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Friday, June 15, 2018
Vol. 78, No. 24
“Dogability” brings helping paws to Syosset
TOP JERICHO STUDENTS
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Congratulations to Jericho’s valedictorians Simran Bansal (left) and Caroline Chen (center) and salutatorian Benjamin Wong (right)!
Financial advisor accused of Ponzi scheme
Matthew Eckstein
Syosset financial advisor Matthew Eckstein, 48, was arrested on June 12th and charged with grand larceny in connection with what the Nassau County District Attorney calls a Ponzi scheme. According to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, Eckstein scammed at least 14 people, mostly seniors, out of more than $5 million with fraudulent investments, as well as stealing money from estates of which he was the executor. “This unscrupulous financial advisor allegedly betrayed his clients’ trust when he stole their
money in a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme and even pilfered hundreds of thousands from the estates of deceased clients,” DA Singas said. “The charges are even more egregious because many of the alleged victims were elderly and seeking safe investments for their retirement funds. I am grateful to our partners in the office of Comptroller DiNapoli, the FBI, USPIS, and Securities Exchange Commission for their assistance with this case.” DA Singas said that, beginning in January 2015, an elderly victim for See page 17
A new neighbor in Syosset is providing tail-wagging fun and a nose for service to the community. DogAbility Center for Canine-assisted activities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit holds sessions and activities, is located in Syosset at 235 Robbins Lane (entry from 180 Aerial Way). Friendly dogs and their handlers provide a form of coping and individualized activity that is the first of its kind in the United States, and a niche that was unfilled until it began operating on Long Island five years ago. For 30 years owner and founder Sass Levine was a Syosset resident and she raised her three children in the Syosset Central School District, with all three attending Baylis Elementary, Harry B. Thompson Middle School and Syosset High School (graduates of the Classes of 1996, 1998 and 2000). Levine now lives across the Suffolk County border in Huntington, but she joined the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce last year as the organization has settled down here, after DogAbility grew in participants and recognition. The program’s name and initial concept grew from the popular HorseAbility therapy and recreation riding programs in Old Westbury which Levine’s family was active with for many years.. “My daughters were involved with horses since they were each four years old. I gave them our pony to use and my daughters were side-walkers there about 25 years ago. There are equine programs all over Long Island but there aren’t any canine programs. I recognized a niche that needed to be filled where people come and spend time with dogs that are certified and insured, so it’s a safe setting and activity, and they can engage. Kids and adults can benefit from engagement with dogs. We discussed the concept with HorseAbility and they had use start there initially, but being low to the ground and outside on dirt created a challenge and then Superstorm Sandy hit. We then moved to the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County in Plainview for three seasons on Sundays only. Then we outgrew See page 17
Jericho Board thanks student rep PAGE 3 Syosset HS honors top students PAGE 4