New Hyde Park 2023_04_21

State regents board bans Native American imagery

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

New York’s Board of Regents unanimously voted to ban the use of Native American mascots, team names, logos and depictions Tuesday, a decision that will affect two local school districts, according to state officials.

The state Department of Education released a memo Nov. 17 informing school districts that do fall under that category to adopt a resolution to eliminate the names of all indigenous names, logos and mascots by the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Schools in the Manhasset and Sewanhaka school districts sport the “Indians” title for their athletic teams. Efforts to reach state representatives or district officials for comment were unavailing.

The resolution that Manhasset, Sewanhaka and other affected districts have to adopt under the new mandate requires them to “identify a plan to eliminate all use of the prohibited name, work, or mascot within a reasonable time, which shall be by no later than the end of the 2024-25 school year,” according to officials.

In December Sewanhaka Superintendent James Grossane said the district was also awaiting more guidance from the state before making

schools

any decisions on how to move forward from the “Indians” name.

A Sewanhaka High School student dressed as an Indian, the school’s mascot, at their 2017 homecoming parade.(Photo courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District)

Manhasset officials did not go into specifics on what would be done with the district’s “Indians” mascot, but members of the board presented questions to Superintendent Gaurav Passi and board President Pat Aitken on what the requirements would mean for Manhasset.

The history of Manhasset’s “Indian” mascot is traced back to the Matinecock Indian Tribe, a group that occupied a majority of the Town of North Hempstead.

The Matinecocks were forcibly removed from the territory, with Manhasset keeping the “Indian” mascot name along with having an orange feather attached to the “M” in their logo and calling their newspaper “Indian Ink.”

Trustee Erin Royce, during a February meeting, questioned what the district’s legal responsibility would be if down the line, someone attended a district event with attire dawning the “Indian” mascot.

alarm fire Monday morning.

a

PHOTO

from

four-

F.P. vet, 102, flying to New Orleans

Critelli honored as part of Gary Sinise Foundation

Contested race for Herricks ed board

Jim Gounaris challenged by Bhajan Ratra

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Herricks Board of Education in the upcoming district elections in May.

Vice President Henry Zanetti is running unopposed for a third term on the board. President Jim Gounaris is being challenged by Bhajan Ratra.

Trustee terms are for three years.

Ratra previously ran for a spot on the board in 2020, losing to Zanetti, who had 72% of the total votes. Ratra is an adjunct professor of mathematics at Baruch College and SUNY Farmingdale. At the time of his last campaign, he was a panel member on the content advisory and bias review committees of New York State Teaching Certifcation Examinations and has served in the past on the standards setting committee for the NYS Regents exams.

The 2023-2024 budget includes a nearly $9.5 million increase in spending from the current budget, a 7.5% rise. Excluding pending claims and the associated legal fees, the budget represents only a 5.3% increase, Superintendent Tony Sinanis said during previous budget presentations.

The district is projected to increase the tax levy by 1.83%, which is equal to the tax cap determined by the state and falls below the 2% allowable growth factor limit.

Assistant Business Superintendent Lisa Rutkoske explained during budget presentations the major drivers for the budget increase, where legal claims and settlements take up almost $2.8 million, or 30%, of the budgetto-budget increase.

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Dominick Critelli, a 102-year-old Floral Park veteran, will be fying to New Orleans this week to the National World War II Museum.

The trip is part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Soaring Valor Program, where 18 total veterans and 38 high school participants will tour the museum and document their stories with historians.

“It’s my frst time going down there,” Citrelli, who has lived in the village since 1956, said on a phone call with Blank Slate Media. “I’m very excited.”

The Gary Sinise Foundation was founded in 2011 by actor and humanitarian of the same name. The program’s inspiration comes from Sinise’s connection with his uncle, Jack, who served in the Air Force as a navigator on B17 bombers, according to the foundation.

MAIL: 22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Sue Tabakin 516-307-1045 x206 stabakin@theisland360.com

Born April 8, 1921, in Italy, Critelli immigrated when he was 8 years old. In 1944, he was a member of the Army Air Corps 95th Infantry Division, part of the 377th Infantry Regiment in the Artillery Aviation Liaison Unit. His deployment in Europe found him in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, one of Adolf Hitler’s last German ofensive campaigns, rescuing American soldiers along with his unit.

For these eforts Critelli was awarded three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Medal.

When he returned to the States, Critelli went to college and became a teacher for 20 years. He completed his undergraduate degree from what was previously called the CCNY Engineering School, now the Grove School of Engineering. At New York University, he earned a graduate degree in edu-

DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Steven Blank 516-307-1045 x201 sblank@theisland360.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Deborah Flynn 516-307-1045 x218 dflynn@theisland360.com

cation before teaching industrial arts and other subjects in Brooklyn.

On top of his profession as an educator, Critelli’s passion also lies in music. A talented saxophonist, he holds a music degree from Five Towns College in Dix Hills and has been involved in bands and orchestras playing swing music since his days in the Army, including his own “Dominick Critelli and the Sound of Music Orchestra.”

During his time as a teacher, Critelli and a partner owned a construction business that built multiple houses in Floral Park and surrounding villages, he said.

In 2021, Citrelli traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial with the Honor Flight Network, an organization dedicated to fying veterans spanning previous generations to the nation’s capital.

Gounaris, a Manhasset Hills resident, was president of the board from 2013 to 2015. He is currently serving his fourth term on the board as a trustee after winning re-election in 2020. He was appointed president last year, taking over for Zanetti. He currently works at Great Neck Public Schools as the director of food and nutrition services.

Zanetti, a Williston Park resident who served on the Herricks PTA for over a decade, was elected to the board in 2017. He is currently in his second term.

Also on the May 16 ballot will be the adopted budget for the upcoming fscal year.

Of the $9,404,489 increase from last year’s budget, health insurance accounts for $2,070,000, payroll represents $1,997,000, special education services is responsible for $863,000 and facilities and utilities take up $555,000.

The remaining expenditure increases include debt taking up $316,000, textbooks accounting for $239,000, technology claiming $235,000 and all other costs adding up to $338,000.

Budget features include hiring assistant principals for Searingtown and Center Street Elementary Schools, funding for social-emotional learning programs, special education services, English as a New Language programs, new musical and athletic equipment and additional sports, such as varsity

Continued on Page 45

EDITORIAL:

New Hyde Park Herald Courier: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

Manhasset Times: Robert Pelaez 516-307-1045 x203 • rpelaez@theisland360.com

Roslyn Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

Williston Times: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

Port Washington Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHVIES

Herricks Board of Education President Jim Gounaris, left, Vice President Henry Zanetti, middle, and challenger Bhajan Ratra.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION

Gary Sinise, right, pictured during a previous trip to New Orleans as part of the Soaring Valor Program.

Hofstra files lawsuit against commission

Claims Nassau’s meeting about casino proposal violated state laws, public not properly notified

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Hofstra University has fled a lawsuit claiming the Nassau County Planning Commission violated state open meeting laws when it held a meeting to discuss the fate of the proposed Las Vegas Sands event center and casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum last month.

Hofstra’s lawsuit, fled in State Supreme Court in Mineola Tuesday, contends the commission did not properly notify the public and provide materials about the lease transfer of the Nassau Coliseum, violated executive session rules by improperly meeting, prematurely voted to close public comment and held a meeting before the lease negotiations were completed.

“We are asking that the Planning Commission commit to a fair and transparent process,” Hofstra spokeswoman Terry Coniglio said in a statement. “To this point, the Planning Commission’s hearing did not comply with the law, and we have been forced to ask the court to ensure that the public receives the information it deserves and a fair opportunity to be heard on this important matter.”

Eforts to reach planning commission ofcials for comment on the matter were unavailing. Sands ofcials

were also unavailable for comment. In the lawsuit, Hofstra asks the court to mandate Nassau County to void the meeting and make materials related to the lease negotiations “available to the public at least one week in advance.” The commission is scheduled to meet Thursday at 10 a.m. and the agenda includes discuss-

ing the Coliseum’s lease.

No vote on the lease negotiations has been conducted by the planning commission yet and, if approved, it would need to be passed by the Nassau County Legislature.

Hofstra has opposed the entertainment center proposed by Las Vegas Sands at the site of the Coliseum.

A letter from Hofstra trustees published online in March said potential “trafc congestion, crime, economic harm to local business” would have a negative impact on the school community, which is directly adjacent to the area.

“The Nassau Hub is an entirely inappropriate location for a casino,” of-

fcials said. “There are other locations in and around New York City to site a casino that are not in such proximity to multiple educational institutions where so many young people live and learn.”

In January Sands Vice Presidents Ron Reese said the company and Hofstra have engaged in discussions regarding the proposal and hopes to have a continued dialogue throughout the process.

“We don’t build $4 billion casinos, we build multi-amenity real estate developments and we want to engage with the community and local labor leaders,” Reese said. “We’ve spoken to Hofstra and we hope there are more opportunities to engage in conversation.”

Reese told Blank Slate Media in January the hotel will be at least 800 rooms, the live performance venue will have a 5,000-7,500 seat capacity and there will be roughly 400,000 square feet of “corporate meeting facilities” to go along with other amenities.

Hofstra President Susan Poser previously expressed concerns in a guest essay in Newsday that a casino would exacerbate trafc, contribute to addiction and mental health tendencies in college-age students and would not

Continued on Page 45

RENDERING COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS SANDS

A rendering of the Las Vegas Sands’ casino and entertainment venue proposal.

Nassau police lacks transparency: report Vera Institute’s analysis of department sparks calls for oversight board

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A 2022 study from the Vera Institute had Nassau County tied for the second-lowest score for police transparency in the United States with a ranking of 12 out of 100.

Nassau County, according to the report from the nonproft organization aimed at transforming the criminal justice system, scored a 0 in every category except for an 81 in police contact information and a 100 in policies. The areas were judged on their data being “accessible,” “usable,” and “meaningful,” according to the report.

“How data is provided should be determined in consultation with community members, especially those impacted by the criminal legal system, to ensure that data is accessible and useful to the people most afected by policing,” Vera Institute ofcials said in their general recommendations from the report.

Eforts to reach ofcials from the Police Department for comment were unavailing.

The Vera Institute, a nonproft national research organization, analyzed police transparency in 94 cities and counties across the United States. Chicago received the highest score with a 70 and just 21 of the areas scored a 50 or above.

The analyzed areas, according to the report, made up 25% of the entire United States population. The criteria used to measure the overall transparency of police departments was collected by Vera between October 2021 and January 2022, according to the report.

Transparency categories used to score the 94 areas were police misconduct complaints, instances of ofcers shooting frearms, use of force, arrests, 911 calls, trafc and pedestrian stops, training, crime reports, police contact information and policies.

The results of the study adds fuel to critics’ call for a civilian oversight board to monitor policing in Nassau.

Susan Gottehrer, the director of the Nassau

County chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, told Blank Slate Media that establishing a community oversight board to monitor policing is a matter of “political will,” but is something that should be established by the Legislature.

“My concern and I think everyone’s concern is that without any oversight, and in Nassau there is zero oversight, there is only Internal Affairs,” Gottehrer said in a phone interview.

Complaints received about the Nassau County Police Department are handled by the department’s Internal Afairs Bureau, according to Nassau’s police reform plan.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had required police departments across the state to provide reform plans in 2021 following the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis by a police ofcer.

Complaints are “normally” responded to by the Nassau police department within three

business days, according to the department’s website. The investigations are to be completed within 30 days.

Nassau police, from 2016 to 2021, reported zero “founded” cases of false arrest and excessive force. But during that time 30 people won court judgments against county police based on 41 allegations.

For 38 of the allegations, the Nassau County Attorney’s ofce paid money to settle the cases while also barring the accusers from speaking publicly about the allegations.

The New York City Law Department publishes a semi-annual report on misconduct matters against the police, which includes the names of both parties, a police shield number and total payout amount if applicable.

The Nassau County Police Department reported 187 total complaints from January 2022

to June 2022, according to Nassau’s police reform plan.

Out of the 187 complaints, 67 related to improper procedures, 58 were for unprofessional conduct, six were false arrest, fve were racial or ethnic bias, four for excessive force, three were unlawful conduct, another three were from neglect of duty and 41 were “other” complaints.

Fifteen of those allegations were reported as “founded.” Nassau also reported 126 “founded” allegations in 2021 and 101 “founded” allegations in 2020 but did not provide the total number of complaints reported in those years.

Long Island United to Transform Policing & Community Safety, an activist organization that seeks “to transform public safety,” also recommended the establishment of a Civilian Complaint Review Board, along with creating a police inspector general’s ofce that would “complement the [CCRB] with subpoena power and oversight over all policies, directives, memos and complaints.”

The group’s recommendations were included in a one-year analysis of the Nassau County Police Department’s reform plan.

In 2021 some of Nassau’s Democratic legislators called for New York Attorney General Letitia James to establish a third-party oversight ofce for the county’s police department.

Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (DFreeport), Legislator Siela Bynoe (D-Westbury) and Legislator Carrié Solages (D-Lawrence) all signed a letter sent in March 2021 after the county Legislature approved a plan to reform and reinvent policing put forward by former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

Eforts to reach those representatives for comment on the matter were unavailing.

James, in a letter sent to the legislators in mid-April, acknowledged the benefts of establishing a remote ofce and criticized the county for not including “meaningful checks on law enforcement.” She also cited the lack of necessary

Continued on Page 46

Incumbent Shi drops out of G.N. ed board race

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Great Neck Board of Education Trustee Jef Shi withdrew his petitions to run for re-election to the board Friday and said he wants to be able to spend more time with his family.

“It has been my tremendous honor to serve as a trustee for the Great Neck Public Schools and support the education of all the students, from toddlers to teenagers, from adults who continue to seek self-improvement to the students in our Special Dd programs with the greatest needs,” Shi said in a statement to Blank Slate Media.

Shi was running for a third term on the board before making his decision to withdraw petitions to run. District ofcials said petitions to run for Shi’s seat on the board can be submitted until May 1 by 5 p.m.

District resident Joanne Chan has already fled to run for Shi’s vacant seat.

Board of Education President Rebecca Sassouni refected on her time

serving the public with Shi and said he is an asset the district will greatly miss going forward.

“The number of ideas that he shared with the board, the perspectives he brought to the board and more than anything else, his decency and his kindness that he always brought to the board in every interaction in public in private, he was truly a gentleman among gentlemen and he will truly be missed,” Sassouni told Blank Slate Media.

Sassouni faces a challenger in district resident Niloufar Tabari.

Sassouni, who was frst elected to the board in 2017, announced she will be running for re-election as a trustee in March. The Board of Education elects a trustee to the post of president each year. Being re-elected to the board, she said, would give her a continuing opportunity to serve the school district that her own children have attended.

“I have abiding love and gratitude to this community and also to this

school district,” Sassouni told Blank Slate Media last month. “And I’m very appreciative that my family enjoys the pluralism here.”

Sassouni said she was pleased with some of the practices adopted by the board since she took over as president in 2021. These include the livestreaming of board meetings to make them more easily accessible. The board’s decision-making and collaborative work, she said, is something she lauded during the interview.

“I think that our decision-making has become much more deliberative and more process-oriented, which I’m very proud of,” Sassouni said. “We are working together very collaboratively and very collegially in executive session and in public.”

The election will take place on May 16. The terms will be for three years and will begin on July 1.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Nassau County Police Department’s transparency resulted in a 12 out of 100 from a Vera Institute report.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHI Great Neck Board of Education Trustee Jeff Shi.

Riders’ pros, cons with E. Side Access Commuters say travel times diminished while grievances include fewer express trains

BY CAMERYN OAKES

After much anticipation and more than a decade in delays, Grand Central Madison Terminal opened for fullservice Feb. 27 and the Long Island Rail Road fnally brought commuters to Manhattan’s East Side.

While commuters who work closer to Grand Central rejoiced, many Penn Station commuters have spoken out against the schedule changes, which many say have negatively impacted their commute, an essential aspect of their day.

Blank Slate Media’s Cameryn Oakes rode the LIRR Port Washington line for the Monday morning commute into Grand Central Madison to speak to commuters about how the new schedule had afected their trip and experience it for herself, the second part of a series on riding the LIRR.

Grand Central began full LIRR service Feb. 27 with a revised schedule that added trains running into Grand Central to its regular Penn Station service, which was also changed.

Andrew Scandalios, a Port Washington commuter for 20 years, said he works near Grand Central and that the additional station has made his commute better by diminishing travel times. While he said commute times have been shorter, they are still longer

than those going to Penn Station. The partially express train running to Grand Central is about a 43-minute ride. The express trains running to Penn Station are about 36 minutes long.

Scandalios said that he would like to see more express trains running

into Grand Central to diminish the commute time.

Grievances for Penn Station commuters include fewer express trains, longer wait times in between trains and extended commute times overall.

Trains running to and from Penn Station were reduced under the new

schedule in order to reroute trains to Grand Central instead.

The schedule also cut the number of express trains running along the Port Washington branch after the MTA originally proposed that all would be eliminated.

Under the current schedule, the

only express trains running out of Port Washington go into Penn Station and none to Grand Central. The three express trains during the morning rush only stop at three stations –Plandome, Manhasset and Great Neck – before arriving on the West Side of Manhattan.

Three trains run partially express into Grand Central, making six stops after leaving Port Washington. At Bayside, the sixth stop, the train then runs express to Woodside where it makes its fnal stop before arriving on the East Side.

The 7:17 a.m. train leaving Port Washington is one of the three trains that run partially express into Grand Central, sandwiched between the other two leaving at 6:47 a.m. and 8:14 a.m.

The 7:17 a.m. train is scheduled to arrive in Grand Central at 8 a.m. and is the only train that arrives substantially before the 9 a.m. workday start time. While the 8:14 a.m. train arrives in Grand Central at 8:57 a.m., this may not give commuters enough time to arrive at work by 9 a.m.

Richard Class, a Port Washington commuter for 40 years, said that the addition of Grand Central Madison has made his commute to his job on the Upper East Side much easier than

Continued on Page 46

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Port Washington LIRR commuters arrive at Grand Central Madison during the morning rush.

CD-3 without representation: officials

Ex-Rep. Steve Israel says with Santos ‘We don’t have a member of Congress,’ needs go unmet

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Since Rep. George Santos took office Jan. 3, local government officials say the district he represents essentially has not had a representative at all.

Santos was elected as the District 3 member of Congress in November, beating out Democrat Robert Zimmerman, and soon after was caught in a web of state and federal probes into his personal, professional and financial background. An expose in The New York Times in December revealed that much of his resume included false claims that misrepresented often non-existent achievements, and more falsehoods have continuously surfaced since then.

Despite being outed for his lies, Santos announced Monday he is running for re-election in 2024 in the district, which straddles Nassau and Queens counties.

With calls for his expulsion amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee as well as federal probes and state reviews, local officials have said he does not represent the ideals of the district and is not serving them as a representative.

Steve Israel, former District 3 congressman from 2013-2017, said the major part of the work that his office did was constituent casework.

“There’s an assumption that a member of Congress spends most of his or her time legislating,” Israel said. “That is a misassumption. The real work of a member of Congress is spent at home solving people’s problems.”

Due to the historical representation in District 3 and the prioritization of constituent casework, Israel said that had fostered an expectation of those services.

“New Yorkers are pretty demanding people,” Israel said jokingly. “They expect a member of Congress who’s going to work for them and work hard.”

Today, with George Santos now representing District 3, that is gone.

“We don’t have a member of Congress right now,” Israel said.

He said that instead of having a representative who is working for their district, Santos is more concerned with the legal ramifications of his actions.

“This is a massive disservice and it’s aggravating for me because we worked so hard to deliver and now we have a member of Congress who is consumed, not with the problems of those he represents, but his own legal problems,” Israel said.

Israel said he has never seen Santos working with constituents at public events.

“You can’t be a representative unless you are out in the community listening to people,” Israel said. “He’s hiding. How could you represent people when you’re afraid to go out and be seen by them?”

Israel said Santos presents three problems in his effectiveness as a representative: He can’t accurately represent his constituents if he doesn’t show up with them, constituents and their needs are not being accurately serviced and “he’s an anathema.”

Nobody in Congress is willing to work with him, which Israel said is crucial to being an effective representative.

“He’s 0-3 in effective representation,” Israel said.

Along with House members not wanting to work with him, other local officials share the same reluctance.

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said she has had no contact with Santos since his lies were initially exposed in December.

Prior to then, she said she would see him at some events during his campaign, where she would have conversations with him.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

George Santos celebrating his victory in the state’s 3rd Congressional District election.

Dodson signs off, fire chiefs sworn in

F.P. village board unanimously approves $35.4M budget that overrides state tax cap

BY BRANDON DUFFY

“Usually the saying is ‘in like a lion, out like a lamb,’” said Floral Park Fire Department Chief Jeb Dodson. “But not in this case.”

The outgoing chief of fve years gave one fnal end-of-year report to the Floral Park Board of Trustees Tuesday night as fve new chiefs were sworn in to serve the department.

Also during the meeting, the village board unanimously voted to approve the $35.4 million village budget for the 2023-2024 fscal year.

“Tonight I am humbled to be standing before you as the 111th chief of this department,” an emotional Dodson said during his report in front of the full house in the village hall. Dodson, who frst joined Alert Engine Co. 1 in 1994, is being replaced by new chief Brian Hamerman.

The other four chiefs to be sworn into their roles Tuesday night were Sal Arrigo as 1st assistant chief, Gil Luger as 2nd assistant chief, Eric O’Connor as 3rd assistant chief and William Lauria as 4th assistant chief.

Dodson was recently in command of a fouralarm fre in the village Monday morning, where a fre started in the basement of 266 Jericho Turnpike.

After seeing the structure fre Dodson made a mutual aid request that eventually brought over a dozen Nassau County fre departments and over 100 frefghters.

After an initial attack on the fre, Dodson

called for an evacuation of all frefghters as the conditions worsened and sprayed water from only the outside, said Nassau County Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro.

There were no major injuries to any frst re-

Reddan unopposed in bid for NHP-GCP board

BY BRANDON DUFFY

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Board of Education President James Reddan is running unopposed for his current seat, according to the district.

Reddan, who also serves as one of two district liaisons on the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education, is seeking another term of three years.

The board president has been a civil engineer for the Town of Hempstead since 2005. He is also a lawyer with a private practice. He has served on the board since October 2014, when current Trustee Patricia Rudd resigned before moving to Michigan. She returned two years later and rejoined the board. Reddan won an unopposed bid in 2015 to fnish the term.

Voting for the Board of Education will take place on Tuesday, May 16, the same day the district will vote on approving the tentative budget. The budget was frst presented on Monday, April 17 and has not been adopted yet.

discussions that may lead to tough decisions.

The former chief specifcally got choked up when thanking his colleagues.

“I could not ask for a better group of guys,” Dodson said to the fve new chiefs. “You had my back at every turn, and that means a lot. Thank you.”

Fitzgerald commended Dodson’s commitment to service to both the village and the department.

“Thank you for being a great example of what a good neighbor should be,” Fitzgerald said.

The $35,429,702 village budget represents a $1,566,407 increase from the current year, a 4.5% rise in spending.

The budget’s tax levy has an increase of 2.83%, which exceeded the state’s applicable tax cap of 2.12%, which the board unanimously voted to override ahead of the budget vote.

General funds amount to $32.6 million for the upcoming fscal year.

For the village’s library and pool, the budgets are $1.56 million and $1.22 million, respectively.

sponders or civilians, Dodson said.

Dodson after his report personally acknowledged each member of the town board and village staf, thanking the ofcials for their support of the fre department and being able to have the

The tax rate per $100 of assessed valuation for homeowners will be $14.67, which Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald said in a letter to the village amounts to an increase of $157 in village taxes for an average homeowner with an assessed value of $37,694.

The next Floral Park Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

Floral Park Fire Department Chief Jeb Dodson gives his final report to the board of trustees on Tuesday, April 19.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW HYDE PARK-GARDEN CITY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

James Reddan, president of the New Hyde ParkGarden City Park Board of Education.

Santos files for re-elex as Lafazan joins race

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Republican Rep. George Santos announced his re-election campaign Monday despite an overwhelming lack of support from his own political party in a race that is beginning to take shape.

Santos was joined in the race byNassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, a Democrat who lost to Robert Zimmerman in last year’s Democratic primary.

Lafazan called Santos “a liar and a fraud” in a statement Monday, saying he “belongs in prison” rather than Congress.

A press release on Santos’ stationery described the embattled representative as “a dependable conservative vote in Congress and a fearless champion of conservative values.” The announcement came in the midst of federal and local investigations into Santos’ personal, professional and fnancial background.

“I was elected to fulfll my campaign promises of securing our border, lowering the high cost of living, solving the disastrous SALT issue in our tax code, and fghting the Hochul crime crisis of policies empowering criminals to terrorize the people of New York,” Santos said in a statement. “I’ve been in ofce for 100 days, and through legislation and my votes, I’ve already made signifcant eforts to honor those promises.”

Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Cairo, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, newly elected state Sen. Jack Martins and newly elected U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito have been vocal in expressing their complete lack of support for Santos going forward.

Eforts to reach the Nassau County Republican Committee for comment were unavailing.

“He’s disgraced the House of Representatives and we do not consider him one of our congresspeople,” Cairo said in a press conference earlier this year.

Santos has been the face of local and federal probes into his personal, professional and fnancial background. Articles in The New York Times and other publications unearthed the congressman’s lies earlier this year, following his win over Democrat Robert Zimmerman in the state’s 3rd Congressional District in November.

Zimmerman is one of the names brought up as a potential candidate to run for the seat said next year

and said 3rd District residents are in need of actual representation that Santos is not providing to them. The district straddles both Nassau and Queens.

“George Santos has violated the trust of the community he was elected to serve and has shown a blatant disregard for the law and our sacred Democracy,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “Voters on Long Island and in Queens deserve a public servant — not a public spectacle.”

Republican Kellen Curry has also fled to run in next year’s 3rd District election and discussed the need to bring transparency back to Long Island and Queens.

“What we’re really focusing on right now is making sure that we draw attention to the current state of leadership,” Curry said in an interview two weeks ago. “Quite frankly, nothing happens if we don’t have leadership that we can believe in.”

Curry, a Queens resident who lives just outside the 3rd District, is an Afghanistan war veteran and former vice president at J.P. Morgan. Curry completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves, according to his campaign website.

The House Ethics Committee launched a formal investigation into Santos last month and will scrutinize his most recent congressional campaign, offcials announced.

The committee will determine if the embattled representative failed to properly disclose information and statements to Congress, engaged in sexual misconduct with someone seeking employment in his D.C. ofce and violated potential federal confictof-interest laws.

Santos’ ofcial congressional Twitter account said the newly elected representative “is fully cooperating” in the investigation, but the congressman would not comment on the matter.

The Campaign Legal Center, a nonproft organization that aims to advance democracy through the law, questioned Santos’ sudden infux of wealth after he reported a salary of $55,000 in 2020, which rose to $750,000 in 2022 and $1 million to $5 million in dividends.

The organization also called into question the congressman’s $705,000 loan to his campaign, claiming he falsifed reports on nearly 40 expenditure flings under $200.

The center fled the complaint with the Federal Election Commission and the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice in January.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTOS CAMPAIGN Republican U.S. Rep. George Santos.

Sport Psychology

Dr. Tom Ferraro has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below:

Williston Park Professional Center

2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596

(building parallel to E. Williston railroad station) drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com

(516) 248-7189

Trentacoste unopposed in F.P.-Bellerose bid

$38.9M adopted budget with 1.69% tax levy increase also on ballot for May 16

OBITUARIES, TRIBUTES

AND MEMORIES

Share thoughts of those who have passed. Honor the memories of your loved one with your message of remembrance and love. Tributes will appear in-print in a Blank Slate Media newspaper and on-line at theisland360.com.

To place your announcement, go to https://theisland360.com/submit-tributes/

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Floral Park-Bellerose Trustee Laura Trentacoste is running for a third term in an uncontested race, according to the school district.

District residents will vote on both the trustee seat, which comes with a three-year term, and the $38.9 million budget May 16.

Trentacoste, who lives in the district with her husband and three children, was first elected to the board in 2017 and again in 2020 after running unopposed. Trentacoste, a writer, is a graduate of both Floral Park-Bellerose School and Floral Park Memorial High School and has lived in the district for over two decades. She has previously served as vice president and president.

The budget, adopted April 4, includes a spending increase of 7.94%, or $2.86 million, from the current fiscal year. The tax levy is projected to increase by 1.69% from the current year, which does not go over the state’s mandated tax cap.

Floral Park-Bellerose is projected to get 28.61% more state aid. Included in Gov. Kathy

Hochul’s tentative budget is nearly $2 million more in foundation aid, a 36% increase from the current year.

The foundation aid formula, established in 2007, uses factors like pupil needs and regional costs to help determine how much state aid a school district should receive. Many school districts have argued that they have been shortchanged, however, even as the formula aimed to reduce inequity among districts.

Within the budget, 78% of funding will go toward programming, which includes instructional salaries, special education programs and transportation, among other things.

Capital costs, which include the operation and maintenance of the district, amount to 12% of the total budget.

Administrative costs amount to 10% of the budget.

Special education improvements are included in the proposed budget enhancements. A resource room, the addition of a special education small class, a behavioral analyst in each school building and two full-time reading specialists per building are included in the spending plan.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLORAL PARK-BELLEROSE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Floral Park-Bellerose Trustee Laura Trentacoste is running unopposed for a third term.

NHP-GCP proposes $46.6M budget

BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

Superintendent Jennifer Morrison-Raptis and Assistant Superintendent Michael Frank presented the proposed 2023-24 budget at the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Board of Education meeting Monday.

The total proposed appropriations for the 2023-24 fscal year were $46,599,885, an increase of $2.4 million, or 5.4%, over last year’s budget.

The largest increases in expenditures came in the categories of salaries and benefts, with spending on textbooks and equipment actually decreasing relative to the previous year.

Despite the growth in the size of the budget, the tax levy will remain fat for the 2023-24 year. This is largely due to an increase in state aid of $1.8 million.

“We’re going to take advantage of that wonderful gift from the state,” Frank said at the meeting Monday night. “I also want to emphasize as great as it is that we’re getting this extra money from the state, it’s the state catching up to giving us what we were actually entitled to based on their own formulas for calculating our aid.”

Morrison-Raptis outlined some of the great initiatives the New Hyde

Park-Garden City Park school district has to ofer and that will continue to be supported by this year’s budget. This included funding for the arts and music programs, fnancial literacy classes, mathlete programs and more. Additionally, facilities across the district are going to be replaced or repaired to ensure the schools are safe and beautiful, she said.

The community budget vote will be held on May 16, and schoolchildren are also encouraged to attend so they can vote for their feld day snack and have the chance to win an extra recess.

In addition to the budget, community members will have the opportunity to vote on the potential use of the district’s capital reserve fund to add air conditioning and/or ventilation to all four schools. It is a $10.2 million project that would be fully funded by the capital reserve – with no taxpayer money needed. When this fund was created, it was stipulated that a community vote would be needed to release the money for use.

More information and a lineitem description of the budget can be found on the district’s website at https://www.nhp-gcp.org/budget_information/budget_information.

2 more charged with stealing cooking oil

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Two more men were charged with stealing used cooking oil from North Shore restaurants on Wednesday, April 12, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

The alleged incident is the second this month that targeted local restaurants.

Eduardo Gutierrez Benitez, 48, of Brooklyn, and Andres Felipe Duarte Pineda, 23, of Elizabeth, N.J., were arrested at about 2:30 a.m. behind the IHOP located at 145 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park, according to police.

Used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel, a biodegradable fuel created from vegetable oils, animal fats or restaurant grease, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Over 5,000 Long Island restaurants have had their cooking oil stolen in the last 10 months, Patrick McCall, a private investigator probing the thefts, told News12.

“Basically, what’s happening is thieves are coming out, usually at nighttime, coming to diferent restaurants, coming to diferent strip malls that have multiple food establishments…cutting a hole or using bolt cutters to cut the locks of the containers, inserting their hose and then sipping the oil from the containers,” McCall told News12.

The national average price between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15 this year for

B20 fuel, a blend of 6% to 20% biodiesel, cost $4.46 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy. Pure biodiesel, or B100, cost $5.22 per gallon on average during the same time.

McCall told News12 a stolen drum of used cooking oil can be worth approximately $900.

Earlier this month, Sufolk County Police charged Hector Castrol-Espinal, 23, of Queens for siphoning hundreds of gallons of used cooking oil from a Chik-Fil-A in Huntington Station and reselling it on multiple occasions.

A police investigation at IHOP ensued after ofcers on patrol conducted a vehicle and trafc stop when they saw a 1999 Ford E350 van occupied by the two men at the restaurant, offcials said.

Police determined that the two men were also responsible for stealing used cooking oil from Café Sport in Williston Park, Uncle Bacalas in Garden City, Jonathan’s Restaurant and Shah’s Halal Food in Garden City Park, Brew House and Dominick’s Italian American-Deli in New Hyde Park and Amalf Pizza in Port Washington, according to authorities.

Melvin Howell and Rodney Lofton were charged April 7 with stealing used cooking oil from Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, Stresa Restaurant and IHOP in Manhasset, Monster Crab and Fyhre Hibachi Sushi Lounge Restaurant in Carle Place, Mint in Garden City and the Cheesecake Factory,

Chick-Fil-A and Benihana Restaurant in Westbury, according to ofcials. Benitez was charged with seven

counts of petit larceny. Pineda was charged with eight counts of petit larceny, police said. Both men were

PHOTO BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

Jennifer Morrison-Raptis, superintendent of the district, presents part of the budget at the meeting on Monday.

arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on April 12.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Andres Felipe Duarte Pineda, 23, of New Jersey, left, and Eduardo Gutierrez Benitez, 48, of Brooklyn, were charged with stealing used cooking oil from North Shore restaurants.

WWW.THEISLAND360.COM/CONTEST2023

Abrahams will not seek re-election

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader

Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport) announced in a statement Friday he will not be running for reelection this year.

Abrahams, who was elected to serve the county’s 1st District in 2001,expressed his gratitude for his constituents and Nassau residents for allowing him to serve as a leader for more than 20 years.

He did not provide a specifc reason for not seeking re-election to his seat.

“It has been a great privilege and an honor to serve my constituency and advocate for change,” Abrahams said in a statement. “I am grateful to all my colleagues for their support throughout the years and to my constituents for allowing me to continue to represent them for over two decades.”

Abrahams served as a legislative assistant and deputy district director for former U.S. Rep. Floyd H. Flake and a district representative for former 4th District U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy. He initially joined the Nassau County staf as the deputy fnance director in 2000 and then as Nassau’s fnance director.

Abrahams was named the Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader in 2011. In 2014, he ran against former U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice in the Democratic primary to succeed McCarthy’s seat in Congress. Abrahams received 5,791 votes, losing to Rice’s 7,770 votes.

The 1st District includes the communities of Freeport, Roosevelt, Uniondale and East Meadow.

Abraham’s district, under newly-approved legislative maps, has an increased number of enrolled Republicans than the current ones, but still has more than 21,000 registered Democrats compared to 10,000 registered Republicans, ac-

cording to the data.

Abrahams previously said there is likely no scenario in which the maps “will not be challenged in court,” following the adoption of the maps in February.

“By passing this illegal map, the Republican Majority has recklessly placed Nassau County on a collision course towards numerous lawsuits that will ultimately cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” Abrahams said last month.

Abrahams also bashed the GOP proposal for “diluting the voting power of minority communities across” Nassau County, including having an “Asian-American infuence district.”

The map, he said, goes against parts of the federal Voting Rights Act and the John. R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York.

An analysis of the maps by Blank Slate Media showed that Democratic enrollment outweighs Republicans in 15 of the 19 recently approved legislative districts.

The legislature will now have to fnd ofcials to fll the minority and majority leader positions, as Presiding Ofcer Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) announced he will also not be running for re-election in March.

Nicolello, 63, said being a legislator has been “a long commitment and it takes its toll on a family.” The long-serving legislator lauded the Nassau GOP for having “a lot of talent” as it looks for someone to succeed him.

After serving in Nassau County for nearly three decades, Nicolello has served the previous six years as the Republican leader. Abrahams, last month, said he was grateful all of the debates between he and Nicolello did not “undermine” their friendship and wished him well.

Nicolello’s 9th Legislative District includes New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Mineola, Williston Park, Albertson, Roslyn Estates, Munsey Park and Plandome.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEGISLATOR’S OFFICE

Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport) will not run for re-election this fall.

DeSena blasts Hochul housing plan at chamber

BY JOSEPH D'ANDREA

Town of North Hempstead

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Councilman Dennis Walsh of the town’s third district both focused on housing and infrastructure at the Mineola Chamber of Commerce’s monthly dinner meeting on Tuesday.

Reiterating criticisms made over the past few months about Gov. Kathy Hochul regarding the state’s proposed housing plan, DeSena emphasized the importance of using the town’s budget and tax revenue in more constructive ways.

“Gov. Hochul has been forcing us, threatening us,” DeSena said, “and treating us like children, saying: ‘you don’t build, you don’t know how to do it.’ But they did it in Mineola, and they did it in Westbury. So it shows that local government works.”

N. Hempstead adds electric vehicle charging stations

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The governor unveiled her plan to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade to address the state’s housing shortage in January.

Included in the New York Housing Compact are local participation requirements and incentives to achieve housing growth along with requiring municipalities with MTA stations to rezone for higher-density residential development.

The plan is intended to close a shortage of 800,000 housing units in the New York metropolitan area.

Hempstead officials estimated that more than 14,000 additional housing units would be established in Nassau County as a result of Hochul’s proposed legislation. Nassau and Suffolk counties, under the plan, would be required to grow housing stock by 3% every three years along with

The North Hempstead Town Board voted to add electric vehicle charging stations throughout the town during the April 4 meeting.

Parking lots at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset, Clinton G. Martin Park and Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park will each have level 2 charging stations. Lot 4 at the Port Washington Public Park District will also have a station.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the Town of North Hempstead to increase accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations for our residents,” said Council Member Veronica Lurvey in a statement. “This initiative was spearheaded by the Climate Smart Communities Task Force, and I was proud to bring it to the board. By adding these charging stations, we are furthering our goals of creating a more sustainable, resilient, and green future. It is my hope that this will also incentivize North Hempstead’s residents to transition to electric vehicles.”

A request for proposal to add the charging stations was first issued in December 2020 before the board authorized an agreement with Blink Charging in early 2021, according to the town. The April 4 resolution approved the installation locations for the stations.

In March, the Town Board also voted to adopt a Climate Action Plan, which includes a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

The plan, developed in collaboration with the Town’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force, focuses on decreasing energy use, shifting to clean, renewable energy, transportation and fleet, resiliency, adaptation and natural solutions and materials and waste management.

Staff from all Town departments and the Department of Plan-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

ning and Environmental Protection will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Oversight efforts include tracking and monitoring progress toward emission reduction goals and identifying proposed changes in policy, education and engagement, among other things.

At the Feb. 7 meeting, the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the expedited review of solar installations and electric vehicle charging stations.

The commitment to electric vehicle charging stations falls in line with the Town’s previous investment in going green. In the 2023 capital plan approved in January, about $330,000 is committed to buying more electric vehicles and installing charging stations.

Do you or someone you love have symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease?

Do you or someone you love have symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease?

Do you or someone you love have symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease?

If you or someone you love is increasingly becoming forgetful, experience difficulties in planning and problems solving, or gets lost in familiar places, these could be signs Alzheimer’s disease

#33266815.0

Consider participating in the study, if:

4

4

You (may) have early Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or someone you love is increasingly becoming forgetful, experience difficulties in planning and problems solving, or gets lost in familiar places, these could be signs of early Alzheimer’s disease

Contact us today to find out more about the evoke/evoke+ clinical studies.

Consider participating in the study, if:

4

You are between 55 and 85 years old.

You (may) have early Alzheimer’s disease.

Consider participating in the study, if:

You (may) have early Alzheimer’s disease.

You are between 55 and 85 years old.

You have a study partner (a next of kin or someone you have a close relationship to), who is willing to take part in the study and share information about you

You are between 55 and 85 years old.

You have a study partner (a next of kin or someone you have a close relationship to), who is willing to take part in the study and share information about you

You have a study partner (a next of kin or someone you have a close relationship to), who is willing to take part in the study and share information about you

The study doctor will explain any potential risks to you and describe the study procedures before you decide whether to join the study.

the study.

The study doctor will explain any potential risks to you and describe the study procedures before you decide whether to join the study.

o find out more about participating in the evoke and evoke+ studies, contact

o find out more about participating in the evoke and evoke+ studies, contact :

If eligible, you will be one of over 3500 participants globally on this 3-year journey and will receive comprehensive health care, which includes regular clinic visits, health checks and medical testing. You will get access to expert guidance and facilities during the study.

clinic visits, health

If eligible, you will be one of over 3500 participants globally on this 3-year journey and will receive comprehensive health care, which includes regular clinic visits, health checks and medical testing. You will get access to expert guidance and facilities during the study.

Town officials with Rebecca Shamtoob from Blink Charging, left.

Continued on Page 43

Nation’s culture war in local schools

The latest salvo in a nationally funded culture war attack on public education took place in East Williston in March as the far right took aim at Nassau County.

Project Veritas, a right-wing group known for deceptively edited exposé videos with ties to prominent conservative and Republican groups, released a posting on Instagram of David Casamento discussing the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion in public schools.

Casamento had worked as director of technology in East Williston, but had left in 2017. He is now assistant superintendent for the East Meadow School District,

Even though Casamento left East Williston six years ago, more than 100 people attended the meeting of the school district school board. Many parents expressed anger with what they saw on the video posted.

Andrea Gallo, a parent and longtime resident of East Williston, expressed her frustration with the DEI initiative, which she claimed teaches children that they are “either racist or anti-racist — no in-between.”

For the record the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion movement is intended to make people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel welcome — something one would think would be appreciated in an increasingly diverse school district such as East Williston.

The East Williston meeting took place around the same time a Project Veritas video was being released of Donald Gately, who oversees the Manhasset School District’s instruction and personnel, also discussing the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The video was taken at EdCamp, an organization described on its website as “a grassroots, teacher-led event that brings together educators from across the region to share their ideas and expertise.” Gately co-founded the group in 2012.

Gately’s sin: He said teachers now have kids with some parents who are “extremely conservative and rightwing.”

“Now you’re gonna have people make – they’re gonna connect politics to DEI work,” Gately continued.

Other videos from Project Veritas alleged that the Manhasset school district discriminated in the hiring of individuals based on “political and religious beliefs.”

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 they don’t.

The problem is that whether or not the comments are true some parents will believe them, stoking fears and increasing divisiveness.

Meryl Fordin, a physical education teacher at North Side School in East Williston, called for the East Williston school board to afrm its support for the district’s faculty and staf. And recognize what Project Veritas was trying to do.

“What these videos actually show are educators doing their jobs; teachers making good faith attempts to serve their students and communities while expressing caution and awareness that these are very sensitive issues… [Project Veritas and its allies] threaten our students, the cohesion of our community and the integrity of our profession,” Fordin said.

It also threatens good-faith eforts to improve the quality of education everywhere – including the North Shore.

Mario Balaban, Project Veritas’ media relations manager, told Blank Slate Media last week the organization’s presence at EdCamp Long Island was part of an initiative launched in the fall of last year called “The Secret Curriculum.”

“We attend all sorts of events and we became aware of [EdCamp Long Island] and we just wanted to investigate and see what was going on in schools in the region,” Balaban said in a phone interview.

Project Veritas claims that they are acting as journalists in their work. They are not. They will misidentify themselves in gathering information, selectively edit material for partisan reasons and not give subjects a chance to respond to allegations — all violations of newspaper ethics and protocols.

And their secret gathering of information will only discourage open discussions by teachers and administrators trying to develop better ways to teach students.

What educators will want to talk frankly if their comments will be taken out of context and posted in their school district?

Balaban said the work Project Veritas does should not be viewed in a partisan light because videos showing what educators are saying are not prompted by a political agenda.

“We at Project Veritas don’t see anything political about informing parents and the community, wherever it might be, about what teachers or educators are saying about how they educate, and on occasions, indoctri-

nate children.”

This, too, is ludicrous.

Project Veritas was founded by James O’Keefe in 2010 to discredit mainstream media organizations, progressive groups, academic, government and service organizations.

The organization is known to use entrapment to generate bad publicity for its targets and has propagated disinformation] and conspiracy theories in its videos and operations.

It famously failed to plant a false story about Senate candidate Roy Moore in The Washington Post as part of a months-long campaign to infltrate The Post and other media outlets in Washington and New York. The effort was exposed by the Post.

The organization has been funded by right-wing, dark money groups, which due to its status as a charitable organization is exempt from disclosing its donors or paying federal income taxes. In return, it is supposed to abstain from campaign activity.

O’Keefe became a member of Crowdsourcers for Culture and Liberty, an activist group led by Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, in 2019 specifcally to wage a cultural battle against the left.

Virginia Thomas said O’Keefe was among the “culture warriors” needed

to oppose “cultural Marxism” and “eroding the pillars of our country.”

O’Keefe served as chairman of Project Veritas until he separated from the organization in February 2023 amid controversy over his handling of fnances and his management style.

But clearly Project Veritas’ mission has not changed.

They are also not alone in a “parents rights” movement funded by right-wing groups that is meant to empower conservative and reactionary parents and politicians to dictate education and curriculums to the rest of the community.

We have seen in states like Florida, Tennessee and Texas where laws have been passed to stop even the mention of same-sex couples, bar Black history AP classes and books that touch on racism in this country. Some districts even banned an award-winning storybook on the Holocaust.

Two weeks ago, the Nassau County Republican Party hosted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis whose education policies resulted in schools in his state stripping books from the shelves for fear of violating the law.

We have also seen the movement to ban books in an election for the Great Neck Library Board last year where some candidates were calling

Perfection is not lovable for a person

My children have been on their own for quite some time now. Even so, I do believe young Americans today are living in a revolving door era, particularly since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with its associated economic and housing challenges. Consequently, a return could be imminent, depending on what life brings

As a younger parent I was guilty of fault-finding, sometimes nitpicking. “Your towel is on the bathroom floor.” “There’s a plate on your dresser that looks like it is growing mold.” “That’s what happens when you don’t lock up your bike: it gets stolen!” And so on.

I read some time ago that there is a recommended ratio for parents to adhere to, where messages of praise outnumber messages of disapproval. One expert said that for every one criticism you offer to your child for a negative behavior, find three occasions to praise them for positive behaviors.

My own lapses as an adult were

no better, just different, but no one hounded me; that is, aside from my worst critic — myself.

As I was driving to the office one spring morning it was bumper-tobumper traffic on the Loop Parkway, as I headed to the North Shore from my home in Long Beach. Traffic was delayed by the annual bridge and pothole repair parade, of course.

The sun peaked through my car window and as I glanced down for a moment, I discovered that I was wearing two different colored shoes — one brown and one black. There have been times that I wore mismatched socks, but different shoes?

It was a first. What to do?

The voice in my head asked: Do I turn around, go back home and make an exchange or just keep going? I kept going. A little embarrassment can’t hurt, I thought. I could always tell people it is “Mismatched Footwear Day.” After all, isn’t there a day for everything now and an accompanying Hallmark greeting card for $8.95? Or has it been inflated to $12.95 by now? Maybe they up -

graded to a pop-up card.

On another trip into my office, I arrived before opening time on a Monday morning. There were no other cars in the parking lot. As luck would have it, I had forgotten my building key ring and couldn’t open the door.

I waited for someone to arrive. After about 15 minutes no one showed up. I imagined that every-

one decided to take a long weekend. After all, it was a beautiful sunny winter’s day. Or, more likely there was an accident on one of the highways that I narrowly escaped. I walked around the perimeter of the building and discovered an unlocked window. I pried it open and crawled through.

My first stop was to the kitchen to make coffee. Next, I walked upstairs to my office and got to work. After a while I walked back downstairs for a cup of coffee.

There was no receptionist at the front desk. I looked outside and the only car in the parking lot was mine. I walked over to the front desk and opened the notebook with everyone’s weekly schedules. They all had diagonal lines drawn through Monday. In that moment I could faintly hear the sound of some long familiar theme music from an old television show. Or as it my imagination?

We were closed for a legal holiday – Presidents Day. Over the musical accompaniment, I could hear

Rod Serling’s voice: “You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance. You’ve just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.”I headed upstairs, gathered my belongings, came back downstairs, crawled out the window I had pried open and drove back home. I’ve often wondered which was more disconcerting, the mismatched shoes or the fact that I broke into the office to work on a legal holiday.

From time to time I think back to the awkward moments that occurred when my children were still living at home. As parents, it helps to be fair and balanced when we critique our children. Which is not to say I am advocating for parents to take a laissez-faire approach. I’m not.

When I think back, though, I’m often reminded of something that noted anthropologist Joseph Campbell advised which I always try to keep close to my heart: “Perfection is not lovable; it is the clumsiness of a fault that makes a person lovable.”

Coming soon: An electric grid crisis alert

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in November 2012, I was grateful that my home had been converted to clean natural gas.

Not having electric power for 14 days (yes, two whole weeks) was awful, but my family was able to endure the cold and snowy winter weather thanks to natural gas. We were able to use our stove and oven and to get some heat from our gas fireplace, while our gas-powered water heater supplied us with plenty of hot water.

Think back and ask yourself, “Am I pleased I had a gas pipeline connected to my house 11 years ago?” My guess your answer is yes.

And if your house was powered solely by electricity, ask yourself, “Was I happy being without lights, heat and hot water?” I know I wouldn’t.

Well, if you were unhappy 11 years ago, expect to be more miserable in the years to come.

Here’s why:

Shortly after taking office in 2011, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared war on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. He terminated fracking and

closed the Indian Point Nuclear facility that provided over 20% of New York City’s electricity.

Cuomo also pledged the state would have “100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.”

Cuomo’s successor, Gov. Kathy Hochul, has continued the crusade to phase out natural gas.

In December 2022, the State Climate Action Council—controlled by extremists—mandated New York to supply 100% of its electricity from zero emission sources by 2040.

The timeline:

Beginning in 2025 all new buildings will have to be electric. Gas hookups will be prohibited.

By 2030 all new kitchen appliances (i.e.: stoves) will have to be electric.

By 2035 all new cars sold in the state will have to be electric.

So, if your gas stove should break down in 2030, Big Brother will not permit you to buy a new one even though your home is already fueled by gas. How crazy is that?

Gary Donohue, president of the Independent Power Producers of New York, opposed the council’s

proposal for these reasons:

Reliability is inadequately addressed, putting New York at risk for economy-crushing blackouts and potential public safety risks. High energy costs for energy consumers and the impact on their cost-ofliving and on the competitiveness of New York businesses. Insufficient programs to keep benefits of existing renewable facilities in the state. Leaping to moratoriums and bans

instead of developing innovative technologies.

Donohue added that it would require “pure magic” to reach the goals.

It gets worse. If a piece of legislation circulating in Albany becomes law, the New York Post reports, the state Power Authority would be forced “to shut down all its fossil fuel energy plants and build or buy power only from renewable sources by 2030, just seven years away.”

Right now, New York City and the surrounding suburbs receive more than 80% of their power from fossil fuels.

Anyone who thinks that by 2040 it will be possible for the metropolitan region to make a 100% percent conversion to renewable energy is delusional.

But if the Albany radicals manage to impose their flawed, ideologically driven energy formulas, there is the danger of aging electric grids that deliver power to customers, collapsing.

There are already problems.

James Meigs of The Manhattan

Institute noted in a Commentary magazine piece, “Unlock the Grid,” that on Christmas Eve he received a Con Edison alert that read: “Please conserve energy” because the power grid “was at the breaking point” due to “extreme cold, high-energy use and industrial equipment problems.” Customers were urged to lower thermostats and avoid running appliances.

Meigs went on to point out that “weather-related grid failures are a growing threat.”

Hence, I was not surprised when an electrical engineer told me that if everyone in my neighborhood owned electric cars and plugged them in at night, the electric grid would blow.

If Gov. Hochul and the leftists in Albany get their way, New Yorkers will be facing outrageously high electric bills and crippling blackouts.

Remember how cold your house was during the Sandy blackout. To prevent that from happening on a regular basis, urge your state legislators to shelve Albany’s ludicrous plans.

Can God help athletes win sporting events?

As one undertakes the challenge of writing a book, the job of the publisher and the six reviewers is to provide direction and feedback to the author. The back-and-forth process takes about a year. One of my book reviewers has asked me to write a chapter on the use of religion and prayer in sports.

My book is geared toward the way athletes use defense mechanisms to cope with competitive stress and honestly I had not given the connection between religion and sport much thought. I was aware that the Oscar-winning flm “Charities of Fire” was all about religion and athletic excellence, but I had not seen that movie in years.

To approach research on this subject I began to talk to my patients and other professional athletes and I quickly realized that references to God and pleas to enlist his help are ubiquitous in sports. Cyclists say “Please God, get me up this hill” and golfers will bargain by saying “God, if I make this putt, I promise I will try to be a better person.” Before every game in every locker room, the coach will either bring in a cleric or will himself lead the team in a prayer.

Religion, prayer or a variety of quirky superstitions are tools many athletes rely upon to manage anxiety, bolster confdence and gain strength. As they say, “there are no atheists in foxholes.”

In my athletic career I will sometimes bargain with God. “OK, here’s the deal, God. If you help me to qualify for this tournament, I promise I will give $100 to the poor box. It’s kind of a win/win situation. If I qualify, God gets the $100 and if I don’t qualify, I get to save the $100.

I was raised as Catholic and went to Catholic grammar school and a Catholic college and I’m familiar with religious doctrinaire. However, my Ph.D work was from SUNY Stony Brook and my post-doctoral psychoanalytic degree was from the Long Island Institute of Psychoanalysis at Nassau County Medical Center, so part of my education was religious but part is science-based. And the religious paradigm is in confict with the scientifc

paradigm.

Freud was very clear about religion. He felt religion is an illusion and a belief system that provides comfort and control. In his book “The Future of an Illusion,” he explains that civilization can only exist if it has strict rules about instinctual gratifcation. Our animal instinct is to engage in frequent, casual, promiscuous sex and to be very aggressive and to kill at will. Civilization can only survive if these two basic drives are controlled. Freud suggested that religion is society’s primary upholder of social mores, ethics and the rules of suppression. The Ten Commandments emphasize sexual control: “Thou shall not commit adultery” and “Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife” and they emphasize aggressive controls, “Thou shall not

EARTH MATTERS

kill.”

Sports are all about the expression and the control of aggression. If the athlete represses his aggression too much, he loses power. But If he does not control his aggression enough, he breaks rules, and the referee calls an infraction.

The Freudian defense mechanisms explain the management of aggression without the help of religious rules or a God. Interestingly, the most mature defenses of sublimation, asceticism and altruism, have their roots in religion. Asceticism is the renunciation of worldly pleasure. Every famous religious fgure has renounced worldly pleasures. Buddha renounced all of his wealth as did St. Francis of Assisi. And, by the way, this is exactly what professional athletes are required to do. They must lead ascetic lives of exercise, ice baths, a refusal to give in to laziness, and have the strength to avoid gluttony in order to stay trim and ft.

Altruism is a basic religious term for charity work or giving to others. Saints are canonized partly due to their charity work. Saint Francis of Assisi was born wealthy, eventually renounced it all and gave away his money to beggars. In sports, altruism, or the selfess giving to others, is the defnition of teamwork. Every coaches preaches the mantra “there is no I in team,” which means don’t be selfsh but instead be a team player, be generous with the ball and all will prosper.

Sublimation is defned as transforming one’s desire to kill or have sex into something more socially acceptable. Sublimation is considered by Freud to be one of the most mature forms of defense and the best way to deal with our base instincts.

In Christianity, the classifcation of vices, or the Seven Deadly Sins, includes Fornication, Gluttony, Wrath, Pride, Sloth, Envy and Greed. Mankind must fgure out ways to manage these base desires or vices. A successful athlete’s life requires that they master all of these vices in an environment that tests them daily.

Tiger Woods is a good example of someone who managed these vices early on in his career. He led an ascetic life, rising at 4:30 a.m. every day to run six miles and he constantly watched his diet. He managed the sins of sloth, gluttony and wrath well, but the devil has a way of weaseling through. Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” And fornication, greed and pride seemed to have had their way with Woods. It will be easy for me to produce a chapter or two on how athletes use religion and prayer to cope with their stress. Sports, and especially high level sports, is flled with anxiety, tension, pain and frustration, so it is no surprise that athletes use prayer, church going and looking to the heavens for some help. Praise the Lord!

Real cost of a green lawn to environment

Have you noticed the bright yellow pesticide warning fags sprouting on lawns in your neighborhood like harbingers of spring? We have grown accustomed to seeing them, alongside the dafodils and tulips, and their presence doesn’t set of any alarms. But it really should.

For many Americans, striving for a weed-free “perfect” lawn is just part of home ownership. And it’s big business for the industry. Homeowners spend about $48 billion annually on lawn and garden products, and spring is the season when aggressive advertising campaigns begin, both in the media and in stores. The message is clear — dandelions need to be destroyed and crabgrass eliminated before it has a chance to break through the soil. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers will make your lawn grow green and lush.

Synthetic, chemical-based lawn-care products may provide short-term fxes, but they are harmful to our health, they destroy benefcial organisms in the soil, they contaminate drinking water sources, put wildlife at risk and won’t lead to a healthy ecosystem in the long run.

“You wonder,” asks Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, a nonproft that advocates for transitioning away from synthetic pesticides, “why

are we still using these things?”

My particular interest in pesticide exposures is the impact they may have on our children. Kids are uniquely vulnerable to pesticides due to a variety of physiological and behavioral factors. According to leading children’s health experts, exposures that occur in utero or early in life are more likely to result in disease than similar exposures that occur later.

This makes perfect sense considering the complexity and fragility of developing body systems. And unlike adults, children spend hours playing outdoors in the grass or indoors on carpeting where lawn chemicals may have been tracked into the house on shoes. Family pets who follow children outdoors and back into the home add to this accumulation.

Some pesticides that would normally break down outdoors with exposure to sun, rain and soil microbes remain active much longer indoors. Children can absorb pesticides through inhalation, skin absorption and accidental ingestion, with the latter being particularly true of young children who engage in hand-tomouth behavior.

Other unintended pesticide exposures in the form of runof or drift impact many non-target species. There are doc-

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

umented reports of massive bird kills on golf courses, fsh die-ofs, mutations in frogs and other reptiles, and higher than normal cancer incidence in domestic pets and human populations living near sites with high pesticide use.

As with most troubling toxic environmental exposures where the economics of maintaining a “business as usual” approach wins the day, scientifc research will take years and cost millions of dollars. In the meantime, what can we do to protect our families?

Physicians and scientists around the world who are concerned about the adverse efects of toxic chemicals on human health have developed what they call the Precautionary Principle. While there are many diferent versions, the most commonly cited states, “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-efect relationships are not fully established scientifcally. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof.” In other words, until we know for certain what the long-term efects of exposure to pesticides are, we should err on the side of caution.

Along with several other New York counties, Nassau and Sufolk have adopted a Neighbor Notifcation law that requires landscapers to warn neighbors 48 hours in advance of an impending pesticide application. This is intended to give adjacent homeowners the chance to close their windows, bring in children’s toys and dog bowls and cover sandboxes. This is a good start, but it doesn’t go far enough.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D), a widely used pre-emergent weed control (and one of two ingredients that

make up the widely used and infamous Vietnam War era “Agent Orange” defoliant), falls into this category. It has been linked t3o several types of cancer, endocrine disruption and birth defects.

Other commonly used lawn care pesticides are associated with several types of cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, hormone disruption and asthma. If you are concerned, a comprehensive database of pesticides and their health and environmental risks can be found here: https://www.panna.org/ legacy/panups/panna-new-pan-pesticide-database

It’s time to ask ourselves if the aesthetic use of pesticides on our lawns is worth the risk, especially when safe and efective alternatives are widely available. A New York State law passed in 2010 prohibits the use of pesticides on school felds and New York City recently adopted a new law prohibiting the use of chemical pesticides on all of its 3,000plus city parks across the fve boroughs.

People around the world are successfully using non-chemical methods to obtain healthy, resilient and attractive turf for lawns, landscapes and felds. Please visit www.grassrootsinfo.org for further information for both DIY homeowners and landscapers.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Is Christ on the cross a good role model for athletes trying to incorporate pain tolerance, sacrifice and perserverance?

Local leaders fiddle during climate crisis

On this Earth Day, these Newsday headlines should raise consciousness and sound the alarm to take urgent action:

Report: Nassau, Sufolk hit hard by disasters blamed on climate change

Long Island fourth nationally in potential risks due to climate change, Moody’s report says Department of Environmental Conservation: More than 40 local communities ‘disadvantaged’

What is New York State doing? A lot.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has been a stalwart advocate in continuing the mission to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and kicked of New York State’s celebration of Earth Week by announcing a statewide educational listening tour for the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the Bond Act prioritizes investments in environmental justice, climate change mitigation, shoreline restoration, food resilience, water quality, open space land conservation, recreational resources and green jobs. The tour will provide an opportunity for the public and potential funding applicants to learn more about the Bond Act, and for the community to weigh in on the draft criteria developed to identify potential projects.

The landmark Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the largest environmental bond in state history and the frst in New York since 1996, authorizes $1.5 billion for climate change mitigation; $1.1 billion for restoration and food risk reduction; $650 million for water quality improvement and

resilient infrastructure; $650 million for open space land conservation and recreation; and $300 million for other projects not specifcally allocated in the act. (See https://www.ny.gov/bondact)

Meanwhile, the state has taken major actions toward achieving the mandated goal of zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040 and economy-wide carbon neutrality.

These include: Introduced a new framework to achieve a nation-leading six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030 (amounting to 20 percent of the state’s peak electricity load) by expanding New York’s energy storage programs. The roadmap would support a build-out of storage deployments estimated to reduce future statewide electric system costs by $2 billion. It would improve public health (and therefore lower health costs) by reducing exposure to harmful fossil fuel pollutants. Called for zero-emission buildings for new construction throughout the state, with no on-site fossil fuel combustion by 2025 for smaller buildings, and by 2028 for larger buildings; buildings are the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants.

Directed the New York State Ofce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to generate all their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. Protecting the state’s drinking water with $500 million in funding to investigate and remove “forever chemicals”and ensure our drinking water is lead free.

KAREN RUBIN View Point

Municipalities could obtain funding to investigate sources of contamination and remediate contaminated sites over the next fve years. Proposing a comprehensive waste reduction and management law for packaging that would support local recycling eforts, reduce the use of toxic chemicals, save taxpayer money, and advance the goal of sending zero waste to landflls. Solid waste is the fourth-largest contributor to climatealtering greenhouse gases. To protect communities and alleviate the burden on municipalities and taxpayers, Hochul is proposing to shift the responsibility of recycling to the producer. Build on New York’s nation-leading investments in transportation electrifcation by directing the Department of Public Service to identify and remove the barriers to deploying charging infrastructure. ImproveMTA service and implement congestion pricing. An efcient, accessible, and reliable

mass transit system is a key component to getting drivers out of their fossil fuel burning cars and into clean transportation. Launched the Green Purchasing Communities Program to incentivize local governments to commit to buying sustainable products and protect public health and the environment. Proposed a $75 billion Climate Change Superfund paid for by assessment on fossil fuel producers, and used to make state and Long island infrastructure more resilient against storms and surges. A proposed EmPower Plus program and the Energy Afordability Guarantee to help low-income New Yorkers retroft their homes to become more energy efcient and keep their utility costs down. Creating an Offce of Just Transition to assist workers and communities afected by the transition from fossil fuels.

But what is Nassau County under Executive Bruce Blakeman doing? Not much. There is no evidence that he has attempted to seek funding through any of these programs.

“Local governments are on the front line of this [environmental] crisis, and we have the opportunity to transform our community and make it healthier and more sustainable,” writes Legislator Joshua A. Lafazan in an op-ed, Make Nassau County Carbon Neutral by 2035. Lafazan introduced legislation to make Nassau County’s government operations carbon neutral by 2035.

“New York State has already set a timeline of 2050, and there’s no reason that we shouldn’t be ambitious in leading the way right here in Nassau,” Lafazan writes.

Lafazan’s proposal only pertains to

FROM THE DESK OF DAVID BLACK

Nassau County’s government and municipal operations and does not establish new mandates for individual homeowners – basically a nudge to more actively participate in the multiple state and federal programs that are already available, which in many cases the county already participates in. (Former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined the Climate Smart Communities program, which recently awarded $11.6 million to 25 municipalities, including $910,000 to the Town of Brookhaven for food mitigation, but there is no evidence that the current executive, Bruce Blakeman, has been actively engaged.)

“All citizens in Nassau will be the benefciaries of a cleaner environment,” he writes. “Whether it’s improving the quality of our air, our drinking water, our beaches, buildings, parks and preserves, we all beneft from a greener Nassau. And of equal importance, this bill will make Nassau County a ‘Climate Smart’ community, ensuring that state and federal grants ofset the costs of these improvements so we don’t have to hike a single dollar in taxes. In fact, going green will actually save taxpayers money by making our operations more efcient.

Lafazan is also calling on Blakeman and county legislators to join the “Cities Race to Zero” initiative, which already counts 130 communities.

“We don’t have any time to waste,” he says. Indeed, there has never been so much funding available and so much energy on the part of federal and state authorities to do what must be done to address the climate crisis already underway.

We reached out to Blakeman’s ofce for comment but received no response.

Remembering the Holocaust takes all of us

This week, Jews here on Long Island and around the world observe one of our most solemn days – Yom Hashoah – the day we remember the six million men, women, and children who were brutally slaughtered by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Almost 80 years later, with the number of survivors not only in New York but around the world dwindling with every day’s passing, it is becoming more and more incumbent upon all of us who are still here to “Never Forget.”

At East Hill’s Sid Jacobson JCC, where I am fortunate to be the executive director, we interact quite a bit with just a few of the more than 30,000 Holocaust survivors still living in the New York area through UJA-Federation’s “Witness Project,” a remarkable program that connects high school students with survivors of the Shoah.

Most are in their 90s, so when they experienced the absolute worst of humanity, they were little children – much younger by comparison than the students to whom they speak today.

They lost their childhoods in the atrocities of the death camps.

They lost siblings.

They lost one – or sometimes both –

of their parents.

But, amazingly, they never lost hope.

Together with these high school students – most of whom had never met a World War II veteran nor a survivor of the war before now – I have heard the most amazing stories of determination and resilience in the face of adversity like no one before or since has ever known.

I have witnessed emotions run rampant through teenagers who spend most of their non-school hours on cell phones and Tik Tok. I have seen the oldest and frailest among us connect with the strongest and most physically able. And I have seen Christian, Muslim, and other nonJewish children (in addition to Jews) learn the most important lessons they will ever learn from octogenarian and nonagenarian Jews about loss, hope, resilience and determination of spirit.

What’s even more special about this program is how the students – after learning from their elderly counterparts – relay what they see and hear to an audience of hundreds right here on Long Island through speeches and survivorinspired artwork.

Next week, the JCC will open a photography exhibit showcasing the vibrancy, strength, sense of humor and resilien-

DAVID BLACK Executive Director, Sid Jacobson JCC

cy of 17 local survivors. We invite visitors to see through the lens of photographer Daniel G. Weiss and ask them what they see when they look at the faces of these remarkable men and women who experienced the very worst of humanity almost eight decades ago.

Over the past few years, we have seen what antisemitism can do when left unchecked through seminal national moments like in Charlottesville when neo-Nazis chanted “Jews will not replace

us” through the streets of an otherwise peaceful Virginia city.

Last month, the Anti-Defamation League, the leading global organization on preventing hatred and violence, released its annual report on the pace and frequency of antisemitic incidents throughout the United States which it has published since 1979.

According to its fndings, there were 3,697 recorded incidents of antisemitic violence or destruction of property in this country. Year over year, that amounts to a 36 percent increase since the year before (2,717) and an astounding 500 percent increase from 2013 (751 separate incidents).

The New York and New Jersey area saw an overwhelming 39 percent jump in incidents of antisemitism last year, accounting for more than 15 percent of all incidents directed at Jews throughout the country.

On Long Island alone, such incidents have risen by an astounding 10 percent since 2021.

While there is arguably no single cause of the violence and hatred directed at American Jews, no one can dispute that the rhetoric and vitriol against just 2% of the country has increased. Anti-

semitism has existed since the Roman Empire nearly two millennia ago. It has persisted throughout the world and in the United States, despite the pleas of the three generations since the world witnessed the atrocities of Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and the other death camps in Europe.

Now, as the Greatest Generation and those who managed to escape Hitler’s fnal solution fade into history, the torch must be carried by this new generation. This crop of high school students who are meeting survivors will most likely be among the last to do so. Within a few years, anyone with any real memories of the horrors of Nazi Germany will be gone.

On this Yom Hashoah, we must honor their struggles and the memories of those they loved and lost by telling their stories to the young people of today. And those young people should be compelled by history to repeat those stories to the young people of tomorrow.

Only then will we truly “Never Forget.”

David Black is the executive director of the Sid Jacobson JCC, the only full-service Jewish Community Center on the North Shore

Sunlight expires with the day, as night silently opens wide and gentle enough to share. Each to our own.

All is a moonstone shining silver, and the glitter of stars fills me with such peace I always desire what’s hidden.

All that yearning, and all that emptiness otherwise makes me a true benefactor.

What yet passes is prelude. Because the joy I feel, body and soul, is no small luxury. I perform the rounds, protecting them.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

Reprinted courtesy of Korean Expatriate Literature

KEL Issue 27

The author is honored to have had this poem translated into Korean for bilingual Issue 27

Nightfall DeSantis model for New York

Finally! After years of reading the extreme viewpoints of your columnist Karen Rubin, I finally agree with her. Yes, Ron DeSantis’ Florida is the model for the USA. All her points are reasons why we need to go forward with this plan. To support this, let’s turn the clock back to arguably the best generation, the post WW2 generation.

What DeSantis spoke to mirrors that of 70 years ago. We had a country with faithbased family units, a tireless work ethic, pride in our country with trust in elected officials, educators and media. We need those values today and DeSantis has demonstrated this model works in Florida, so yes, why not the rest of the USA?

Her final jab was a comment about folks going to Florida to die. Yes, but before Floridians die, they lived a great life. On the other hand, we New Yorkers live in a zombie state. Empty, cold, and sucking the life blood out of its citizens. Which model do you prefer?

Simon Klarides Port Washington

Public transit aids environment

Let us celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2023, all year long. Besides recycling newspapers, magazines, glass, plastics, old medicines, paints and cleaning materials, there are other actions you can take which will also contribute to a cleaner environment. Leave your car at home. For local trips in the neighborhood, walk or ride a bike. Depending upon where you live, consider public transit. Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit subway, bus and Staten Island Railway, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Rail Road, Nassau Inter County Express Bus, City of Long Beach Bus, Suffolk County Transit Bus, Huntington Area Rapid Transit Bus along with other private transportation owners offer various options, such as

local and express bus, ferry, jitney, subway and commuter rail services.,

Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars, including grants from the Federal Transit Administration. They use less fuel and move far more people than cars. Many employers offer transit checks to help subsidize a portion of the costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.

Many employers allow employees to telecommute and work from home full and part time. Others use alternative work schedules, which afford staff the ability to avoid rush hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve mileage

per gallon. You could join a car or van pool to share the costs of commuting.

Use a hand-powered lawn mower instead of a gasoline or electric one. Rake your leaves instead of using gasoline-powered leaf blowers. The amount of pollution created by gasoline-powered lawn mowers or leaf blowers will surprise you. A cleaner environment starts with everyone.

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.

Honor dead with gun safety laws

Another day, another shooting.

America is a war zone. It is in love with guns. Shootings everywhere within these United States: in the streets, churches, synagogues, supermarkets, banks and worst of all, in schools.

Three adults and three children became victims at Nashville’s Covenant School in late March. Less than two weeks later a perpetrator opened fire in a Louisville bank armed with an assault rifle purchased just one week before the attack, killing five people.

Every sane person has said enough ad infinitum regarding these massacres. Adults and children’s lives brutally cut short by willful, senseless violence. As of April 2023, 146 mass shootings have been recorded. However, make no mistake about it, massacre or single death, one death due to gun violence is one death too many.

My heart goes out to all those who have suffered yet another unfathomable shooting. For that matter, we are all suffering whether we have been personally affected or not.

I am speaking as a mother and a survivor. My child, a single working mother, was murdered in 2008 by a teenage burglar in possession of a stolen handgun. I had been a lifelong gun safety advocate before her murder. I had worked on gun safety legislation and supported Carolyn McCarthy’s congressional candidacy after her husband was shot in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. After years of being an advocate, my family was dealt the hardest blow. I now had a vested interest after my daughter’s murder.

It is ludicrous to think that after I spent so

many years fighting for gun safety measures that our family also suffered the loss of a loved one. This country is truly in the midst of an epidemic. Our society has become immune to hearing about this daily violence. After each shooting, visions erupt once again of how I felt on that fateful day.

I belong to a club I do not want to belong to. Tragically, all of those who followed me in the loss of a loved one due to gun violence have become members of the same club.

In 2012, four years after our daughter’s murder, I was invited to make a statement at the Connecticut Commission on Gun Violence following the Sandy Hook massacre. I was put in a room with several grieving parents. One of those parents came over to me, put her arms around me and said, “I can’t stop crying.” My response, was “you have to, it is part of the grieving process.”

I had been there and the emotional upheaval was tantamount to a mountain being raised.

Yet assault rifles still exist for those perpetrators to commit mass murders.

After a shooting, blame is often given to the shooter’s mental state. What is the real cause? The gun.

Gun violence is a four-pronged issue. It is political, legislative, health-related and human. Why have we not banned assault rifles? Both the Nashville and Louisville shooters easily purchased that weaponry.

Politically, it is heartbreaking to read headlines such as: “Republican Lawmakers Downplay Push for Gun Control after Nashville School Shooting.” One GOP representative

said that he “prays” for the victims and their families after the Nashville massacre. He appeared incensed, claiming people “politicize” the shooting “for their own personal agenda.”

However, that GOP representative is correct on one score. The gun violence issue is not nor should it be political. It is a human factor. I would even venture to ask how the GOP representative would feel if any of his loved ones became a victim? And, unfortunately, we know how much prayers have helped to stop these shootings.

Regrettably, America is never going to rid itself of guns. Maybe if we adopted the phrase, “gun safety” rather than “gun control,” perhaps we could begin to have valid talking points with gun advocates.

Strides have been made in gun safety legislation. For example, President Joe Biden has signed into federal law measures such as crisis intervention programs, which include background checks and “red flag” laws. Regrettably, that legislation has not been enacted in Tennessee and Kentucky. Northwell Health system has admirably publicized gun safety measures. Their televised ads with actors clearly demonstrate the importance of having a gun safely stored in a home.

It is imperative. More needs to be done.

My feelings are personal but they also consider others like me who have suffered such devastating losses. As a nation, we can make changes. It starts with voting for candidates who respect the continuance of human lives.

Lois Schaffer Great Neck

Culture war fight in local schools

Continued from Page 14

for restrictions on books related to families headed by same-sex couples.

And at a Great Neck school meeting in 2021 a handful of parents attended to protest how issues regarding race were being taught in classrooms. Concerns were raised about creating white guilt.

We have seen this movie before. Slavery and Jim Crow laws that followed Reconstruc-

tion somehow did make the school curriculum in many places.

The large majority of book bans underway today are not “spontaneous, organic expressions of citizen concern,”according to PEN America, an association representing authors. “Rather, they reflect the work of a growing number of advocacy organizations that have made demanding censorship of certain books and ideas in schools part of their mission.

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.

More of those in the majority on this debate need to join Lancman by getting involved. There is a war going on whether you know it or not.

Senior Spring Fling dances A new ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ record

On Saturday, March 25, Great Neck resident Erin Lipinsky raised $28,000 for Special Olympics New York at the annual polar plunge.

This year marks Erin’s ninth plunge where he broke his own fundraising record, once again making

him the top individual fundraiser of the event. The plunge took place at Tobay Beach in Massapequa.

Erin was joined by many others from the community who support Special Olympics New York every year by raising funds from family and friends—and then splashing into frigid fall and winter waters.

The Polar Plunge supports yearround sports training and competition and health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in your community. Erin has been a longtime member of the Great Neck Spirits Basketball Team for Special Olympics.

All money raised helps to provide year-round sports training and competition, health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Special Olympics New York community.

Donations are still being accepted at:http://events.nyso.org/ goto/2023ERIN

For questions, please contact Rebecca Hoffmann at Special Olympics NY – Long Island office at:rhoffmann@ nyso.orgor call 631-458-1579.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Peter Zuckerman, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte, and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava were proud to host the

town’s Senior Spring Fling Dances at the “Yes We Can” Community Center and Clinton G. Martin Park on March 24 and 31. More than 100 senior residents were welcomed for an afternoon of dancing,

food and games. This event is part of the Department of Community Services’ full slate of programming for seniors that takes place all year long. For more information, please call 311.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOE OGINSKI

Residents attend the Town of North Hempstead’s Senior Spring Dance events.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

THE SPACE STAYS FILLED Westbury venue survives bad times to offer entertainment

BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

With almost 100 years of history behind it, The Space at Westbury has been through a lot of tough times, but the venue continues providing Long Island with high-quality entertainment.

The beautiful Tudor-style building was constructed in 1927 as a live music venue, until it was later converted to the Westbury Movie Theater. As movies became more popular and multiplex theaters were built, however, the single screen Westbury Theater started losing business and eventually had to close.

The building sat unused with a massive hole in the roof for about 15 years, according to Cyrus Hakakian, executive director of The Space at Westbury and one of the people responsible for saving the theater from demolition.

“Once I walked into [the building], I just fell in love with it,” he said. “It has so much history; it was so grand. I didn’t have the heart to tear it down.”

Hakakian and his partners revamped the building, adding a new façade along with stateof-the-art lighting and sound.

“It’s something that came back to life as far as art goes,” he said. “Rather than demolishing it and building something new, we basically did our best to bring it back to life, and I think it’s doing a tremendous, tremendous service to the community.”

While reviving the theater was the main goal, Hakakian still thought it was important to retain the history of the building. He described the VIP room called The Lounge, where guests can have access to special parties or meet and greets with the performers, as an example of this.

“It’s actually decorated from salvaged pieces from the stage,” he said. “Believe it or not, we salvaged a lot of the film reels, a lot of the cameras and a lot of the pulleys. And we basically put it together, and it came out gorgeous.”

After surviving more than 70 years of ups and downs as a movie theater, the venue also had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Before pandemic we had a very nice lineup,” Hakakian said. “But during the pandemic, you know, we were forced to close first and open last.”

He made sure, however, to add that things are starting to look up again and people are starting to come out in the same numbers as before the pandemic.

Despite all these challenges, The Space at Westbury continues to provide a large variety of entertainment events to please any potential

audience member.

“We bring a gamut of different acts,” Hakakian said. “So [whether that is] rock ‘n’ roll, blues or indies or country, basically we try to touch every genre.”

The Space can also host private and corporate events, such as weddings, conventions or Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.

After nearly 100 years, several different owners and extensive building renovations, one thing that hasn’t changed is the role that the Westbury Theater plays in the local community.

“We just want to thank our community and audiences and customers,” Hakakian said. “They were patient with us and they helped

us get back on the horse. You know, we really count on their support.”

More information about The Space at Westbury and the upcoming shows can be found online at: https://www.thespaceatwestbury.com/

The venue has a flexible seating plan that allows for a variety of events to be held there.

(Photo provided by Cyrus Hakakian)

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CYRUS HAKAKIAN

The Space at Westbury has almost 100 years of history as an entertainment venue.

Mehdi Hasan booksigning at Temple Emanuel

Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts at Emanuel invites everyone to a Book signing with Mehdi Hasan on Sunday, April 30 at 1 p.m. Come and meet BritishAmerican broadcast journalist Mehdi Hasan, and learn how to Win Every Argument — the title of his bestselling book. Admission is free, and each guest/family will

receive one free book, signed by Mehdi. Additional books can be purchased at the discounted price of $10.

Mehdi Hasan is an awardwinning journalist known for riveting one-on-one conversations, as well as his coverage of national politics, current afairs, and global news. Host of “The Mehdi Hasan Show” on Sundays at 8 pm

ET on MSNBC and daily on Peacock, he also currently serves as a political analyst for MSNBC.

Mr. Hasan attended The University of Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics, and economics.

Please join us in a celebration of our spring opening, beginning with a light lunch of bagels/ mufns, salads, cofee, tea and bottled water. Following lunch, we will join Mehdi in the sanctuary where he will discuss his book and take questions.

In conclusion, he will autograph books in the lobby, where you will have another opportunity to greet him. This event will conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m.

We ask that you call 516.482.5701 if you plan to attend so that we can prepare accordingly. We look forward to seeing all of our old SCW Cultural Arts friends as well as making some new ones. All are welcome.

Mineola Choral Society to perform at Emanuel

Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts at Emanuel will present “The Creation,” by Franz Joseph Haydn, performed by the Mineola Choral Society Chorus & Orchestra, Meg Messina, music director and conductor, on Sunday, May 7 at 3:00p.m. at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck.

For the culmination of its 75th concert season, the Mineola Choral Society Chorus and Orchestra presents an oratorio that the composer himself considered to be the pinnacle of his life’s work. With all the music this incredible composer created — over 100 symphonies, more than 80 string quartets, operas, piano sonatas—this mas-

terpiece expresses the full power of his genius. MCS selected this oratorio “in hope that in this time of turmoil and discontent, this performance will provide, in the words of Papa Haydn, ‘… some peace and refreshment.’”

Tickets are $20.

For further information, to register and purchase a ticket online, go to:

https://www.scwculturalarts.org/sundayseries or, call (516) 482-5701.

Temple Emanuel of Great Neck is located at 150 Hicks Lane, Great Neck, NY 11024.

Temple Emanuel of Great Neck is located at 150 Hicks Lane in Great Neck.

Mehdi Hasan will autograph his new book, “Win Every Argument.”

The Mineola Choral Society, Meg Messina, music director, performs Franz Joseph Haydn’s “The Creation” at Emanuel

Expert Parenting Advice Preventing Common Injuries in Young Athletes

Community Service Projects for Kids

11 tips for raising your children

Child rearing is one of the most essential jobs most of us will ever have. While schools and training courses teach us job and career skills, most of us rely upon “on the job” training when it come to parenting. That training likely started under our parents’ tutelage; we know what they did right and what they did that we will never do.

All of us could benefit from some expert advice now and then.

Every stage of childhood has its different and specific challenges. There are, however, certain tips and tools that can be applied to no matter how old your children are. Here are some helpful tips that FCA uses in its parenting classes. They not only can help parents; most can be applied to every aspect of life.

Take care of yourself first and you’ll take better care of others

As an airplane crew prepares for takeoff, we’re instructed to put on our air mask before helping those in need of assistance. The same suggestion applies to parents and caregivers. Make time for yourself, even if it’s just a half hour with your coffee in the morning. But do try to get a little more time for yourself doing something you enjoy.

Play and laugh with your children

Laughter is good for our physical and mental health. When we play and laugh with our children, it forms a special bond and in-the-moment connection that can reverberate throughout our entire day.

TheFun Science Day Camp

Compliment your kids on the good things they do

Compliments are a win-win on the giving and receiving ends. Compliments build self-esteem, help kids understand what is expected of them and let them know that other people can look up to them.

Let your kids be kids

Childhood is short, and the demands of adulthood come on quickly. Help preserve your children’s sense of wonder and exploration. Let them be silly, clumsy, cry when they’re scared, and make mistakes. Life is a learning experience.

Admit your mistakes and say you’re sorry

Kids fear failure and want to do the right thing, just like us. If their parents can admit to a mistake and apologize, mistakes can be used to teach lessons in a positive way. After all, we are human, not superhuman.

Turn off the TV

While a weekly family night in front of the TV can be fun, informative and bonding, too much TV interferes with family interaction, a child’s natural inclination to self-amuse and discover and become a battleground when a parent tries to limit TV watching.

Set clear boundaries and expectations for your children

We can’t be successful in our jobs if we do not receive direction as to what is expected of us. The same goes for our children. If a rule is non-negotiable, be consistent and firm.

Waffling on boundaries and expectations is an

open invitation to push back. This doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind if you come to realize that a boundary or expectation is unreasonable. Remember, you can admit to a mistake.

Meet your children’s friends and their parents

It’s important to get to know the parents of your children’s friends. There will inevitably come a time when your child will want to stay over or attend a party.

You’ll want to know that the other parents will appropriately supervise the activity. Even with a simple play date for younger kids, it’s well worth the extra effort to know your child is in a safe and supervised environment.

Accept that you don’t have to be perfect, just be real

Our kids may think we’re perfect, and have the answers to everything, but that stage doesn’t last very long.

If perfection is a goal, no one is ever going to measure up. Being real, making and learning from mistakes, having questions, and sometimes feeling overwhelmed is human, and helps our kids understand that they’re not expected to be perfect either.

Trust your instincts

We don’t always have time to consult with the experts, our friends or family. Trust your instincts and listen to your gut.

Ask for help when you need it

Meeting the needs of our children is a full time job, often in addition to work outside the home and other outside factors. No one is up to every task and no one has all the answers. Seek help from family, friends, and your community.

FCA’s Family Support team provides vital services to children and families who are vulnerable and at risk, homeless or struggling with a host of difficulties including chemical dependency, mental health trauma or lack of resources. Our services are centered around improving communication to facilitate mutual respect, encouragement, and problem solving between parents and their children/teenagers. To learn more visit the FCA website or FCA family support or call 516-485-4289 Ext. 1223.

Over 15 STEM activities and make & take projects weekly, 3 science stations per day, plus games, challenges, silly songs and all the friendship & fun of camp! Our energetic, professional educators make STEM learning fun

2023 Camp Themes

BioBot & Roller Coaster Camp

Build your own BioBot Explorer and discover the physics of coasters and games. Discover the science behind bubble magic, flashing lights, arachnids, insects and your own motorized bowl-o-rama.

Rescue Robot Mystery Camp

Build a search and rescue robot and solve the mystery of the missing MiniBot. This camp includes building your own electric alarm and turbo air machine, spinning gyro tops and more!

Artemis Moon Mission Camp

Rocket into space & discover NASA’s mission to explore the moon while building your very own LTV. Explore planets, dry ice comets, rocks and minerals, encounter aliens and more!

Erica Schifano, LCSW, CASAC-T is the assistant vice president, Family Support at FCA.

Erica Schifano, assistant vice president, Family Support at FCA

Safe, affordable... and memories that last a lifetime. Now entering our 17th year at Mineola High School...

WHO: Boy & Girl , “ Little Stars” age 4-7, “Rising Stars” ages 8-14

WHAT: Learn & Play Soccer!

WHEN: Mineola High School -Garden City Park, NY 11040

WHEN: Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30, 2023

Monday, august 7 through Friday, August 11, 2023

COST: Little Stars(9am-11am), Rising Stars (9am -1pm)

Little Stars $145/Session; Rising $195/session

Includes: Insurance, T-shirt, Ball & More!

Sibling discounts available

HOSTED: Paul Pereira - High School Varsity Soccer coach

2005 Nassau County & Long Island Chmpion 2002, 2006 and 2016 conference Champions

For a complete registration information: Eurostarsoccercamp@gmail.com | www.eurostarsoccercamps.com

*$50 non-refundable deposit due at time of registration to receive discounts. (Neither this material nor the contents thereof are endorsed by or distributed under the auspices of school authorities)

Master Instructor, Founder, Author, Entrepreneur, Game Changer 7th Dan Black Belt (KMK), 6th Dan Black Belt (ITF) 6th Dan Black Belt (AKA), Black Belt Shotokan karate (GM Takahashi) Silver Lifetime award for dedicating more than thirty-fve years to Martial Arts (American Martial Arts Alliance). Inducted into the women's hall of honors (AMAAF) Lifetime Presidents Award From the President of the USA, Joe Biden Martial Artist Legacy Award (AMAA)

Community service projects for kids

The importance of giving back to one’s community is a value that parents can instill in their children at an early age. Learning about worthy causes in local communities can help develop empathy in children and give them insight into those who live outside of their social and economic spheres. In addition, encouraging children to take part in community service can teach them skills they would not necessarily learn in the classroom.

Getting involved in community service as a child may lead to a lifelong commitment to giving back. The following are some ways children can get involved in community service projects.

Spend time with seniors

Children can visit seniors in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, provided that the visits are cleared with the home’s staff. Kids can work alongside seniors on craft projects or participate in games like bingo.

Collect food for the needy

Volunteering with a local soup kitchen can teach children about the plight of the less fortunate. Kids also can collect

canned or boxed food and deliver it to food pantries so that no needy family has to go hungry.

Improve school grounds

Working with the principal of a local school, children can make plans to improve the grounds Ideas include repairing play equipment, planting trees, adding a vegetable or flower garden, or installing buddy benches where friends can find each other and hang out.

Donate eyeglasses

Kids can gather used eyeglasses and donate to an organization that recycles them for the needy.

Send care packages

Kids can reward first responders and military personnel who live in their communities by putting together care packages for them and their families.

Pick up litter

Children can gather like-minded friends and participate in a beach or park cleanup.

Service projects are great ways for kids to get involved and give back to their communities.

The SHAdvantage Sacred Heart Academy

Academically Rigorous: College Preparatory

All-Girls: A Lifetime of Sisterhood

360-Degree Support: In and Out of the Classroom

Explore SHA: Spring Open House

Saturday, April 29th 10am-12pm or Thursday, May 4th 6pm-8pm

Leadership and Confidence Grow Here

Catholic High School Matters

"Fearless Girl" is a bronze sculpture by Kristen Visbal, originally on Broad Street across from the New York Stock Exchange Building in the Financial District of Manhattan in New York City. A replica stands on the SHA campus and has come to symbolize the strength and perseverance of female leaders.

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Girls and their parents choose from 15-minute workshops on topics such as:

Why Catholic HS Makes a Difference College Prep Starts Now

5 Reasons All-Girls Schools Lead Choosing an Academically-Rigorous Path

47 Cathedral Avenue, Hempstead, NY 516-483-7383

www.sacredheartacademyli.org

Specialized

Preventing injuries for young athletes

BY ADINA GENN

New York’s baseball and softball felds will soon fll with children fring of fastballs and sliding into bases.

And straining shoulders, spraining ankles, and breaking noses, too.

Emergency rooms treat more than 120,000 baseball and softball injuries annually, researchers say. But many can be prevented with a few safety measures. Likewise, quick medical attention can save kids from lasting pain and damage, says Dr. Lynda Gerberg, Lead Pediatrician, Cohen Children’s Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care.

“Young athletes are still growing and learning how to use their bodies, and they’re vulnerable to injuries,” says Dr. Gerberg. “Kids who are limping or who take a bat or ball to the face need medical attention right away to diagnose and treat serious injuries like concussions, broken bones, or dislocations.”

Start the season safely

Parents can set their sluggers up for success with a sports physical before the start of the season. These appointments can identify life-threatening health problems that could be worsened by participating in a sport, according to the Texas A&M College of Medicine.

“Sports physicals are an opportunity to review your child’s medical history, check their vital signs and heart and lung function. I look at their joints and ask if they seem excessively tired by exercise, have ever had a concussion, or have asthma,” says Dr. Gerberg.

Get good gear

Once a provider clears your child to play, outft them with gear that fts well. A pair of sturdy shoes is essential. They should have a snug heel, roomy toe box, good traction, a fexible sole, and ankle support and coverage. Molded cleats are safer than spikes. Check with your child’s coach to make sure the cleats you’re buying meet the league’s safety standards.

Players should bring a batting helmet to every practice, according to Little League University. Parents should buy helmets

approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Some leagues ofer team helmets.

Catchers will need extra gear, including a catcher’s mitt, face mask, throat guard, chest protector and shin guards. Boys who catch will also need a protective cup. Send your kids to practice with good sleep, a balanced diet and plenty of water.

Watch out for form, fatigue and speed

Make sure your child’s coach understands basic safety protocols. Parents and coaches should remind players often to wear a helmet when on deck, at bat, and running the bases. Some youth baseball coaches follow the “bats and hats” rule and require athletes to wear their helmet every time they pick up a bat. They may tell players to follow more safe batting rules, such as:

Swing a bat during practice only after ensuring no one is behind you and with a coach’s permission. Pick up bats with both hands by the barrel to avoid swinging them by mistake. Leave ample space between batters during practice. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that

children wait until they’re 10 to slide. They also recommend:

Using breakaway bases. Teaching and following the “obstruction” rule. This means the felding player cannot obstruct the path of the runner. Using “double bags” or a separate bag for the runner and the frst baseman.

Both baseball and softball players can sustain overuse injuries caused by pitching. Softball pitchers throw underarm and tend to injure their shoulders, according to researchers. Baseball pitchers tend to injure their elbows more often. Kids who pitch hard and fast at a young age are at greater risk of injury because ligaments and tendons aren’t ready for this activity.

Coaches should watch pitch counts and pitch types to prevent overuse injuries. They should also limit the number of innings a child pitches each week and require pitchers to rest between games to avoid fatigue.

Take quick action to prevent lasting injuries

If an injury does occur, follow the P.R.I.C.E. protocol– Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Seek immediate attention for any child who is experiencing swelling, loss of normal function or deformities. Quick action can help athletes return to the feld faster and safer, says Dr. Gerberg.

Community support enhances player safety

Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care sponsors Little Leagues like Glen Cove Baseball and Softball Association across New York. Their support has allowed 207,000 kids to play since 2020 via scholarships. Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care’s sponsorships also enhance player safety, with leagues using funds to maintain felds and provide proper equipment.

Baseball and softball support physical and emotional development and build community. But the reality is: injuries happen. Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care operates 56 conveniently located centers across New York so parents don’t have to travel far to be seen by a great provider if an injury does occur. Because Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care is integrated the vast network of Northwell Health, referrals to specialists like orthopedists are seamless when necessary. For more information, visit www.gohealthuc.com/northwell.

Oyster Bay Railroad Museum set to open

The board of directors of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is excited to announce the 2023 season opening the weekend of April 2930 from 12 noon to 4 pm. The museum will be open weekends thereafter through November.

The volunteer-led museum, which is in the midst of a multi-year station restoration project, features interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and an operating O gauge model train layout in the station building.

The nearby display yard features full-size railroad equipment and an operating turntable.

For the 2023 season, the museum will feature an exhibition on the history of the Oyster Bay Branch, which includes some of the most historic and architecturally significant stations of the Long Island Railroad.

The exhibition is produced by railroad historian and author David D. Morrison, in conjunction with museum board member Joel Friedman. Morrison will be part of opening-day festivities with a special appearance and book signing. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and offer insights.

“Our team of volunteers has been working all winter to prepare for our opening and are ready to share their passion with visitors of all ages, ” says John Specce, president of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.

The station building is a New York State landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed in 1889 by noted architecture Bradford Lee Gilbert and expanded in 1902.

The station’s most famous commuter was President Theodore Roosevelt who traveled from Sagamore Hill, his “Summer White House,” to New York City, Washington D.C. and beyond.

The museum also includes a railyard with Long Island’s only operating turntable, a device used for turning locomotives. Visitors can board the turntable during specific hours.

LI Music Hall accepting scholarship requests

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is now accepting applications for their 2023 Student Scholarship program. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 12.

LIMEHoF will award $500 scholarships to graduating students. These scholarships will provide funding for eligible graduating high school students from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens or Kings (Brooklyn) Counties who have shown an interest in pursuing a career in music. To apply and to read the eligibility requirements,please downloadthe scholarshipapplication (https://www.limusichalloffame. org/scholarshipsgrants/).

All applications must be postmarked by the application due date of May 12 in order to be accepted.

The LIMHOF Education Committee will base selections on the completed application and the following:

400 to 500-word essay on education and ca-

reer goalsHigh school transcriptLetter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the applicant’s commitment to a music career Eligibility criteria is:

• Graduating high school senior from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn (Kings) or Queens Counties

• Minimum 2.5 GPA

• Accepted full-time at an accredited college or university

• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in music

• Demonstrate financial need

• U.S. citizen or legal resident with I-55 permanent residency

For more information about LIMHoF’s education recognition programs, contact Tom Needham, education advisory board chairman ateducation@limusichalloffame.org. More information and applications may be found at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/scholarshipsgrants/

Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame now accepting 2023 music scholarship applications from students in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn.

After School ProgramsFlorence Brownstein at Chabad - Nursery & PreK 12:05pm - 5 Classes @ 12:05pm / $125

Apr 21st - May 19th

Chabad of Port Washington Gym, 80 Shore Road, Port Washington. 516-801-3533

Tea for Two (Children's Tea) @ 11am / $24

Bee-A-Pollinator:

Earth Day Service

Day

@ 12pm / Free

Sun 4/23

Shane Gillis @ 7pm

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

Prairie Fire @ 7pm VFW Post # 7277, 191 Veterans Blvd, Massapequa

Michelle Jameson @ 7pm South Shore Craft Brewery, 3505 Hampton Rd, Oceanside

Gimme Gimme Disco

@ 9pm / $15-$20

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

Alec's Run XIX

@ 9am / $10-$25 375 Wolf Hill Rd, Dix Hills

Join us for this family program, tailored for children ages 12 and under with adult care‐givers in attendance. A Cream Tea service for two (or more!) with a basic lesson on man‐ners and tea etiquette wi Old Westbury Gar‐dens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. tickets@oldwestburygar dens.org, 516-333-0048

Terry Fator @ 7pm / Free NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

The Como Brothers @ 7pm FIRE ISLAND VINES (FIV), 17 E Main St, Bay Shore

MANÁ: México Lindo y Querido @ 8pm / $33.50-$363.50 UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Island

Oscar G @ 10pm / $40

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

Join us outdoors for a volunteer service day marking the 53rd an‐niversary of Earth Day. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens. hello@queensfarm.org, 718-347-3276

Thursday Apr 27th

Hicksville Carnival at Broadway

Commons

@ 5pm

Apr 27th - May 7th

Broadway Commons, 358 North Broadway, Hicksville. 866-666-3247

Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway with exciting rides and games and favorite fair food. Free admission and parking. Visit the website for savings on rides

Thu 4/27

The Englishtown Project @ 8pm / $35

The Englishtown Pro‐ject. With special guests Kings Of Psy‐chedelta featuring Kerry Kearney and Jack Licitra. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. info@landmarkon mainstreet.org, 516767-6444 Poetica Musica: Car‐nival of the Animals

@ 10pm / $30

Experience the won‐derful tones of two pi‐anists partnering on a Steinway piano as Po‐etica Musica presents a concert entitled "Car‐nival of the Animals" on Saturday, April 22 at 8:00pm. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old West‐bury Road, Old West‐bury. tickets@oldwest burygardens.org, 516333-0048

Helen's 5K Run/Walk

@ 6:30am / $15-$20

127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

The Smithereens @ 7pm The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave, Westbury

12th annual All Kids Fair

@ 10am / $5

Have a fabulous day with your family! We have 80+ exhibitors, 10 activity areas, and a TON of things to do...all included with admis‐sion. Our event is mostly indoors with a few outdoor opportuni‐ties. Samanea New York Mall, 1500 Old Country Road, West‐bury. barbara@allkids fair.com, 516-621-1446

Mon 4/24

Karen Bella @ 7:30pm Jack Jones Astoria, 38-01 Dit‐mars Blvd, Flushing

New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals @ 7:10pm

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

Jesse Ruben: The We Can Project - PlainviewOld Bethpage School District @ 8:30am Plainview-Old Bethpage Con‐gress, 303 Sunnyside Blvd # 90, Plainview

Anthony Edley Music: AZoosticPlattsdeutsch Park @ 5pm Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

Apple Blossom Carnival

@ 11am / $25

Put the Spring in your step down on the farm with the Apple Blossom Carnival! Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Park‐way, Queens. hello@ queensfarm.org, 718347-3276

INTEGRATE: TreeHouse! (Acoustic Duo) Long Beach NY @ 3pm

ALLEGRIA HOTEL, 80 W Broadway, Long Beach

Gold Coast Arts presents Making Memories with Music - featuring Mary Sollitto! @ 1pm Gold Coast Arts pre‐sents Making Memo‐ries with Music - featur‐ing showstopping hits with Mary Sollitto! Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck. info@gold coastarts.org, 516-8292570

SUGA

@ 8pm UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park

The Jayhawks @ 7:30pm / $39-$59

The Jayhawks and their rootsy sound were defi‐nitely swimming against the tide when they emerged from a crowded Minnesota music scene in 1985. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washington. info@land markonmainstreet.org, 516-767-6444

Dan Reardon @ 8:30pm The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington Disco Unlimited @ 9pm / $15

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

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

powered by

Helen Keller to host 5K run/walk fundraiser

Helen Keller Services, a national non-proft working with individuals who are blind, have low vision, are deafblind and/or have combined hearing vision loss to live, work and thrive, will host its annual “Helen’s 5K Run/Walk” event on April 23 with an ofcial start at 9:30 a.m. at the Sands Point Preserve in Sands Point. This is a USA Track and Field-certifed course. Funds raised will support Helen Keller Services’ Health and Wellness Program.

This is the frst time in three years the event will be held in person, having been conducted virtually in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants can still choose to get involved virtually from April 15-23. All participants can register online athttps://tinyurl. com/58ru2tan.

“We are so excited to be back together again, in the spirit of community and support that has always been the hallmark of this event,” Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services, said. “This is a truly national event, pulling in participants from across the country. Last year’s event included participants from Maine to Hawaii.”

In addition to raising funds for Helen Keller Services, participants can compete to win an award in the following categories:

• The frst physically challenged male and female fnishers

• The frst-place, second-place and thirdplace fnishers who are deafblind

• The frst three male and female winners in each age category: 10 and under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+

• Award to the top male and female veteran or in the military

All in-person participants on April 23 will receive a Helen’s 5K Run/ Walk t-shirt.

Co-event sponsors: Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation and Harding Real Estate.

About Helen Keller Services: Helen Keller Services’ mission is to enable individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind and/or have a combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. Helen Keller Services ofers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please visit www.helenkeller.org.

Officials join Kyra’s Champions

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Veronica Lurvey, Council Member Peter Zuckerman and Council Member Dennis Walsh joined together with Kyra’s Champions to raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Kyra’s Champions was founded by Jacqueline Franchetti in memory of her daughter Kyra, who was

tragically killed by her father during an unsupervised, court sanctioned visit. Kyra’s Champions’ mission is to advocate for policy changes that promote and protect children and families at risk for family violence.

Town ofcials joined local student volunteers in the Pinwheels for Prevention project, which installed over 1,500 blue pinwheels at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset,

Blumenfeld Family Park in Port Washington, Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson and Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park. The installation was held in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is held annually in April.

For more information on Kyra’s Champions visit: www.kyraschampions.org.

Runners participate in a previous run/walk event.

Town officials join with Kyra’s Champion to raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Northwell cardiology programs rank among best

Two newly released New York state Department of Health (DOH) reports rank four Northwell Health hospitals as among the state’s best for cardiac surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowing of the heart’s coronary arteries, and the reports cited several of its physicians for superior outcomes from 2017-2019.

Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) in Bay Shore and Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) were rated among the state’s best outcomes for certain types of open-heart surgery.

The DOH surgery report showed that Lenox Hill, South Shore and Staten Island hospitals earned the prestigious double asterisk in the surgical category of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve or valve/CABG for 2017-2019 discharges, meaning that these three Northwell hospitals had mortality rates signifcantly better than the statewide average of 1.97%.

Lenox Hill was the only hospital in New York state to receive the DOH’s prestigious double asterisk for TAVR, having a risk adjusted mortality rate (RAMR) of 0.58% that was a signifcant improvement from the statewide rate of 2.22%. TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is a minimally invasive procedure to replace an aortic valve that is not working properly to repair aortic stenosis.

Northwell’s cardiothoracic programs also were recognized for superior outcomes in several other cardiac surgery categories in the state report. In the category of valve or valve/CABG discharges between 2017-2019, SSUH was the only hospital on Long Island to receive the DOH’s double asterisk rating for having a RAMR of 0.55% that was superior to the statewide rate of 2.57%. Lenox Hill also received the state’s double asterisk rating in the same category with a RAMR of 0.91%.

“The superior outcomes achieved by our cardiothoracic teams, especially at Lenox Hill Hospital, is a testament to the leadership, clinical excellence and dedication of all staf in delivering superb patient outcomes,” said Dr. Alan Hartman,senior vice president and executive director of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Northwell Health and chair of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. “Our cardiac teams, in concert with clinicians across our inte-

grated health system, are committed to improving quality health care and providing New Yorkers with the most advanced cardiac care.”

Dr. Nirav Patel, director of robotic cardiac surgery for Northwell Health and the vice chair of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Lenox Hill, distinguished himself as the only New York state surgeon to earn the DOH’s coveted double asterisk rating for RAMR that was signifcantly less than the statewide rate in isolated CABG category from 2017-2019. In addition, Dr. Patel and Dr. Robert Kalimi, of SSUH earned a double asterisk rating for having a signifcantly lower RAMR in the isolated CABG or valve or valve/CABG category from 2017- 2019.

The state analyzed 69,065 total adult cardiac surgeries, including isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve, valve/CABG and other cardiac surgeries performed statewide and discharged between December 2016-November 2019.

In DOH’s PCI report, Lenox Hill Hospital distinguished itself as the only hospital in the state to receive the prestigious double asterisk for non-emergent in-hospital/30-day, risk-adjusted mor-

tality for PCI in 2019. In addition, Lenox Hill is one of only three New York state hospitals to earn the prestigious double asterisk for having a signifcantly lower in-hospital/30-day RAMR compared to the state average for all PCI’s performed in 2019.

For the three cumulative years of 2017–2019, Lenox Hill was one of only six hospitals in New York to earn the prestigious double asterisk for having signifcantly lower in-hospital/30-day observed RAMR for all PCI cases, as well as being one of only three hospitals in the state to receive a double asterisk for having signifcantly lower in-hospital/30-day observed RAMR for nonemergent PCI discharges from 2017-2019.

Additionally, during 2017–2019, SIUH and Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in New Hyde Park were two of only six hospitals in the state to earn the prestigious double asterisk for having signifcantly lower in-hospital/30-day observed RAMR for emergent PCI cases compared to the statewide average.

From an individual standpoint, Dr. Avneet Singh,an interventional cardiologist at LIJ eared a double asterisk for signifcantly lower in-house/30-day observed RAMR for all PCI cases for 2017–2019 discharges.

“Interventional cardiology procedures continue to save lives every day at Northwell’s hospitals across the New York metro area, thanks to our extraordinary clinicians and dedicated team members,” said Dr. Varinder Singh, senior vice president of cardiology of the western region at Northwell and director of cardiology at Lenox Hill. “I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the combined superior outcomes achieved by our cardiac teams in angioplasty and cardiothoracic surgery. Northwell continues to lead the region in cardiovascular care.”

The state analyzed 158,964 percutaneous coronary intervention procedures performed at New York state hospitals between December 1, 2016 and November 30, 2019.

To see a copies of the DOH reports, go to:

Adult Cardiac Surgery

https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/diseases/cardiovascular/heart_disease/docs/2017-2019_adult_cardiac_surgery.pdf

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/diseases/cardiovascular/docs/pci_2017-2019.pdf

PHOTO COURTESY OF HELEN KELLER SERVICES

A Northwell cardiothoracic team performs open-heart surgery.

Honor Flight LI resumes trips to Washington D.C.

Honor Flight Long Island, the iconic volunteer-run veterans’ organization, is proud to announce resumption of regularly scheduled bi-annual fights to Washington, D.C., after two years of pandemic related restrictions. HFLI’s scheduled fight on Saturday, April 29will take 47 United States veterans to visit their military memorials, meet with service branch representatives, commiserate with fellow veterans and exchange stories. Honor Flight’s mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedoms by providing free one-day trips so veterans can visit D.C.

“This special fight includes 38 Vietnam War veterans who will receive long overdue recognition and thanks for their service,” said Bill Jones, HFLI president, West Point 1972 graduate and U.S. Army veteran. “They’ll be accompanied on this fight by two World War II veterans and seven Korean War

veterans. What this fight really represents is a ‘Big Hug’ to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such fights possible.”

Thanks to HFLI, these 47 veterans will take a free, early-morning Southwest fight to Washington, D.C. Departing from Islip MacArthur Airport at 6:05 a.m., veterans and their guardians will visit the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a Changing of the Guard, the Air Force Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial. They return to Islip later that evening at 10:25 p.m. for a rousing welcome by the Nassau County Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family and supporters.

HFLI is accepting applications from veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Long Island Veterans are encouraged to sign

up by going to the website, www.honorfightlongisland.org. It’s important to submit an application, as that will insure placement on our list. Veterans fy for free, thanks to donations from across Long Island. They are accompanied by guardians, able-bodied volunteers who donate $400 (tax deductible) to ofset their travel costs. If there is no family member to act as a guardian, Honor Flight has volunteers ready to step up for the privilege of escorting our heroes to their memorials. Any questions call Jamie Bowden at (631) 702-2423 or email Jamie at JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.

As this patriotic event is open to the public, those wishing to cheer our veterans upon their return should arrive at Islip MacArthur a half hour before the return fight lands at 10:25 p.m. Contact Robert F. Salant, Public Afairs, (516) 328-3959, (718) 7914758, rsalant123@outlook.com for more information.

Art Guild event aids mental health awareness

The Art Guild invites the Long Island community to “Meditate and Create,” the frst in a series of events in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The program at The Art Guild takes place on May 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Elderfelds Preserve. The program is open to adults of all ages and high school students.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated during May in the United States since 1949. However, this is the frst time Long Island’s local arts organizations have developed programming specifcally targeted towards providing mental health support.

The series, entitled “Art Soothes the Mindful Soul” is a collaboration between three Long Island arts organizations: The Art Guild, The Art League of Long Island and Gallery North. By working together to ofer parallel programs, the three organizations are better able to service the entire Long Island community. Long Island residents are invited to attend any, or all, of the events. No previous art experience is required.

The partnership was the idea of Lisa Grossman, executive director of The Art Guild.

“Having been at The Art Guild for fve years,” Grossman said, “I’ve noticed many instances where we’ve helped people dealing with grief, physical disabilities, illness related stress and anxiety. Art and artistic expression are wonderful healers.” Numerous scientifc studies confrm that creative activities can help relieve stress, arrest cognitive decline and assist with other psychological challenges.

All three programs contain both a meditation and an art component. The meditation allows attendees to clear their minds and become more open to creative expression. Dena Vigilis, from Yoga Life, will kick of The Art Guild program with some breath-

ing exercises. She will guide participants through some chair yoga movements. Participants can use the techniques they learn during the event to reduce stress and anxiety in their daily lives. The program is designed to accommodate people of all ages and ftness levels. Vigilis is a certifed yoga instructor with more

than twenty years of experience. The Art Guild values our community partners and is very appreciative of Yoga Life’s programming support.

The second part of the “Meditate and Create” event features Pamela Schindler-Thomsen. She is an experienced art therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Schindler-Thomsen is skilled in group therapy, psychotherapy, art therapy, mental health and working with adolescents. She will lead participants in an art therapy activity targeted at participants with varying levels of artistic skill.

“Meditate and Create” is a free event but space is limited. To register, visit www.theartguild.org or contact The Art Guild at 516-304-5797. The Art Guild is located at Nassau County’s historic Elderfelds Preserve at 200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030. The Art Guild ofers classes and workshops for children and adults year-round.

The Art Guild of Port Washington, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonproft organization dedicated to creating an inclusive and enriching home for the visual arts education, exploration and exhibition. It is an organization open to all people with a common goal to advance the visual arts. The Art Guild was voted best Art School and Art Gallery in Nassau County for the sixth year in a row.

Free event on May 4 at The Art Guild to celebrate mental health awareness month.

Other events in the series include Art and Meditation on May 6 at 6 p.m. at Gallery North, Getting Zen for children ages 5-11 on May 19 at 5 p.m. at Gallery North, Meditate and Create on May 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Art League of Long Island and Sound Bowl Healing on May 26 at 7 p.m. at Gallery North. Representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Queens/Nassau will provide information on other mental health services available to those needing additional assistance.

Temple Judea sponsors food and clothing drives

It has always been the commitment of Temple Judea to help those in need of basic essentials. It is the year-round goal of the Social Action Committee to fulfll this responsibility.

Sadly there are communities whose residents need extra help in providing food, clothing and other necessities.

With the guidance of the Committee Chairs, Rita Marcus and Alicia Munves, collection projects of these items are organized throughout

the year. Recently the annual Prom Clothing Drive was instituted, providing “dressy” clothing and accessories to high school graduating students who otherwise would not have the means to be dressed in special outfts for their graduation social events.

Another recent project was a collection of fresh fruits and vegetables, which included bagged potatoes, carrots, onions and apples.

When the collection was completed at the Temple, the large quantity of food was brought to a community agency for distribution.

In March, the Social Action Committee assembled boxes of kosher for Passover foods. These will be distributed to Jewish families who may not be able to purchase these Passover products for their special holiday observance

At various times throughout the year, canned and boxed food drives, as well as col-

lections of cleaning supplies, are held at Temple Judea and are then brought to the Sid Jacobson JCC for distribution to areas where they are most needed.

Temple Judea ofers a wide range of interesting, stimulating and community-involved activities. New members are always welcome. 333 Searingtown Road, Manhasset (exit 36n on L I E); 516 621-8049; www.@temple-judea. com

PHOTO BY HONOR FLIGHT LONG ISLAND

Bill Jones, HFLI president, West Point 1972 graduate and U.S. Army Veteran.

Business&RealEstate

It’s time to think about your landscape

We were extremely lucky this past winter, with the least amount of snow falling locally as well as the longest wait (Feb 1) for snowfall in 150 years, which barely measured 0.4 inches, according to The Weather Channel. The surprising thing was that I saw crocuses and other small fowers blooming in February, which I had never experienced in the past.

This led me to think about the exterior of my own home and plan what I would be planting this spring. Out on Long Island, the growers began delivering their trees, shrubs, and annuals to nurseries and big box stores. It seems most defnitely that we are having an early spring, so it would behoove you to get out and begin checking out your own landscaping and see how you can spruce it up and add some color and value.

If you are going to do a major overhaul, then the frst thing you must do is determine what your budget is and what types of trees, shrubs, and fowers you want to purchase as well as where you are going to plant them.

The most critical area to focus on is your front area and main walkway, where everyone will be coming into your home. Whether you are considering selling now or in the future, this will

always be a crucial area for planting colorful and a diverse variety of fowers. Many consider impatiens, which are your standard, most popular type of annuals but only survive for one season. They are also excellent for fower beds in and around your front door.

Other types are petunias in planters, coleus, and begonias. In addition, you might consider some biennials which are self-seeders (not to be confused with perennials), such as foxglove, hollyhock, pansy, black-eyed Susan, sweet William, Queen Anne’s lace, honesty, forget-me-not, Canterbury bells and several varieties of evening primrose.

They say you don’t get a second chance a making a frst impression, so adding color to the front of your home becomes tantamount to curb appeal. There are many applications that you can download onto your cell that can assist you in picking out various types of trees, shrubs, and fowers when you are out at your local nurseries. Even taking a trip way out on Long Island for the day, where many of the growers are, could save you some serious money and provide you with a lot of choices and a fun day.

My former career as a landscape designer and certifed and licensed

lawn, tree, shrub, and lawn applicator has provided many benefts in guiding my current and past real estate clients by sharing my knowledge and advice. The name of my former company was Lawn Gro Lawn Care. We also had an irrigation division as well as a carpet cleaning service, so if we dirtied anyone’s carpeting or interior, we had that covered!

I know that some of you who read my weekly real estate/business column realized that you were my customers in the past. I thank you for contacting me

and I truly enjoyed our conversations together, reminiscing and assisting you today with your questions about what to plant. If you weren’t my past customers and want some advice, always feel free to contact me.

In a recent report by the National Association of Realtors, 99% of our participating members said that they believe the curb appeal of your home is the frst point of contact in attracting purchasers. The photos and virtual tours of one’s home can make or break whether or not a prospective buyer may want to see your home. So when considering putting your home on the market, frst look at your exterior landscape as if you were the buyer and try to be objective in determining whether or not you believe the landscape would motivate you to want to consider viewing let alone buy the home.

When buyers do a drive-by in advance of making an appointment, your exterior will either attract or detract from making your home stand out above the others in the area. Enabling your place to be as attractive as possible, outside as well as inside, will require planning and budgeting. But the investment and the end result will be an increase in value and a more positive impression to your future potential

The “Internet of Things” and Smart Clothing

purchasers.

The links below are clickable online to donate (if you are a subscriber or become one, go to: Subscription Ofers to provide to a friend or business associate) to go online to read my 387+ archived columns: Philip A Raices

Donate to Turkey Relief

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or the Donate to The Ukranian Relief Fund InternationalOrganizationforMigr ationa501(c)3Corporation OR:

Donate to Ukranian Project:

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 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 Certifed International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certifcation for ecofriendly 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

You’ve probably heard of the Internet of things, but thought, “what does it mean to me?” To answer that exciting question, let’s first understand the term itself:

The Internet of things (IoT) is the interconnection, via the internet, of computing devices into everyday objects giving them the ability to send and receive data.

We already monitor our home security via smart camera devices and troubleshoot appliance repairs by connecting directly to technical support. But there are even cooler IoT applications in the works!

“Soon, the Internet of Things will meet Gucci in the form of smart clothing. For example, swimwear can include UV sensors to prevent overexposure to harmful radiation. Smart footwear may improve your running technique or monitor the mobility of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Manufacturers might embed haptic feedback into textiles to correct your posture or improve your yoga pose. And don’t forget the accessories, such as the Ray-Ban Stories smart sunglasses (that provide a window to social media when the user is otherwise offline).” - William

Diggin, Accenture

Let Sandwire Technology Group show your small business that the future is NOW.

PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate Watch

Business&RealEstate

Look for these contractor warning signs

Home renovations and remodeling are more popular now than they have been in years. We’re home more, working at home more and spending more leisurely time at home.

And with that, we’re improving where we spend the most time with our family. Maybe you need more space. Maybe you need to update. When it’s your home, you want to make sure it’s done right, done well, and you have chosen the best contractors to do the work.

How do you know you’ve chosen the right company? What questions should you be asking? While you’re interviewing (yes, you can interview several companies and get several quotes), look for these red fags or warning signs to protect yourself now so you don’t have headaches later.

Red Flags! Warning! Warning!

— The contractors you’re considering do not have a contractor’s license.

Note: Most towns and villages require contractors to be approved before commencing work on homes in the area. Check with your local town or village to see if the contractor you’re considering is approved to work.

— They do not present a certifcate of insurance.

— The contractor does not have a local ofce and phone, ofce address, or post ofce box. Just a cell phone doesn’t count

— They do not provide references or are hesitant to provide them. Ask, can I drive by and see some of the work you’ve done?

— They shouldn’t insist on taking only cash, no checks. If you pay cash, there is no record of your payments and no recourse if they demand payment.

— Contracts: Always have the scope of work in writing in detail, and when it will be completed. Be wary if they are not willing to sign a contract before work begins and that they require no paperwork.

— If their estimate is vague or incomplete, press to make sure everything is listed, and specifcally what is not included. Pass on them if they are unwilling to be upfront.

— If you receive bids that are far below the others, ask yourself, What are they not including? Are they cutting costs?

Ask these questions upfront:

— Are you willing to sign payment waivers?

— Do you have Worker’s Compensation & Liability Insurance? This protects you as the homeowner if the workers get hurt on your property.

— Will they add you as additionally insured? When you, as the homeowner, are listed additionally insured, this protects you if someone working on your property gets hurt, you are not liable.

— How long do you warranty your work?

Knowing what questions to ask and what things to look for can be overwhelming. And sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know. Hopefully, this list will get you started thinking like a contractor (because that is what you will be) and not just a homeowner.

At least for the time being. And one fnal suggestion. Even if a contractor is a referral, do your own due diligence. Before you sign with any contractor, make sure you contact the Better Business Bureau and check for any complaints or outstanding lawsuits. Also, Insurancefraud.org is a great resource for further information.

Paul and Roseanne Frank are owners of Home Renovation Consultants, an East Hills consulting service for the homeowner and their renovation projects. We’re there when you need us! You can contact them for a free consultation. HomeRenoConsultants.com or 516-625-8086.

LI Children’s Museum selects next prez

Long Island Children’s Museum announced that Erika S. Floreska has been named president of the accredited museum following a rigorous national search.

Floreska succeeds President Suzanne LeBlanc, who is retiring after 17 years in the role. Floreska will step into her new position efective June 3.

LICM Board Chair Scott Burman announced the selection, noting “Erika Floreska stood out from an impressive list of candidates during our national search. She has the vision, enthusiasm and commitment to build on the Museum’s 30-year history and identify new opportunities to support the children, schools and communities Long Island Children’s Museum serves.

“I am excited and energized to take on this leadership role at LICM,” said Floreska. “I look forward to building on the Museum’s long-standing commitment to serving all of Long Island’s diverse communities, and ensuring the Museum continues to be an inclusive and welcoming, educational and playful environment for all who want to visit. LICM is a gathering space for people across the region to explore,

play, wonder, and create,” she said. “No doubt during these turbulent times, we all need more of that, especially our children. I believe the Museum is poised to serve our community in deeper and broader ways; building on the strong foundation we have, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to lead LICM into the future.”

Floreska’s connection with the Children’s Museum began 18 years ago when her family became museum members, shortly after moving to Baldwin. She sought out places in her new community that were welcoming environments for her family.

“We found a home at LICM; a place where we could always come and see smiling and supportive faces. It was a place that we were excited to share with friends and family from out of town,” she said. For many years, she attended LICM, hosted birthday parties for her kids, and attended special events creating special memories that last to today. Three years ago, she chose to join the leadership staf at the Museum. “It was a conscious career decision,” she explains. “I wanted to give back to the community where my husband and I raised our children.”

Throughout her 30-year career, Floreska has contributed to moving the mission forward at some of New York’s most vibrant cultural institutions including Bloomingdale School of Music, Tectonic Theater Project and Jazz at Lincoln Center before joining Long Island Children’s Museum as Director of Development in 2020.

While the frst day on a new job is always memorable, Floreska’s was truly unforgettable, coinciding with the Children’s Museum’s forced COVID-19 closure.

She instantly won the respect of board and staf members as she assumed a strategic role in producing the museum’s frst virtual beneft, surpassing the goal by more than 10% raising $660,000.

During her three-year tenure at LICM, she has co-created and led a strategic efort to deepen longstanding relationships with foundations and corporations and establish new sponsorship opportunities.

She’s worked to develop new and expanded individual giving opportunities, all resulting in over a 20% increase in contributed income, helping return the Museum to fnancial health through the COVID-19 pandemic.

As executive director of the Bloomingdale School of Music, she led a strategic turnaround of a 55-year-old community institution to ensure the mission of access to high-quality music instruction for all. She established a relationship-based individual giving program securing its frst major planned gift for more than $3M.

As executive director of Tectonic Theater Project, she produced critically recognized productions that amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, including The Laramie Project Cycle at Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the Tallest Tree in the Forest at KC Rep, LaJolla Playhouse, Arena Stage, DC, and Taper Forum in LA, as well as Square Peg Round Hole about life on the autism spectrum.

She also hired their frst full-time Education Director expanding education workshops and secured a publishing deal for a book outlining the Tectonic method for developing plays, Moment Work.

During her 14 years as Director of Education at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Floreska worked closely with Artistic Director, Wynton Marsalis, and was responsible for the direction of education programs that had local, national, and international reach.

These included Essentially Ellington, the country’s leading high-school jazz band program, the Middle School Jazz Academy, an innovative approach to teaching instrumental jazz, WeBop, a highly successful program for toddlers and caregivers designed with experts at Teachers College – Columbia, and Jazz for Young People – a concert series hosted by Wynton Marsalis.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, she traces her commitment to arts and education service to growing up in a family flled with musicians and educators.

She is a passionate advocate for music education and a professional musician, holding two degrees in Flute Performance from the College of Wooster, and the University of Michigan. Additionally, she is a Certifed Fund Raising Executive. Erika lives in Baldwin, NY with her husband, and her musical children, a college sophomore and freshman.

Erika Floreska

nassau COMMUNITY

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION WANTED, CAREER TRAINING, MARKETPLACE

To Place Your Ad Call

Phone: 516.307.1045 x

Deadlines

Monday 2:00pm:

Classified Advertising

Tuesday Noon

Legal Notices/ Name Changes

Friday 5:00pm Buyers’s Guide

Error Responsibility All ads placed by telephone are read back for verification of copy context. In the event of an error of Blank Slate Media LLC we are not responsible for the first incorrect insertion. We assume no responsiblity for an error in and beyond the cost of the ad.

Cancellation Policy Ads must be cancelled the Monday before the first Thursday publication. All cancellations must be received in writing by fax at: 516.307.1046

Any verbal cancellations must be approved by a supervisor. There are no refunds on cancelled advertising. An advertising credit only will be issued.

SITUATION WANTED

CAREGIVER Experienced caregiver and companion for the elderly seeking employment. Articulate, well-educated, conscientious and kind; able to provide both physical and emotional assistance, including personal care, food preparation, light housekeeping, errands and happy companionship. 20-30+ hours weekly; flexible schedule based on client needs.

Respond by phone: 516-428-2563

ELDER CARE Experienced woman seeks position to care for the elderly live in or live out. Certified HHA. Excellent references. Please call 516-800-6442

CAREER TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING

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.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL

BILLING Become a Medical Office

Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DIRECTV New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 ondemand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

NOVENAS/PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

(Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted. The prayer must be published. Grateful thanks. (K.W.)

MARKETPLACE

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

JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! 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!

PRIVATE SALE GARDEN CITY

Luncheon Set of Herend Dishes (Never Used) 25 pcs + Soup Terrine Sheffield Silver Coffee & Tea Set Baccarat CrystalFrench Daybed & Desk Oil Paintings Many More Special High End Pieces! For more information or to make an appointment Call 516-643-6651

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

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

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

DONATE YOUR CAR TO BREAST CANCER RESEARCH RECOVERY! Tax Deduction Receipt Given Upon PickUp, Free Towing. 501C Charity. 631-988-9043 breastcancerresearchrecovery.org

AUTOMOTIVE

DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup24hr response Tax deductionEasy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

WHEELS FOR WISHES benefitting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: 877-798-9474

VACATION RENTAL

NORTHFORK PECONIC BAY RENTAL

6 BR Waterfront Home in the heart of the North Fork. House sleeps 12 comfortably w/3BR on the first floor and 3 BR on the second floor. 2 1/2 Bath. Large open area on first floor with Kitchen, LR & DR. Deck includes gas grill and outdoor teak table which seats 8. Private sandy beach w/ calm water. Ex cellent for children & kayaking. Close proximity to wineries & farmstands. Available June, July, August 1week minimum $6,000/week Please respond via email: StephenRipp@icloud.com

VACATION RENTAL

SOUTH JAMESPORT Newly renovated Ranch on quiet street. 3 BR, 2 Baths on Peconic Bay. WiFi, Central Air, all amenities. Single family, no pets, no smoking $3,500/week. Call 516-456-8808

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR RENT

GREENPORT Prime Main Street location. Suitable for retail/professional. 875 sq.ft. Original floors and architectural details. Excellent exposure. Owner 516-241-8135

SERVICE DIRECTORY SERVICES

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

ATTORNEY

SERVICE DIRECTORY SERVICES

ARE YOU BEHIND 10K OR MORE on your taxes? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, and resolve tax debt FAST.

Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am5pm PST)

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation!

CALL 888-508-5313

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 www.dangelolawassociates.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS SPRING TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service

/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

ARBORVITAE 6-foot Reduced to $125 /each. Free Installations, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for spring delivery. Lowcosttreefarm.com 518-536-1367

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC. FREE ESTIMATES Stainless

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING

LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

ROOFS, GUTTERS, CARPENTRY, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, NEW BASEMENT ENTRANCES, EXTENSIONS, MASONRY, FLOORS, WATERPROOFING, DRAINS, LEAKS, STOOPS, DECKS, DRIVEWAYS, DEMOLITION, RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ARIS CONSTRUCTION 10% Discount w/ad. Call 516-406-1842 www.ArisLI.com

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO PAINTING & WALLPAPER Interior, Exterior, Plaster/Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

3rd District lacks representation with Santos: officials

Continued from Page 6

“I believed all the lies that he told everyone else,” DeSena said. “Looking back, it’s hard to even know what he was at all because every single thing he said was a lie.”

DeSena has also called for his expulsion from Congress, alongside an issued statement from the Town Board.

“We’ve been very clear that we don’t consider him our elected representative and we are anxiously awaiting his resignation,” DeSena said.

In his first 100 days, Santos said he has received 238 constituent cases, of which 143 were solved, according to a press release from his office. Among those resolved, 49 cases were for the U.S. Department of State: National Passport

Center and 24 cases were for the New York Passport Agency.

Santos also said he has introduced four pieces of legislation, including the Executive Mental Competency Protection Act, which requires the president to receive an annual comprehensive cognitive evaluation.

“Big deal,” Israel said. “How does that change someone’s life in the district? How does that improve their conditions? It doesn’t.”

But remedying the ramifications of having Santos in office and not representing his constituents to the degree they deserve is not an easy fix, Israel said.

He said there are three resolutions to address the issues of Santos and his failures of representation: Constituents vote him out of office

in 2024, Santos decides to leave office before the end of his term or Congress members expel him from the house.

Israel said the likelihood of expelling him from Congress is slim to none. If he were to be expelled, a special election would need to be held and would cost millions of dollars. He said that with a Republican leader of the House, if they were to lose the race it would diminish the Republican’s “slim majority.”

Israel said there is no effective way to address this while waiting for one of these three options, which he said is the real tragedy.

“Mr. Santos either has to reach the judgment that he can’t effectively serve or his colleagues in Congress have to reach the judgment that after due process, they should consider expelling

him,” Israel said.

In the meantime, DeSena said the Town is not reliant on the federal government and is leaning on the efforts of the Town and local initiatives. She said the Town has been advocating for more local control of zoning, environment and water supply as well as advocating for changes to the LIRR schedules.

“There are a lot of people working in government so we’re not so dependent on our congressional representative,” DeSena said.

She said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer has also been helpful as he has been present and active in working with the Town and incorporating them in federal initiatives.

“We’re very well represented by [Schumer],” DeSena said.

DeSena blasts Hochul housing plan at chamber

Continued from Page 13 downstate areas such as Westchester and Putnam Counties, while upstate New York would be required to grow by 1%.

Data from the 2020 Census showed there were more than 78,000 households in North Hempstead. A total of 2,364 housing units would have to be constructed in the town over the next three years to meet Hochul’s 3% goal.

Nassau’s population has also decreased by more than 32,000 since 1970, with 1.35 million residents reported in the 2020 Census. DeSena and the six North Hempstead councilmembers sent a letter to Hochul in January urging the governor to have local officials maintain control of zoning the areas they were directly elected to govern.

DeSena made a point in her speech’s portion about the housing plan that the town’s current infrastructure is not necessarily prepared for such a large-scale plan. Even if it was, she said, once the new state-mandated requirements would be fulfilled, new ones would be waiting for them “every three years.”

“What Governor Hochul has done is ignore the great work that’s been done in Mineola, Westbury, Great Neck — they have plenty of apartment buildings — and it’s not appropriate [to require all of this] for every place downstate,” DeSena said. “It’s interesting that

Governor Hochul will require 3% growth for Long Island and Westchester, and then upstate, where there’s much more land, only 1%.”

Saying that local officials are not consulted regarding mandates originating in Albany, DeSena explained that developers would also suff er due to the value of their property likely being negatively aff ected in the process.

“We have a great variety of housing in Mineola,” the supervisor said. “We are going to make it better throughout the whole Town of North Hempstead, but we’ll do it with community input and with our local zoning.”

DeSena also provided an update on the ongoing audit of the town’s building department being conducted by the office of Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips.

“Hopefully in a few months,” she said, “we’re going to have an independent report and we will get the results that our residents deserve. We pay taxes for these services, so we owe you a permit in a reasonable time. We owe our downtown businesses to open — we don’t want closed stores.”

Walsh gave additional context to the housing situation in Mineola, saying that the certiorari debt is down to about $250,000, a significant decrease from what the Village of Mineola was paying from around 2003 to 2007.

“[This is] because Mineola reassessed all

the houses,” Walsh said. “Mineola was able to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption Law because Mineola has approximately 50% of the property owned as commercial and 50% of the property owned as residential. They were allowed to split residential and commercial into two diff erent groups, so residential pay taxes and commercial pay taxes.”

Walsh continued, explaining that commercial tax is four times the amount of residential tax, and so “commercial properties are paying a lot of taxes.” He also explained that many commercial properties grieved their taxes and won “every time,” in which Mineola had to pay the grievance and the court fees.

“Finally, after years and years have gone by,” he said, “we have certiorari debt under control because we reassessed the property.”

According to Walsh, Garden City Park, which is within his district, has been neglected for decades in terms of the lack of sufficient money received from the Town of North Hempstead. However, through the Community Development Fund, “we did manage to get more money to [maintain the sidewalks] with awnings and lights.”

Echoing DeSena in some of his final remarks, Walsh said, “None of this would’ve happened if we didn’t fight. Everything is a battle.”

PHOTO BY JOSEPH D’ANDREA

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, left, and Councilman Dennis Walsh, right, address the Mineola Chamber of Commerce Tuesday night.

Recent Real Estate Sales in

85 Floral Blvd., Floral Park

3 bd, 3 ba, 1,464 sqft, Sold On: 12/14/22, Sold Price: $679,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Floral Park-Bellerose

91 Charles Street, Floral Park

3 bd, 3 ba, Sold On: 12/13/22, Sold Price: $815,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Floral Park-Bellerose

148 Beverly Avenue, Floral Park

3 bd, 2 ba, 1,352 sqft, Sold On: 12/15/22, Sold Price: $730,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Floral Park-Bellerose

296 Carnation Avenue, Floral Park

3 bd, 2 ba, Sold On: 12/16/22, Sold Price: $764,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Floral Park-Bellerose

Editor’s note: Homes shown here were recently sold in New Hyde Park, by a variety of real estate agencies. This information about the home and the photos were obtained through the Zillow.com. The homes are presented solely based on the fact that they were recently sold in New Hyde Park and are believed by Blank Slate Media to be of interest to our readers.

State bans Native American mascots

Continued from Page 1

She asked what specifically that plan would entail, whether it be a strict deadline to have community input on new mascot names or to have a deadline to have those types of conversations.

“That’s where I just feel like specifics need to be hammered out,” she said.

Passi, without providing specific costs, said the school district would have to pay for uniform replacements, scoreboard modifications and changes to the wrestling mats, gym floors, signage, wall padding, banners and outdoor windscreens.

More than 30 members of the Manhasset High School’s Class of 2021, including student government representatives and varsity athletic team captains, co-signed an email last year that accused the Board of Education of making a change to the mascot without informing the rest of the public.

“Rumors of a new image circulate throughout the school, but also clear changes have been made around the building,” the email said. “We urge the school board and administration to immediately stop proceeding with the backdoor termination of our Indian image and rather speak with the proud Manhasset community before any changes are made.”

The group of students claimed that

the Manhasset students metaphorically wore the “Indian” name with pride and passion.

“Manhasset students represent this culture with the utmost respect,” the letter said. “Not once at any school or community event have we witnessed the Indian name tarnished or demeaned in any way. Rather we watch as students and community members proudly boast the name, chanting ‘We are the Indians’ for anyone in the nearby vicinity to hear.”

In a statement responding to the students’ letter, the Manhasset Justice Initiative, an online organization comprised of current and former Manhasset school students, claimed there was a disconnect on how to appropriately honor native tribes and communities to the area.

“By claiming “We are the Indians,” we are claiming that we have the shared experience of the hardship the native communities faced and paying homage to a caricature that doesn’t accurately represent them,” the initiative said in a statement last year. “When the Native Americans said “do not forget us,” it wasn’t to keep the mascot but make sure that their cultures are depicted accurately and respectfully with educational components accompanying any decision the school makes.”

Hofstra files lawsuit against planning commission

Continued from Page 3

guarantee an increase in revenue to the area. “A casino at the Hub is not about the future, and it would not be an engine for economic and social prosperity,” Poser said in the essay.

“It would be dangerous for adjoining neighborhoods and create a nightmare of traffic and pollution, not to mention anti-social behaviors that often crop up around casinos.”

Despite Hofstra’s opposition to the plans,

Herricks’ Gounaris challenged for ed board seat by Ratra

Continued from Page 2

girls’ flag football, among other things.

Additionally, the Herricks Public School District will be receiving state aid totaling $8 million more than was granted in the 2022-23 leg-

islative budget. This is a 47% increase in state aid for the school district.

District voting will take place Tuesday, May 16, at the community center gymnasium from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

a pair of other local colleges have expressed support for the idea, with Nassau County Community College and Long Island University announcing they will aid Sands in its plans.

The partnership between the two colleges

will allow students to advance their two-year associate’s degree into a four-year bachelor’s degree, officials said. The program, according to Sands officials, would be beneficial to graduates seeking to pursue a variety of hospitality roles.

www.theisland360.com/legal-notices

PHOTO BY SAMUELE PETRUCCELLI Manhasset Secondary School hallway.

Cause of 4-alarm fire in F.P. undetermined

Continued from Page 1

conditions inside improve, we can then go in and make a determination on the cause of the fre.”

A 911 call reporting smoke in the building was made at 10:23 a.m., Uttaro said. Floral Park Fire Department was frst on the scene and made a call to mutual aid for assistance on the working fre, Uttaro said.

Floral Park Chief James Dodson was in command of the scene and ordered frefghters to evacuate with their hose lines after conditions worsened in the basement and to attack the fre from only the outside. Buildings on either side of 266 Jericho only sufered moderate smoke damage.

“Basement fres are some of the most dangerous fres that frefghters face,” Uttaro said.

First responders responded to the scene Monday night for an overnight standby to check for hot spots, which includes evaluating high-risk areas for rapid fre spread. Excavators worked on removing any debris that was blocking access, Uttaro said.

Pictures and videos shared on social media

showed black smoke coming from the address, where an acupuncturist and shoe repair shop are located, as frst responders established ladders and hose lines to attack the fames.

Several businesses were afected by the fre, including two on the frst foor and more on both the second foor and in the basement. There were no residences in the building and all occupants at the time of the fre safely selfevacuated, Uttaro said.

No civilians were injured in the fre. Two frefghters were transported to local hospitals for minor injuries before being released, Uttaro said. Three frefghters were evaluated at the scene but refused further medical attention, Uttaro said.

A Floral Park ladder truck struck a pillar near the Long Island Rail Road overpass on Tulip Avenue during the response to the call, injuring two frefghters.

The Floral Park Building Department will determine if the building needs to be torn down.

“The Fire Department did a great job of holding the fre to the building of origin,” Uttaro said.

Nassau County police lack transparency: report

Continued from Page 4

funding to establish a remote oversight office in Nassau.

“Police departments all over the state were handing in police reform plans, and for the attorney general to specifically call out Nassau County is really quite stunning,” Gottehrer said. “And so I think it really goes to how Nassau County is operating.”

New York Civil Liberties Union Supervising Attorney Bobby Hodgson touted the importance of having oversight for policing, such as New York City’s Citizen Complaint Review Board, an independent agency that probes alleged misconduct reported by residents.

The board was established in 1993 by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and the New York City Council.

“In many instances, the Citizen Complaint Review Board has undertaken an in -

vestigation, gathered evidence and found that misconduct occurred and an officer did, in fact, do something inappropriate and recommended levels of discipline all the way up to firing,” Hodgson said in an interview with Blank Slate Media earlier this year.

New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board consists of more than 100 “civilian investigators” who attempt to verify the complaint it receives, according to officials.

A complaint could either be determined to be “substantiated,” meaning that misconduct did occur, or “unsustained,” which means the complaint did not qualify as misconduct, according to officials.

If there is no evidence to prove that the alleged misconduct or incident actually occurred, officials said, the complaint would be deemed as “unfounded.”

Once the analysis of complaints is completed, officials said, three board members

will decide whether or not they approve the investigators’ recommended disciplinary actions, according to officials.

Aside from the establishment of civilian oversight, Long Island United to Transform Policing & Community Safety also called for the full disclosure of all police investigations and complaints. Nassau has declined to turn over those records despite the repeal of Civil Rights Law 50-a in June 2020, which permitted police departments to withhold misconduct and other personnel records.

The New York Civil Liberties Union filed an order to show cause against the Nassau County Police Department in March in its ongoing efforts to obtain misconduct and personnel records.

Hodgson said the New York Civil Liberties Union requested access to Nassau’s department disciplinary records, use of force, field interviews, civilian complaints and in -

vestigative reports, among others through a Freedom of Information Law request in 2020.

Hodgson said that the police department was ordered by the Nassau County Supreme Court to turn over disciplinary records after June of 2020 within 60 days from the order handed down by the Nassau County Supreme Court on May 2, 2022.

The police department has denied the requests despite the repeal of Civil Rights Law 50-a in 2020, which permitted police departments from disclosing misconduct and other personnel records.

“Turning these records over is the first necessary step in having any sort of informed public discussion about what police accountability looks like in Nassau County,” Hodgson said. “In a world where these records are secret, the public knows zero about how the police [department] police[s] themselves.”

Commuters’ pros, cons with East Side Access

Continued from Page 5

when he commuted into Penn Station.

He said that while the trains are typically on time, when they aren’t, it can be a big issue.

“When it goes bad, it’s really, really bad,” Class said. “It’s miserable.”

The MTA’s Train Time app, which provides the train schedules for all LIRR and MetroNorth trains as well as online ticket sales, includes a feature that tracks the occupancy of each train car.

The app describes each car on the train with the number of occupants and a color associated with the percentage of seats taken. Colors range from green, yellow, orange and red, each respectively associated with fewer than 35%, 35-50%, 50-85% and over 85% of seats taken.

The 7:17 a.m. train to Grand Central

train was made up of 10 M7 rail cars, which use the train’s suspension systems to measure the weight of each car’s seating cabin and approximate occupancy, according to the MTA.

Included were fve A cars and fve B cars.

A cars have a maximum occupancy of 110 passengers and B cars, which include a handicapaccessible bathroom, have a maximum occupancy of 101 passengers.

The train’s total maximum occupancy was 1,055 passengers.

Upon leaving Port Washington, all but one train car was at less than 35% capacity. These cars had from 5 to 33 passengers. One train car contained an estimated 36 passengers, being the only within the 35-50% occupancy range.

The train continued to fll with passengers as it picked up more along the way to Grand Central. Upon arrival in Manhattan, all train

cars ranged from 35-85% occupancy based on the app’s determination.

The fnal occupancy of the 7:17 a.m. train from Port Washington when it arrived in Grand Central Madion at 8:57 a.m. (Screenshot taken by Cameryn Oakes from the MTA TrainTime app)

Five cars stayed within the 35-50% occupancy range. The other fve cars were classifed in the 50-85% range, with the largest occupancy in a single carestimated at 69 passengers.

About 522 passengers arrived in Grand Central Madison at 7:57 a.m., arriving three minutes earlier to their destination. The train’s total occupancy upon arrival to the East Side was just shy of 50%.

Commuters arrived at the sleek new terminal’s platform, which is on the station’s lower level and services eight tracks. Steep escala-

tors take commuters up to the concourse level, which features wide arching walkways and art installations from renowned artists, including Yayoi Kusama.

While the morning commute ran smoothly, Port Washington commuter Class said what is more annoying is the commute home. He said trains run less frequently, meaning he has to wait longer for another train in the instance that he misses one.

For someone who gets of work at 5 p.m., the next train departing from Grand Central that runs directly to Port Washington leaves at 5:21 p.m. The following one leaves at 5:42 p.m. but does not go to Port Washington, requiring commuters to transfer. The next train after the 5:21 p.m. departure that arrives in Port Washington is not until 6:08 p.m.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

Firefighters remaining on scene after a four-alarm fire at 266 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park.

LEGAL NOTICE - INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK, NY NOTICE OF TAX SALE OF REAL ESTATE FOR UNPAID VILLAGE TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2022-2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the provision of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York and a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Floral Park, Nassau County, New York, passed at a meeting held on the 4th day of April 2023, the tax lien for the real property listed below will be sold at public auction on the 10th day of May, 2023 at 10AM in the Court Room at the Village Hall, No. 1 Floral Boulevard, Floral Park, Nassau County, New York, to discharge the tax, interest, and other charges which may be due thereon at the time of sale.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that payment of the amount of a bid to the Village is required within ten (10) days after the sale. Where no bid is made, the tax lien shall be deemed to have been sold to and purchased by the Incorporated Village of Floral Park.

Sewanhaka SkillsUSA comp

Thirty-three Sewanhaka Central High School District students participated in the SkillsUSA Area VI Regional competition at Sufolk Community College on March 21.

SkillsUSA is an organization created to help students become world-class workers, leaders and responsible citizens and ensure that the country has a skilled workforce. Sewanhaka students participate in regional, state and national career competitions every year.

At the competition, Sewanhaka students excelled in several categories. In the Quiz Bowl category, the team earned gold. The members of the team included H. Frank Carey High School student Berna Aliu, H. Frank Carey High School student Caroline Gilman,

New Hyde Park Memorial High School student David Ren, Floral Park Memorial High School student Elizabeth Sepulveda and New Hyde Park Memorial High School student Nicholas Washington.

Students also excelled in individual categories. In “Action Skills Basic,” Floral Park Memorial High School student Keishara Holder earned a gold award; in “Job Skills Demonstration,” Floral Park Memorial High School student Amy O’Connor earned a gold award; in “Prepared Speech” New Hyde Park Memorial High School student Nicoletta Lorusso earned a gold award; and in “Prepared Speech,” H. Frank Carey High School student Devin Murdoch won a silver award.

LIKE US ON

Sewanhaka Central High School District students who won gold and silver awards at the SkillsUSA Area VI Regional competition at Suffolk Community College on March 21.

Perfect score in vocab comp

New Hyde Park Road School sixth grader Aksharprakash Joshi earned a perfect score of 20 in the Blue Division in this year’s WordMasters Challenge, a national vocabulary competition. The competition involves nearly 125,000 students annually, and only approximately 30 sixth graders achieved a perfect score.

Joshi was coached in preparation for the competition by New Hyde ParkGarden City Park Union Free School District Odyssey Enrichment Teacher Dominique Dunn.

DISTRICT

New Hyde Park Road School

sixth grader Aksharprakash

Joshi earned a perfect score of 20 in the Blue Division in this year’s WordMasters Challenge.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW HYDE PARK-GARDEN CITY PARK UNION FREE SCHOOL

PORT STAR ON A MISSION

Natalie DeMeo honors ex-coach by excelling in 2 sports

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Some young athletes get very, very lucky.

Not only are they gifted with talent and drive, but they are mentored by a coach who molds them.

Shapes them, from the amorphous clay they arrived at the gym, into a mostly fully shaped figure who can achieve goals they never thought possible.

Natalie DeMeo had one of those. His name was Anthony Bolden, a youth basketball coach from Baldwin who worked with DeMeo for four years.

He was “the good cop” to other coaches’ bad cop, the guy who was always there with a hug, an encouraging word, or a tip to make her an even better basketball player than she was.

“He was the best guy to be around, just the best,” DeMeo said after practice recently. “He always knew what to say to make me feel better.”

He was a second dad to DeMeo, which is why the outgoing 18-year-old who’s always smiling and laughing immediately tears up when Bolden’s name is mentioned.

Eighteen months ago, on Sept. 7, 2021, the 40-year-old Bolden died due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition he came down with after being treated for testicular cancer earlier that year.

His loss devastated DeMeo. To honor Bolden, she writes his name on her sneakers before every basketball and lacrosse game she plays.

“He developed me into the athlete I am today,” DeMeo said, wiping her eyes. “We were so close, my family all knew him, and it was really really hard when he died.”

No doubt if Bolden were around today, he’d be supremely proud of the athlete DeMeo has become. In the winter, she stars on the Schreiber basketball team, leading the squad in scoring the past two years and averaging 18.9 points per game this past season.

And on the grass, she’s equally dominant. The 5-foot-9 midfielder has been on the Vikings’ varsity since 8th grade, becoming one of the best allaround players on Long Island.

She’s pumped in 157 goals in her four-year career leading into 2023, and last season helped lead Schreiber to the Class AA county semis with 31 goals and 14 assists. So far in three games this spring, through April 14, DeMeo has scored five goals and added one assist.

“She’s always the hardest worker at practice, and you combine that with her athletic ability being unmatched by the majority of teams we play, and you get a special player,” said Schreiber coach Pam Giordano. “She can play big, she can play small, she can take whatever the defense gives her and find a way to score.”

DeMeo’s future coach raves about her as well. After entertaining Division I offers in both sports, the youngest of three kids decided to stick to lacrosse and play at Hofstra.

“Just a perfect fit as a person and a player for us,” Shannon Smith, Hofstra’s head coach, said. “Such a great kid, with great character and someone who’s super competitive who still has so much upside to her game.”

DeMeo’s competitiveness was honed by going against two very talented older brothers as a child. Twenty-five-year-old Anthony was a hockey star who played in the Ontario Hockey League in Canada before multiple concussions ended his career, while 23-year-old Christian was a football standout who went to RPI.

“They ganged up on me and bullied me pretty good,” DeMeo said with a smile. “They never fought (each other), they just threw me around. It made me tougher.”

DeMeo started playing both sports in fourth grade and soon realized she was equally good at

both. Switching from defense to midfield in sixth grade, she discovered a love of scoring goals and patrolling the field as a middie.

“There are a lot of connections between basketball and lacrosse, in being able to score and get open,” DeMeo said. “Just having offensive movements in both sports that help you, quick first steps, and thinking where to move without the ball.”

DeMeo said she never pondered giving up one sport to concentrate on the other and said her favorite sport is the one she’s playing at the time.

But when college recruiters for both sports came calling, lacrosse, and Smith, impressed her a lot.

“She was after me really hard, and I loved her every time I talked to her,” DeMeo said.

Smith said she envisions DeMeo having an

immediate role for the Pride next year, but first DeMeo wants to leave a legacy at Schreiber. Part of that is mentoring new varsity players like freshman goalie Hayes Hassett, and 8th-grade offensive threat Caitlin Ahmuty.

“I didn’t have to ask her to do that, she just does it automatically,” Giordano said. “She gives them encouragement and makes them feel welcome. Just the kind of person she is.”

DeMeo, who hopes to become an orthodontist when she grows up (“I like helping people and I like teeth,” she said) also would love to bring a county title to Schreiber in her final season; last year Schreiber fell in the semifinals.

“It’s crazy how fast it’s all gone,” DeMeo said. “But we would love to go out with a championship.”

PHOTO BY JAMES MAGUIRE/SKYBOX IMAGES

Schreiber girls lacrosse and basketball star Natalie DeMeo (22 in white) is finishing up an outstanding career this spring, and headed to Hofstra in the fall.

Little Leaguers parade

The Albertson-Herricks Little League had its annual parade on Sun from April 1 due to inclement weather. Many sacrifced their Sunday plans to come together as a community on a cold and windy day. The league begins games on April 5 at Caemmerer Park.

Upcoming events at the Hillside Public Library

The Hillside Library is partnering with Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH)in doing a Baby Necessities Drive. Needed items include baby clothes, feeding essentials (bottles, brushes, formula) and bath essentials (washcloths, body wash etc.) Also, diapers. As always, we thank you for your generosity.

PROGRAMS and EVENTS

Bingo – All Purpose Room

Sunday, April 23 at 12:30 p.m. Join us for a fun game of Bingo! Winners will win prizes!

In-Person Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings

Wednesday, April 26, 12 noon – 2 p.m. FREE In-Person Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings by St. Francis Hospital’s Nurse Fran! No appointments necessary — First come, First served. Dates: Wednesdays, 12-2 p.m. on April 26, May 24, June 28.

Armchair Historians Book club – 1st Floor Modular Rm. And Virtual

Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. The book being discussed is The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West by David McCullough. “The #1New York Times bestseller by Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David McCullough rediscovers an important chapter in the American story—the settling of the Northwest Territory by courageous pioneers who overcame incredible hardships to build a community based on ideals that would defne our country.”

Chocolate Dipping Fun with Chocolatier Melinda Space –All Purpose Room

Thursday, April 27, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Learn chocolate dipping tips and tricks, including the diferent types of chocolate that can be used, and decorating techniques (swizzling & sprinkles)!Share your own chocolate-dipped delights with family and friends — or enjoy for yourself!!Please note that this program is for adults only, 18+ years of age.

A $5.00 materials fee will be collected at the beginning of the program, cash only, please.

Game Day for Adults! – Children’s Modular Room

Friday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spend Friday mornings with friends for fun and games! Join a group, or bring some friends for a rousing game of Rummy Cube, Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, MasterMind, or Bring Your Own! Coloring books and sheets also available. No registration necessary.

CHILDREN and YOUNG ADULT EVENTS

Time for Kids: Spring Caterpillar! – All-Purpose Room

Friday, April 21 at 10:30 p.m. Ages: 3— 7years (with parent/caregiver). Come join A Time for Kids, Inc. as we celebrate springtime in this family fun preschool program. Activities include music, movement, fne & gross motor development and storytelling! There will also be a Caterpillar Craft!

Stemtastic: Balloon Race Cars! – All-Purpose Room

Monday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. Ages: 7— 11years. Design

and build your own race car powered by your lungs! Using boxes, tape, and your imagination each participant will build their own unique car and then race it fy down our coned racetrack!

Create Your Own Magical Thaumatrope with Cindy Wong! – All-Purpose Room

Tuesday, April 25 at 4:30 p.m. Ages: 5— 8years. Did you know that “thauma” means magic and “trope” means something that moves? Come and create your own optical toy that takes two images and makes them look like one!

Virtual Tea Tasting

Thursday, April 27 at 7 p.m. Ages: Teen – Adult. Join our librarian Ms. Ambadjes in trying dessert-themed tea! Pick up your teas from the library the week of the program, and taste as you watch & learn during our virtual session.

*Tea pickup is intended for those planning to attend the virtual session, so please only register & pick up if you can attend the virtual session.

Play Hooray – Children’s Room

Friday, April 28 at 11 a.m. Ages: 9 months— 5years (with parent/caregiver). Stories, music and movement activities with Mollie Mouse!

Recycled Garden – All Purpose Room

Friday, April 28 at 5 p.m. Grades 5 – 12. Join our Science expert Chris Buchman as he uses recycled materials, seeds, & more to create your very own garden. Grow vegetables, fruit, fowers, & more!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALBERTSON-HERRICKS LITTLE LEAGUE

League photo at Caemmerer Park.

Your Next Move Is Right Here

Available | Massapequa | 10 Canal Road

4BR, 2 BA | $999,000 | Web# 3465886

Elizabeth (Beth) Lowe M 516.746.0440

Available | Bayside | 216-33 27th Aveue

4 BR, 4.5 BA | $1,848,000 | Web# 3412937

Clara Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Luis Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Available | Hempstead | 110 Belmont Parkway 5BR, 3BA | $889,000 | Web# 3469544

Clara Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Luis Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Available | Hempstead | 116 Belmont Parkway 5BR, 3BA | $889,000 | Web# 3469557 Clara Valderrama M 516.746.0440 Luis Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Available | Westbury | 543 Livingston Street 6BR, 3.5BA | $839,000 | Web# 3467253

Clara Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Luis Valderrama M 516.746.0440

Available | Port Washington | 4 Sandy Hollow Lane 3BR, 1BA | $719,000 | Web# 3463979

Angela Scaldaferri M 516.746.0440

Available | Franklin Square | 396 Bly Court

4BR, 3BA | $649,000 | Web# 3467984

John Berrokhim M 516.746.0440

Available | Uniondale | 1147 Front Steet

5BR, 2BA | $599,000 | Web# 3464236

Hootan Moeirzadeh M 516.746.0440

Available | Valley Stream | 398 Cochran Plce

3BR, 1.5BA | $490,000 | Web# 3467283

John Berrokhim M 516.746.0440