THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

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Legislature: Chop-Up The Five Towns

BIG PARTS OF CEDARHURST AND WOODMERE TO BE SEVERED FROM DISTRICT 7 IN REDISTRICTING PLAN

Cedarhurst Proposes $6 Million Balanced Budget

By JONATHAN WALTER Standard Staff Reporter

BY SUSAN VARGHESE The Village of Cedarhurst presented a balanced tentative budget for 2011-2012, despite an increase in state mandates and a decrease in state aid.

After an expected $400,000 worth of cuts in state aid, Cedarhurst announced a slight increase in property taxes from 5.228 to 5.543 percent at their tentative budget meeting on Wednesday night at Village Hall. The Village presented a

Fogged-In The Five Towns were awash with a thick fog Monday through Thursday that may have left some residents thinking they were in London or San Francisco.

“The reason for all of the fog is that we have South, South Westerly winds that are making the warm humid air over the east coast move across the cold water in the Atlantic Ocean and onto Long Island,” Mike Pigiot, Accuweather Meteorologist said. “This combination of weather conditions caused the fog we’ve seen recently.”

A cold front swept through the area on Thursday night, clearing up the fog in time for the weekend.

Photo by Jonathan Walter

The Five Towns may no longer be together as part of one Legislative District if the Nassau County Legislature has its way.

Under a proposed redistricting plan, Cedarhurst and Woodmere would be split in half between two different districts, as well as small portions of Inwood. The plan adds a new 19th District to the county, which would stretch from Inwood along Nassau’s western border up to Elmont.

Republicans hail the redistricting plan as a positive, pointing out the creation of a “mi-

nority district” in the proposed District 19.

“The new 19th District will mostly be a minority area in the western border of Nassau County,” Legislator Francis Becker said. “Inwood, over the years, has become more diverse and the new census requires that it be done and the thought came that there should be another minority district.”

District Seven Legislator Howard Kopel will be greatly affected by this proposed plan, as he will lose a lot of his constituents to the new districts, but he isn’t worried about the way

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Big Salary, Benefit and Pension Bill at Bridge Atlantic Beach Crossing an Expensive Journey

By SUSAN VARGHESE

Standard Associate Editor

Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise budget where the estimated village expenditures and revenue were both $6,082,539.

According to Village Treasurer, Salvatore Evola, a new proposed property tax rate of 5.543 percent would give Cedarhurst about $82,700 additional revenue, and that they’re pursuing grants as well. Cedarhurst also had to tap into $371, 198 from their savings reserve, Evola said.

Evola noted that state mandates require Cedarhurst to contribute $64,000 more into the pension system and

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Don’t be fooled by the diminutive size of the Atlantic Beach Bridge, the 1,173 foot bridge rakes in six million crossings a year, and costs over $4 million dollars a year to operate.

A total of $3,565,000 is spent on salaries, employee benefits, retirement, and payroll taxes, while $260,000 is what’s being spent on bridge inspection, and repairs and maintenance.

The Nassau County Bridge Authority (NCBA) operates the toll bridge and the money collected from the tolls is the main source of revenue. They have 47 employees, but Vincent Grasso, manager at the NBCA noted that they have been cutting employees for the past four years to manage finances. There used to be over 100 employees. In 2008 there were 67, and this year there are 47, according to Gras-

so. “Through improved management and automation we’ve automated 70 percent of our toll operation. We’ve cut staff more than 30 percent in the last four years, and that’s how we’ve man-

aged our costs.”

The NCBA spends $2 million in salaries without benefits, retirement, or taxes for four toll supervisors, one toll plaza manager, seven full time toll collec-

tors, 14 part time collectors, one part time attorney, three people in management, two full time cashiers, one part-time cashier, one IT person, seven maintenance workers, and five bridge oper-

ators. In total there are 16 part time and 31 full time employees.

In relation to the amount appropriated to salaries, Grasso commented, “We’ve been audited by the State Authority budget office about three years ago, the State Comptroller’s office a year ago, and we’re audited by an outside auditing agency in Lawrence every year. There’s never been a finding or discrepancy.

We think the facts are in our favor.”

The salary and benefits expenditures can also be attributed to increasing pension costs, Grasso explained. “Pension costs are expensive but you have to deal with them. You could argue and fight and howl at the moon, but the truth is our pension costs are probably going up about 60 percent this year, it is a function of the NYS Pension system, it falls on our back to fund that. We

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Residents Upset Over Peninsula Blvd Construction Managano, Kopel Get Feedback at Town Hall Meeting in Hewlett

By JONATHAN WALTER Standard Staff Reporter

The ongoing construction on Peninsula Boulevard was the number on issue Five Towner’s minds at a Town Hall meeting at the Hewlett Fire Department that featured County Executive Edward Mangano and Legislator Howard Kopel, among other government officials.

Nassau Public Works Commis-

ioner Shila Shah-Gavnoudias described the construction process and what is left, saying that work at the Gibson Boulevard intersection will continue for another three weeks. She also said that paving from Mill Road to Hanlon Drive has been complete, with only Hanlon to Rockaway Turnpike left to be completed.

A full paving of the road is also on the docket to be completed within the next year.

Dr. Al Musella, who lives and runs a practice out of his home in Hewlett complained about the lack of notice construction crews would give him when closing the road in front of his office.

He was told that the road would only be closed for 15-minute periods of time, but had his driveway blocked for long periods of time unexpectedly, having patients park blocks away just to get to his office, and was mostly closed

Nassau Public Works Commissioner Shila Shah-Gavnoudias points progress on the ongoing construction on Peninsula Boulevard for five days.

Musella described a 95-yearold patient of his who was forced to walk six blocks away: “By the time he got to my office, I thought he was going to have a

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C l a s s i f i e d s B 6 • E d i t o r i a l s A 6 • E v e n t s B 2 • M o v i e s B 2 • S p o r t s A 5 • We a t h e r B 5

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• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

Big Salary, Benefit and Pension Bill at Bridge CONTINUED FROM P. A1 maintain a lot of wiggle room, there are things that pop up that villages don’t account for, they play it really safe and close to the bone, and they have something were there’s a $100,000 jump, and they have to get it from somewhere, and where do they get it from? Taxes. We don’t have the luxury of raising our rates whenever we want. We try and anticipate [the increasing costs].”

The NCBA was established to regulate the Atlantic Beach Bridge. The bridge first opened in 1927 and was operated by a private group, in 1945 the NCBA took over, and a new bridge was constructed for $9.5 million and opened to traffic in 1952.

There are currently three toll options, a $2 cash fare, a 20-trip card for $15 (which is about 75

cents a trip), and an annual decal for $135 (which is about ten cents a trip).

Five Towns resident, Rosine Schechter said, “ I do my nails in Long Beach, and I don’t like the tolls on the bridge. The $4 in their pocket would be better in mine.”

Grasso also added that while other governments are in trouble, their cost management has kept them afloat, “Other governments are going bankrupt; Nassau County is going bankrupt, New York State is in threat of fiscal instability, that’s not the case with the Nassau County Bridge Authority. We don’t take a single dime of taxpayer money. This is the only bridge that handles Atlantic Ocean commercial traffic to include oil tankers. If this channel were not open, Long Island wouldn’t get home heating

oil.”

However, Grasso also asserted that getting rid of the tolls wouldn’t be a viable option. To eliminate the tolls would mean to lose the revenue that helps fund the over $4 million it takes to run the bridge, a cost which the taxpayers would then have to bear. In addition, even if Nassau County took over the bridge and the expenses were paid among taxpayers, it wouldn’t be a level playing field, asserted Grasso. “Considering that this largely a local bridge, people in Wantagh would wonder why would they have to pay so that people in Lawrence could have the convenience of getting to Long Beach faster. Or why do the people in Oyster Bay have to pay for the people in Woodmere to get to Long Beach faster? It’s the purest form of good govern-

ment in that it’s essentially a payper-use thing. If you don’t use the bridge, you don’t pay for it.”

“In order to touch the tolls at all we have to send a letter asking the State Assembly to allow us to do it, they then do an audit of our financials and see if we need to do it. That’s a lengthy and expensive process. That’s why we only increase or change the tolls every ten years,” said Grasso.

Legal counsel to the Nassau County Bridge Authority, Steven Kaiser asserted that they have “zero” say in whether or not to eliminate the toll. “We’re a public authority created to operate that bridge. The cost of operating the bridge would fall to Nassau County. Instead of revenue from tolls, Nassau County would absorb the cost. They would disband the authority, which would also effect jobs.”

“You shouldn’t have to pay tolls at all. I don’t go to Atlantic Beach and I’m not planning to go there now,” voiced Sara Dons, a Five Towns resident.

Despite complaints from other Five Towns residents, Atlantic Beach Mayor Stephen Mahler said that unhappy residents, which he maintains are a very small group of people, “can go straight ahead to Rockaway or Long Beach — they invite day trippers.”

Options such as EZ pass have also been considered, Grasso noted, but since it’s a private company, “They can raise their fee at any time they want. We offer a prepaid decal instead. It would cost about a half million just to install EZ pass equipment in the bridge. That would need to be made up somewhere.”

Local resident Alrine Geller

said, “It’s crazy for a little bridge.

Even with what they charge, I go anyway because I have a beach pass.”

“The toll bridge is the lifeline to our community, the bridge is a leisure time for the people of The Five Towns…to them it’s fun and games. To us, it’s the whole ball of wax,” joked Mahler. “If there were no toll the truck traffic would triple. Everyone would see it as a new way to go to the City instead of going the long way,” Mahler stressed.

Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel added, “There’s some considerable misconception. Some people think that all the money goes to paying the toll collectors and nothing else, when that’s just not true. It’s a pretty well run bridge. I’m not sure who’s right. I don’t think the county could afford to take over the maintenance of the bridge right now.”

Residents Upset Over Peninsula Blvd Construction CONTINUED FROM P. A1 heart attack,” He also said the heavy construction has caused fault lines that have lead to leaks in his basement, and was critical of the job construction crews were doing to patch up the road.

“My kindergartener could do a better job than they could,” Musella said.

Another resident spoke up, saying her home often shakes due to the traffic on the unpaved road.

Another resident, Javad Green, was critical of the construction’s procedure, saying that the full paving should be completed immediately following the repair work.

Shah-Gavnoudias also announced that all of the traffic lights on Mill road will soon be replaced, citing their age.

“They’re near the end of their service life,” Shah-Gavnoudias said.

Kopel also listened to residents discuss their frustrations with the traffic built up around the Franklin Avenue intersection in Hewlett during the early morning and late afternoon and promised an investigation

into the matter.

Asked about a redistricting plan proposed by the legislature, Kopel tried to reassure his constituents.

“I’m not abandoning anyone and will work closely with the new legislator,” Kopel said.

Mangano spoke early in the meeting before leaving, focusing mostly on the county busing controversy with the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

“I had no intention of changing the bus system coming into office,” Mangano said. “The MTA asked for $26 million.

They stayed on that figure until finally counter offering with $9 million and a 56 percent cut in service.”

Mangano said he didn’t find that cutting services by 56 percent would serve the need of Nassau County residents and the MTA recently announced that it was ending its contract with Nassau County on December 31st of this year.

Mangano discussed his plans for a “public-private” partnership with a private company. He said the county is looking at its options, but that a plan for next year’s bus service should be available within two weeks.

Fourth Precinct Gets $50K in High Tech Gear

By AUSTIN SYKES

Standard Staff Reporter

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The Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct received a $50,000.00 federally-funded grant on Thursday, which will go towards covering the cost of some new high tech equipment to aid officers in their continued service protecting The Five Towns and surrounding areas.

The $50,000 grant is courtesy of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (J.A.G.), a criminal justice fund that New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg was able to lock-in for the precinct.

“As a Legislator in the state of New York…were very proud to be supporting this,” said Weisenberg.

There are three different types of equipment the Fourth Precinct intends to procure through the grant, all three of which are electronic devices to help officers more accurately

evaluate and measure suspected illegal activity.

One of the devices on the way is designed to digitally determine whether or not a vehicle’s window tinting surpasses the legal limit.

“Seventy percent of light has to transfer through,” said Officer Bobby Chimienti.

Officers should be able to better evaluate the degree in which windows are tinted with these hand-held devices, according to NCPD. “It’s a digital meter that you stick on to the windows,” said Admin. Sgt. Leslie Moulds.

Moulds and Chimienti both noted that windows tinted beyond the legal limit of 70 percent are reported frequently – about once a day, every day, they said.

“A lot of these companies on the south shore are selling tinting that’s over the limit that’s legally allowed,” Command-

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

Legislature: Chop-Up The Five Towns CONTINUED FROM P. A1 it will affect the town.

“It doesn’t disenfranchise The Five Towns,” Kopel said. “It gives them two legislators instead of just one. I guess people have different ideas in that regard.”

Kopel did express some disappointment over the potential loss of his constituents though.

“I’m delighted with the way things are,” Kopel said. “It would be painful to not be the representative for some of the people in The Five Towns. I’m not abandoning anyone though and will work closely with whoever is the new legislator.”

for the Republicans. It was going to be a hotly contested race and they are trying to stop them from taking it back. I think the Seventh is very, very vulnerable under this setup right now.”

Inwood Civic Association Board Member Frank Mistero, whose village will be cut up with the majority being placed in the new District, didn’t agree with either the Republicans or the Democrats on the issue.

“I don’t think it’s classic Gerrymandering,” Misteo said. “I don’t think it’s a minority district either. Parts are minority and some parts are not. As an Inwood leader, would I prefer my area to remain intact? Of

ing the redistricting plan.

Asked about the redistricting plan, County Executive Edward Mangano was tight lipped.

“I’m not commenting on it until the Legislature review it at hearings and sends something to my office about it for review,” Mangano said.

In the redistricting process, the Legislature charges the Nassau County Attorney’s Office with planning the new map.

“They were asked to pursue and revise the map in accordance with the new census information and go by town and village lines as much as possible,” Brennan said.

A week ago, Schmitt set the

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Honorary Firemen

Local kids taking part of the Annual Chometz Burning at The Woodmere Fire Department last Monday. The Chometz Burning which lasted from 6:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., had about 750 participants.

Cedarhurst Proposes $6 Million Balanced Budget CONTINUED FROM P. A1

Proposed New Seventh Legislative District Which Cuts Off Most of Woodmere at Central Avenue and Along West Broadway. Northern Handle Stretches Into Malverne.

Meanwhile, Democrats held drastically different views of the plan.

“I think that it’s classic Gerrymandering,” Five Towns Democratic Club President David Freedman said. “It’s a classic move by the Republicans to shore up their majority in the Legislature when the Democrats have a chance to win it back and this is their plan to stop that. It’s pretty bold faced in that regard. The additional district also creates an opportunity to take another seat.

It’s problematic. That’s how I would look at it. What it does is it shores up the Seventh District

course. Part of Inwood would be in Howard Kopel’s district and most will be in the new district.”

According to Cristina Brennan, spokeswoman for Nassau County Legislature Majority Leader Peter Schmitt, Nassau County’s charter says that within six months of the census’s release, district lines need to be adjusted accordingly. The maximum standard deviation of district population cannot exceed five percent. Nassau County’s District Two was the most effected, having a deviation of 14.5 percent. Other district also exceeded the maximum, prompt-

date for approval of the redistricting at May 16th. Both sides expect there to be litigation regarding the plan, and there are quite a few steps left before its approval.

“We don’t know that it will actually happen,” Kopel said.

“From what I understand, it’s going to be a several step process. First, we’re going to do it now to comply with the charter, and the constitutional requirements, and then we do it again on a more considered basis.

Meanwhile, we have an unbalanced situation where people are being improperly represented.”

an additional contribution of $85,000 to health insurance, which also covers retirees and salary increases based on labor contracts for union workers.

Village Trustee Ari Brown explained that Cedarhurst has tried not to raise taxes despite the deficits in their state aid.

“We’re getting less from the state, so we’re finding ways to stretch whatever we have without having to tax our residents.

We’re getting at least $400,000 less than we used to.”

Evola added that rising gas prices are also to blame for the tax increase,” Gasoline and diesel costs have been going up, we have trucks to fuel up, so that goes up and we have no control over that.” In addition, other improvements the Village had planned may suffer, Evola explained. “We may not be able to do all the improvements

we’d like to do. Sidewalks and road improvements were needed and now we have to tighten the belt. We’re just not getting the money.”

The Village of Cedarhurst’s budget tentatively allocates $528,000 to fire protection safety, $537,620 to transportation, which is their public works department, $1,362,033 in government support, and $1,568,200 in employee benefits. Evola explained that government support includes the Board of Trustees, court expenses and salaries, traffic violations, the salaries of administrative staff, assessments, election costs, village hall costs, insurance, utilities and supplies. Employee benefits include pension, health insurance, social security, payroll taxes, and workers compensation insurance.

Deputy Mayor, Ben Weinstock noted that “a big chunk” of the budget is fire protection

service, for which they contract out with the LawrenceCedarhurst volunteer fire department. However, Evola noted that fire department fees and taxes alone could be hundreds of dollars for residents in Woodmere, and that the cost for Cedarhurst residents are comparably “lower” than other districts.

Evola noted that the average resident pays about $600 in taxes every year, and that the tax increase would mean about an additional $36.

Weinstock joked, “I measure tax increases by cups at Starbucks… a $36 increase, it’s about four cups at Starbucks.”

Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise remarked, “If it wasn’t for the mandates from the state, we would be riding high.”

The final budget will be announced on Monday, May 2 at Cedarhurst Village Hall at 7pm.

NORMAN SAFFRA, M.D., FACS WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE EXPANDED LONG ISLAND OFFICE HOURS

Director of Ophthalmology Maimonides Medical Center Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology Mt Sinai School Of Medicine

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Norman Saffra, MD, FACS, is one of the nation’s leading ophthal mic laser and micro surgeons. Dr. Saffra is known for his expertise in diseases of the Retina and Vitreous such as: diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal tears and detachments. He is also experienced in caring for patients with Uveitis and Neuro Ophthalmic disorders. Dr. Saffra is a Fellow of: The Ameri can College of Surgeons and The American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the North American Association of Neuro Ophthalmology.

Dr Saffra frequently lectures in medical schools and to physicians throughout the country. Dr. Saffra is actively involved in clinical and surgical research. He has contrib uted over 25 scholarly papers to peer review journals and assisted in the design of two different surgical instru ments. Under Dr. Saffra’s leadership, The Eye Institute at Maimonides is at the forefront of advancing medical science by pursuing research into diseases that cause permanent vision loss.

He has been consistently listed in the “Castle Con nolly Guide: How to find the Best Doctors (New York Metro area)” and has been listed in New York Magazine “best doctors” issue 12 times. He continues to be quoted by all major television networks and newspapers in regards to ophthalmology issues.

Dr. Saffra resides in Nassau County with his family, and is looking forward to bring state of the art retinal care to our area.

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• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

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Carolyn McCarthy U.S. Representative, New York’s 4th District Voted NAY On Agreeing to the Resolution H.CON.RES.34 on April 15th, 2011. (193 no, 235 yea’s) The Bill, which establishes the budget for the United States Government for ďŹ scal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for ďŹ scal years 2013 through 2021, passed in the House on April 15th (Republican Budget Bill).

Voted NAY on April 15th, 2011 to providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 34) establishing the budget for the United States Government for ďŹ scal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for ďŹ scal years 2013 through 2021.

Voted NAY on RES. 218 on April 13th, 2011. Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1473) making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the ďŹ scal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes. The Bill passed 241-179 in the House.

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D), 20th NY Assemblyman Weisenberg’s Sponsored Bill A7274-201, which aims to eliminate the requirement that persons 65 years of age or older, who are eligible for a real property tax exemption, to annually reapply for such exemption was referred to the Aging Committee on April 27th, 2011.

Sponsor of Bill A1007-2011, which prohibits insurance companies from refusing to issue or renew an automobile insurance policy when the motor vehicle to be insured is used for ďŹ re ďŹ ghting, was reported before members on April 13th, 2011.

New York State Senator Dean G. Skelos Majority Leader, (R, C, IP) 9th Senate District Voted AYE on April 13th, 2011 on Bill S3885-2011: This bill aims to change existing law so that individuals applying for a New York State Drivers License must complete the organ donor registry -checking the box for either “yes’ or “not at this time� under the organ donor registry section of the application. The Bill passed the Senate and was referred to the Transportation Committee on Apr 13, 2011.

Voted AYE on Apr 12th, 2011 S2631-2011, which requires the commissioner of taxation and ďŹ nance to provide for the payment of refunds within 30 days of the receipt of a tax return. The Bill was referred to Ways and Means on April 13th, 2011.

Voted AYE on S4211-2011, an act to amend the education law, in relation to allowing certain schools to contract with BOCES for criminal background checks, on April 12th, 2011. The act passed the Senate on April 12th, 2011 and was delivered to the Governor on April 15th, 2011.

Fourth Precinct Gets $50K in High Tech Gear CONTINUED FROM P. A2 ing OfďŹ cer Rick Capece said. “So we’re going to be enforcing that.â€?

Another device headed to the Fourth Precinct are Preliminary Breathalyzer Tests (PBT) to help crack-down DWI’s in the area and enforce the zero tolerance rule with blood alcohol limits.

Lastly, ofďŹ cers will see an increase in the plate reading technology installed in police squad cars that helps track down criminals with outstanding warrants and other illegalities.

OfďŹ cers in the Fourth Precinct have attributed the license plate readers as an effective method towards making arrests and lowering crime rates in The Five Towns and surrounding areas in recent years.

The license plate scanners are installed inside of the lights above police cruisers, automatically scanning any license plate of any vehicle on the road, instantaneously alerting the ofďŹ cer of legal issues tied to that individual, such as outstanding warrants, criminal history and more.

Capece noted that the plate readers are part of an initiative linked to higher sources – as in the United States Department of Homeland Security. “The plate readers are a device for Homeland Security. It registers who’s in the area, and who’s been in the area. A lot of people don’t realize that the fourth precinct, we are located next to a prime terrorist target and that is JFK Airport, its warehouses and fuel capacities,� said Capece.

According to ofďŹ cers, the new technology and equip-

ment doesn’t come cheap.

The new plate reader Capece plans to purchase is a $25,000 investment alone. Furthermore, the digital tint readers, according to Capece, are typically priced at $75 per device – with an intended 24 on the way, that’s an additional $1800, on top of the 12 more PBT’s coming in, running up between $400 and $600 dollars.

Capece, however, noted that the number of PBT’s isn’t deďŹ nite. “We’re probably going purchase around a dozen,â€? he said.

Moulds said Thursday that typically, ofďŹ cers from the Fourth precinct operate equipment such as these on rotation of shifts. “It’s a temporary mount and its portable so we can move it from car to car,â€? Capece said.

The high cost, however, won’t be an issue, thanks to Assemblyman Weisenberg’s support. “It’s nice to be appreciated.

Only good can come from this,�

OfďŹ cer Chimienti said.

OfďŹ cer Capece even said this will help better manage time on duty, as well. “This allows us to put extra patrols out and gives us the ability to put people out on overtime. So this will be an enhanced patrol – it will not just be a regular patrol, were going to put out extra patrols to handle these problems.â€?

For Weisenberg, an ex-police ofďŹ cer himself, it’s a manner of helping the team. “Once a cop, always a cop,â€?

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg said on Thursday afternoon, just after the former police ofďŹ cer handed-over a $50,000 grant to ofďŹ cers of Nassau County P.D.’s Fourth Precinct.

Sports

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

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Hewlett Burned by Dragons’ Illegal Bat Protest

By JONATHAN WALTER Standard Staff Reporter

T

he Hewlett Bulldogs have lost their share of games this season, but none were as controversial as their 2-1 loss to Levittown’s Division High School Blue Dragons on Tuesday at home, when a bat cost them a chance to score. Following the loss, the Bulldogs fell to 1-9, to sit at last place in their conference.

Down one run in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bulldogs had runners on first and third with no outs. Catcher Alex Bernstein had lined a single to right field that sent the runner on first base, Brandon Martinez, to third.

That’s when Division head coach Tom Tuttle filed a protest against Bernstein’s bat. After a lengthy delay during which both coaches argued their case to umpires, Bernstein’s bat was determined to be illegal and he was called out. Martinez was forced to go back to first. The call killed the Bulldog’s rally as a groundout followed by a pickoff ended the inning.

“It’s a shame when coaches become bigger than the game,” Hewlett head coach Andy DeBernardo said. “The hardest thing to do in sports is hit a baseball and there’s nothing in that bat that made him hit that baseball.

I’m just frustrated. I thought my boys played great and unfortunately another coach turned a very good game into something that left a bad taste in everybody’s mouth.

The call marred a solid pitching performance by Hewlett starting pitcher Spencer Prusack, who gave up just two runs over seven innings while striking out eight batters.

“These are the two best games

that Spencer has thrown in four years here and he’s getting better,” DeBernardo said. “He’s got three pitches going right now. He’s been a one or two pitch pitcher for two and a half years, and right now he’s got it going. Now he’s got a curveball that he’s throwing for strikes and his changeup is almost nasty. He’s growing up to be a very good pitcher and he’s carrying this team right now.”

“I think that I painted it black,” Prusack said. “I put the ball where the catcher called the pitches, and that’s what happens when you hit your corners and throw

ny Martinez in the first inning.

“It was off of a curveball that just hung in the middle of the plate,” Prusack said. “It was a strike, but didn’t get to where it was supposed to be.”

After an error that allowed Division’s Dan Skillman to reach second base on what should have been a groundout and a sacrifice bunt that got Skillman to third, Matthew Santorufo hit single to right field to drive in the run and give the Blue Dragons all the runs they’d need.

Hewlett answered back with a run in the bottom of the fourth

Spencer Prusack delivering a pitch for the Hewlett Bulldogs in a game against Levittown Division Photo by Jonathan Walter

Hewlett Baseball coach Andy DeBernardo talks with umpires about an illegal bat in a game against Levittown Division A Hewlett runner is thrown out at second base as Levittown Division tries to complete a double play your off speed pitches for strikes.

That’s what made me successful I think.”

Prusack made just one big mistake all game when he gave up a long home run to Division’s Len-

when Luciano Morello hit an RBI single to drive in Ross Kleinrock.

After the game, Prusack questioned Tuttle’s timing for protesting the bat.

“They should have called him

out on it the first time, because when we were threatening they said to us that we couldn’t use the bat now. They should have said something in the first inning instead of the seventh in-

ning when it mattered. When the game was on the line, they called us out on it and that’s a bogus bush league thing to do.”

DeBernardo still takes some positives out of his team’s performance.

“We’re definitely going to take

some good out of this,” DeBernardo said. “That team is a very good team. Whether the coach is doing that or not, that’s a good team. They’re always in the playoffs, Levittown Division, so these guys played their hearts out today.”

Lawrence Takes Lynbrook 4-2 with Dramatic Defensive Play at Home Plate

By JONATHAN WALTER Standard Staff Reporter

L

awrence’s Komisarjevsky brothers, Matthew and Stephen had no problem stopping the Lynbrook Owls from swooping in for a come from behind victory in the bottom of the seventh inning with a strong throw from left field to throw out a Lynbrook runner at the plate. The defensive play helped Lawrence come through with a 4-2 win on Tuesday to improve their record to 3-4 on the season.

Up four to nothing going into the final frame, starting pitcher Brandon Burrell allowed a pair of singles, followed by a walk to load the bases. A groundout followed by a single knocked in two of the runs. That’s when the Komisarjevsky brothers came through with their big play.

“We can’t forget about that throw from left field by Matty,” Lawrence head coach Dennis Leonard said. “Stephen Komisarjevsky did a great job blocking the plate and that’s baseball.

You’ve got to love it.”

Burrell led the Tornadoes with his best start of the season, allowing only two runs over seven innings while striking out five.

“I would say that Brandon has had some great performances,” Leonard said, “but this one definitely outclasses the rest. That’s a very good team that we just beat right there.”

“My fastball was working for strikes.” Burrell said. “I was changing up everything and keeping them off balance. It was a big win. I walked a few more guys than I would like and I had to work. My defense did a great job behind me and I just let the batters hit it to them.”

Anthony Montilli came through with Lawrence’s first big hit of the afternoon, driving a double to deep left field in the top of the fourth inning that drove in Mike Pappalardo from first base for the first run of the game. Burrell also drove in a run on a groundout later in the inning.

“It looked like, especially through this win, that the ball

A Lawrence Batter takes a swing in his team’s game against Lynrbook

had been having a hard time even reaching the outfielders all day,” Leonard said, “but it was a pretty good time to finally get on top when Montilli hit his double.”

Eddie Robinson came through with the team’s next big hit in the top of the fifth as he smacked a single over the second baseman’s head that knocked in two runs, all that Lawrence would need to take the victory.

“Those were two huge runs as it stands,” Leonard said, “game winning RBIs.” “Eddie had a bit hit,” Burrell said. “Montilli had a bomb. A lot of sacrificing happened in this game. It was about moving people over and getting big time hitting from there.”

Despite the close win, Leonard remained cautious in his optimism after the game.

“This win means everything today and it means nothing tomorrow,” Leonard said. “We’ve got the same great club in front of us and we’re going to need another great performance to beat them, so we hope that we can perform the same way but we take it one game at a time. We have to be realistic. We have three good teams ahead of us for three tough series. It certainly gives us a lift and it also shows that we can shut the door.”

Results from Lawrence’s Wednesday game: Lynbrook 7, Lawrence 0 Lynbrook’s Alex Weingarten pitched a complete game shutout in the second game of a three game series between the teams, this one at Lawrence High School. Weingarten allowed Lawrence only three hits on his way to dropping Lawrence’s record to 3-5 on the season.

A scrum of players try to pick up a ground ball in Lawrence’s game against Malverne

Lawrence Lacrosse Gets Kicked 11-2 For Loss

By JONATHAN WALTER Standard Staff Reporter

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olden Tornadoes Boys Lacrosse was took a hard kick from the Malverne High School Mules on Wednesday afternoon at home as they lost the league match-up 11-2. The young Tornadoes have been struggling to find any success this season as they fell to a league worst 0-9 overall and efforts to build a stronger Lawrence lacrosse program continue.

“It’s tough,” Lawrence head coach Mike Medrano said.

“We’re a young team and since we combined the Junior Varsity and the Varsity, we need to make a lot of ties. A lot of these guys don’t pick up a lacrosse stick until middle school at the earliest. We’re pretty much just starting at the beginning and trying to build this program from

the bottom up.”

Down 7-0 in the second quarter, attack-man Chris Donahue scored Lawrence’s first goal with 51 seconds left in the half on a bouncing shot past the Malverne goalie. Kenneth Guttierez assisted. Guttierez got in on the scoring action in the fourth quarter on an unassisted goal of his own.

Lawrence goalie Brandon Helicher came through with 18 saves for his team.

For Malverne, Brendan Cross led his team with five goals scored.

Despite the loss, Medrano looks for positive aspects to take out of the game and for ways to improve.

“We did some good things and we’re communicating well,” Medrano said. “I’d like to take a step forward in the right direction. I look for the guys to finish strong, communicate, and

not give up. It’s about reinforcing positive behavior. We don’t want negative behavior. These guys have to keep their heads up.”

As for his top performers, Medrano praised Donahue and defenseman Larry Barach for their effort in the game.

“They really gave it their all today,” Medrano said. “Some guys put their heads down when things aren’t going well, but they don’t.”

Going forward, Medrano’s biggest concern is his team’s ability to pick up ground balls.

“That’s definitely our biggest issue,” Medrano said. “We need to be able to pick up ground balls in order to possess the ball and have a chance to win.”

Lawrence heads out on the road to take on West Hempstead on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. as they continue to fight for their first win of the season.

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• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

Opinion DEAR THAT’S LIFE

Howar d Bar banel

“Speak Your Mind”

Editor and Publisher

Susan V ar ghes e

Lee R eynolds

Associate Editor

Director of Advertising

Jonath an Wal ter Austin S ykes

Bar bara P fister er Office Manager

By Miriam L. Wallach

Staff Reporters

“U

The South Shore Standard is published by Standard Media Group, LLC, 1024 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598 • (516) 341-0445 • Fax: (516) 374-4068 StandardLI.com • All Contents ©2011, Standard Media Group.

EDITORIALS

Holocaust Remembrance

I

srael and much of World Jewry commemorates the Six Million martyrs of The Holocaust this year on Sunday evening May 1st and Monday, May 2nd. Here in The Five Towns there

is a community-wide observance of Yom HaShoah (literally, “Holocaust Day”) Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence.

The Beth Sholom event is sponsored by nearly every Orthodox synagogue in our area and therein lies the conundrum.

When the Nazis were rounding up Jews throughout Europe from 1939-1945 they weren’t asking whether one was religious or not, whether one was Chassidic or not. As they shoved helpless women and children into yawning death pits like Babi Yar or herded them into cattle cars and then into gas chambers, the Germans were not looking at synagogue affiliations. Moreover, many non-Jews were also exterminated by the Nazi death machine (which is not to diminish the Nazis’ primary and laser-like focus of wiping out all Jews).

While we’re sure that anyone and everyone is welcome to attend the Beth Sholom event there needs to be a way to have this kind of solemn evening held with communitywide sponsorship regardless of and irrespective of affiliation or lack thereof. There should not be a laundry list of sponsoring synagogues of one denomination. It should just be The Five Towns community. Additionally, this should and could be an ecumenical event, enlisting participation of non-Jewish institutions and governmental bodies because Holocaust commemoration and education is imperative to teach all our young people and keep all of humanity vigilant against evil and genocide.

Our “Gated Community”

O

ur area has the distinction of having the only toll bridge in all of Long Island – Nassau and Suffolk.

Once one hits the Nassau border you won’t encoun-

ter a single toll road or bridge on all of Long Island straight out to

VOX POPULI

DO RIGHT BY OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR COMMUNITIES

By George Sava

A

s you all know, May 10, 2011, is the deadline to pay the second half of our school property taxes. Like most in The Five Towns, this is an unbelievable hit. In the past we have accepted the hit as the price we must pay for some of the best schools in the nation.

The schools are so good in fact, it is one of the reasons why my family, and many other families chose to make The Five Towns home.

To maintain this academic excellence does not necessarily mean we must continue to pay such high taxes. The clear fact remains that the Town of Hempstead and the County of Nassau, every year, fail to get our fair share of state educational funding while at the same time

Montauk or Orient Point save for our own Atlantic Beach Bridge

On the front page of today’s issue you can read a report indicating the millions being spent to support an (albeit shrinking) bureaucracy for a bridge that was paid off decades ago.

The bridge’s managers make a case for self-sustainability and that only users of the bridge pay for it and that without the tolls the burden of maintaining the bridge would fall on all of Nassau County.

We don’t buy into this argument. Long Island is speckled with waterways and dozens of bridges crossing them. Two other crossings to Long Beach Island (which contains Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach and Point Lookout) further East are toll-free and very well maintained and everyone in the county pays for it and no one in Wantagh complains about it. That’s because taxpayers in Cedarhurst or Hewlett also support bridges in Oyster Bay and Jones Beach.

We suspect two reasons to maintain tolls – the first being as a patronage machine and the second to keep “day trippers” out of Atlantic Beach. (As if spending a pleasant Summer day at the beach is some kind of criminal offense) The beaches belong to the people, but unless you buy a membership at a private beach club and pay a toll to get there, forget about sunning yourself in Atlantic Beach or strolling their boardwalk. There is also no public parking and there is no publicly owned beach. Lido Beach was once all private beach clubs but in the 70s and 80s the County and Town of Hempstead bought them out and opened the shoreline to the public.

If you live in The Five Towns and don’t want to join a club, you have to go East to Long Beach or Lido or even Jones Beach instead of the shore just two miles away. If you want to travel the short way to Long Beach you have to pay a regressive tax targeted mainly at Five Towners in the form of the bridge toll.

The time has come to make all of Long Island’s thoroughfares free-ways and end the unique punitive tax that is the Atlantic Beach Bridge. The time has also come for farsighted County leaders to secure at least part of the Atlantic Beach shoreline for Five Towns and other area residents as a benefit and inherent right in consideration for all the oppressively high taxes we area homeowners pay.

our schools are forced to jump through numerous bureaucratic hurdles.

In December 2004, then Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman issued a report wherein he determined that in comparison with the rest of the state the County is under funded. In percentages, wherein statewide aid to education is 37.4 percent of school budgets, Nassau County received only 16.6 percent. We make up the difference.

When you ask why, the answer is simply the state formula.

Former Comptroller Weitzman described it as “complicated formulas that not only consider the percentage of low-income students, but also property wealth.”

The report set forth that “to the extent that property wealth is used to compute state aid, the

George Sava was the 2010 Democratic Nominee for N.Y. State Senate, 9th Senate District. He is an attorney with Port & Sava, a local law firm, and a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. George resides inThe Five Towns with his wife and three children.

formulas tend to exaggerate the affluence of counties like Nassau.” Again, this report was in 2004, so apparently when property values rose, the county took a tremendous hit in education aid.

Mr. Weitzman then compared Nassau County household incomes with other areas in the state. Although we were on par and in fact lower than areas like Westchester, we still pay a greater percentage. The report, using 2002 figures, set forth that although Nassau County residents’ average household income was less than Westchester County, Westchester residents paid 3.4 percent taxes as a percentage of average household income. Nassau residents paid 5.48 percent.

In the time since this report, household values in the Town and County have not increased, they have in fact decreased.

Since 2007 the market value of my home has decreased over 20 percent yet my school taxes

CONTINUED ON P. B6

CONSERVATIVE COMMENT

WILL THE REAL CAROLYN McCARTHY PLEASE STAND UP?

By Francis Becker

W

e all know Carolyn McCarthy lost her husband in a tragic attack by a crazed gunman on the Long Island Rail Road because she reminds us of this every time she runs for re-election.

She is also a nurse — which she also tells everyone every chance she gets. In addition, she reminds us that, after the loss of her husband, it was the desperate need for gun control in the United States that prompted her to run for Congress in 1996.

Since then, she has had numerous challengers — myself being one of them — and has constantly been re-elected.

Long Island consists largely of suburban, middle class families whose political philosophy is, by and large, center right. So how could Long Islanders support someone who has been an

ultra-left Democrat for over a decade? I am told by many that she gets a large “sympathy vote.”

I can understand voters feeling bad for someone. However, I don’t think they would support someone who, if they were truly informed, votes consistently against their best interests and those of their families. Let’s examine just a few of her political positions and I will give you my conclusion.

In a press release issued by her office, Congresswoman McCarthy claimed House Republicans were trying to use the recent budget negotiation process to pass “an extreme political agenda.” She further adds, House Republicans must “put politics aside and stop attaching divisive and harmful proposals like defunding environmental regulation and health care for women and children to their budget bills.”

Fran Becker is a member of the Nassau County Legislature and was most recently the Republican Candidate for Congress in the district which includes the Five Towns.

Such a statement would be laughable if it weren’t so sad.

The issue involves the Republicans’ effort to defund Planned Parenthood and its $350 million budget to so as to reduce Federal spending. What Mrs. McCarthy really cares most about is not health care for women because we all know that the prime mission of Planned Parenthood is abortions. But did you read that in Mrs. McCarthy’s press release? Of course not. Abortion is sacred to Mrs. McCarthy, even into the ninth month of pregnancy — known as partial birth abortion — which she has consistently voted for and supported. Partial birth abortion is the practice when a child in the final months of a pregnancy is induced into “partial birth” and is born all except for the head which is then pierced, drained and crushed. (I feel compelled to remind you at this moment that Mrs. McCarthy is a nurse.)

Even the late Senator Pat Moynihan called the procedure “infanticide.” No matter your position on abortion, it is hard to imag-

CONTINUED ON P. B6

se your words!” is what I say to my children when they are frustrated and upset over a trivial matter. I have also used that line with some adults, when something needs to be said, and instead of just coming out and saying it, the issue is danced around. It does not come off as smoothly when used with people who average above three feet in height, but the point gets across regardless.

Being very bright, my friend’s young son has little difficulty saying what is on his mind, coming straight to the point when it needs to be made. He accompanied me on a trip to the supermarket and as we were on line checking out, he noticed a product near the counter. “Can I tell everyone in the store something?” he exclaimed in a fairly audible voice, the product in his hand. Even before he could share what was on his mind, I looked at him as if he was my own and firmly but warmly, said, “NO.” It is hard, however, to stop oneself mid-thought and even I would not have been able to restrain myself. His need to finish the thought was therefore not surprising. Still holding the product and in a less audible voice, he looked at me and said, “This thing is total junk.” I laughed, knowing that out of the mouths of babes often comes the truth and in this case, he was correct. Clearly using his words, he was right on the money.

My son also suffers from the same talent, sharing what is on his mind regardless of who it might offend or how inappropriate it may be. Sometimes it is funny to hear him say things such as, “I want a new twin” if his sister seems to be annoying him. Other times, it is embarrassing when he says, “Are you back again?” when someone comes to visit. I am often convinced he is a forty year old man caught in a preschooler’s body. The comments he makes sound more like a person who has gone through years of life and not one whose primary source of information comes from an animated character name Agent Pete. Under the watchful eyes of my in-laws when my husband and I had somewhere to go, he requested some chocolate milk. Not moving fast enough for his taste, my son looked at my father-in-law and, with an annoyed tone and in an effort to get faster service, he exclaimed, “Hello?!” Suffice it to say, that did not go over very well. When we returned home, I inquired as to how everything went. “He’s got a mouth on him,” I was told, in a “loving grandparent” tone.

Again, he used his words.

Sometimes, however, there are misfires when what comes out of his mouth is not what he really wants to

CONTINUED ON P. B6

Miriam L. Wallach,

MS.ed., M.A., has been writing “That’s Life” for close to five years. She lives in Woodmere with her husband and six children and can be found all week long on her blog at www.dearthatslife.com.

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

THE LEGENDARY DANNY O’DOUL

THE ZEITGEIST WITH HOWARD BARBANEL

Live from the Field

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Dateline: April 26, 2011, 8:57 PM – Somewhere in Miami

W

ell, the Great Chometz Countdown Clock has just struck bagel, and I though my first instinct is to scarf down some leavened junk food, I race instead to the business center of a major four-star hotel, somewhere in the Florida Passover War Zone, where previously white-faced Five Towners are packing to leave on 7 AM flights home, with world-class tan lines and enough aloe vera to keep George Hamilton youthful looking for another two centuries.

Wow, and what a brutal scene it was at the Fontainebleau Hotel circular driveway – where 142 cars jockeyed for position and caused a six block pileup waiting to cruise northward on Collins Avenue –Causing residents of the Blue and Green Diamonds to actually wait in line to exit their sloping grand driveway.

And, somewhere on a golf course at a major hotel, a guest breaks a putter over the back of his foursome partner because the sap inadvertently played

the other’s Titleist instead of his own more distant ball. Not since Tiger getting zapped by his Swedish Ex-Wife, has the game known such utter brutality!

Meanwhile, the Veal Milanese at a major Passover program sickened 1200 people who thought that it was chicken – ironically – the only person unfazed and unaffected was a 5 year old girl allergic to nuts!

The fun did not stop there – chometz was discovered in Ban Du Soleil 50 SPF imported French sun block And seven very attractive women in Gottex and Jimmy Choos were almost excommunicated – until a fashion-forward Rabbi from a competing Passover program offered them asylum at his hotel.

Tonight, as the cabbies get booked up and most people have already bribed the bellboys to visit them first at 5 AM, I am looking for an bagel store to stop into and maybe an all-night bank to hit for a free cup of coffee, as soon as I finish this breaking news report.

This is The Legendary Danny O’Doul signing off and wishing my dear brothers and sisters a quick, safe, painless exodus out of Florida and may they be delivered back to the Promised Land of the Five Towns!

Well, I hear the elevators are already extremely active and the horns already blowing on 41st Street outside Shem Tov’s Pizza Place – where the line has already reached from the storefront to the I-95 approach on the other side of the Arthur Godfrey Causeway – and the 8th Street Cubans have already grabbed the first pies to sell to the tourists for $50 a piece – and the stragglers have already given up and went to the nearby Walgreen’s for M&M’s and a Snickers Bar. Oh, the humanity – not since the Hindenburg have I witnessed such hopelessness and despair! Much worse, even, than the line to Space Mountain at Disneyworld for those of our neighbors Passovering in Orlando. Oh, how we suffered in this wilderness, eating our matza under the sun and baking in the heat like our unleavened bread. Vacation – what vacation – this is the trip of affliction!

And tomorrow, at Miami International, Ft. Lauderdale Airport and West Palm Beach our traveling people will once, again, endure the stings and arrows of the TSA and their souped-up x-ray machines which will reveal just how much weight we all gained on our Passover Holidays!!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bury The Lines To The Editor, You recently advocated locating local power lines underground. I have for years thought that to be a highly desirable change. The recent auto accident that snapped a pole and caused extensive blackouts renewed my concern. Above ground lines and poles are a source of accidents which, along with weather, lead to power outages, and are just plain ugly. I hope LIPA has analyzed the capital required to bury the lines and the accompanying reduction in maintenance costs. Most of Europe and much of the US enjoy subterranean power distribution. We should too.

David Shapiro

Woodmere

Support 5K Run To The Editor, I don’t know if you have heard of the 5 Towns 5K Run/ Walk. Most of the people I tell that I am participating in the Run/Walk ask me, “what’s that?”

I proceed to explain that the event is run by FIDV (Friends of Israeli Disabled Veterans), which supports the Beit Halochem rehabilitation centers in Israel. While most Israelis and many Jews know of these centers, the rest of the world does not. The centers support Israel’s disabled veterans and victims of terror throughout Israel.

Building awareness throughout our community and beyond is our goal, so the next time I tell someone about FIDV, they will know the importance of what it represents.

Some people assume that I am participating in the race simply because I am Jewish or because my parents were born in Israel. While those reasons may have been what initially drew me to the cause, they are no longer the strongest factor in my desire to participate.

My father Uriel served in the Israeli armed forces, from August 1962 to February 1965. He was then called upon to serve in the Six Day War in 1967. I cannot begin to explain the pride I have for my father knowing of his involvement in such an important war for Israel. While he may have gone through his service and the war unscathed, many others, including some of his own friends, were not as lucky.

During the Yom Kippur War, in October 1973, a dear friend of my father’s, Moshe, served as a Tank Commander. One day, in the course of battle, his tank was hit by an Egyptian missile, with him inside. Most of the soldiers in his tank were killed instantly.

While Moshe was lucky to survive, he immediately went into shock and was sent to the hospital. The years that followed were traumatic. Moshe went from hospital to hospital undergoing extensive psychological treatments to learn how to live life again. His mental state included suffering from night terrors, continuing to relive the horrific event of the exploding tank, and adjusting to the sudden loss of his close comrades.

Years later, when the doctors finally declared him stable to enter the world again, Moshe began his treatments at the Beit Halochem center in Tel Aviv.

The center in Tel Aviv opened in 1974. The almost 100,000 square foot complex consists of a multipurpose gym, treatment rooms, classrooms, culture halls, massage and hydrotherapy unit, and the like. During the course of his rehabilitation, Moshe made use of most of the center’s facilities. He continued to receive necessary psychological treatments, and began to interact with others. The social functions at the center helped him integrate himself into the world once again. He took part in sporting events, and took classes in art and photogra-

phy. Today the center holds an exhibit of many of his photographs. Beit Halochem helped him channel his fear and anguish into a beautiful form of art. To this day, Moshe continues to use the rehabilitation services of the Tel Aviv center, and will do so for the rest of his life.

Moshe now has a wife, 3 children and 5 grandchildren, so far.

Beit Halochem gave him that.

Beit Halochem has grown over the years. It has added 3 more centers in Haifa, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva. It now not only treats Israel’s disabled veterans, but also victims of terror. Unlike other veteran associations throughout the world, Israel and Beit Halochem are unique in that the government provides medical assistance, donations and a broad spectrum of social services to not only the veterans and victims themselves, but to their family members as well. This type of assistance helps keep families intact and functional, and enables them to better handle what their family members have gone through.

Now, when I think of FIDV and the 5 Towns 5K Run/Walk, I don’t only want to participate because I am Jewish, or because my parents were born in Israel. I do it for Moshe, and all those like him. I think of what would have become of him if Beit Halochem did not exist, and it makes me want to stop every person I see on the street and convince them to participate as well. I am now reaching out to you and all of your readers and asking for help for those like Moshe. You can visit us at 5towns5k.org and register to participate in the second annual 5 Towns 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Participation is crucial to raising the profile of this selfless organization.

I hope to see you and all your readers there!

Amy Madmon

Cedarhurst

The Standard welcomes your comments, feedback and Letters to the Editor. Please keep letters at a reasonable length (about 500 words maximum if possible) as they may be edited for size. Please include your full name, address and daytime phone.

Email to Letters@StandardLI.com

I

’m having an anniversary. A year ago I found myself ambling out of the Seventh Avenue offices of the Beth Din of America, the rabbinical court that processes many Jewish divorces in New York. The Beth Din (religious court) is located in a very non-descript office building South of Penn Station in an equally non-descript suite of offices in that building.

One could just as well be visiting some city agency or mid-level law or accounting firm. Visually, there’s nothing about the place that would indicate the dramatic life changes taking place within its walls.

The overall vanilla drabness there is perhaps a metaphor for the blah-like feelings I had upon emerging after an hour spent with a panel of heretofore unknown (to me) rabbis, quills in hand as they peppered me with no end of questions on my lineage and that of my now former spouse while they wrote a Bill of Divorce (a “get”) which is essentially the opposite of a Jewish marriage certificate (a “ketuba”).

Although the place is very bureaucratic looking, the atmosphere is comparable to that of a funeral parlor (minus the Gothic crenellations and profusion of interior mahogany, suede and flowers) as you’re not the only person having their life unraveled at the time, so the waiting area is an amalgam of grim, teary and moist-eyed people of all ages and genders, some heartbreakingly young and some surprisingly old.

In the space of 60 minutes 14plus years of my life were consigned to the permanent past in

a divorce I didn’t ask for, didn’t want and that I tried real hard to stop. But you can’t control other people and you can’t control the weather, so I found myself as a reluctant over-50 single still living in my same Five Towns home, still going to the same synagogues, still driving the same car, still having the same cleaning lady (nine years now) and same secretary (eight). Unfortunately, my prior business of 18 years was being severely battered by the recession when my ex bolted from our home a year and a half ago so I had to contend with the dual stresses of personal heartache and professional tzurris. I don’t recommend this to anyone. Thankfully, I have a very loving family and some truly amazing friends and neighbors that helped me through.

The last time I was truly single was around 1995-96 which was way before the ubiquity of mobile phones, Blackberrys, i-Phones, internet dating, text messaging, BBM-ing and the like. It’s been kind of a Rip Van Winkle experience learning the new fangled dating etiquette (yes, there has been a dating paradigm-shift in the past 15 years and it’s not like it was “back in the day.”). First and foremost it has been an odyssey of oddity as older members of the opposite sex are not the same at say, 40, as they were at 25. Many of those who never married have frankly spent way too much time “professionally dating” (going on hundreds of first and second dates) so that they could really just send a video and/or they’ve spent so much time living alone that the concept of sharing everyday life is an unfathomable and alien concept.

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Then there are those who have sadly become embittered and jaded by past relationships and /or marriages to such an extent that all new men they meet are tainted with “original sin,” i.e., all men are guilty of being dogs until proven otherwise and the burden of proof on any guy can be exhausting and extensive. These women are often the polar opposite of the wide-eyed romantic and willing young woman of 15 years ago. And there are a lot fewer of them because so many ladies between 35-45 are married now with kids.

Manhattan is the center of middle aged (and all ages really) single life, so I’ve put my EZ-pass to work along with my rear “Bumper Buddy,” and trucked a lot into The City to meet and date. The Amex card also has gotten some exercise.

Many women find me to be “G.U.” (geographically undesirable) as their world ends at the East or Hudson Rivers but I’m not moving back into some tiny place in Manhattan if I can help it. That’s why God invented cars, EZ-pass and the LIRR. (Well, maybe the Devil invented the LIRR).

So far I’ve not been able to re-create the bright sparks and deep chemistry (both emotional, intellectual and physical) of prior committed relationships but its only been a year now and Spring is finally here, my pink tulips are in full, glorious bloom and I’m thankfully dating. I’ll keep you all periodically posted on my social progress in this second-life quest for middle-aged love. You can read some of my prior blog posts on this subject at Wuugu.com and look in this space for ongoing tales of adventure from the suburban single and fabulous.

• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

Only a store this big would offer a coupon this big.

You’ve never seen anything like XSRE (say “ak-sess-uh-ree”).

We’ve gone to great lengths, widths, and heights to create the biggest accessory superstores in the world and fill them with a spectacular selection of shoes, bags,

belts, bangles, beads and more in the styles, colors, and textures you love.

From classic essentials to this season’s sizzling must-haves, XSRE has everything you need to show off your style IQ or maximize what’s already in your closet.

And now, get 20% off any item, plus enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree! Hey, we’re the biggest accessory superstore in the world.

We never do anything small!

See it for yourself! Spend a week at the XSRE near you!

20

% off

any one item

plus enter to win a

$1,000

shopping spree! one per store

5TJT-3

A8

Copies not accepted. Limit one coupon per transaction. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. The discount cannot be applied to giftcards or sales tax. Discount expires April 30, 2011. $1,000 Shopping Spree: No purchase necessary. This offer is not available to employees and their families. Winners drawn on Saturday, May 7, 2011 and announced on our Facebook page.

Visit xsre.com and follow us on

The biggest accessory superstore in the world!

Palisades Center 1282 Palisades Center Dr West Nyack NY 10994 1st floor next to Best Buy

Bay Harbour Mall 345 Rockaway Turnpike Lawrence NY 11559 next to Bed Bath & Beyond

COMING SOON Paramus Towne Square 240 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07652 1 mile north of Route 4

Avenue

the

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

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HOUSE & HOME • FASHION & FEATURES

Spring Styles Looking Good in Hewlett

for Under $250 Mixology skirt ($52.50) and top by Hamptons ($72.50) at Mixology

Rachel Lerman modeling a dress by Milkyway ($38) and necklace ($38) at Max and Gino’s Pink tshirt by Micheal Stars ($66) at Rags

Cargo shorts by Sanctuary ($68) at Rags

Tank by Mixology ($24.50) and necklace

by Silent Gypsy ($59.50) at Mixology

Denim leggings by Flying Monkey ($54) at Max and Gino’s

Add some color to any spring wardrobe with a Fedora by Strawville ($25)at Max and Gino’s Necklace at Rags ($40)

Maxi skirt by BB Dakota ($85.50) at Mixology

TEXT AND PHOTOS By SUSAN VARGHESE

S

hopping for spring doesn’t have to break the bank, if you know where to look. Mixology, Rags, and Max & Gino’s have different price ranges and styles, but with the right mixing and matching — stylish outfits under $250 are right at your fingertips.

Mixology Rene Shapiro, co-owner of Mixology, noted long flowing maxi skirts as a must-have, for any body type. “ I think a maxi skirt makes [even the most petite] look longer…and you can dress it up or down.” Try a maxi skirt by BB Dakota for $85.50. “Clothing should be fun,” noted Shapiro, like black and white polka doted shorts by Free People with a classic tank top ($58).

Jon and Rene Shapiro, opened Mixology initially in Oceanside 18 months ago, and shortly after, opened up in Hewlett. They have a store in Woodbury, and are opening in Southampton and Westhampton, as well as another five pending locations. “Mixology is a store that looks like a boutique, services like a boutique, but doesn’t price like a boutique,” Jon said.

Mixology is located on 1199 Broadway in Hewlett.

Rags “ We’re definitely seeing bells, flares, and shorter tops,” explained Rags sales associate, Lisa. “Everyone should have a pair of flared jeans, they fall nicely over wedges.” Jeans are a big seller at Rags and range from $120-$198. Jeans can be paired with cotton and silk tribal top from Love Sam ($220), an abstract top from Zoa ($98), or ditch the jeans and opt for a maxi dress from Splendid ($120).

Rags, which has been owned by Erin Field for the past six years, is located on 1344 Broadway in Hewlett.

Max & Gino’s Lace, mesh, fringe, and crochet are starting to make a comeback, Max & Gino’s manager, Kelly Ford said, but skinny jeans are always in style. “Dark jeans or jeggings are a staple. People live in them, they’re comfortable, you can dress them up or down,” according to Ford.

For a quick look, Ford suggested a laced pink top from Vintage Havana ($64) with denim leggings from Flying Monkey ($54).

Ford explained that Mitch and Jean Feig opened the store almost 20 years ago, and though they predominately sell junior sportswear, they carry everything from feminine dresses to vintage rock t-shirts.

Max & Gino’s is located on 1330 Broadway in Hewlett.

END

OF APRIL SHOWERS IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PLANT MAY FLOWERS (AND VEGGIES)

By AUSTIN SYKES

Standard Staff Reporter

I

f April showers bring May flowers, then The Five Towns is about to get a whole lot more colorful.

After nearly an entire month of soggy streets from all the wet weather, residents of The Five Towns are left in April’s aftermath with a ground full of nutrients and fertility – a gardeners paradise.

With May’s arrival comes with it the gardening and planting season, an approximately six month

window of weather warm enough – and soil fertile enough – that plants of all kinds flourish.

Business is blooming at The Garden Gallery on the 878 in Inwood – a seven day a week, 365 day nursery specializing in everything from Christmas trees in November and December to Strawberries in May. The Garden Gallery is one of the largest nurseries in The Five Towns, specializing in all things plants and garden. From bags of soil and compost to pruning sheers used to cut stems, to soon-to-be-in bloom

Pepper and Tomato Boxes - A mix of healthy vegetables displayed at The Garden Gallery

Field of Flowers - A bed of bright orange, purple and peach colored flowers

hydrangea bushes, nearly every product at the Garden Gallery is entirely local, grown and shipped-in from various regions throughout Long Island.

“This is the best nursery in Long Island,” Garden Gallery customer David Mark said.

“They get the best products here, and they are so helpful – if you don’t know what you need, these guys are always so friendly and happy to help,” Mark added.

It helps, when the help that Mark referred to comes in twos.

Green thumb gardeners to amateur planters visiting The Garden Gallery are likely to be greeted by one – or both – of the 31 year-old twin brothers Kenneth and Keith Graham, who help run the nursery that for the last 15 years their father, John

CONTINUED ON P. B5

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• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

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Saturday, April 30th HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY: IRENA’S VOW, HAFTR High School, Cedarhurst, 9:30 p.m., The HAFTR players will be putting on another pair of performances of “Irena’s Vow” in remembrance of the Holocaust. The play tells the story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a German catholic who secretly takes 12 Jewish refugees into her care during World War II. There will be two performances, one on Saturday and one on Sunday at 1 p.m. The play is free for all to attend but you must reserve your tickets by either calling (516) 4761212 or by picking them up at the box office on the day of the performance.

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ACROSS 1 Risk getting through Israel’s borders (5) 4 Photographs are enlarged (9) 9 Visibly embarrassed about English papers being kept under control (9) 10 Flower-girl bowed (5) 11 Music arranged in co-operation with new composer, initially (5,8) 14 Inferior, as painter may be?

(4) 15 Instruction to players written off, none the less (10) 18 A case of initially mixed-up characters some prison reformed (10) 19 Minor difficulty in relations with king (4) 21 Ritual banner I flourished in patriotic sentiment (4,9) 24 Pronouncement of English novelist or Irish author (5) 25 Potentially shockable buffer (9) 27 Unexceptional people (9) 28 Fish from middle of jetty beside Waterloo (5)

DOWN 1 Twice, a king perhaps abused state, in other words (10) 2 Salesman for company (3) 3 Hide act that’s dishonest and contemptible (3,3) 4 Duke is a knave, for example — shame (9) 5 Classical language found in authoritative dictionary (5) 6 Exploiting power, monarch is hard and disagreeable (8) 7 What solicitors improperly do for a job (11) 8 Police force turned up in this cart (4) 12 Right pocket (11) 13 Reserve coat that could protect Emma or Rebecca (10) 16 I’m performing in trial before jury’s conclusion — providing this? (9) 17 Fish certainly turning up in isolated part of Wales (8) 20 School taking part in opening manoeuvre (6) 22 Hit ring in wrestling event (5) 23 Conceal, so to speak, one part of split personality (4) 26 Fuss about when new era was assumed to have begun? (3)

Solution to Crossword 21,689 L E T O F O O I U N M U F N B E G A S T R E T J O B S M N O I D E N T S O C R O E S H V P I M A G E E R A F L Y A K

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D E S P O T I B N R A F L E D I N G O O U V U I C P R A I S E K T F O R T H E B O Y U I E D I T Y P A R A D E S M U S T H I N A I P A M N L I F E B L O O I F U U I T E G E N T L

C U T A D A S H B R I D G E

Sunday, May 1st HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY: SURVIVOR TESTIMONY, Congregation Beth Sholom, Lawrence, 7:00 p.m., Mr. Roman Kent, a holocaust survivor, will speak. Benjamin Brafman, an attorney and community activist, will also read “I was murdered at Auschwitz,” a grandfather speaks through his grandson – A One Act Monologue. There will be a musical performance by Jewish music superstar, Eli Gerstner, and there will also be video testimony from other survivors.

DEPENDENCE OR INDEPENDENCE: JEWISH NEW YORKERS IN 1776, Rock Hall Museum, Lawrence, 1:30 p.m., In 1776, Jewish New Yorkers shared different opinions regarding our country’s war for independence. Dr. Leo Hershkowitz, Professor of History at CUNY Queens College will lead the lecture, which is free but requires a reservation, which can be made by calling (516) 239-1157.

Monday, May 2nd JEWISH FILM FESITVAL: A TICKLE IN THE HEART, Peninsula Library, Lawrence, 1:00 p.m., The National Council of Jewish

What’s happening THIS week at the COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT MINI-CENTER

Women, Peninsula Section, will be putting playing a series of Jewish films in their 32nd annual Jewish Film Festival. This week’s film, A Tickle In The Heart, tells the story of Kelzmer Music legends, the Epstein brothers. The film, shown in the Peninsula meeting room, is free for all to see.

Wednesday, May 4th ILLUSTRATED ART LECTURE: LEONARDO DA VINCI, NEW DISCOVERIES, Peninsula Library, 1:00 p.m., Thomas Germano, professor of art history at SUNY Farmingdale explores newly attributed works of Leonardo Da Vinci that have been found in scholarly journals. The lecture, held in the Peninsula meeting room, is free for all to attend.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE BY JULIE ORRINGER, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1:00 p.m., Edna Ritzenberg will interview author Julie Orringer about her book, The Invisible bridge. The book “follows two Hungarian-Jewish brothers as they leave their modest upbringing and head off to Paris and Italy to study and find love.” – Lucas Wiitman, The Daily Beast. The interview is free for all to attend.

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT, Lawrence Middle School, 7:00 p.m., The Lawrence Central Council PTA is sponsoring a “meet the candidates night” in preparation for the Lawrence School Board elections. The event will provide the public an opportunity to gain and understanding of where candidates stand on different issues central to the success of the Lawrence School District.

All members of the community are invited to observe and participate in a question and answer forum, which will be moderated by the “League of Women Voters.” The event will take place in the Middle School’s cafeteria.

We welcome submission of events of interest to the community. Please email your event information, including any photos to Events@StandardLI.com.

1026 BROADWAY, WOODMERE - 516.837.3339

Friday, April 29 1

ST

MOVIE LISTINGS

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

ANNUAL NASSAU COUNTY HUMANE RIGHTS FOR ANIMALS

LOBBY DAY! NYS LOBBYISTS FROM HSUS AND FARM SANCTUARY- LOBBY SESSIONS WITH NYS SENATORS AND ASSEMBLYMEN- LUNCH INCLUDED, 8:30AM-1:30 PM

Sunday, May 1 WEEKLY CHESS CLUB WITH STEVE SALPETER, 6-8PM Monday, May 2 UP-TO-THE-MOMENT LOCAL REAL ESTATE: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DONNA GALINSKY & LENNY BOBROW OF PUGATCH REALTY, 7:30PM

Tuesday, May 3 CPR LICENSE COURSE WITH DAVID SILVERSMITH 516.330.0659 Wednesday, May 4 WRITING AN EFFECTIVE PRESS RELEASE – GET THE MEDIA’S ATTENTION! WITH JEFF BESSEN, EDITOR AND JOURNALIST, NASSAU HERALD, 7:30PM

Thursday May 5 ORTHODOX JEWISH DIVORCEES' SUPPORT ORT GROUP LED BY DAWN ACKERMAN, 7:30PM

SAVE THE DATE LET’S SHOW PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY TY! SUNDAY, MAY 15 WOODMERE CLEAN SWEEP: SPRING EDITION ON, 2 2-4 4PM ON BROADWAY

OPEN HOUSES Morton M. Haves Inc., Office: (516) 374-0100 EAST ROCKAWAY at 35 Cathay Rd. Sunday, May 1st 12:30-2:00 PM 4 Bedrooms, 3 full Bathrooms, Contemporary open WF home. Totally Updated. Many Extras! $749K EAST ROCKAWAY at 10

MALVERNE CINEMA

350 Hempstead Avenue, Malverne, NY (516) 599-6966 966 Jane Eyre | 2hr 1min | Rated PG-13 | FRI&SAT: 2:10, 4:40, 7, 9:40pm | SUN: 2, 4:40, 7:30pm The Princess of Montpensier | 2hr 19min | Rated R FRI&SAT: 1, 4, 7, 9:40pm | SUN: 3:15, 5:30, 7:30pm Win Win | 1hr 46min | Rated R | FRI&SAT: 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:40, 9:40pm | SUN: 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:40pm Potiche | 1hr 43min | Rated R | FRI&SAT: 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:40, 9:40pm | SUN: 3:15, 5:30, 7:40pm The Lincoln Lawyer | 1hr 59min | Rated R | SAT&SUN: 2:10, 4:40, 7, 9:40pm Rango | 1hr 47min | Rated PG | SAT&SUN: 1pm

UA LYNBROOK 6

321 Merrick Road, Lynbrook, NY-(800) 326-3264 ext. 624 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules | 1hr 36min | Rated PG FRI&SAT: 7:45, 10:20pm | SUN: 7:45pm Rio 3D | 1 hr 36 | Rated G FRI&SAT: 1:15, 4, 7:15, 9:30pm | SUN: 1:15,4,7:15pm Rio | 1 hr 36 | Rated G | FRI&SAT: 1:45, 4:45pm | SUN: 1:45, 4:45pm The Conspirator | 2hr 2min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 1, 3:45, 6:50, 9:50pm | SUN: 1, 3:45, 6:50pm African Cats | 1hr 29min | Rated G FRI&SAT: 10am, 2, 4:15, 7, 10pm | SUN: 2, 4:15, 7pm Hoodwinked too! Hood vs. Evil 3D | 1hr 25min | Rated PG FRI&SAT: 4:55, 8:05, 10:25pm | SUN: 4:55, 8:05pm Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil | 1hr 25min | Rated PG FRI&SAT: 2:10pm | SUN: 2:10pm

GREEN ACRES CINEMAS

610 West Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream, NY - (800) 315-4000 Hop | 1hr 30min | Rated PG FRI&SAT&SUN: 1:30, 4:20, 6:40, 9pm Fast Five | 2hr 10min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT&SUN: 1, 4, 7:10, 10:10pm Water for Elephants | 2hr 0min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT&SUN: 1:20, 4:05, 7, 9:45pm Prom | 1hr 43min | Rated PG FRI&SAT&SUN: 1:35, 4:30, 7:30, 10pm Hanna | 1hr 51min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT&SUN: 1:50, 4:25, 7:15, 9:50pm Rio | 1 hr 36 | Rated G FRI&SAT&SUN: 1:10, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50pm

SUNRISE MULTIPLEX CINEMAS

750 West Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream, NY - (800) 315-4000 Rio | 1 hr 36 | Rated G FRI&SAT: 12:10, 2:40, 5:05pm | SUN: 12:10, 2:40, 5:05pm Rio 3D | 1 hr 36 | Rated G FRI&SAT: 12:40, 3:10, 5:35, 7:50, 10:10, 12:30am SUN: 12:40, 3:10, 5:35, 7:50, 10:10pm Scream 4 | 1hr 43min | Rated R FRI&SAT: 1:45, 4:20, 7:15, 9:45, 12:15am SUN: 1:45, 4:20, 7:15, 9:45pm Hop | 1hr 30min | Rated PG FRI&SAT&SUN: 12:05, 2:25, 4:45pm Insidious | 1 hr 45 | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 1:15, 3:50, 6:35, 9:05, 11:35pm | SUN: 1:15, 3:45, 6:35, 9:05pm Limitless | 1hr 45 min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 7:05, 9:35, 12am | SUN: 7:05, 9:35pm Fast Five | 2hr 10min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 12:30,1,1:30,1:55, 3:30, 4, 4:30, 5, 6:30, 7, 7:35, 8,9:25, 9:55,10:30,11, 12:10am, 12:40am SUN: 12:30,1,1:30,1:55, 3:30, 4, 4:30, 5, 6:30, 7, 7:35, 8,9:25, 9:55pm Prom | 1hr 43min | Rated PG FRI&SAT: 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10, 12:25am | SUN: 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10pm African Cats | 1hr 29min | Rated G FRI&SAT: 12:35, 2:50, 4:55, 6:50, 9, 11:05pm SUN: 12:35, 2:50, 4:55, 6:50, 9pm Hoodwinked too! Hood vs. Evil 3D | 1hr 25min | Rated PG FRI&SAT: 12:25, 2:35, 4:50, 7:10, 9:20, 11:30pm SUN: 12:25, 2:35, 4:50, 7:10, 9:20pm Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family | 1hr 45min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 12, 1:35, 2:45, 4:10, 5:15, 6:55, 7:45, 9:30, 10:15, 12:05am SUN: 12, 1:35, 2:45, 4:10, 5:15, 6:55, 7:45, 9:30, 10:15pm

AMC LOEWS FANTASY 5

18 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY - (888) 262-4386 Hop | 1hr 30 min | Rated PG FRI: 3:30, 6, 8:30pm | SAT&SUN: 11:20am, 1:45, 4, 6:30pm Fast Five | 2hr 10min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 2, 5, 8, 11pm | SUN: 11am, 2, 5, 8pm Prom | 1hr 43min | Rated PG | FRI&SAT: 2:15, 4:45, 7:30, 10pm SUN: 11:30am, 2:15, 4:45, 7:30pm Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family | 1hr 45min | Rated PG-13 FRI&SAT: 3, 5:30, 8:15, 10:45pm SUN: 12:30, 3, 5:30, 8:15pm Soul Surfer | 1hr 45min | Rated PG FRI&SAT: 2, 4:30, 7, 9:30pm SUN: 11:15am, 2, 4:30, 7pm

CONTINUED ON P. B4

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

ON THE MARKET

Late Night Humor

The Best of This Week’s Post 11pm Wit

250 Dolphin Drive, Hewlett Neck Jimmy Fallon

David Letterman

Conan O’Brien

Jay Leno

“President Obama hosted the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. It was a little awkward though. Donald Trump showed up and demanded to see each egg’s birth certificate.”

– Jimmy Fallon “A study found Americans spend $1.2 trillion every year on stuff they don’t need. Or as Republicans call it, health care.”

– Jimmy Fallon “New York just passed a law that allows samesex conjugal visits for prisoners. Isn’t that pretty much what prison is?”

Stats: A lot size of 3,205 square feet (100 X 294) with 10 rooms, five bedrooms, three full bathrooms. The property is going for $1.450M, with taxes of $43,727.79 Details: A peaceful haven on George’s Creek, this gorgeous waterfront home includes five bedrooms (two overlooking water), three full bathrooms (two overlooking water, one has Jacuzzi), a living room, a dining room (both overlooking water) and a common fireplace. With an eat-in greenhouse off from the kitchen boasting modern appliances (both overlooking water), this breathtaking home also features a library and a large gravel driveway leading into the two car garage.

Seller Says: “The location is perfect. It’s right on the water, with beautiful views.”

Why I’m selling: “Will be moving and no longer living here.”

Contact Morton M. Haves Realty at (516) 374-0100

991 Allen Lane, Old Woodmere

“Hey, who’s excited about the Royal Wedding?

I’m conflicted. I can’t figure out whether I don’t care or whether I couldn’t care less. I think we’re all more excited about the royal divorce.”

– David Letterman

– Jon Stewart

– Jay Leno

“In the survey of happiest countries, Denmark, Sweden and Finland were the top three. U.S. came in 12th. Imagine how far our ranking will fall if we ever hear the words ‘President Trump.’”

“There is a nationwide shortage of drugs for Attention Deficit Disorder. The FDA says they’re not sure how it happened. I guess somebody wasn’t paying attention.”

– Craig Ferguson

– Jay Leno

Properties Sold in the Five Towns since April 15th

East Rockaway, Colonial style home with 10 rooms, five bed-

Howard@StandardLI.com.

– David Letterman

“A lot of people are worried about the safety of America’s nuclear power plants. It’s important to remember that we’ve never had a full meltdown. We came close with Charlie Sheen, though.”

33 Murdock Rd,

Be a part of The Five Towns’ most happening new newspaper. We have openings for Advertising Sales Account Managers to join our sales team.

Responsibilities include hands-on sales to all levels of advertisers including local and regional retailers, corporate accounts and ad agencies, developing long term relationships and keeping customers satisfied. Strong closing, communication and presentation skills essential. Must love to prospect for new business and thrive on both cold calls and in a competitive environment. Love and flair for helping design ads and write copy for customers helpful.

Prior advertising sales experience preferred. Car and laptop essential. Base + Commission + Bonus + Benefits. Excellent opportunity. Pleasant working environment. High quality product.

Email your resume and cover letter to:

– David Letterman “New Jersey had a governor, married, who decided he was a homosexual, and he was having so much fun being a homosexual that he didn’t want to be governor any more, and now he wants to become a Catholic priest. I’m just going to leave the punch line up to you.”

– Jimmy Fallon

Colonial Style Home with eight rooms, four bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bathroom. Taxes: $22,230.44 Built in 1974. Lot Size: 80 X 119. Sold on April 15th for $725,000.

Join Our Ad Sales Team!

Sales Representative Openings

“A man just tried to hijack a plane, and he had two demands. He wanted them to take him to Libya, and he wanted an extra pillow. Fortunately it didn’t happen. Thank God all the air traffic controllers were asleep.”

“They have to put Trump on every program, spewing his crazy ideas, because his poll numbers are so high. And his poll numbers are so high because they put him on every program, spewing his crazy ideas.”

112 Woodside Dr., Hewlett

Stats: A lot size of 7930 square feet (65 X 122) with nine rooms, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one half bathroom. The property is going for $649,000.

Details: Oil Heat. Gas for hot water and kitchen cooking appliances. Huge backyard, the large family home rests on a block in high demanded that makes a great place to raise a family. With a very spacious master bedroom, this home also has four large bedrooms upstairs as well as three bathrooms. Additionally, this Colonial property features a full basement, formal dining room, wood floors and a detached two car garage, this beautiful Old Woodmere home has all the right ingredients that make for the perfect family home.

Seller Says: “The location was perfect when we bought the home 40 years ago and it’s still perfect today. The house is close to everything you need and it’s a beautiful home. The neighborhood is wonderful too. It’s great for raising kids.”

Why I’m Selling: “Our children have grown and now have children of their own. We’re not moving far – we’re just going to be heading into the next phase of our lives together.”

Contact Lori Schlesinger at Lori & Associates LI Realty, (516) 7918300

B3

rooms, three full bathrooms and one half bathroom. Taxes: $19,384. Year Built: 1941 Lot Size: 75 X 100 Sold on April 16th for $765,000.

430 5th Ave., Cedarhurst, Spacious home featuring 11 rooms, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and one half bathroom. Taxes:

$6,973.33 Year Built: 1948 Lot Size: 45 X 75. Sold on April 14th for $410,000.

529 Hazel Dr Woodmere eight rooms, four bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bathroom. Taxes: $12,999.

Lot Size: 70 X 103. Year Built: 1950. Sold on April 15th for $222,000.

B4

• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

OPEN HOUSES

CONTINUED FROM P. B2

Wesley Dr. Sunday, May 1st 1:003:00 PM 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Bathrooms, Magnificent Water

Front Contemporary $899K HEWLETT at 1745 Hancock St. Sunday, May 1st 11:00-12:30 PM 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathroom Lg EIK 50 X 200 Property Ready To Move Right In! $575K HEWLETT at 116 Sheridan Ave. Sunday, May 1st 12:002:00 PM 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathroom Fabulous EIK with lake views. $699K HEWLETT HARBOR at 1379 Boxwood Dr. Sunday, May 1st 2:30-4:00 PM 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms. Immaculate Colonial in prestigious Hewlett Har-

bor $849K HEWLETT HARBOR at 270 Pepperidge Rd. Sunday, May 1st 1:00-3:00 PM 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, Large EIK, CAC $875K HEWLETT NECK at 175 Philips Lane. Sunday, May 1st 1:003:00 PM 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 3 story Colonial, Lg EIK, Updated Baths $999K HEWLETT NECK at 250 Dolphin Dr. Sunday, May 1st 1:003:00 PM 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 100’ of Bulkheaded water-front $1.595M

LAWRENCE at 298 Ocean Ave. Sunday, May 1st 12:00-2:00 PM 10 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, exquisitely renovated home with additional Cottage $1.850M WOODMERE at 991 Dartmouth Lane Sunday, May 1st 1-3:00 PM 4 Bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms.

Spacious updated Heritage Granite EIK. Mahogany Built-ins $595K.

Julia Stevens Realty Office: (516) 295-1454 WOODMERE at 985 North-

field Rd Sunday, May 1st 12:302:30 PM. 2 Bedrooms, Academy Area. Make Offers. $599K HEWLETT at 1343 Broadway, Apt 10H. Sunday, May 1st 12-2:00 PM. 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom 1st floor, mint! $132,000

Lori & Associates LI Realty Inc., Office: (516) 791-8300 LAWRENCE at 41 Bayberry Rd. Lawrence Sunday, May 1st 111:00 PM. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Gorgeous Colonial in most desirable block. $1,199,000 WOODMERE at 839 Low-

ell St. Sunday, May 1st 12-2:00 PM. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car attached garage. Lr/Fpl, Fdr, Large Den. Fabulous location. $599,999 OLD WOODMERE at 991 Allen Lane. Saturday April 30th, 11-1:00 PM. 3 bathrooms, 2 bathrooms, walk up attic. O/S property w/ Deck & two car garage $649,000 WOODMERE at 234 Mosher Ave. Saturday April 30th 12-2:00 PM. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage hardwood floors, IG pool. $584,000

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5/5/11

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

B5

End of April Showers is the Right Time to Plant May Flowers (and Veggies)

Long Shot With Fountain - Specialty plants and flowers ready to be planted at The Garden Gallery

Brothers Posing - Keith and Kenneth Graham inside The Garden Gallery

CONTINUED FROM P. B1 Graham, owns. The next two to three weeks are the busiest times of the year for Graham father and sons.

“Right around Mother’s Day it gets pretty crazy around here,” Keith said. “That’s when this season starts – that’s when you’re going to want to be planting.”

According to Keith Graham, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Green Thumb or a Green Horn in the gardening game – at this point, every one is starting from the ground up.

“Healthy soil makes healthy plants,” Keith said. Graham said that in order for plants to better flourish, they’ll need the right fertilization.

Compost soil is one that both Grahams agree to be among the most effective when it comes to producing healthy fruits, vegetables, herbs and more.

Further soil recommendations include Fox Farm Organic Soil or Fafard Organic Soil.

“These guys always have some really good stuff,” Customer Phil Deruvo said. “They know how to talk to a homeowner, too – which is important.”

Deruvo picked-up a flat of mixed variety tomatoes consisting of Early Girl Tomatoes, which mature early and are a ‘flavorful medium sized fruit,’ Better Boy Tomatoes, maturing at 70 days into large, near softball sized fruit and Sweet Cherry Tomatoes – the miniature maters that typically accompany salads.

The brothers know their plants, too – although that was never part of the plan. With one Graham at Long Island University and the other studying business at SUNY Albany, the brothers left their career paths to help join their father in running the shop.

That was five years ago – today, Kenneth takes organic classes where he studies pH volumes and chemicals that plants thrive best in.

Organics is just one of the options of plant products growing in popularity and size currently at the Inwood nursery, according to Keith.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about organics – like it’s too expensive or too much work,” said Keith. He added that one of the reasons organics are currently gaining popularity is attributed to the slow, diligent process of growing your own food.

“It teaches people about patience,” said Keith. “You can’t download this, it’s not going to happen over night – so there’s a lot of value.”

“A good pair of pruners are important,” Keith added.

Pruners help make it easy to clip dead flowers and branches, which Keith said is a necessary part of the process when cultivating plants.

This item is typically cost around $10.

Among the most popular organic plants currently are flats of tomatoes, strawberries, egg-

Monkey In The Mix - Ornaments, decorations and statues – like this lazy monkey – hide among many of the plants at The Garden Gallery

plants and peppers.

The plants that are selling now are the ones that are supposed to be planted during this time of Spring, according to the Grahams. Annuals such as Geraniums are among the most sold, as well as Portulas – which work great for residents living close to the water, according to Keith.

For the many residents of The Five Towns who do not have a yard to grow their own garden, there’s still plenty of plants to pick from that can be grown indoors – as well as pots to hold them while they grow, according to the Grahams.

The Garden Gallery is located at 10 Bay Boulevard in Inwood.

YOUR FIVE TOWNS SEVEN DAY FORECAST FRIDAY

FRI. NIGHT

SATURDAY

Partly sunny

Patchy clouds

Sunny and breezy

High 65°

Low 47°

High Low 64° 49°

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Shown is Friday’s weather.

Temperatures are Friday’s highs and Friday night’s lows.

SUNDAY

Norwalk 65/42 White Plains Greenwich 64/41 64/41 Huntington Mt.Vernon 65/43 67/44 Mostly sunny; Paterson Ronkonkoma 66/42 nice 64/42 New York 67/47 High Low Bay Shore 63/42 70° 54° Jamaica Lindenhurst 64/47 66/44 THURSDAY Staten Island 66/45 Red Bank 66/44

Periods of sun

T-storms possible

Variable clouds

Partly sunny

High Low 66° 46°

High Low 63° 46°

High Low 63° 47°

High Low 63° 47°

Riverhead 63/39

Patchogue 63/42

FREE EVERY FRIDAY

Greenport 62/41 Oyster Bay 65/43

Southampton 62/41 Glen Cove 67/46 Roslyn 66/45

Plainview 65/46 Mineola 65/45

Hempstead 65/46 Hewlett Woodmere 65/47 65/47 Cedarhurst 65/47

Levittown 65/45 Oceanside 65/47

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather.com ©2011

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B6

• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011

CLASSIFIED Services Provided Nurse Assistant/Home Attendant- My services are available F/T or P/T caring for your elderly. Specialized care in Dementia, diabetes, monitoring sugar levels, etc.

Have clean NYS Drivers license. Please Call Marge 347-886-7224.

Handyman. Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Appliances, Insulation, Drywall, Doors, Windows & Much More. Call 516-4178042 Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring.

Sat Math prep, regents, high school and elementary math, high school physics. Call 516-371-5522 SBG Moving— Prompt, professional, and reliable moving service available for local and long distance moves. Lowest rates between NY and Lakewood. Small jobs welcome! We are insured! 347-276-7422 Retired public school teacher available to tutor men and boys in Hebrew, English, and/or Yiddish in the 5 Towns. Call 718552-5525 “Used or Abused” Before you buy a used car, come in for a free frame (structural) check. Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside Ave, Lawrence. 516-371-1137. Friends don’t let friends drive junk!

Help Wanted Bookkeeper- P/T experienced with expertise in Excel and Quickbooks for a Jewish not-for-profit in 5 Towns area. Knowledge of Infograsp and/or Rakefet a plus. Please send resumes to 5Tbookkeeper@gmail. com Financial Planning— Includes debt restructuring, budgeting, expense analysis for reduction, analyzing income hurdles for the future, (from job losses, growing debt, to planning for the future) 845-323-7913 Real Estate Agents: Looking for ONLY Experienced Agents. I can offer you growing opportunities. Call for Confidential Interview. Lori & Associates, Lori’s cell 516-4104210 Need some extra cash? Medical supply store is seeking an energetic, responsible, and caring highly motivated worker for 3-6 hours a week. Must have a car. Great potential and opportunity for growth. Salary + Commission. Please call 718-541-1322 Accounts Receivable/Payroll/Bookkeeper- No Experience necessary. Salary Commensurate, and takes little of your time. Requirements: should be computer literate, must be efficient and dedicated. Please send resume to: distributionspcomp@gmail.com

Real Estate for Sale Bay Harbor Island, FL— Why only spend Pesach in Florida? Perfect for Vacation Home or Year-Round Residence! 2BR/ 2bth condo plus Bonus Room! Shows like a 3rd BR! Kosher updated kitchen, Remodeled bathrooms with glass countertops and vessel sinks, netilat yadayim sink in dining room, Huge closets, Eruv, Walk to shuls, kosher shops and beach, a real bargain at $228K! For info and pics: www.bayharborcondo.com or call Tami at 305-322-8264 Bayswater — Updated Victorian. 11ft. ceilings, original moldings, 8,486SF living area.

On 8,816SF land. Use as legal 2- or large 1-family. Reduced! Joe Hersh, Noam Realty 212-431-1234 Bayswater/Far Rockaway- This is a late 19th century charming residence, features lovely moldings throughout, 3 working fireplaces, beautiful hardwood floors, 5Br’s, Bsmt, Sunlit circular staircase. This rare gem is situated on Park-like property w/crazy low taxes of $2642.00. This is a one-of-a-kind can be yours, Best value at $534,000 asking. Call Lori & Associates 516791-8300.

Cedarhurst- Mint 1BR, new kitchen, elevator, $135K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Cedarhurst- Mint Jr4, new EIK, new bths, laundry rm, terrace, 1st flr, $239K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Cedarhurst- For Sale or Rent, 1st floor garden apt, Renovated Kit/Dishwasher, Renov Bth, Indoor garage, $139,00 or rent $1250/ month Call Lori and Associates 516-7918300 Cedahurst- First show. LR, FDR, new EIK, 4BR, 2 new bths, finished basement, cream puff condition, quiet street, walk all, low taxes $500’s 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst- New house Young contemporary col. high ceilings, large windows, bright and light, 4 BR (1 level) LR, FDR, large EIK, den, full finished basement, large fenced yard. Walk all... $3,000 Five Towns Realty 516-569-5710 Century Village, Deerfield, FL- Closest to YI. 2BR, 1.5bth. All new SS appliances, new A/C, tiled throughout, painted, move-in ready. Priced to sell. Karen 516-466-6790 East Rockaway- Open House May 1st12:30-2:00. 35 Cathay Rd. $749K. Contemporary open WF home. Totally Updated. Many Extras! MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 East Rockaway- Open House May 1st1:00-3:00.10 Wesley Dr. $899K. Move right in to this 6 br 4.5 bath updated home.

IGP. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 Far Rockaway: Co-op, 3Br, 1Bth, Lr/Dr, Walk to All... $179K Call 516-322-3555 Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt. All features... $779K Call 516-263-6417 Garden City/Hempstead Border- Stately updated C/H Col, 1/2Acre. 3 BR/3.5Bth. Oak Flrs. Granite Eik/Ss Appls/Brkfst Area.

FDR. LR/Fpl Wndws Olkg Backyrd W/Pool & Bluestone Patio. Full Fin Bsmt/Bar/Wine Cellar/Full Bth Move In Cond!! Call Lynne Moreo 516-506-2540; Lynne.Moreo@cbmoves.com. Coldwell Banker Residential Hewlett- Open House May 1st. 11:00-

Real Estate for Sale

Real Estate for Sale

12:30. 1745 Hancock St. $575K. Spacious 4br, 2.5 bath on large lot: 50 x 200. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 Hewlett- Open House May 1st. 12:002:00. 116 Sheridan Ave. $699K. Open floor plan. 4 br, 2.5 ba Fabulous EIK with lake views. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-3740100 Hewlett Harbor- Open House May 1st.

2:30-4:00. 1379 Boxwood Dr. $849K. Immaculate CH Col. Priced to sell. Oversized den. All Systems. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 Hewlett HarborOpen House May 1st.1:00-3:00. 270 Pepperidge Rd. $875K. First time on the Market. 5 br, 3.5 ba. Lg EIK, CAC. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 Hewlett Neck- Open House May 1st.1:003:00. 175 Philips Ln. $999K. Stately 3 story Colonial 5+ br, Lg EIK, Updated Baths.

MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 Hewlett Neck- Open House May 1st.1:003:00. 250 Dolphin Dr. $1.595M. Open floor plan. 5 br home. 100’ of Bulkheaded Water Front. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516374-0100 Hewlett Park- Lg 1Br,1Bth,corner unit, Lr,/ Dr,Eik,Hardwood Floors...Cheap $110,000 or Rent $1250/month call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Inwood— New to market. Charming Victorian on quiet tree-lined street with water view. 7BR, great for large family. A must see! $529K 5 Towns Homes Realty 516569-5710 Lawrence- Open House May 1st. 11:001:00. 41 Bayberry Rd. True C/H Colonial w/Grand Foyer, Sunken Lr, Fdr, Den/ fpl, 6br’s, 3.5 Baths, EIK w/Granite counter tops, IG heated pool, most desirable block. $1,199,000 Call Lori & Associates 516-7918300.

Lawrence- least expensive home in Lawrence proper, Hi-ranch can also be used as a mother/daughter. 2 new EIKs, 5 br’s, 3.5 baths, Deep property, 132 feet deep. $589K Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300.

Lawrence- Open House May 1st. 12:002:00. 298 Ocean Ave. $1.850M Exquisitely renovated 10+ br home with additional Cottage. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-3740100 Lawrence- 2BR, 2 bth, 2nd flr, $135K$189K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516239-0306 Lawrence- Colonial on Ocean Ave. Huge Mst Suite plus 2 Kids Br’s, Lr, Den/fireplace, Eik, Fdr,IG Pool, all situated on 123x180 property. Asking $1,350,000 Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Lawrence- Completely redone, move-in mint home. When you say “just bring your toothbrush” this is it. C/H Colonial features Formal Lr w/fpl, New Eik w/granite counter tops which opens into spectacular huge family room, 2-car garage, FBsmt. This home wont last, asking $989,000 Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300.

Lawrence- Co-op For Sale or Rent. Elevator building, 1Br, New Bth, New Kit, Lr/Dr, $149,000 or rent $1400/month. Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Lawrence- Co-op For Sale or Rent. “The Plaza”: Doorman, Elevator building 1Br, New Granite Kit, New Marble Bth, Terrace, Give away price $199K or Rent $1495/ month call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Lawrence- 1BR White Glove building, 1.5bths, terrace, w/d, CAC, 24-hour doorman, parking. For sale or rent. Call 516-2953491 Lawrence- Luxury 2BR Co-op apt for sale.

First floor, parking available, must see! $169K Please call 718-873-5422 Merrrick- Open House May 1st. 1:002:30. 3200 Hewlett Ave. $984K. Right on the open bay w/Dock. CAC, Large Lot, Over 2600 sq’. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-3740100 Miami Beach- Carriage Club North— Split 2BR, 2bth, large circular terrace, high ceilings, 15 floor panoramic view of intercoastal. 917-797-5774 North Woodmere- 4+ BR multi-level, $529K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516239-0306 North Woodmere- New to market. Custom 6BR (4 on one level), new granite kitchen, LR, FDR, 2 dens, quiet tree-lined street. Walk all shuls. $679K Owner. 516902-8908 Rockville Centre- Open House May 1st.

2:30-4:00. 106 Morris Ave. Luxurious Townhouses. Say goodbye to the headaches of owning an older home..purchase a brand new luxurious 4BR 3.5 bath Townhouse at The Meadows of Rockville Centre. Private elevator & 2 car attached garage available. Low maintenance and carefree living is yours! Prices starting from $599,000. Call Christine DiRaimo at: Realty Connect USA, 516-817-9245. cdiraimo@realtyconnectusa.com Woodmere- Open House May 1st.12:002:00. 839 Lowell St. $599,999. Fabulous location, walk to all, EIK w/extension, 4br’s, 3 bath, Lr/fpl, Fdr, Large Den, Central Air, 2-car attached garage. Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Woodmere- Open House May 1st.11:001:00. 991 Allen Ln. $649K. New to market, colonial features, Lr/fpl, Fdr, Eik, Den, Powder room. Upstairs: Huge Mst Suite w/ pvt Bath + 3 br’s. 2 baths, walk up attic. O/S property w/deck & 2 car garage. Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Woodmere- Open House May 1st.12:002:00. 234 Mosher Ave. $584K. Woodmere Academy Area, Spacious Stucco Bi-level home features 4 br’s, 2.5 baths, Lr, Dr, EIK w/ granite counter tops, Lg Den, IG pool, O/S 2 car garage, hardwood floors, central air.

Call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Woodmere- Open House May 1st.1:003:00. 991 Dartmouth Lane. $595K. Spa-

cious Updated Heritage. Granite EIK. Mahogany Built-ins. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516-374-0100 Woodmere- $595K. Over 2300 sq’ of living space in this large 6 br home w/beautiful wood floors. MORTON HAVES, INC. 516374-0100 Woodmere- MIC. 3BR. 1.5 new bths. Split.

Fin bsmt. EIK. New appl. New siding. Hrdwd flrs. CAC, 4 zone heating. Nanny CCTV. Oversized lot. Low taxes. Walk to all. $549K. Owner: 516-295-1675 Woodmere- Lg 2BR, 1st flr, prestigious elevator bldg. $339K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Woodmere- C/h col 3BR+ finished attic lg property, $600’s Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Woodmere- 4BR split, kosher EIK, beautiful cul-de-sac, $700’s Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Woodmere- Grand 5BR col den basement, $699K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516239-0306 Woodmere- For sale by owner. Walk to Irving Place Minyan. Dutch Colonial. 4-5BR, 3.5bth, all remodeled, Granite kitchen, FDR, family room, all new bathrooms, finished basement, two staircases, In-ground sprinkler, alarm, IGP, New Roof. 4-5 blocks Irving Place Minyan, 1 mile Young Israel Cedarhurst/Lawrence, 1 mile Young Israel Woodmere $785,000. Owner 516-5692295 Woodmere- Split, Huge Mst Suite (30’x25’) w/ Jacuzzi bth, walk-in closets, pvt Den Plus 3Br & maids room, 3.5 Bth, Lr,Fdr,Eik, Den, FBsmt, 2-car garage. Asking $649,000 call Lori & Associates 516791-8300 Woodmere/Cedarhurst- Oppty! 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space parking, 2 family, professional use, accountant, Esq., medical and/or educational and religious uses.

Grand colonial with charm and great possibilities. Available at once... $875K Negotiable Owner 516-322-3555 Woodsburgh- 6BR exp ranch on magnificent property, $998K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Woodsburgh- Exp. Ranch on beautiful 2/3 acre, $895K Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Jerusalem- German Colony, 8 rooms, 3 levels, 212 meters, renovated, garden, including additional studio apt. $1,800,000 flexible, more properties available. Yaniv Gabbay Re/max Vision 011-972-52-6141442, gabbay.yaniv@gmail.com

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DEAR THAT’S LIFE

“Speak Your Mind” CONTINUED FROM P. A6 say. Having taken him and two of my daughters on a long walk, he began to be unhappy with the company. His twin sister was annoying him, my youngest daughter kept throwing her shoes overboard forcing us to stop and he wanted to be home already. Finally, out of complete frustration, he used his words.

“I do not want to be on this planet anymore!” he exclaimed.

While he has been dissatisfied with other things before, in-

Commercial Real Estate for Rent Cedarhurst: Sublet 1 to 4 desks w/all utilities plus internet included. Heart of Cedarhurst, Storefront $250/per desk call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Cedarhurst — Office rental: Executive 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 Far Rockaway— Large, bright 3BR, 1.5bths apt in 2-family house. Great location off Reads Lane. $2100 includes heat and parking. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516569-5710 Woodmere: Professional office space for rent,1320Sf off Broadway. Fully renovated, Waiting Rm seats 14 people,3 Exam rms, Cac, Can be subdivided, Street level w/ municipal pkg lot across the street.,$2000/ mth or rent individual rooms, call LORI & ASSOCIATES 516-791-8300 Woodmere: Professional building, upstairs 5 large pvt offices, 2 Bth’s, Waiting room $2200/month, can subdivide into individual rooms, call Lori & Associates 516791-8300

Lost and Found Diamond bracelet found on Penninsula Blvd. a few Shabbosim ago. Call 917-6938003

add, “And swing-sets!”

While I am confident the best response as a parent would not have been to burst out in laughter, that was all I could do.

At the end of the day, my smarter than he needs to be son was still a little boy, with little boy thoughts. He began to laugh as well. I know what he said was not exactly what he was thinking, but the uproarious laughter which could be heard by all as we continued down the block was exactly what he meant to say.

VOX POPULI

Do Right By Our Schools And Our Communities CONTINUED FROM P. A6 have increased over 15 percent.

With the more people I speak to I firmly believe that I am not the exception, I am the rule.

Under this system, there is a breaking point. We simply cannot be the band-aid for the rest of the state. Unfortunately our tax burdens are only going to increase, especially in light of the states budgetary woes. Under the new state budget, education aid statewide will decrease by nearly $1.3 billion.

This means that if the residents don’t meet the void, students will suffer.

Notwithstanding this gloomy outlook, there are some things that we can do to ease this burden. We must cut many of the

Real Estate for Rent Cedarhurst — Mint 1BR, new kitchen, elevator, $1700 Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Cedarhurst: Townhouse 2Br/2Bth,New kit,Lr,Dr,CAC, indoor parking garage$1850/ month call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Cedarhurst— 1st floor apt. All new 3BR, 1.5bths, EIK, FDR, LR, w/d, parking, yard.

Walk all. $2150 5 Towns Homes Realty 516569-5710 Cedarhurst— New to market. Freshly painted, LR, FDR, large kitchen, 3BR, 1.5bths, basement, in prime location, walk all. $2250 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst— All new bright 3BR, 1bth, upstairs apt. 2 family house, LR, FDR, EIK w/ new appliances, h/w floors, yard and parking, walk all. $2200. 5 Towns Homes 516569-5710 Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. Walk all... $2,150 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — All updated charming Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of Cedarhurst. Walk all. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Far Rockaway- Open House: 1056 Neilson St. 12-1:30 p.m.- Apts For Rent. New Construction. Beautiful 2BR, 2 bths. Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 Lawrence: Elevator building, Renovated 1Br, New Bth, Sunken Lr/Dr,New Kit, $1400/ mth call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300.

Lawrence: Garden Apt, Sponser owned, 1Br, 1Bth,Lr,Dr,Kit $1225/mth call Lori & Associates 516-791-8300 Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU Bth, LR, DR, EIK... $1,300 5 TOWN HOMES 516569-5710 Lawrence/Far Rockaway —Jr 4 (2 BR) Spacious doorman/ elevator building, walk all $1,500 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Oceanside— House for rent. Beautiful ranch. 2/3BR, large LR with fireplace, DR, granite EIK, on oversized fenced property, walk South Nassau Hospital and houses of worship. 5 Towns Homes Realty Call Edi 516-728-2977 Woodmere…..Village Plaza Realty Brooklyn warehouse — 10,500 square foot, 1 story warehouse plus 2000 square foot offices. Five minutes from Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand Avenue. 2 loading docks, high ceilings. Call owner 917-796-1742 Woodmere- 37 Woodmere Blvd, we have the entire building. 1Br,1Bth,Elevator $1450/month. Call Lori & Associates 516791-8300

cluding our family, his shirt or what he was eating, he has never before complained about the quality of the Earth.

I was intrigued, however, and wanted to see how far this could be taken. “Where would you like to go?” I asked him.

His answer was quick and prepared, as if he had been thinking about this a while. “Saturn!” he answered with gusto.

“But why Saturn?” I continued, as I was not sure it would have been my first choice. “Because it has rings!” he said, only to

unfunded mandates imposed by the state upon our school systems.

According to estimates by some school officials, schools are forced by law to adhere to more than 250 state unfunded mandates.

These are hoops that schools must jump through and that the local districts must pay for. An example of which is the busing requirement mandate that requires a bus seat for each eligible child, whether it is used or not. In a recent New York Times article, journalist Winnie Hu reported that in one school district the Superintendant estimated that the cost to run the unneeded buses, a year, was $2 million.

Governor Cuomo has convened a mandate-relief committee tasked with reviewing

the mandates. The bottom line, however, is in the end, the legislature must act. It was the legislature that created many of these runaway mandates and the legislature must now stop those which simply place too much of not just a financial burden but also a time burden on our schools. If nothing is done at some point the gravy train will end and inevitably students will pay the price.

As residents we routinely vote to increase school taxes and we do our best to fill the voids to ensure that students do not suffer. It is now time that our elected officials do now what they should have done many years ago, lessen the burdens on our schools while at the same time easing our tax burdens.

VOX POPULI

Will the Real Carolyn McCarthy Please Stand Up? CONTINUED FROM P. A6 ine that killing a child in such a way would not be anathema to a self-proclaimed nurse. So I ask you, who is the extremist here, the Republicans or the Democrat Carolyn McCarthy?

In her press release, Mrs. McCarthy also said she is doing all she can to help the Long Island economy. So what is she doing?

She is giving forums on “tax cuts” to business owners. How nice. I am sure, though, they pay their accountants a lot of money to get this advice. However, when she had the opportunity to extend the Bush era tax cuts last October, she instead voted to end the session and go home.

Thank the Republicans and not Mrs. McCarthy, for their persistence in assuring the tax cuts were extended. The loss of the tax cuts would have punished Long Islanders because our incomes are high but our cost of living here and property taxes are even higher.

Mrs. McCarthy also voted for Obamacare which is now in the process of changing healthcare in this country as we once knew it — for the worse. Oh, do you recall how we were promised that healthcare premiums were going to go down? Well, we all know they’re not going down but going up through the roof, forcing businesses and families who contribute to their health costs hundreds if not thousands

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more a year. The Republicans were successful in killing one of he worst anti-business provisions of the bill. This provision required that a businesses issue a 1099 form for just about every expenditure or expense. The purpose of this requirement — in a health bill no less — was so that ultimately every dollar that goes through the economy could be taxed.

On National Security, Mrs. McCarthy received an “F” from Keep America Safe, a national security think tank. One of the reasons for Mrs. McCarthy’s failing grade was rooted “in her multiple votes to transfer terrorist detainees to U.S. soil granting them the same Constitutional rights as American citizens.”

And, amazingly, McCarthy further cast a vote in opposition to placing Guantanamo detainees on the no-fly list. If this is her philosophy, can she really be trusted to stand up for Israel during these perilous times in the Middle East? You always know where Peter King stands on Israel. McCarthy is a question mark no matter what she says.

And how about her position on reducing the size of government and spending? She has voted lock-stop with Nancy Pelosi and President Obama supporting the trillion dollar deficit and stimulus packages that are bringing the United States to the brink of a Greece-like financial meltdown.

It makes me wonder, how does Mrs. McCarthy get re-elected? She is not only a Liberal

Democrat; she is to the extreme left of her party. By all standards in the political solar system, she should not be the congresswoman for the 4th Congressional District.

My conclusion is this: Mrs. McCarthy keeps such a low profile people don’t know how she really votes or even who she is.

The only thing they know is she is the woman who got elected to Congress after her husband was killed on the LIRR and has pushed gun control ever since.

Newsday gives her a big article any time she mentions some gun control measure she is proposing.

Certainly, she doesn’t want people to know how she votes.

You rarely see her in the district except maybe on a rare occasion in a school surrounded by kids, which provides the illusion that she is one of us — which she is not. She cloaks her votes in the jargon of “I care about women’s health,” or a similar mantra depending on the issue, when it is really abortion or something else, she cares about.

She somehow overcomes her far left politics through clever wording and positioning which is very deceptive and in my opinion, even dishonest. And yes, whenever she runs for re-election, she always reminds people she is a nurse (i.e. I will take care of you—unless, of course, you are an unborn child). She also will tell you she is no politician.

Well, in my humble opinion, after 15 years in office, she is a master.

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News from

B7

Our Schools APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011 • THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD •

LHS Students Busy Over Spring Break Charity Events and Travel Abroad Are Highlights

By Brittany Beyer

E

ven during Spring Break, Lawrence High School’s students remain as active as ever.

Lawrence’s community service club, Key Club, hosted their annual Relay for Life event with the American Cancer Society; the event was extremely successful and was attended by hundreds of school and local community members. The foreign language department ran their annual trip to Spain over break as well, substituting the country of Portugal for the second destination instead of Italy, which had been a fixture in the trip in past years. Now that everyone has returned to school to finish out the last two months of the year, the anxiety that has been undeniably tangible in the air has somewhat subsided, at least among the seniors – college admissions notifications have been released and (most) seniors have decided where they will be spending their next four years. While the seniors are preparing to graduate and move on to their respective universities, Lawrence’s administration and students are taking numerous steps in order to ensure the smooth transition of next year’s freshmen into the high school.

Relay for Life is one of the American Cancer Society’s largest fundraisers and is held annually in hundreds of high schools around the nation. On April 16th-17th, Lawrence High School Key Club hosted its 9th Relay for Life event. This year, the club chose to host the event in honor of Mrs. Sally Saldutti Strain, a beloved secretary who was an integral part of the guidance office and lost her battle with cancer last summer. Key Club would like to take this opportunity to thank her family and friends for their support of and attending this event.

The overnight walk was preceded by a dinner to honor all of those who have won their fight with cancer and to remember all those who have lost it. The dinner was attended by over 50 survivors as well as their family members and caregivers. All food was generously donated by local restaurants.

Donors include Corner Kitchen, C-Town Supermarket, Gino’s Pizza, Villamare, Lucky Boy, Walls’ Bakery, Mother Kelly’s, Tamburino’s, Sherwood Diner, Woodrow’s Deli, Dunkin Donuts, Mama Betta’s, Friendlier, and La Terrazza. The Mom and Dad’s

Brittany Beyer is currently a Lawrence High School senior who plans to pursue a career path in international relations and political science. She is also an avid reader who enjoys writing, dancing, performing community service, and fundraising for various charitable organizations.

Club also donated hot dogs and hamburgers.

After the dinner, everyone moved into the gym for the main event, which commenced with opening ceremonies, followed by the survivor laps, caregiver laps, main laps, and the most moving part of the evening, the candle lighting ceremony. Although the beginning of the evening was somber, the mood quickly changed once the DJ began to play upbeat music. Dozens of well-designed and assembled gift baskets were raffled off, followed by an evening of games such as a scavenger hunt and fear factor. Once the early hours of the morning rolled in, everyone settled down to watch movies and perhaps take a brief nap until the event ended at 6:00 a.m. The fundraiser as a whole was extremely successful, as donations from the evening totaled nearly $10,000.

While hundreds of community members and students spent the night at Relay for Life, a considerably smaller group of students and teachers had just arrived in Spain for a nearly week and a half long crash course in Spanish language, culture, architecture, and tons of sight-seeing. The group stopped in famous and historic cities such as Madrid, Sevilla, and Granada. After many consecutive, very long days exploring all that these cities had to offer, the group concluded their Spain trip with an eight hour bus ride to Lisbon, Portugal. Although I, personally, was not on the trip, I’ve heard that everyone had a spectacular and unforgettable time.

Despite the fact that AP exams are looming in the not-so-distant future (they begin next week), the levels of anxiety has substantially decreased since we have returned from break. Although some of us are taking upwards of six AP exams, a load of stress has been lifted off our shoulders; college admissions decisions have been released and seniors have sent in (or will send in) their deposits to their colleges and universities of choice. The college tshirts and sweatshirts that all the seniors, including myself, wear to school are no longer random pieces of apparel that were quickly thrown over our heads in the morning. They represent many years of hard work, standardized test preparation, the endless college tours, application process, and the grueling wait that we all experienced from the January 1st deadlines until the last days of March when decisions were released.

While all the seniors are wrapping up their high school careers, the administration and many students have focused their attention on the incoming freshmen who are currently 8th graders. On May 2nd, the high school will hold their annual freshmen orientation night, during which the incoming freshmen will be able to get a glimpse of what life in high school is like by listening to a discussion

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amongst a panel of current students and meeting the principal, Dr. Lagnado. Succeeding the auditory part of the orientation, the new freshmen will then be invited into the cafeteria for a Club Fair, in

which every club within the school makes a presentation about the clubs in order to recruit new members and inform the students about the many extracurricular opportunities that are offered.

Local resident Larry with his daughter Julie at Ralph›s Famous Italian Ices in Valley Stream

Ralph’s Re-Opening a Sure Sign of Spring

R

alph’s Famous Italian Ices has re-opened, which means summer must be right around the corner and Five Towners can once again satisfy their cravings for a cold treat.

Closed for half of the year, the famous ice shop, now with 73 locations throughout Long Island, New York City and New Jersey, is open for business for another summer season. The The Five Towns’ closest Ralph’s location is in Valley Stream on Rockaway Avenue near the Hewlett/Lynbrook border just a little North of Peninsula Blvd.

“We started on March 10th this year,” Geanno Matteo, a manager at Lynbrook Ralph’s said, “which is about a week earlier than usual. It started out well, but then the weather took a toll on

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us, but it’s been picking up lately.”

Ralph’s features a selection of over 150 flavors of ices, and also has soft serve ice cream, twisters, icebergs, sundaes, smoothies and shakes. They are open every day from 10:00 a.m. until between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

“It’s good,” said Julie, a local resident at Ralph’s buying ice cream with her father Larry. “I like a lot of flavors.”

“It usually gets busiest during the summer months when kids are out of school,” Matteo said. “We’re a family place, so everyone comes in with their kids and parents. This location has been around here for so long, about 18 years now.

It’s really very much a family place.”

B8

• THE SOUTH SHORE STANDARD • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2011