Great Neck Record 3/20/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Unique Concert Brought To Great Neck Temple

LAUREN FELDMAN

lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

On Sunday, March 10, a one-of-akind concert came to Great Neck’s Temple Emanuel. The Massapequa Philharmonic presented their InsideOut™ series; a fully immersive concert where the audience experienced Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 from their seats inside the orchestra.

As the event description accurately captures; the experience of not only hearing, but seeing and feeling the music with an entire symphony orchestra around you is extraordinary—the iMax of Classical Music—better than any escape room. Even if you’ve heard and seen Beethoven’s Fifth many times, experiencing this amazing work up close is revelatory. As amazing as it is to hear Beethoven’s Fifth on a recording or even in a live performance, experiencing this work from inside an orchestra is on a whole other level.

The Philharmonic’s conductor and musical director, David Bernard, explained what makes an InsideOut™ concert so special to him. “My chief motivation as a conductor is sharing what I love about classical music with audiences and musicians,” he explained. “But through an InsideOut™ Concert, we can go farther — sharing not only the music, but the incredible experience of 80 to 100 musicians making music all around you. It is a special thrill to see audience members who have only listened to classical music on recordings or even in traditional live concerts, experience symphonic music from inside the orchestra. The electricity between the musicians and the spatial sound world the audience gets to experience is incredibly captivating, and it hooks them, just as it did each musician.”

Why choose Beethoven for this kind of performance? Beethoven’s Fifth is iconic. The opening four note theme (and what follows) truly rocked the world for generations. Their rhythm, short-short-short-long, was used as the letter “V” in the design of Morse Code, and the opening theme was taken as the theme of the Allies in World War 2 signifying “V for Victory”. This work has captivated audiences for over 200 years, being chosen as the opening work for the inaugural concerts of the New York Philharmonic and the National Symphony, and was included in the recording sent into space to demonstrate humanity’s artistic accomplishments. It seemed only fitting

to unite the experiences of audience and player alike through this dynamic work.

For Bernard, being able to bring this iconic concert to Great Neck, the town of his youth, was especially humbling. “It was a special experience bringing InsideOut™ Concerts to Great Neck — my childhood home,” he said. “Great Neck’s Public School music program has always been top notch, and it was my public school music teachers who inspired me to become a musician, and who gave me my first ‘inside out’ experiences — in band and orchestra. In our event at Temple Emanuel — my childhood synagogue where I was Bar Mitzvahed — by giving these audience members their first InsideOut™ experience, I felt that honored to be able to give back to this wonderful town that gave me so much.”

The same Rabbi who Bar Mitzvahed Bernard is still there today; Rabbi Robert Widom, who was in attendance for the concert, spoke on just how special this

Temple Emanuel reunion was. “This is truly a special event. You’re in for a treat,” he began. “Beethoven’s Fifth is a masterful piece, performed [today] by masterful people.” Of Bernard, Widom could only offer praise. “I was so grateful when he told us he’d be playing tonight. He’s a busy guy,” Widom laughed, “With a very busy schedule, and we’re grateful that he could set aside time today for us.” Widom emphasized Bernard’s unique take on classical performances, calling him the “Jonny Appleseed of Classical music.”

Throughout the concert, audience members were called on to describe their experiences. A trademark of Bernard’s concerts is his desire to immerse the audience and help them feel like a part of the performance. “It’s exciting [to be in the orchestra],” said one audience member. “It’s a totally new experience for me, even though I’ve been to many concerts before.” Another member described the experi-

ence of the concert like changing weather. “It was a tempest, the thunderstorms and lightning. Then it became a soft kind of rain, and at the end, sun and clear skies.” A few audience members also commented it was fun to see Bernard’s expressions as he conducted; when in a traditional concert, the audience can only see the conductor’s back.

With the overwhelming success of the concert, one can only hope that Bernard and the Massapequa Philharmonic will perform another InsideOut™ experience again soon on Long Island. For those that missed this experience, the Massapequa Philharmonic puts on regular seasonal performances at the Alfred G. Berner Middle School in Massapequa. Their next show, Sublime Beauty, will be performed on March 24 at 3 p.m. For more information on this concert, and all things Massapequa Philharmonic, visit https://www.massphil. com/

Bernard takes a selfie with the audience to commemorate this special event. (Photo credit David Bernard))

Throughout the concert, audience members were asked about their experience within the orchestra.

Rabbi Robert Widom welcomed congregants to this special concert. (Photos courtesy of Lauren Feldman)

Manhasset Great Neck Camera Club Meeting

The Manhasset Great Neck Camera Club will hold a Club Member Presentation Show meeting on March 25, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library, located at 30 Onderdonk Ave., Manhasset, NY 11030.

This meeting will feature presentations where the photographic interests and skills of five club members will be shown on a large screen. A “Meet and Greet”

takes place between 6-6:30 p.m. Our meetings are open to all. We are a welcoming group of photographers in an active club and can assist all classes and skill levels of digital photographers, from iPhone, point and shoot, beginners, and advanced. Visit our web site mgnccnet.wordpress.com/ which has links to the “Color Wheel”.

—Submitted by the Manhasset Great Neck Camera Club

Great Neck Native Fulfills Dream Of Working In Theater

BY JULIE PRISCO

Adriane Heflin, a Great Neck native, has been the technical director at Children’s Theater Company (CTC) for 15 years now.

The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire nearly 250,000 people annually.

Growing up in Great Neck, so close to New York City, allowed Heflin to form an appreciation for the arts from a young age.

“I was lucky because my parents took me to see Broadway shows in the city and to Lincoln Center to see ballet and dance shows. It was really a great introduction to the arts,” said Heflin.

never understood that I could make a living doing theater without being an actor,” said Heflin. “I thought you had to be an actor, and I was certainly not a good actor. But, I liked doing a lot of the backstage stuff.”

In college, Heflin learned about the opportunities available to be a part of plays and musicals from behind the scenes. After graduation, she attended Washington University and then the Yale School of Drama, earning an MSA in Technical Design and Production. After college, Heflin worked at the Guthrie Theater for a few years before seeing an opening at CTC.

Heflin attended Great Neck North High School and graduated in 1992.

“I was in all the plays in high school. I was a thespian. I did theater every day after high school, but I

“I came to CTC and I learned about the mission of the work we do here, and I met some people, and I was happy with what I saw,” said Heflin. “I really just was blown away and they offered me the job and I made the move. It was the best decision I ever could have made. I love the work here.”

CTC recently announced its 2024-25 season, visit childrenstheatre.org to learn more.

United Mashadi Jewish Community Women Host

The United Mashadi Jewish Community of America (UMJCA) women’s solidarity mission partnered with the organization OneFamily to host a special bat mitzvah party in Jerusalem for Israeli girls who have lost a parent or sibling on or since October 7th.

A bat mitzvah is a time of joy, and achieving that during wartime is not an easy feat, especially when the girl has lost a parent or sibling to terrorism and war. Yet, despite the heaviness of grief, 22 newly bereaved Israeli girls took part in a group bat mitzvah celebration together with the 20 mission participants from Great Neck, New York.

The party included the elements you would expect to see at a Bat Mitzvah; dancing, an elegant multi-course meal, a professional photographer portrait backdrop, makeup, an art activity, speeches and bat mitzvah gifts. Yet this party also included important guests, a combined experience, and words of comfort and inspiration for young women who are trying to live with unimaginable loss and suffering.

OneFamily CEO Chantal Belzberg put together the concept and schedule for the event. However, the UMJCA participants were particularly excited to jump on the opportunity to include it in their schedule, given its parallel to the traditional annual group bat mitzvah in Great Neck, known as ‘jamati’ in Farsi.

Nicole Ben Yehuda, a UMJCA representative, expressed, “We

Jamati Group Bat Mitzvah For Girls In Israel

Celebrating together

came here to bring joy, but it also brings us much joy. It is a privilege to be with [these special young women]. We hope to maintain a connection and celebrate with these young women again.”

Fellow Great Neck participant Jamie Kamall added, “At home, there is nothing we can do. We watch the news, and we’re angry. We came into a war, and Israelis uplifted us. This spirit is what we needed.”

Each of the honored bat mitzvah girls carries a story of personal loss due to terrorism and war.

Noa Fisch, for example, lost her brother Capt. Eitan Fisch from the Armored Corps who was killed in December in Gaza. Adele Ben Yiftach lost her father, Oren Ben Yiftach, in a terrorist attack on Israel’s Independence Day in 2022. Talia Rauchberger lost her brother Golani Captain Shilo Rauchberger,

who was killed in battle near the Gaza border on October 7. She grew up hearing about OneFamily from her brother Shilo who had been an active volunteer counselor at OneFamily before joining the IDF.

Ms. Belzberg addressed the lingering question of how one finds the strength to celebrate during this challenging period, one she has dealt with professionally and personally for many years.

Belzberg emphasized the power of unity and tapping into the realization that we really are one family. As seen throughout this bat mitzvah celebration, the strong bonds between Israel and Diaspora Jews are the backbone of our collective well-being. Belzberg addressed the girls in Hebrew and then translated for the UMCJA guests into English, introducing both the young women impacted

by terror and new friends from UMCJA to the work OneFamily does, and the way the organization views its role in helping the bereaved heal and thrive: “At OneFamily, you are allowed to hurt, to talk about the pain, to cry—everything is allowed. As in any family, we enjoy being with each other and are thankful for the special connection we have. In this family, we celebrate even when it is not easy to do so, and we always feel embraced and accepted.”

Special invited guests included the OneFamily regional coordinators who work with each of the young women and their families on an ongoing basis, Rabbi Benji Levi, co-founder of Israel Impact Partners and former CEO of Mosaic, and Israeli Knesset Minister Idit Silman, who has been an active supporter of OneFamily for years.

Rabbi Levi then gathered the

girls and their guests and led them in the traditional Jewish blessing that parents give their daughters, full of emotion from the whole room.

Stephanie Aziz, a UMJCA participant summed up the experience for the visitors who enabled OneFamily to host the party: “To come to a nation that can pull this off beautifully, sensitively, and with the pure aim to make people happy in dark times—it’s incredible. Tonight was the highlight of our trip!”

About OneFamily

OneFamily is Israel’s largest organization supporting victims of terror and their families. OneFamily provides critical short and longterm emotional, financial, and rehabilitative assistance to those impacted by terrorism.

—Submitted by OneFamily

UMJCA and bat mitzvah participants (Contributed photos)

Adriane Heflin

(Photo by Dan Norman)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 22-SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Winter Movie Screenings

Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. (Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave.) The Great Neck Park District presents: The Covenant (2023 | R) During the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his own life to carry an injured sergeant across miles of grueling terrain. Visit gnparks.org for more information.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Free Health Screenings

10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Clinton G. Martin Park, 1601 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park) The Town of North Hempstead and St. Francis Hospital are offering free health care for senior residents. The screening includes a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, simple blood test and diabetes screening. Call 311 for more information.

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.

Broadway on a Budget

11 a.m. (Great Neck Library, Station Branch) Theater enthusiast Brian Stoll will discuss all things Broadway. Listen along as he shares the history and importance of the Broadway Playbill, as well as touches upon the reasons why audience members choose to collect these memorable theatre keepsakes. Lastly, learn a variety of money-saving tips on how to see Broadway shows for under $60 a ticket. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Defensive Driving with Empire Safety Council

10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Great Neck Library, Parkville Branch) Complete your Defensive Driving course with the Empire Safety Council. Register in person at the Parkville Circulation Desk. Please bring a $33 check or money order payable to “Empire Safety Council” to reserve your spot. Great Neck cardholders and residents have priority.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

Grants, Assistance, and Government Programs

7 p.m.-8 p.m. (Great Neck Library, Main Community Room) This workshop will provide very important details of grants that are available, who and how to qualify, the process and timing. Presented by Veronica Ferrero, VP Community Lending Officer, Senior Mortgage Consultant at Emigrant Mortgage. Visit greatnecklibrary.org to register.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Golden Hearts Bingo

12 p.m.-1 p.m. (Roslyn Community Center, 53 Orchard St.) The Town of North Hempstead presents Project Independence for senior residents. Play bingo and receive a free blood pressure screening. Call 311 for more information.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Introduction to Computers for Adults

11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Great Neck Library, Station Branch Community Room) This is a slow-paced, user-friendly class for first-time computer users. Using Windows computers, this unique class covers the basics in a way that even the most inexperienced user will understand. Call 516-466-8055 to register.

ROOKIE

- New York Yankees T-shirt

$59.95

- Two (2) Main Level tickets to a select 2024 regular-season home game*

- 2024 Yankees Universe member card

- Two (2) Terrace Level Outfield tickets to a select 2024 regular-season home game*

MEMBERSHIP TIERS AVAILABLE 245611 M

FDo It For Flaco: Preserving Owls

Tips on being owl-friendly AMANDA OLSEN

laco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who spent a year of freedom in Central Park after someone released him from his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo, died last month in a collision with a building. This bird, born and raised in captivity, unexpectedly capable of caring for himself in the wider world, became something of a celebrity. In the final months of his life he began to venture farther afield, peering in windows and exploring a sculpture garden on the lower East Side. One of these forays led to his demise.

As we have previously reported, tall buildings with reflective surfaces are dangerous for birds, who don’t see the world the same way we do. Flaco’s death brought additional scrutiny to the issue of building standards for windows that reduce the likelihood of bird collisions and deaths. New York City itself set tough standards in 2019; a bill in the New York Legislature to require more bird-friendly design in buildings statewide was renamed the FLACO Act on February 26, the Monday after Flaco’s death.

Owls hold a particular fascination for people. Their unique features, including large, forward-facing eyes, and the fact that the majority of species are nocturnal all give owls their mysterious, almost mystical reputation. In the past, these silent predators have been omens of death, companions of witches, and infinitely wise. Their call was even said to ward off evil.

According to the International Owl Center, there are established guidelines for observing owls. It’s important to give owls space. Owls, like most wild animals, do not like being around people. They recognize humans as a source of danger and will become stressed if you are too close or linger.

Another important point is not trying to feed them. This practice, called “baiting,” leads to owls associating people with food, and actually puts them in greater danger. Owls do not need help finding or securing food.

Do not use artificial light. Owls’ night vision is impacted by artificial light and it will affect their ability to fly. Arrive at your observation site early if you can, and keep flashlights and phones off.

As much as you might love your dog,

leave them at home if you want to see owls. The presence of a dog is likely to scare them off, and if they do stay put, it will certainly cause the owls stress.

Move slowly and keep your voice down. Fast movements and noises can stress owls, especially during the day when they are trying to sleep. If you want to observe or photograph owls, move slowly and keep quiet to

While Flaco was not a native bird, his bid for freedom captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He got to live his final year as he was meant to, by wing and by talon. He will be missed.

avoid scaring them. Owls are often more tolerant of vehicles than people, so you can use your car as a blind when it is safe to do so. Be sure to park in a safe place and turn your engine off.

Do not use drones to observe owls, as they will perceive the drone as an intruder, especially around a nest. Owls have

attacked drones for coming too close, which can hurt the owl and damage the drone.

Do not use owl calls to draw owls to you. This is useful for research purposes but overuse can stress owls. They are expending their energy to investigate the call, using resources that could have gone towards survival and reproduction.

There are a number of threats to owls besides windows. A major problem is a loss of roosting and nesting sites. Many species of owls in our area prefer dead trees. Humans think of dead trees as unsightly and dangerous, so they are usually removed. Whenever possible, leave dead trees standing. If you have to cut down or severely prune a dead tree, wait until early winter to avoid displacing, injuring or killing owls and other animals nesting in its cavities.

Rodenticides are a common threat for wild animals, especially owls. Poisoned mice and rats do not die right away, and impaired rodents are easier to kill than health ones. Owls accumulate this poison in their bodies and feed it to their young. Rather than using poison to manage vermin populations, create a rodent-hostile environment by keeping food and garbage secure. This will allow the owls to be a healthy partner in pest control.

Another way to help owls is to not litter. While this may seem strange, littering attracts rodents, which in turn attracts owls. Owls who hunt for the mice munching on your discarded garbage by the roadside are more likely to get struck by a vehicle.

Take down netting and cover cavities in your home. Owls often get tangled in nets and die before they can be rescued. Even if they are found, struggling in the net results in injuries. Cavities in your home, such as chimneys and bathroom vents, look like attractive places to nest to small owls. The birds become trapped and die because they can’t escape.

While Flaco was not a native bird, his bid for freedom captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He got to live his final year as he was meant to, by wing and by talon. He will be missed.

A Eurasian Eagle Owl (not Flaco) (Photo by Diana Parkhouse via Unsplash)

Baby owls resting in a tree cavity. (Photo by Chirag Saini on Unsplash)

Flaco roosting in Central Park. (Photo by Rhododendrites on wikimedia commons)

Levittowner Named As FOX News Host

Jimmy Failla finds humor in all things culture, politics, lifestyles

CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

He does it all, folks. While continuing as the host of a nationally syndicated radio program, FOX Across America (weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.), Jimmy Failla has been named the new host of FOX News Saturday Night (Saturdays, 10 p.m.), in addition to releasing the book, Cancel Culture Dictionary, which earned a spot on The New York Times bestsellers’ list and having a one-hour stand-up comedy performance recorded, Jimmy Failla: They’re Just Jokes. All of this, credited to the funny guy from Levittown.

Since joining the FOX network as a writer in 2016, Failla has brought his signature comedic take across FOX News Media’s platforms during daytime and primetime programming. His nationally syndicated talk radio show, FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla, launched in March of 2020 on 27 radio stations and can now be heard on over 150 stations across the country. Prior to his role on television and as a stand-up comedian, Failla was a New York City cab driver.

We spoke with Failla amid of all of these career achievements, here’s what he had to share.

CHDid you always know that you were funny?

JF

I guess I did, because everyone around me was funny; my family told a lot of jokes. I had an Uncle Sonny who was a socially dominant figure. He knew street jokes, ‘two guys walk into a bar…’ and it was silly. My dad, my brothers, my uncles, my cousins, everyone was a cop in the family except me. It was a lot of tough love because cops like to pick on each other. Their affection is shown through a put-down. I didn’t know any different; I thought everyone was fun and funny and always had a good time. It was one of my teachers [Mrs. Pascana] who told me to go home and watch The Tonight Show . She said, ‘You’re kind of a talk show host; you don’t realize that; you should watch it and see.” I loved The Tonight Show . She encouraged me and said I could do that one day. I was in fifth grade. As a kid, you believe authority figures like that. I took it with me the rest of the way; it took me 40 years, but here we are.

CHTell me about the new book, Cancel Culture Dictionary.

JFI might be the first community college graduate to get on [The

New York Times] bestseller list, so I want credit for that. I went to Nassau Community College “Turnpike Tech”. The thing about community college is

one of the dudes that was enrolled just to stay on his parents’ health insurance. The whole hook of the book, Cancel Culture Dictionary, is that I believe in the age of social media and incentivized outrage. I say it’s a guide to winning the war on fun, like a call to chill out.

CHTell me about growing up in Levittown.

JF

that it’s no nonsense. If you’re there to do something great, you can really help yourself. When I was there, I was exactly the opposite. I was

I graduated from Division Avenue High School. I was known for heckling in baseball games. This is a very important part of my story. The late and great Doug Robbins, baseball coach at Division, won a bunch of state titles as coach. He had two sons, Dougie and Steve. I graduated in 1995 with Steve, who is a coach at Division now. From my freshman year through my senior year, I would sit in the bleachers at every home game and heckle the other teams to the point that it was comedic; it was disruptive. It was so effective that [Coach Robbins] used to take me out of eighth period class and give me the dirt on who we were playing. Dennis Schneider won the Diamond Award that year for being the best player on Long Island as a pitcher. He went on to C.W. Post. Dennis threw a no-hitter on Memorial Day, but I got the game ball from the coach because of how rattled the other team. It was so silly. That’s kind of how I got my start as a performer, by sitting in the bleachers and ragging on the other team. When this goes to print there are going to be hundreds of people who say, “I remember that guy!”

CHWho are some of the most memorable people from growing up in Levittown?

JFT

hat was Mrs. Pascana at Abbey Lane. Sadly, she is sadly no longer with us. I wanted to find her when the show launched. I have connected with one of my fourth-grade teachers though and had her as a guest at my stand-up special. At Division Avenue High School, my biggest influences were the coaches like Coach Robbins (late) and the principal John Allen, who was the Division Avenue principal through the late ’80s, he’s probably retired now. He was a no-nonsense guy, but he had a sense of humor. He had real authority, almost a military vibe, but I could get a thunderous laugh out of him. I am sure he wanted to kick my ass most of the time.

Check out Failla on the new show FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla for cultural, political and lifestyle issues airing weekly from 10 to 11 p.m. on FOX. Visit www.longislandweekly.com for more of our interview with Failla.

Jimmy Failla on set. (FOX)

Jimmy Failla (FOX)

Shine A LIGHT For Charity On Paws Of War

In this new column of L.I.G.H.T.

For Charity (‘Long Island Giving Help Together For Charity’), I shine a light on a Long Islandbased charity named Paws Of War. This is a charity that my younger sister Jenna is now working with.

Paws Of War was formed 10 years ago and provides veterans, first responders and Gold Star families (people who sadly lost an immediate family member during military service) with a wide variety of important services through the power of love and support of rescued animals. The charity has a mission “To honor and support our veterans, active military members, firefighters and other first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of

LIGHT for Charity

Kayla Donnenfeld

overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need.”

If a veteran or first responder adopts an appropriate dog, Paws Of War will train the dog to become a service dog to suit the owner’s needs. This is an extremely important and meaningful service because many veterans return from combat with

life-changing physical injuries, anxiety, depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. These service dogs improve the quality of life for our returning soldiers, allowing them to sleep more peacefully and engage in day-to-day activities they otherwise couldn’t.

In addition to service dog training (which includes training the dog, pairing the dog with a hero in need and teaching the two how to interact together), Paws Of War also provides the following additional services: (1) providing companion animals; (2) animal rescue for deployed military, including transporting pets across war borders; (3) no cost mobile veterinary clinic; (4) housing assistance for veterans with pets; (5) lifetime care for retired military working dogs; (6) therapy dog program for veterans and seniors;

(7) Ukraine animal rescue and care; (8) disaster response and animal rescue; and (9) emergency foster and temporary pet placement services for veterans during hospital stays. Because Paws Of War helps both dogs and the heros in need of dogs, Paws Of War is proud to help on “both ends of the leash”.

All of the services provided by Paws Of War are provided to veterans, first responders and Gold Star families free of charge. Paws Of War therefore relies upon charitable donations to fund its operations. To help support Paws Of War, you can visit its website at www.pawsofwar.org.

Special thanks to Jodie Cohen, who serves as a volunteer and Adoption Coordinator for Paws Of War, for taking the time to speak with me to teach me so much about this important cause.

NY MTA $11.6 Billion East Side Access To Grand Central Madison Update

There is still much to do one year after the opening of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road

$11.6 Billion Manhattan East Side Access to Grand Central Madison. A soft opening was held on January 10, 2023 with limited shuttle service between Grand Central Madison and Jamaica, Queens Station. The real opening took place on February 26, 2023 when full time direct service on multiple branches began. Thirteen months later, NY MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, LIRR past President Catherine Rinaldi and current Acting LIRR President Richard Free still never seem to acknowledge or address a number of outstanding project related issues.

Those responsible for design, engineering and bid specifications to support procurement of duel mode locomotives and double decker passenger cars failed to take into consideration height clearances for the 63rd Street tunnel between Manhattan and Queens. Construction on this tunnel began in 1969. It was designed to be used at a future date to provide the LIRR with a direct connection to Grand Central Terminal. As a result, the LIRR fleet of 23 diesel-electric and 23 duel-mode locomotives along with 134 double decker passenger cars are unable to

PENNER STATION

Larry Penner

utilize Grand Central Madison. This includes the ability of diesel or duel mode locomotives to rescue stalled electric trains in the tunnels or station. Now one year later, Acting LIRR President Free has announced plans to purchase a battery powered locomotive to rescue any disabled trains in the 63rd Street tunnel connecting Queens to Grand Central Madison. Remember that this equipment could also serve the same purpose for any trains stuck in the East River or Atlantic (Jamaica to Brooklyn) branch tunnels.

The same applies to several hundred million more in debt service payments that financed $4 billion worth of LIRR readiness projects to support start of full service in February 2023. They are

carried off line from the official project budget. These include the $2.6 billion Main Line Third Track, $450 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements, $387 million Ronkonkoma Double Track, $120 million Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion, $44 million Great Neck Pocket Track, $423 million for rail car fleet expansion. Without these, the LIRR would lack the expanded operational capabilities to support promised 24 rush hour train service to GCM and 40 percent increase in reverse peak rush hour service.

Grand Central Madison still has only two men’s bathrooms with a total of 18 urinals and 13 toilets, two women’s bathrooms with a total of 25 toilets, one lactation room and two gender neutral bathrooms, each with a single capacity, all on the Madison Concourse. There are none on the lower or upper level platforms and mezzanine.

There is still only one waiting room located on the Madison Concourse. It has only 29 seats and seven stools for Wi-Fi connections to serve riders. There are no other seating options on the platform and mezzanine levels while waiting.

Options for recycling newspapers or beverage containers, disposal of garbage or other waste continues to be nonexistent except

for a handful of garbage cans at the platform level. There are few options to dispose of waste at either the mezzanine or Madison concourse levels. This conflicts with MTA’s claim to be environmentally friendly. There are still no open newsstands. These services are readily available in Metro North Grand Central Terminal, Penn and Jamaica Stations. There are 11 Ticket Vending Machines still waiting to be installed. It appears that the designed space is not wide enough to accommodate standard LIRR TVMs.

All the facility storefronts are still vacant. Full time service began in February 2023. MTA Real Estate had years to find tenants for the 32 vacant storefronts. MTA Real Estate will not issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a master tenant to manage the storefronts until March 2024. It will probably require several months more before a contract will be awarded. Who knows how many more months to a year will be required before all 32 storefronts are subsequently leased, occupied and open for business.

Transparency on the part of Governor Hochul, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Acting LIRR President Richard Free in dealing with these remaining issues is required.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

Blakeman Gives State Of The County Address

JOE MORREALE

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered his State of the County Address on Wednesday March 6. Blakeman touted 2023 as a success for the county, highlighted by a surplus budget, an increase in police officers, and no change in property taxes.

“There will be no tax increase for the next three years,” said Blakeman.

Blakeman boasted of his administration’s prudent financial management, citing that Nassau and Suffolk County residents sent over $14 billion in taxes more than they received in state aid. The county executive used Wednesday as an opportunity to critique New York state officials.

“We are the piggy bank for the State of New York, and it would be nice if the state would join us in some of the things that are important to our residents and not things that are important to other regions in the state,” Blakeman said.

He called the New York State Excelsior healthcare plan, “another blow against Nassau County from the state,” and criticized the state’s drastic reduction of aid to Nassau University Medical Center in 2023.

“The state has defunded our only hospital that is a safety net for our most vulnerable,” said Blakeman.

The county executive also used the State of the County as an opportunity to knock the sanctuary policies for migrants in New York.

“Nassau County is not a sanctuary county,” said Blakeman. “There is no migrant program in Nassau County. Unfortunately, Nassau County has become a border county because of the misguided policies in the state and city of New York, who are a sanctuary state and a sanctuary city. We don’t want that here in Nassau County— the homelessness and the crime.”

Blakeman assured county residents that the police department is working closely with federal partners including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border control to fight back against what he called, a “foreign invasion”.

The county executive proudly boasted about increasing the number of police officers on county streets, noting that he has sworn in over two hundred new police officers since taking office in 2022.

“In Nassau County we back the blue, and we fund our police,” said Blakeman.

He claimed a reduction in major crime by 6 percent in 2023, but added that cashless bail policies, “continue to make our residents less safe.”

Despite this, Blakeman called Nassau County one of the best places to live in America, and among his ambitious plans for 2024 are a successful casino bid at the Nassau Coliseum site, as well as numerous events at Eisenhower Park, Mitchel Field, and Belmont Park.

“We’re very happy that the Elmont community will continue to host premiere racing because of the investment being made at Belmont racetrack,” Blakeman said regarding the $400 million renovations in progress.

The county executive was also excited to promote the International Cricket Council World Cup, a tournament that is being finalized to take place at Eisenhower Park this June. A temporary, modular stadium is already under construction and will host a match between India and Pakistan, which Blakeman called the “premiere event” of the tournament.

The State of the County speech ended with Blakeman addressing his polarizing executive order from earlier this month banning transgender athletes from competing for local high schools.

“We are not anti-transgender. We are not transphobic here in Nassau County,” said Blakeman.

He defended his executive order as a deterrent to unsafe environments and unfair competition within high school sports.

“If they want, our great Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Commissioner Belyea, and I will sit down if they want to start a transgender league or transgender team,” Blakeman said. “We are a loving county. We are home to every race, religion and ethnic group, and every lifestyle, but the bullying of women is something we cannot accept here in Nassau County.”

As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.

Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves - by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.

We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.

“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.

Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients, because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the client’s two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivering his State of the County Address. (Image from the Office of the Nassau County Executive)

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Responds To State Of The County Address

What follows is a transcript of Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s State of the County address.

Good evening.

I’m Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Democratic Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature, and it’s my honor to discuss the current state of our county. Having dedicated nearly two decades to public service, I’ve experienced a wide range of leadership approaches. While some leaders prioritize their constituents, addressing their needs and challenges head-on, others seem more concerned with their own self-promotion.

Regrettably, I find the Blakeman administration is one that has strayed from the highest ideals.

Nassau County is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that demand action, not just words.

million in tax cuts, this and many others have yet to materialize.

Last year, the Democratic Minority proposed a balanced budget that would have delivered these tax cuts while boosting funding for essential services like policing. Unfortunately, this plan was rejected by the Blakeman administration and the Republican Legislative Majority.

The county’s assessment system is another critical issue that has been left unaddressed. Nassau County has approximately 1.4 million people –a population larger than ten states – yet the Blakeman Administration has yet to appoint a qualified assessor. This has led to a widespread imbalance of residents’ tax burdens and, consequently, over-taxation of many residents.

Instead of focusing on these substantial issues, the Blakeman Administration has chosen to pro-

celebrating Nassau’s 125th anniversary through frivolous pursuits like swanky galas and self-promotional parades.

Sadly, this is only one part of the Blakeman Administration’s mismanagement of nearly $400 million in federal pandemic relief funds that went to Nassau County, and it underscores a disturbing trend of prioritizing partisan political grandstanding over the well-being of our residents.

These essential funds could have supported important programs like education, infrastructure, and healthcare, but instead have been redirected into a nebulous black hole by the Blakeman Administration that leaves crucial projects, programs, and needs unaddressed.

Take for example Nassau University Medical Center, a critical healthcare facility and safety net for our most vulnerable residents. Despite the hard work

and dedication of NUMC’s staff, the hospital is teetering on the brink of financial ruin due to leadership that prioritizes political allies over competent management. This both threatens the hospital’s future and places a significant financial burden on Nassau’s taxpayers, who are on the hook for paying nearly $120 million in hospital debt due to the county’s loan guarantees.

And let’s not forget the Blakeman Administration and Republican Legislative Majority’s refusal to support the County’s independent inspector general – whose job is to ensure county contracts are free from waste, fraud, and abuse.

Following the arrest, conviction, and incarceration of former County Executive Ed Mangano for public corruption, we worked tirelessly to establish an independent inspector general’s office, which has enhanced transparency and saved millions in taxpayer dollars.

The partisan efforts to stall the

reappointment of the Inspector General and starve this office of funding are both baffling and counterproductive.

We must also treat the County’s opioid crisis with the urgency it deserves. Under the leadership of former County Executive Laura Curran, the County pursued lawsuits to help hold the manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of addictive opioid drugs responsible for the countless lives they destroyed and families they tore apart. That fund, which must be used for treatment, prevention, and recovery services, has now grown to over $90 million. So, it’s shameful that the Blakeman Administration has spent less than 1 percent of these funds to combat this epidemic

Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton

Navigating The Real Estate Landscape

Unveiling the best real estate apps for homebuyers and sellers

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

In the digital age, real estate apps have become indispensable tools for both seasoned investors and rst-time homebuyers. ese applications o er a wealth of information, streamline property searches, and provide valuable insights into the dynamic real estate market. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the realm of real estate apps, highlighting some of the best options available for those looking to buy, sell, or invest in properties.

ZILLOW

Zillow stands out as a real estate app giant, offering a user-friendly interface and a vast database of homes for sale and rent. One of its standout features is the Zestimate tool, providing estimated property values based on various factors. Users can explore detailed property listings, neighborhood information, and even connect with local real estate agents. Zillow’s additional tools, such as mortgage calculators and affordability calculators, make it an all-encompassing platform for homebuyers and sellers alike.

REALTOR.COM

Realtor.com is a robust real estate app that prides itself on providing accurate and up-to-date listings. It offers comprehensive property details, including information on property taxes, school ratings, and neighborhood insights. The “Draw on Map” feature allows users to define specific search areas, providing a

more tailored home-hunting experience. Realtor.com is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable and precise information during their property search.

TRULIA

Trulia, a part of the Zillow Group, distinguishes itself by offering valuable insights into neighborhoods and communities. The app includes information on crime rates, school ratings, and local amenities, empowering users to make informed decisions. Trulia’s user-friendly interface and personalized search options make it easy for individuals to find their ideal homes. Additionally, the Rent vs. Buy calculator assists users in making well-informed housing decisions.

HOMESNAP

Homesnap takes a unique approach to real estate with its augmented reality (AR) technology. Users can point their smartphones at properties to access detailed information, including home

values, school district boundaries, and recent sales. The app also facilitates collaborative home searching, allowing users to share listings with family and friends. Homesnap’s interactive features and simplicity make it a standout in the competitive real estate app market.

LOOPNET

For those interested in commercial real estate, LoopNet is an essential app. Specializing in commercial property listings, including office spaces, retail units, and industrial properties, LoopNet provides detailed property information, financials, and contact details for property owners and brokers. Investors, business owners, and real estate professionals looking for commercial opportunities will find LoopNet to be an invaluable resource.

REDFIN

Redfin is renowned for its user-friendly interface and unique features. The app provides detailed property information, including high-quality photos and virtual tours. What sets Redfin apart is its pricing algorithm, offering users a more accurate estimate of a home’s market value. Redfin users can also schedule home tours and make offers directly through the app, streamlining the home-buying process. The world of real estate apps is diverse, with each application offering its own set of features and advantages. Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, Homesnap, and LoopNet stand out as some of the

best options available, catering to the varied needs of users in the real estate market. Whether you are a prospective homebuyer, seller, or investor, the right app can significantly enhance your real estate experience. As technology continues to shape the future of the industry, these apps will likely play an increasingly pivotal role in connecting buyers with their dream homes and assisting sellers in reaching their real estate goals

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Auction.com—has more than 25,000 exclusive listings and have more than $42B in sales in foreclosures and bankowned residential properties, many below market value; great for finding investment properties.

USHUD Foreclosures—offers millions of luxury, residential, foreclosure and HUD homes listings.

Fundrise Investments—build a portfolio of private market investments, including real estate, venture capital and private credit.

MarketWatch News—delivers the latest business news, financial information and market data.

Xome Auctions—one of the largest collections of foreclosure, bank-owned, 2nd Chance Foreclosure, Short Sale, and luxury properties available online. Apartments.com—best for real-time apartment availability.

—Christy Hinko contributed to this article.

Photo Getty Images

State Of Office And Industrial Markets On Long Island

Colliers analyst shares insight

BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Commercial and industrial real estate constitute vital sectors within the property market, serving distinct purposes. Commercial real estate encompasses retail spaces, o ce buildings, and hospitality establishments, providing venues for business activities. Investors often seek stable returns through leasing arrangements. Industrial real estate, on the other hand, involves facilities like warehouses and manufacturing plants, crucial for production and distribution. e demand for industrial spaces has surged with the rise of e-commerce, prompting strategic location considerations. Both sectors share a common reliance on economic trends and market dynamics, in uencing investment decisions. Understanding the nuanced characteristics of commercial and industrial real estate is paramount for successful investment and development strategies.

We spoke with Lars Remole, a senior research analyst at Colliers, the investment management company, about the state of the commercial market on Long Island. Here’s what he had to share.

CH: Tell me about the present leasing activity on Long Island, specifically in Nassau County. Is there much of a difference between North and South shore preferences? What are buyers looking for in a leasing opportunity? Who is leasing and for what reasons?

LR: Nassau County witnessed significant leasing activity, with 576,814-square foot of office space and 211,475-square foot of industrial space leased. Across Long Island, total industrial leasing activity amounted to 918,481-square foot , while office leasing activity reached 960,445-square foot.

The office and industrial markets are not divided by North Shore and South Shore, though there are very few office properties in Northern Nassau. Primary leasing locations are Western, Eastern, and Central Nassau with the largest office lease in Nassau County done by Gus Nuzzolese, Colliers executive vice president, for Catholic Health. This was a 247,145-square foot renewal and expansion at 2200 Northern Blvd. in East Hills (Western Nassau). A majority of industrial properties, on the other hand, are located in the middle between the

North and South Shores, close to thoroughfares and highways and further from the coast where land prices are higher.

New office tenants tend to favor newer, higher-amenity Class A buildings, although there are exceptions, such as tenants renewing their leases, government-occupied space, and tenants occupying entire buildings. Conversely, new industrial tenants prioritize easy access to major transportation arteries and spaces that meet their specific requirements. Office tenants notably include healthcare companies, which drive a significant portion of leasing, as well as government entities, the FIRE industry, and educational institutions. In the industrial sector, while there has been a slight slowdown in e-commerce activity, considerable engagement persists among food occupiers and standard industrial users, including freight/bulk storage and building supplies.

One transaction of note in Q4 2023 was the sale of a 155,471 square-foot office building at 1200 Franklin Ave. in Garden City for $92.3 million, which was purchased by NYU from a joint venture partnership between Simon Property Group & LT Garden City LLC.

CH: What are the hot market trends right now? How has this differed in years past? What is affecting the market right now?

LR: In the office market, we’re noticing a rise in distressed assets—buildings on watchlists, special servicing, or in receivership. Additionally, we’re seeing a trend of market right-sizing as tenants adjust their space requirements. As for the industrial sector, it’s gradually returning to normalcy following the e-commerce surge prompted by COVID-19.

CH: How are vacancy rates across Nassau County? Why? What’s the forecast on this number? What will help it or hurt it?

LR: The office availability rate reported in Q4 stood at 13.3 percent, with a vacancy rate of 11.3 percent. While these rates have maintained relative stability within the range of 9 to 12 percent availability, there was a slight uptick in 2023. I would anticipate they will continue this trend as tenants right-size, and the market adjusts accordingly. Regardless, Nassau County office remains appealing to tenants, and I don’t foresee rates increasing drastically based on current market conditions.

As for the industrial sector, the availability rate reported in Q4 was five percent, with a vacancy rate of 4.6 percent. With availability already relatively low and limited construction pipelines, I don’t anticipate significant changes in rates.

Interest rates holding steady or increasing could pose challenges for the

office market. As certain properties face financial distress, building owners may struggle with refinancing, which could deter both potential and current tenants. The looming possibility of a recession also remains. Conversely, municipal and government incentives, along with the increased adoption of back-to-office policies, offer support for the office market. Additionally, conversion efforts could have a multifaceted impact, reducing overall supply while also decreasing vacancy and availability rates, particularly in buildings with historically high vacancy rates. Some buildings may find new life through conversion into alternative uses, such as residential spaces.

On the other hand, a potential slowdown in e-commerce could adversely affect the industrial market, as the waning demand follows the decline in e-commerce activity spurred by COVID-19. Furthermore, community opposition to industrial buildings and occupiers (NIMBY) presents another potential hurdle. Nonetheless, the ongoing demand for bulk storage and industrial uses, combined with the relatively limited supply, offers support for the industrial market. Unlike Suffolk County, Nassau County has less available space for new construction of industrial buildings, which could also bolster the market’s stability.

Lars Remole

Photo by Alex Nuñez

Things To Consider When Buying A Multigenerational Home

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Buying a multigenerational home, where family members across two or more generations live under one roof, is becoming an increasingly popular option. This living arrangement can offer numerous benefits, including shared living expenses, easier childcare, and enhanced opportunities for family bonding. However, selecting the right home to suit the needs of everyone involved requires careful consideration. Here are several key factors to keep in mind:

1. Privacy and Personal Space

Each family member will have different needs for privacy and personal space. Look for homes with multiple living areas, en-suite bathrooms, and possibly even separate entrances. The layout should allow for communal living

without sacrificing the privacy that individuals or nuclear family units may sometimes need.

2. Accessibility for Elderly Family Members

If elderly parents or grandparents will be living in the home, consider features that make the home more accessible for them. This could include single-story living options, walk-in showers, grab bars in the bathrooms, and minimal thresholds. Homes that can be easily modified for accessibility should also be prioritized.

3. Bedroom and Bathroom Adequacy

Ensure the home has enough bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably accommodate everyone. Waiting for a bathroom can cause daily friction, and having enough bedrooms can provide everyone with their much-needed personal retreat.

4. Shared and Separate Living Areas

While shared living spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas are where the family can come together, separate living areas or dens can provide space for individual activities or downtime. A home that offers a balance of both is ideal.

5. Financial Considerations

Discuss and decide on how household expenses will be shared. This includes the mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and any necessary modifications to the home.

6. Location

The home’s location should be convenient for all generations. Consider proximity to work, schools, healthcare facilities, and amenities like parks and shopping areas. Consider the neighborhood’s safety and the quality of local schools if you have children.

7. Future Flexibility

Life changes, and the home you choose should be able to adapt to those changes. This might mean having spaces that can be easily converted for different uses, such as turning a home office into a bedroom or vice versa.

8. Legal and Zoning Considerations

In some areas, zoning laws may restrict the ability to have certain types of modifications, such as adding accessory dwelling units or separate entrances.

9. Kitchen Layout and Amenities

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially in a multigenerational setup. Consider a layout that allows for multiple people to cook and prepare meals together.

Buying a multigenerational home is a significant decision that involves more than just financial investment; it’s about creating an environment that fosters harmony, respect, and togetherness among family members. By considering these factors, families can find a home that not only meets their needs but also enhances their lives together.

Photo Getty Images

Breaking Ground: Empty Lots Are Hot Investment Hempstead identified as promising return

Over the past decade, the American cityscape has evolved dramatically. e speed of this transformation isn’t just seen in towering skylines or burgeoning populations but more so in the economic prosperity of its residents. Some cities, like Enterprise in Nevada and Kirkland in Washington, have rapidly climbed the ladder of growth due to their strategic locations, job opportunities, and unparalleled quality of life.

Empty plots of land across the Town of Hempstead are identified as having the most promising return on investment (ROI), as surveyed by 3,000 real estate investors.

The real question for savvy investors is identifying the next real estate hotspots. To shed light on this, Moving Feedback surveyed 3,000 prospective real estate investors with a hypothetical question:

“Which city would you stake your savings on an undeveloped one-acre plot?”

Their findings, dubbed the ‘Empty Plot Index’, spotlighted the top 200 U.S. real estate gems. Notably, Florida and Texas cities held a strong presence in the top 10.

#1 TAMPA, FL

Earning the top spot, Tampa is more than a city in expansion; it’s one sculpting its future. Investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, premier public services, and community endeavors make land in Tampa more than just a purchase; it’s a golden ticket to a city on the rise.

#2 AUSTIN, TX

Dubbed the world’s live music mecca, Austin’s allure extends beyond tunes. A potent blend of technological advancements, healthcare growth, and vibrant entertainment scenes make it a magnet for settlers and investors alike.

#3 KNOXVILLE, TN

As East Tennessee’s crown jewel, Knoxville, which clinched third place, prides itself on top-tier educational establishments, cultural hubs, and an elevated standard of living, promising multifaceted development prospects for vacant land.

#4 KISSIMMEE, FL

Holding the fourth spot, Kissimmee isn’t merely a tourist’s paradise. The city’s enticing climate and commitment to progress beckon many to establish lasting roots, presenting a ripe landscape for real estate visionaries.

#5 NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV

Tied closely to the growth of the larger Las Vegas area, North Las Vegas promises lucrative land investment avenues,

courtesy of its diverse economy and dedication to quality living.

#6 CHARLOTTE, NC

Christened the “Queen City,” Charlotte’s soaring population and robust economy promise potential investors not just land but a foothold in a dynamically advancing city.

#7 HEMPSTEAD, NY

The lone northern city in the top 10, Hempstead isn’t just about New York City proximity. Its multi-sectoral economy and focus on infrastructure position it as a hotbed for innovative real estate projects. Hempstead is a vibrant and diverse township in Nassau County, known for its rich history and significant role in the early development of Long Island. As one of the three townships in Nassau County, Hempstead boasts a mix of bustling residential communities, commercial developments, and picturesque parks, which encompasses the majority of towns and villages from the eastern border of Queens to the western border of Suffolk counties and everything from the ocean’s edge to a spillover on Hempstead Turnpike. The town’s combined population was 793,409 at the 2020 census, which is the majority of Nassau County’s population and makes it, by far, the largest population of any town in the United States. It is home to Hofstra University, a major driver of cultural and educational activities in the region. The township boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the serene, beachfront settings of Point Lookout to the historic streets of Old Hempstead. With its convenient access to New York City and comprehensive public services, Hempstead offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility.

#8 PHOENIX, AZ

Overcoming its water challenges, Phoenix, an emergent economic powerhouse, beckons investors with its vast developmental potential across residential and commercial segments.

#9 SAN ANTONIO, TX

Marked ninth, San Antonio, a fast-growing urban behemoth, promises

#107 UTICA

#10 EDINBURG, TX

Positioned in the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg entices with its diversified economy and continuous efforts in enhancing infrastructure and community offerings.

“Our research sheds light on the dynamic nature of the real estate market” Harrison Gough of Moving Feedback said, reflecting on the findings. “It’s noteworthy to see how different cities are shaping up as potential hubs. These patterns could be instrumental in understanding broader economic and societal shifts across the nation.”

NEW YORK HAD FOUR OTHER ENTRIES IN THE ‘EMPTY PLOT INDEX’:

#87 BUFFALO

Buffalo, situated in western New York along the Great Lakes, has been in the midst of a transformation with substantial investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and community development. The city’s economy is well-diversified, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics, providing a stable economic foundation and a range of job opportunities. Buffalo boasts a mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. It has been focusing on revitalizing neighborhoods, enhancing its waterfront, and fostering a lively arts and dining scene. Investing in land in Buffalo opens doors to various development prospects, including residential projects in revitalized neighborhoods, commercial spaces to support local businesses and startups, and recreational facilities to leverage the city’s scenic location along Lake Erie.

Investing in a 1-acre vacant lot in Utica offers a promising opportunity due to the city’s affordability, potential for revitalization, and strategic location in Central New York. Utica, situated in the Mohawk Valley, has been actively working on revitalizing its economy and urban areas. Its diverse economy, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology, provides a stable foundation and employment opportunities. The city’s investments in infrastructure, public services, and community development enhance its overall appeal to residents and businesses.

#114 MOUNT VERNON

Located just north of the Bronx in Westchester County, Mount Vernon provides suburban living with easy city access. Its economy spans healthcare, education, and retail, offering stability and job opportunities. Mount Vernon’s unique blend of culture, historic architecture, and green spaces is complemented by ongoing revitalization efforts and infrastructure improvements. The land is versatile and suitable for residential, commercial, or revitalization projects.

#123 SCHENECTADY

Situated in upstate New York, Schenectady’s recent resurgence, driven by investments in technology, healthcare, and higher education, has diversified its economy. Key sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy, offering stability and employment prospects. Schenectady boasts cultural amenities, historic sites, and proximity to institutions like Union College.

—Moving Feedback (www.movingfeedback.com) with additional reporting by Christy Hinko

investors a blend of robust economic growth and cultural vitality.

Town Of Hempstead (Photo Getty Images)

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What’s The Talk About Town?

Top three things that are trending in real estate market

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

e real estate market has been dynamic, in uenced by various global and local factors since the COVID pandemic. While speci c trends can vary by location, three broad topics were widely discussed in the real estate sector:

1Market Shifts Toward Buyers

After a prolonged period where sellers had the upper hand due to low inventory and high demand, there were signs of the market shifting. Interest rates had risen, cooling down some of the frenzied buying and slowing home price increases. This shift was beginning to give buyers more negotiating power, more options to choose from, and a bit more time to make decisions. Discussions were centered on how buyers and sellers need to adjust their strategies in this evolving market landscape.

2 The Impact of Remote Work on Housing Preferences

The pandemic accelerated the trend of remote work, leading to a sustained impact on housing preferences. People were no longer bound to live near their workplaces, prompting a migration to suburbs, smaller cities, or even rural areas in search of more space and better affordability. This shift was significantly affecting urban real estate markets, rental markets, and the types of

amenities that homebuyers and renters were prioritizing. The long-term effects of this trend on commercial real estate, particularly office spaces, were also a hot topic of discussion.

3Sustainability and Green Homes

Sustainability became a growing concern among homebuyers, investors, and developers. The demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes was rising, driven by a mix of environmental awareness, increasing energy costs, and in some cases, government incentives. Discussions in the real estate community focused on the integration of green technologies, sustainable building materials, and designs that minimize environmental impact. This trend was not only about new construction but also about retrofitting existing homes to make them more energy-efficient.

These topics reflect the evolving nature of the real estate market, influenced by economic factors, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. As the market continues to adapt to these changes, the conversations around these topics are likely to evolve as well.

Photo Getty Images

Is A Fixer Upper Right For You?

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Deciding whether to buy a new home or a fixer-upper is a significant decision that prospective homeowners face. Each option presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and the right choice depends on a variety of factors including budget, timeline, personal skills, and long-term goals. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to navigate this decision, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

Your Financial Situation

Budget: New homes typically command a higher price but come with fewer immediate repair and maintenance issues. Fixer-uppers are often less expensive upfront but require a budget for renovations. Assess your financial situation meticulously, considering not only the purchase price but also the potential costs of renovations, which often exceed initial estimates.

change, and renovation costs can escalate.

Energy Efficiency and Maintenance: New homes are often more energy-efficient and come with newer appliances and systems, reducing maintenance costs and utility bills. Fixer-uppers, depending on their age and condition, might require substantial updates to heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems to become energy-efficient.

Financing: Mortgage options vary between new homes and fixer-uppers. Some loans, like the FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle, are specifically designed for homebuyers looking to finance both the purchase of a property and the renovations it needs. Understanding these options can help you make a more informed decision

Lifestyle and Preferences

Timeline: If you need to move in immediately, a new home is likely your best bet. Fixer-uppers require time for renovations, which can be unpredictable and extend beyond initial timelines.

Tolerance for Disruption: Living in a home while renovating can be stressful and disruptive. Consider your tolerance for this disruption against the appeal of moving into a ready-to-live-in new home.

Evaluating the Market

Availability: In some real estate markets, the choice between a new home and a fixer-upper may be made for you based on what’s available in your desired area and within your budget.

Resale Value: Consider the future resale value of the property. A well-chosen fixer-upper in a desirable neighborhood can appreciate significantly. Conversely, new homes in growing communities can also be a good investment, though they might not offer the same level of uniqueness as a renovated older home.

Making the RIGHT Decision

Personal Skills: Do you have the skills to take on some of the renovations, or are you willing to learn? If you relish the idea of DIY projects, a fixer-upper can be a rewarding project. If not, the convenience of a new home may be more appealing.

Long-Term Goals

Customization: Fixer-uppers allow for customization. You can create a space that truly reflects your personal taste and needs. New homes might offer some level of customization, but options are often limited to what the builder offers.

Investment Potential: Fixer-uppers can offer great investment potential. Homes that are bought at a lower price and then renovated can sometimes be sold for a significant profit, depending on the market and the extent of the renovations. This is not without risk, as market conditions can

Home Inspection: Before making a decision, invest in a thorough home inspection for any property you’re seriously considering. For fixer-uppers, this can help you understand the scope of work needed and whether the home is a good investment. For new homes, it ensures that everything is up to code and constructed properly.

Consult with Professionals: Speak with real estate agents, contractors, and financial advisors who can provide insights into the local market, renovation costs, and financing options. Their expertise can help guide your decision.

Reflect on Your Commitment: Finally, reflect on your commitment to the project. A fixer-upper can be a years-long commitment that requires not just financial investment but time and emotional energy. Ensure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

Choosing between a new home and a fixer-upper involves a careful assessment of your financial situation, lifestyle, personal preferences, and long-term goals. While new homes offer convenience and modern features, fixer-uppers provide an opportunity for customization and potentially greater investment returns. By thoroughly evaluating each option against your unique circumstances and with the help of professionals, you can make a decision that best suits your needs, aspirations, and capabilities, setting the stage for a happy and fulfilling home life.

Photo Getty Images

Getting your home prepped and

interest requires a strategy. With an eye for staging, high-quality photography that stands out, and the ability to determine the right pricing, I ensure buyers see your home’s greatest potential. Contact me today to see your home in my portfolio.

“Beth was an outstanding agent and we would recommend her wholeheartedly. She made a stressful process feel like a breeze. Her attentiveness to detail, thoughtfulness, and tireless work ethic helped us achieve the best result possible for our home sale. Not only was she an excellent agent but by the end of the sale, she truly felt like a friend. Anyone who works with Beth is truly lucky. She is the best of the best!” -

c.516.647.1729

For Such An Amazing Start to 2024

As

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Pave The Way To Homeownership

Saving for a down payment can be challenging. If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 38 percent of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need as much as you think.

Median down payments may be lower than you think. Data from NAR shows the median down payment hasn’t been more than 20 percent since 2005. In fact, the median down payment for all homebuyers today is only 15 percent. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers—eight percent. Because that’s the median, it implies that you don’t have to put that much down. Some qualified buyers put down even less.

For example, there are certain loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5 percent, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. There are also many down payment assistance programs that may be able to help you with your down payment.

First-Time and repeat buyers are often eligible for down payment assistance.

According to Down Payment Resource, there are thousands of programs available for homebuyers—and 75 percent of these are down payment assistance programs. First-time buyers are not the only ones eligible for down payment assistance either. No matter where you are in your homebuying journey, there could be an option available for you.

Your local real estate professional is the best person to begin searching for more information about down payment assistance programs that you may be eligible for. They’ll be able to share more information about available programs, including additional programs for specific professions or communities.

OneKeyMLS.com makes finding down payment assistance easy.

When searching listings on

OneKeyMLS.com, as of Dec. 2023, 74 percent of all OneKey MLS listings are eligible for at least one type of down payment assistance program.

Additional Resources

Here are a few down payment assist ance programs that are helping many of today’s buyers achieve their dream of homeownership:

• Teacher Next Door is designed to help teachers, first responders, health providers, government employees, active-duty military personnel and veterans reach their down payment goals.

• Fannie Mae provides down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers living in majority-Latino communities.

• Freddie Mac also has options designed specifically for homebuyers with modest credit scores and limited funds for a down payment.

• The 3By30 program lays out actionable strategies to add three million new Black homeowners by 2030. These programs offer valuable resources for potential buyers, making it easier for them to secure down payments and realize their dream of homeownership.

• For Native Americans, Down Payment Resource highlights 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs across 14 states that ease the path to homeownership by providing support with down payments and other associated costs.

Achieving the dream of homeownership may be more within reach than you think, especially when you know where to find the right support. Direct your questions to a local real estate expert who can guide you through the search process as you learn what you may be eligible for.

—Courtesy of OneKeyMLS, adapted from Keeping Current Matters

Photo Getty Images

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s Home From Work We Go Buying a home and your commute

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

When house hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of a potential new home—the layout, the yard, the neighborhood. However, one critical factor that can signi cantly impact your daily life is often overlooked until after the keys are handed over: the commute.

e daily journey to and from work can a ect your quality of life, your nancial situation, and even your physical and mental health. Here are several considerations to weigh regarding your commute when purchasing a home.

The Length of the Commute

Research has consistently shown that longer commutes are associated with higher levels of stress, lower satisfaction with life, and even poorer health. Before making an offer on a house, simulate the commute during rush hour, not just on a relaxed weekend day. Understand what you’re committing to on a daily basis. Is the extra bedroom worth an additional 30 minutes on the road? Only you can decide, but be aware of the trade-off.

Mode of Transportation

Consider how you’ll be getting to work. If you’re driving, assess the traffic patterns and parking availability. For public transit users, identify the nearest stations or bus stops, the frequency of service, and the total travel time including transfers. If you’re considering cycling or walking, check the safety and availability of bike lanes or sidewalks. Each mode of transportation has its own set of costs, benefits, and considerations.

Commuting Costs

The expenses associated with commuting can add up quickly. For car owners, factor in fuel, parking, tolls, and increased maintenance costs. Public transit users should account for fares and possibly the cost of getting to and from the station. If you’re moving further out to get more home for your money, ensure that the commuting costs don’t eat into those savings. Remember, these expenses will recur monthly, affecting your overall budget.

Work Flexibility

With the rise of remote work, consider how often you’ll actually need to commute. If you have the flexibility to work from home part or most of the time, a longer commute might be more tolerable. However, it’s also important to consider the possibility of future changes in work policy or even job changes

that might require a return to the office full-time.

Time Investment

Time is a finite resource, and hours spent commuting are hours not spent elsewhere—be it with family, hobbies, exercising, or relaxing. Consider the impact of the commute on your work-life balance. Are you okay with leaving earlier in the morning and getting home later in the evening? The answer might change depending on your life stage and priorities.

Stress and Well-being

The stress of a long or difficult commute can take a toll on your well-being. Traffic congestion, unreliable public transportation, or unsafe cycling conditions can start or end your workday on a sour note. Consider the stress level associated with the commute and its potential impact on your mental health.

Environmental Impact

For those concerned with their environmental footprint, the mode and length of your commute matter. Living further out often means relying more on personal vehicles, which typically contribute to greater carbon emissions. On the other hand, using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking can lessen your environmental impact.

Future Commute Changes

Consider potential changes to your commute in the future. Are there planned infrastructure projects that might improve or worsen commuting conditions? Could your workplace relocate? While you can’t predict every possibility, being aware of planned developments in the area can help you make a more informed decision.

Impact on Property Value

Finally, the ease of commute from a particular location can influence property values. Areas with shorter commutes or better access to public transportation often have higher property values and may retain their value better over time. This can be an important consideration for your investment in the long run.

When buying a home, the commute is a crucial factor that warrants careful consideration. It’s not just about the distance but the quality of life, the cost, the time, and the impact on your well-being. A home that fits your needs is important, but so is ensuring that the journey to and from that home doesn’t detract from your overall happiness and satisfaction. By thoroughly evaluating the commute before making a purchase, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term satisfaction.

Photo Getty Images

BONNIE’S WATERFRONT LISTINGS

Sands Point, NY – “Serenity by the Sound”

Stunning, sophisticated, richly detailed, this magni cent contemporary residence sits on over 2 acres, with 300 ft. of sandy beach on Long Island Sound. The home itself is a mid-century marvel with oor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide dazzling water views no matter where you are in the house. The spacious patio o ers an impeccable entertainment space, and a private outdoor shower marries function with luxury for this waterfront oasis. A charming pergola replete with outdoor seating is ideal for enjoying the gorgeous panorama. The mid-century modern lines, elegant curves, and expansive windows make this home a true architectural treasure and the epitome of an idyllic retreat. A Masterpiece Collection Listing.

MLS# 3397349 | $8,800,000

Sands Point, NY – “The Lindens”

Exceptional opportunity to rent this spectacular unfurnished waterfront estate. Experience timeless elegance at The Lindens, a gracious estate nestled on 5.86 acres of meticulously landscaped Long Island Sound waterfront. With 187 feet of sandy beachfront and breathtaking water vistas, this distinguished residence is beautifully and practically designed. O ering a light lled kitchen with custom cabinetry, and top of the line appliances. Enjoy leisurely days by the sparkling swimming pool or on the all-weather tennis court, seamlessly integrated into the enchanting gardens.

MLS# 3531590 | $38,000/month

TAKING THE HELM

THROUGH THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

My treasure throughout the past 50 years is BECAUSE OF YOU. I am grateful for the special relationships we’ve shared along the way.

Bonnie Doran Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Circle of Excellence

Port Washington O ce 516.883.2900, c.516.729.5663 bonniedoran@danielgale.com

From Farmhouse To Cottage

Here are the most Instagrammable kitchen styles

Modern kitchens have been named the most Instagrammable kitchen style, according to a new study.

The experts at CabinetSelect analyzed the biggest kitchen styles on Instagram to reveal which design proved most popular on the platform. Variations of hashtags related to each style were identified and posts totaled to reveal the most Instagrammable kitchen style.

The number one kitchen trend on Instagram is modern, accumulating 1,340,692 posts on the platform. Renowned for sleek flat surfaces, angular designs, and clean lines, modern kitchens are the calm centerpiece of many homes due to their open space and simple color palettes.

Farmhouse ranked as the second most popular kitchen trend on Instagram with 1,109,765 posts. This classic look has blown up on social media over the last few years, with homeowners choosing to bring the natural, cozy look of a farmhouse into the kitchen with quality hardwood counter tops, wooden tables, paneling, beams and various extra accessories.

Country is the third most Instagrammable kitchen style. Users on the platform have shared 471,611 posts related to the style, more than almost every other trend. Much like farmhouse, country-style kitchens embrace natural materials and bright neutral colors. Whether you want a modern country kitchen with white cabinets or a classically designed kitchen featuring wooden fixtures, this trend can be styled to your preference.

More and more people are opting for a rustic kitchen, with the trend placing fourth among the most popular kitchen styles on Instagram. Posts related to rustic kitchens totaled 178,603, with users on the platform showcasing inspiration for beautifully designed, vintage spaces. Rustic embraces classic design choices like open shelving, and authentic, aged wooden counter tops alongside earthy tones and colors to make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming.

Shaker-style kitchens are the fifth most popular kitchen style on Instagram with 178,017 posts. The trend gets its name from the type of kitchen cabinet which is found in spaces styled with this simple design. Shaker cabinets are designed to make your kitchen a more functional space without comprising on your decor. Featuring symmetrical cabinets with a flat center panel and square edges, shaker style kitchens are minimal in design with very little decoration.

Cottage is the sixth most Instagrammable kitchen style, accumulating 163,180 posts on the platform. Creating a cozy, warm cottage-style kitchen is a popular choice among decor enthusiasts.

The style has become synonymous with floral patterns, rustic finishes, warm wood, wicker baskets, kitchen islands, and more. Decorators use natural colors and decorative accessories to bring the cozy cottage feel to your kitchen.

With approximately 131,338 posts on Instagram, contemporary is the seventh most popular kitchen style on the platform. Contemporary kitchens adopt the sleek flat surfaces associated with the modern style. But rather than using these types of fixtures to create a simple, clean environment, contemporary kitchens often feature more homely elements along with contrasting counter and cabinet colors to make the space that little bit more distinctive.

Industrial is the eighth most popular kitchen style, according to Instagram. Users have shared 92,599 posts with hashtags related to industrial kitchens. Focusing on form and functionality, industrial style kitchens normally feature minimal decor and open floors to capture the practical appeal of commercial spaces. When styling an industrial kitchen, people tend to avoid traditional decorative elements for a clean, efficient kitchen area.

Despite new and exciting trends catching the eye of homeowners, traditional still remains one of the most popular kitchen styles. Ranking ninth on the study with 84,934 posts on Instagram, traditional kitchens incorporate many of the classic designs to create timeless spaces. From beautifully painted cabinets to granite counter tops, hardwood floors, muted color palettes, and more, traditional kitchens ooze warmth and elegance.

French is the final trend to feature among the 10 most popular kitchen styles on Instagram with 74,322 total posts. French-style kitchens are heralded for combining rustic and chic decor, using neutral colors and natural materials to bring a timeless kitchen space to life. These spaces typically have the aura of a farmhouse kitchen with an extra level of sophistication inspired by the styles and designs of Paris.

Chris Alexakis, Co-Founder of CabinetSelect, commented on the study: “While modern-style kitchens were named the most popular on Instagram, six of the 10 most popular styles embrace natural decor.

“Despite kitchens mainly serving as a functional cooking space, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for more homely, classic designs that combine coziness with functionality. It will be interesting to see if modern, minimal designs surge in popularity over the coming years or whether warm, cozy kitchens remain ever popular among social media users.”

—CabinetSelect (cabinetselect.com) with sources from Instagram

Photos from Getty Images

Property Investing

New research reveals the states most interested expanding their investment portfolios

Is it any surprise that New York tops the list for state where the most people are interested in real estate investing?

The research, conducted by Premier DSCR Lender Visio Lending, analyzed Google search data to determine which states are most interested in investing in property. The study combined 11 common search terms related to property and real estate to reveal the average monthly search volume in each state. The states were then ranked from ‘most interested’ to ‘least interested’ based on searches per 100,000 of their population.

With an average of 123 searches per 100,000 people each month, New York is the state most interested in investing in property. The Empire State averaged over 24,000 (24,313) monthly searches over the past year, with 7,475 of those being for the term ‘real estate investment trusts’.

“The study found that the

national monthly search volume for terms related to property and real estate averaged more than 268,000 over the past year, which suggests that thousands of people are interested in investing in property,” said Jeff Ball, CEO of Visio Lending. “The results allow us to visualize where large proportions of those searches are coming from, which is both fascinating as well as important for anyone connected to the industry.”

the state averaged just over 7,500 average monthly searches over the past year, there were 108 searches per 100,000 population.

Like New York, ‘real estate investment trusts’ was the phrase most searched for (2,442).

New Jersey ranked in third.

investment’.

California ranked in fourth for states most interested in investing in property. The Golden State had the highest average monthly search volume of any of the states in the top 10 but fell just short of 100 (99) searches per 100,000 people.

Massachusetts ranked in second for the states most interested in investing in property. Although

The Garden State was the only other state to average 100 or more searches per 100,000 people. 1,250 of the 9,258 average monthly searches in New Jersey were for the term ‘real estate

With 98 average monthly searches per 100,000 people, Maryland ranked in fifth. More than 1,800 (1,803) of the 6,035 average monthly searches in the entire state were for the term ‘real estate investment trusts.’

One less search per 100,000 people (97) meant that Georgia ranked in sixth for the states most interested in investing in property. 1,525 of the 10,580 average monthly searches in the state were for the

phrase ‘real estate investment’. Meanwhile, Hawaii ranked in seventh with an average of 94 searches per 100,000 people.

Similarly to Hawaii, Virginia and Colorado also averaged 94 searches per 100,000 people. Like most of the top 10, the most searched-for for term in both states was ‘real estate investment trusts.’

With an average of 90 searches per 100,000 people, Washington rounded off the 10 states most interested in investing in property.

On the opposite end of the scale, West Virginia is the state least interested in investing in property with an average of 31 searches per 100,000 people. It is also the only state to average fewer than 40 searches per 100,000 people.

Mississippi (42), South Dakota (44), Kentucky (44) and Iowa (45) all averaged 45 or less searches per 100,000 people.

—Visio Lending, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

Photo Getty Images

Home Maintenance Checklist

Following an annual maintenance routine helps homeowners avoid costly repairs, property damage, and keeps home a happy, healthy, and safe place for family and visitors alike.

In New York, some March days are perfect for outdoor adventures, while other March days practically demand cozy indoor activities. Take advantage of the unpredictable weather we can always rely on to tackle home maintenance tasks both indoors and out to ensure your home stays in top shape as we spring forward this month.

Make the most of the variations in weather patterns to complete the transition from winter to spring. You may have completed some of these tasks in February—so feel free to check them off your list now.

Inside Tasks

❏ Inspect and Service HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and systems ensures they’re operating efficiently and helps prevent costly breakdowns or interruptions in service. This is also the time to clean or change out air and water filters.

❏ Check and Replace Batteries: Change smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries to ensure they’re functioning properly to alert you to potential dangers. This is crucial for home safety. A good rule of thumb is to check the batteries when you change your clocks 2x yearly.

❏ Windows: Inspect windows and window screens. Patch any holes and reattach loose mesh. Check that the frames are undamaged and securely attached and that the hardware is tightened appropriately.

❏ Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Seal any gaps or cracks to improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems.

❏ FCI Outlets: Test and reset the GFCI outlets to ensure they’re operating properly. GFCI outlets are typically installed in close proximity to water sources to protect against electric shock hazards. They’re designed to shut off power to the outlet if they detect that electricity is flowing along an unintended path and

potentially creating a dangerous environment. These outlets contain a reset button which must be manually engaged once the safety mechanism is engaged.

❏ Ceiling Fans: Inspect and clean ceiling fans from dust build-up over the wintertime. Clean and replace the bulbs as needed. Switch the direction of the blades to improve air quality and circulate warm air up and away from living spaces.

Outside Tasks

❏ Gutters: Inspect and repair any damage that’s occurred to the rain gutters over the winter. Clean out any debris that has fallen or clogged up the water channel to ensure that water is draining properly away from the foundation of the home.

❏ Trees and Shrubs: Trim back any tree branches or shrub overgrowth that could cause roof, siding or foundation damage before the spring thaw. It’s healthy for most, not all, trees and shrubs to be pruned back now prior to the warmer weather when they begin to store nutrients in their branches and leaves again. Do your homework to ensure you’re pruning safely. Note any tree roots that have begun to disrupt walkways and any plants that have been uprooted in the inclement weather.

❏ Lawn Care: Remove debris,

aerate and overseed the lawn now to prepare for healthy spring growth. For professional lawn care, this is the time to schedule your first seasonal appointment to plan out your yardscape for the coming months.

❏ Lighting: Check outdoor lighting fixtures for damage, including the bulbs, wirings, and casings. Replace burnt-out bulbs and add fixtures where necessary. Solar-powered outdoor lighting has evolved greatly in the last few years, which allows lighting to be added to fences, landscape, and other parts of property, where battery-operated lights may have been unreliable and where exterior electric lines weren’t feasible.

❏ Wooden Structures: Inspect all wooden surfaces for signs of rot and weathering. Replace the boards as needed. Apply a fresh coat of sealant or paint to protect against further damage.

Final Thoughts

Sump pump maintenance often gets overlooked, but it is a critical task which homeowners must be vigilant about completing. Sump pumps remove excess water that accumulates due to inclement weather or through regular sewage removal. If a sump pump fails or malfunctions, the basement may flood, the home’s foundation may lose structural integrity due to moisture damage, and the air quality of the home can suffer due to mold growth and bacterial infiltration. Ensure the sump pump turns on— pour water down the drain and listen for the activation and the removal of water. It’s usually very apparent when a sump pump is working properly. Clean the sump pit and remove any debris that could interfere with the pump’s operation. Inspect the pump and replace any parts that may have worn down over time.

Call a professional to conduct a thorough inspection and complete maintenance annually. Like many other home maintenance tasks, you will save money by investing in maintenance regularly instead of waiting for disaster to strike.

—Courtesy of OneKeyMLS (onekeymls.com)

Photo Getty Images

Fair Housing Campaign Focuses On Disabilities

Long Island Board of REALTORS (LIBOR) launched the next phase of its Home For All Of Us fair housing initiative, with a new focus on ensuring fair housing access for people with disabilities. LIBOR released a suite of resources to help its members and others in the real estate sector understand and follow relevant laws and regulations so they can best serve people with disabilities.

According to the 2023 National Fair Housing Trends Report, disability discrimination was the most reported form of housing discrimination in the country, by a wide margin. This is a trend LIBOR and its REALTOR members are working hard to reverse.

“REALTORS, property owners, real estate brokers and property managers are central to delivering fair access to housing for people with disabilities,” said Doreen

Chris Heller, a real estate expert, has identified the interior decor choices likely to put off prospective homebuyers—with pastel colors named the biggest offender. The findings, compiled by real estate experts Agent Advice, follow an analysis of decor-related Google searches made nationwide and across each state last year to identify the most and least popular home features and design elements.

“When listing your home for sale, those that are decorated well are more visually appealing and therefore more likely to stick in buyers’ minds,” Heller, co-founder of Agent Advice said. “Many buyers will even be willing to pay more for an aesthetically pleasing property as it requires less immediate renovation or redecoration.”

Anyone looking to list their property for sale may want to consider making simple changes to better suit buyers’ preferences over the next few months, as spring (March through May) is generally considered the best time to sell your home.

“This gives you an advantage in the competitive real estate market, particularly during peak periods like March, April, and May,” Heller said. “Staging your rooms in a way that feels inviting and comfortable makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the property, whether viewing it in person or online. Hence, the

Spagnuolo, LIBOR Interim CEO. “We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to playing our part to ensure Long Island REALTORS understand how best to serve all members of our community.”

The new LIBOR resources, which are available to homebuyers and renters, as well as the general public, cover critical topics such as reasonable modifications and accommodations; service and support animals; and real estate office and websites accessibility. These resources build on the first set released earlier this year, which focused on source of income.

“By ensuring that everyone can choose where they live, those of us who call Long Island home have an opportunity to build stronger communities, support more stable neighborhoods and create a more attractive environment for businesses to relocate and grow here,” continued Spagnuolo. “This is our message to our fair housing partners, public officials and anyone with a stake in making Long Island home for all of us.”

—Long Island Board of REALTORS, Inc. (LIBOR)

Following as the third most offputting choice is antique farmhouse decor, which includes things like wall paneling, hardwood flooring, and rustic brass hardware.

Similarly, the fourth least popular decor decision is upcycled furniture, with many fans of a farmhouse aesthetic thrifting and repurposing vintage pieces for their home.

decor is really key.”

No Deal Interior design choices that are keeping you from selling your home

And it turns out that sellers who incorporated pastel colors into their decor after they rose in popularity early last year may want to redecorate, as they’re the least appealing color palette to prospective buyers right now.

Pastel colors—especially pink, baby blue, and lilac—dominated social media over the last year due to things like the

Barbie film release and an appreciation for retro hues, but their popularity has clearly waned as we head into the peak 2024 season.

The second design choice that’s likely to turn buyers off your home came out as scalloped furniture, which also saw a rise in demand last year, especially among homeowners who favor a vintage, doll-like or ‘mermaid-core’ aesthetic.

Revamping old furniture proved especially popular on social media in the last year, as creators share their passion projects, but it seems many buyers may struggle to see the appeal—especially if they prefer a modern or sleek aesthetic.

Rounding out the five design choices that sellers should rectify is incorporating industrial elements, the middle point between modern and farmhouse aesthetics.

However, the use of exposed metal, minimalist features, and bare bricks inspired by industrial spaces like factories may prove offputting to some who see it as ‘cold.’

Also among the least desirable decor choices are Scandinavian elements—characterized by a minimalist approach and blend of textures—followed by botanical wallpaper, vintage decor, gold cabinet hardware, and geometric wallpaper.

—Submitted by Agent Advice (agentadvice.com); data gathered from Google Keyword Planner.

Photo Getty Images

Introducing

9 Walter Lane, Flower Hill

$4,750,000

Step into this impressive and stately brick 6 bedroom colonial in the sought-after Village of Flower Hill, and you will immediately appreciate the finest craftsmanship and custom finishes throughout its over 7,100 square feet of luxury living. With grand, formal rooms perfect for entertaining and casual spaces to cozy up by the fire, play a game of pool, host a movie night, work, exercise, and relax, this fine residence offers a retreat for the entire family. Special highlights include a modern eat-in kitchen with a large center island, adjoining family room with fireplace, a custom billiard room and finished lower level with recreation room, home cinema and guest suite. The second floor features a serene primary suite, 2 additional large bedrooms each with a new en-suite bathroom, and an additional 2 bedrooms that share a spacious bathroom. Set on an acre of landscaped property with complete privacy at the end of a cul-de-sac, yet minutes from train, town and schools. Munsey Park Elementary School. For a private showing, contact Ann Hance at 516.660.1680

The Traci Conway Clinton Team

M 516.660.1680 | O 516.517.4751

A Comprehensive Guide To Obtaining Your Real Estate License: From Aspiration To Achievement

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Venturing into the world of real estate can be an exciting and lucrative career path, but the rst critical milestone on this journey is obtaining your real estate license. Navigating the licensing process requires a blend of education, preparation, and adherence to state-speci c requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you successfully obtain your real estate license and embark on a ful lling career in real estate.

Research State Requirements

Begin by researching the specific requirements outlined by the real estate licensing authority in the state where you plan to practice. State regulations regarding age eligibility, pre-licensing education, and examination criteria can vary significantly.

Visit the official website of the state’s real estate commission or licensing board to access accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, you can contact these entities directly for clarification on any queries.

Pre-Licensing Education

Most states mandate completion of pre-licensing education as a prerequisite for obtaining a real estate license. These courses cover fundamental aspects of real estate, including legal principles, property valuation, and transaction procedures.

Choose a reputable and state-approved educational provider. Options include

in-person classes, online courses, or a hybrid approach. Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your state’s requirements and provides comprehensive coverage of key topics.

Prepare for the Licensing Exam

The real estate licensing exam is a pivotal step in the process, assessing your knowledge of both national and state-specific real estate concepts.

Utilize study materials, practice exams, and review courses to thoroughly prepare for the exam. Many states provide detailed exam content outlines and study guides to help you focus your preparation on essential areas.

Take and Pass the Licensing Exam

Schedule the licensing exam with a state-approved testing service. The exam typically consists of two parts: a national section covering general real estate principles and a state-specific section focusing

on local regulations.

On the exam day, arrive well-prepared and confident. Upon successful completion, your state’s real estate commission will provide you with your exam results. Aim for a passing score to proceed to the next phase of obtaining your license.

Submit Your License Application

Once you have successfully passed the licensing exam, it’s time to submit your license application to the state’s real estate commission.

Prepare the necessary documentation, including proof of completed education, exam results, and any additional requirements specified by your state. Some states may necessitate background checks and fingerprinting as part of the application process.

Associate with a Real Estate Broker

In most states, newly licensed real estate professionals are required to work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Choosing the right broker is a crucial decision that can profoundly impact your early career experiences.

Research potential brokers, considering factors such as reputation, training programs, commission structures, and the level of support offered to new agents. Aligning yourself with an experienced and supportive broker can accelerate your learning curve and pave the way for success.

Join a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Enhance your effectiveness as a real

estate professional by joining a local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a powerful tool providing comprehensive information on available properties, recent sales, and market trends.

Access to an MLS equips you with valuable insights, enabling you to stay informed about property availability, pricing strategies, and market dynamics. This knowledge is instrumental in offering superior service to your clients.

Fulfill Post-Licensing Requirements

Some states impose post-licensing education requirements that must be completed within a specified timeframe after obtaining your license. These courses aim to deepen your understanding of real estate practices and ensure ongoing professional development.

Obtaining your real estate license is a transformative journey that requires dedication, education, and meticulous adherence to state regulations. By meticulously following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the licensing process with confidence. Once licensed, you’ll be equipped to embark on a fulfilling career, helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and contributing to the vibrant and ever-evolving real estate industry. Remember, success in real estate often hinges on continuous learning, client-focused service, and a passion for the intricacies of the property market.

Photo Getty Images

PSEG Long Island Prepares For Ospreys’ Return

Company removes garbage, debris from nests in anticipation of the raptors’ breeding season

As World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3, PSEG Long Island was busy preparing for osprey breeding season by inspecting known nesting areas and cleaning out debris and garbage in the nests located near company-installed webcams in Oyster Bay and Patchogue.

This year, crews retrieved manmade garbage including plastic bags, fishing line and prescription pill bottles, from the osprey nests, helping to ensure the birds and their chicks do not get tangled as nesting season begins.

“PSEG Long Island is proud to play a small role in the multi-decade, collaborative effort to bring back Long Island’s osprey population,” said Dave Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “Because good environmental stewardship is part of being strongly involved in the community, and also because protecting these birds from high-voltage equipment improves reliability for customers.”

Osprey build their nests on the tallest structure near a body of water. To proactively monitor its utility poles for osprey nests, PSEG Long Island partners closely with Group for the East End, a nonprofit organization that has advocated for the protection and preservation of nature on the East End since 1972. Volunteers with the nonprofit conduct their own surveys of the area and share osprey data with the company, which maintains a team dedicated to mitigating risks and relocating nests safely and in accordance with all regulations protecting the wildlife.

According to a report issued by the Group for the East End last year, osprey breeding activity on the East End increased by 200 percent in eight years, with 199 active nests in

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– neglecting the desperate needs of recovery, treatment, and prevention services.

Yet, when the same Blakeman Administration asked for $10 million to promote unnecessary anniversary galas, golf outings and parades, it was rubber-stamped by the Republican Majority in a New York minute.

This never-ending pattern of political self-promotion over meaningful government action is unacceptable. Nassau County deserves real leadership that is fully committed to the well-being of all its residents, not just those who benefit from black tie events and public relations stunts. All nineteen legislative districts must be served equally.

As the leader of the Minority Caucus,

2014 growing to 477 in the summer of 2022. In balancing its commitment to the consistent, safe delivery of power for its customers with its commitment to being a good environmental steward, PSEG Long Island has installed dozens of new osprey nesting platforms to deter the returning birds from nesting on electrical equipment, which puts both the raptors and the electrical system in danger.

PSEG Long Island has installed 24-hour webcams at two of these nesting platforms, in Oyster Bay and Patchogue. Late last month, crews cleared debris and garbage from these platforms to make them safe for the osprey as they return to breed.

For more information about osprey and to view live webcam feed of the nests, visit psegliny.com/wildlife/ ospreycam.

When osprey build a nest on electrical equipment, it puts the nest in danger of catching fire, which can cause significant damage and outages to customers, as well has harm to the osprey. The birds are at high risk of electrocution, as their large wingspan can complete the circuit between closely spaced energized equipment or between an energized wire and a neutral ground wire.

Long Island is home to more than 400 species of birds, including the majestic osprey. Osprey are large beautiful birds and a popular sight on Long Island. From the 1950s through the 1970s, Long Island’s osprey population decreased and became endangered. The effort to build safe nesting sites on or near waterways has contributed to the rise in the population of osprey.

—Submitted by PSEGLI

our message is clear: Let’s work together on the important issues facing our County. It’s time for the Blakeman Administration to embrace a more collaborative approach that is focused on the real needs of our constituents instead of self-serving political endeavors.

We can do better. By respecting each other’s ideas, we can learn from one another and find ways to improve life for everyone. The residents of Nassau County deserve a government that works together. I understand that it can be a long road, but when we do this, residents will have a real reason to celebrate.

May God bless our active military personnel, veterans, first responders, and all our Nassau County residents. Thank you.

Crews cleaning up opsrey nests in Oyster Bay.

(Photo by PSEG Long Island)

Share The Shore With Seals In New England/Mid-Atlantic

Seals are a common sight throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

It is important for beachgoers to share the shore with seals so everyone can enjoy the shore in a natural and safe way.

Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which means it is illegal to harm or harass them. Following these viewing tips can help you respectfully enjoy sharing the shore with seals without disturbing them.

Give Them Space

Enjoy photographing seals—but from a distance. Seals are sensitive to being disturbed and approaching more closely can cause them to become stressed or leave the area. How do you know if you are too close? If the seals start to vocalize more, start looking at you, moving away, waving flippers or increasing their yawning they are telling you to back away.

Call for Help

If you think a seal needs help, the most important thing you can do is give the animal space and call your local trained, authorized responders to come and assess the situation. If the animal needs help the responders will know what to do. In New England and Mid-Atlantic, you can call NOAA’s hotline, or locate your local responder.

Mom and Pups Need Extra Space

Touching wild animals is never a good idea. On top of being a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, touching, or attempting to touch seals can scare and stress them out. Seals also have large canine teeth and will bite if they feel threatened. They can transmit diseases to pets, so always make sure dogs are leashed if seals are in the area.

Leave Pups Alone

Sometimes moms will leave their pups

alone on the beach while they go off to feed. Mom will likely be back soon, but if she sees you close to her pup, or if her pup is not where she left it, the pup can be abandoned. Sometimes beachgoers think pups need to go back into the water—that is not the case. Making seal pups go into the water can put them at risk of over-exhaustion or expose them to predators. If the pup has been abandoned or is injured, allow trained responders to assess the situation and find the

appropriate ways to help.

The two most common types of seals in the Atlantic are gray seals and harbor seals.

Gray Seals

Males are typically larger than females, reaching 7–8 feet long. Adult gray seals can weigh between 550 and 850 pounds. Gray seals may stand their ground and can be aggressive. Their heads have a distinct horse-like shape. They pup between December–February in Maine and Massachusetts. Pups are nursed for about 16 days. There were an estimated 425,000 gray seals in 2016. They move up and down the Atlantic coast between the United States and Canada, where their abundance is increasing at a rate of 4–5 percent per year.

Harbor Seals

Harbor seals average 4–5 feet long and 220–250 pounds. Their faces have a doglike resemblance. Adults will typically retreat to the water, though juveniles may remain on the beach. Pupping in New England occurs between May-June. Pups are nursed for 4–6 weeks. There are an estimated 75,000 harbor seals from eastern Canada to North Carolina.

—From the NOAA fisheries website via NYS DEC

North Shore Land Alliance To Present Private Land Conservation Workshop

If you love your land and would like to see it protected for future generations, then a conservation easement might be something to consider. To learn more about the benefits of private conservation, please join The North Shore Land Alliance in conjunction with the Nassau County Bar Association for a seminar on Thursday, April 18th. The Seminar will be offered in two parts targeted toward landowners and professionals involved in conservation transactions (like lawyers, realtors, accountants, wealth managers and appraisers).

The Professional session will be held in the Barn at Old Westbury Gardens from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Topics will include the fundamentals and drafting of conservation easements, evaluating advanced tax issues, including the deductibility of charitable contributions

and structuring, negotiating, and closing purchase, sale, bargain-sale, and donation transactions. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits will be available through the Nassau County Bar Association.

The Landowner session will be held at the Land Alliance’s Tavern House Headquarters in Mill Neck at 4:00 p.m. Featured information will include the basics of the conservation process, the potential for state and federal tax incentives and the reasons why protecting land is critical to conserving the health of our community, its natural beauty and habitat for plants and animals.

Both sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required: northshorelandalliance.org/events There will be a charge of $250 for three CLE credits.

Ellen Fred, a nationally recognized expert in the field of conservation and

principal with Conservation Partners LLP, will be the lead presenter for the seminar. Ellen’s experience in the fields of tax, real estate, nonprofit governance, and alternative dispute resolution allows her to counsel her clients in all aspects of their work. The culmination of their work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of acres being conserved. In addition to her legal work, she has been a frequent presenter on myriad conservation law topics since 2004, including for the Land Trust Alliance and the California Council of Land Trusts.

The Alliance holds conservation easements on 26 properties that will be protected in perpetuity. Here’s what Caroline S. DuBois said after her family decided to donate a conservation easement on their property, “While each case is different, I can report that for us,

having the conservation easement on the family land has brought us substantial emotional and economic rewards, and was a strong selling point for our nature loving buyer. But most importantly, we are happy there will never be buildings on our soccer field.”

Landowner and professional outreach are core components of successful conservation. The Land Alliance sees expert presentations as an opportunity to further the knowledge of our community about solutions surrounding conservation-oriented land transactions.

We are sure Ellen’s wealth of legal and transactional knowledge as well as her love for the land will be a valuable educational resource for all who attend. The Land Alliance looks forward to welcoming you to the event.

—Submitted by North Shore Land Alliance

Harbor Seals on the shore in Long Island, near Jones Beach. (Photo Getty Images)

HMTC Announces Photographer Daniel G. Weiss To Release New Series Featuring Holocaust Survivors

Daniel Weiss was deeply moved after hearing the late Irving Roth speak to a group of students from the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore in 2016. Irving Roth, a Holocaust survivor and renowned Holocaust educator was the first director of education of The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) in Glen Cove. Inspired by Roth’s vitality and energy, Daniel wanted to take his portrait. He reached out to Dinah Kramer, a retired teacher and daughter of Holocaust survivors, who was working with Roth at the time. In the course of their conversation, the germ of the idea to photograph Holocaust survivors was born. After three years, the completed exhibit of 18 local Holocaust survivors was on display at the Port Washington Library in January 2020.

Plans for the exhibit to travel to other locations were stalled by the pandemic. Since May 2022, the exhibit has been displayed at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, the Suffolk Y JCC, the Sid Jacobson JCC, the Merrick Library, and the Bryant Library. It will be on display at HMTC in May 2024 with the official opening on Sunday, May 5 at 2 pm. And, in the Fall of 2024, the photos will

be on display at the Peninsula Library in Lawrence. Student groups have come to see these photos and it has become a wonderful vehicle to teach the history of the Holocaust. “This project has not only given a voice to those who have lived through unimaginable horrors but also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and bias in these challenging times,” stated Weiss.

Teachers who have seen the exhibit have requested the photos to use as a way to teach this important history in their classrooms. The photos are printed on 30” by 40” canvases and are not portable. Donna Rosenblum, Workshop Educator at HMTC, together with the help of Dinah Kramer, docent educator and 2G presenter, and Bernie Furshpan, board member and Marketing Director at HMTC, created portable versions. HMTC has been using Weiss’ photos and survivor stories as part of their traveling presentation at schools. Through this presentation, they hope to inspire the next generation to be compassionate, and empathetic, and make a difference in the world. Recently, Bernie Furshpan printed larger-than-life banners displayed on the front exterior at HMTC as part of their “Our Stories. Our Voices.”

campaign.

Daniel has become more passionate and dedicated to keeping these stories alive, considering it a moral obligation. With his new series, he hopes to shed light on the unique experiences of each survivor and inspire others to preserve the stories of those who have been through unimaginable hardships. Unlike his previous work, which celebrated their resilience and positive outlook on life, this series takes a more direct approach with tighter shots and direct eye contact. The message is clear: “Remember me,” or “Don’t forget us.” Through these poignant images, Weiss aims to remind us of the horrors of the past and the importance of never forgetting the survivors and their stories. This series will be a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Holocaust.

Weiss believes that his photographs can convey a powerful message, one that can help people understand the true horrors of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit. His work is a testament to the importance of preserving history and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.

—Submitted by The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center

Weiss standing in front of an image of Holocaust survivor Ron Unger. (Photos by HMTC)

WORD FIND

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19). e good thing about connecting with people from your past is that they knew you before these trials and victories shaped you. ey will help you to meet yourself as you were and understand what’s essential to you. ey also show you how you’ve developed. You’ll take stock this week, knowing there’s much more to come.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). ose who assess interactions at face value are at a disadvantage. You’re wiser. You realize that what’s asked of you is more implied than stated. It requires awareness to understand. Also, there will be some guessing involved. You’re ahead in this game because, unlike others, you realize there’s something to gure out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve a certain idiosyncratic charm. ose who get you really get you right away and want to be your good friend. ose who don’t may never -- so you needn’t to put too much energy or time in that direction. is week, you’ll connect with many people and quickly turn them into friends and fans.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In the past, you were discouraged from a pursuit that didn’t suit others. Now you can and should go for it. Desire is both an engine and the engineer, motivating you to get what you want while simultaneously creating the mechanisms necessary for attainment. By wanting what you want badly enough, you are creating it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Ideas come together in your mind this week and get brighter with each connection you make. Talk about the vision to anyone who will listen because this is how you’ll hone it. When your words hit the air, they illuminate new pathways, regardless of the reaction you get. Also, you’ll scout potential team members.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Keep the love owing. Love takes you further than other motivations, and it requires less energy, too. Get on your own side and stay there. When you look back, be kind. Your former self didn’t have your current standards. Love them anyway and appreciate the courage and e ort it took to transform.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What if you are now needlessly concerned? It’s happened before! e things you were so worried about didn’t happen, and you really could have spent those hours enjoying yourself and the outcome would have been the same. Bank on the current dynamic as a repeat. Have fun and let everything resolve itself. It most certainly will!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Like the innocent and fanciful imaginings of a child, your ideas about what to expect from an experience may be initially quite far- ung. is is normal and wonderful. Unbiased expectations are essentially a creative exercise. Once you learn what to expect, you’ll aim di erently. Don’t forget these purely inspired ideas, though; they’ll be useful later.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll bene t from a new perspective, preferably the sort of bird’s-eye view you can get from an airplane ride. ere’s no perspective shift quite so enlightening as the one that comes from travel and from experiencing the daily lives of people in di erent places. If you can’t travel physically, do it through research.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Of all the things that constitute a private life, there is none more private than your thoughts and fantasies. ese belong solely to you, and you are not obligated to share with anyone. If you do decide to bring someone in, you are granting a privilege, not a right. To own your privacy is to own your power.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). is week, there are many appointments worth keeping; disappointment isn’t one of them. You can avoid it entirely by lowering your expectations, dropping them entirely or setting them accurately through awareness and research. How well do you know a person? What patterns have you observed?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your projects and relationships are getting something very special and unique from you this week. e attention you dedicate will be delivered with great care and speci city. ose who do not regard your work with the sensitivity and awareness be tting it may not understand you well enough to bene t your team.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You’ll set your sights on a lofty aim, and your wings will grow strong enough to lift you into the vision. You’ll embark on a series of trainings. Your instinct will lead you to the people and arrangements that most suit your creative sensibility. More highlights: A physical challenge keeps you in shape and introduces you to fun people, too. You’ll bene t many by selling a useful, informative and time-saving tool. e events you organize will bring about warmth and family connectedness.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Learner driver

Solution: 16 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 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Learner driver

Solution: 16 Letters

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

Fear Flat

Solution:

Solution: Studying the rules

Creators Syndicate

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

Not all roads lead to Rome

call and West’s one-spade bid but might disagree with what happened from then on. Many players would bid only two hearts with the North hand, and some would not carry on to four hearts with the South hand.

Be that as it may, let’s say declarer ducks West’s jack-of-diamonds lead and wins the next diamond with the ace. He then successfully finesses the queen of spades, cashes the ace, and ruffs a spade in dummy.

Date: 3/20/24

Next comes a low heart to the eight, taken by West with the ace.

West is now forced to return a club, since a spade would yield a ruff-and-discard. When he leads the five, South plays the nine from dummy and captures East’s king with the ace. Declarer cashes the queen of trump and then leads a club toward dummy’s J-2. West goes up with the queen, and South makes four hearts after parking his diamond loser on dummy’s jack of clubs.

A good workmanlike job by declarer, you might say, ducking the first diamond and then tackling spades at trick three instead of leading a trump first. It was this sequence of plays that eventually forced West to lead a club at trick seven and enabled South to avoid losing a second diamond trick.

But if you analyze the situation more closely, you find that there were two ways West could have defeated the contract. First, if he had cashed the ace of hearts at trick two before leading his second diamond, he could not have been forced to break the clubs later.

Failing that, however, all he had to do was to return the queen of clubs rather than the five at trick seven! There would have been nothing declarer could do to overcome this extraordinary play, and South would have to go down one.

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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SCHOOL NEWS

NORTH MIDDLE PRESENTS THE WIZARD OF OZ

North Middle School will proudly present the popular classic, The Wizard of Oz, on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. in the Daniel J. Tomaselli Auditorium, 77 Polo Rd. If a performance is canceled due to inclement weather, a makeup performance is scheduled for Monday, March 25 at 7 p.m.

Based on the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, who longs for life outside of her farm. When a tornado hits, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are swept up into the land of Oz where she meets a colorful mixture of characters. Wearing the coveted ruby slippers and following the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy encounters the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion who all help her achieve the goal of getting to the Wizard, escaping the Wicked Witch, and

ultimately finding her way back to Kansas.

The Wizard of Oz is presented at North Middle School through a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Concord Theatricals.

This production is directed by Arielle Murdocco, North Middle choir director, and produced by Danielle Larson, North Middle special education teacher. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased in advance online by visiting the North Middle School website: https://www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/ NMS. Tickets will also available for purchase at the door on the night of the event.

For further information, contact Danielle Larson at dlarson@greatneck.k12.ny.us.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGALGREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE

STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX #600770/2023

FILED 2/15/2024

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC (FKA KONDAUR CAPITAL, LLC), Plaintiff, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF FREIDA

O. BEAN a/k/a FREIDA

O. JOHNSON; BE THEY LIVING, AND IF THEY BE DEAD, UPON THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH DEFENDANTS

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF FREI-

DA O. BEAN a/k/a FREIDA

O. JOHNSON WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE

PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT, JACQUELINE BROWN, JUDY BROWN-MULIGANO, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. Defendants. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon Plaintiff’s attorneys, an answer to the Complaint in this action within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the date of service, or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The basis of the venue designated is that a judgment in this action would affect the title to, or the possession, use or enjoyment of real property situated in the County of Nassau. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney

or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The following notice is intended only for those defendants who are the owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT THIS SUMMONS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. The amount of the debt is $558,431.74, consisting of principal balance of $549,480.49, plus interest of $4,097.25, plus other fee charges of $4,854.00. There will be additional amounts due for title searches, attorneys’ fees, and miscellaneous charges. Because of interest and other charges that may vary from day to day, the

Continued on page

Cast and crew of the North Middle School production of The Wizard of Oz. (Photo by Danielle Larson)

Continued from page 7

amount due on the day you may pay may be greater. Hence if you pay the amount shown above, adjustment may be necessary after we receive the check, in which event we will inform you. The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed: GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC (FKA Kondaur Capital, LLC). Unless you dispute the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, within thirty (30) days after your receipt hereof that the debt, or any portion thereof is disputed, we will obtain erification of the de t or a copy of any judgment against you representing the debt and a copy of such erification or judgment will be mailed to you by the herein debt collector. Upon your written request within 30 days after receipt of this notice, the herein debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor. Note: Your time to respond to the Summons Complaint differs from your time to dispute the validity of the debt or to request the name and address of the original creditor. Although you have as few as 20 days to respond to the Summons Complaint, depending on the manner of service, you still have 30 days from receipt of this Summons to dispute the validity of the debt and to request the name and address of the original creditor. TO THE DEFEN-

DANTS, the Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. LAWRENCE and WALSH, P.C., 215 Hilton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. (516) 538-2400. File# 600770/2023

3-20-13-6; 2-28-2024-4T#245937-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Plaintiff

AGAINST

Mehdi Gabyzadeh a/k/a Mehdi Gabayzadeh; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 21, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 5 Pheasant Run, Kings Point, NY 11024. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Kings Point, New York, in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 1 Block 178 Lot 48. Approximate amount of judgment $2,848,401.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed udg ent nde 003161/2007. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies

Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Malachy Lyons, Jr., Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: February 12, 2024

4-3; 3-27-20-13-2024-4T#246553-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF BEHALF

OF AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEB LOAN TRUST VII, Plaintiff - againstYEFIM ARANBAYEV, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 13, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501

“Rain or Shine” on the 18th day of April, 2024 at 2:30 PM.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Great Neck, Town of North Hempstead, State of New York.

Premises known as 35 West Terrace Road, Great Neck, NY 11021.

(Section: 2, Block: 289, Lot: 1 and 10)

Approximate amount of lien $1,177,876.89 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to pro isions of filed udgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 010727/2014. Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: February 8, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246706-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PROBATE CITATION

File No. 2022-2857

SURROGATE’S COURT NASSAU COUNTY SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Jacqueline Silver

A petition having been duly filed y DANIEL AKERIB, who is domiciled at 1535 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road Mineola, New York 11501, on May 22, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Josephine Akerib lately domiciled at 38 Knightsbridge Road, Apt. 3i, Great Neck Village, NY, 11021, United States admitting to probate a Will dated September 17, 1980 (and Codicil(s), if any, dated N/A), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Josephine Akerib deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that: Letters Testamentary issue to Letters of Trusteeship issue to [X] Letters of Administration c.t.a. to DANIEL AKERIB

Further relief requested (if any):

NOTICE: THIS CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. A Dated, Attested and Sealed, 3/11/24

Seal Surrogate Hon. Margaret C. Reilly Chief Clerk Debra Keller Leimbach Donna Furey, Esq. Print Name of Attorney Law Office of Donna Furey Firm Name

44-14 Broadway, New York, New York 11103

Address (347) 448-2549

Telephone dfurey@fureylaw.net

Email (optional) PROOF OF SERVICE SHALL BE FILED ON OR BEFORE THE SECOND DAY PRECEDING THE RETURN DATE. IN COMPUTING SUCH PERIOD TWO DAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND LEGAL HOLIDAYS SHALL NOT BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246737-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: WAGN2301 - A Plant Flood Mitigation will be received by the Board of Directors of the Water Authority of Great Neck North (Owner) at the Authority’s office attention regory Graziano, Authority Superintendent, 50 Watermill Lane, Great Neck, NY 11021, until 10:30 a.m., Prevailing Time on Wednesday, April

3, 2024, and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:30 a.m.

Complete sets of Hard Copy Bidding Documents, available Wednesday, March 20, 2024, may be obtained from REV, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, New York 10990, Tel: 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to H2M architects engineers. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Information for Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.

As a convenience to the Contractor, Digital Bidding Documents may be obtained from the following website: www.h2mplanroom.com as an online download for a non-refundable fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), paid by credit card. Please note www.h2mplanroom.com is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. All bidders are urged to register to ensure receipt of all necessary information, including bid addenda. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at www.h2mplanroom.com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with REV for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Each proposal submitted must e acco panied y a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the Water Authority of Great Neck North, in an a ount not less than fi e percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a

contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informalities and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, is in the best interests of the Owner.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WATER AUTHORITY OF

GREAT NECK NORTH

DATED: March 20, 2024

3-20-2024-1T-#246776-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that a public hearing will be held as to the following matters:

Agency: Board of Trustees, Village of Great Neck Estates

Date and Time: April 8, 2024 at 8:00 pm

Place: Village Hall, 4 Atwater Plaza,Great Neck Estates, NY

Subject: Application of 200 MNR Sun LLC, 200 Boulevard of the Americas, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701, pursuant to Village Code $230-13.1 and Village Code Chapter 194 for a change of zoning classification from Business D to Business Incentive Overlay District, an incentive zoning permit, and subdivision approval, to develop property at 180-200 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck Estates, for a five-story multi-family residential building with a total floor area of 157,201 gross square feet (gsf) and 70 residential condominium units, including 66 apartment units and four townhome-style units with residential amenity space and 105 parking spaces (the “Proposed Project”). Premises are also known as Section 2, Block 6, Lots 41, 43, 65 and 66 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. The Board of Trustees, as putative Lead Agency, has not yet classified this matter pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

The Village complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Disabled persons with special needs should contact the Village Clerk’s office at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to accommodate attendance and participation.

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village of Great Neck Estates, 4 Atwater Plaza, Great Neck, New York, during regular business hours.

Dated: March 1, 2024

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Village of Great Neck Estates 3-20-2024-1T-#246842-GN

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the tentative budget of the Village of Great Neck states for the fiscal year eginning June 1, 2024, including general Village funds, has been co pleted and filed in the office of the illage d inistrator, Village Hall, 4 Atwater Plaza, Great Neck Estates, New York, where it is available for inspection by any interested person during office hours.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Estates will hold a public hearing on said tentative budget on April 8, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. at the aforesaid Village Hall, showing such changes, alterations and revisions as shall have been made therein by the Board of Trustees.

At such hearing, any person may be heard in favor of or against the tentative budget as compiled, or for or against any item or items therein contained.

The budget proposes no compensation for any member of the Board of Trustees.

Residents have the right to provide written and oral comments and ask questions

concerning the entire budget and the relationships of entitlement funds to the entire budget.

Persons who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments and suggestions, should contact the undersigned Village administrator to request such assistance.

Dated: March 20, 2024

By Order of the Board of Trustees

KATHLEEN L. SANTELLI

Village Administrator

3-20-2024-1T-#246843-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matters:

Agency: Board of Trustees, Village of Great Neck Estates

Date and Time: April 8, 2024 at 8:00 pm

Place: Village Hall, 4 Atwater Plaza, Great Neck Estates

Subject: Bill GNE 2022A. A local law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law $3-c This proposed local law would authorize the Board of Trustees to override the State tax cap, should it prove necessary to do so prior to adopting the Village budget.

The Board of Trustees has determined that the adoption of this proposed legislation is not an “Action” subject to the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

Arrangements for inspection of all relevant documents may be arranged by contacting the office of the Village Clerk, 4 Atwater Plaza, Great Neck Estates, New York, during regular business hours.

Dated: March 12, 2024

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Kathleen .L Santelli, Village Administrator 3-20-2024-1T-#246844-GN

March Town Board Meeting Summaries

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

The Town of North Hempstead Board have decided to host two town board meetings a month. Usually, a town board meeting will last anywhere from three to five hours long. The town board decided to host two meetings a month to help shorten these lengthy monthly meetings.

Tuesday, March 5 Meeting

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 Jennifer DeSena spoke about the situation on Brussel Avenue 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.

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 being coated with something sticky.

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.

Councilmembers Walsh and Dalimonte followed. Passed unanimously.

Resolution 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.

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 Dennis Walsh stated the Town is working on responding to this issue.

Resolution 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.

Tuesday, March 12 Meeting

Resolutions discussed at the meeting:

Resolutions discussed at the meeting:

Resolution 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.

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

Resolution 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.

Resolution 17: A resolution authorizing the 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.

Resolution 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 lifeguard shortage. Passed unanimously.

Resolution 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 in Port Washington. Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte stated that this program is at no cost to residents. Supervisor DeSena stated she wished she had more details. A heated discussion between

Resolution 2: A public hearing to consider the application of Gold Coast Magic Realty LLC (Manhasset Express Car Wash) for a special use permit for the premises located at 201 East Shore Rd., Manhasset and designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as section 2, block 210, lots 55 & 68. Gold Coast Magic Realty has requested a special use permit to legalize alterations to a drive thru facility on a 25,984 s.f. (0.59-acre) parcel used as a car wash. The alterations include the installation of vacuum stations and a drive-through pre-pay island and canopy. Passed unanimously.

Resolution 3: A hearing pursuant to section 28-39.5 Of the Town Code in connection with the building located at 380 Northern Blvd., Great Neck, identified on the Land and Tax Map of the County of Nassau as section 2, block 85, lot 14. The purpose is to hold a hearing with respect to the fire-damaged property located at 380 Northern Blvd., Great Neck and provide the owner with an opportunity to be heard pursuant to Section 28-39.5 of the Town Code. Passed unanimously.

Town of North Hempstead Board Meeting on March 5 (Screen-grab from the Town of North Hempstead Town Board Meeting Archives)

Town of North Hempstead Town Hall (Photo by Alex Nuñez)

Urban Art Evolution

Nassau County Museum of Art exhibit focuses on NYC art of the 1980s

BY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

On March 23, the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn will open the Urban Art Evolution exhibit, curated by art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey of Port Washington.

The exhibition will offer artwork from the 1980s to the present by creators based in the downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and surrounding neighborhoods.

The exhibit’s timing is influenced by the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop music and the 40th anniversary of the documentary on the graffiti art movement Wild Style. Pusey, growing up in an artistic household, received a degree from Stony Brook University focusing on printmaking and he spent a summer in Europe.

“I came back and quickly realized I was better at talking about art than making a living out of creating art,” Pusey said. “I eventually found my way to SoHo in the 1980s to work in a gallery and I thrived in that environment.”

As a young art dealer, Pusey said he witnessed a creative shift.

“That part of the city was very affordable, it was very hard-scrabble,” Pusey said. “It was a neighborhood that had completely fallen into chaos on many levels. There were abandoned buildings. The drug trade had a firm foothold, if you would, in the East Village, in the Lower East Side.”

Because the neighborhood was

affordable, artists could have larger spaces with relatively affordable overhead.

“I found myself drawn to this creativity that was coming out of there,” Pusey said. “Everything we were dealing with in the ‘80s, in the gallery I was working with in SoHo, we kept looking east for what was next, what was new, what was fresh, what was controversial.”

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring were among the artists who emerged from the “[Andy] Warhol-tutelage,” as Pusey put it.

And it wasn’t just pop art; it was also performance art, photography, theater and other mediums that made up the “cauldron of creativity” in the East Village.

In the 1990s, Pusey pivoted from the resale gallery business to become a private dealer and advisor. But Pusey would return to the “art world,” in 2010 opening his own gallery Dorian Gray Projects in the East Village.

“When I was in the East Village, I had a lot of time to reconnect with the artists that were part of the fabric of East Village, the downtown art scene,” Pusey said. “This is a decade and a half later after the peak of the East Village, but a lot of artists were still there working and doing their business and their craft and their creativity.”

The gallery displayed the work of these artists until it closed in 2017, and Pusey held summer pop-ups in the Hamptons and participated in art fairs. In 2017, he partnered

with an investor and art collector to operate the Chase Contemporary gallery in Chelsea, and he moved to a 10,000 square foot space in SoHo after the pandemic.

Over time, Pusey gained a reputation as an art dealer and collector with a niche in art from the 1980s, particularly graffiti art.

Pusey was approached by Nassau County Museum of Art board members, asking what he would curate if he could curate a museum installation.

“I went with what I know, which is urban art and art from the downtown art scene,” Pusey said.

Preparing this show was an education, as museum shows typically take years to arrange. Though a challenge with the quick turnaround, he was able to pull together 135 pieces for the Urban Art Evolution exhibition from over 35 artists and artist estates through the connections and relationships he built throughout his career.

“With its roots in street graffiti, Urban Art Evolution encompasses the progression of works through this period that began furtively on exterior surfaces, then moved inside city apartments and art studios, then into exhibition contexts in galleries and museums, and back outside as commissions for public spaces - this fascinating and rarely-told story is at the heart of NCMA’s next exhibition,” said Beth Horn, the executive director of the Nassau County Museum of Art.

Untitled (Fun Fridge)

Jean Michel-Basquiat collaboration with Keith Haring, ERO (Dominique Philbert), Fab 5 Freddy Freddy (Fred Brathwaite), Futura (Leonard McGurr), Keith Haring, Lady Pink (Sandra Fabara), Eric Haze, LA II (Angel Ortiz), Tseng Kwong Chi, Kenny Scharf, and Rammellzee

Art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey. (Photo courtesy Christopher Pusey)

(Photo by Alex Nuñez)