit

Cold Spring Harbor museum explores democracy with a “small d”

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

“Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” presented by the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with the Museum Association of New York (MANY), examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” Opening at the Preservation Long Island Exhibition Gallery in Cold Spring Harbor, New York on March 22, 2024, “Voices and Votes” will be on view through May 3, 2024.

Preservation Long Island, a regional not-forprofit organization headquartered in Cold Spring Harbor that maintains and interprets historic sites and collections pertaining to Long Island’s history, has been chosen by MANY to be the first venue in New York State to host the “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” exhibition. This initiative is all part of the Museum on Main Street program—a partnership to bring exhibitions to small town and rural cultural organizations across America. The exhibition will tour twelve communities across New York from March 22, 2024 through January 2026.

“Preservation Long Island is excited to serve as the inaugural site for “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” said Alexandra Wolfe, Preservation Long Island Executive Director. “The exhibition’s focus on freedom, civic participation, and political engagement resonates strongly with our commitment to making the past relevant to the present.”

“Voices and Votes” explores what democracy demands as Americans continue to question how to shape American values. Wolfe explained that the exhibit is meant to both provoke a response and engage the public in an ongoing discussion of what democracy means and what role each individual plays in it. “What is this idea of democracy, a place that is run for and by and of the people? What is the mechanism that makes that work? It’s not always easy because you have to adapt and think about everybody’s interests. How do you synthesize all of that and make a community work? And then through a community working, how do you make the next level municipality work, how do you make a state work and how do you make a federal government work? It starts at the low level and works its way up.”

The exhibition will include art and artifacts drawn from Preservation Long Island and other local collections. Among the local highlights in the exhibition is an original essay by Jupiter Hammon (1711–ca. 1806), America’s first published African American poet, written while he was enslaved

Alison Turnbull Hopkins pickets the White House, 1917.

(Image courtesy of the National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument)

at Joseph Lloyd Manor in Lloyd Harbor shortly after the American Revolution, advocating for the citizenship of Black New Yorkers in the new nation. “One of our historic houses is directly connected to this individual, an enslaved person who is writing about these ideas of freedom while during the Revolutionary War. It’s this nexus of so many different things. He’s really thinking about it as someone who is very old, who is experiencing not just the big ideas, but their implementation. He actually hesitates to say that he would consider being emancipated himself, but he hoped for it for the future,” Wolfe said of the essay.

Other items include a bracelet and ring made from scrap sheet metal by women aircraft factory workers on Long Island as the United States fought to preserve democracy abroad during World War II, and the drawings and models for the national monument to African American civil rights leader and women’s rights activist, Mary MacLeod Bethune (1875–1855), created by Long Island artist Robert Berks (1922–2011) in 1974.

The series of local exhibition-related programming and free events include a community quilt project. Wolfe sees the quilt as a fantastic metaphor for democracy, where people of different backgrounds assemble small pieces into larger ones, which then becomes an object that can provide a service. “We’re featuring a quilt that was assembled by the Dutch Reformed Church in Manhasset during the Civil War. It’s called an 1860s piece quilt. The core of democracy is that you have to build community; you have to sort out your differences. If the governance is by consensus, you have to kind of create a community. People gather and they put together a quilt. You are creating a thing out of individual parts. And the thing about the 1860s quilt is that people signed their names on it. They gave their own identity to a little square of decorated fabric, that then got assembled into a larger fabric, that then covers a bed which is something that provides safety and security. We thought that a good way to relate an 1860s quilt is to do another quilt. The new one is based on the same design. It’s a whole different community that has come together around an idea.” Both quilts will be on display in the exhibit.

Designed for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, “Voices and Votes” will serve as a community meeting place for conversations about democracy, the freedoms, and responsibilities of citizens, participating in government, and more. “The Museum Association is helping small museums grow into better museums,” Wolfe said. “This exhibit looks back into history and explores all the ways that issues have been addressed, argued, resolved, and how it has evolved as well. So it’s interesting and compelling in the sense that this is a history of something that is never going to be finished.”

Signature pieced quilt, ca. 1862, Cotton. (Photos by Preservation Long Island)

Bracelet and Ring made of scrap metal from a WWII Aircraft, ca. 1945, Sheet metal

Voices and Votes Signature Pieced Community Quilt (2024) in process.

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D“It’s Breathtaking” Dune: Part Two Delivers

The multipart cinema experience continues to dazzle

COLE McDONNELL

une: Part Two has delivered and lived up to the hype that its predecessor bestowed upon it. The first Dune saw the downfall of House Atreides and spent most of the movie building to what was to come in the second movie. This movie felt monumental, it felt historic, it felt important to go to the theater and have this special experience. Denis Villeneuve has captured the essence of going to the theater and making it important.

“It’s breathtaking,” Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, says sitting on the sand hills of Arrakis with Chani, played by Zendaya. Breathtaking is the perfect word to sum up this movie. The scenery and detail in each are just captivating. You find yourself constantly in awe of the desert planet. This movie relies on the sandy atmosphere whereas the first movie just scrapes the barrel of what’s to come. Villeneuve puts everything the Fremen have on display. The scenes where they hide in the sand and jump out to attack their enemies are beyond sensational. Each time I saw it I got fired up ready for the next attack. Fremen riding on sandworms with sand blasting in their face like they are surfing in the ocean was just another example of the amazing visuals in the film.

you are there. There is the sand blowing in the wind, the thumpers pounding to attract the sandworms, the explosions and shouting of war, the Fremen lunging out of the sand, and even the water being extracted from the dead. We hear it all. The IMAX experience is a necessity for Dune: Part Two. The ominous soundtrack, part of the fantastic score by world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer, accompanying Paul in many scenes is catchy yet also jarring.

Atreides goes through his own hero’s journey in this film where he must become a Fremen and also get them to believe in him as the Lisan al Gaib, a messiah. He helps them take down spice Harvesters and earns a Fremen name, becoming fully embraced by them. Throughout the film, Paul is haunted by visions and dreams of a holy war that begins when he moves south; he sees Chani burn alive and refuses to go south in hopes to avoid his dreams coming to fruition. Gurney Halleck, played by Josh Brolin, tries to explain to Paul that he must use his name and get the power

In contrast with the orange Arrakis, we visit Geidi Prime, home of the Harkonnens. Villeneuve uses the Black Sun to flip the colors of this environment and give us a dark world where the villains in the movie live. We are introduced to Feyd-Rautha, nephew to Baron Harkonnen. He is a sick and twisted individual who kills his servants and killed his mother. Feyd-Rautha is played by Austin Butler who gained mainstream fame starring as Elvis Presley in Elvis Butler gives a great performance as the psychotic Harkonnen prodigy. The emotion he portrays in his facial expressions drew me to him. I loved every scene he was in because of the unpredictability of his character.

Baron Harkonnen strips Rabban Harkonnen of his position, giving it to Feyd-Rautha who revels in it and immediately puts plans into motion to attack the Fremen of Arrakis.

Along with the beautiful visuals of Dune: Part Two, the sound adds just as much to the film. Every sound effect is enhanced to make you feel like

to take down the Harkonnen. He says to Paul that he sees the visions “because you lose control,” to which Paul responds, “because I gain it.”

Chalamet does a fantastic job selling this inner battle that Paul has, constantly fighting the pressures of his mother and the burden of losing his great house, not diving headfirst into all-out war. After a war council is called in the south and he gets a dream where he sees his sister telling him to drink the Water of Life, he decides to go south and do what he must. In a fantastic scene with Zendaya, he tells her “If I go south, I might lose you.” She assures him but also does some foreshadowing by saying “You will never lose me Paul Atreides, not as long as you stay who you are.”

Later having drunk the Water of Life his whole demeanor changes. He gains foresight and sees everything. In the war council, he uses his new powers to intimidate but also inspire the Fremen. He puts on a passionate display of power and confidence, promising a green paradise. Whether that is because it is what he sees

or it is something that he knows the Fremen want to hear to manipulate them is up to us as the viewers to interpret.

The shot of Chalamet standing tall over the Fremen army shouting “Long live the fighters” was an excellent example of how amazing this movie was put together. Paul and Feyd-Rautha come face-to-face in a duel to determine the next emperor and who will take Princess Irulan’s hand in marriage, the Emperor’s daughter. The final fight scene was done, in my opinion, perfectly. Drowning out any other sound besides some gasps from the crowd, Atreides and Feyd-Rautha fight with their blades and all we hear are their grunts and the blades hitting each other. Atreides gets stabbed twice and the deep breaths that Chalamet lets out make you feel how much pain he is in. He winds up taking a blade out of his body and kills Feyd-Rautha, becoming the next Emperor.

The movie ends with the news that the great houses will not accept Paul as the emperor and Chani riding off on a sandworm. The holy war that Paul wanted to avoid is what we will see in the third installment.

Scenes from Dune: Part Two. (images from IMDB)

Our Forests

Forests in New York cover 18.6 million acres of land, making the State 61 percent forested. Whether it’s hiking, hunting, camping, or birdwatching, these forest lands provide recreational opportunities for millions of residents and others visiting the state’s scenic regions. New York’s forests also provide employment and bolster the state’s economy through the production of timber. New York’s forests are made of a variety of forest types, mostly maple and other hardwoods, along with pine, oak, and eastern hemlock.

Forest Damage

Insects

Asian longhorned beetle (ALB)

New York State has been managing ALB since the insect was first found in Brooklyn in 1996. Since then, ALB has been eradicated from all five New York City boroughs. The single remaining quarantine area is in Central Long Island, covering 53 square miles. When ALB is found, infested trees are cut down and destroyed, while healthy nearby trees are sometimes treated to prevent future infestation.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly (EZS)

EZS was first detected in New York in 2022 in St. Lawrence County, the area with the

2023 New York Forest

highest density of elm in the state. Later in 2022, EZS was detected in an additional 22 counties via ground surveys and public reports. Even though this species appears to be widespread, damage detected so far has been minor. Research is ongoing to learn more about how this species may impact our ecosystem. This year, we learned that EZS had three generations in northern New York, and that green assassin bugs and exotic ladybugs

were the most predominant predators. We also learned that yellow sticky traps are the most effective way to capture the insect.

Hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA)

In 2023, DEC treated hemlocks with systemic insecticides at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Lake George Wild Forest, Glen Island Campground, Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, Hearthstone Campground, Peck Hill

State Forest, and Rockwood State Forest to protect sensitive hemlock ecosystems and high public-use areas. DEC supports the New York State Hemlock Initiative at Cornell University to conduct HWA biological control work across the state, which uses the natural predators of invasive species to reduce their populations. In 2023, predators of HWA were released at Hearthstone Point Campground, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Battle Island State Park, and Schenectady’s Plotterkill Preserve among other locations. Chemical treatments help to buy time for biological control to become established and effective across the landscape.

Southern Pine Beetle (SPB)

SPB continues to cause significant pine mortality on Long Island. To respond to this threat, in 2023 DEC thinned 175 acres of pine forest in Suffolk County to restore a healthy, naturally sparse pine barrens that are resistant to SPB outbreaks. Outside of Long Island, DEC traps for SPB throughout eastern NY to monitor potential spread of the beetle and to learn more about SPB’s behavior at the northern edge of its current distribution. We are learning how SPB is responding to warmer winters, and how their populations are impacted by our native, natural predators.

Forest Health sta Meaghan Schwartz and Tim Koski manually controlling

Health Highlights Summary

Spongy Moth

Spongy moth outbreaks occur every 7 to 10 years and cause severe defoliation of oaks and other hardwoods. When populations get exceptionally high, moths will also feed on conifers like white pine and hemlock. Hardwoods can often recover from 1-2 years of defoliation, but may succumb if they are defoliated for multiple years. Conifers do not rebound well, and may die after just 1-2 years of defoliation. The current outbreak began in 2020 in the Finger Lakes region and spread to many areas of the state, peaking in 2021. In 2023, the heaviest defoliation was observed throughout the Hudson Valley from Westchester County to Albany. DEC mapped approximately 188,291 acres of damage in the Hudson Valley during aerial surveys in July 2023. Outbreaks typically collapse after 3 to 5 years, and so we are hopefully nearing the end of this outbreak.

Pathogens

Beech leaf disease (BLD)

BLD was first found in New York in 2018. In 2023, there was significant rapid expansion of the disease. It was found in 12 new counties including Albany, Broome, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, New York, Onondaga, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Seneca, Ulster, and Warren. Currently, there is no known treatment for BLD. DEC, funded by the U.S.

Forest Service, is testing potential treatment strategies including canopy thinning and understory removal to see if the impacts of BLD can be mitigated by forest management. Trial treatments began in the winter of 2023, and are slated to continue into 2024.

Invasive Plants

Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed plants have been managed since 2008 and are present in 52 counties,

with the largest and densest number of sites located in the western portion of New York State. At sites where giant hogweed plants are found, a mix of manual and/or chemical control methods are used. Sites that have previously been treated for giant hogweed continue to be monitored until no giant hogweed plants are found for a total of nine years, at which point they are considered eradicated. Information is available for landowners and the public through our giant

hogweed/invasive plant information line, outreach materials, and website. Because of our control efforts over 60 percent of historical giant hogweed sites in New York no longer have these invasive plants.

Kudzu

Kudzu plants have been managed since 2014 and are present in 14 southeastern counties. Because of our control efforts kudzu has been eradicated from over 30 percent of New York sites where it was historically present. Sites that have been successfully managed are monitored for nine years until no more kudzu plants are found, at which point the kudzu is considered eradicated.

Forest Health Diagnostic Lab

The DEC Forest Health Diagnostic Lab continues to provide insect and forest pathology diagnostic services to New Yorkers and promotes research and survey methods development within the various Forest Health programs. The lab responded to 641 diagnostic requests to date and conducted six public site visits in 2023. General insect identification remains the most frequently inquired subject across the state, while oak wilt inquiries had the most significant increase due to 2023’s late season frost causing oak decline symptoms.

—Submitted by NYS DEC

Forest Health sta members Allison McKenna and Bob Slocum thinning trees for pine barrens ecosystem health. (Photos by the New York State Department of Conservation)

This column is going to focus on great opportunities for amazing photographs right here at Jones Beach. I have many wonderful memories of plays performed at the Northwell Theatre (then called Jones Beach Marine Theater) with refreshments and live music after in gigantic tents throughout my childhood. Of course I also have beach memories of sunburns, walking on burning hot sand, dragging chairs and coolers etc. A few years ago, I decided to rediscover Jones Beach and I am really glad I did. From a photography perspective, it offers a plethora of opportunities for great pics.

The easiest and most obvious choice is sunset pics. The secret is that there has to be something other than just the sunset in the pic. If you go to the parking lot next to the Nature Center or park there and walk a little left, there is a path that leads to a building with benches where you can take great sunset photos with the dunes at the bottom. It’s super easy to get great shots of the tower with the sunset in the background. There are usually some ships far out in the water which look great with a sunset. Just make sure they are not too far out that they are unrecognizable. Everyone will say “Hey what is that?” and really bug you.

Nature photography is also fantastic at Jones. Starting at the Coast Guard Station there are gulls and assorted shore birds. The gulls perch for pics right on the pilings. Canada geese are always strolling around looking for food. There are different levels of walkway there and a cool trick is to take some photos at the geese’s eye level. In doing this, you automatically pick up more details of the bird and it makes for a better photo. Also, across from the Coast Guard parking lot is a multitude of twisted greenery. The wind at the beach has transformed the trees and bushes into cool shapes that look good alone or with some bird perched on them.

Do not discount going out on what would seem a bad photography day if you are in the mood. Take advantage of the weather and you can get some really good looking special effects that would only be available on programs like Lightroom

Look Local, Look To Nature

or Photoshop. Any random shot taken with the shadowy background really pops. Having a blurred background is a very desirable effect and can require a good bit of effort to attain. Many times in photography competitions, a hazy background can actually raise your point scores. Many judges feel a blurry background enhances the photo by keeping your eye on the subject and not on background diversions. I once received a great score for a Canada goose picture taken on an exceptionally hazy day. The judge thought I had put gargantuan effort into an

small. Walk along the shore, find any interesting shells or wood or kelp etc. Get your camera real close and shoot. It is quite amazing the beautiful spirals and designs provided by Mother Nature. Whelk shells-everywhere at Jones- have unbelievable spirals and colors that transform into unusual abstract photos for your home. Not long ago, the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan had an entire Macro photography exhibit entitled “Extinct and Endangered” which showcased butterflies and bugs.

Potential works of art can come from anywhere. Again Jones Beach is full of photo ops. Each fall, thousands of monarch butterflies continue their southward journey through the park. Many people flock there with really expensive camera equipment for the migration but you can get really great pics in the area behind the basketball courts. There are a lot of shrubs that the butterflies like. It is fairly easy to get some great shots while still keeping a respectful distance. Many times I will take just random shots at the beach for one reason or another. Sometimes I snap photos of large groups of birds or piles of shells and blow them up on my laptop.

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy photography however you choose to do it. Some people really enjoy delving into a hobby full force with very expensive equipment and extensive editing programs; others like to use a cell phone. Whatever camera you use, just enjoy yourself and have some fun.

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

Publishers of

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

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Vice President of Operations/CFO

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Director of Sales Administration

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Editors

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Contributing Editor Joe Scotchie

Advertising Sales

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effective background to highlight my subject. In actuality, it was a two-second photo where nature did all the work. I kept my secret to myself and took the great score.

Another way to get really interesting shots at the beach is macro photography. This type of photography is all about showcasing a subject larger than it is in real life- an extreme close-up of something

—Mary Borowski is a member of the Manhasset-Great Neck Camera Club

(Photos by Mary Borowski)

BY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

At the beginning of the year, I decided to sharpen a tool I’ve acquired over the past couple of years: bartending.

JEN ABOUT TOWN

Taking A Bartending Certification Course

I’ve done some bartending on the side here and there. I really enjoy mixing cocktails, hearing people’s stories and watching people when they are letting loose and having fun, all of which bartending provides. I’ve learned how to make some drinks along the way, like Long Island Iced Teas and margaritas, but I’ve realized that there are a lot of drinks I don’t know, which made me want to take a bartending course.

I did some research and found 1800-Bartend, located in Farmingdale. I signed up for the two-week course, which took place Mondays through Thursdays. Wednesday classes took place at a bar in Coram, giving students a chance to go behind the bar and make drinks for guests under the guidance of the instructor and the bartender.

I walked in on my first day in late January, not really knowing what to expect. The room had a bar with several stations and bar seats. I noticed an assortment of liquor bottles behind the bar but quickly learned they were just water with food coloring inside them. There were already students behind the bar, practicing making “drinks.”

Over the two weeks, we learned the recipes

for mixed drinks, shots, shooters, rock drinks and martinis; how to pour count (translating seconds to ounces); what types of glasses to use for different drinks; about the various types of liquors and liqueurs; how to provide good customer service and most importantly, how to keep yourself and customers safe through the Alcohol Training Awareness Program.

We learned how to decline service to someone who we suspect to be under the age of 21 or someone who is intoxicated and that if someone is drunk, you’re partly responsible for making sure they get home safely, meaning you have to make a meaningful effort to arrange a safe ride home for them. Bartenders and establishments can get sued.

My favorite part of the course was practicing making drinks behind the bar. This ability to practice is quite unique because you don’t have to worry about wasting liquor if you make a mistake. The guest bartending night in Coram was a lot of fun as well. Two of my friends came out, and I was able to make drinks for them and get to know my classmates in a more social setting. At the end of the class, we all had to take a test. Our instructor would call out drinks, and we had to make them for him in a timely manner. I did well on the test and received my certificate. I felt very proud.

Overall, I recommend this class to anyone who wants to bartend.

The ‘classroom’ at 1800-Bartend. All the bottles are filled with water and food coloring, not alcohol. (Photo by Jennifer Corr)

Check Your Vehicles For Recalls

Safety recalls affected more than 34 million vehicles in 2023 according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This included more than 4.7 million vehicles recalled with advisories urging drivers to park outside away from structures due to fire risk.

To mark Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, AAA Northeast is urging owners to check their vehicles and related equipment-tires and child car seats-for open recalls. Only 64.7 percent of vehicle recalls issued in 2022 have been completed, and in the last two weeks the latest NHTSA safety recalls affected more than 1.4 million vehicles.

“Every vehicle recall involves a safety-related issue, which means it’s critical to get the repair done as soon as possible,” said Robert Sinclair, Jr. of AAA Northeast. “Vehicle owners can help protect themselves and others on the roads by checking for recalls at least twice a year and taking advantage of free repairs on all recalls.”

AAA offers the following guidance for vehicle owners:

• Check for open recalls today: Take advantage of tools like NHTSA’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Look-Up Tool and the SaferCar app to check your vehicles and automotive equipment for open recalls. All you’ll need is your vehicle’s VIN, which can be found on the lower portion of the vehicle’s windshield on the driver’s side, and on your registration.

• Repair quickly: Millions of recalls go unrepaired every year, putting drivers, passengers, pedestrians and others on the road at risk. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, visit a local dealership immediately for free repairs.

• Report safety-related defects: believe your vehicle may have a safety-related defect that is not included in a current recall, contact NHTSA online at NHTSA. gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

—AAA Northeast

This Baxter Estates home at 54 Hillview Ave. sold on Feb. 16 for $1,730,000. It is a luxurious 3,500 squarefoot Colonial nestled in the heart of Port Washington. This charming home is truly a dream home. From the spacious open floor plan to the gleaming quartz counters in the kitchen, every aspect of this home speaks of comfort and style. It’s the perfect canvas for culinary escapades, complete with stainless steel appliances that add a sleek, modern appeal. A welcoming den beckons with its cozy fireplace, creating the ideal ambiance for relaxation or hosting gatherings. The generous natural light filtering through the home illuminates the tasteful interiors. And convenience is never an issue with a well-situated second-floor laundry room. All four bedrooms are generously sized, but the crown jewel is the primary bedroom. Here, you’ll find two large closets and an en suite bath creating a spa-like retreat for ultimate relaxation. This home extends its luxury beyond interior aesthetics. A fully finished basement, armed with a complete bath, offers extra living space or potential for a recreational room. Outdoors, enjoy the privacy of a completely fenced-in yard and a detached one-car garage, enhancing security and comfort. Living here means enjoying all the perks of being centrally located in a sought-after area. With just a short distance to Main Street, shopping destinations, and the train station, convenience is at the doorstep.

This beautifully renovated colonial home at 7 Virginia Ave. in the Baxter Estates section of Port Washington sold on Nov. 3 for $1,160,000. It has tasteful and elegant finishes. This lovely home is spacious and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The bedroom on the first floor could be used as an office and has access to a full bathroom with a shower. This home has a large open concept design that includes the living room, dining area, and the kitchen. The den is conveniently located right off the kitchen as well. The basement is a full legally finished basement and has an open floor plan, a laundry room, a large storage area, a utility room, a full bathroom, and an exit to the garage.

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

An entirely new way to see this legendary period.

The multidisciplinary exhibition brings the era to life through works by John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, Mary Cassatt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Alfred Stieglitz, among others, plus fashion, sculpture, photographs, furnishings, memorabilia and decorative objects.

The Museum mansion, itself, provides the authentic backdrop as it was both the opulent home of the wealthy Bryce and Frick families - and the livelihood for the work force needed to sustain it. The Mansion

See It Now

Purchase exhibition tickets at the museum or online NassauMuseum.org/exhibitions

Experience

More as a Museum Member

at the museum or online NassauMuseum.org/membership

Crafting Literary Havens

Unveiling the art and trends of designing a home library sanctuary

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Designing a home library is a dream for many book lovers, o ering a personal sanctuary that houses their favorite reads and provides a comfortable space for hours of uninterrupted reading. However, creating the perfect home library involves more than just assembling bookshelves and stacking books. It requires thoughtful consideration of design elements, functionality, and current trends to ensure the space is both beautiful and practical. Here are key factors and trending ideas to consider when designing your home library.

Space and Location

The first consideration is the allocation of space within your home. A home library doesn’t necessarily require a large, separate room; it can be integrated into smaller spaces or dual-purpose rooms, such as a home office or a reading nook in your living room or bedroom. The location should ideally be quiet, well-lit, and somewhat secluded to provide a peaceful retreat for readers.

Shelving and Storage

Bookshelves are the heart of any library, and there’s a wide range of options to choose from. Floor-to-ceiling shelves make a dramatic statement and maximize storage space, while built-in shelves can offer a seamless look that integrates well with the room’s architecture. Modular shelving systems provide flexibility, allowing you to rearrange or expand your collection over time. Consider incorporating shelves of

different heights to accommodate books of various sizes, as well as cabinets or drawers for storing rare or valuable items that need protection from dust.

Seating

Comfortable seating is crucial in a home library, as it invites you to linger and lose yourself in a book. A plush armchair or a sofa with soft, deep cushions is ideal. For a more dynamic setup, include a variety of seating options, such as a reading nook with a window seat, a cozy loveseat, or even a chaise lounge. Position seating to take advantage of natural light during the day, complemented by warm, artificial lighting for evening reading sessions.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential in a home library to prevent eye strain and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Aim for a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Floor

lamps and table lamps provide focused light for reading, while track lighting or picture lights can highlight artwork or specific sections of your book collection. Trending now are smart lighting systems that allow you to adjust the brightness and color temperature to match the time of day or your mood.

Decor and Personal Touches

A home library is a reflection of your personality and interests, so incorporate elements that make the space uniquely yours. Artwork, photographs, and memorabilia can add character and warmth to the room. Trending in home library design is the inclusion of bold, statement pieces such as a striking piece of art or a unique piece of furniture that adds a pop of color or texture to the room.

Versatile Design

With the rise of digital media, today’s home libraries often serve multiple purposes. Many are designed to accommodate not just books but also media equipment, offering a place to enjoy films, music, and digital reading. Including a small desk or a comfortable chair with a swivel table can also transform part of your library into a workspace or a study area, making it a versatile addition to your home.

Trending Themes

In terms of design themes, there’s a move towards creating spaces that feel personal and collected over time. This includes mixing vintage or antique furniture with modern pieces, displaying collections of objects alongside books, and incorporating plants or natural elements for a touch of greenery. Themed libraries, such as those dedicated to a particular genre of literature or period of history, are also gaining popularity, offering a tailored escape into the worlds contained within your books.

Sustainability is another key trend, with a focus on using eco-friendly materials and lighting, as well as sourcing furniture and decor from ethical and sustainable sources. This reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also kind to the planet.

Designing a home library is a deeply personal project that combines aesthetics, functionality, and a love of books. By considering space, storage, seating, lighting, and personal touches, you can create a haven that not only houses your book collection but also reflects your personality and reading habits. With the current trends towards versatility, sustainability, and personalized design, there’s never been a better time to create a home library that you’ll cherish for years to come.

(Getty Images)

Designing Your Home Entertainment Room

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Designing a home entertainment room has evolved from the traditional setup of a television and a couch to a multifaceted space that caters to a wide array of digital entertainment needs. As technology advances and consumer preferences shift, the trends in designing these spaces have become more sophisticated, focusing on immersive experiences, multifunctionality, and personalization. Here are some of the key trends shaping the design of home entertainment rooms today.

Immersive Technology Integration

One of the most significant trends is the integration of immersive technologies to enhance the viewing and gaming experience. This includes the adoption of large, ultra-high-definition TVs and projectors that offer 4K and 8K resolutions, providing crystal-clear images that bring movies and games to life. Surround sound systems and advanced audio setups, such as Dolby Atmos, create a 3D sound environment, enveloping the room in high-quality audio that matches the visual fidelity. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) setups are also becoming more common, offering a completely immersive experience that transforms the way we interact with digital content.

Smart Home Connectivity

The modern home entertainment room is increasingly connected to the broader smart home ecosystem. Voice-controlled assistants and IoT (Internet of Things) devices allow users to control lighting, sound, and visual components with simple voice commands or through a centralized app. This connectivity enhances the ease of use and allows for the creation of preset entertainment modes, adjusting the environment to the perfect settings for movies, gaming, or listening to music with a single command.

Aesthetic Integration

The design of home entertainment rooms is also seeing a trend towards aesthetic integration within the overall home decor. Gone are the days when these rooms were

relegated to basements or spare rooms with little thought to design. Today, homeowners are incorporating their entertainment spaces into their living areas, with a focus on sleek, minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Hidden storage solutions, in-wall speakers, and concealed wiring help maintain a clean and uncluttered look, while customizable LED lighting adds a touch of sophistication and ambiance.

Personalized Themes and Luxury Comforts

Personalization is key in the design of home entertainment spaces, with individuals seeking to reflect their personalities and preferences in the decor. This can include

themed rooms based on favorite movies, sports teams, or video games, offering a unique and engaging environment that enhances the entertainment experience. Additionally, luxury comforts such as high-end recliners, adjustable lighting, and temperature control, along with snack and beverage stations, ensure that these rooms offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

The trends in designing home entertainment rooms reflect a broader shift towards more immersive, flexible, and personalized living spaces. With a focus on quality, connectivity, and personal expression, the home entertainment room of the future promises to be a central hub of digital leisure and enjoyment.

Popular DIY Trends

Home DIY decorating trends have taken a vibrant turn, reflecting a mix of comfort, sustainability, and personal expression. The rise of social media platforms and the desire for customized living spaces have fueled these trends, making home decor more accessible and imaginative. Here are 10 popular DIY decorating trends that have captured the imagination of homeowners worldwide:

Upcycling Furniture: T his sustainable trend involves repurposing old furniture into something new and exciting, adding a unique touch to any room without breaking the bank.

Statement Walls: Whether it’s through bold paint colors, wallpaper, or intricate murals, statement walls serve as focal points, injecting personality into spaces.

Indoor Plants: Bringing the outdoors in, a variety of indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home but also improve air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment.

Floating Shelves: They offer a minimalist and practical solution for displaying decor, books, and plants, maximizing space in smaller rooms.

Vintage Accents: The charm of vintage decor lies in its ability to add character and timelessness to modern interiors, making thrifted items highly sought after.

Handmade Pottery: Items like vases, pots, and decorative pieces, crafted by hand, introduce a layer of artisanal beauty and authenticity.

Textured Fabrics: Incorporating textured fabrics through throw pillows, curtains, and rugs adds depth and warmth, inviting a cozy atmosphere.

Smart Lighting: Adjustable and smart lighting systems allow homeowners to customize ambiance settings for different times of the day or specific activities, enhancing both functionality and mood.

Eco-friendly Materials: The shift towards sustainability has made eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, and recycled goods popular choices for both construction and decoration, reflecting a growing consciousness about environmental impact.

DIY Home Office Spaces: With remote work becoming more prevalent, creating a personalized and efficient home office space has become a priority for many.

These trends highlight a collective move towards more personalized, sustainable, and functional living spaces, allowing individuals to express their styles while being mindful of the environment.

—Anton Media Staff

Maximizing Comfort And Style

Take a look at some of the most purchased home décor items this year

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

e landscape of home décor continually evolves, re ecting broader trends in design, technology, and societal values. is year, certain items have surged in popularity, driven by a blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and the ongoing in uence of global events on our living spaces. From creating cozy, multipurpose areas to integrating nature within our walls, here’s a look at the most purchased home décor items this year and the trends they represent.

With many people continuing to work from home, there’s been an uptick in the demand for multifunctional furniture. Pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as sofa beds, extendable tables, and desks with built-in storage, are particularly popular.

with modern décor, offering sleek designs that complement rather than detract from the aesthetic of a room.

metals are not only trendy but also align with the values of eco-conscious consumers. This shift towards sustainability reflects a broader desire to reduce one’s carbon footprint and support ethical manufacturing practices.

The integration of technology into our living spaces continues to be a major trend, with smart home devices becoming a staple in home décor shopping lists. Smart lighting systems, voice-activated assistants, and innovative climate control devices offer both convenience and energy efficiency. These gadgets are designed to blend seamlessly

Bringing the outdoors in has been a persistent theme this year, with a significant rise in the purchase of indoor plants and stylish planters. Greenery has become a must-have in home décor. This trend is not only about aesthetics; it’s also tied to well-being, as plants are known to boost mood, improve air quality, and connect us to nature. As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for sustainable home décor. Items made from recycled, upcycled, or sustainably sourced materials have become highly sought after. Bamboo furniture, jute rugs, and décor items featuring recycled glass and

Embracing Imperfection

The charm of used and mismatched china sets captivates home decor enthusiasts

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

In recent years, a fascinating trend has emerged in the world of home décor and dining aesthetics: the embrace of used and mismatched china sets. is movement, steeped in nostalgia and a desire for sustainability, re ects a broader cultural shift away from the pristine and uniform towards a more eclectic and personalized approach to table setting. e trend not only champions the unique beauty found in imperfection but also embodies a conscious e ort to reduce waste and promote recycling. Here’s a deeper look into the charm and rise of used and mismatched china sets.

The allure of mismatched china lies in its inherent uniqueness and the stories each piece can tell. Unlike uniform sets that offer a seamless aesthetic, mismatched collections bring together a tapestry of designs, eras, and histories, creating a table setting that’s rich in character and warmth. This imperfection is celebrated, as it reflects real life’s diversity and complexity, making dining experiences more personal and engaging.

A significant driver behind the popularity of used and mismatched china is

the growing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability. By choosing used items, consumers actively reduce the demand for new products and the resources required to produce them, decreasing their environmental footprint. This trend aligns with the broader movement towards thrift shopping and the circular economy, where the focus is on reusing and repurposing rather than discarding and buying new.

Opting for used and mismatched china also offers economic benefits.

There’s been a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and uniqueness in home décor, with consumers gravitating towards artisanal and handmade items. These purchases often support small businesses and craftspeople, adding a story and a touch of authenticity to the home. Handwoven textiles, handmade pottery, and unique art pieces allow homeowners to personalize their spaces in a way that mass-produced items cannot. To add personality and warmth to interiors, shoppers are turning to soft furnishings featuring bold patterns, vibrant colors, and rich textures. Throw pillows, area rugs, and blankets in eye-catching designs can

High-quality, new china sets can be prohibitively expensive, but by collecting individual pieces over time, consumers can curate their unique sets at a fraction of the cost. Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces have become treasure troves for those looking to expand their collections without breaking the bank, making beautiful tableware accessible to a wider audience.

Each mismatched set tells a story, reflecting the personal taste and creativity of its collector. People take pride in hunting for pieces that catch their eye, whether it’s a floral-patterned plate from the 1950s or a fine bone china teacup adorned with intricate artwork. This process of selection allows individuals to express themselves through their table settings, turning every meal into an opportunity for storytelling and aesthetic exploration.

transform a room, making it feel cozy and inviting. This trend also allows for easy and affordable seasonal updates to a home’s décor without committing to major changes.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space, and this year, minimalist lighting fixtures have been in high demand. Sleek, simple designs that focus on functionality and clean lines fit well with the modern, clutter-free aesthetic that many consumers are striving for. LED lights with adjustable brightness and color temperatures allow for customization of ambiance, enhancing the overall feel of a home.

The trend also taps into a broader desire for connection and authenticity in a digitized world. In an age where social interactions are often mediated by screens, a thoughtfully set table with mismatched china serves as a reminder of the value of personal touch and the beauty of shared experiences. It encourages conversations about the origins of each piece, the memories they evoke, and the personal significance they hold, enriching the communal dining experience.

While the trend of used and mismatched china sets is largely positive, it does come with its challenges. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of used items, particularly with older pieces that may contain lead or other harmful substances, is crucial. While the eclectic look is part of the charm, creating a cohesive yet diverse collection requires a discerning eye and a bit of patience.

The trend of used and mismatched china sets is more than a passing fad; it’s a reflection of changing attitudes towards consumption, sustainability, and beauty. It champions the idea that perfection is overrated and that there’s value and joy to be found in the eclectic and the environmentally conscious. As this trend continues to grow, it encourages us to rethink not only our aesthetic choices but also our impact on the planet, one beautifully mismatched plate at a time.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

(Photo by Cathy Bongiorno)

(Photo by Cathy Bongiorno)

HEALTH & FITNESS

Experience Makes The Difference With Award-Winning Celebrity Plastic Surgeon

As a renowned, award-winning plastic surgeon, Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S. is continually expanding the aesthetic arena by combining the use of cutting-edge surgical techniques with the latest technology.

“As a cosmetic plastic surgeon, I work both on the inside and the outside of a patient’s skin every day. I understand patients’ needs and the best method for achieving superior results,” said Dr. Greenberg.

An Ivy-League trained double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Greenberg takes great pride in restoring patient confidence by actively working with each patient to set realistic expectations and create bespoke treatment packages to provide the most natural outcomes possible for his patients.

I am part surgeon and part artist, and I appreciate the opportunity to play an important role in the lives of my patients.

—Dr. Steven T. Greenberg

“Over the years I have enjoyed treating thousands of women and men with a personal and individualized approach,” said Dr. Greenberg. “I am part surgeon and part artist, and I appreciate the opportunity to play an important role in the lives of my patients.”

Offering everything from injectables and fillers to laser treatments, breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts and nose jobs, Dr. Greenberg’s offices are perfect locations to accomplish a lunchtime mini-lift or a more extensive, life-altering transformation to the face or body.

With his vast expertise and

unique methods, Dr. Greenberg pioneered his Rapid Recovery programs in order to have his patients enjoying their new look within a matter of days. Dr. Greenberg’s perfected Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation System utilizes sophisticated mini-incision techniques to provide patients with a true 24-hour experience. Using 3-D computer imaging, Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S. helps each patient select the appropriate implant size for their unique physique. Patients experience minimal pain, swelling, and bruising, coupled with a notably decreased recovery time. Dr. Greenberg is proud to offer this ultra-modern approach to breast augmentation surgery at his state-ofthe-art Manhattan and Woodbury surgical centers which have both met the stringent criteria for AAAASF accreditation.

Dr. Greenberg is frequently recognized for his remarkable work and is continually voted one of the best plastic surgeons in New York. Dr. Greenberg takes great pride in his doctor-patient relationships and sees this connection as key to providing the best patient experience.

“After 30 years in practice, I still receive great satisfaction from helping my patients reach their aesthetic goals,” said Dr. Greenberg. “Once they are happy with how they look, their entire demeanor changes. It is amazing how important these improvements can be to a patient’s state of mind.”

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

Dr. Greenberg is currently writing his second book, as a follow up to A Little Nip, A Little Tuck . His radio show Nip Tuck Today with Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg garners thousands of listeners on Sundays at 10 a.m. on 710WOR, listen live at 710WOR. iHeart.com. Dr. Greenberg collaborates with the latest anti-aging and skincare procurement companies to produce premium products that elevate results.

His Plastic Surgeon’s Ultimate Scar Gel is clinically proven to reduce the appearance and discoloration of old and new scars as well as stretch marks. His scar gel, along with his anti-aging skincare system Cosmetic Surgeon in a Jar, is formulated to redefine daily routines. He calls it Beauty Made Simple and has curated his collection to enhance skin’s natural radiance.

Dr. Greenberg is in high demand from media outlets for his plastic surgery expertise. He has recently been featured on Good Day New York , WABC, The New York Post and has appeared on CBS, Fox News, NBC and News12 Long Island. He has also appeared in national magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan , More, Elle , as well as in The New York Times and Newsday

When asked what his most common procedure requests are, he said, “Most patients opt for my Rapid Recovery procedures. My unique approach to face and body procedures ensures that my patients have reduced downtime coupled

with minimal pain and bruising. I provide my patients with customizable programs that specifically match their anatomy. My plasma liposuction technique allows for increased fat removal, better skin retraction, and a very quick recovery. Combining surgical procedure with amazing new technologies provides more dramatic results. These days I also see guys seeking liposuction of the abdomen, love handles and male chest. Facelifts, mini-facelifts, eyelid lifts and hair restoration are very

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg Neil Tandy

Dr. Greenberg’s Woodbury office

popular for both men and women. Of course, cosmetic injectables are more popular than ever before.”

At the apex of his craft, Dr. Greenberg is something of a legend. Because he has performed literally thousands of procedures, he has evolved them to achieve specialized results, often with uncommon downtimes. Said Dr. Greenberg, “It’s not magic—it’s science, talent and skill that can give you a magical result.”

Join Dr. Greenberg for your complimentary consultation at his Woodbury, Southampton, Manhattan, Scarsdale, Smithtown or Boca Raton locations. Visit greenbergcosmeticsurgery.com or call 516-364-4200.

—Submitted

by Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

Blakeman Files Suit Ahead Of Attorney General’s Deadline

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has filed suit aiming to protect his February executive order stating that trans women and girls cannot participate in women’s and girls’ sports leagues and events.

Early last week, ahead of a Friday deadline to rescind his order issued by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Blakeman filed a 12-page suit in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York seeking a declaratory judgment on the matter.

As Gothamist reported, Blakeman’s lawsuit cites Title 9 of the U.S. Constitution, which protects people from discrimination based on their sex in education programs that get federal monies, as well as the 14th Amendment, which establishes that no U.S. state shall “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Attorney General James previously called Blakeman’s order “blatantly illegal” and “transphobic and discriminatory.”

Responding to the lawsuit in a statement, a spokeperson for James’ office said that the matter is “not up for debate,” adding that the executive order “is illegal, and [will] not stand in New York.”

Days earlier, after James’ office instructed Blakeman to rescind the order, Blakeman held a press conference where he said he believed the order to be lawful and hinted that the issue was headed to court.

More than 100 sports facilities are potentially impacted by Blakeman’s February 22 exectuive order, which went into effect immediately, leading to widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ and human rights

advocates.

On Thursday, February 22, Blakeman held a small rally, with the stated intent to “protect girls’ sports,” before unveiling the executive order.

According to the order, “any sports, leagues, organizations, teams, programs, or sports entities must expressly designate [male, female, or co-ed] based on the biological sex at birth of the team members/ participants when applying for a use and occupancy permit to utilize Nassau County Parks property for the purposes of organization a sporting event or competition.” It goes on to state that the Nassau County Department of Parts, Recreation and Museums “shall not issue any permits for the use and occupancy of Nassau County Park’s property for the purposes of organizing a sporting event or competition that allows athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls to include biological males … [but] may issue permits … that allow athletic teams or sports for males, men, or boys to include biological females.”

Blakeman’s order went on to state that an athlete’s birth certificate would be acceptable proof for establishing their gender for the purposes of playing sports in Nassau (specifically making reference to the sex designated therein), and noted that a birth certificate issued at or soon after a person’s birth would be accepted.

In response to Blakeman’s order, one local high school teacher who spoke to Anton Media Group in February expressed concern about not only the order’s impact on trans students but also the entire student body of local schools, not that “policing this [matter] requires sometimes intrinsic questions and inspections and things like that, because sometimes it isn’t immediately clear who is, or who isn’t, trans.” She added, “This really affects the privacy of all students.”

County Executive Bruce Blakeman poses with his executive order and some local residents on February 22, 2024 at the county seat. (Credit: Anton Media Group)

Environmental Scholarships Offered

The South Shore Audubon Society is offering two $1,000 scholarships for College juniors, seniors, or graduate students earning a degree in the areas of biological or environmental science. This includes wildlife management, forestry, animal behavior, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mammalogy, ornithology or the field of sustainable and renewable energy. Previous winners have used their scholarships to help purchase books, to pay for travel expenses to field sites, for specialized equipment or other educational needs.

To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www.ssaudubon.org/areaswe-serve.asp and/or attend a college in

Nassau or Suffolk County. One scholarship is funded by Evelyn Bishop and her family, and one is funded by Jay Koolpix.

Applications are available at the South Shore Audubon website, www.ssaudubon. org or by contacting Professor Betsy Gulotta at 516-546-8841, Betsy.Gulotta@ ncc.edu . Applications are due by April 30, 2024, and should be emailed to either Betsy Gulotta, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@ optonline.net, or sent by regular mail to Betsy Gulotta, 2 Anding Ave, Merrick, NY 11566.

For more information and for assistance with application forms, do not hesitate to contact Betsy Gulotta or Betty Borowsky at the email addresses above.

—Submitted by South Shore Audubon Society

Rabbi Honored By Jewish War Veterans

“Elder Law Estate Planning” is an area of law that combines features of both elder law (disability planning) and estate planning (death planning) and relates mostly to the needs of the middle class. Estate planning was formerly only for the wealthy, who wanted to shelter their assets from taxes and pass more on to their heirs. But today estate planning is also needed by the middle class who may have assets exceeding one million dollars, especially when you consider life insurance in the mix.

Estate planning with trusts became popular starting in 1991 when AARP published “ A Consumer Report on Probate ” concluding that probate should be avoided and trusts should be used to transfer assets to heirs without the expense and delay of probate, a court proceeding on death. Trusts are also widely used today to avoid guardianship proceedings on disability, protect privacy, and reduce the chance of a will contest in court.

As the population aged, life expectancies increased, and the cost of care skyrocketed, the field of elder law emerged in the late 1980’s to help people protect assets from the cost of long-term care by using Medicaid asset protection strategies.

We have been practicing “elder law estate planning” together for over thirty years to address these needs:

• Getting your assets to your heirs, with the least amount of court costs, taxes and legal fees possible.

• Keeping your assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren and protecting those assets from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.

• Protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care and qualifying you for government benefits to pay for your home care or facility care.

• Avoiding guardianship proceedings if you become disabled and probate court proceedings on death.

World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. Rabbi Vernon knew one of the Jewish Chaplains killed during the Vietnam War. The plaque is part of a legacy that goes with holding the office of President of LIBOR. The plaque will be passed on to each succeeding President of LIBOR.

—Submitted by Jewish War Veterans Post 652

Commander Gary Glick and Ed Freeberg of the Jewish War Veterans Post 652 (Merrick) presented a plaque to Rabbi Art Vernon during his inauguration as President of the Long Island Board of Rabbis. The presentation took place at Congregation Shaaray Shalom in West Hempstead. The original plaque is at Arlington National Cemetery. The plaque honors Jewish Chaplains (Rabbis) who were killed during

Rabbi Art Vernon, Edward Freeberg, and Commander Gary Glick.

(Photo by Edward Freeberg)

Photo Getty Images

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19). e early stage of a relationship is steeped in projection and fantasy. You imagine who the other person is, and they do the same with you. e ideas here are usually based in wishes and fears. Reality corrects the fallacies and educates willing pupils as to everyone’s true essence, and expectations can be set accordingly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If the e orts are strong but the plan is weak, the results will fail. If the e orts are weak but the plan is strong, there won’t be much result to speak of. You’ll be the pro who checks things from many angles. Knowing what you don’t know and being humble enough to ask is half the battle. You’ll gather opinions, insights and observations, and get it right.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Gather more in uences. It’s good to have a few inspirational examples to model your work after. Twelve examples will make you more of an expert, with a body of research to show for it. Twenty examples give you a sophisticated eye. And when you have 50 examples, you’ll earn the discerning perspective of a professional.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are sensitive to the subtleties of human bonding. You know what emotional and spiritual connection feels like. You can tell when it’s strong and when it’s barely there at all, and most of all, you can sense when it’s broken. You’ll give yourself over to its healing this week, which is a process that takes tenderness and time. It can’t be rushed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). From where you stand, you can see the tools and resources a orded to others, but it’s unnecessary to turn an envious gaze that direction. You have everything you need. If you had more, it would only complicate things and steal from the wonderfully unique work you’re doing. Rest assured, you can achieve greatly using nothing more than what you already have.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). is week, the education you seek will be particularly relevant to the action, and it will all seem to click in at once. Said the great acting teacher Uta Hagen: “ e knowledge that every day there is something more to learn, something higher to reach for, something new to make for others, makes each day in nitely precious. And I am grateful.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In the movies, courage is tested in the face of obvious danger. Real life features tests of courage that come pretty much on the daily in the form of extending oneself socially, pitching and presenting work, taking a chance by sharing real feelings and truths, and putting your heart on the line. e uncertainties of life will bend to your bravery.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll let go of the need to impress someone or manage how they think of you. You’ll move forward with the intent to be fully yourself and experience the moment as only you can. And though you do not aim to change anyone’s mind or opinion, your pleasure and joy in simply being alive has more impact than you might expect.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You approach your work with two distinct parts of yourself. One is like a lm director with a big vision for the scenes of your life. e other is an emotional and impulsive actor who won’t learn the lines and keeps playing it loose and wild. e tension between these two aspects of your personality makes your life a work of art.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Emotional communication is tricky, as we are each wired a little di erently in this regard. What one person thinks is a reasonable interaction can be a confusing code to someone else. Feel your way through. Listen with your whole self, not just to the words spoken but to the needs that ring through, and echo in their surrounding silence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). e positive energy propelling your relationships will culminate in arrangements that really serve you well. e universe is conspiring to make the nancial aspects of a deal much easier for you. So, when people o er to pay you, treat you or handle the bill, all you have to do is let them. is will happen more than once this week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It only takes seven ri es to completely shu e a deck of cards, but cutting the deck even once is enough to wholly alter the game. Relatedly, whether it seems like it or not, your impact is real this week. You’ll make your moves and, in the best way possible, because of those choices, nothing will be the same.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

: It’s a year of ight. Once you learn to trust your “wings,” you can take o from any perch, and so you will. You’ll launch from the ground or from the treetop and get to the elevation that feels best to you. e surge of health and vitality you feel will attract fun friends and interesting work. You’ll be paid very well to solve a problem. You’ll excel among equal but di erent talents. Associations with air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) will launch a certain ebullient luck in the realm of relationships and leisure.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND WORD FIND

there will be 27 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Darling Downs

Solution: 27 Letters

WORD FIND

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 27 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Darling Downs

Solution: 27 Letters

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

Airport Allora Boonah

Bull

Bushfire

Cecil Plains

Coal

Cunningham

Dalby Drought Ewes

Farm

Feedlots

Fertile Field Flowers Forest Fruit

Gatton Herd

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

Museum

Holiday Lambs

Maranoa Meat Megafauna Milk

Airport Allora Boonah Bull Bushfire Cecil Plains Coal Cunningham Dalby Drought Ewes Farm Feedlots

Fertile Field Flowers Forest Fruit Gatton Herd Holiday Lambs Maranoa Meat Megafauna Milk

Nanango Nobby Notice Oakey Rams Rich Ripe Sheep Sorghum Sown Warwick

Museum Nanango Nobby Notice Oakey Rams Rich Ripe Sheep Sorghum Sown Warwick

Solution: South East Queensland foodbowl

Solution: South East Queensland foodbowl

Creators Syndicate

Creators Syndicate

737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

Date: 3/13/24

Date: 3/13/24

Luck

not the only factor

When the success of a contract appears to depend upon a finesse — essentially a 50-50 proposition — your first obligation is to look for another method of play that will raise your chances to perhaps 60%, 70% or even 100%.

If you study the present case carefully, it becomes apparent that you can improve your prospects to well beyond 50% by allowing for the possibility that West originally held only one or two trumps.

Accordingly, after taking the diamond ace at trick four, you lead a trump to your king and play the queen of hearts. As it happens, West has no more trumps, which allows you to discard a club from dummy.

The rest of the play is easy enough. You cash the ace of clubs, ruff a club in dummy, ruff a diamond and then ruff your last club in dummy to bring home the contract.

up with the ace and must take the rest of the tricks. At this point, it might seem that the outcome depends entirely on a successful club finesse. However, there is a good rule to follow in situations of this sort.

Note that if, when you lead the queen of hearts, West produces a trump — having been dealt three or more of them — you can overruff in dummy and still have the club finesse to fall back on. It doesn’t cost anything at all to play the hand this way.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

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‘SET At Night

Members of the Manhasset Broadcasting Company, specifically those in Broadcast IV, and the Manhasset Jazz Band combined forces to produce their first annual ‘SET At Night event on Feb. 15! The night show, modeled off The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, consisted of music, laughs, games and interviews. The students did an incredible job and the event raised approximately $350 for the charity Rise Against Hunger.

Senan Marcus served as the host of the evening and guided the show with a strong monologue and funny news headlines segment. He also conducted an excellent interview with special guest and Bollywood star, Prashantt Guptha. Helen Murphy served as the show’s emcee and led an exciting game of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

The jazz band, led by Zen Lee, was on par with professional late night show bands. They also served as the musical guest for the evening and performed a wonderful piece.

The MBC crew, led by Director Jerry Shi, his classmates from Broadcast IV and several volunteers from the club and other classes, produced the event, with cameras, audio, props, cue cards and more.

“The show went off without a hitch and every aspect was evidence of the

There was music, laughs, games and interviews.

tremendous skill and dedication of members of both programs,” Manhasset Broadcasting Company advisor Dr. Matthew Coleman said.

Great job to both the Manhasset Broadcasting Company and the Manhasset Jazz Band on a memorable evening!

—From Manhasset Public Schools

Humans Of Manhasset

Congratulations to Manhasset High School student Emma Sabiston for being named the 2024 winner of the Humans of Manhasset Contest! Mr. McDonough and Mr. Breckles’ English 10R and 10ID students interviewed Manhasset residents and created a photo and written essay reflecting on the human condition revealed through the interview process. Semifinalists were displayed anonymously in the Manhasset Secondary School Art Gallery and gallery visitors voted on the winning entry.

—From Manhasset Public Schools

Manhasset Students Study With Award-winning Ensemble

Manhasset students William Pereira and Felice Chu were recently selected for exclusive master classes with the internationally acclaimed Imani Winds, a Grammy Awardwinning chamber ensemble renowned for redefining the wind quintet genre. Hosted by Adelphi University, the master classes provided by Imani Winds presented a unique opportunity for William and Felice to refine their technical skills and gain insights into the artistic innovation that has defined Imani Winds.

Imani Winds, formed in 1997, comprises five virtuoso musicians: Brandon Patrick

George (flute), Mekhi Gladden (oboe), Mark Dover (clarinet), Kevin Newton (French horn), and Monica Ellis (bassoon). With a mission to expand the boundaries of traditional chamber music, Imani Winds has become a trailblazer, seamlessly blending diverse musical traditions, including classical, jazz, and world music.

The Manhasset School District commends William Pereira and Felice Chu for their exceptional musical achievements, and shares appreciation for band director Mr. Gregory Sisco for facilitating this experience.

—From Manhasset Public Schools

Emma Sabiston (Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

Mekhi Gladden and William Pereira

Monica Ellis and Felice Chu (Photos by Manhasset Public Schools)

Helen Murphy served as the show’s emcee and led an exciting game of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (Photos by Manhasset Public Schools)

Girls Playoff Run Ends Just Shy Of Repeating As Champions

COLE McDONNELL

editors@antonmediagroup.com

The Manhasset Indians faced the South Side Cyclones, on February 26, in the Class AA semifinals of the Nassau championship game at Farmingdale State College. The one-seeded Indians won 44-38.

The game looked like a blow-out in favor of Manhasset when the girls went up 35-19 after a huge third quarter where they outscored South Side 17-6. In the fourth quarter, the Cyclones brought the game back with a 17-2 run making it a one-point game 37-36. Danielle Perfetto hit a big three for her team stopping the South Side run and keeping the lead for the team. Manhasset weathered the storm and closed out the game to move on to the championship round for the second straight year.

Senior Mia Lopinto led Manhasset with 15 points. Kyla Murphy scored 10 leading her South Side team. The Indians managed to contain an offense that had scored 50 points or more in nine of their last eleven games to just 38.

In the first quarter, South Side scored a quick four points, holding Manhasset to zero points until Lopinto hit two free throws three minutes into the game. Manhasset found themselves down 9-3 but a Lopinto step-back three cut the lead to a one-score game. The three energized Manhasset as they went to the second quarter down 9-8.

Lauren Perfetto hit a three to start the second period, giving Manhasset a lead that they held onto for the rest of the game. In the period, Manhasset outscored South Side 10-4 giving them a 18-13 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw Manhasset break away with a 14-4 run. The Cyclones’ Katelyn Mullen made a floater to stop the run with her team down 32-19. The third quarter ended with Manhasset up 35-19. Lopinto, L. Perfetto, and Lauren Connolly all scored four points with D. Perfetto putting in five points during the quarter.

South Side found themselves in a hole and went to work quickly to dig themselves out of it. Mullen made a jumper to start the quarter including two threes from Ella Burbige and Ellie Lennon for a quick 8-0 run. Out of a Manhasset timeout, Harper Lambert made a jump shot putting a halt to the South Side run. The Cyclones went another run, scoring nine straight points, cutting the once 16-point lead to just one, 37-36. With all the momentum against them, D. Perfetto made a three to silence the Cyclones. Manhasset held on to win 44-38.

Manhasset moved on to face the seven-seeded East Meadow Jets after the win over the Cyclones. They returned to Farmingdale State College on March 4th

for the championship tilt. An exciting game took place with high scoring and a dramatic finish ending 69-66 in favor of East Meadow.

Manhasset took an early 20-12 lead after the first quarter and looked like they were going to run with it but East Meadow came out of the gates firing in the second quarter. They hit four of their eleven threes in the quarter and outscored Manhasset 24-10, taking a 36-30 lead into halftime.

The fourth quarter saw Manhasset down by as large as 14 points but a 10-0 run helped bring them within four and then Lopinto hit a three, making it a one-score game 65-62. Kayla Lederer split her free throws giving East Meadow a four-point lead but Lopinto came right back with a floater, now only a two-point game. Allie Twible split a pair of free throws and it was L. Perfetto’s turn to make it a one-point game as she grabbed an offensive rebound, making the score 67-66. Viola was fouled

and made sure not to miss as she gave her team the three-point cushion they needed to win the game.

The Perfetto sisters led their team with Danielle scoring 19 and Lauren scoring 15. Twible and Charlotte Viola scored 20 and 18 respectively for their team. The Jets exploited the zone of the Indians finding multiple open threes.

Connolly helped her team early in the first quarter scoring the first nine points for her team, using her size advantage to nab offensive rebounds, creating second-chance points for herself. A Twible three gave the Jets a 12-9 lead but Manhasset came back and ended the quarter on an 11-0 run.

The second quarter started with Viola blocking L. Perfetto, running the break herself, and drawing the foul. She hit both and Manhasset followed with a layup from Ladopoulos and a L. Perfetto three. The Jets

then ripped off a 20-3 run only stopped by a three from D. Perfetto. Twible hit a floater at the buzzer putting them up 36-30 after two. Lopinto didn’t get scoring until the second half where she scored all her points helping her team try and mount a comeback. The East Meadow defense frustrated Manhasset as they created turnovers, leading to fastbreaks. D. Perfetto made a three at the end of the third cutting the lead to under 10, 50-41.

Angelina Cronin, Lederer, and Viola all made threes giving the Jets a 14-point lead. Manhasset didn’t go away easy with a 10-0 run that included four different scorers. Lopinto hit two big shots bringing her team right back into the game but Viola’s free throws in the clutch kept her team on top to capture their first Nassau championship. Manhasset finished their season 19-4 but ultimately fell short of repeating as champions, an outstanding season nonetheless.

The Manhasset girls team celebrate the win over South Side to move on to the championship round.

Mia Lopinto makes a floater in the fourth quarter of the championship game against East Meadow.

Lauren Connolly drives inside against South Side. Mia Lopinto makes one of her six free throws in the semifinal match up. (Photos by Cole McDonnell)

Audit Of The Town Of North Hempstead’s Building Department Is Released

JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

The Office of Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips recently released its report on an audit of the Town of North Hempstead (TONH) Building Department.

The building department is responsible for administering the New York State and Town of North Hempstead Codes as they relate to property, buildings, and construction within the town’s unincorporated areas.

Anton Media Group reached out to Supervisor DeSena when the audit review was released to discuss the findings.

Supervisor DeSena originally called for the audit in July 2022. “There were many [issues] but for me, the most notable was oversight. As the Comptroller’s report mentioned, that was hindered here because of the situation created by the old town board. It undermined my authority to investigate and worse, allowed them to block my changes. Unfortunately, this also put our staff in an extremely uncomfortable position because as the report states, they simply didn’t know who they should be reporting to. That was what prompted me to request an independent, third-party audit. Thankfully, we have a new town board who’s ready to work on rebuilding together,” said Supervisor DeSena.

“Departmentally, one of the most notable issues we observed was the lack of accountability and responsiveness to the public,” said Supervisor DeSena. “The building department created barriers between themselves and the public. Many people routinely sought clarification on decisions but were left to guess on details which created untold delays and frustration. As with anything, performance is greatly improved through communication, so our main focus is on opening those channels up.”

The Nassau County Comptroller’s office began its review in August of 2022.

They assessed the department’s various functions and found that an area of high concern to constituents was the efficiency of the permitting process. The permitting process includes the intake of permit applications, maintenance of building/ permit-related documentation, issuance of permits, inspections of work performed, and issuance of permit close-out certificates.

The review covered the period from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2023. According to the

The audit report details recommendations for the building department to implement to fix the issues causing inefficiency. Recommendations include:

• Leverage more capabilities of the Citizenserve Online Solutions software to enable constituents to view all data related to their property and track their permit applications within the MyToNH portal.

• Implement permit processing operational improvements.

• Improve communication with constituents.

• Standardize the process to request an expedited permit application review, with the request and approval process being completed within the MyToNH portal.

• Leverage Citizenserve and other software currently available to theBuilding Department to develop accurate and comprehensive reports.

Review of the TONH Building Department, “Since the inception of this review, there have been improvements at the Building Department, many of which were developed as a result of direct observations and recommendations made by my team during the review process.”

Comptroller Phillips’ office conducted an objective and detailed review of each phase of the permitting process. The team heard from residents, members of the town administration, commissioners, staff members of the department, and architects and design professionals.

According to a press release from the Office of Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, the following are among the major findings of the review:

undermined constituent satisfaction with the Department and the Town’s portal, MyToNH.

• The bifurcation of the Town’s government during the audit period had a negative impact on the implementation of the portal.

• Procedures for requests to expedite permit applications lack standardization.

The press release from the comptroller’s office shared that in addition to the issues detailed above, “reporting functionality of the new system was not fully established, impeding the Department’s ability to track permit activity and to identify and remediate process inefficiencies.”

The audit revealed that a cultural shift toward prioritizing constituent service would benefit the town, its residents and business professionals. —Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips

• The implementation of a new online portal for Building Department permit applications in 2020 was fraught with significant problems, including failure to utilize key features of the software, CitizenServe Online Solutions, which resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction among both constituents and employees of the Building Department.

• Operational inefficiencies exist within the Department, largely due to lack of standardized procedures and operational oversight.

• Insufficient communication between the Building Department and permit applicants and a lack of transparency have

“We found significant operational deficiencies and have provided detailed recommendations that can help the Building Department improve efficiency and increase transparency,” said Comptroller Phillips. “In addition, the audit revealed that a cultural shift toward prioritizing constituent service would benefit the town, its residents and business professionals.”

One of the most prevalent issue with the building department was found to be the implementation of the Citizenserve Online Portal, My ToNH, which was launched in June 2019. The audit review states that “the town launched an online permitting system, but the implementation of the portal and operational components resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction among constituents and employees of the Building Department.”

According to the press release from the Comptroller’s office, “Through Citizenserve, TONH has access to a comprehensive digital toolkit for modernizing the building permit process both internally and externally. The town is not fully leveraging the capabilities of the system to improve process flow, facilitate communication, and enable constituents to easily track their permit applications online. More effective use of the platform could improve constituent and employee satisfaction, increase efficiency and transparency, and help the Building Department to standardize processes and implement quality control.”

“The problems at the Building Department didn’t happen overnight so they’re not going to be fixed by band-aids and PR gimmicks. We have to get this right,” said Supervisor DeSena. “That means developing permanent, long-term solutions that address not only procedural deficiencies but speak to a workplace culture that lacked accountability. We’re working towards a unified set of best practices that are not only sensible but also serve to break that entrenched culture.”

“Ultimately, we have duty to the residents and professionals who work with the building department so we’ll be keeping the public informed about each of these efforts,” said Supervisor DeSena. “The building department is one of the most forward-facing services that the town has with the public. It impacts both homes, businesses and even public safety, so it affects every aspect of our quality of life.”

The full report is accessible in the Field Audit section of the Comptroller’s website, or directly at: https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/DocumentCenter/View/43931/Review-of-TONH-Building-Department-Permitting-Process.

—Original press release from the Nassau County Comptroller’s Office

Supervisor Jen DeSena talks about the audit as Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte (left) and former Councilmember Veronica Lurvey look on, July 2022. (Photo from the Town of North Hempstead)

NEWS

Town Giving Workshop Focused On Sustainable Landscaping For People With Wildlife In Mind

North Hempstead Town Supervisor

Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board are pleased to announce that the Town will host a workshop entitled “Landscaping for People and Wildlife” on March 20 at 7 p.m.

The workshop will educate community members on how to provide the basic needs of wildlife like food, water, shelter, and places to raise young, while also creating a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape. Topics covered will include native plants, composting, conserving and protecting water resources, the importance of pollinators and other beneficial insects, storm water management and more.

“Local wildlife species are critical to the health of our ecosystems, and they have lost much of their habitat to development,” said Supervisor DeSena. “We have the opportunity to use our home landscapes to give these species the resources they need while simultaneously promoting beauty and relaxation for our residents in their own backyards.”

This workshop will be held virtually on Zoom and is free for all, including non-residents, but registration is required.

For more information and to register, visit NorthHempsteadNY.gov/Sustainability or call 311.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead To Partner With United Way Of Long Island For Project Warmth

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board are proud to announce that the Town of North Hempstead will partner with United Way of Long Island to host the Project Warmth Emergency Fuel Fund for town residents. Project Warmth provides one-time grants to individuals and families who are unable to pay their heating bill. The event will take place on Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “Yes We Can” Community Center, 141 Garden St., Westbury.

(Contributed graphic)

I am immensely grateful to United Way of Long Island for bringing this program to North Hempstead, and I encourage neighbors who are struggling to pay their heating bill to please stop by on March 15.”

(Contributed photos)

North Hempstead’s Project Independence To Partner With St. Francis Hospital

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the North Hempstead Town Board are proud to announce that Project Independence, the Town’s innovative agingin-place initiative, is once again partnering with St. Francis Hospital’s Community Outreach Program to provide residents with free health screenings.

The screenings, which will be offered at the St. Francis Outreach Bus, will include a brief cardiac history, a blood pressure screening, a blood test for cholesterol and diabetes with appropriate patient education, and referrals as needed for clients above the age of 18. Appointments are not required.

Screenings will be held on:

• Friday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clinton G. Martin Park, 1601 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park

• Monday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Washington Adult Activities Center, 80 Manorhaven Blvd., Port Washington

• Tuesday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fuschillo Park, Carle Road at Broadmoor Lane, Carle Place

• Tuesday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave., Great Neck

• Wednesday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Magnolia Gardens, 899 Broadway, Westbury

• Thursday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manhasset Valley Residence, 155 East Shore Rd., Manhasset Dates and protocols are subject to change. Please call 311 or 516-869-6311 before going to a location.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

“As the Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, it is incumbent upon me and my colleagues in government to do all that we can to help our most vulnerable residents,” said Supervisor DeSena. “Many families and individuals are unfortunately dealing with substantial challenges, and this program is designed to provide valuable, practical relief to those who need it most.

Applications are open to residents of the Town of North Hempstead only. Residents must bring their electricity and gas bill on the day of the event.

For questions or more information, please reach out to Fidelia Tobar at ftobar@ unitedwayli.org or at 631-940-3740.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead To Partner With AARP To Host Defensive Driving Classes In 2024

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the North Hempstead Town Board are proud to announce that the Town is again partnering with AARP to offer residents Defensive Driving classes throughout the year at Clinton G. Martin Park.

The classes will be held on the following dates at Clinton G. Martin Park from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

• Saturday, April 13

• Saturday, May 11

• Saturday, June 1

• Saturday, June 22

• Saturday, Sept. 14

• Saturday, Oct. 19

• Saturday, Nov. 16

• Saturday, Dec. 14

The cost is $25 for AARP members and $30 for non-members. Those interested in attending should bring a check payable

to “AARP” on the day of the class. No cash will be accepted. Attendees should bring their driver’s license and a bagged lunch, and AARP members should also bring their AARP cards.

To register or for more information, please call 311 or 516-869-6311.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Goldfinch eating purple coneflower seeds.

Black swallowtail butterfly on butterfly milkweed.

RPA Highlights Potential For Affordable Housing Near Transit Hubs

Report asserts that failure to act on transit oriented development (TOD) policy will only exacerbate the region’s housing crisis

Anew report by Regional Plan Association (RPA) finds that small investments and zoning adjustments would unlock latent transit oriented development (TOD) potential surrounding commuter stations in New York and New Jersey. The commuter rail network serving the tristate area is by far the most extensive in the United States, with over 390 stations and a combined annual ridership of 170 million.

The report, Homes on Track: Building Thriving Communities Around Transit, highlights the potential of TOD to create more affordable housing options near transit hubs, reducing transportation costs and improving access to jobs and amenities for low- and moderate-income residents. Regional Plan Association found that a total of 96 commuter rail stations in New York and New Jersey have “Near Term” TOD potential, meaning minor investments and regulatory intervention would improve housing affordability and the quality of life for residents in the near term. The report also found that commuter rail stations in New York and New Jersey are surrounded by approximately 74,000 acres of underutilized land, including vacant and unbuilt lot cover, equivalent to the surface area of Manhattan and Brooklyn combined.

“A more affordable and balanced regional housing market is essential to a healthy economy with connections between all parts of the region,” said Tom Wright, President and CEO, Regional Plan Association. “The severe shortage of affordable homes is widely recognized as one of our region’s greatest economic, social and humanitarian challenges. This report underscores the immense potential to deliver abundant homes, improved affordability, thriving economies, and a sustainable environment.”

The report found that restrictive zoning is predominant in both states; only 39 percent of all stations have zoning that facilitates multifamily development. The remaining 61 percent has zoning that severely limits or does not allow multifamily buildings around station areas. Furthermore, over 39 percent of all stations (139 out of 355) are classified as having restrictive zoning, are majority white, and are generally affluent neighborhoods. Most of these stations are located in New York City’s inner suburbs.

Recent related analysis shows that Long Island and the Mid Hudson Valley have experienced a decline in the rate of housing permits due to zoning restrictions, while NJ Metro Core (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Morris, Passaic counties), has been increasingly driving housing growth in the region due largely to pro-housing policies and programs.

With a total of 98 commuter stations, Long Island represents more than 27 percent of the region’s rail stations. Long Island has only 12 percent stations that, on average, measure 11 or more residential units per acre, a low figure compared to Lower Hudson Valley and NJ Metro Core (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Morris, Passaic counties) which lead with 38 percent and 31 percent stations with 11 or more units per acre, respectively. The larger presence of restrictive zoning in Long Island partly explains the difference. Nassau County, in particular, has the largest number of stations where the surrounding land use is regulated by zoning that limits or entirely prohibits multifamily buildings (33 out of 56 stations). TOD is especially needed in this region, as it disproportionately relies on Manhattan’s CBD as a primary job center, unlike the NJ Metro Core, which has multiple job centers and a larger population. Long Island also holds the highest share of stations with high (45 percent) and moderate (44 percent) amounts of unbuilt lot cover, an area without any buildings or structures.

transportation. Key recommendations include:

• States should take a leadership role in advancing TOD. Many states and cities across the country have passed legislation or enacted policies to encourage TOD. New York has a tremendous opportunity to help municipalities advance transit oriented districts around stations while New Jersey can build on its existing TOD programs.

Nassau County, in particular, has the largest number of stations where the surrounding land use is regulated by zoning that limits or entirely prohibits multifamily buildings (33 out of 56 stations). TOD is especially needed in this region...

—Regional Planning Association

• Localities should streamline zoning and land use regulations to allow for TOD. Outdated zoning rules are impeding land uses of some

of the most valuable real estate on the planet. Sixty-seven stations in NY and NJ have appropriate physical and mobility attributes and significant underutilized land for successful TOD but are regulated by restrictive zoning that limits or fully prohibits multifamily buildings.

• States must better connect land use and transportation investments and leverage data in planning. Limited coordination between transportation agencies and localities with land use authority—largely due to the lack of coordinated planning— often results in missed opportunities and infrastructure investments that do not create more housing opportunities near transit. Furthermore, state agencies in NY/ NJ should develop a data-driven classification system to identify places where more flexible land use regulations and/ or streamlining procedures would enable more housing near transit.

•TOD is the key to solving our region’s affordable housing crisis. Failure to act on an ambitious TOD policy will only exacerbate the region’s housing crisis, add further strains to the transportation network, and lead to more missed opportunities from major investments, such as the recent connection of Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal.

“RPA’s in-depth new analysis makes clear that New York has a real opportunity to unlock hundreds of thousands of sustainable, walkable homes near our transit stations. Unfortunately our state and local governments lack the will to do so,” said Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York. “We are in a dire housing emergency and we need Albany—which has invested so much in our transit system —to step in and ensure that new housing is built near existing and new stations.”

—Submitted by the Regional Plan Association (RPA)

The report concludes that New York has incredible potential to enable strategic planning and development near public

The regional density surrounding public transit hubs.

(Image courtesy RPA)

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Andrew Dice Clay is coming to The Paramount on Sunday, June 9, for a special one-night performance. Recently, I had a chance to speak with the Diceman. He was chatting from his cellphone while in Columbus Circle, probably filming some of his current social media shorts that have earned him some impressive viewership stats. They don’t call him the “Undisputed Heavyweight King of Comedy” for nothing. Here’s what he had to say.

CH: What can you say about your success?

DICE: The New York Times used to write about me. It was at a time when no one would even let me be on the same block as Carnegie Hall [Dice performed at Carnegie Hall last month on Feb. 15]. I think the headline back then said, “The Demise of Western Civilization” or something like that. Last year was a game-changer for me. Now, everything I’ve been doing, A Star Is Born, working with Scorsese; it is unreal. Now the headlines say I am this great performance artist.

CH: What is the secret to staying relevant?

DICE: Believe in yourself and what you do. Achievement and accomplishment are very possible with hard work. You know, people always say, “You’re really lucky,” and I say yeah, I guess, if you want to call hard work “lucky.” I have strived and bridged a lot of generations to finally have the career that I have always wanted.

CH: Did you believe that you were funny, then?

DICE:I couldn’t care less back then; I did not care about stand-up comedy. I just cared about being a performer. Why go to acting school once a week when I could get up and perform seven nights a week. My comedy chops grew. Now I really love it. I understand it. I have grown with the times. I am not doing the material I did 45 years ago, except the Mother Goose poems, because that’s the signature piece. It’s iconic. It’s memorable and the whole audience still does it with me. Other than that, I do not want to do material from 1980 in

Outrageous And Legendary Andrew Dice Clay at The Paramount on June 9

2024. It was unheard of for a comedian to sell out arenas. I am the only comic to ever open for Guns N’ Roses; I opened with “Little Miss Muffet...” and they went berserk.

CH: How has your content changed?

DICE: I am still edgy, but the material has changed. I am older; I have learned things: I have seen things. My comedy, I’d say, is more self-deprecating now; it’s relatable. I watch clips of a 25-year-old Dice and it was so cartoony and robotic, even the way I talked back then; I never broke character. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun, but now, I put more of myself into my material.

CH: Why do we collectively need comedy?

DICE:I don’t get into politics, but you see what goes on around the world, everybody fighting everybody. I had a very smart mother. She said three things. Never talk politics. Never talk religion. And never bad-mouth Frank Sinatra. I did meet Sinatra in Vegas; I think we were shooting The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. He told me what it was like for him to be a grassroots phenomenon. He told me to never back down and keep moving forward. He said no matter what gets in my way, there will always be deterrence, but to do whatever it takes, go around it, go under it, go over it. He told me, “A guy like you is going to survive it.” I could not believe the things he told me. To this day, it is still surreal.

Recently I went to see my friend Bill Burr perform. The minute I walked into his dressing room, he said, “Dice, you’re going to do some time up there tonight, right?” My stomach dropped and initially I said, “No, I didn’t come here tonight to do that.” He said, “You got to do something; you gotta go up.” That lit the switch for me again. If you call yourself the “Undisputed Heavyweight King of Comedy” when you get on stage, you got to prove it. I’ll never retire; I’ll never be out there playing pickleball. Fans can get tickets to the Sunday, June 9, show at The Paramount (www.paramountny.com). Visit www.andrewdiceclay.com for more.

Andrew Dice Clay Troy Conrad Photography

Patti LuPone/Broadway Wynton Marsalis/Jazz Itzhak Perlman/Classical Vic Dibitetto/Comedy Leslie Odom, Jr./Broadway