Great Neck Record 5/01/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Mission Peacock

Neighbors in the News:

Honoring the memory of two Great Neck Alert Firefighters (See page 4)

Calendar:

Park district to host Bubblemania for families on May 5 (See page 6)

School News:

Students earn top awards at middle school science fair (See page 8)

Long Island Weekly: Exclusive with pianist John Bayless (See page 10)

(Photo from Christy Orquera)

The Andi Levine Team

of our Listing Commission or Buyer Representative Commission to the Ronald McDonald House for any New Agreement signed in May!

Red Day May 9th

Since May of 2009, every Keller Williams Realty office has set aside the second Thursday of the month to Close Our Offices to Give Back and Support Our Communities. This year we proudly announce that we will support

Please join us in making a difference this Red Day

Please call us and we will gladly pick up your contributions... Games, coloring and puzzle books, toys, juice boxes, and individually wrapped snacks. Monetary donations are also accepted

Feathers And Folly

Resident ruffled as majestic peacock appears in backyard

GREAT NECK RECORD STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Last night around 9 p.m., I put the dog outside for her nighttime ‘go’ before bed,” said the homeowner who lives on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck. “It’s dark out here, but I looked over from the backdoor and I see what looks like a bird, a big bird, so I take a picture; now this thing is like two feet long…it’s huge and I don’t know exactly what it is or what to do.”

The homeowner, who will be refereed to as ‘John’ for privacy reasons, tried to dismiss the idea, but awoke several times throughout the night to see if this bird was still in his backyard and each time he confirmed, yes, indeed it was still there.

The bird that John was seeing was a peahen on Thursday, April 18. The term “peacock” is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, only males are peacocks. Females are peahens, and together, they are called peafowl.

“This morning I looked outside and it was walking around the backyard, seemingly content, scooting behind some of the driveway bushes,” John said. “I threw some berries to it while I sent pictures and called several help agencies, the local veterinarian, 311, a bird sanctuary and animal control. No one seemed to be able or want to help except one rescue organization who would not have a freed resource until 11 p.m. the following night; several people told me to just leave it alone.”

John and his family were processing through some unrelated grief since the loss of one of their own pets.

“The idea of leaving this peacock in my yard without proper food and shelter was only adding to my stress,” John said. “I remembered attending a local bird talk at Great Neck Library, specifically about the birds of Udall’s Pond, delivered by the head reference librarian, Christy Orquera; I thought, maybe she would have an idea of who to call or what to do.”

John called the reference desk at Great Neck Library and asked the on-desk librarian to relay a message to Orquera. The message had been quickly transcribed as “peacock on the roof…call John..urgent.” It was quickly determined that “roof,” meant on the lid of his backyard storage container for patio furniture, but nonetheless, it was not a usual question at the library’s reference desk.

Orquera was preparing to take her lunch break but she had to see this peacock for herself. She was not sure she could assist and messaged fellow Great Neck bird-

watcher Matt Klein who was definitely the right person for this call for help. He was unavailable, but his advice was also to leave it alone, that it would fly away when it was ready.

With the dedication to customer service, and of course the allure of anything bird-related, Orquera had to see this reference call for help all the way through. She drove over to John’s house to have a look.

“If nothing else, I was going to snap a few pictures for the novelty, have a laugh about it being an odd request at the reference desk and explain to John that the peahen would be okay if he chose to leave it alone,” Orquera said. “Funny thing is, this is not the wackiest reference desk request that we have ever received, but I am a bird nerd.”

When Orquera arrived at John’s house, she found the peahen happily sunning herself on the edge of the driveway near the bushes. They quickly named her “Pepper” and Orquera made a call to Butch Yamali’s team at Milleridge Inn in Jericho.

“I have been an acquaintance of Butch and his team at Milleridge for years and I know they have roaming peacocks. I also knew that this peahen was probably someone’s pet nearby because she was so sweet; having previously owned chickens, Pepper did not appear totally cared for; her feathers seemed a bit ruffled and her

crest feathers [on top of her head] were nearly missing,” Orquera said. “I love birds and would have loved to take her home but my dog would not be happy sharing the backyard with her and the screeching calls of a lonely peacock would terrify the neighbors.”

Seeing the desperation on John’s face, she knew she would not leave the bird in his car. She offered to move the bird to Milleridge Inn and quickly made a call, alerting Yamali that a new guest was enroute to the Inn.

John’s electrician, Jacob from JHACS Electric in Mineola, arrived to do some scheduled work at the same time the plan was unfolding to move Pepper to Milleridge Inn. Orquera pressed Jacob into “Mission Peacock” and without even a second thought, dropped his tool bag and began to corral the bird.

Pepper had other plans. She got spooked and hopped, not one fence, but four fences. John joked that the loose peacock running through the neighbors’ yards had given him a chance to finally meet some of them for the first time. Jacob was still trailing the bird with the librarian in tow. He scooped Pepper up, as Orquera called out, “Hug her like a football and bring her to me.”

Orquera swaddled Pepper in a baby blanket and they made their way to Milleridge Inn.

John remembered seeing peacocks on the Milleridge property years ago, but he was amazed to see just how many there actually were, strutting around and hanging out, sunning themselves. Freddy, one of the Dover Group’s general managers at Milleridge Inn, met Orquera and John upon arrival.

“We do not own the peacocks that are here, they just sort of live here and never leave; they are happy and we are happy to have them,” Freddy said. “They eat well; visitors feed them.”

Orquera released Pepper into a garden area with dozens of peacocks milling around. The resident peacocks all gathered around Pepper to welcome her to the flock, while also letting her know that pecking order initiation would begin promptly.

Great Neck librarian Christy Orquera with Pepper

Jacob from JHACS Electric in Mineola captured the peahen as it jumped fences through backyards.

“Pepper” with other peacocks at the Milleridge Inn (Photos from Christy Orquera)

Honoring The Memory Of Great Neck Alert Firefighters Zachary

Lobodzic And Thomas Madigan

The Great Neck Alert Fire Company recently gathered at the Jonathan L. Ielpi Firefighters Park to honor the lives of Zachary Lobodzic and Thomas Madigan, who both passed away after succumbing to 9/11 related illnesses. In recognition of their dedication and ultimate sacrifice, their names have been added to the park’s memorial wall, ensuring their legacy of commitment and faithful service to the community will never be forgotten.

Against the blue sky, above and behind where the dedication took place, the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department graciously flew an enormous American flag arch, a symbol of dignity and respect, in remembrance of these fallen members.

Zack was a 47-year member of the Great Neck Alert Fire Company and Tom, a 55-year member. During their long tenure with the Company, they each served as Trustees to the Board for many years. Zack and Tom grew up in Great Neck, becoming lifelong residents of the community where they worked, volunteered and raised their families.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Alert Fire Company

Sunday Musical Performance At The Library

Great Neck Library is hosting a Sunday Musical Performance “Iranian Traditional Music by The Chakavak Ensemble” on Sunday, May 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Main Library, 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck, NY.

Enjoy an afternoon of traditional Iranian music featuring The Chakavak Ensemble’s founding members, Bahrain Sadeghian (vocals) and Shahla Nikfal (qanun).

The ensemble was formed in 1987 to advocate and offer an understanding of traditional Persian music to the tri-state area and has become more successful than ever. Boasting performances in New York City’s Town Hall and Carnegie Hall, the ensemble has contributed significantly to the Persian music culture on the East Coast. It has also worked extensively with the World Music Institute, the Metropolitan Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History to create programming that showcases and teaches audiences about traditional Persian culture and music, among many other venues.

Registration is required. Great Neck Library cardholders and residents have priority for seating. Sign up online, in-person, or via phone beginning April 25 at 10 a.m. Non-residents are welcome as walk-ins, as space allows. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at 516-4668055 or email adultprogramming@ greatnecklibrary.org.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Library

Great Neck Library Nominating Committee Vacancies

The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees is looking for volunteers to fill the Nominating Committee vacancies.

Applications are being accepted to fill two (2) vacancies on the Nominating Committee, until the next Library Election of October 2024. The terms expire January 2025.

Applicants must be residents of the Great Neck School District, at least 18 years of age or older, and either have a valid Great Neck Library card or be a registered voter

with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

The Board of Trustees invites members of the community, who wish to be considered for the above vacancies, to send a letter of interest, along with a résumé, no later than Tuesday, May 7, 2024, to The Board of Trustees, c/o Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck, NY 11023-1938. You may also email the material to: gchase@greatnecklibrary.org.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Library

A Painting Of The Great Neck Library By Professor Yuan

The Great Neck Library would like to express our gratitude to Professor Yuan for creating a beautiful painting of the Main Library. The painting is on display at the Main Library. Professor Yuan has also lent his artistic skills to support programming at the library, including our Lunar New Year event and Calligraphy class.

Graduated from Suzhou Fine Arts College, Professor Yuan Yixin studied under the famous flower and bird painters Xinjia Zhang and Jixin Zhang of the Wuwen

School of Painting in China. Professor Yuan has been engaged in art education for more than 30 years and once served as the executive director of the Suzhou Art Education Society.

The painting is on display at the Great Neck Library main level, 159 Bayview, Great Neck, NY. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

—Submitted by the

Great Neck Library

Shahla Nikfal and Bahrain Sadeghian (Contributed photo)

From the left: Alert Fire Company Chief John Purcell; Madigan’s sons, Thomas Madigan, Jr., and Kevin Madigan; Alert Fire Company President James Neubert (Contributed photos)

From the left: Alert Fire Company Chief John Purcell; Lobodzic’s wife, Debbie, and daughter, Jennifer Lobodzic ; and Alert Fire Company President James Neubert

Professor Yuan presents his painting to the library staff (Contributed photo)

Supporting Long Island’s small businesses is a big deal.

Just because a business is small doesn’t mean it isn’t important. The small businesses on our island are 50% of our economy. These businesses are part of the fabric of our communities. They’re vital. We’ve been proudly supporting our small businesses since 2014 with cost-saving programs and services. Show your support, too, by shopping locally during Small Business Week (and all year long). It’s no small thing to let them know they matter.

National Small Business Week is April 28–May 4.

Multiple Agencies On The Ground In Manorville: Search May Be Related To Gilgo Beach

NYPD, Suffolk PD and NY State Police seen scouring woods

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

On April 23 and 24, New York City police, New York State Police, and Suffolk County Police were seen along Schultz Road in North Manorville in Suffolk County. Remains thought to be related to the Gilg\o Beach case have been found in this area previously.

A mobile crime scene van entered one of the access gates around 9:30 a.m. and exited shortly before 1 p.m. A large police presence was set up around the gate on the west side of Schultz Road. Multiple K9 units were parked outside the various access points to the parkland that runs down both sides of Schultz Road, as well as Grumman Boulevard and Line Road. These roads are surrounded by a patchwork of state-owned land, county parks and private preserves, including the buffer of woods around Brookhaven National Laboratory to the west and the Enterprise Park of Calverton to the north. K9 units were also seen near the Maples restaurant on Ryerson Avenue. They had been using the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic church and the Manorville Fire Department as staging grounds. By April 27 the search had moved south, where New York State Police were seen searching along the Long Island Expressway and Silas Carter Road in part of Manorville Hills County Park.

It is worth noting that convicted murderer John Bittrolff lived on Silas Carter Road, where the torsos of two of his victims, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, were recovered.

The Suffolk County District Attorney did not give any details as to the nature of the investigation, “We do not comment on investigative steps while they are underway,” Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney’s office said in a statement.

Manorville, sometimes called the gateway to the Hamptons, is a quiet, sprawling town that covers land both south and north of the Expressway. With a population of roughly 13,000, it is a combination of planned communities, modest homes on large lots and farms. Much of the area is part of the central pine barrens, a conservation measure intended to preserve the fragile pine barrens ecosystem. This has left large swaths of land undeveloped. Remains believed to be linked to the Gilgo Beach case have previously been found there multiple times from 2000 to 2011.

As of press time, this investigation is ongoing.

History

On Dec. 11, 2010, according to a Bail Application Form provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Police Officer John Malia was conducting a training exercise with his K9 partner along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach when the K9 located a set of human remains that were identified to be Melissa Barthelemy

On Dec. 13, 2010, the Suffolk County Police Department continued to search in the proximity, and found three additional sets of human remains, identified to be those of Megan Waterman, Amber Costello and Maureen Brainard-Barnes within one quarter mile of the first discovery. They each appeared to have been placed in close proximity of each other, 22 to 33 feet off the parkway. According to the Suffolk County Police Department’s website about the case, the initial search took place eight months after the search began for 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert, who was last seen running through the community of Oak Beach after leaving a client’s house. She had made a haunting call to a 911 dispatcher which is now available to the public, stating “somebody’s after me,” asking the dispatcher to trace where she was and speaking in a frightful tone to her driver and client. Two residents also called the police after she knocked on their door.

Gilbert’s remains were found on Dec. 13, 2011 in a marshland near Oak Beach. The Suffolk County Police Department currently believes her death is an unfortunate accident, but is still evaluating any information the public may have.

Additional remains of victims found along Ocean Parkway were of Jessica Taylor (partial remains were also discovered in a wooded area of Manorville in 2003), Valerie Mack (partial remains were also discovered in a wooded area of Manorville in 2000), an unidentified person and an unidentified toddler which DNA analysis confirmed to be the child of an unidentified woman whose remains were found in Nassau County.

In July 2023, Rex Heuermann was arrested in Midtown Manhattan and charged in the murders of three of “the Gilgo Four” victims: Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello. He was also named as the prime suspect in the murder of the fourth of the “Gilgo Four”, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. In January 2024, Heuermann was charged with the murder of Brainard-Barnes.

An aerial image of the vast tract of woodlands being searched. (Image from Google maps)

The mobile crime scene unit leaving the parkland. (Photos by Amanda Olsen)

Su olk County Police, New York City Police, and New York State Police were in the area for at least 24 hours.

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New York Mets Honor Local WWII Vet

Clifford Doering, a 98-year-old WWII Marine Corps veteran who served in combat in the Battle of Okinawa, was honored as the Veteran of the Day at the NY Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates game at Citifield on April 17. Doering was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, but has been a Hicksville resident for over 70 years. He was accompanied to the game by his daughter, MaryAnn Doering of Marietta, GA, his nephew, Frank Marinace of Center Moriches, and his fellow Marine, Ed Baulch of Syosset.

When chilly breezes blew through the stadium, Doering remarked repeatedly how grateful he was to be bundled in a fleece Mets blanket given to him by his daughter, Christine Paradiso of Massapequa Park.

When it was time for the veteran’s big moment on the field, the event director instructed him where and when he was to turn to wave to the crowd. Doering, always a Marine, replied: “I will salute, not wave.”

After photos of Doering in military service were shown on the Jumbotron, Mets pitcher Sean Manaea presented him with a framed American flag which had been flown over Citifield. Although he was honored and pleased with this huge

Clifford Doering with friends and family at City Field.

Mets pitcher Sean Manaea presented him with a framed American flag which had been flown over Citifield.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

recognition, Doering remarked, “The real heroes are the ones who didn’t make it home.”

Later, during the car ride back to Hicksville, after a 9 to 1 Mets victory and with predicted rainfall just beginning, Doering tightened his fleece blanket around his shoulders and said, “What a great day. That was really something. I had no idea.” Doering will also be honored for his 99th birthday at a celebration at the Marine Corps Sunrise Detachment in Massapequa on Saturday afternoon, May 18.

—Submitted by MaryAnn Doering

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CAMP EXPERIENCE @HOFSTRA

It’s not too late to register for summer camp!

A favorite of Long Island families for 40 years, Hofstra Summer Camps provides campers in grades K through 12 with an opportunity to participate in programs that inspire creativity, foster new friendships, and improve their skills in any of our Specialty Camps. From video game enthusiasts developing their own games to young scientists conducting experiments, and so much more, there is something for every interest and passion.

Learn more about Hofstra Summer Camps by visiting hofstra.edu/camp or call 516-463-CAMP.

Doering huddled under his fleece blanket in his special seat at field level. (Photos by MaryAnn Doering)

Clifford Doering salutes the crowd.

County Parks, By The Numbers

The Comptroller’s Office looks at Nassau County through the lens of data, with a focus on how our taxpayer dollars are being spent. Recently, the Comptroller’s team worked with members of the County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums (Parks Department) to analyze how much of the County’s budget goes into this area, how the money is spent, and what our residents get for the investment.

For 2024, the Parks Department has a budget of $31.85 million. This may sound like a lot of money, yet it is just 0.73 percent (less than one percent) of the County’s $4.44 billion budget. And what the Parks Department provides for that – from Sands Point on the north shore to Bay Park on the south shore – is truly impressive.

The Nassau County parks system includes 11 active (staffed) parks, including the 930-acre Eisenhower Park, which is larger than New York City’s Central Park; 14 passive (unstaffed) parks such as Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead and Lofts Pond Park in Baldwin; and 19 nature and historic preserves for a total of more than 4,000 acres of parks and preserves.

The County parks system includes a total of seven golf courses: three 18-hole courses at Eisenhower Park (Red, White and Blue) and four 9-hole courses – at Bay Park in East Rockaway, Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn, and in North Woodmere Park. With driving ranges also at Cantiague, Eisenhower, and North Woodmere, and Minigolf at Cantiague, Eisenhower and Wantagh Park, there is always a place for Nassau County residents to hit the ball.

In addition, Countywide we have more than 200 ball fields and courts, including baseball, softball, tennis, pickleball, basketball and cricket. [The construction of a temporary 34,000-seat cricket stadium in Eisenhower Park this year is being fully funded by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The modular stadium will be deconstructed after Nassau County hosts the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, leaving us with a new, professional quality cricket field and millions of dollars in tourism, sales tax and hotel/motel tax revenue.]

For dog lovers, we have six free, public, County dog runs. They are at Bay Park, Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, Christopher Morley Park, Eisenhower Park, Wantagh Park, and at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The County also offers 255 boat slip rentals, 16 playgrounds, eight splash and sprinkler parks, six ice-skating rinks, and five fishing areas. We even have a tether track, an aerodrome, and an archery range, all three at Cedar Creek Park.

As its name suggests, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums also operates eight museums, including the 209-acre Old Bethpage Village Restoration where

19th-century living is recreated by costumed actors in a sprawling community of historic structures. The Department hosts the magnificent museum row in Uniondale, where the state-of-the-art Cradle of Aviation Museum chronicles Long Island’s many contributions to American aviation; the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, where visitors of all ages can learn about fire safety and the evolution of fire-fighting equipment; and the fun and interactive Long Island Children’s Museum, all with ample free parking.

And some County park properties are a combination, including Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, with 62 acres and a learning center devoted to Long Island’s geology and Native American archaeology; the 216-acre Sands Point Preserve with its nature trails and historic mansion museums, Falaise and Hempstead House; and Tackapausha Museum and Preserve in Seaford and Massapequa, with its 84 acres, museum and five miles of trails.

Another jewel of the Parks Department is the 80,000-square-foot Aquatic Center at Eisenhower Park, which is widely recognized as one of the finest swimming facilities in the U.S. It was constructed in 1998 for the International Goodwill Games and includes a 50-meter pool, a diving well with a 10-meter-high diving competition tower – the only such tower in the New York metropolitan area, a shallow section for recreational swimming and aquatic

exercise, and a modern, comprehensive fitness center.

The nearby 49-acre Mitchell Athletic Complex features a 9-lane track and field stadium with a synthetic oval field which is used by local schools and clubs for football, soccer and lacrosse, as well as two baseball fields and four softball fields.

A Nassau County Resident Leisure Pass is required for access to some facilities and provides a discount to others. The fee for a standard Resident Leisure Pass is $36 once every three years but for seniors, veterans, civic volunteers (specifically, ambulance, fire, or auxiliary police) and Nassau residents with certified disabilities there is just a onetime fee of $30. Active military members do not need Leisure Passes; they are granted free access to museums, batting cages, mini golf, ice rinks and pools with their military ID.

In 2023, Leisure Pass revenue totaled $492,348, which went right back into the Parks Department to help support the many facilities and amenities that Nassau County maintains for residents.

And did you know the County has two campgrounds, where the fees range from just $19 to $39 per night for Nassau residents with Leisure Passes? Battle Row Campground in Old Bethpage features 44 acres of campsites in the woods, and Nickerson Beach Park campground is on 121 oceanfront acres. These County-owned campgrounds offer low-cost vacation options for residents and brought in $828,000

in 2023.

The Parks Department brought in $23.3 million in revenue in 2023, which helps offset the cost of operating and maintaining the vast facilities and services within the system. Top revenue sources included $10.2 million from golf, $2.7 million from swimming pools and programs, and $1.9 million in athletic field usage fees. Among the Department’s expenditures, the biggest by far is staffing at nearly $20 million to cover approximately 70 facilities, many open from dawn to dusk and beyond, 365 days a year. In addition to the necessary fulltime year-round staff, the Department employs approximately 400 part-time and 1,000 seasonal employees, nearly all of whom are Nassau County residents.

With spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, check the Nassau County Parks website to find County parks and recreational programs near you. The department offers activities for children, seniors and everyone in between, from day camps and summer recreation to group fitness and chair yoga. You can begin your search at www.nassaucountyny.gov/1796/ Where-to-Go or use the user-friendly interactive Parks Map that our data analyst summer interns created at https://tinyurl. com/NassauCountyParks.

—Submitted by Elaine Phillips, Nassau County Comptroller and Darcy A. Belyea, Commissioner of Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums

Holocaust Museum Garden (Photo by Wendy Goldstein)

Girls Inc. Welcomes Lisa Mitnick As New Director

Girls Inc. of Long Island is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa Mitnick as the organization’s new Director of Development. With a proven track record in marketing, team leadership, and business development, Lisa brings a wealth of experience and passion for advancing the mission of Girls Inc. of Long Island.

In her new role, Lisa will play a pivotal part in driving the organization’s fundraising efforts, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the sustainability of programs that empower girls in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Her dedication to championing the potential of every girl aligns perfectly with Girls Inc.’s commitment to providing girls with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Lisa Mitnick to the Girls Inc. of Long Island family,” said Executive Director Renee Daniel Flagler. “Lisa’s expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders. With her leadership, we look forward to reaching even greater heights in our efforts to support and uplift girls across Long Island.”

Lisa Mitnick joins Girls Inc. of Long Island with a deep passion for creating positive change and a strong belief in the power of education and mentorship to transform lives. She is eager to collaborate with the Girls Inc. team, volunteers, and supporters to make a lasting impact on the lives of girls in the community.

“I am honored to join Girls Inc. of

Long Island and to contribute to an organization that is making such a meaningful difference in the lives of girls,” said Lisa Mitnick. “I am committed to advancing the mission of Girls Inc. and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential. Together, we can empower girls to become the leaders of tomorrow and build a brighter future for all.”

For more information about Girls Inc. of Long Island and to learn how you can support their mission, please visit www. girlsinclongisland.org.

—Submitted by Girls INC

Statement From New York Conference Of Mayors And Municipal Officials On State Budget

The New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM), the statewide advocacy organization representing New York’s cities and villages, has released the following statement on the adoption of the SFY 2024-2025 State Budget.

“NYCOM is grateful that after 15 years, the Governor and the State Legislature agreed to an additional $50 million in unrestricted state aid for cities, villages and towns. Our members made their voices heard in every corner of the state which led to a positive outcome not just

for local governments, but for all of New York. We firmly believe that the only way to make our state safer, stronger and more affordable is by working together -- and local officials are more than ready to do that. We are confident that the benefits of this increase will clearly demonstrate to our state leaders the value that comes from investing in their municipal partners and hope that this will pave the way for consistent and meaningful support for our communities going forward.”

—Submitted by NYCOM

Protecting Your Future

Protecting Your Future

Protecting Your Future

Protecting Your Future

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger

Attorneys-at-Law

Attorneys-at-Law

Capital Gains Tax Tips

Your “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes is what you paid for the stock or the real estate. For real estate, the basis gets raised by the amount of any capital improvements you make to the property. When you sell your primary residence you may exclude the first $500,000 of gain if you’re a couple or $250,000 if you’re single. The $500,000 exclusion for a couple get extended for a sale occurring up to two years after a spouse dies.

For gifts you receive of appreciated stock or real estate during the donor’s lifetime, no capital gains tax is payable, however the donee receives the donor’s basis. It is generally considered better to wait, if possible, and pass the gift to the donee at death, due to the “steppedup basis”. The basis of any inherited property is “steppedup” to date of death value. If the property is sold within six months of the date of death, then the sale price is deemed to be the date of death value.

If the property is going to be held for some time it is helpful to get date of death values to establish the new basis. For real estate, this means getting an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser (not a real estate broker!). For stocks, you simply ask the company holding the stocks to provide this information.

When a spouse dies with jointly held property, there is a half of a step-up -- the deceased spouse’s half gets stepped-up to date of death value, while the surviving spouse has the original basis. However, for a primary residence the capital gains tax exclusions discussed above continue to apply.

With combined Federal and New York capital gains taxes reaching about 30%, it is essential to look at holding onto appreciated property until death (especially if you have taken depreciation on the property which can lower your basis to zero) and to look carefully at the estate plan to see if property should be transferred to a surviving spouse to get another step-up on the second death.

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Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid • Estate Tax Planning Free consultation: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com Visit us at trustlaw.com to learn more or search Ettinger Law on YouTube for our elder law estate planning videos

Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid • Estate Tax Planning Free consultation: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com Visit us at trustlaw.com to learn more or search Ettinger Law on YouTube for our elder law estate planning videos

“Does your group band black skimmers?” was the title on an email to the nsaudubon.gmail. com account. “Today, I photographed one with a YELLOW BAND and the NC Audubon researcher tells me that this is a band from NY. I can send a photo, or if you’re not the group and can forward my info, I would appreciate it.” Frank Baker wrote.

I emailed back that perhaps it’s banded by a bander at Nickerson Beach and included the email of a South Shore Society Audubon Society member who monitors shorebirds. She emailed him, “Yes, Town of Hempstead bands skimmers with yellow bands. Please forward the photo to me and I will send it to our banding team.”

Frank sent the photo and this message: “ I received the message below from a South Carolina resident who found a skimmer with a yellow band. NC Audubon told him it was a NY bird and he would like more information about it. If you zoom you can see the E87 letters on the tag. I’m very interested in knowing where this bird was first banded. Also, I have a NY transplant, here in Mt Pleasant who is also interested. I have previously reported this banded bird on the federal site. It was photographed at Breach Inlet-a small beach located between Isle of Palms, SC and Sullivans Island, SC.’”

Then Frank received this email back. ”Hi Frank, My name is Kate Goodenough and I am a seabird ecologist. I am working with folks in New York to track the migration of Black Skimmers. E87 is a female that was banded as a chick in

COLUMNS

Banding Birds

ALL ABOUT BIRDS

August 2019 at the Nickerson Beach colony on Long Island. Can you provide a date for when you spotted the banded skimmer? Between October to mid-December, the NY skimmers slowly wander southward to Florida and Cuba, although there are a few that will actually winter in SC and GA (especially the younger non-breeders). Cheers and thanks for the resight! Kate.”

Recently, a banded Adirondack loon was resighted off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina by a photographer, whose excellent photos clearly show the full band combination of this loon, allowing its identification. The loon was originally banded on Big Moose Lake in the summer of 2020. She successfully raised a chick in 2020 and 2022. However, she was not resighted in the summer of 2023, so she likely switched territories and her new territory had yet to be discovered, or she simply evaded the dedicated field staff and volunteers. Band resights such as this one provide critical information for loon research and conservation. Specifically, they help estimate

survival of individual loons outside of the breeding season and are especially important for loons that have not been seen in recent breeding seasons. Collecting accurate winter location data of common loons can help improve conservation efforts, better model the geographical range of the Adirondack loon population and monitor potential impacts throughout their full range, such as oil spills. I am not familiar with how these birds were first captured and originally banded. I am familiar capturing them using mist nets and then placing a band. The master bander identifies the bird species and notes its characteristics such as age, sex, weight and wing measurements and records this information for the US Fish and Wildlife Service when done in the US. The age is indicated as “after hatch year or hatch year or unknown.” If the bird is recaptured in another mist net or is found deceased, the band information is entered again. This information can indicate migration routes when the bird is found in a different location as in the first

examples. Another useful piece of information is age. Common yellow-throated warblers banded at JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Town of Oyster Bay and then recaptured there are found to be eight years old in some cases.

Determining the average lifespan of a bird species is a tricky thing. Ornithologists tend to think more in terms of survivorship percentages. For instance, an adult male painted bunting is thought to have a 78 percent chance of surviving until the next year, an adult female an 81 percent chance, and a hatch-year bird a 33 percent chance.

A sighting in South Carolina gave an idea of how long a painted bunting might possibly live: 14 years! At least that is the current record. It came from a sighting of a bird first banded in 2009 at a farmhouse. The owners had been watching the bird come to their feeder in the almost decade-and-a-half since—painted buntings have a heavy tendency toward site fidelity—but it wasn’t until the bird was recaptured last July to read its band number that they were sure. This tied a previous record of a 14-year-old painted bunting in Georgia. The South Carolina bunting was released quickly so as to cause it as little stress as possible, and everyone has their fingers crossed that the bird will reappear next spring for some definitive record breaking.

Attend the Manhasset Public Library on May 28 at 7 pm or use Zoom for an in-depth look at bird banding sponsored by North Shore Audubon Society.

M&M’s: From Mess Halls To Missions

The origin story of M&M’s candies is a tale of innovation, collaboration, and military necessity that began in the early 20th century. The brainchild of Forrest Mars, Sr., son of the founder of Mars, Incorporated, and Bruce Murrie, son of Hershey Chocolate’s president, M&M’s were conceived during a time of war and quickly became an iconic treat enjoyed worldwide.

The story dates back to the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s when Forrest Mars, Sr. observed soldiers consuming chocolate pellets encased in a hard candy shell. The shell served a dual purpose: it prevented the chocolate from melting in the soldiers’ hands and

LONG ISLAND VETERANS

Christy

provided a convenient, portable snack. Recognizing the potential of this concept, Mars envisioned creating a similar candy using his own chocolate formula.

To bring his vision to life, Mars approached Bruce Murrie, whose family’s company, Hershey Chocolate, was renowned for its chocolate expertise. Together, Mars and Murrie embarked on a partnership to develop a candy that combined Mars’ chocolate expertise with Hershey’s resources.

The name “M&M” is derived

from the surnames of Mars and Murrie, reflecting their collaboration on the project. With the backing of Hershey Chocolate, Mars established the Mars Candy Company in 1941 and began production of the new candy. Initially, M&M’s were exclusively sold to the military during

World War II. Their durability and resistance to melting made them an ideal ration for troops serving in various theaters of war. The candy’s practicality and ability to withstand harsh conditions contributed to its popularity among soldiers, cementing its status as a CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

Peggy Maslow North Shore Audubon Society

Hinko

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

According to the BBC, the distant Corona Borealis binary system – which contains one dead white dwarf star and one aging red giant star – has been busy gearing up for its own moment of glory: a spectacular nova explosion.

Located 3,000 light years from Earth, the Corona Borealis is home to a white dwarf star named T Coronae Borealis (or T CrB for short) that’s on the verge of what NASA says will be a once-in-a-lifetime nova eruption.

COLUMNS Look Up

be visible to the naked eye. T CrB oubursts only happen about once every 80 years; the last one happened in 1946.

May 6, 7 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet

The rare cosmic event is expected to take place sometime before September 2024. When it occurs it will likely

1P/Halley, which has been observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 6 and the morning of the May 7. The nearly new moon means dark skies for what should

be an excellent show this year. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

May 8 - New Moon. The Moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

May 9 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 26.4 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

May 23 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated.

staple of military rations. After the war, Mars recognized the commercial potential of M&M’s beyond the military market. In 1947, M&M’s were introduced to the general public, marking the beginning of their journey to becoming a household name.

The original M&M’s came in a single variety: milk chocolate coated in a candy shell. The candy’s signature features—its colorful shell and convenient size—quickly captured the imagination of consumers.

Each M&M was stamped with a lowercase “m” as a nod to its creators, Mars and Murrie, and to distinguish it from imitations.

As M&M’s gained popularity, Mars sought to expand the brand’s offerings and appeal.

In 1954, Peanut M&M’s were introduced, featuring a roasted peanut at the center surrounded by milk chocolate and a candy shell. The addition of peanuts added a crunchy texture and complementary flavor to the candy, further enhancing its appeal.

Throughout the years, M&M’s continued to innovate and diversify their product line. In

1976, the first color addition to the traditional brown M&M’s was introduced: red. This marked the beginning of M&M’s iconic “Colorworks” campaign, which introduced a vibrant array of colors to the candy lineup. The introduction of new colors and special editions, such as holiday-themed M&M’s, kept the brand fresh and exciting for consumers.

M&M’s expanded their offerings to include a range of flavors and fillings, including crispy, almond, and pretzel. Limited-edition flavors and collaborations with other brands further fueled consumer interest and contributed to the brand’s enduring popularity.

Today, M&M’s are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide and are available in an array of flavors, colors, and packaging options. From their humble beginnings as a wartime ration to their status as one of the world’s most recognizable candies, the story of M&M’s is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and timeless appeal.

—Christy Hinko is a managing editor at Anton Media Group and is a U.S. Navy veteran.

Photo Getty Images

HOME & DESIGN

Peacock Pandemonium

Hilarious highs and feathery lows of keeping peafowl as pets

Peacocks, with their resplendent plumage and regal demeanor, often captivate the imagination as potential pets. Owning a peacock requires careful consideration due to their unique needs and behaviors.

One of the most striking features of peacocks is their magnificent tail feathers, which they display in a fan-like array during courtship rituals. This display, known as “train-rattling,” is a sight and adds to the allure of keeping peacocks as pets. Peacock enthusiasts are drawn to the idea of having such a stunning creature grace their property with its beauty.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, peacocks are also known for their distinctive calls. The loud, echoing cries of a peacock can be both charming and disruptive. In densely populated areas, the noise can become a nuisance to neighbors.

When it comes to care, peacocks have specific requirements that potential owners must be prepared to meet. They need ample space to roam and forage, as they are naturally inclined to explore their surroundings. Peacocks require a balanced diet consisting of grains, seeds, insects, and

greens to maintain their health and vibrant plumage.

Socialization is also important for peacocks, as they are naturally gregarious birds. They can form strong bonds with their human caretakers, but they benefit from the company of other peafowl.

While the idea of having a peacock as a pet may hold appeal, it’s crucial for potential owners to understand the responsibilities involved. With proper care, space, and attention to their unique needs, peacocks can make captivating companions.

It’s essential to consider local regulations and zoning laws before acquiring peafowl as pets.

Some areas may have restrictions on keeping exotic birds or require permits for ownership.

—Christy Hinko

This newly constructed spacious two-family home at 28 Kirkwood Rd. in Manorhaven (Port Washington) sold on March 28 for $1,725,000. It has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The individual homes each have living room and dining areas with modern kitchens and luzury appliances. The kitchens have center islands and beuatiful hardwood floors throughout. The basement is fully finished and both units have laundry rooms, bathrooms and outside entrances. Each unit has off-street parking for two cars each. The potential rent roll from these combined units is $11,000 per month.

This legal two-family home at 43 Yennicock Avenue in Manorhaven (Port Washington) sold on April 11 for $835,000. Each unit has a living room, an eat-in-kitchen, two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The homes have hardwood floors and gas heat. The home has a full basement with storage, utilities and laundry, with an outside entrance to a large yard. Waterfront association membership is available for an additional fee that includes club house, boating, kayaks and deck usage overlooking Manhasset Bay. This home is located in proximity to restaurants, shopping, park, transportation and more.

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

Dining at The Union Making cookies Brunch ideas

The Union at Eisenhower Park (Trahanas Hospitality Group)

Delicious food meets great company at Eisenhower Park.

We believe that food has the power to bring people together. at’s why we’ve created a menu that unites avors from all over the world, with dishes that are both familiar and exciting.

Experience the magic for yourself. Reserve a table or contact us to plan your next event.

Epicurean Powerhouse

The Union trailblazing area dining as part of premier multiplex

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Say, “ e Union” to any foodie on Long Island and they are mostly likely already familiar with Chef Tom Gloster’s continued track record at his newest success inside Eisenhower Park. e Union and its Trahanas Hospitality team, headed by Gloster, are quickly establishing their venue with solid legs, removing the need to refer to the complex as it was formerly known, e Carltun.

Gloster, of Huntington, is the former executive chef at Rustic Root in Woodbury, winner of Food Network’s Chopped (2015) and former executive chef at Opus Steakhouse, the Harbor Club at Prime in Huntington and Rothmann’s Steakhouse in East Norwich. He graduated from Long Island Culinary Institute in 2006.

The Lannin, The Union and The General are three individual properties under one roof at the site of the former Carltun on the Park, which closed last year. The renovations to the property total more than $6.5 million and include full interior renovations, a new kitchen and a roof deck that overlooks the putting green at the Eisenhower Golf Course and a newly renovated dining patio. Together they comprise a 35,000 sq. ft. facility that also includes an indoor/outdoor wedding ceremony space and fully renovated bridal suites.

Stepping into the shoes of a successful predecessor in the restaurant industry can be a daunting task for any new restaurateur. The challenge is not only to maintain the loyal customer base but also to enhance it while infusing the establishment with their unique flair. This transition period is critical as it sets the tone for future business and can significantly impact the new owner’s long-term success.

Consistency is key. Regular patrons will have expectations based on their previous experiences. It’s crucial for the new owner to understand what made the restaurant successful in the first place. Whether it was the quality of the food, the ambiance, or exceptional service, maintaining these core attributes should be a priority, something that the Trahanas Group pays close attention to with each decision.

With Gloster’s expert leadership, the team knows the reputation of a restaurant travels fast in the foodie community. Gloster knows how critical it is for a smooth transition, which has been

reassuring to his customers that expect him to exceed his benchmark standards they have come to know and love, which is essential for sustaining the business’s reputation. Positive word-of-mouth continues to be one of The Union’s most effective allies, especially in Long Island’s critical and highly competitive hospitality industry.

Gloster knows how vital it is to keep the essence of what has made each of his previous establishments so successful. He is already bringing fresh ideas to the table at The Union—literally and figuratively, with new food creations, seasonal ingredients and special cocktail menus.

“Our vision is to honor the tradition of the park and honor Eisenhower with the naming of everything,” Gloster said. “When you think of modern American, you think of a melting pot of ingredients and diversity. One of the coolest things about that is that it doesn’t hold us to any confines, not [strictly] to Italian, Mediterranean or Asian; so one night you might come and be able to order a classic pot roast and another night you might come and be able to order a great seafood bouillabaisse.

There is an abundance of parking, immediately at the venue, suitable to accommodate multiple events happening at the venue and adjacent golf course. Valet parking is also available for The Union.

Mother’s Day brunch spots are available for booking. Reservations are highly encouraged, especially during prime dinner hours Thursday through Sunday.

Trahanas Hospitality Group also operates the concessions at Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park under contract with the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Union is located at 1899 Park Blvd. within Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Visit www.theunion.restaurant or call 516-684-9106 for hours, menus and reservations.

Attention to design is key at the venue. (Trahanas)

Trahanas Hospitality Group owner Elias Trahanas and Chef Tom Gloster (Christy Hinko)

The Union’s menu has something for everyone. (Trahanas)

Mother’s Day Brunch Menu

SEATING:

ASSORTED BREADS & BREAKFAST PASTRIES

Croissants

Muffins

Bagels

Assorted Breads

Sweet Butter

Assorted Preserves

BREAKFAST DISPLAY

Scrambled Farm Fresh Eggs

French Toast

Sausage

Bacon

Home Fries

SEAFOOD STATION

Smoked Salmon

Smoked Whitefish

Seafood Pasta

ASIAN STATION

Bang Bang Shrimp

Bourbon Orange Chicken

Pork Short Ribs

Vegetable Fried Rice

SALAD BAR

Asian Caesar Salad

Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella Cheese

Mixed Green Salad

HOT ENTRÉES

Penne Alla Sake

Chicken Teriyaki

Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

String Beans with Sweet Onions

CARVING STATION

Roasted Prime Rib

CHEF’S

Celebrate So oatLuna

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Mother’s Day Treat

TTuesday

Wednesday

Grilled Salmon Dijon or Flounder Francese

Thursday Penne alla Vodka or Zucchini Spaghetti Marinara with Meatballs (Beef, Chicken or Eggplant)

hese simple yet delicious chocolate chip cookies are sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face and show her just how much you appreciate her on Mother’s Day. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. This should take about two to three minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, serve these classic chocolate chip cookies to your mom on Mother’s Day with a glass of milk or a cup of her favorite hot beverage.

—Christy Hinko

Photo Getty Images

From Couch To Kitchen

Savoring convenience with food delivery

Shopping for a food delivery subscription can be an exciting and convenient way to streamline meal planning and grocery shopping. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose a service that aligns with your preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a food delivery subscription:

1

Dietary preferences and restrictions

One of the first things to consider when selecting a food delivery subscription is your dietary preferences and any restrictions you may have. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific food allergies, it’s essential to choose a service that offers options tailored to your needs. Look for subscriptions that provide customizable menus or offer specialized meal plans to accommodate your dietary requirements.

2

Menu variety and flexibility

Another important factor to consider is the variety and flexibility of the menu offered by the food delivery service. You’ll want a subscription that offers a diverse selection of recipes and rotates its menu regularly to keep things interesting. Look for services that allow you to customize

your meal selections, swap out ingredients, or skip weeks when needed to accommodate your schedule and preferences.

3Quality of ingredients

The quality of ingredients used by the food delivery service is crucial to the taste and nutritional value of the meals you receive. Look for subscriptions that prioritize sourcing high-quality, fresh, and seasonal ingredients from trusted suppliers and local producers whenever possible. Consider whether the service offers organic or sustainably sourced ingredients if these factors are important to you.

4

Cooking skill level

Consider your cooking skill level when choosing a food delivery subscription. Some services cater to experienced home cooks who enjoy experimenting with new recipes and techniques, while others are

geared towards beginners or individuals with limited time for meal preparation. Look for services that provide detailed recipe instructions, cooking tips, and preportioned ingredients to make the cooking process as easy and enjoyable.

5

Cost and value

Cost is another important consideration when shopping for a subscription. Compare the pricing plans of different services and consider factors such as the number of meals per week, portion sizes, and any additional fees for shipping or customization options. While some subscriptions may appear more expensive upfront, they may offer greater value in terms of convenience, quality, and time saved compared to purchasing ingredients separately.

6Delivery schedule and logistics

Take into account the delivery schedule and logistics of the food delivery service. Consider whether they deliver to your area and if their delivery days and times align with your schedule. Look for services that offer flexible delivery options, such as the ability to choose your delivery day or time window, to ensure you receive your meals when it’s most convenient for you.

7reviews and reputation

Before committing to a food delivery subscription, take the time to read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation of the service. Look for feedback on the quality of the meals, customer service, delivery experience, and overall satisfaction with the subscription. Consider seeking recommendations from friends, family, or online communities who have tried the service firsthand.

8Trial period or sample offerings

Many food delivery services offer trial periods or sample offerings that allow you to test out their meals before committing to a subscription. Take advantage of these opportunities to experience the quality, taste, and variety of the meals offered by the service and determine if it meets your expectations and preferences.

—Compiled by Christy Hinko

Photo Getty Images

This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a delightful surprise with a gin-based cocktail crafted just for her. With its botanical notes and refreshing flavors, gin adds a sophisticated twist to any celebration. Whether she prefers a classic gin and tonic garnished with fresh herbs or a floral gin fizz kissed with elderflower liqueur, there’s a cocktail to suit every taste. Served in beautiful glassware and accompanied by a heartfelt toast, Mom is sure to feel cherished and appreciated as she indulges in this elegant libation made especially for her special day.

Co-founder and CMO of Gray Whale Gin Jan Mokhtari is an award-winning creative director and filmmaker. In 2018, she founded Gray Whale Gin, the fastest growing gin that is all about giving back through the brand’s mission of ocean conservation and partnership with Oceana. In less than five years, Gray Whale Gin has helped make legislative change, permanently protecting the oceans. Gray Whale Gin was founded on the principle that a consciously crafted spirit can bring us together for good times while doing some good in the world.

Check out some refreshing gin-based cocktails while doing good for the environment.

—Gray

Sip And Celebrate

Indulge mom with deliciously fun cocktails

Frozen Whale Hello There

1 ½ parts Gray Whale Gin

1 ¼ parts simple syrup

½ part lemon juice

¼ part lime juice

1 ½ scoops ice

Garnish: lemon twist or mint leaf

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for 30 seconds. Garnish with lemon twist or mint leaf and serve immediately.

Ruby Fizz

2 parts Gray Whale Gin

5 parts blood orange juice

Shake with ice. Strain over ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with blood orange slices

Big Sur Sunset

2 parts Gray Whale Gin

1 part lemon juice

¾ part raspberry syrup

½ part orgeat

1 egg white (optional)

Garnish: mint leaf and fresh raspberry

If making with egg white, add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with no ice, add ice, and shake again. If making with no egg white, add all ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Fine strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with raspberries and mint leaves. *Raspberry Syrup can be store-bought or homemade. If making the syrup, combine 4 oz berries, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the berries have disintegrated into seeds. Muddle if needed. Fine strain syrup to remove seeds and berries. Let cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in a refrigerator. Keeps for two weeks.

Oceanside

2 parts Gray Whale Gin

¾ part salted simple syrup

¾ part fresh lime juice

soda water

5 mint leaves

Garnish: mint sprig

To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside Cocktail, add all ingredients except soda water into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint sprig.

Whale Gin

Ruby Fizz (Gray Whale)

Frozen Whale Hello There (Gray Whale)

Nassau Community College’s 2024 Student Art Exhibition

The 2024 Art Student Exhibition is on display at the Plaza Art Gallery at Nassau Community College until May 10, 2024. The exhibition features the work of 40 NCC student artists and includes animations, photography, ceramics, as well as illustrations, oil paintings, digital art, etchings, graphite drawings, and India ink pieces. The diverse collection of 67 artworks selected for the annual exhibit provides a glimpse into the wide range of offerings from the NCC Art Department.

Art Department Professors Claudia Cage, Christine Lawrence, Izolda Maksym, Bill Shillalies and Robert Toedter judged the competition, as did Justina Colon and Joseph Gioia from the Gallery. Additional support was provided by Art Professor Nathan Wasserbauer.

A total of 15 awards were given, including two Awards of Excellence, to Aylin Calderon Mejia for Mobile Pet Grooming Spa Website (Adobe Illustrator) and Pedro López for Subjective Beauty (ceramic).

The Art Department at NCC encourages students to explore personal expression, strong individual vision, craftsmanship, and the development of professional practice. Students can study animation, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and more. The student’s accomplishments are celebrated during the spring semester through the adjudicated student exhibition at the Plaza Art Gallery.

The Student Exhibition runs at the Plaza

Art Gallery until May 10, 2024. The Gallery is situated in the center of campus on the plaza level of the Tower and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact gallery@ ncc.edu or call (516) 572-9699.

About Nassau Community College Nassau Community College, a campus of the State University of New York, provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to transform lives through higher education. Serving 17,000 full-time, part-time and continuing education students, NCC offers more than 80 programs that lead to an associate’s degree or certificate. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students, and boasts 168,000 alumni. Since 1959, NCC has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and ease of transferability to four-year schools.

—Submitted by Nassau Community College

Drivers Must Stop When They See Flashing Red Lights On A School Bus

According to NYAPT’s own statewide surveys, an estimated 50,000 motorists in New York illegally pass stopped school buses every day school is in session, endangering students and putting their lives at risk. During Operation Safe Stop Day, law enforcement throughout New York State will be following school buses and issuing tickets to drivers who illegally pass them. New York State Vehicle and Traffic law requires all vehicles to come to a full stop when approaching a school bus stopped with red lights flashing. Those lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking a school bus. New York state law prohibits the passing of a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing regardless of direction

American Heart Association’s 34th Annual Golf Classic

The American Heart Association’s 34th Annual Long Island Golf Classic – a Joel Hamroff Memorial Tribute – will take place Monday, May 13, 2024, with registration and brunch starting at 10 a.m. and shotgun start at 12 p.m., at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success.

Maria Elefante, Managing Director, Treasury at Arbor Realty Trust and Munesh Verma, Regional Middle Market President, Commercial Banking at Webster Bank have been named Centennial Co-Chairs of the event.

I’m honored to serve as the Centennial Chair for the Annual Golf Classic,” said Ms. Elefante. “Not only has heart disease been a significant part of my family’s health history, but working with the American Heart Association has helped me recognize how grateful I am for everything in my life. I hope to, in turn, remain healthy enough to continue playing golf and raising awareness for this organization for a long time to come.”

of travel, or even on a multi-lane or divided highway.

Penalties for a first-time offense of illegally passing a school bus include a fine from $250 to $400, five points on your license and the possibility of 30 days in jail. A second conviction within three years will result in a $600 to $750 fine and up to 180 days in jail; while three or more convictions will result in a fine from $750 to $1,000, mandatory revocation of your driver’s license and up to 180 days in jail. For those school districts and municipalities that choose to use automated stop arm cameras on school buses, state law allows fines beginning at $250 for a first violation and up to $300 for subsequent violations.

—Submitted by NYAPT

In 2024 the American Heart Association will celebrate its centennial year, celebrating 100 years of progress and a vision for a brighter future for all.

and technical resources to create a better everyday life.

“The American Heart Association helps keep hearts healthy and hope alive. This is why I am thrilled to be the honoree for continuing the tradition of giving in memory of my father George Subraj,” said Tony Subraj, while reflecting on his inspiration for charitable giving in New York and his family’s home country of Guyana. “Zara Realty and the George Subraj Foundation is so proud to be a part of a community that works to strengthen access to medical care to those in need,” he concluded.

A 2023 report on heart disease and stroke statistics from the American Heart Association found that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly 930,000 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease in 2020 alone.

The American Heart Association’s centennial is a celebration of the lifesaving achievements and shared vision for a bold second century that will exponentially advance heart and brain health. The Association will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve healthcare and advocate for federal, state, and local policies that drive healthier lifestyles.

“After I learned the alarming statistics of heart attack and stroke, I vowed to join forces with American Heart Association to make a difference now and for future generations,” Mr. Verma said.

The event will honor Tony Subraj, Vice President, Zara Realty Holding Corp. and Director of the George Subraj Family Foundation. The Foundation provides less fortunate individuals with medical assistance, educational opportunities,

Brisk walking around a golf course has many proven health benefits. According to the American Heart Association walking is the single most effective way for many Americans to establish and continue a healthy lifestyle to improve their heart health.

The 34th Annual Long Island Golf Classic is sponsored by Live Fierce. Life is Why sponsor and Second Century Supporter Mount Sinai South Nassau; Presenting sponsor Goerge Subraj Foundation; Eagle Sponsors Arbor Realty Trust and Metropolitan Commercial Bank and Birdie Sponsors ACRISURE and AMAC Holdings, LLC.

For more information, please visit www. heart.org/longislandgolf. —Submitted by the American Heart Association

Munesh Verma (photos by the American Heart Association)

Tony Subraj

Maria Elefante

Opportunities For New Yorkers To Enjoy Birding

The Long Island segment of the New York State Birding Trail highlights the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. The Long Island segment includes 20 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

“Long Island is an important haven for resident and migratory bird species and this latest segment of the New York State Birding Trail brings our partners together to help more communities enjoy an accessible and affordable hobby,” NYS DEC Commissioner Seggos said. “As the statewide Birding Trail continues to take shape, this segment will provide new opportunities for Long Islanders to learn about the diversity of birds in our backyards, fields, forests, and shores.”

Birdwatching has become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners including the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail includes a network of promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

The Long Island segment of the birding trail includes 20 locations on a mix of State and Federal lands throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. From Montauk Point State Park on the tip of Long Island to Hempstead Lake in Nassau County, visitors can experience birding at a variety of habitats. Visitors can enjoy birding at coastal locations like the barrier island ecosystem at Fire Island Lighthouse, where one-third of all North American species have been recorded. Inland sites like Edgewood Oak Brush Plains and Ridge Conservation Area offer multiple opportunities to observe migratory birds and other forest and grassland species. The sandy pine barrens of Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest are ideal habitat for woodpeckers, great horned owls, and orioles. Three National Wildlife Refuge properties with salt marshes and lagoons offer the chance to see waterfowl, raptors, waders, and songbirds. Visiting north shore sites such as Sunken Meadows State Park that has salt marshes where snowy and common egrets, black-crowned night herons, and great blue herons can be seen fishing in the waters of the marsh. Long Island is part of the Atlantic flyway and on the migratory path of a high diversity of bird species. A visit to these sites will have something for everyone.

As the weather warms, some species begin to travel north to move closer to breeding grounds, creating opportunities for birders to enjoy a wide variety of species. Many species arrive mid-April and continue through early June. Many shorebirds will return in the summer.

The New York State Birding Trail map is available on the I Bird NY webpage and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Additional information on birding, educational and interpretive information, is also available. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.

In addition to State-owned and managed locations for the Birding Trail, publicly and privately managed sites can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Sites all meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, each site will post signage noting it as an official location on the birding trail. For information on the nomination process, see the I Bird NY webpage.

—From the NYS DEC website

New Yorkers, Keep ‘Lights Out’ To Protect Migrating Birds

State-Owned and Managed Buildings Take Measures to Reduce Light, Prevent Bird Collisions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) remind New Yorkers to take action to protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative. Joining national and international efforts, State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York.

Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds through the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction. According to the National Zoological Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fatal light attraction has led to collisions with windows, walls, floodlights, or the ground and the death of an estimated 365 to 988 million birds annually in the United States.

Lights Out directs State-owned and managed buildings to turn off non-essential outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to dawn during the spring migration April 15 through May 31, and also during the peak fall migration, Aug. 15 through Nov. 15. State agencies are also encouraged to draw blinds, when possible, and turn off non-essential indoor lighting during Lights Out times. In addition to benefiting migrating birds, Lights Out promotes sustainability and provides a cost-savings to the state.

DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I BIRD NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), information on the annual I BIRD NY Challenge, and additional educational resources. The New York State Birding Trail map is also available online and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.

DEC manages and oversees five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit dec.ny.gov/things-to-do, connect with us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and X.

—Submitted by NYS DEC

Great Horned Owl (Photos from Getty Images)

Blackburnian Warbler

Piping Plover

Robin

Yellow Warbler

OPED: REAL ESTATE

New York Real Estate Commission Policy Change Could Impact Brokers

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has thrown a curveball with a new policy change. It is now mandated that the commission for a buyer’s agent must be paid directly by the home seller, not the seller’s agent. This is a departure from the current practice where sellers cover the commission costs for both the buyer’s agent and themselves. It is a change that could significantly impact the real estate landscape in New York.

For decades, real estate sales have operated consistently for everyone — even people not working in the industry seem to have at least a general understanding of how the system works. A homeowner wants to sell, or a buyer wants to search, they engage with a brokerage, the price is set, and commissions are built in. The percentage would vary depending on the county and could always be negotiated. In New York, it has been accepted that 4 percent to 6 percent of the sale price was the cost of doing business with a broker.

With the rise of online platforms and more user-friendly technology, ordinary consumers are more informed about the costs and activities associated with buying or selling property. Educated

consumers demand transparent breakdowns of commission structures and exactly what services agents provide for those fees. Discount brokerages also offer the option to pay a fixed fee or a reduced commission rate in exchange for fewer services and reduced agent involvement.

Whether true or not, there is a growing perception that agents and brokers are doing less, so they should earn less. With the creation of apps like Zillow, Realtor, and Redfin, everyone becomes “an expert,” which allows consumers to feel empowered to do it alone or at least negotiate the commission. In turn, agents and brokers must navigate through this change and hone in on their entrepreneurial skills to better their business.

Changes from REBNY and the broader real estate governing bodies are reshaping traditional commission models and encouraging a more dynamic and client-centric approach to real estate transactions. Every broker and every agent will be affected. But when the dust settles, the best brokers who do the right things the right way will likely survive — and thrive. The

evolution of commissions is likely to continue. Market forces, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and consumer preferences will shape how commissions are structured and perceived.

I will watch develop ments closely and invite all brokers, buyers, and investors to message me directly at afriedman@ friedmanvartolo.com for additional thoughts and professional guidance.

By Adam Friedman, Founder of Friedman Vartolo LLP

Jewish Groups Rally For Peace During Passover

Symbolic seder, act of civil disobedience held in Brooklyn for ceasefire

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

On April 23, hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers gathered at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn to call for an end to violence in Gaza and in Israel.

Close to a thousand people attended a Seder in the Streets at the location, a block from the home of New York Senator Chuck Schumer, led by the Jewish activist groups Jewish Voice for Peace of New York, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, and If Not Now of New York.

Clerics and other speakers conducted the ceremony while speaking out against violence that has claimed more than a thousand Israeli lives and tens of thousands of Palestinian lives over the past six months.

“We as American Jews will not be used, we will not be complicit and we will not be silent,” said Morgan Bassichis, an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace.

At nightfall, hundreds of Jews then moved into the street in an act of civil disobedience, briefly blocking traffic on Eastern Parkway by sitting or standing

Numerous attendees wore shirts that read “Ceasefire Now” or “Not In Our Name” during the three-hour gathering.

in the street until the New York Police Department made more than two hundred arrests. Arrestees were taken away on New York City corrections buses and on multiple Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses. After several hours, they were released with summonses.

New York State Courts Announce Student Internships

Internship combines on-the-job experience and training workshops

As part of the New York State Courts’ ongoing efforts to promote civic participation and provide young people a firsthand opportunity to learn about the New York State Courts’ important work––including the varied, rewarding career opportunities available in courts across the State––Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, and Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Richardson proudly announce the second-year launch of the court system’s Student Aide Summer Internship

Program.

This interactive, paid internship offers high school students, recent high school graduates, and college students a chance to develop a concrete understanding of our government’s Third Branch, with the interns gaining knowledge of New York’s state court operations, the civil, family, and criminal justice systems, and the roles of the various professionals working in service of the courts’ mission, among other court- and law-related topics.

In addition to the experience and knowledge gained from their job

assignments, the interns benefit from training in computer, business writing, public speaking, negotiation, and other essential job skills. They also engage in a variety of enrichment activities, including court tours and panel presentations. This year’s program will include a panel discussion on leadership.

There are multiple internship opportunities available within the court system in courts and court offices throughout the State. The internship program will run from July 8 through August 14, 2024. Student Aide I Interns earn $18 hourly. Candidates should

have an interest in working in and learning about the justice system and/ or legal profession. Students who are economically disadvantaged or come from underserved communities are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be postmarked by May 3, 2024. For more information about Student Aide I Internship Program opportunities, including the required qualifications and how to apply, go to https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyPDFs/ careers/statewide/1430.pdf.

— Submitted by the State of New York Unified Court System

Close to a thousand people gathered for Seder in the Streets at Grand Army Plaza on April 23, 2024.

Electric Grid Improvements Coming To Nassau County

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York Transco are advancing Propel NY Energy, an innovative electric transmission project that will improve reliability and resiliency and the delivery of clean energy, including offshore wind, through electric grid improvements in parts of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County. Building these clean energy pathways will result in longterm benefits for New York homes and businesses.

To bolster the relability, resiliency and capacity of the downstate grid, New York is working to achieve the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goal for a zero emissions electricity grid by 2040.

The transmission grid in downstate New York will need to accept a significant amount of clean offshore wind (currently more than 4 gigawatts have been awarded, goal is 9 gigawatts) and deliver it to energy customers throughout New York State. In order to reliably do that, the transmission backbone in parts of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County will need upgrades.

Our project includes approximately 90 miles of new underground/submarine transmission lines carefully routed to avoid and minimize community impacts and four new substations and upgrades to existing substations that maximize the use of

existing utility-owned properties.

Electric Transmission is Essential

The electric transmission grid is the backbone of energy delivery. It is made up of the high-voltage lines and substations that transport energy from where it’s created to where it is used. Like the roads we travel, it is core infrastructure that is relied upon 24/7, 365, and our increasing demands for more and cleaner electricity require grid improvements throughout New York State. This supports healthier communities, jobs and economic opportunity, and provides more certainty that power will flow on blue sky days and during the worst of storms.

NY Companies Invested in NY Communities

NYPA and New York Transco are New York companies focused on energy solutions that benefit all New Yorkers and respect and reflect local voices and values. We leverage decades of experience to deliver best-in-class projects. We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure our project prioritizes the well-being of communities and protects the surrounding environment now and into the future. We welcome all thoughts and feedback to improve Propel NY. Join us as we work to Propel NY Energy. Contact us at: 1-800-3479071, info@propelnyenergy.com.

—Information compiled from the Propel NY website

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

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your willingness to stray from conventional wisdom feels very natural and normal to you, though you may be surprised how di cult this is for many people. Your novel approach will be a source of fascination this week, and you will eld interesting opportunities from those who are impressed by your approach.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It seems improbable that your change of heart would transform the world, but in fact reality is altered in both subtle and signi cant ways by the di erence in your perspective. Who you ow love to and how is one part of the equation that brightens your personal realm and causes a ripple extending beyond your imaginings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). No one is positive at all times, and if they were, they would not also be trusted or well liked. Overly negative opinions are slightly more believable and a whole lot more o -putting. You’ll walk on the sunny side of life and wear a visor. rowing a little shade here and there is a typical function of human intelligence.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Resilience can’t be cultivated or demonstrated without some hard knocks. It’s not your turn to build resilience, but you’ll help others nd it in themselves as you empathize with those who are going through hardship. Some degree of conditioning will take place inside the tender care you give to those in need.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). e reason you do things that scare you is because the thrill of action is far better than the sinking sensation of missing out. You’re exceptionally brave this week. You won’t risk anything as precious as your safety, health or relationships, but you’ll risk your heart, your ego and the status quo.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Some could say you’re looking for a unicorn. Sure, you want something outside of the typical range, but that doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent. Anyway, you have to try. ere’s a chance the so-called unicorn is also looking for you. And even if you don’t nd it, the quest will be of tremendous bene t.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). e decisions you make this week will have far-reaching e ects. Your best option may not be the one that’s recommended by the experts, but they don’t have your exact circumstances. Only you know how things feel to you, and that sense will be more important than compliance with authorities and norms.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Attractiveness is an inside job that involves adjusting your thought processes and accepting yourself as a unique individual. You’ve many outstanding features, some typical and some special -- all adding up to a very lovable package. ere is still more to you than you know. You’ll learn and celebrate yourself -- so will they.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You set out looking for the answer to a vexing question and soon realized you were not the only one vexed. Even so, the answer has not been forthcoming. Maybe it’s not the answer but the question that needs adjusting. A group discussion will stir up creativity and inspire a new approach.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). ere’s a time to shine and time to re ect the shine of others. ere’s also a time to move in the shadows, not because you’re hiding but because you’re observing the scene. Watching is a form of research. e more relevant information you gather this week, the brighter you’ll shine when it’s your turn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People don’t know how to treat you unless you show them. Some require more teaching than others. You’ll feel inclined to let the little thing go, but respectfully expressing yourself along the way is the most compassionate manner of interaction. To withhold opinions or fail to assert yourself is to risk internalizing resentment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be selling this week, though perhaps not in the traditional sense. Maybe you’re selling an idea, a vision of the future or a general sense that you’re the right person for a role. Present with certainty. Don’t o er too many options, or the expression “paralysis by analysis” will apply to the situation.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

e year brings you deep ful llment and purpose. You’ll sprint through a course of action, at rst out of duty, though soon you’ll develop a passion. Partnerships and teams won’t always follow the plan, and that’s magical, too, due to your talent for mining the opportunity in every situation. With your open mind and a courageous heart, life has endless potential. More highlights: A new mentor, a slow build, and a responsibility that requires constant investment and gives an eventual jackpot of a return.

WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND WORD FIND

Isles for miles

WORD FIND

CUSTOMER

CONTRACT BRIDGE By Steve

Becker

An exception to the rule

North dealer. North-South vulnerable.

Dble Opening lead — nine of spades.

Some plays might run contrary to standard procedure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are wrong. For example, consider this deal where South finds himself in five diamonds doubled on the bidding shown.

It seems natural to win the spade lead in dummy and return a trump. That’s what you would normally do with this trump holding, but it’s not what declarer should do in the pres-

ent case.

West’s double indicates that he might have all four missing trumps, and if that’s true, a trump play from dummy at trick two is sure to result in losing three trump tricks. Instead, South should cross to the ace of hearts at trick two and lead a low trump toward dummy’s 10-4. This unusual play cuts West down to size. If he follows low, dummy’s ten wins, and South loses only two trump tricks. And if West goes up with the jack of trump instead, dummy plays low. Whatever West returns, declarer next concedes the ten of diamonds to the king and again limits his losses to two trump tricks.

The hand demonstrates once again why in bridge it is not possible to set forth hard-and-fast rules that cover all situations. The standard rule for declarer in the great majority of cases is to lead from weakness toward strength — for example, from x-x toward A-Q — and not to lead from strength toward weakness.

But here, because of the special circumstances of this particular deal, it is clearly better to lead from strength toward weakness in order to assure the contract.

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

ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE! BRIMFIELD IS HERE – ALL SHOWS! May 14-19. New shows open daily! www.brimfieldantiqueweek. com. 2024 dates: May 14-19, July 9-14, September 3-8

GLEN COVE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF ‘79

45th Reunion

September 21, 2024 6PM

Contact Barry Feldman for details. (215) 534-7368 verythinguy2@gmail.com

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ONLINE

AUCTION: 5/1-5/31 Bar & Grill with Brewery Equipment. 126 N. 3rd Street, Douglas, Wyoming. 10,900 SF Retail, TURN-KEY OPERATION! Sale Info: 800-536-1401, x.401 AuctionsInternational.com Promo code: WESTBID24

Request for Proposal

A nonprofit organization in Manhasset, NY is seeking bids for Security Consulting Services. Services must include training sessions, policies & planning with materials, and Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Selection criteria will be based on knowledge, deliverable & timeframe, completeness of offer, references, and cost. Bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at securingcommunities@gmail.com. All interested parties will be required to sign documents for the proposal and provide primary contact, telephone, and email address. Bids will be accepted until Friday, May 24, 2024. Materials are to be delivered by August 30, 2024.

ATTORNEY

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

AUTO / MOTORCYCLE

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

COMPANIONS / ELDERCARE

HEALTH AID/COMPANION

Gentle. Optimistic. Experienced with many medical conditions and kinds of people. Families have told me I created a lovely environment, one they never could have hoped for. I am seeking work in Nassau County or Manhattan. I have my own car. I have worked a lot in the Great Neck area. My references are outstanding & Available upon request. Please call 917-499-9520.

Business Analyst is needed by Key Management Group, Inc. in Jericho, NY to act as SME for providing the requirement for in-house products development for Agents/MGA’s. Work on Agile Methodology like SCRUM & SPRINT. Travel and relocation possible to unanticipated client locations throughout the U.S. May telecommute and work remotely from any location in the U.S. Rate of pay is $115,000/yr. To apply, send resume to Toni Seymour, V. P. Human Resources, Key Management Group, Inc., 420 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, NY 11753. toni.seymour@kmgus.com

Will Certify & train, Co. Car. New York State License 3 yrs clean.

High School Diploma Seniors Welcome Call 516-731-3000

Project Engneer (Bellport, NY):

Anlyze & coordnte blueprnts & drawngs of steel manufactrer & heavy constrction contractr & prvide engneerng advce for desgn, constrction & structre.

Reqs: Bach in Civil Engneerng or rel & 3 yrs exp as Project Engneer, Civl Engneer or rel pstion. Salary: $120,000/yr. Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp, 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.

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Tuning, repairs, restorations, moving and storage. Selling pianos starting at $399. Buying Yamaha® and glossy black/white pianos.

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Nassau

source of

discrimination. Anton Community Newspapers does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800660-6920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)

LEGALGREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Management LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/10/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: Ramsey Road, Great Neck NY 11023. Purpose: any lawful act. 5-22-15-8-1; 4-24-17-20246T-#247251-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK-COUNTY OF NASSAU

AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-B, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, -against- MICHAEL KHAKSHOOR; DALIA KHAKSHOOR; UR TRUST, LLC

A NEW YORK COMPANY; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of defendant, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged prem-

ises described in the complaint, Defendants. INDEX # 604598/2023 Original filed with Clerk March 20, 2023. Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Nassau County. Premises: 21 Flower Lane Kings Point, NY 11024. TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. This amended complaint is being filed pursuant to Order of the Court dated April 4, 2024. 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 AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-B, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE

LEGAL NOTICES

COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York, April 15, 2024 Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: Margaret Burke Tarab, Esq Attorneys for Plaintiff, 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556, 516-699-8902

5-15-8-1; 4-24-2024-4T#247354-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village Russell Gardens will hold its Public Regular Meeting on the 2nd day of May 2024 at 8:00 P.M. at Village Hall, located at 6 Tain Drive, Great Neck, New York.

Please check the Village website for updates.

Dated: 5/1/2024

By Order of the Board of Trustees Inc. Village of Russell Gardens

David M. Miller, Mayor Danielle Pennise, Village Clerk Treasurer 5-1-2024-1T-#247419-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

Invitation to Bidders BOARD OF EDUCATION

Great Neck Union Free School District

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given for separate and single prime contract sealed bids for: Exterior Stair and Masonry Reconstruction Work at the Lakeville Elementary School and Foundation Repairs at the E.M. Baker Elementary School. Bids will be received by the School District until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday May 23, 2024, at the Phipps Administration Building , 345 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, New York 11020, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); howeverthe Contract Documents may only be obtained thru the Office of REV Plans, 28 Church Street-Suite 7, Warwick, New York 10990

(845-651-3845) beginning on Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a non-refundable fee of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from REV upon a deposit of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the GREAT NECK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained 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 the printer 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. The bid deposit for hard copies

will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.

A non-mandatory pre-bid site walk through is scheduled for Wednesday May 8, 2024 at 3:45 p.m., beginning at the E.M. Baker Elementary School located at 69 Baker Hill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023, followed by the Lakeville Elementary School, at 4:30 p.m., located at 47-27 Jayson Avenue, Great Neck, New York, 11020. Meet at the main entrance of each school building.

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the bids will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening. The School District reserves the discretionary right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject any alternatives, or to reject all bids and advertise for new bids if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.

Bidder may not withdraw its bid until forty-five (45) days after the bid opening, except in accordance with General Municipal Law Section 103(11).

As result of any restric-

tions applied to construction activities in the School District’s facilities by State, Federal, Local orders, laws, regulations rules, and depending the duration any such restrictions, the School District may modify the construction schedule, including the anticipated start date, set forth in the Contract/ Bid Documents. By submitting bid, the Bidder consents to any such schedule modifications and further acknowledges and agrees that there shall be no additional compensation for schedule modifications caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions. The Bidder further acknowledges and agrees that the sole remedy for any schedule modifications delays caused directly indirectly by such restrictions shall be extension time, to be determined in the sole discretion the School District.

5-1-2024-1T-#247440-GN

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE RESTAURANT LICENSE

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

Agency: Board of Trustees, Village of Great Neck Estates

Date: May 13, 2024

Time: 8:00p.m.

Place: Village Hall, 4 Atwater Plaza, Great Neck, New York

Subiect: Application of YQ Sushi Inc., b a Sushi Palace, 163-50 2nd Avenue, Whitestone, New York, for a restaurant license pursuant to Village Code § 174-1, for premises located at 148-148AMiddle Neck Road, Great Neck Estates, New York

At the said time and place, al interested persons may be heard with respect tothe foregoingmatters.

The proposed restaurant license is a Type I Action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

Al relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 4 Atwater Plaza, Great Neck, New York, during regular business hours. Dated: April 15, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kathleen .L Santelli, Village Administrator 5-1-2024-1T-#247446-GN

SCHOOL NEWS

MUSIC TEACHERS HONORED AT THE LI MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME EDUCATOR OF NOTE AWARDS

Five music teachers from across Long Island were recently honored at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook in a special ceremony honoring the organization’s most recent Educator of Note Award winners.

The teachers honored include Alan Schwartz (Great Neck, 2023), Frank Abel (Uniondale/Roosevelt, 2022), Kim Löwenborg-Coyne (North Babylon, 2021), Marc Greene (Middle Country School District, 2020), and Susan Weber (Uniondale, 2019).

“It was wonderful,” said Tom Needham, second vice chair and Educational Programs director at LIMEHOF. “When you get all these people together in one room and you hear about the number of students they’ve influenced over the years and the impact they’ve had on music education on Long Island, it’s truly incredible. We’re so excited to have this opportunity to have them all here in the room and to celebrate the good things that they’ve accomplished.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m just so thrilled to be amongst these people here and to have my name with these people, these legends, is just one of the biggest honors of my life,” said Schwartz, of Great Neck.

Supporting and highlighting musical education and upcoming talent through its education programs is a large part of LIMEHOF’s mission. Each year the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of

HIGH

Members of South High School Thespian Troupe 7486 participated in the New York Thespian Festival at LIU Brooklyn on April 5-6. The full-day event included theatre workshops and presentations, and two South High students received Thespy awards for their solo performances at the festival.

The Thespys competition provides festival attendees an opportunity to present performances in various categories to be adjudicated by theatre professionals and receive individualized feedback.

South High juniors Michelle Harris and Alyssa Wong both received Superior Ratings, with Alyssa winning the top award of Best of Fest for Solo Musical Theatre Performance. At the end of the festival, Alyssa performed her solo again for all attendees.

Additionally, Michelle Harris participated in a 24-hour play event in which she performed in an original piece written by a student playwright.

Fame presents an Educator of Note Award recognizing outstanding achievement in Long Island music education and normally they present the awards publicly during their galas. LIMEHOF has not held an awards gala since 2019 in large part due to covid restrictions. These award winners were unable to receive their awards in a public ceremony, so LIMEHOF organized this special ceremony for them at the Stony Brook Museum location.

LIMEHOF says it’s important to recognize the music teachers who are top in their field and making a difference by building strong educational programs for students to be able to perform and be evaluated.

“We celebrate music history here on Long Island and everybody knows we honor people like Billy Joel and John Coltrane and other artists but sometimes people forget that the people who have the biggest impact on Long Island in terms of music are music teachers,” said Needham. “Music teachers have the ability to reach thousands of kids throughout a career.”

The 2024 Educator of Note nomination process is currently open with a deadline of Sept. 30. For more information about LIMEHOF’s Educator of Note, scholarships and other music education programs, please visit https:// www.limusichalloffame.org/educator-of-note/

—Submitted by Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

North High student Samuel Friedmann and South High students Alexis Dorf, Sophia Leong, and Alyssa Wong helped to organize this year’s festival in their roles as State Thespian Officers for the 2023–24 school year. The annual New York Thespian Festival brings together middle and high school students and their teachers for theatre-based workshops, performances, and presentations.

The faculty advisors for the

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

Several students from Great Neck South Middle School earned top awards at the 2024 South Asian American Women’s Alliance (SAAWA) Middle School Science Fair. Award winners will be recognized and presented with monetary awards at a ceremony hosted by SAAWA on May 30.

South Middle students Isabella Huang, Elizabeth Kennedy, and Diana Wang won first place for their project, “The Effect of Difficulty of the Task on the Way Randomized Groups Cooperate”.

Four projects received second-place awards: Dave Rubinchik, “Determining the Compressive Strength of Various Infills in FDM 3D Printing”; Jada Lin, “Where is the Best Breeding Ground for Bacteria”; Linda Yue and Andrea Chou, “The Effect of Shape on Tower Efficiency”; and Atharv Dhawan, “Chasing Rays: The Effect of Solar Tracking on Power Generation”.

Jaslyn Chan and Victoria Wong earned a third-place award for

their project, “Color Attraction and M&Ms”.

Regina Joseph and Raegan Wu received honorable mention for their project, “Effect of Different Color Lights on Plant Growth”.

Award winners from South Middle were coached by science research teachers Diane Caplain, Kristi Willis, and Brian Pernice.

The SAAWA Middle School Science Fair is open to seventhand eighth-grade students. The mission of SAAWA is to “encourage, promote leadership and innovation among students in STEM fields to help build tomorrow’s workforce among the community.”

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

GNPS high school Thespian troupes are Christopher Giordano, North High drama teacher/ Junior Players director, and Ilana

Meredith, South High drama teacher/Theatre South director. —Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

The 2023–24 State Thespian Officers who helped organize this year’s festival include North High student Samuel Friedmann and South High students Alexis Dorf, Sophia Leong, and Alyssa Wong. (Contributed photo)

South High juniors Michelle Harris and Alyssa Wong were among the performers who received a Superior Rating at the Thespys.

From the left: LIMEHOF Educator of Note Recipients Alan Schwartz, Susan Weber, Frank Abel and Kim Löwenborg-Coyne (Contributed photo)

SAAWA Middle School Science Fair winners from South Middle School are pictured with science teachers Diane Caplain, Kristi Willis and Brian Pernice. (Contributed photo)

North Hempstead To Host Native Plant Rebate Program

This Earth Day, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board are proud to announce that the Town has received $10,000 from the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District to offer rebates to residents who grow native plants in their landscapes. The program offers eligible residents up to $350 per household when they purchase native plants to replace lawn grass or plants in an existing garden.

“Native plants play a critical role for our local pollinators and wildlife because they provide the resources pollinators require to survive,” Supervisor DeSena said. “Many pollinator habitats have been lost to development, but this program helps residents use their own backyards to create a haven for wildlife. It’s rare to get the chance to help your environment and your wallet at the same time, and I strongly encourage residents to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

For the past three years, this rebate program has helped create 70 new native plant gardens throughout North Hempstead. The gardens are designed for more than just beauty, as they help provide food, shelter, and nesting resources for the declining species of pollinators. The Town has again taken the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge this year, and these gardens are vital in efforts to conserve this iconic species. Native plants also provide other benefits like extensive root systems that absorb polluted stormwater and carbon dioxide, low maintenance requirements, do not need fertilizer, and are drought tolerant once established.

To qualify for the program, residents must complete an application that includes the proposed garden size, a native plant species list, photos of the planting location(s), and a basic garden layout. Funding is limited, and applications that meet the requirements will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until October 1 or until funding is ex-

hausted. For more information and details on how to apply, please visit www.northhempsteadny.gov/sustainability

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Supervisor DeSena Attends Summit For Achieving An Age-Friendly Long Island At Adelphi University

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena was a recent panelist at Adelphi University’s Summit for “Achieving an Age-Friendly Long Island: Collaboration for an Equitable and Healthy Community” on April 19. Supervisor DeSena and other panelists discussed critical issues including service gaps, community dynamics, workforce needs, transportation and housing inefficiencies, funding sources, and policy change.

North Hempstead’s Commissioner of the Department of Services for the Aging, Kimberly Corcoran-Galante, also participated in the Summit as a panelist. Supervisor DeSena and Commissioner Corcoran-Galante enthusiastically detailed the Town’s Project Independence initiative to attendees. The

mission of Project Independence is to help older residents of the Town “age in place,” remaining in their own communities and familiar surroundings as they grow older. This unique, multi-service town program involves many community partners including Northwell Health, EAC Network, Long Island University, The Rehabilitation Institute (TRI), Rebuilding Together/LI, NYU Langone Health, Catholic Health, North Shore Child and Family Guidance, Delux Transportation, Taxi Hispano Express, All Island Transportation and others.

Residents of North Hempstead can learn more by www.northhempsteadny.gov/PIHome.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead Officials Attend Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Community Summit

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and members of the Town Board recently attended the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Community Summit at the “Yes We Can” Community Center on April 18.

Officials participated in a discussion regarding the current endeavors of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, and what to expect from the organization in the months and years ahead. During the Summit, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County honored Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin for his unwavering commitment to their

organization and all the work he has done on their behalf. North Hempstead officials presented Supervisor Clavin with a Proclamation of Recognition to honor the occasion.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

(Photos from the Town of North Hempstead)

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Commissioner of the Department of Services for the Aging Kimberly Corcoran-Galante participating in a panel discussion at Adelphi University’s Summit for Achieving an Age-Friendly Long Island (Contributed photo)

Town of North Hempstead Officials gathered at the “Yes We Can” Community Center for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Community Summit (Contributed photo)

At 25, Leonard Bernstein protégé John Bayless made his Carnegie Hall debut performing “Rhapsody in Blue.” At 54, a left-brain stroke immobilized his entire right side. Bayless’s magical “first act” disappeared. On Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m. Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington will present Long Islander Stewart Schulman’s documentary Left Alone Rhapsody—The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless in its Long Island premiere followed by a Q&A with Schulman and Bayless, and then a short concert by Bayless.

Harmonious Maestro

John Bayless strikes the perfect chord in musical mastery

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Schulman chronicles Bayless’ rise from four-year-old prodigy to international stardom, capturing his talent and his humanity in one film, as he pushes himself to recover and reinvent himself as a storyteller and entertainer who plays with his non-dominant left hand.

I had a chance to speak with Bayless last week about the

documentary and his music.

Christy Hinko: Tell me about Schulman’s film.

John Bayless: It’s a documentary on my life and it traces the evolution of my career as a child prodigy, my coming to New York to attend Juilliard and my stroke in 2008. I did not want to play anymore after that happened. I have continued to play, but now only with my left hand. People say it sounds just as amazing. Stewart [Schulman] is amazing; everybody should have at least one friend like him, he believes in what I do and what I am capable of doing. He is supportive and doesn’t let up on me.

CH: How did you and Schulman meet?

JB: I met him decades ago, maybe in 1981. He was a graduate student at NYU film school and he needed a composer for his thesis film. He asked a mutual friend if he knew anyone. I had just debuted at

Carnegie Hall. Life takes you to different places; I had a 35-year career playing all over the world. We stayed friends; we would get together occasionally. When his mother passed away, we reconnected and started talking about what I had been doing. He immediately said, “This is worth a documentary” and so began the journey.

CH: What would you say is your biggest challenge currently? Have you mastered your craft?

JB: There’s a quote I love that that is something like “Don’t define me by my disability; define me by my ability.” Music is just something that comes out of me; I hear music differently than others. I go to the essence of what the song is, what the pieces are about. As opposed to trying to be a virtuoso and show how terrific I am, what type of talent or technique I have, it does not matter. I only have five working fingers. I have to just

keep playing; art never stops, it is constantly evolving. Creating is my mistress...(laughing)...or mister.

CH: Tell me about your early days, learning piano as a kid?

JB: I grew up in a small town in Texas with a population of about 15,000 people. My mother was a musician; she championed me all my life. My father was incredibly generous. I was the youngest church organist in the state of Texas at one time, I was 13, maybe. I would make $175 a month from playing and I would give it to my dad because he was paying for my piano lessons. As a kid, I would travel from Amarillo, down to Houston, more than 600 miles away. I would go there twice a month to study piano with this wonderful teacher. Her name was Moreland Roller. She was a former student at Juilliard in the 1930s, through the 1950s. She prepared me for Juilliard.

CH: What is your advice to aspiring musicians?

JB: Follow your creativity. what you know. Let whatever is inside of you—come out. A lot of times we live in this society of instant gratification, social media; I mean it’s all fantastic and I wish I had YouTube when I was growing up. I would say to aspiring musicians, devour everything you can. You have to be regimented and devote time to practicing, playing scales correctly; be committed. Schulman is an award-winning producer, director, writer, and independent filmmaker. Besides Schulman, several other Long Island residents involved in the arts came together for the film including Paula Kaminsky Davis, Gail Jeffee Cohen and Laura Mogul. Landmark on Main Street is located at 232 Main St. in Port Washington. Visit www. landmarkonmainstreet.org for details and tickets.

John Bayless

Hugh Kretschmer

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary women who tirelessly work both inside and outside the home to support their families. Whether you’re a mother, grandmother, or mother gure, your dedication and strength shine brightly. On this day, we honor your sacri ces and appreciate your unwavering support and unconditional love. To all empowering women, whether they are mothers or not, thank you for your resilience and invaluable contributions to our lives.

ELEVATING YOUR HOME JOURNEY

Bringing over a century of service to the table, we’re more than just guides in your journey home. We believe in providing unparalleled expertise and are committed to educating our clients at every stage of the home selling or buying process. From the initial search to the final signatures, we’re dedicated to crafting a smoother transaction experience that opens the door to your dream home in Great Neck and beyond.