Great Neck News 07_28_2023

SUMMER DINING

LIRR SCHEDULE CHANGING

Harmony house a landmark

CHALLENGES SANTOS

BY KARINA KOVAC

At 46 South Middle Neck Road sits a nearly 100-year-old building with distinctive colonial and classical revival styles of architecture, possibly designed by master architect Robert Tappen and currently used as the Global Harmony House, the national headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization.

On July 24, the Village of Thomaston Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously for the structure to be designated a landmark.

The determination stems from research into its history, total community support, impact on zoning, property tax basis, impact on religious use and various other factors, such as the technical code definition of a landmark. Their decision does not, however, officially make the spot a landmark until the Great Neck Board of Trustees can also vote and approve the designation.

Built around 1926, the building use of colonial revival architecture was very popular from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Religious buildings in Great Neck listed in “The Book of Great Neck,” edited by Devah and Gil Spear in 1936, noted the diversity of religions in the area along with their architecture styles, including federal, Tudor and colonial.

Continued on Page 46

Protests over Kings Point Park work

Residents gather Monday over path cleared in wetlands, forested area

BY KARINA KOVAC

Great Neck residents gathered in protest on Monday to speak out against environmental damage they said was taking place in the wetlands and protected forested area of Kings Point Park.

They said they believed that workers from the Great Neck Park Dis-

trict, allegedly directed by the Village of Kings Point, cleared a path in the wetlands, including naturally downed trees, using heavy machinery that left the area with wood debris.

“This is an ecosystem,” said Daniel Capruso, a resident for over 20 years, “It’s a wetland, you have to protect the wetland and cutting roads in it for heavy machinery to do this

sort of thing just doesn’t make any sense. And also, you know that trees serve an ecological purpose… I think people everybody you know has an obligation to help preserve what little nature we have left and I’m not sure this is preserving nature, doesn’t look that way, I don’t understand why at all.”

The Great Neck Park District was

scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss the property.

Kings Point Park is considered a protected wetlands under the Freshwater Wetlands Act of 1975, which is overseen by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Residents fear that the protected status of the parkland could be re-

Continued on Page 55

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

Protestors rallied at Kings Point Park to demand the wetlands not be developed any further by the village and stay protected.

Called historically significant in vote

Driver in Roslyn teens’ deaths appears in court

No

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Amandeep Singh, the alleged drunk driver involved in an early May car crash that resulted in the deaths of two Roslyn teenagers, appeared in State Supreme Court again Tuesday morning. But no action was taken against the defendant who faces a 15-count indictment.

Roslyn resident Singh, 34, was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road at 95 mph with a blood alcohol count of 0.15 four hours after his arrest and cocaine in his system, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a press conference following his arraignment June 26. The speed limit posted in the area of the collision is 40 mph.

He faces a series of charges in the vehicular crash that ensued and killed young tennis star Drew Hassenbein, 14, and Ethan Falkowitz, 14. Two other teenagers on the Roslyn Boys Varsity Tennis team were in the car and injured.

Singh was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide, assault, driving while intoxicated, driving while impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and a drug, reckless driving and a felony count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, authorities said.

He faces a maximum of 32 years in prison if found guilty.

Approximately 50 people gathered at the Nassau County Court House Tuesday morning for Singh’s appearance. The court room was comprised of an even split between Hassenbein and Falkowitz family members and fellow community members on the lefthand side and Singh’s family on the righthand side.

The court appearance, which began at 10:17 a.m., took a total of three minutes.

Assistant DA Michael Bushwack said during court that his office had delivered two additional discovery

New Hyde Park changes fair date

Mayor defends village, employee

BY BRANDON DUFFY

New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane passionately defended the village and its employees during the Thursday night Board of Trustees meeting in light of the recent controversy regarding the original date of the village’s street fair.

The 26th annual village street fair was slated for Saturday, Sept. 16, the first day of the Rosh Hashanah Jewish holiday. Devane said the previous 25 fairs had always been on the third Saturday in September except for 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Devane said he was aware of the Jewish observance when the date was set last year and it was his personal understanding that the fair, which ends at 4 p.m., would not conflict with Rosh Hashanah observance that begins on sundown Saturday.

“If you’re going to come after somebody, come after me,” Devane said. “It was my decision, you don’t go after our secretary.”

Devane said the decision to change the date to Oct. 21 stemmed from conversations he held with community members, and not due to “inflammatory” letters, emails or phone calls the village received from people opposed to the original date.

New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane.

lumbus Day parade, All Around the World Multicultural Night and Diwali Festival of Lights celebration.

The mayor has also during multiple meetings in the past said when the new community center, which was demolished last winter, is completed the village is going to celebrate a different culture throughout each month.

packets to the defense since Singh’s arraignment last month. Singh entered a not guilty plea at the arraignment.

The two discovery packets were delivered to Singh’s attorney James Kousouros on June 29 and July 11.

Bushwack said his office also filed a motion July 20 regarding non-testimonial evidence in the form of buccal swabs — or evidence swabbed from Singh’s mouth or cheeks.

The presiding Judge Helene Gugerty granted the defense until Aug. 8 to file an opposition to the swabs being submitted as evidence.

The DA’s office then has until Aug. 15 to submit a reply. These are not ap-

pearance dates.

The court adjourned until Sept. 6 where the parties will appear in front of Judge David Gugerty again during a chamber’s conference. This will not be a court session open to the public.

Singh remains in custody. Donnelly said previously that her office hopes to keep him in custody until his trial or a plea deal is made.

Donnelly previously said that based on their investigation, Singh allegedly attended a party the afternoon of the day of the collision where he was drinking. After that, he allegedly went to other establishments where he continued to drink. she said.

Continued on Page 46

A letter to the editor was sent to both Blank Slate Media and Newsday from Donald Panetta, a trustee on the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees since 2022, expressing his frustration with the date.

Panetta said the village is the culprit of “blatant antisemitism.”

“Holding the street fair on one of the holiest days of the Jewish year is an insult and a slap in the face,” Panetta wrote.

Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish New Year, holds significant historical and cultural importance in the Jewish faith. With origins dating back thousands of years, the solemn holiday marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Since Devane was elected in 2021, New Hyde Park has held its first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade, Co-

“These are the things we do,” Devane said. “We don’t talk the talk, we walk the walk.”

Aside from New Hyde Park’s original date, the Chamber of the Willistons is holding its annual street fair on Sunday, Sept. 17. The chamber said the fair is always held on the third Sunday of September and the date will not be changed when asked by Blank Slate Media.

Devane emphasized the conversation on the street fair should have been handled like adults and said anyone that has an issue can call the village themselves and speak with him.

Panetta excluded from his letter the first sentence of secretary Pat Santomauro’s response who responded to his initial inquiry by saying “a

Continued on Page 46

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Roslyn resident Amandeep Singh.

action taken after Amandeep Singh’s hearing

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

LIRR to raise fares, change services

Port Washington, Oyster Bay lines to see changes to train schedules over upcoming months

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Metropolitan Transit Authority is proposing a series of changes to the Long Island Rail Road that will roll out over the next couple of months, including fare increases and service adjustments to the Port Washington and Oyster Bay branches.

On Aug. 20, monthly and weekly tickets for the LIRR will increase by up to 4.5%. Monthly ticket fares will not exceed $500, which the MTA website states is to address high ticket pricing for the furthest railroad zones.

For example, monthly fares from Zone 4, which includes New Hyde Park, East Williston, Great Neck, Manhasset and Port Washington, to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison will increase from $243 to $253.

For those traveling from Zone 7, which includes Albertson, Roslyn, Sea Cliff and Glen Cove, to Manhattan, monthly fares will rise from $277 to $287.

While ticket pricing will be increasing, fares will be lower than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic due to a 10% discount implemented in March 2022, according to the MTA website.

The discount for traveling offpeak will also be standardized at 26% for both the LIRR and Metro-North.

The prior discount rates were established at 27.5% for the LIRR and 25% for Metro-North, which provides service between New York City and the northern suburbs in New York and Connecticut.

The standardization of off-peak travel discounts will lead to an increase of 6% to 7% on LIRR off-peak

tickets and an increase of 2% to 3% on Metro-North off-peak tickets.

The LIRR will continue offering UniTicket fares to travel on both commuter rail and connecting bus and ferry services. Changes in these fares will be based in part on changes to weekly and monthly transit fares.

In tandem with fare changes,

many LIRR branches will be implementing service changes on Sept. 5. These changes are being introduced to increase service to Penn Station and add more direct services to Brooklyn, according to the MTA website.

On the Oyster Bay Branch, the 7:17 a.m. train from Oyster Bay to Penn Station will have all riders trans-

fer to an empty train at Jamaica. This is to reduce crowding, according to the MTA website.

The Manhattan-bound 7:01 a.m. train from Oyster Bay will also be converted to an express train. skipping the Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Greenvale, Albertson and Mineola stations.

State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) said he is pleased with the service changes. He said the changes were achieved after months-long communication between him, Glen Cove City Councilwoman Danielle Fugazy and the MTA.

“We have worked hand in hand and I look forward to continuing to build on the progress made here in an ongoing effort to make the commute a little easier for riders of the Oyster Bay branch,” Lavine said.

Effective immediately, Oyster Bay branch trains heading towards Jamaica and leaving at 4:56 a.m. and 5:56 a.m. will not stop at the Mineola station. Eastbound trains leaving at 6:22 p.m. will also not stop at the Mineola station.

The Port Washington Branch will have two changes implemented to its service.

The weekday trains at 6:08 p.m. and 6:11 p.m. from Grand Central, both of which run partially express,

Continued on Page 55

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Commuters from Port Washington arriving at Penn Station the morning of April 10.

G.N. Plaza holds off on parking fines hike

Board of trustees reviewing legal considerations before moving forward with proposal

BY KARINA KOVAC

Although the Great Neck Plaza Board of Trustees could have voted to approve an increase in parking fines at their July 19 meeting, they did not.

Instead, more legal considerations must be reviewed and worked out. The board wouldn’t disclose which legal issues came up during their review of the proposal and spoke in an executive session about it after the public meeting.

Roughly 15 parking fines are being considered by the village to increase, including expired parking meters, parking in a crosswalk or fire lane and overtime street parking. About 34% of the village’s parking fines are being proposed for the increase.

Under the proposal, overtime street parking fines would increase by $5 from $30 to $35, expired parking meter fines by $15 from $20 to $35 and fines for parking in the crosswalk from $75 to $125 for a $50 increase.

“Our fines have not been raised in a number of years,” said Ted Rosen, mayor of Great Neck Plaza. He explained that what spurred the decision was the board’s noticing it had been over 20 years since parking fines had been raised. The board also compiled parking fine information from nearby villages to create an adequate consensus of fines already in operation.

The next village meeting will be Aug. 16.

Rally to reopen Christopher Morley pool

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Christopher Morley Park pool is not just any place, Weihua Yan said. It is the place where children in the community learn to swim, where they make lasting memories, where families and religious groups gather and where seniors exercise and socialize.

But with the pool closed for the foreseeable future, Yan said the the community is losing the valuable attributes it offers Roslyn and the entire North Shore.

The pool, which Yan described as a “cherished haven,” was closed by the Nassau County Parks Administration because it needs repairs and the county has not funded them.

Yan, founder of North Shore Residents for Reopening, held a rally Tuesday afternoon in front of the pool’s locked gate to advocate alongside other concerned residents for the pool’s reopening.

The pool at Christopher Morley Park locked behind a gate. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

“I will not stand by while this great place is to be closed,” Yan said. “I’ll work tirelessly as an advocate to make sure we preserve this and keep this pool open.”

Rally speakers included Yan, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton (D-Glen Cove) and multiple Manhasset residents who utilized the pool.

All speakers spoke with a com-

mon consensus: that Christopher Morley Park Pool is an integral part of the community.

Manhasset resident Jerie Gross said that she has been frequenting the pool since she was a child.

She said the closure of the pool strips away the privileges of outdoor activities and play that it offers other children, leading them into negative habits like social media instead.

“We’re closing these avenues for

our kids to have outlets,” Gross said. “We’re just, you know, feeding more into the negative masses that are out there.”

She said the closure of the pool brings deep sadness to her as it rep-

resents the heart of the North Shore.

“It’s like taking a heart of a human,” Gross said. “You’re lifeless in doing this.”

Continued on Page 55

Desiree Woodson said that the

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

(From left to right) Speakers Desiree Woodson, Milan Rizzo, Jerie Gross and Weihua Yan advocate for the reopening of Christopher Morley Park’s public pool.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

The Great Neck Plaza Board of Trustees has not raised parking fines in the village, yet. More legal considerations need to be made before the next meeting August 16.

Ex-NYPD detective seeks to defeat Santos

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Mike Sapraicone, a retired NYPD detective and Oyster Bay resident, announced he is running for New York’s 3rd Congressional District as a Republican to unseat beleaguered U.S. Rep. George Santos.

Sapraicone, 67, joins a crowded field that features nine challengers looking to oust Santos, who is currently being investigated by the House Ethics Committee and pleaded not guilty to a 13-count federal indictment alleging multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering.

Santos could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top charges.

“I’m running for Congress to return integrity and a respected voice to the office, and to focus on issues like public safety, border security, and fiscal responsibility to get our country back on the right track,” Sapraicone said Monday on his Instagram account.

Kellen Curry, an Afghanistan war veteran and former vice president at J.P. Morgan who lives just outside the 3rd District, is the only other Republican running to dislodgeSantos at this time.

Nassau County GOP Chairman Joe Cairo has not made any endorsements yet for who he will back against Santos.

Sapraicone has already received early endorsements for his campaign from former U.S. Sen. Al D’Amato and Detectives’ Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo.

Outside of his work with the NYPD, Sapraicone

is the founder and CEO of protection services corporation Squad Security Inc., a former Seaford Board of Education trustee, a Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital board member and co-chair of the New York City Columbus Day Parade.

Sapraicone’s wife is Eileen Daly-Sapraicone, a Nassau County State Supreme Court judge.

Santos raised only $162,031.52 in the latest quarter while repaying $85,000 of it to himself to cover over $700,000 in personal loans from previous congressional bids, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Santos’ fund-raising numbers put him behind Democratic challengers Anna Kaplan, a former twotime state senator; advocacy group co-founder Zak Malamed; and Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (D-Woodbury); and Curry.

Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields granted a request to modify Santos’ bail conditions.

Joseph Murray, Santos’ lawyer, asked Shields to expand the area where Santos is allowed to travel freely to a 30-mile radius around Washington, D.C, to go shopping and dining, among other activities.

“There is a frequent need to travel outside the District of Columbia for usual and customary functions of someone who lives and works in the District of Columbia, such as dining, shopping, meetings, events, and even use of the local airports,” Murray said.

Prosecutors did not object to the modification request, according to court documents.

The current layout of New York’s 3rd Congressional District, which the Appellate Court ordered to be redrawn ahead of the 2024 election.

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NHP boy, 10, wins LEGO competition

Elijah Estevez’s rendition of Coney Island earns top spot over 100s of national submissions

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Twenty hours and 2,500 LEGO bricks culminated in New Hyde Park’s Elijah Estevez being crowned the 2023 North American Mini Master Model Builder for his creation of Coney Island’s iconic boardwalk.

The 10-year-old was presented with a LEGO trophy and showered with confetti at Westchester’s Legoland Discovery Center July 12.

Elijah said he was inspired to create the Brooklyn beachscape since he and his family travel to Coney Island every year.

“There’s a bunch of people doing funny things like a puppy riding a surfboard and a guy on the swing in the beach,” Elijah said of his creation.

Elijah’s creation won it all after hundreds of submissions throughout the country were submitted. In late June, an online vote was held to decide between 14 finalists, each representing their local LEGO Discovery Center.

The Coney Island boardwalk, beach, rollercoasters and famous Wonder Wheel, fully automized, are included in Elijah’s work.

The mini master competition included submissions from kids aged 5 to 12, but LEGO competitions have long been around, showing off the creative capabilities of children and adults alike.

LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter who first produced wooden toys. The earliest competitions can be traced back to the 1960s when they were held at schools, community centers and toy

stores.

In 1998, the FIRST LEGO League was founded with the non-profit FIRST, an international robotics competition for children ages 9 to 14 that aimed to solve real-world problems

ConfiDanZe & Fitness holds a dance recital

“ConfiDanZe & Fitness in Great Neck is a Best of Nassau County award-winning dance and fitness studio known for its welcoming and inclusive environment”The ConfiDanZe annual Dance Recital, held on June 11, 2023, at Great Neck North High School, sold out within 24 hours. The recital featured a variety of performances including solos, duets, and group numbers. Participants ranged from children as young as 3 years old to adults with diverse dance backgrounds. The diversity of performers added to the vibrant and captivating nature of the show. ConfiDanZe aims to create a sense of community where dancers of different generations can share their love for

dance. They offer a wide range of classes tailored to meet the interests and skill levels of children and adults.

Contact ConfiDanZe directly for a complete list of classes available. Individual attention and guidance are provided in a boutique experience at ConfiDanZe. ConfiDanZe values inclusivity, community, and the joy of dance! Their annual Dance Recital showcases the talent and hard work of their dancers, leaving the audience entertained and inspired. We applaud each dancer’s dedication and hard work!

Michele Tabaroki Owner, ConfiDanZe & Fitness

through creative engineering. Over 290,000 children from 88 countrieshave participated in the league since its inception, according to LEGO’s website.

Cynthia Estevez, Elijah’s mom, said since he

got his first LEGO set at 2 years old his passion was hard to miss.

“He was building all day,” Estevez said. “He’s been building ever since…here we are today as the winners of this national competition.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

Elijah Estevez, center right, poses alongside his mother Cynthia, left, sister Valentina, center left, and father Rafael, right after being named winner of the 2023 North American Mini Master Model Builder.

Woman sought after Macy’s Manhasset theft

BY CAMERYN OAKES

A woman is at large after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Manhasset Macy’s Sunday afternoon, according to Nassau County police, and law enforcement are asking for information to aid in their investigation.

A woman placed merchandise into a black tote bag while walking around at the Macy’s located at 1100 Northern Blvd around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, police said. The woman then tried to leave the store without paying for the merchandise when a store employee questioned her.

She then pushed the employee and fled the store, according to police, leaving at an unknown direction.

The investigation is ongoing and police are asking for anyone with information to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All calls will be anonymous.

Port man charged with public lewdness

BY KARINA KOVAC

A man from Port Washington was arrested by Sixth Squad Detectives Friday at 7:50 pm in Manhasset after two 14-year-old girls told their parents and authorities about an alleged incident of public lewdness.

The minors were seated on a bench on Manhasset Avenue when an unknown man approached them. After he allegedly exposed himself to the juveniles, they immediately left the scene and informed their parents about the disturbing encounter, police said.

Following a thorough investigation, the suspect, identified as Christian Sarmiento, 22, of Port Washington, was apprehended without issue.

The investigation further revealed that Sarmiento was arrested in an alleged incident that involved inappropriately grabbing a 16-year-old girl on July 16 in Great Neck Estates, police said.

Sarmiento is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of public lewdness, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, forcible touching, and sexual abuse, authorities said. He was arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Detectives are urging anyone who believes they may have been victims of similar incidents involving Sarmiento to come forward and report the encounters to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will have the option to remain anonymous.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

Nassau County Police are asking for information regarding a robbery at a Manhasset Macy Sunday afternoon.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Christian Sarmiento, 22, of Port Washington.

To the dedicated and hardworking librarians of America:

In any democracy, the free exchange of ideas is an important part of making sure that citizens are informed, engaged and feel like their perspectives matter.

It’s so important, in fact, that here in America, the First Amendment of our Constitution states that freedom begins with our capacity to share and access ideas — even, and maybe especially, the ones we disagree with.

More often than not, someone decides to write those ideas down in a book.

Books have always shaped how I experience the world. Writers like Mark Twain and Toni Morrison, Walt Whitman and James Baldwin taught me something essential about our country’s character. Reading about people whose lives were very different from mine showed me how to step into someone else’s shoes. And the simple act of writing helped me develop my own identity — all of which would prove vital as a citizen, as a community organizer, and as president.

Today, some of the books that shaped my life — and the lives of so many others — are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. It’s no coincidence that these “banned books” are often written by or feature people of color, indigenous people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community — though there have also been unfortunate instances in which books by conservative authors or books containing “triggering” words or scenes have been targets for removal. Either way, the impulse seems to be to silence, rather than engage, rebut, learn from or seek to understand views that don’t fit our own.

I believe such an approach is profoundly misguided, and contrary to what has made this country great. As I’ve said before, not only is it important for young people from all walks of life to see themselves represented in the pages of books, but it’s also important for all of us to engage with different ideas and points of view.

It’s also important to understand that the world is watching. If America — a nation built on freedom of expression — allows certain voices and ideas to be silenced, why should other countries go out of their way to protect them? Ironically, it is Christian and other religious texts — the sacred texts that some calling for book bannings in this country claim to want to defend — that have often been the first target of cen-

sorship and book banning efforts in authoritarian countries.

Nobody understands that more than you, our nation’s librarians. In a very real sense, you’re on the front lines — fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone. Your dedication and professional expertise allow us to freely read and consider information and ideas, and decide for ourselves which ones we agree with.

That’s why I want to take a moment to thank all of you for the work you do every day — work that is helping us understand each other and embrace our shared humanity.

And it’s not just about books. You also provide spaces where people can come together, share ideas, participate in community programs, and access essential civic and educational resources. Together, you help people become informed and active citizens, capable of making this country what they want it to be.

And you do it all in a harsh political climate where, all too often, you’re attacked by people who either cannot or will not understand the vital — and uniquely American — role you play in the life of our nation.

So whether you just started working at a school or public library, or you’ve been there your entire career, Michelle and I want to thank you for your unwavering commitment to the freedom to read. All of us owe you a debt of gratitude for making sure readers across the country have access to a wide range of books, and all the ideas they contain.

Finally, to every citizen reading this, I hope you’ll join me in reminding anyone who will listen — and even some people you think might not — that the free, robust exchange of ideas has always been at the heart of American democracy. Together, we can make that true for generations to come.

With gratitude,

BARACK OBAMA

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Whitewashing slavery, and banning books

Florida education officials approved new standards for teaching African-American history last week that include a requirement for students to be taught that slaves received some “personal benefit.”

Yes, according to Florida’s new standards, students must be taught that in a system in which women were raped, babies were ripped from their mother’s arms and sold and people were murdered without penalty slaves received job training.

That the slaves could market their skills when they were freed after 150 years.

What next? How Jews benefited from the Holocaust? Perhaps to found Israel and find opportunity in the United States?

Well, not so far in Florida, although Texas schools are being told to teach “opposing views of the Holocaust.”

This followed after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law that requires if teachers explore controversial subjects, they must do so “from diverse and contending perspectives without giving deference to any one perspective.”

Florida’s new standards for teaching African-American history came in response to the ”Stop W.O.K.E. Act” signed into law in 2022 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican candidate for president who was recently welcomed here by Nassau County Republicans.

The Stop W.O.K.E. Act prohibits instruction that could prompt students to feel discomfort about a historical event because of their race, sex or national origin.

The DeSantis administration had already updated the state’s math and social studies textbooks, scrubbing them for “prohibited topics” like social-emotional learning, which helps students develop positive mind-sets.”

This has become known otherwise as the “Don’t Say Gay” rules.

The book bans are actually part of a national movement often highly funded by right-wing members of the Republican Party that is centered on race, history, sexual orientation and gender, according

to PEN America, a group that champions the freedom to write.

PEN American said the book-banning efforts are focused on Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah and South Carolina.

But they are not limited to the five states. The movement also extends to New York, including Nassau County.

Project Veritas, a right-wing group known for deceptively edited exposé videos with ties to prominent conservative and Republican groups, earlier this year released a posting on Instagram of David Casamento, the former director of technology in East Williston School District, discussing the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion in public schools

Casamento had left the East Williston School District six years before and was now assistant superintendent for the East Meadow School District,

More than 100 people attended an East Williston school board meeting, many of whom expressed anger with what they saw on the video posted.

Around the same time as the East Williston school board meeting, a Project Veritas video was released of Donald Gately, who oversees the Manhasset School District’s instruction and personnel.

Gately could be seen in the video discussing the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion at a grassroots event that brings together educators from across the region to share their ideas and expertise

An email signed by “Manhasset Parents”called for an immediate investigation into Gately.

Manhasset Superintendent Gaurav Passi said in an email to parents the claims made by Project Veritas would be a cause for concern if the organization’s claims had any validity. But, he said, they don’t.

We have also seen the movement to ban books in an election for the Great Neck Library Board last year when some candidates called for restrictions on books related to families headed by same-sex couples.

A recent Great Neck school board election also included a candidate who had objected to allowing a book that

discussed a family headed by a same-sex couple.

The efforts of DeSantis and others to revise the history that is being taught in the nation’s schools and the kind of books carried by libraries begs a question: Why?

Some have contended DeSantis and Trump have an authoritarian agenda and made historical comparisons to Benito Mussolini’s Italy and Adolph Hitler’s Nazi Germany and more recent heads of state like Victor Orban in Hungary who violated the rights of marginalized groups.

But perhaps a better comparison would be to the Southern states after the Civil War.

Once Union troops were removed from the South as part of a deal to determine the Hayes-Tilden presidential election, the former members of the Confederacy took control with Jim Crow laws that restricted blacks’ rights, voting and representation.

They did this with the use of force and terror mixed with a false retelling of history that labeled the Civil War the “War of Northern Aggression” and presented a positive portrait of life under slavery for blacks.

It may be no coincidence that the effort to ban books and change the teaching of history is concentrated in Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah and South Caroli-

na – four slave states and members of the Confederacy with the exception of Utah.

Or that several of these states and others are now doing all they can to restrict voting – particularly for blacks and young people.

So far, the efforts of those seeking to ban books, stop the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion and change the teaching of history have been beaten back in Nassau County.

An email signed by “Manhasset Parents” recently called for an immediate investigation into Gately.

Manhasset Superintendent Gaurav Passi said in an email to parents the claims made by Project Veritas would be a cause for concern if the organization’s claims had any validity. But, he correctly noted, they don’t.

Rory Lancman, a former New York State assemblyman and New York City councilman who was appointed executive director of the LIPA Commission, recognized the threat to Great Neck by running for the library board.

He won and was elected president.

This past week, Great Neck businessman Alan Mindel stepped up by taking out an ad in Blank Slate Media’s papers to share a recent Instagram post by former President Barack Obama that saluted the nation’s librarians and their work in protecting the free flow of infor-

mation.

“Here in America, the First Amendment of our Constitution states that freedom begins with our capacity to share and access ideas – even, and maybe especially, the ones we disagree with,” Obama wrote.

The former president went on to say some of the books that shaped his life are now being challenged by those who disagree with their message, particularly those written or that feature people of color, indigenous people and members of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Obama concludes with a plea, saying “the free, robust exchange of ideas has always been at the heart of American democracy.”

We salute Mindel for expressing his support.

It is probably no coincidence that Mindel is the board chairman of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, dedicated to remembering one of history’s greatest tragedies and preventing anything like it from happening again.

We hope others in this community are willing to join Mindel in the battle to protect our freedom to share ideas and expose those who are seeking to revise history for their political benefit.

We have all seen where that leads when we don’t.

Riverboat gambler’s war against women

One in five members of the U.S. military are women and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is determined to eradicate their access to essential reproductive healthcare.

He has tied this to his vote to prevent advancing military assignments and promotions, including installing a new Marine commandant to fill the vacancy left by Gen. David Berger. By politicizing the process, he has raised serious concerns about the adverse impact on U.S. military readiness. The Marine Corps is now left without a leader for the first time in more than 100 years.

In addition to a gap in leadership, those “who would be most hurt here are our lowest ranking service members and their families,” says Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “The higher-ranking members — like other more well-off members of our society — will have the personal resources to travel,” while the younger members do not.

Our allies are watching. Our ad-

versaries are watching. The world is watching. What they see is one person, one U.S senator, capable of interfering with U.S. military readiness.

The challenges military women now face remind me of a line from the epic novel Pachinko: “Living every day in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage.” Women in the U.S. military bring their courage, competence, and patriotism to serve and protect Americans every day. If fair weather patriots like Tuberville prevail in interfering with their reproductive rights, fewer women will be inclined to enlist and faithfully serve.

NPR reports that, according to the Pentagon, Tuberville’s actions have “already stalled more than 260 nominations of senior officers and could balloon to 650 by the end of the year.”

Tuberville has aligned himself with white nationalists who share his views on reproductive rights. When

challenged about the racist ideology of white nationalism he said, according to the Guardian online news, “I look at a white nationalist as a Trump Republican. That’s what we’re called all the time. A Maga person.”

Author Fran Lebowitz offered some insight into what may have contributed to Tuberville’s descent down the white nationalist rabbit

hole: “Trump allows people to express their racism and bigotry in a way that they haven’t been able to in quite a while and they really love him for that.”

In further defending himself Tuberville stated that in his 40-year role as a football coach, once nicknamed ‘The Riverboat Gambler’, he “dealt” with many minorities and that that disqualifies him as being racist. Plantation owners also “dealt” with many minorities. Does it disqualify them as well?

The Dunning–Kruger effect might also help in understanding the Tuberville mindset, as it were. It is when individuals overrate their ability and knowledge and assume a false sense of superiority. Trump, the self-proclaimed “stable genius,” is America’s poster boy for the Dunning–Kruger effect. During his White House residency, he attempted to project a sense of competency, which we now know does not exist aside from gaslighting and spinning conspiracy theories to cultivate true

believers to empty their pockets and embrace MAGA extremism.

MAGA disciples like coach Tuberville have fallen prey to Trump’s cynicism about the U.S. military. “Trump’s view of the military was that anyone who served was a sucker, anyone who was injured in the line of duty was a loser, and prisoners of war were less noble than soldiers who didn’t get captured by enemy armies,” wrote NY Times reporter Michael Schmidt in his book ‘Donald Trump V. The United States.’Schmidt added that Trump’s sentiments about military service were confirmed by Trump’s Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly, whose son Robert was killed in action while on a patrol in Afghanistan.

Perhaps understanding Tuberville is not that complicated after all. Rolling Stone magazine stated it simply in a recent headline: “Tommy Tuberville Is Either Extremely Dumb or Extremely Racist.” Or, as they go on to suggest, he could be both.

New York State’s billion-dollar boondoggle

During the Cuomo-Hochul years, vast amounts of taxpayer dollars have been squandered on private-sector job investments.

Money has gone to initiatives that in many cases fell short of the job goals, while others did not set any benchmark for assessing their success or failure.

One flop was Cuomo’s 2013 “Start-up New York.” Over $50 million was spent on television and radio commercials to promote that program, which grants 10 years of no taxes to approved technology companies that locate in zones near state and City University campuses. The results were de minimis.

The program failed because the scope was too limited, there was no regulatory relief and interested companies had to endure a laborious application process.

But the biggest boondoggle of all has been—the heavily hyped “Buffalo Billion.”

In 2013, Gov. Andrew Cuomo proudly announced an investment

to build plants in Western New York that would create at least 3,000 jobs.

The key participant in the project, Buffalo Solar City, controlled by Elon Musk, initially received $750 million in state subsidies and an additional $200 million in 2017.

An audit, performed by the office of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli in 2019, revealed that the Musk project did not come close to meeting expectations.

To rationalize the faltering investment, the state approved amendments to the deal that reduced “the number of jobs required … as well as making it unclear what and where the remaining jobs will be.”

The dumbing down of the deal, the comptroller concluded, would result, at best, in a paltry economic benefit of 54 cents for every dollar spent.

A laid-off Solar City employee, Dale Witherell, insisted in a letter to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) that “New York State taxpayers deserved more from a $750 million investment. Tesla, he added “had done

a tremendous job providing smoke and mirrors and empty promises to the area.”

Since DiNapoli’s report was issued in 2020, there has not been any real progress.

A July 17, 2023 front-page expose in the Wall Street Journal titled “New York’s $1 Billion Bet on Tesla Isn’t Paying Off” explains just how bad a deal Cuomo cut with Musk.

LETTERS

POLICY

Heights, NY 11577.

Musk’s claim that his plant would produce over 1,000 solar panel shingles a week has fallen far short of that goal. “The company is installing on average only 21 solar installations a week,” the newspaper said.

The WSJ report noted “the suppliers that Cuomo predicted would flock to a modern manufacturing hub never showed up. The only new nearby business is a Tim Horton’s coffee shop.”

Democratic state Sen. Sean Ryan, whose district includes Buffalo, told the Journal “it was a bad deal. A cautionary tale is you can’t give governors too much power to get on the phone with egotistical billionaires.”

After inspecting the facility, Ryan sadly concluded that the activity “didn’t look like full-scale manufacturing work.”

The chairperson of the state Senate Finance Committee, Democrat Liz Krueger, was also shocked by the poor return on investment. She said we “should invest in infrastructure

and job training instead of spending billions of tax dollars pretending we’re very good being angel investors.”

E.J. McMahon, of the Empire Center for Public Policy, summed up the Cuomo debacle thusly: “In building and equipping the Tesla solar panel plant, the state became an investor in that project under the worst possible terms. In terms of shared direct cost to taxpayers, this may rank as the biggest economic development boondoggle in American history.”

One can only hope that state officials finally learn that “Big brother” type government bureaucrats should not be the persons to dictate where entrepreneurs should locate and risk investment dollars.

If Gov. Hochul and her Democratic colleagues are serious about jump-starting New York’s economic engine, they will employ genuine incentives—tax cuts and regulatory reforms—that have created lasting middle-class jobs in flourishing states like Texas and Florida.

A question of accepting good days and bad

Robert Frost wrote the poem

“A Question” in 1942 and it suggested that life was so problematic and filled with so much suffering that it prompts the question of whether life is actually worth living. The poem has only four lines:

“A voice said, Look me in the stars

And tell me truly, men of earth, If all the soul-and-body scars Were not too much to ask for birth.”

This seems to be a valid line of inquiry.

Socially the world seems troubled. Just last week an article in The New York Times by Eleanor Cummins and Andrew Zaleski outlined the increases in loneliness in America and described it as yet another epidemic along with COVID, mass shootings and global warming. They said psychologists are grasping at ways to resolve this loneliness epidemic.

This epidemic of anomie and aloneness was foreshadowed by Harvard’s James Putnam’s book “Bowling Alone,” which came out in 2000 and described the disappearance of communal groups

across America, including Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, as well as church attendance. By the end of the 20th century both James Kunstler (“The Geography of Nowhere”) and Putman were highlighting our loss of community.

The COVID pandemic, which forced people to shelter in place and grow wary of human contact, furthered this trend of isolationism and now companies are having a hard time getting their employees to return to the office.

Cannibal capitalism, the emptiness of consumerism, global warming and mass shootings do seem to suggest that things are tough for us humans.

The Robert Frost poem “The Ques-

EARTH MATTERS

tion” poses the definitive existential question. Given all the suffering we go through, is life really worth the effort? Would we be better off not being born at all? If our parents never met and never married and never procreated, we would never have existed and so we would not be the gatherer of ‘souland-body scars’ all of which are too numerous to mention. To live is to have one’s fair share of toothaches, ingrown toenails, broken hearts, F’s on calculus tests, being called stupid by a brother, or not getting into Harvard. And how is it possible to smile and hold your head up high if you didn’t go to Harvard?

If you were never born, you would never get wrinkles and never have to go to a proctologist. You would never have to worry about paying bills or falling out of love. You would never have to be bored with someone or have a car accident, or miss a 3-foot putt to lose the club championship. You would never be in the awful position of not being Brad Pitt or Jennifer Aniston or Bill Gates or Warren Buffet or Tiger Woods.

Other poets have expressed the same sentiment of the pain of life. The W.B. Yeats poem “The Stolen Child” has the oft quoted stanza:

“Come away, O human child!

To the waters and the wild

With a faery, hand in hand, For the world’s more full of weep-

ing than you can understand.”

You may recall how Steven Spielberg used this poem in his film “AI.”

Of course the counter argument to Robert Frost’s question and Yeat’s poem is that being born into existence means nice things, too. Nice things like coffee in the morning, sleeping on clean sheets, taking cold showers on hot days, visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea and having a chocolate malted at Hildebrandt’s.

But then we get into the mathematical question of which outweighs which. Do the “soul-and-body scars” have greater density than the delight of being handed a chocolate malted by Hunter at Hildebrandt’s? Now that’s a tough question to answer but not that tough. Chocolate malteds, adorable girls like Hunter and seeing Carmelby-the-Sea are more than enough compensation for the grim tasks of suffering, loneliness and pain that simply is a part of life.

The good doctors and medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies can develop all the little pills in the world to help a lonely or a sick or a sad patient, but the reality is we all must accept the truth that some days are good days and some days are bad days. Some days bring another “soul or body scar” and some days bring a chocolate malted by Hunter.

Getting serious about climate change now

Climate catastrophes hit headlines again this month with a stretch of days hotter than Earth’s inhabitants have encountered in over 120,000 years. In fact, Prof. James Hansen, whose well-known in climate conscious circles for testifying before the U.S. Senate Energy committee in 1988 with the warning that “the greenhouse effect has been detected and it is changing our climate now,” yet again sounded the alarm. This time he called us “damned fools” for not responding appropriately to climate change.

With his colleagues, Hansen of the Earth Institute at Columbia predicts accelerated warming in the near future due to unchecked fossil fuel emissions and warns that we’ll soon cross heat thresholds not experienced on Earth in a million years. Humans will encounter hotter days than they could have ever imagined and at worst will not survive.

Please, I beg you, don’t stop reading my column. I’ve got encouraging news for you.

In “Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility (2023)” Rebecca Solnit with Thelma Young Lutunatabua edited a collection of contributions to the climate conversation that affirm my sincere conviction: Fear fuels despair, while caring deeply inspires the right action of repair, regeneration and hope.

And I strongly believe that the cure to the climate crisis is embedded in repairing relationships. Acting out of urgency, making decisions out of fear, we make mistakes. But stepping into thoughtful action because we care deeply can make an enormous difference for the better. The time is now. We have to reconnect with the living beings in our neighborhood, both human and other than human.

Do you know who’s living and breathing with you in your community?

In order to notice, we must take the time to cherish one another. We must take the time to learn about how our world is changing and who’s worst affected. When we know the name of one another we have an opportunity to care.

Many smartphone applications are now available for you to get to know, not just the people, but the plants, insects and animals in your neighborhood. Our world is changing faster than any group of scientists can record, so I invite you to become citizen scientists and document the climate-induced changes you’re observing with iNaturalist, a free smartphone application for mapping your observations in the natural world. When you get to know the name and “On the Origin of Species,” something changes within you. When we strengthen and deepen our relationship with nature, we find that we have what it takes to prevent

HILDUR PALSDOTTIR Earth Matters

catastrophic climate change.

Trees model clean energy production for us. In nature nothing goes to waste, circular economy is the norm. We can learn everything we need to know to thrive in a changing climate if we just take the time to pause, look, listen and learn. We will discover that our more than human neighbors are working hard to adapt and survive with us in a changing world and biomimicry is just one of many nature-based climate solutions out there.

Instead of succumbing to nihilism so prevalent in our culture, discover your ability to care deeply and repair your personal relationship to nature. Spend-

ing time in nature is essential. This summer explore Long Island beaches, not just for recreation and sunbathing, but also for learning about the piping plovers and other feathered friends there. Notice how the native vegetation is combating erosion and discover ways to rewild and bind the soil while restoring health to coastal ecosystems.

Discover non-polluting, non-extractive, non-consumptive ways to enjoy life. Taking the time to enjoy the sunset, or waking up early enough to witness the sunrise, are ways to reconnect with the natural cycles. Using less of everything is the best way today to combat climate change.

This summer slow down, walk, bike, hike, reuse, refill, reduce pollution in any which way you can and get to know your environment and all the beings who share natural resources with you. This is how we weave our way back into the ecosystem we rely on for breathing and living. We need to repair the relationship we have with the living world if we are to stand a fighting chance to save ourselves.

We must slow down enough to be highly selective about our consumption and insist on climate friendly products. It’s not enough to wear organic clothing if it’s made by fossil- fueled industries and transported long distances. We can reduce pollution by, for instance, using plastic free SuperZero shampoo bars or

TruEarth biodegradable laundry strips (there are many other brands; I’m just naming these because I am very happy with them). Be creative and selective about the daily products you use and look up the least polluting alternatives.

Most importantly, vote for proactive people who promise to reduce pollution and transition away from fossil fuels. We need to make drastic changes both personally and politically. Cultural change is only possible if we start today with changing our habits.

The biosphere responds quickly to favorable changes. We can start making changes for the better and easily expect amplified returns. Share with us your climate solutions here in the comments section online or send a letter to the editor. Climate solutions are countless. Ask yourself: What’s standing in the way of their implementation?

Do we need to wait for worse air quality, warmer winters, hotter summers and the next superstorm, or can we start changing our habits today and tip the scales back towards viability? According to WFLA Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli: “ unlike a terminal illness, we know exactly what the problem is, we know exactly how to fix it, and we have all the solutions we need now. What is required is that we pay attention and get serious — quickly. Our future depends on it.”

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

“Is life more filled with wonder or woe?”

GOP seeks to end ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion’

Republicans are falling over each other trying to show who is more racist, more misogynist, more embracing of malignant political violence and authoritarianism.

Former President Trump even published his “to-do” list if he manages to retake the White House, which involves designating himself the “Unitary Executive” (the Federalist Society theory that Supreme Court Justices Alioto, Roberts, Gorsuch, Thomas, Barrett and Kavanaugh embrace when a Republican is in office).

Ron DeSantis seeks to make the leap from Florida governor to president with promises of ripping out “wokeness” from the root, making illegal Diversity, Equity, Inclusive policies that have helped turn the ideals of this nation into the values we live everyday.

And now, the radical reactionary White Christo Fascist “Republicans,” who condemned “cancel culture,” “censorship” (First Amendment), and “indoctrination” are going whole hog to whitewash the teaching or reading of American history with literal hogwash. And they are aided and abetted by a White Christo Fascist Supreme Court super majority that has an Orwellian concept of “color blind Constitution” and “equal protection.”

If ever there was proof of systemic racism, misogyny, bias and bigotry in 21st century America, it is Florida’s

new mandated education curriculum that teaches slavery had its benefits.

The state’s laws threaten teachers with losing their license if they dare answer a student’s question regarding gender identity or slavery, not to mention localities which are firing librarians and cutting off funding for public libraries if they dare display books that might cultivate empathy and understanding of someone else’s life experience.

It echoes in the Oklahoma court’s dismissal of reparations for the three remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that torched the entire black neighborhood and left 300 dead – spurred by a young black man’s alleged “flirtation” with a white woman (debunked). That was followed by the present school superintendent outrageously declaring that “the color of their skin” was not the basis for the massacre by white supremacists. And now Florida inserting into its mandated curriculum that both sides committed violence. (Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) called white supremacists “plain ordinary Americans”, while GOP Sen. Wendy Rogers of Arizona called white nationalists “patriots.”

Why is it that young people are so accepting of diversity – of race, ethnicity, gender? It’s because for 40 years, we have seen the cultural shift in media, schools and in our daily lives.

And that’s the trouble for righ-

KAREN RUBIN View Point

twing extremists desperate to be able to continue to discriminate, perpetuate systemic racism that keeps vast segments of the population powerless, and go back to the halcyon days (Make America Great Again). Imagine Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) asserting that universal healthcare would be akin to slavery (https://www.politico.com/ story/2011/05/paul-right-to-healthcare-is-slavery-054769), but forcing a woman to carry a nonviable fetus or give birth to her rapist’s child is not.

The mechanism for women moving more into positions of authority in the workplace and in government has been their freedom to make decisions in their lives — a train that this radically reactionary Supreme Court suc-

ceeded in derailing.

The mechanisms for racial and ethnic “minorities” to break cycles of poverty have been affirmative action at higher education, corporate diversity recruitment programs and government-mandated Women and Minority Owned Business incentives.

These have been successful, which is the “justification” and the reason why Justice John Roberts and his White Christo Fascist supermajority have overturned affirmative action in college admissions, and why they are positioning themselves to next overturn affirmative action by employers. This is laughable under the aegis of “equal protection” when their purpose was to create a more level playing field on a vastly unequal battlefield and color blind Constitution.

But the fact that the equal protection policy and similar ones were intended to redress society was anything but color blind – not in housing, hiring, paying, schooling, voting or prosecuting – and despite some slow progress remains so was completely dismissed. It recalls the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s remark that eviscerating the Voting Rights Act “was like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm.”

Who wants to bet that if it comes to the Supreme Court, the Scotus6 who argued that affirmative action violated “equal protection” will dismiss any suit challenging legacy and

big donor admissions, saying a private entity can admit whoever they want, using whatever criteria they want (but not race).

In fact, 13 Republican attorneys general have already sent notices to Fortune 100 company leaders warning them against using race as a factor in hiring and promotion, based on the Scotus ruling ending affirmative action in college admissions. (https:// thehill.com/homenews/statewatch/4096749-gop-attorneys-general-urge-corporations-against-usingaffirmative-action-to-hire-promote/)

Scotus has bestowed their blessing to discriminate on race, gender and on religion, telling a website designer even before she started up her business that she was free to deny service to a same-sex couple. Now imagine a landlord or employer refusing to rent to a mixed race or same sex couple. Or imagine an unwed mother being refused a job or apartment or even healthcare because of a “religious conviction” she is an evil Jezebel.

And imagine a doctor, nurse or EMT refusing to give life-saving care because they have religious objection to their lifestyle. You don’t have to imagine because that is already the law in Arkansas (signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, now campaigning to be president), giving doctors permission to refuse to treat someone because of their religious or moral objections.

Continued on Page 39

WRITE Memorial Day, the VFW and Buddy Poppies

Memorial Day honors and memorializes all those who lost their lives while defending our country and, this year we observed this national holiday on May 29.

The origin of Memorial Day dates to the end of the Civil War (1865) when there was a great need to honor those soldiers who died in the war.

According to the National Park Service, “On May 30, 1868, a crowd of more than 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the first Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) exercises.”

On that same day “…James Abram Garfield (1831– 81) [future president of the United States], …in this first of such annual addresses at Arlington National Cemetery and across the nation, set a standard by explaining what Decoration Day all is about and why it should be commemorated.”

Before this year’s holiday, many of you may have encountered members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at various around our town, distributing Buddy Poppies and receiving donations from the public.

The giving and wearing of the poppy are intrinsically connected to the Memorial Day commemoration. The

READERS

official VFW website, vfw.org, tells us that after WWI, “The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it is today.”

Donations to the “…VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to those [disabled veterans] who assemble the poppies, but also provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially support the VFW National Home.”

So do the funds collected during the Buddy Poppy distribution by the VFW posts cover the expenses of this financial assistance given by the VFW?

The answer is surprisingly no – financial support for these VFW programs comes directly from individual VFW posts who, at their own expense, yearly purchase the Buddy Poppies from the VFW, which in turn, distributes those dollars to the organizations outlined above.

It is a regulation of the VFW that all donations received during the distribution of Buddy Poppies be placed into the posts’ Relief Fund and then distributed to organizations that support veterans.

This year, VFW Post 1819 will send

checks from its relief fund to the following not-for-profit corporations: United Veterans Beacon House, Bravo Foxtrot United Veterans Inc., Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund, Folds of Honor, and Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Are you interested in helping veterans and their families in need? – If you are an honorably discharged veteran who has served in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters please consider joining our non-partisan VFW Post 1819.

Once enrolled, you can enjoy exten-

sive membership benefits, help to continue our good work through the Buddy Poppy program, share in a brother and sisterhood with others who have fought in defense of our country and enjoy activities at our newly renovated post (soon to be available for rentals).

Here are some reasons why the others have joined our Post:

“My decision to join VFW Post 1819 accelerated my becoming a citizen of Port Washington. Immediately, I participated in veteran fundraising, holiday parades and the cooperative activities that maintain our VFW Post.

Almost immediately I became a member of my wider community on the North Shore of Long Island. Over time, my comrades became close friends; our common experience as veterans was the beginning of a fuller life as a part of my new home.”

Mel Gagliano, Operation Desert Storm

“I joined VFW Post 1819 because of my desire to be in the company of other individuals who have shared similar military experiences to mine. In addition to companionship, my membership with the VFW has offered me great deal of satisfaction in raising money to aid disabled and homeless veterans and their families and performing community services with other non-profit organizations in our area.”

Jerald H. Tedeschi, Vietnam War

If you would like to become a member of our VFW Post, or simply donate by check to support it; please use our below address, or directly contact:

Fred Blumlein Quartermaster, Henderson-Marino VFW Post 1819 29 Mohegan Ave. Port Washington

Lavine urges Netanyahu to drop court overhaul

State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-13th AD) has sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to withdraw his support of a judicial overhaul bill that would significantly weaken the Israeli Supreme Court’s powers.

The letter comes as tens of thousands of Israelis take to the streets to protest the legislation which comes up for a vote Monday.

Lavine, who serves as president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, believes it will hurt Israeli democracy.

In the letter Lavine states:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

I write neither in my capacity as president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators nor as a member of its Board of National Directors. I write as a Jewish state legislator who believes that Israel, like America, is an aspirational nation and that Israel and America are the “last best

hope[s] of earth.” I am also privileged to serve as the chair of the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Israel is at a breaking point. The package of bills that the Knesset intends to pass will eviscerate judicial review of governmental decisions. With a unicameral legislature, no constitution, and less powerful local governments, Israel’s judiciary is the only monitor preventing the government from doing whatever it pleases. Democracies cannot exist without “checks and balances.” The Israeli judiciary embodies the only system of “checks and balances” that can restrain and inhibit absolute governmental power.

Dominated by some of the most extremist ministers in Israel’s history, the current government promotes a legislative agenda that undermines human rights and liberal values. The only barrier is the authority of the Supreme Court, precisely what the so-called reforms are calculated to obviate.

If enacted, the government will

There’s another level of love

There’s another level of love.

Beyond the age when you believed everything was possible, even the impossible.

Beyond the celebrations and holiday parties, or those junk understandings and displays that pretend to be something hiding behind a cheap tan. That knows how to sing the blues in the depths, considering everything that might happen.

We fell in love over and over again despite the falls— and we always fell.

And never forgot who has a real soft spot for protecting you at every turn.

Love is the door between worlds that we enter beyond dreaming. Where we become the happiness.

We become the dreaming.

We become the poems.

Like the time we first met.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

be empowered to: Control and politicize the appointments of judges to the Supreme Court;Ignore the legal advice of the government’s legal counsel;Limit the reasons for the court to adjudicate government and parliament decisions;Overrule court decisions and re-pass any court rejected legislation; and more.

If adopted, any government will have the power to function as a dictatorship. Just some of the declared pieces of proposed legislation: Removing the mandatory military recruitment of ultra-Orthodox Jews and declaring Jewish religious studies as a national high value. Constructing new Israeli settlements and declaring existing ones as official Israeli towns and villages. Firing officials who oppose government actions and appointing unqualified political supporters to high-ranking positions. Infringing on the rights of minority and underprivileged communities, including LGBTQ individuals, Arabs, women, and others.

The large and patriotic demon-

strations, as well as repeated political polls, show that an impressive majority of Israelis oppose these draconian measures. The Israelis believe that any changes to the fundamental structure of the government should only be made after careful public discussion and with broad consensus, neither of which have occurred. Most Israelis see this ‘reform” as a mere power grab and a catastrophic threat to Israeli democracy.

The immediate result of the prospect of this primitive program includes but is not limited to:

Economic downturn, including weakening of the NIS (Shekel), a drop in investments and in new start-ups;Letters and petitions from elite military unit members, threatening to stop volunteering for military training;Avoidance/cancellation of diplomatic meetings with Israeli officials in the U.S and other countries;Recurring major protests that disrupt vital infrastructure and highways in Israel;Social tensions and polarization, pumped up

by radical politicians; and Emboldening and empowering Israel’s enemies who consider it weak at this time of crisis.

Israel now confronts profound challenges to its security and to its future as a liberal democracy. The wide protests in which millions have participated in Israel and in major locations such as Washington, D.C, New York City and other American venues are an attempt to make the government abandon this self-destructive policy. Instead of being instances of civil disobedience, these demonstrations are actually inspiring examples of true civil obedience.

It is democracy itself that is now at stake. Citizens of no nation will enjoy economic freedom in the absence of fundamental personal rights.

I urge that you fight to maintain Israeli democracy.

Sands pact column wrong

After reading the recent column “Nassau County residents cheated on Sands casino deal” I feel I was cheated out of the time it took to read this article, which was filled with disparaging remarks, innuendo, and out-andout falsehoods.

The author must not feel burdened by the never-ending tax increase and the lack of decent jobs in Nassau County, as that would be the only reason to explain the insensitivity or incomprehension of the realities that currently exists for those who live here.

Based on the most obvious misinformation in the article it is worth noting the following:

1. While the author asserts that “trust” serves as the foundation for the relationship between Nassau County and Las Vegas Sands regarding community benefits, it is important to emphasize that every aspect of the agreement has been extensively documented and legally established.

The commitments between Sands, the Nassau County executive and the Nassau County Legislature are bound by legal frameworks. This contract was not a clandestine agreement but a meticulously negotiated and proficiently executed arrangement guided by highly skilled attorneys.

2. One of the enforceable terms outlined in the agreement is a payment of $54 million to the county once Sands assumes ownership of the Coliseum, accompanied by a 25% increase in rent payments.

Additionally, once awarded the gaming license and fully operational, Sands has committed to doubling the rent and ensuring a minimum of $50 million annually in gaming tax revenue for the county.

The Town of Hempstead will receive $20 million annually along with a one-time

$25 million community benefit upon winning the license, followed by an additional $4 million in annual community benefits.

In summary, these contractual obligations, rather than mere promises, will result in Sands contributing over $80 million per year in new taxes to Nassau County alone.

3. John Durso has garnered national recognition for his unwavering advocacy on behalf of working individuals, while Dana Durso, his daughter-in-law, holds an elected position and contributes to the Nassau County Planning Commission.

Consequently, the author’s defamatory remarks targeting them are not only startling but also profoundly offensive.

Throughout their professional journeys, both individuals have dedicated themselves to championing the rights of Nassau County residents, without any personal interest in a Sands development. Therefore, any insinuating impropriety or wrongdoing is morally unacceptable, to say the least.

4. The author’s perplexing conflagration of the NYU proposal with the Sands proposal is confusing.

The transfer of the Coliseum lease was a private transaction between two companies: Nicholas Mastroianni and NYCB Live, and Las Vegas Sands.

Sands engaged in negotiations with Mastroianni for the lease transfer. The county’s decision did not involve choosing the recipient of the lease but rather approving or disapproving the privately negotiated lease transfer.

In essence, the county Legislature’s vote was a straightforward choice of whether to permit the Coliseum lease to be transferred.

A “no” vote would have meant the

county’s asset, the Coliseum, would continue to deteriorate.

Conversely, a “yes” vote would enable Sands to participate in a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will generate over $80 million new tax revenue, create over 5,000 full-time jobs, and establish an international attraction in Nassau County.

It’s a decision that seems obvious and logical to improve the overall economic health of our community.

5. The narrative surrounding Shelden Adelson was convoluted and difficult to follow, but let’s focus on the essential point: Adelson was a supporter of Republican causes with right-wing leanings.

However, it is crucial to note that he passed away several years ago, rendering his political inclinations largely irrelevant in this state. Similarly, the resume of Bruce Blakeman’s brother from 30 years ago holds little significance in the current context.

Reflecting on instances when I’ve felt “cheated” in life, I often find that those experiences stem from encounters with misinformation.

Before the author presents her opinions in future articles, it would be prudent for her to thoroughly examine and raise concerns based on information that is factual rather than fiction.

This approach requires research and an open mind, but it would lead to a more constructive and meaningful debate. After all, isn’t fostering health discourse the fundamental role that journalism is meant to fulfill?

Luis Vazquez, President

Charles Lavine

State Assemblymember Charles Lavine Lavine represents New York’s 13th Assembly District in Nassau County.

Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

County art musem exhibits Italian artist Amedeo Modgliani

BY CAMERYN OAKES

A man walks into a bar with an Amedeo Modigliani painting under his arm. The bartender looks at him and asks: “Why the long face?”

Modigliani – a world-renowned Italian artist known for his unique portrayal of his subjects with absurdly elongated faces – is being displayed in a landmark exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art.

“Modigliani didn’t necessarily try to give exact portrayals or likenesses to his sitters,” exhibition curator Kenneth Wayne said. “He wanted to instead turn his sitters into Modiglianis.”

Two women observe a Modigliani painting at the Nassau County Museum of Art. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

Museum Director Charles Riley said this is the most exciting exhibition the museum has held in its history.

“This county deserves a great museum,” Riley said. “And with this show, we hit that level. We hit it all the way out of the ballpark with this particular show.”

Riley said Wayne is the world’s leading expert on Modigliani and to have him curate the museum’s show is a “huge triumph” for the museum.

Wayne, who is also the founder of the Modigliani Project, spoke at the exhibit’s opening Monday evening, where he shared the above joke as he described Modigliani’s history and his own work in curating the artist’s legacy.

He said that while he has been curating the exhibit for the past year, it is really an accumulation of his work over a 40-year span specializing in Modigliani.

Wayne said he was approached by Riley to create a Modigliani exhibit for the Nassau County Museum of Art, but he wanted to do something different. The curator said many Modigliani exhibits had been mounted recently but that they had all been monographic in nature.

Rather than just show Modigliani, Wayne said he wanted to focus on his unique approach to portraiture and display his influence on the subject through other modern and contemporary artists – including Modigliani’s peers Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

“There are so many great portrait artists over the last 100 years, and I think Modigliani inspired them,” Wayne said.

Hence the exhibit’s thesis: “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.”

The exhibit features masterworks of Modigliani alongside paintings and drawings from his Parisian contemporaries and modern-day

portrait artists.

Wayne said Modigliani specialized in imposing his style on the portraiture of the people who sat for his paintings, which has become his legacy and the approach to portraiture that he has imparted to many other artists.

“And they owe it all to Modigliani,” Wayne said.

His nonprofit, The Modigliani Project, authenticates the artist’s paintings and drawings, two of which now featured in the museum’s show have recently been proven genuine by the organization.

One of the two paintings fell into Wayne’s lap five years ago when a woman called him about a Modigliani painting she inherited from her great aunt. When Wayne asked who her great aunt was, she said Greta Garbo – an ac-

claimed Swedish-American actress during Hollywood’s Golden Age who retired early to devote herself to art collecting.

The unnamed painting, which is on loan to be featured in the exhibit, was determined by Wayne’s nonprofit to be of Modigliani’s girlfriend Beatrice Hastings. She was a common subject in a number of his paintings.

“I think she had a major influence on his art,” Wayne said. “She was a poet, a writer, an activist, a suffragist, she was an intellectual, obviously, and I think that Modigliani and she had a very tempestuous relationship… She’s someone to take very seriously.”

Modigliani came to Paris in 1906, Wayne said, around the same time that other notable artists like Picasso were arriving in the city.

Despite the common perception that he

didn’t achieve major recognition in his lifetime, Wayne said Modigliani was actually quite successful from the beginning and his work was being collected, exhibited and reviewed early on in his career.

Modigliani had only one solo exhibition during World War I, a series of nude portraits. He died shortly afterward in 1920 at the age of 35.

Despite his short life, Wayne said his legacy continues on and his impact within the art community resounds.

The exhibition, which spans two floors in the museum, held its grand opening Saturday and will be on display through Nov. 22.

Tickets for the show can be purchased online.

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Patrons view a Modigliani painting featured in the Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibit.

Ask North Shore Child & Family experts

In this monthly column, therapists from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center will be answering your questions on issues related to parenting, mental health and children’s well-being. To submit a question, please use the link https://theislandnow.com/submit-news/

Question: My 11-year daughter is always on her device and doesn’t express interest in any other activities. I know she uses her phone a lot to communicate with friends so I am hesitant to take it away from her. I want her to be involved in other things besides her phone. She does well academically and doesn’t have

any behavior problems. The summer is here and I’m concerned she will spend even more time on her phone. Am I overthinking this or should I be worried? —On the fence mom

Dear On the fence mom: It’s understandable as parents to keep a pulse on the amount of time our children spend on their screens and struggle with determining what healthy technology limits look like for each child. Smartphones, gaming systems and screens are everywhere and when your child is using a device, they are disengaging with something else.

Rather than spotlight concern for her technology usage only, transform this into an opportunity to create and adopt healthier tech habits as an entire family.

You can start slowly by ensuring everyone in the house takes a break from their devices for at least 1 hour each day. Consider replacing the screen time by engaging in other activities around the house or outside. You can go on family walks, ride bikes, play a sport or dance to a favorite song. Physical activity can improve their mood and afford opportunities for creativity, collaboration and executive functioning. You can encourage your daughter to choose the type of activity to promote fun and wellness. By giving her that autonomy, it also helps to build her confidence and enhances her communication and interpersonal skills.

You can also have your family begin to pay attention to providing ample distance from their face and the device. Screens emit short-wavelength blue light that shines brightly and right in your face. This exposure impairs melatonin production and interferes with your ability to fall asleep as well as with the quality of your sleep once you do nod off. Make sure that the family’s sleep hygiene is not being impacted by screen time.

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Long Island’s leading children’s mental health organization, is seeing clients both remotely via telehealth platforms and in person, depending on the clients’ needs. No one is ever turned away for inability to pay. To make an appointment, call 516-626-1971 or emailintake@northshorechildguidance.org.

essential vitamins the body needs 13

The human body is a marvel. When working correctly, the body automatically performs scores of metabolic functions

Individuals can facilitate the performance of those functions in various ways

Careful consideration of what they put into their bodies is one way individuals can make things easier on their bodies It is vital to supply the body with the nutrients it needs. This includes the essentials: A, C, D, E, K, and the eight B vitamins.

• Vitamin A: This vitamin helps ensure the health of the skin, corneas, lining of the urinary tract, lungs, and intestines. Vitamin A also helps protect against infection It also is important for vision, as it improves vision in dim light

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a vital role in immune system function, helping to protect cells from free radicals

Since the body cannot store vitamin C, it needs to be consumed daily.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D assists in calcium and phosphorous absorption, which helps to keep bones and teeth strong. The body can produce vitamin D naturally by spending time in sunlight. That is why it’s often called “the sunshine vitamin ”

• Vitamin E: This vitamin maintains muscles and red blood cells. It also protects fatty acids

• Vitamin K: Vitamin K is necessary for blood to clot and helps to keep bones and other tissues in the body healthy

• Thiamine (B1): B1 is needed for metabolism and for nerve and heart function.

• Riboflavin (B2): Another important nutrient for metabolizing foods, B2 helps maintain healthy mucus membranes, such as those in the mouth and nose

• Niacin (B3): This vitamin helps to release energy from food and keeps the nervous system healthy

• Pantothenic Acid (B5): B5 is another vitamin that aids energy metabolism. It also plays a role in normalizing blood sugar levels

• Pyridoxine (B6): People rely on B6 to metabolize food energy It also has a role in proper nerve function and helps in the creation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around through red blood cells.

• Biotin (B7): This is only needed in small amounts to make fatty acids

• Folate (B9): Folate is very important for healthy red blood cells Folate also helps to prevent birth defects, which is why it is recommended as a prenatal vitamin The manufactured form of folate is called folic acid

• Cobalamin (B12): B12 is needed to make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, and myelin for nerve fibers.

It is preferable to obtain vitamins through healthy foods If and when foods are inadequate, supplementation might be recommended

Certain vitamins are fat-soluble, which means they are stored in the body’s fat and used slowly over time, according to WebMD Others are water-soluble, so they are not stored and need to be replenished frequently Individuals should speak to their doctors and nutritionists about any vitamin deficiencies they may have and how to combat them safely

Dietary pitfalls to avoid

Abalanced diet and routine exercise are the recipe for a healthy lifestyle. Such an approach can help a person maintain a healthy weight and even avoid many illnesses

People tend to be creatures of habit, and that includes poor dietary habits

Familiar foods and methods of cooking may be holding people back as they pursue their health and fitness goals According to John Foreyt, Ph.D., director of the Baylor College of Medicine, people tend to be sceptical about dietary changes because they have grown accustomed to the way they eat or drink with a fear of the unknown. Reassessing dietary habits and recognizing room for improvement can put people back on the right path The following are some poor habits to break or even avoid

Mindless snacking

People reach for foods for plenty of reasons other than being hungry Eating can be a respite from boredom or done out of habit. Some people snack while engaging in tasks and may be eating without thinking of how much they are actually consuming. Some find comfort through food, meaning they reach for snacks when they are angry, sad or even upbeat

Eating without giving much thought to why and how much you eat can lead to overeating. People also may be consuming well above the recommended amount of certain ingredients, including sodium The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium a day, which is well above the 2,300 mg per day recommended limit

Less healthy cooking methods

Even healthy foods may not be as beneficial when people cook them in an unhealthy way. WebMD advises individuals to avoid frying or using added oil on foods when cooking, as grilling, roasting, baking, or poaching help reduce the fat content. However,

some people are brought up on foods that are deep-fried and that is all they know The Cleveland Clinic says more than two-thirds of heart diseaserelated deaths worldwide can be linked to food choices. Making healthier decisions is a small step in changing direction

Large portion sizes

Many people mix up portion and serving definitions as they plan meals According to the Mayo Clinic, a serving is an exact measure of food, while a portion is the amount put on a plate Individuals can adhere to serving sizes when eating so they do not consume more calories, sugar and sodium than is healthy. Manufacturers and restaurants could contribute to the problem Even individually portioned foods frequently contain multiple servings. Restaurants often serve portions that can satisfy two or more diners

Sugary beverages

It is not just foods that can derail dietary efforts, but beverages as well Some people may overindulge in sugary beverages that may tip them over recommended calorie counts for the day. A typical 12-ounce can of

soda can contain about 150 calories and 40 grams of sugar, says the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health The American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day Replacing sugary drinks (including fruit juices) with water or unsweetened tea can be a big improvement

Poor dietary habits can compromise efforts to live a long and healthy life Identifying poor eating habits and making an effort to overcome them can help people get on a healthy track

Take a world cuisine dining tour close to home

Staycations can be perfect ways to rest and recharge without having to travel far from home. Staycations tend to be affordable ways to spend time together for those who perhaps do not have the budget to travel domestically or internationally, or those who simply prefer the convenience of remaining nearby.

A break from meal planning and preparation is part of the allure of traditional vacations. But just because you're choosing a staycation does not mean that you need to forgo the respite from cooking nightly meals. In fact, staycations can be ideal times to explore the various dining opportunities your local community offers - even

providing a way to "tour the world" through global cuisine. Many small towns and cities boast various types of restaurants offering a wide array of foods from countries around the world. The following are tips for maximizing your staycation dining experience.

· Utilize technology. Let technology work for you when looking for restau-

rants. While a simple Google search will yield plenty of results, the app LocalEats can narrow down options to restaurants touted by foodies who prefer local businesses rather than chain restaurants. Rely on other apps for recommendations on places to dine, such as Yelp, Foursquare, OpenTable, LocalEats, and Zagat.

· Plot your map. Make a list of the types of cuisines you want to sample based on regions of the world and match them to nearby recommended restaurants. Your culinary tour can be narrowed down to a specific geographical region, such as Germany, or broadened depending on the restaurants in the area.

· Learn about the culture. Do a little research into what comprises the menu of certain cultures so that you can select truly traditional dishes rather than Americanized versions. This brief history lesson also may offer insight into particular traditions behind food preparation methods.

· Use their expertise. Ask the chef or restaurant staff to make their recommendations on what you should try for authentic dishes. Many restaurants are anxious to share information and put together a tasting menu, even if it isn't on the main menu.

· Support local businesses. An added benefit of this hometown global cuisine tour is that you will be keeping money in the community by supporting local businesses. Encourage others to do their own restaurant tours by recommending certain establishments and sharing positive experiences on social media.

Dining out is a key component of vacations and travel. Staycations also can incorporate a tour of culinary delights without having to stray far from home.

Key components of a enjoyable summer picnic

Dining al fresco is often associated with securing outdoor seating at a local restaurant. However, anyone can enjoy al fresco dining at home, in a park or even on the beach.

Picnics make it easy to enjoy a meal in an idyllic setting. Though there's no rules governing picnics other than those posted by local park officials, the following are some essential components of a fun picnic.

Food

The menu for a picnic need not be elaborate, but there's also room for foods that are a little more fancy than sandwiches. Sandwiches are still acceptable picnic fare, but those

who want to expand their horizons can prepare cheeseboards, salads, fresh fruit, and other items that are easily prepared and packed in a picnic basket. It's best to avoid hot foods, as they can be difficult to keep warm. Small grills might be allowed in certain parks, but it's best to keep in mind that others may not want to deal with smoke from burning coals. So individuals who plan to grill during a picnic should choose a remote spot that won't affect those around them.

Beverages

Cold beverages, including water, can ensure no one is overcome by heat. Individuals who want to bring alcohol should only do so on private property, as many local laws do not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces like parks and beaches. A cooler with cold beverages stored in ice can be a good idea if a lot of people will be attending the picnic.

Reusable containers

Reusable containers decrease the chances of creating litter. All it takes is one stiff wind for single-use, resealable plastic bags to blow away, and it's not always easy to track those bags down. Picnickers should aspire to take out everything that they take in, and reusable containers make that easier to accomplish.

Basket and tablecloth

A tablecloth does more than just set the scene for a picnic. Tablecloths collect crumbs and keep them off the ground, which can decrease the likelihood that uninvited guests like ants will join the festivities. Tablecloths also ensure utensils can be set out and put down without getting dirty.

Comfortable seating

Though it's entirely possible some guests will want to sit on the ground throughout the picnic, some comfortable seating can provide the perfect respite when the hard ground begins to feel a little less accommodating. Instruct guests to bring their own foldable lounge chairs, and don't forget to bring a picnic blanket or two so anyone who wants to nap can catch a few winks. When hosting a beach picnic, look for blankets that dry quickly. Some are even made of fabric that filters out sand to keep it off of food.

Miscellaneous items

Bug spray, sunscreen, a bluetooth speaker, biodegradable waste bags, some sports equipment and other items to keep adults and kids occupied, and even a portable fan to keep guests cool and repel mosquitoes are some additional must-haves for a fun picnic.

A picnic in the park or on the beach can be a great way to dine outside and relax in the summer sun.

8/31/23

A summer dessert that is just peachy

Peaches are a nutritious summertime favorite. Peaches are antioxidant-rich, include a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and are rich in fiber. And there is no denying how sweet and tasty peaches can be, whether they're plucked right from a tree or enjoyed in any number of recipes.

Cobbler is a type of dessert that gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century. It is made by putting fruit in a deep baking dish and then topping it with a drop biscuit batter and sometimes a crumb topping. Any number of fruits work well in cobblers, including apples, pears and various berries. However, peach cobbler is the quintessential summertime treat.

Cobbler gets its name from the fact that early American settlers didn't have strict recipes with exact measurements for ingredients, so they took what they had and "cobbled" them together.

Today's cobbler bakers enjoy the benefits of having more direction when putting together their desserts. This recipe for "Southern Peach Cobbler" comes courtesy of Paula Deen.

Southern Peach Cobbler

Serves 15

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 stick butter

1/2 cup water

2 cups sugar, divided

4 cups peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup milk

Ground cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir.

Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Dine-in,

JOIN US FOR DINNER 7 EVENINGS EVERY WEEK

Recover from soft-tissue injuries

itis and dinitis

don, or , which rom eatedly is is a mation are on ues

Many people experience bursitis and tendinitis simultaneously

Injuries can affect someone when playing sports, exercising or engaging in less strenuous activities of daily life. Soft-tissue injuries are common and include those that affect the skin, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.

Types of soft-tissue injuries

Soft-tissue injuries may result from an acute trauma (direct force) or through repetitive use, says Verywell Health There are various types of soft tissue injuries, and the following are some of the most common.

• Abrasions, lacerations, contusions and avulsions: These are different types of skin injuries

Lacerations are cuts that open to tissue below the surface of the skin

Abrasions only affect the outermost layers of skin, and like burns, can be first-, second- or third-degree injuries Avulsions take out chunks of skin and potentially muscle Contusions are bruises that cause pain, swelling and discoloration due to bleeding into the tissue below the skin

• Sprains: A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, which is a strong band of connective tissue between bones, according to OrthoInfo Ligaments help stabilize and support the joints. Knees, ankles and wrists are most susceptible to sprains

• Strain: Johns Hopkins Medicine says a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse, stretching or force

Minerals and the body

Treatment for soft-tissue injuries

In many instances, soft-tissue injuries are not serious, and recovery may not take that long One of the first treatment methods that doctors suggest is the RICE protocol This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation

• Rest: A break from the activity that caused the soft-tissue injury is likely warranted If the injury affects the leg, a doctor may suggest crutches to avoid bearing weight

• Ice: Cold packs applied for around 20 minutes at a time, several times per day can help reduce swelling and inflammation Ice should not be directly applied to the skin, warns OrthoInfo.

• Compression: A compression bandage can prevent additional swelling and also help to immobilize the injured area while it heals

• Elevation: Raising the injured area higher than the heart while resting can reduce swelling

Injuries to the skin, particularly those that expose tissue beneath it, may require more extensive treatment, including sutures or bandaging A doctor will know best

In the event that RICE doesn’t solve the problem, an orthopedic professional may need to perform surgery or recommend a different treatment. Physical therapy and instruction on stretching to prevent future injuries may be warranted

Soft-tissue injuries are common and tend to be easily addressed

Vitamins get a lot of fanfare, but are minerals worthy of more attention? The body needs both vitamins and minerals to function properly The National Institutes of Health says that most people can get all the minerals and vitamins they need simply by eating a balanced, healthy diet For those concerned about not meeting the daily recommended values, a multivitamin can help push vitamin and mineral numbers into the recommended ranges While vitamins are organic substances, minerals are inorganic substances There are two types of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Individuals need more macrominerals, which include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur Only small amounts of trace minerals are needed These include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium, according to MedlinePlus. The body relies on minerals to help it perform various jobs, such as keeping bones, muscles, the heart, and the brain healthy Minerals also are important for making enzymes and hormones. Calcium, for example, is a crucial mineral for bone health Calcium also is useful in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels Iron is a major component of red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout entire body

PHARMACY Advertiser Here

Quickly whip up a nutritious breakfast

Breakfast long has been touted as the most important meal of the day

Breakfast helps to jump-start the body and get it ready for action, serving as fuel as individuals go about their daily lives

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, research shows that breakfast helps people maintain healthy weights and control blood sugar and keep it steady throughout the day

Breakfast also could be linked to heart health A 2017 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reported people who skip breakfast are more likely to have arteriosclerosis, a condition that occurs when the arteries narrow and harden due to a buildup of plaque People who do not eat breakfast also are more likely to weigh more and have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Too often people skip breakfast.

Some are following the trend of intermittent fasting that has become popular in recent years and is believed to help with weight loss. Others may feel they are too busy to eat breakfast.

In regard to time, there are plenty of nutritional breakfasts people can whip up in no time at all that are healthy and loaded with the essentials the body needs

According to WebMD, the basic formula for a healthy breakfast involves pairing carbohydrates with protein The carbs give the body energy and the brain fuel, while protein provides a feeling of fullness and staying power to make it to the next meal

• Homemade energy bars: Some people reach for prepackaged cereal bars or granola bars when

Should carbs be avoided at night?

they’re on the go Homemade bars allow people to customize the ingredients so they eat what they like. Customization also allows people to include superfoods, like blueberries, protein-rich nuts, quinoa, or dried cherries.

• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a breakfast staple that is full of healthy fiber Oatmeal can help reduce cholesterol levels naturally

Turning regular oatmeal into “overnight oats” means you can pack these parfaits with Greek yogurt, fruit, nuts, and other ingredients you enjoy

• Avocado toast: Avocados are full of heart-healthy essential fatty acids. By mashing avocados into a paste, spreading on top of a whole-grain slice of toast, and then topping everything with a fried or hardboiled egg, you’ll get breakfast that includes of nutritional ingredie

• Cheese and berry crêpes: When you have time, whip up a batch of crêpe shells from whole wheat flour, then freeze or store them in the refrigerator Fill as desired throughout the week Ricotta and tart berries provides a punch of protein and a dose of healthy antioxidants

• Smoothies: Smoothies are a quick and nutritious breakfast With some prep work that involves chopping and freezing premeasured ingredients into individual bags, all it takes is dumping the ingredients into a blender and combining with milk, yogurt or leafy greens Put in a togo cup or sip before leaving the house

• Quick bread: Create your own tasty quick bread that can make a fast and healthy breakfast. Include fruit, nuts or whole grains. Banana nut bread is one option. Toast up the bread or even eat it cold. For an extra punch, top a slice with yogurt and honey.

Breakfast can be quick and nutritious, ensuring people start their day off on healthy footing

Many people are familiar with the notion that avoiding carbs at night can ensure they are not ultimately stored as fat But is that perception the truth, a half-truth or a complete fabrication? As popular as the “no carbs at night” approach may be, it’s not entirely accurate In fact, the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences notes that consuming carbohydrates at night can help to improve sleep by corralling the hormone cortisol, which the body produces in response to stress If that hormone is not controlled at night, individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep That’s potentially harmful, especially for individuals who are hoping to lose weight through exercise A good night’s rest ensures the body has ample time to repair itself and recover Without that recovery time, individuals may be more vulnerable to injuries that can compromise their efforts to get healthier The INFS also notes that carbohydrates also serve as energy sources that help the body to build muscle and burn fat, so avoiding carbs entirely also could make it hard for individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals

Despite the many ways carbs help the body, the notion that it’s best to avoid them at night is not entirely inaccurate However, rather than avoiding carbs at night, the INFS recommends individuals avoid excessive consumption of carbs Excessive consumption of any food can compromise efforts to eat healthier, and carbs are no exception to that rule But loading up on carbs at night can make the scale an uninviting place in the morning That’s because carbs have a tendency to retain water, which the INFS indicates can lead to an increase in body weight

Carbs perform a host of important functions in the body and play a vital role in helping people achieve their fitness goals Though carbs need not be avoided at night, individuals should avoid overdoing it with carbs at the dinner table.

The Automat, Directed by Lisa Hurwitz: Syosset Public Library - Syosset, NY

@ 2pm

Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Rd, Syosset

Nate Charlie Music

@ 6pm Dark Horse Tavern, 273 Main St, Farmingdale

The Virtual Band at My Father's Place @ 8pm / $30

The Virtual Band will be playing at My Father's Place on July 28. Ad‐vanced tickets are $30, and tickets the day of the show are $35. My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfathersplaceproduc tions@gmail.com

44th Annual Thunderbird Ameri‐can Indian Powwow @ 7pm / Free-$36

Jul 28th - Jul 30th

Celebrate American In‐dian Culture through music, dance, Native American crafts and food. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens. hello@queens farm.org, 718-347-3276

Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson

Experience @ 7:30pm

Tanner Park, 400 Baylawn Ave, Copiague

Los Lobos @ 8pm / $45-$75

The Space at Westbury Theater, 250 Post Avenue, Westbury

Penn & Teller @ 8pm / $48-$90

Tilles Center Concert Hall, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville

HungerWalk 2023 @ 8am / $25

Belmont State Lake Park, 625 Belmont Avenue, West Babylon Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks @ 6pm Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn

Shakespeare in the Park: The Merry Wives of Windsor @ 6pm North Hempstead pre‐sents Shakespeare in the Park: The Merry Wives of Windsor Mary Jane Davis Park, 1 Memorial Place, Man‐hasset. feedback@ northhempsteadny.gov, 516-869-6311

Sunday Jul 30th

Music for a Sunday Afternoon: Cambiata Cello Duo @ 3pm / $15

Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. tickets@oldwestburygardens.org, 516-3330048

Cellists Paul Finkelstein Suzanne Mueller make their concert debut with an eclectic program of classical, tango and contemporary duets and solos.

Boys Lacrosse Camp (Full Equipment)

@ 6pm / $155

Jul 31st - Aug 11th

Herricks Community Center Fields, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park

Summer Concert:

Celebrating the Rich Musical Heritage of Ukraine

@ 1pm / $10

Artistic expression of support for Ukraine Full Orchestra, Live Onsite and In-Person (also livestreamed online)

Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

Tue 8/01

Garden Party Gala at Sands Point Preserve @ 5:30pm / $195

The Sands Point Preserve Con‐servancy cordially invites you to our Garden Party Gala, Tues‐day, Aug. 1. Sands Point Pre‐serve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sandspointp reserve.org, 516-304-5076

Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour @ 7:30pm / $49.50$99.50

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

Open to all Unitarian Universalist Congrega‐tion at Shelter Rock (UUCSR), 48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset. csampogna@uucsr.org, 516-472-2975

Wed 8/02

Social Singles @ 6:30pm / $12

Join us at the Mid-Island Y JCC for ongoing social program‐ming for singles ages 55+ to connect with one another. MidIsland Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Foreigner @ 7pm Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Park‐way, Wantagh

Thu 8/03

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra @ 7:30pm

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Pkwy, Wan‐tagh

Broken Hearts - The Ul‐timate Tom Petty Tribute @ 9pm / $15

Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh

Sun 7/30

New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals @ 1:40pm

Citi Field, 120-01 Roosevelt Av‐enue, Flushing

Arena Rock Tribute (Classic Rock Bands)

@ 6pm

Join the Town of North Hempstead for its sum‐mer concert series. North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Road, Port Washington. feedback @northhemp steadny.gov, 516-8696311

Mon 7/31

FunDay Monday @ 11am

Join the Town of North Hemp‐stead for its summer FunDay Monday series. North Hemp‐stead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Road, Port Washington. feedback@northhemp steadny.gov, 516-869-6311

The Hambones (Coun‐try, Roots, and Rock) @ 7pm

Join the Town of North Hemp‐stead for its summer concert series. Clark Botanic Gardens, 193 I U Willets Road, Albertson. feedback@northhemp steadny.gov, 516-869-6311

Grease @ 7:30pm

The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, 34 W Main St, Babylon

Fri 8/04

Graztopia Live@Lost

Farmer Brewing Co. @ 7pm Lost Farmer Brewing Co., 63 E 2nd St A, Mineola

Disco Unlimited at Plattduetsche Park Biergarten @ 7:30pm

Into The Woods by Mezzo Theatrical Productions @ 7:30pm / $35

Aug 4th - Aug 12th

“Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the ongoing theme in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Broth‐ers Grimm inspired mu‐sical, Into the Woods. Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Av‐enue, Garden City. mez zotheatrical@ gmail.com, 908-6289678

Barnaby Bye at My Father's Place @ 8pm / $60

Barnaby Bye will be playing at My Father's Place on August 4. Ad‐vanced tickets are $60, and tickets the day of the show are $70. My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfathersplaceproduc tions@gmail.com

Calendar information is pro‐vided by event organizer. All events are subject to change or cancellation. Blank Slate Media is not responsible for the accuracy of the informa‐tion contained in this calendar.

The best place to promote your events online and in print. Visit us @ https://theisland360.com/local-events/ powered by

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READERS WRITE

January 6th! Do we still question reality?

Most Republican members of Congress who support Donald Trump’s lies make them as guilty as he in trying to overthrow our government.

There’s just so much bad that he’s caused this country, but one stands out above all others. January 6th. Where were they, the members of Congress, on that fateful day? Were they all watching the dance party taking place outside the Capitol building emceed by Dick Clark.

Did you see the mad dashes made by these shakers and movers on the

dance floor within Congress? That wasn’t dancing. It was running, not for office, but for their lives since I’m sure they realized that the attackers would not know a Republican from a Democrat. That’s called fear and so many of them were scared out of their minds.

Watching on television as the events happened made me realize how one person can destroy all the good that our country has stood for and how quickly that could happen.

Yet all these Republicans stand by his side. Shame! As for their respective leaders, Mitch McConnell in the Senate

and Kevin McCarthy in the House of Representatives, let’s not forget what they said shortly after the rioting.

McConnell said: “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people.”

And of Trump’s guilt, McConnell was equally clear-eyed as he related to two associates: “If this isn’t impeachable, I don’t know what is.”

McCarthy, on the House floor said: “The president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters. He should have immediately denounced the mob when he

saw what was unfolding and accept his share of responsibility, quell the brewing unrest and ensure President-Elect Joe Biden is able to successfully begin his term.”

Will all these Republican members of Congress try to convince us that the above statements were taken out of context? They cannot.

We, the people of the United States, all heard their comments with our own ears and saw the chaos and destruction that occurred on that fateful day. We saw the crowds attack the police. If you missed the show, it’s quite easy to ac-

cess the films covering that day.

That attack and destruction was reality. Reality also shows that the only thing that these Republican members of Congress care about is power. Their power.

So what if democracy is being destroyed. They will hold their heads up high and help bring that to fruition shouting out, “It’s God’s will. Praise our Lord and Savior, Donald Trump.” God forbid!

Alvin Goldberg Great Neck

NICE bus and federal funding perfect together

Good news from Washington for residents who ride Nassau Inter County Express (NICE) Bus. Nassau County Department of Public Works Transit Division is in the process of applying for a $42 million grant. This includes the 2023 Federal Transit Administration funding under Sections 5307 & 5339.

Washington will provide 80% with the New York State Department of Transportation and Nassau County contributing 10% each to provide the 20% local share necessary to obtain federal funding..NICE attempts to schedule bus replacements on a 500,000-mile or 12year cycle, whichever comes first.

This is based upon Federal Transit Administration eligibility guidelines. Since 1973, buses operated by NICE under contract to Nassau County are now on the fourth replacement cycle. Most buses operated by NICE are under 12 years old. This was not the case decades earlier when the average age of the fleet was closer to 12 years

These funds will assist NICE Bus in the purchase of 24 replacement buses including associated spare parts; five replacement paratransit vehicles; five dispatch, patrol and service vehicles;

maintain and refurbish operating facilities heating, ventilation and air conditioning, Compressed Natural Gas station dispensing system improvements and bus area operations refurbishments; engineering and design services, and preventive maintenance used to keep the bus, paratransit and facilities in a state of good repair. This year marks the 11th anniversary for Nassau Inter County Express Bus. Thousands of Nassau County, Long Island residents ride NICE Bus to jobs, schools and other destinations in Queens. Many transfer to the NYC Transit subway at Flushing, Jamaica or Far Rockaway stations.

Thousands of Queens residents travel via NICE bus to jobs, schools and other destinations in Nassau County. The viability of NICE benefits everyone. In 1973, Nassau County purchased equipment, routes and some facilities from numerous private bus operators, most of whom were experiencing serious financial difficulties.

These private bus operators included Bee Line, Rockville Center Bus Corporation, Utility Lines, Stage Coach Lines, Schenck Transportation, Inc., Nassau Bus Line, Hempstead Bus Cor-

A gem of a store in Great Neck

Forget about the empty storefronts in Great Neck.

The best store in Great Neck is Kevin and Melody dollar store at 489 Middle Neck Road across from CVS in the Old Village.

This store has EVERYTHING and is a true gem in Great Neck. Need kitchen items? They have it! They have cleaning supplies, stationery, and anything you can name.

poration, Jerusalem Avenue Bus Lines, Universal Auto Bus, Roosevelt Bus Lines, Stage Coach Lines, Hendrickson Bus Corporation and others. Their respective fare box income was insufficient to cover current day-to-day operating expenses.

They lacked the funding to purchase new replacement buses, along with upgrading out-of-date maintenance and operating bus garages. Nassau County followed up that same year by entering into a lease and operating agreement with the MTA to continue providing local bus service. This resulted in creation of the Metropolitan Suburban Bus Authority. Years later, MSBA was followed by Long Island Bus and on Jan. 1, 2012 Nassau Inter County Express.

Most of the same routes operated by MSBA, LI Bus and NICE Bus today can be traced back to the various private bus operators. Since Nassau County took control of all bus routes from private operators in 1973, Nassau County, Albany and Washington combined have invested over $800 million in capital improvements. Operating subsidy dollars easily top over $1.5 billion. It is a four-way dance between

fares paid by riders, along with funding provided by Nassau County, the state and the federal government in financing public bus transportation operated by NICE.

They operate a fleet of 280 buses out of the Mitchell Field bus garage.

NICE also operates a fleet of 122 Able Ride paratransit vehicles out of the Stewart Avenue facility. Both facilities were constructed by federal capital grants with local matching funds provided by Nassau County and the state Department of Transportation.

It was the same funding sources for both construction of the Hempstead Multi-Modal Bus Terminal, Mineola Intermodal Bus Terminal/Commuter

Parking Garage and Rockville Centre Bus Garage (which was removed from active transit service in 2017).All five of these investments combined cost over $100 million. In today’s dollars, it would be far higher.

They had a proven track record of completing FTA funded capital projects on time and within budget. Any contract change orders were documented, fair and reasonable. It was my experience while working for the FTA Region 2 Office (serving 36 transit operators in

VIEW POINT

NY and NJ) for over three decades, that my old friends at Nassau County ran one of the most cost- effective transportation services in New York and New Jersey. NICE Bus services over the past 11 years continue to be one of the best bargains around.

It is a model for cost-effective, urban/ suburban bus operation that others should emulate. I congratulate the hardworking men and women of both Nassau County Department of Public Works Transit Division and NICE Bus, especially those who manage their federal and state grant programs, who year after year, continue to make all of this possible.

This includes periodically winning extra federal transit dollars under various national competitive discretionary grant programs.

Larry

Penner Great Neck

(Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.)

GOP seeks to end ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’

Kevin and Melody are like the old general store from Petticoat Junction and Little House on the Prairie.

You could literally spend hours in there and never get bored. Thank you, Kevin and Melody I love shopping with you!

Leslie Feldman Great Neck

Continued from Page 17

Not to be undone, Gov. DeSantis, who also wants the power to inflict his bigotry on the rest of the country, in May signed SB 1580, a “License to Discriminate in Healthcare” bill. It allows healthcare providers and insurers to deny a patient care on the basis of religious, moral, or ethical beliefs, healthcare employers to discriminate in hiring while barring medical boards from disciplining doctors for spreading misinformation. (https://www.

hrc.org/press-releases/breaking-govdesantis-signs-extreme-license-to-discriminate-healthcare-bill)

You would think such laws would be adjudicated as unconstitutional in America. But think again.

Indeed, that is the essence of making it illegal – threatening prison and loss of license — regardless of their own religious or moral objection, but the government in power has the force of law and the ability to abuse it. They are using legalized intimidation

to make sure these vastly unpopular policies become normalized.

The radical MAGA Republicans define respect and empathy for diversity, equity and inclusion as “wokeness” and are campaigning (crusading) to send “wokeness” to the ash heap of history. What they are really saying is they want to reverse the brief episodes of humanism in our national governance when we actually moved closer to realizing the ideals of our founding fathers.

Business&RealEstate

Impact of foreclosures on community roots

It’s obvious that our real estate market is still very strong. My last open house in Seaford had 17 participants on a Sunday and the very next day I had seven qualified offers.

In the 42 years that I have been involved in real estate, I had never experienced that many offers simultaneously in a 24-hour period. What is still quite amazing is that the final offer way above our asking price.

Demand has not cooled off and as long as inventory is as low as it is, I do not see things changing. This market will continue until either demand cools off or an unfortunate catastrophe occurs (I hope not).

Anything is possible the way events are occurring in our world, and even international incidents or major local issues could have an effect, causing the housing market to slow or moderate.

According to Bankrate.com, it appears that some economists and experts believe there may be one or two more interest rate hikes before the end of 2023. But predictions are generally never 100% accurate.

Our economy is still chugging along and appearing very resilient, growing at 1% per year. We do have the best economy compared to all other global economies. What is quite surprising is that job openings have declined and that should have caused unemployment to increase, but it hasn’t.

This economic environment is different from past scenarios and that is why it has been extremely hard to accurately pre-

dict what will happen in the future.

What I have noticed, however, is that there are still many cash and large down payment purchasers in the real estate market.

There are those who have earned substantial sums of money in the stock market or in their businesses over the last four years and have decided to move a portion of their profits into either a first-time primary residence or move-up residence and or an investment property.

According to FinMasters, foreclosures are slowly increasing and were 0.23% in 2022, which appeared low, but were higher than in 2021 (0.11%) and 2020 (0.16%).

In 2020 government intervention was one of the factors that kept the rate lower than it probably would have been. A total of 31,557 properties in the U.S. had foreclosure filings in January 2023, which was a 36% increase year over year. New Jersey had the highest foreclosure rate, with one foreclosure for every 2,271 homes.

Cleveland metro area has the highest foreclosure rate of 0.40%, more than 316% above the national average. But Detroit saw the highest increase (807%) in foreclosure filings compared to the previous year.

The highest foreclosure rate in the last 20 years was in 2010, at 2.23%. As ARMs come due on residential and especially commercial properties, there will be many more foreclosures and short sales, due to the higher costs of borrowing.

I suggest one should sell now to at

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

least walk away with the tremendous equity that has been built up over the last few years. Call me for a free value analysis without any obligation.

The competition between first-time buyers and investors is fierce. However, currently end users should be able to outbid investors/fix and flippers because the profit potential has narrowed locally as the cost of materials and labor have skyrocketed.

I always say, “If it doesn’t make sense in the brain, then it doesn’t make any cents in the pocketbook.” But one of the critical and crucial issues is that if a first-time buyer qualifies for a grant, a full inspection

needs to be performed in order for a mortgage commitment to be approved.

However, due to all foreclosures being winterized, then an inspection becomes impossible and the buyer cannot move forward. I propose a simple change in the regulation that would allow a purchaser to pay $550 or whatever reasonable amount is agreed upon.

All winterized foreclosed properties could have their utilities temporarily turned back on so a full and thorough inspection could be completed. In this fashion, a mortgage commitment and grant can be approved.

The $550 can either be credited back to the purchaser by the bank upon closing. However, if the buyer doesn’t move forward for any reason(s), the money can still be used to winterize the home again.

Most important, there should be more time allowed for individuals and families to purchase and restrict investors during a waiting period before they can purchase. This will allow more buyers to secure the American Dream and build roots within the community, develop relationships with neighbors, and gain new potential longterm friends and connections.

I believe it is a healthier environment than being in a rental situation, worrying about higher rents over the long run and concerns that the landlord might sell or not renew your lease, leaving you in a situation of having to move once again.

Homeownership enables a family to hopefully be in a stable position for 15-30 years while gaining appreciation and a

buildup of equity over that time period as their mortgage is paid down and the benefits of tax deductions contribute to longterm wealth.

Currently, foreclosures are still more favorable to the investor, because they can purchase without an inspection and, more important, pay outright for the purchase without financing.

Their only purpose is to earn income and build their bank accounts, whereas an end user grows their family and involvement in the community. I believe this is far more important and impactful for the betterment and growth of the local community than the reason why an investor buys.

Making it easier for an end user to purchase by allowing a full inspection and for those who receive first-time homeowner grant money will always be a better path to pursue as long as the government changes its position and the regulations in allowing it to happen.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certification for eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

What is Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)?

Have you noticed that a website address starts with the letters and symbols of http:// or https://? What is the difference and why should you care? HTTPS secures communication and data transmission between a user’s web browser and a website. HTTPS is the newer, more secure version of HTTP.

HTTPS helps to secure websites that send or receive sensitive data. Simply put, any website that requires login credentials or involves financial transactions should use HTTPS to ensure the security of users, transactions and data. This includes personal or business information exchanged by online banking services, online retailers and healthcare providers.

A malicious actor can easily impersonate, modify or monitor an HTTP connection. HTTPS protects against these vulnerabilities. As a result, it ensures that no one can tamper with these transactions, securing users’ privacy and preventing sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Small and medium-sized business managers should be mindful to check for the secure HTTPS when accessing websites for banking, shopping online, and SAAS (software-as-a-service) programs. We highly recommend coaching all employees to look for this, as well. Human error is behind the majority of IT breaches and is avoidable with proper training and reinforcement. Contact Sandwire Technology Group for information on affordable cyber security training for your company.

Business& RealEstate

Makofsky Law Group voted best

Makofsky Law Group, P.C. is proud to announce that it has been voted Best Law Firm/Lawyer and Best Elder Lawyers in Blank Slate Media’s Best of Nassau County Contest. The Garden City law firm also won last year. The contest allows Long Islanders to vote for who and what they consider the best in the county.

“We are grateful to those who voted for us, not just for Best Elder Lawyers. but also for the top legal category in general — Best Law Firm in Nassau County,” said Makofsky Law Group founder, Ellen G. Makofsky. “To have won both categories is fulfilling for all our attorneys because it means that we are providing great service to our clients and the community at large.”

The results of the 2023 Best of Nassau County were released on July 7th. This was the ninth annual Best of Nassau County contest and garnered over 80,000 votes, a significant increase from last year.

“This win means a lot to our firm because it shows that our clients feel cared for and that they can rely on our advice and counsel,” said partner Lisa Valente. “It’s rewarding to us to get this feedback from Long Islanders.”

Makofsky Law Group is located in Garden City and may be reached by phone (516) 228-6522, email (info@makofskylaw. com) or via the website at www.makofskylaw.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKOFSKY LAW GROUP Makofsky Law Group attorneys

‘Christmas in July’ at McDonald House in NHP

Approximately 40 members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 69 and the Retired Sergeants Association Inc. joined staff from Cohen Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro CEO Matt Campo to hold a “Christmas in July” celebration to deliver toys to the families of children undergoing cancer treatment and other life-saving procedures here today.

The event was held in the RMHC NYM Parking lot, adjacent to the Northwell Health Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pavilion.

“Our members are just wild about helping these families. They’d do this every week if [RMHC] would let us,” said Michael Kutzma, president of FOP Nassau County.

The collaboration goes back several years, when the daughter of an FOP member was receiving treatment at Cohen Children’s Hospital, and

the family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where they received the care and attention of staff that made their medical journey easier.

Since then, the FOP has worked to support RMHC with needed supplies and donations, including bedding, TVs and anything that makes a family’s stay easier.

“There’s nothing more important than being there for families when they have a sick child in the hospital,” said Campo. “Kids just want their families around them and for them to be happy. We’re glad to see so many happy faces here today and are grateful to the FOP, NYPD and all the law enforcement agencies for making their day a little brighter.”

The New Hyde Park Ronald McDonald House is the only one on Long Island. RMHC is currently planning a second house in Suffolk County to support families there.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RMHC NYM

Members of the FOP, NYPD and other law enforcement agencies with the toys that were distributed. Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM is at right in blue jacket.

Recent Real Estate Sales in

2

6

Drive, Great Neck

Global Harmony House deemed significant

Continued from Page 1

While mulling over the criteria of a landmark, the commission investigated specifically its “historic significance” and “master architect” section of code. During their research, the commission contacted the New York State Office of Historic Preservation, or SHPO. The agency wrote back that the architectural design of the original 1928 building “is attributed” to Tappen but did not provide any definitive source.

Residents who commented about the building during the public meetings also made comments saying it was Tappen’s work. Without more concrete evidence, the commission decided it cannot conclude that the building was done by the master architect.

Commission Chair Don Stern said the one “really hard question” the landmark group faced was the nuance of an addition of a reading room built in 1958 in the same architectural likeness. “That addition was in keeping with the style of the main building,” Stern said, “although it did affect somewhat the symmetry of the appearance of the original building, when you view it from the road.”

He concluded that the “addition did not detract significantly from the original aesthetic appeal of the building or its architectural type. And therefore, our consideration that the entire building, not just the original building, but the original plus the 1958 addition satisfy the definition of landmark.”

The building was also reviewed

at the request of the commission by SHPO. SHPO was asked by the committee if the building would be eligible for the National Register of His-

toric Places and said yes.

The state agency wrote to the commission that its eligibility is based on the fact it “embodies the distinc-

tive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or represents the word of a master; or possesses high artistic values; or represents a

significant and distinguishable entity whose components many lack individual distinction.”

New Hyde Park changes street fair date

Continued from Page 2

great amount of consideration went into this decision as our wish is not to offend anyone.”

Santomauro went on to say in full, “We were advised that the holiest of the holiday is during sundown hours. Also, unfortunately, there are no alternate dates available as the

vendors would be attending other street fairs the weekends after the 16th. We do hope those that can join us will.”

“Unfortunately, people like him can write a letter and get a platform and try to ruin someone’s reputation,” Devane said of Panetta, who he called “despicable” and “a loser.”

Devane apologized to Santoamauro, who responded to Panetta’s inquiry with his full approval, for her involvement in the matter and adding she is “an outstanding individual, an outstanding employee and an even better person.”

The mayor ended by saying he hopes this

can be a learning experience and told residents in attendance the board is meticulous about planning events not to infringe on anybody.

“We are going to have a fantastic time,” Devane said of the fair. “And all of us are going to come together and have that fantastic time.”

Driver in Roslyn teens’ deaths appears in court

Continued from Page 2

At 10:19 p.m. on May 3, Singh, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, was speeding south in the northbound lane of North

Broadway in Jericho when his truck struck the Alpha Romeo occupied by the four teenagers.

As a result of the collision, the Alpha Romeo then hit a 2023 Volvo oc-

cupied by a driver, 49, and a passenger, 16. Both were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police.

Donnelly said Singh fled the scene afterward and was found by law en-

forcement hiding near a dumpster in a nearby shopping center parking lot.

When approached by Nassau County Police, Singh asked them why they were there as he believed he was

in New Jersey, Donnelly said. Singh was previously charged with driving while intoxicated as a youthful offender, meaning he was under the age of 19.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

The Village of Thomaston Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously for the Global Harmony House to be designated a landmark.

VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 68 Polo Road (Section 1/Block 60 /Lot(s) 77)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Great Neck shall hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM at Saddle Rock Village Hall, 18 Masefield Way, Great Neck, NY 11023, to hear the application of Millen Cohen, owner, represented by Paul Bloom, attorney, for the premises at 68 Polo Road in Great Neck. The applicant is seeking the following variance(s) from the Village Zoning Codes for an application to subdivide the property and construct a new dwelling: For the proposed dwelling on Orchard Street:

1. §Section 575-8 Building Area and Floor Area Ratio

A. For single-family dwelling use, the building area shall not exceed 20% of the lot area and, subject to any modifications required by § 575-167 of this chapter, the floor area ratio shall not exceed the limits hereinafter set forth:

(1.) On interior lots: 0.33 of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area; 0.20 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 square feet which is less than 150 feet from the street on which the lot abuts; and 0.10 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 feet which is farther than 150 feet from said street. To the extent required, all of the area of the lot within 150 feet of the street on which the lot abuts must be included in the calculation of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area. The required lot area is 13,000 SF, whereby 8,890.9 SF is proposed. A variance of 4,109.9 SF is requested.

2. §Section 575-9 Building Area and Floor Area Ratio

A. For single-family dwelling use, the building area shall not exceed 20% of the lot area and, subject to any modifications required by § 575-167 of this chapter, the floor area ratio shall not exceed the limits hereinafter set forth:

(1) On interior lots: 0.33 of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area; 0.20 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 square feet which is less than 150 feet from the street on which the lot abuts; and 0.10 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 feet which is farther than 150 feet from said street. To the extent required, all of the area of the lot within 150 feet of the street on which the lot abuts must be included in the calculation of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area. The maximum allowed floor area is 2,934 SF, whereas 3,083.65 SF is proposed. A variance of 149.65 SF is requested.

3. §Section 485-27 Curb Cuts

The Committee of Architectural Review, after it obtains the advice of the Superintendent of Public Works, shall permit not more than two curb cuts, one curb cut having a maximum width of 18 feet and the other curb cut having a maximum width of 12 feet, for any single-family dwelling in the Village on property with street frontage of 75 feet or more. The maximum width of the second curb cut is 12 feet, whereas proposed is 14 feet, which is 2 feet more than allowed.

The following needs the approval of the Board of Trustees:

1.§Section 575-18 Accessory Buildings

B. Unless otherwise provided in this article, accessory buildings or structures shall be located in the rear yard and shall be not less than 10 feet distant from the main building and not less than five feet distant from the rear and side lot lines. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Superintendent of Buildings may permit a retaining wall closer than such distances when, in the judgment of the Superintendent, adequate arrangements have been made to retain soil on the same lot in the event of a breach in the retaining wall and otherwise provide for the safety of persons and structures in the vicinity. A refusal of such permission by the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board of Trustees, which shall consider the advice of such licensed engineer as the Village may, from time to time, appoint for this purpose. The retaining walls need to be reviewed by the Village’s engineer, per the new local law 575-18.B and need to be approved by the Board of Trustees.

2. §Section 314-17 Waiver by Board

A. The Board of Trustees may, at its discretion, waive the license fee and security otherwise required by this article if it is satisfied that:

(1) Any permit is solely and exclusively for the purpose of permitting the owner to remove sod, topsoil or subsoil from one part of his land to another part of the same premises.

(2) Such removal is necessary as an accessory use.

(3) Such removal is made for the purpose of farming.

(4) Such removal is made for the purpose of improving such property.

B. In the cases mentioned in Subsection A(2), (3) and (4) of this section, the Board of Trustees may also waive such of the requirements of §§ 314-12 and 314-13 hereof as it may deem necessary in order to permit such purposes to be carried out and, in lieu thereof, may impose such special conditions and requirements as it may consider necessary or proper in order to carry out the purposes of this article.

Soil regrading needs to be approved by the Board of Trustees, per 314-17.

For the existing dwelling on Polo Road:

1. §Section 575-8 Building Area and Floor Area Ratio

A. For single-family dwelling use, the building area shall not exceed 20% of the lot area and, subject to any modifications required by § 575-167 of this chapter, the floor area ratio shall not exceed the limits hereinafter set forth:

1.) On interior lots: 0.33 of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area; 0.20 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 square feet which is less than 150 feet from the street on which the lot abuts; and 0.10 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 feet which is farther than 150 feet from said street. To the extent required, all of the area of the lot within 150 feet of the street on which the lot abuts must be included in the calculation of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area. The required lot area is 13,000 SF, whereby 9,557.1 SF is proposed. A variance of 3,442.9 SF is requested.

2. §Section 575-9 Building Area and Floor Area Ratio

For single-family dwelling use, the building area shall not exceed 20% of the lot area and, subject to any modifications required by § 575-167 of this chapter, the floor area ratio shall not exceed the limits hereinafter set forth:

1) On interior lots: 0.33 of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area; 0.20 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 square feet which is less than 150 feet from the street on which the lot abuts; and 0.10 of the lot area in excess of the first 10,500 feet which is farther than 150 feet from said street. To the extent required, all of the area of the lot within 150 feet of the street on which the lot abuts must be included in the calculation of the first 10,500 square feet of lot area. The maximum building area on the reduced lot is 1,911.4 SF, whereby 2,543.8 SF is proposed. A variance of 632.4 SF is requested.

3. §Section 575-13 Front Yards

All lots shall have at least one front yard. A corner lot shall have a front yard on each public street on which the lot abuts. All front yards shall have a minimum depth equal to the greater of 30 feet or the average depth of the front yards of other lots which are on the same block front and within 200 feet. In no event, however, shall a front yard be required to have a depth which is greater than 50 feet. The minimum front yard required is 34.26 feet, whereby 29.5 feet is proposed. A variance of 4.76 feet is requested.

4. §Section 575-14 Side Yards

A. On an interior lot, a single-family dwelling shall have two side yards, one on each side of the main building. The aggregate width of the two side yards shall not be less than 30 feet, plus 2/5 of the width of the lot in excess of 70 feet. No side yard shall have a width of less than 2/5 of the minimum required aggregate width of both side yards. Where practical, the wider of the two side yards shall be placed adjacent to the narrower of the side yards of an adjoining lot or lots. The minimum aggregate side yard required is 36.2 feet, whereby 26.9 feet is proposed. A variance of 9.3 feet is requested.

5. §Section 575-14 Side Yards

A. On an interior lot, a single-family dwelling shall have two side yards, one on each side of the main building. The aggregate width of the two side yards shall not be less than 30 feet, plus 2/5 of the width of the lot in excess of 70 feet. No side yard shall have a width of less than 2/5 of the minimum required aggregate width of both side yards. Where practical, the wider of the two side yards shall be placed adjacent to the narrower of the side yards of an adjoining lot or lots. The minimum side yard required is 14.48 feet, whereby 7.2 feet on the south side are proposed. A variance of 7.28 feet is required.

The premises also known as Section 1, Block 60, Lot 77 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map, and are located in the Residence AA Zoning District. A copy of the application material is available for review in the Village of Great Neck Building Department, 767 Middle Neck Road, during regular business hours. At said hearing, all parties and interests will be given an opportunity to be heard.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK July 24, 2023

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

187-195 Steamboat Road (Section 1/Block 197/Lots 2-5)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Great Neck shall hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 7:30PM at Village of Saddle Rock, 18 Masefield Way, Great Neck, NY 11023, to hear the application of The United Mashadi Jewish Community of America, applicant, represented by Paul Bloom, attorney, for the premises at 187-195 Steamboat Road in Great Neck. The applicant is seeking the following variance(s) from the Village Zoning Codes in connection with their application to build a religious community center and parochial school:

1. §575-79 Population Density and Street Frontage

C. No building used for one of the purposes referred to in § 575-77C may be constructed on or occupy a lot having an area of less than one acre or having street frontage of less than 200 feet. No building used for one of the purposes referred to in § 575-77E may be constructed on or occupy a lot having an area of less than five acres or having street frontage of less than 200 feet. The lot area is 1.98 acres, whereby the minimum lot area required is 5 acres. A variance of 3.02 acres is requested.

2. §575-82 Lot Coverage

Lot coverage on a residential lot in the Residence C District shall not exceed the following thresholds: A. Front yard coverage: 50%. The proposed front yard coverage is 28,658.4 SF, whereby the maximum front yard coverage is 14,767.5 SF. A variance of 13,890.9 SF is requested.

3. §575-82 Lot Coverage

Lot coverage on a residential lot in the Residence C District shall not exceed the following thresholds: C. Side yard coverage: 10% or, for corner plots, 40% (but in both cases exclusive of coverage by that portion of a driveway whose width does not exceed 20 feet). The proposed west side yard coverage is 6,610.22 SF, whereby the maximum allowable side yard coverage is 1,184.66 SF. A variance of 5,425.56 SF is requested.

4. §575-82 Lot Coverage

Lot coverage on a residential lot in the Residence C District shall not exceed the following thresholds: C. Side yard coverage: 10% or, for corner plots, 40% (but in both cases exclusive of coverage by that portion of a driveway whose width does not exceed 20 feet). The proposed east side yard coverage is 2,763.86 SF, whereby the maximum allowable side yard coverage is 744.38 SF. A variance of 2,019.48 SF is requested.

5. §575-82 Lot Coverage

Lot coverage on a residential lot in the Residence C District shall not exceed the following thresholds: Rear yard coverage: 40%. The proposed rear yard coverage is 9,094 SF, whereas the maximum allowable rear yard coverage is 4,032.8 SF. A variance of 5,061.2 SF is requested.

6. §575-169 Driveways

C. Where a section of a driveway is set back five feet or less from the side or rear lot line, the setback area abutting that section of the driveway shall be known as a "minimal setback area," and it shall be landscaped as indicated in Subsection C(1) below and by one of the methods indicated in Subsections C(2) or C(3) below, and said landscaping shall be maintained in good condition: 1) A hedge, at least three feet in height, planted along at least 75% of the minimal setback area; and 2) Deciduous trees having a diameter at breast height of at least three inches, planted at intervals of not more than 30 feet on center in the minimal setback area; or 3) Conifer trees, at least five feet in height, planted at intervals of not more than 30 feet on center in the minimal setback area. No adequate landscaping is proposed for most of the north and east property lines. A variance is requested.

7. §575-88 Accessory Structures

Retaining walls shall not extend above the ground that they support. The proposed retaining wall extends 0.5 feet above the ground. A variance of 0.5 feet is requested.

8. §575-170.1 Screening for Non-Single-Family Detached Dwellings

B. All nonresidential uses that abut one or more residential uses shall install, repair, maintain and replace, to the extent required by the Building Department, for so long as such nonresidential uses continue, the following, along their common boundary line with such residential uses: 2) A fifteen-foot landscaped buffer. Other than said six-foot-high fence and an irrigation system, there shall be no lighting fixtures or other aboveground structures within said buffer.

3) Landscaping with trees, shrubs and ground cover within said fifteen-foot buffer of sufficient height and density to minimize, to the extent practicable, the light and noise from the nonresidential use to the adjacent residential area. The 15 foot buffer required per 575-170.1 has not been provided on the west side. Only 1 foot is provided, which is 14 feet less than required.

9. §575-78 Height The maximum height of a building shall not exceed 30 feet or 22 feet at the eaves. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence:

1. Chimneys, antennas and decorative cupolas may extend to a height of 35 feet.

2. Roof peaks and ridges may extend to a height of 35 feet if:

1. The roof is pitched at a ratio of at least 6:8;

2. The ceiling height of the space within the roof is less than six feet, as measured from the floor to ceiling, or floor to collar ties, as the case may be; and

3. No windows or skylights are proposed.

The proposed building height is 63.02 feet, whereby the maximum building height is 30 feet. A variance of 33.02 feet is requested.

10. §575-80 Building Area and Floor Area Ratio

1. For uses authorized under § 575-77D and F, the building area and floor area ratio shall be established by the Board of Trustees. For uses referred to in § 575-77C and E, the building area shall not exceed 20% of the lot area, and the floor area ratio may not exceed 0.50 of the first 8,000 square feet of lot area and 0.15 of the lot area in excess of 8,000 square feet The proposed building area is 29,334 SF, whereby 17,235.58 SF is proposed. A variance of 12,098.42 SF is requested.

11. §575-80 Building Area and Floor Area Ratio

1. For uses authorized under § 575-77D and F, the building area and floor area ratio shall be established by the Board of Trustees. For uses referred to in § 575-77C and E, the building area shall not exceed 20% of the lot area, and the floor area ratio may not exceed 0.50 of the first 8,000 square feet of lot area and 0.15 of the lot area in excess of 8,000 square feet The proposed floor area ratio is 77,264.69 SF, whereby 15,726.69 is allowed. A variance of 61,538 SF is requested.

12. §575-86 Rear yards

C. There shall be a rear yard, the depth of which shall be 25 feet plus 1/4 of the depth of the lot in excess of 100 feet. The proposed rear yard is 34.17 feet, whereby 76.36 feet is required. A variance of 42.19 feet is requested.

13. §575-77 Use

A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot or premises may be used for any of the purposes set forth in this section and for no other:

A. Single-family detached dwelling.

B. Public school.

C. Church or other building used exclusively for religious purposes, when authorized by the Board of Trustees pursuant to the provisions of § 575-170.9 of this chapter.

D. Government or municipal building, for the administration of or service rendered by the Village government.

E. Parochial and nonprofit private school, when authorized by the Board of Trustees pursuant to the provisions of § 575-170.9 of this chapter.

F. Municipal park, for recreational use.

G. Accessory private garage, detached or attached to or within the main building, for the parking of vehicles used for the residential use of the main building.[1]

H. Accessory use on the same lot with and customarily incidenta to any of the above permitted uses, including those specified in §§ 575-88 and 575-89.

The use of the terrace for public assembly for the terraces on the 5th floor rooftop with 470 occupants and the 3rd floor with 191 occupants is not congruent with this section. A use variance is requested.

The premises also known as Section 1, Block 197, Lots 2-5 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map, and are located in the Residence C Zoning District. A copy of the application material is available for review in the Village of Great Neck Building Department, Village Hall, during regular business hours. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days prior to the hearing. At said hearing, all parties and interests will be given an opportunity to be heard.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK

July 24, 2023

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Vietnam War vets receive long overdue thanks

The public is invited to another great event at the American Airpower Museum. On Saturday, Aug. 5, we’re co-hosting a patriotic reunion of 37 Vietnam War, two World War II and five Korean War veterans, who took a flight to Washington, D.C. on April 29.

On that historic day, Honor Flight Long Island escorted this band of brothers on a free early a.m. flight to our nation’s capital. Veterans and their guardians visited WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a “Changing of the Guard,” the Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial.

They returned to Islip MacArthur Airport that evening for a raucous welcome by the Nassau County Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters!

According to Bill Jones, Honor Flight LI President, West Point 1972 Graduate and U.S. Army veteran,

“This special flight included 37 Vietnam veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their military service.

They were accompanied by seven elder comrades — two WWII and five Korean War veterans. What this flight represented was a ‘Big Hug’ to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters who make such flights possible,” he said.

On Saturday, Aug. 5, the Museum’s Hangar 3 doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the reunion runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at AAM, 1230 New Highway in Farmingdale, (631) 2936398, www.americanairpowermuseum.org.

The public is welcome to attend and applaud these veterans, especially during our “Ceremony of Honors,” as each is presented with a Tribute Journal full of photos taken during their day in D.C. Members of the public arriving for the event from 10:30 a.m. to

12:00 p.m. may attend free of charge!

After 12:00 p.m., regular Museum admission is free for members, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.

This great patriotic celebration includes speeches by Honor Flight LI President Bill Jones and AAM President and Founder Jeff Clyman. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular medley known as the “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring five official melodies of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Free cake, coffee and refreshments provided by Honor Flight will be enjoyed by all! Co-hosts AAM and Honor Flight LI encourage public participation in this historic event, to help us honor 44 of Long island’s homegrown heroes for their service to our great nation! See you at Hangar 3!

McDonald House raises $375K PSEG LI employees donate to Viscardi

PSEG Long Island employees recently supported The Viscardi Center in Albertson with a $500 donation to help run its programs and services.

The donation came from the

company’s “Able” employee business resource group, which is made up of volunteers who champion diversity and inclusion and support groups and organizations that help people with disabilities in our community.

Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro recently honored Chris Tsarsi, owner of 388 Italian Restaurant & Catering, Chris & Tony’s Restaurant & Lounge in Syosset,at its 25th Annual Lloyd Frazier Golf Outing & Dinner, raising more than $375,000 for RMHC NYM activities that support families with children receiving medical care in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“We’re in awe of Chris and his commitment to

making sure our families have the help, support and resources that we provide,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “It’s because of the all-in involvement of people like Chris that we’re able to do the work we do. We thank Chris and his family for their support.”

More than 200 golfers and 260 dinner guests attended the event, held at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club in Old Westbury.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HONOR FLIGHT LI

Pictured left to right, Alvin Woods, Southampton resident and U.S. Army Vietnam veteran; Catherine Poulos, Southampton resident who served as his guardian; Bill Jones, Honor Flight LI President, Southampton resident, U.S. Army veteran and West Point 1972 Graduate. They are standing by the Vietnam Memorial during trip to Washington, D.C. on April 29, 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PSEG LONG ISLAND

Pictured in the front row are Dr. Chris Rosa, the president, and Aliana, a student at The Viscardi Center. In the back row are PSEG Long Island employees, including David Lyons, PSEG Long Island interim president and COO.

Chris Tsarsi (second from left) with his daughter Ariana, wife Stephanie and son Alex.

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EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED

ASSISTANT Seeking local lady in Great Neck vicinity or close by for help with daily activities. Food shopping, medical appointments and other errands. P/T Flexibl e Days/Hours. Call 516-829-0542

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Receptionist Part Time needed for Port Washington Animal Hospital. Including evenings/ weekends. Please call for interview/more info 516-883-2005

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Home Health Aide/Companion.

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PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

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MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Autographed Collectors Baseball Items. Golf balls and useful power tools like new! Best offer. Call 516-514-6026

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900 Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY

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Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY! Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

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MATTITUCK 2 Bayfront Homes For Rent One 3 BR, 2 BTH, One 2 BR House. Available the weeks of June 24th-July 1st and August 26-September 2nd. 3 BR House $2050-per week. 2 BR House $1850-per week. IDEAL FAMILY VACATION. Call 631-298-8433

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CONDO/CO-OP FOR SALE

CONDOMINIUM FOR SALE

GARDEN CITY 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Condominium for sale. Located in Garden City at Wyndham East. Unit comes with 2 parking spaces. Asking $700,000. Call 516-524-3336

HOMES FOR SALE

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STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122

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NHP siblings take different paths to St. John’s baseball stardom

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

The competitions would last for hours, even as the games and locations changed.

Paul and Luke Orbon grew up as the oldest of four kids in New Hyde Park, and no matter what the season was, they were competing.

They’d play baseball at the church fields across the street, for hours, with younger Luke constantly fighting to keep up with older brother Paul, who was quieter than his sibling but no less eager to succeed.

After baseball was done, they’d come home and play stickball as well, and then maybe jump in the pool for some aquatic basketball action. Then maybe some invented game like slap ball inside Paul Sr. and Andrea’s house.

No matter who won or lost, there were going to be fights and competition at all times.

“He’s a tough kid, never backed down from anything I threw at him,” Paul said admiringly.

“He always was helping me no matter what we did,” Luke chimed in.

The two Orbons took very different paths to get where they are now,

but both have become standouts on the St. John’s University baseball team.

Despite both battling injuries the first few years of their careers, each broke out with a fantastic 2023, in helping the Red Storm to a 28-25 mark.

Paul, a rising senior outfielder, batted .338 in 41 games this spring, with three home runs and 33 RBIs.

Luke, who’ll be a junior next season, played both infield and outfield while hitting .341 in 36 games, with 27 RBI and a .417 slugging percentage.

Together, they’re carrying on the family tradition on the diamond, as Paul Sr. played two seasons at Columbia University.

“They have a sibling rivalry that’s not a bad thing at all,” said St. John’s head coach Mike Hampton (not the former Mets pitcher). “They’ve both improved a lot and if we can just keep them both healthy for a full season, we’ll really have something great.”

Even though the Orbon boys have landed at the same place, their paths to get here were quite different.

Paul was a standout in youth league ball in New Hyde Park, and

when it came to high school, he opted for the powerhouse Chaminade program, which has been outstanding for decades under legendary coach Mike Pienkos.

“I knew their academics were great and competitively their baseball program is always so strong, and I liked the idea of wearing a suit and tie every day,” Paul recalled. “It was really tough at first, but it was a great experience.”

After helping Chaminade to some of their now-20 CHSAA championships, Paul struggled to attract Division I college attention, partly due to needing surgery on his hip his senior year.

Without many D-1 offers, he was set to attend Ohio State for college but late in the summer of 2019, right before Paul was to enroll, his Next Level amateur coach Shaun Manning was able to attract St. John’s attention.

Then-coach Ed Blankmeyer offered Paul, a 6-foot-1, 205 pound kid, a chance to walk on to the team, and Paul pounced.

“I literally had deposits in to go to school at both places for a little while,” Paul said. “Even when I got to

St. John’s, I had no guarantees. They could have cut me at any time so that whole fall I knew I had to play well.

“Then they finally told me I was getting a scholarship,” Paul said, “and COVID happened.”

Luke’s path to the Queens school was much different.

Instead of following his brother to Chaminade, the 6-foot, 210-pounder stayed and played for New Hyde Park (“I had no interest in wearing a suit and tie every day,” he laughed) and starred for five years at his hometown school, eventually being listed as the No. 29 recruit in all of New York State by the baseball recruiting site Perfect Game.

Luke committed to St. John’s very early, in his sophomore year of high school, before Paul had even decided to go there.

“We’ve always been St. John’s fans and Coach Blankmeyer is a historic coach, and this is the best baseball program around,” Luke said. “And then when it turned out I could play with my brother, that was so great.”

Paul and Luke are pretty inseparable off the field too; they live together with two teammates near campus

(“we’re usually fighting about stupid stuff like keeping the apartment clean,” Luke said), and this summer are both doing internships they love.

Paul is working for Major League Baseball in their content department, learning data insertion and helping make content for MLB.TV, while Luke is on Wall Street interning for a brokerage agency, learning trading.

“Baseball and trading go hand in hand,” Luke said. “In both, the more you help your teammates, you’re going to win. Even if you’re not making money for yourself, you can help others.

“Also everyone is energetic and loud in both places!”

Both hope to improve on their strong seasons in 2024, with Paul and Luke agreeing they need to get their power numbers up, and Coach Hampton wanting both to be better baserunners and steal more bases.

“This (past) season showed me what I can do if I’m healthy, and it gave me a lot of confidence,” Paul said. “Just need to keep getting better, and I know Luke is going to keep pushing me, too.”

The brothers wouldn’t have it any other way.

PHOTO BY ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

New Hyde Park’s Paul Orbon, a Chaminade graduate, was a key starter for St. John’s University baseball in 2023.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

THAT sealed bids for SODIUM HYDROXIDE will be received by the Board of Directors of the Water Authority of Great Neck North (the “Authority”), at the offices of the Authority at 50 Watermill Lane, Great Neck, New York 11021 until 10:00 am on Thursday, AUGUST 10, 2023, at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Bid Documents are on the Authority’s website, under the Bid Proposal Tab: http://www.waterauthorityof greatnecknorth.com

Each bid must be accompanied by a certified or bank check made payable to the order of “Water Authority of Great Neck North” in the amount of $2,500 (the “Bid Security”), which, for the purpose of the bid, shall be assumed to be equal to five percent of the value of the total bid, and a commitment by the Bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it shall attend at the office of the Counsel to the Authority during normal business hours or at such other agreed time within ten calendar days after the date of notification of acceptance of its bid, and there sign the Contract for the work and furnish the required security and insurance documents. Attention of the bidders is directed to the requirements as to the conditions of equal opportunity employment. The Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities therein, and to accept the bid, which in its opinion, is in the best interests of the Authority, to the extent permitted by law.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WATER AUTHORITY OF GREAT NECK NORTH

Michael C. Kalnick, Chairperson

Dated:     July 25, 2023

Residents protest work at Kings Point Park

Continued from Page 1

voked through legislation and a vote by the Great Neck Park district in a special meeting scheduled to take place Wednesday as was done in the past when one acre of parkland was allocated for use by the village.

Protesters said they are particularly concerned about the large piles of logs in the park’s parking lot. They said the trees are essential to the ecosystem’s sustainability and should not have been disturbed.

In the past, the village was prevented from claiming 5.4 acres of the park for use by the Department of Public Works by the court of appeals, but they were granted permission to use one acre.

Resident Nina Gordon brought her guitar to the rally, where participants sang folk songs.

“It’s kind of frustrating that we’re still having to I mean, two years ago, I was protesting Roe v. Wade, you know, and I helped organize a march

for against gun violence,” she said. “We did March for Our Lives. You know, it’s like, this is what my parents taught me,

you have to speak up when you see injustice, you can’t just turn away and say, ‘Oh, someone else will take care of

it,’ you have to do something. So that’s how I got inspired.”

LIRR to raise fares, revise branch service

Continued from Page 3

will be combined to offer a single train leaving at 6:11 p.m. This train will make all stops along the Port Washington line.

Also, all late-night trains will run to and from Penn Station during the week from 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. and on weekends from midnight to 7 a.m. This will be omitting service to and from Grand Central during those times.

North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, who represents Port Washington and Plandome— two communities serviced by the Port Washington Branch—said she is frustrated with the LIRR service changes. This frustration is exacerbated by the MTA fare increases on top of it.

“They want to increase our fee,

but then they’re decreasing our service,” Dalimonte said. “They want us to pay more but get less trains.”

Dalimonte said the LIRR service changes to accomadate trains running to and from Grand Central Madison immediately posed problems when all express trains to Penn Station were initially proposed to be removed when service to Grand Central began. She, along with other government officials, fought to get the express trains reinstated.

Six express trains were reinstated: three in the morning and three in the evening.

Dalimonte said the main need of Port Washington Branch riders is reinstating all express trains running to and from Penn Station, a service that commuters previously had and were accustomed to.

She said the service change combining two trains, both of which are partially express and skip differing stations along the branch, is another example of the LIRR diminishing train services with shorter travel times for commuters.

“We need more express trains,” Dalimonte said. “We need more service to and from Penn Station.”

As a former 14-year-long commuter on the LIRR, Dalimonte said the mass transit service needs to suit everyone’s needs, which it is not doing as of late.

“So I am very frustrated with their changes as of Sept. 5 that they did not think of Port Washington in these changes,” Dalimonte said.

Dalimonte is advocating on behalf of her constituents to get the train service along the Port Wash -

ington Branch that commuters need. She said she has continuously called the governor’s Long Island representative to voice her frustration and explain the commuting needs of her constituents.

She said she has also written letters to the LIRR and Interim President Catherine Rinaldi, asking for ridership data and expressing her concerns with the train service.

Dalimonte has also met with LIRR representatives about the design process for the third track at the Port Washington Train Station, but has not received any updates despite reaching out to them.

“I will advocate as much as I can for my district,” Dalimonte said. “I know as a former commuter how much I relied on the train schedule.”

Rally to reopen Morley Park pool

Continued from Page 4

pool’s closure is especially detrimental to underprivileged community members who don’t have other means to access cooling relief during the hot summer months.

“How important this pool is to so many people, especially those as we mentioned that might live in the minority,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It serves an incredibly important purpose for our area.”

Woodson pointed out that the park is located along a Nassau County bus line, allowing access for families who do not have their own vehicles.

With the reason for the pool’s closure attributed to a lack of funding,

many of the speakers said it was absurd that approximately $6 million to repair the pool could not be parsed out from the county’s $3.2 billion budget.

“We have the funds, let’s just do the right thing,” Woodson said. “Get this pool open and functioning.”

County Executive Bruce Blakemen said previously that the pool was not utilized highly by the community, but Woodson said it was because it had fallen into disrepair due to the county’s neglect.

“It’s not right,” Woodson said. “We need to fix it up, we need to revitalize it and get it back into operation.”

Christopher Morley Park’s pool was closed by Nassau County after parks

administration determined it needed to be repaired and funds were not allocated to do so. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

Many of the speakers demanded more transparency from elected officials who make decisions as such, with DeRiggi-Whitton saying she only heard about the pool’s closure after receiving an email from a constituent.

Yan said there has been a level of failure by government officials in making this decision, including Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip (R-Great Neck) who Yan said has not done anything to help residents combat this issue.

“We deserve leaders who will understand the diverse needs of our com-

munity, as I know first hand the struggles of immigrant families, the value of hard work and the strength of unity,” Yan said.

Yan is challenging Pilip in the election for the Nassau County District 10 legislative seat in November.

“This is not about politics,” Yan said. “It’s about the well-being of our community.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said that Blakemen said he would reconsider the pool’s funding if he received enough feedback from the community.

“What we are doing is sending the message that it should be,” DeRiggiWhitton said.

Protestors at the King Point Park.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

Protestors rallied at Kings Point Park to demand the wetlands not be developed any further by the village and stay protected

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