Roslyn 2023_02_10

VALENTINE’S DINING & GIFTS MIXED RESPONSE TO HOCHUL BUDGET

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Audit blocked: DeSena

Supervisor says she interceded

BY BRANDON DUFFY

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said Thursday she recently had to intervene on behalf of an audit she had requested of the town Building Department by the Nassau Country comptroller when certain documents were not turned over.

“As part of the independent audit, the county comptroller is fully within their rights to request any and all information they deem relevant to the process, so refusing a records request and potentially impeding the comptroller’s audit is quite alarming,” DeSena said in a statement. “When I was notified by auditors that the department wasn’t complying, I immediately stepped in, and reiterated to the commissioner directly that the department is to cooperate fully and fulfill any request from the comptroller’s office.”

DeSena said since she made her request the Building Department has provided the requested records to the auditors. She said they included details surrounding the last 200 permit applications to come into the department.

“Going forward, our Building Department must be open, honest, and transparent in this process and without any delays,” added DeSena, a Republican.

North Hempstead spokesman

Continued on Page 47

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Santos, Romney clash on House floor Exchange words at the State of the Union over his presence on aisle seat

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Former presidential candidate and Republican Sen. Mitt Romney told U.S. Rep. George Santos that he “didn’t belong” in Congress ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union, sharing the view of a group of Long Islanders who traveled to Washington and called for the congressman’s expulsion from the

House.

Video surfaced Tuesday evening of Santos and Romney’s verbal spar ahead of the State of the Union address. Romney, following Biden’s speech, told reporters Santos was out of place trying to mingle with other politicians and noteworthy figures.

“I didn’t expect that he’d be standing there trying to shake hands with

every senator and the president of the United States,” Romney said. “He should be sitting in the back row and staying quiet instead of parading in front of the president and people coming into the room.”

Semafor reporter Kadia Goba, who spoke to Santos after the address, said the congressman was called “an ass” by Romney, to which he replied, “You’re a

much bigger asshole.” Santos took to Twitter, following the address, tweeting “Hey @MittRomney you will NEVER be president!”

The congressman has since deleted the tweet. Santos also expressed his issue with Biden’s State of the Union, claiming the president “refuses to acknowledge” the economic hardships

Continued on Page 46

PHOTO BY ROBERT PELAEZ

3rd District residents gathered at the Roslyn train station Tuesday morning before traveling to Washington D.C. to call on U.S. Rep. George Santos to resign. See story on page 6.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

Dems, DeSena offer Santos resolutions

Supervisor calls for resigntion, majority expulsion

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The North Hempstead Town Board passed two resolutions Tuesday night that call for the resignation and expulsion of U.S. Rep. George Santos and also amended a section of town code to require a report be made from the “complete and thorough” review Republican Supervisor Jennifer DeSena made when evaluating the building department last year.

The resolution calling for Santos to resign, submitted by DeSena, was approved unanimously by the sevenmember board while the one calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to expel him, submitted by Democrat Councilmember Veronica Lurvey, passed with a 6-1 vote.

Republican Councilmember David Adhami said he agreed with the general intent of the resolution but disagreed with its verbiage before voting no, say-

ing there’s information included just to trigger people and it was poorly written.

DeSena motioned to amend the resolution to remove any mention of her name, saying doing so makes it a political and personal attack, which was voted down 4-3 along party lines.

“This is a resolution we are asking Congress to take action, why include my name in it?” DeSena questioned.

“That makes it clear this is just a political and personal attack.”

The resolution, read in its entirety by Lurvey, goes through the timeline of Santos’ recent controversies since running for and being elected to public ofce while including the facts that DeSena endorsed him, calling him a “true friend and leader,” and calling for his resignation in January of this year alongside other local Republican ofcials.

The four other Democratic council-

members, Robert Troiano, Peter Zuckerman, Lurvey and Mariann Dalimonte, are also mentioned in the resolution when they called for Santos’ resignation in December.

Troiano said he understands DeSena’s concerns that she no longer wants to be associated with Santos but believes since she is mentioned in both supporting and calling for his resignation, they balance each other out.

Republican Councilmember Dennis Walsh said the wording of the resolution was political in nature and that the majority councilmembers, who voted to suspend the rules and move the resolution up in the agenda so the public in attendance can comment, were “hijacking” the meeting.

DeSena said in a statement she was appalled by her colleagues’ actions and that she intended to combine her and Lurvey’s resolutions to present a unifed Continued on Page 46

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Roslyn schools hold events

Celebrating Lunar New Year Four

BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

Four schools in the Roslyn Public School district, including Roslyn High School, Roslyn Middle School, Harbor Hill School and East Hills School, hosted Lunar New Year celebrations last week.

The Roslyn High School Asian Cultural Exchange Club held a Lunar New Year celebration on Friday evening, Jan. 20 at Roslyn High School. The event featured a variety of entertaining performances that included Chinese yo yo, singing and rapping, a fashion show, musical instruments and a lion dance. The entertainment was performed by students throughout the district, as well as a professional facechanging master performing the traditional art.

“Events like this ofer great opportunities for our students to get a glimpse into diferent cultures,” said teacher and club advisor Huichee Yeh.

“It was a wonderful evening for the community to come together for discovery and celebration.”

Roslyn Middle School welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit on Friday, Jan. 20 with a wide bufet of Asian cuisine.

Students also had the opportunity to try character painting and lantern making.

Harbor Hill students in Suzanne Falcone’s second-grade class learned about the Year of the Rabbit with text, video, song, art and play. The students were delighted by a surprise visit from a class mother.

“It was wonderful having Mrs. Lee visit our classroom and teach us about the Lunar New Year,” Falcone said. “We read, sang songs, learned a little bit of Mandarin, played with traditional puppets and made crafts together.

East Hills students made lanterns, red envelopes and dragons. They were also visited by class mothers who arrived dressed in colorful native clothing to teach them about the traditions surrounding Lunar New Year.

“As a school community, we feel it is important to celebrate our cultural diversity,” said Jennifer Sheehan, assistant principal of East Hills. “Our students and staf spent time learning about and creating crafts centered around Lunar New Year and what it represents.”

Roslyn High School students participating in the Lunar New Year Festival.

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Leonard Finz story ends, dies at 98

WWII veteran, lawyer ex state Supreme Court judge, writer, musician led a storied life

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Manhasset’s Leonard Finz, a former New York State Supreme Court justice, War War II veteran, writer and musician died Feb. 1 of cancer at 98 years old.

Finz started a law firm that is now called Finz & Finz in 1984 after leaving the bench in 1978.

Born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1924 to Turkish immigrant parents and growing up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Finz was initially a talented musician, playing both the clarinet and saxophone while attending the High School of Music and Art, from which he graduated in 1942.

Finz enlisted in the Army at 18 and completed basic training at Camp Pendleton, Va., in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.

At the request of the captain of special services and given his background in the arts, Finz organized shows on a weekly basis.

After only achieving the rank of a first-class private, Finz entered a fourmonth training program at the Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, OK. Of the 100 who applied at the start of the class, just 32, including Finz, graduated on May 5, 1945.

Assigned to Okinawa, Japan, as part

of the 27th Division overseeing the first wave of an attack, Finz was in the Pacific for 32 days when he learned the United States had dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and that the Japanese had surrendered, he told Blank

Slate Media in a recent interview.

Finz was rerouted to the Philippine island of Leyte and tasked with repatriating Filipinos who had been driven from their homes during the war. After a number of months, Finz was called

upon by his commanding officer for a somewhat unconventional assignment. With just a high school diploma, he was given the job of gathering a courtmarshal board to handle trials for the G.I.s who were in their guard houses and jails.

Finz tried the cases and earned 1st lieutenant honors before his discharge in August 1946 and met his soon-to-be wife Pearl after leavingthe service.

When Finz returned home, he enrolled at New York University on the G.I. Bill majoring in history and English and passed the New York State bar examination in 1951. He also joined the local Associated Musicians of Greater New York in a band that was seeking a saxophone player who could sing.

While playing gigs five times a week as a singer and a musician, Finz met Al Jolson after a 1949 show in Milwaukee, who complimented his style. Finz was later invited to sing at the Al Jolson memorial concert at Madison Square Garden after the singer’s death in 1950.

Finz’s law career rose to the point where he ran for Congress in 1962 and became President John F. Kennedy’s spokesman in Queens and Nassau on Medicare, which would later be passed under President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was elected as a judge to the New

York City Civil Court in 1965 before being elected to the State Supreme Court, where he served until 1978.

Finz also had four published books to his name, including “Arrowhead” (2005), “The Paragon Conspiracy” (2011), “Reservation to Kill” (2013) and “The Greatest Day of My Life” (2017).

Last summer, the Manhasset resident was honored with an induction into the United States Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame on July 23 at the historic Gracewood Mansion.

“We had 60 million Americans in uniform during WWII. What we have left today is less than 1% of that total and we are losing (more) at the rate of 350 to 400 veterans a day. Now most of those veterans who are still with us are either in VA homes or in nursing homes or disabled,” Finz said at the time.

“We’re all in our mid-to-upper 90s, and we are really a vanishing breed. I’ll leave the higher authority to (decide) when I will fall statistically into that group known as the vanished breed,” he said.

Finz is survived by his two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl, in 2016.

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State Sen. Anna Kaplan, left, honors World War II veteran Leonard Finz, right, at a July 2022 ceremony.

North Shore completes $21M MRI suite

Manhasset unit gives hospital 3 machines

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A $21 million MRI suite has been constructed at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, offcials announced Tuesday.

The 6,700-square-foot unit located on the frst foor of the hospital’s Cohen Pavilion is home to three Tesla MRI machines, one of which contains a stronger magnet to conduct higher-quality scans and pick up on lesser-detected abnormalities. The 1.5-Tesla MRI machines in the suite are approximately 30,000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic feld, according to RadiologyToday Magazine, while the 3-Tesla MRI machines are double that.

“MRI is a critical technology for diagnosing a wide range of diseases,” said Jesse Chusid, senior vice president of imaging services at Northwell. “Having access to the latest technology ensures that our radiologists can work with images of the highest quality.”

The new suite is directly next to an existing 3-T magnet, which ofcials said will help enhance the diagnosis process while decreasing patient turnaround time. Patients with larger body mass will be able to be treated with the suite’s technological resources. North Shore University’s neurological team, ofcials said, can provide patients sufering from tremors with high-intensity focused ultrasound.

“The new MRI suite was carefully designed to accommodate complex MRI cases such as those involving sedation,” Chusid said. “Advanced monitoring capabilities allow for the safe imaging of

able

to conduct higer-quality scans for diagnosis

A $21 million MRI suite was constructed at North Shore University Hospital, officials announced.

patients with implanted cardiac devices.”

The suite replaced a 40-year-old unit and includes a staf lounge, locker room, out-patient reception area, patient bays and radiologist reading

rooms, ofcials said.

“North Shore University Hospital is dedicated to providing the newest technologies to ensure the best clinical outcomes for our patients,”

North Shore University Hospital Director David Hirschwerk said. “This updated MRI suite will allow our team to serve more patients and do more for the patients we see.”

Manhasset mascot’s future still on hold

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Members of the Manhasset Board of Education are seeking more clarifcation on proposed requirements by the state’s education department to have school districts stop using mascots, team names or imagery depicting Native Americans during Thursday night’s public meeting.

The state DOE released a memo on Nov. 17 informing school districts that do fall under that

category, such as Manhasset, to adopt a resolution to eliminate the names of all indigenous names, logos and mascots by the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Superintendent Gaurav Passi said all indications from the state’s education department and its council of superintendents point to the regulations being adopted.

Ofcials did not go into specifcs on what

Continued on Page 47

PHOTO BY SAMUELE PETRUCCELLI Manhasset Secondary School hallway.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH

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McCarthy expects probe into Santos

Speaker says he anticipates questions about rep to be answered by ethics committee

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Tuesday he anticipates Congress’ Ethics Committee to conduct a probe into the allegations made against U.S. Rep. George Santos.

“There are questions, I expect them to get answered,” McCarthy told CNN.

McCarthy previously told reporters that the Ethics Committee had launched an investigation into Santos before an aide for the speaker confrmed no investigation has begun.

Last month, McCarthy told reporters Santos would go before the Congressional Ethics Committee “if there are concerns” about his behavior and would be “held accountable exactly as anybody else” in Congress would be if something is found to be wrong.

The potential committee probe would be the latest in a string of investigations launched and complaints fled against the newly-elected congressman who has lied about his personal, professional and fnancial background.

The FBI is currently investigating Santos’ role in allegedly scamming a homeless, disabled veteran out of thousands of dollars that would have been used to care for the man’s service dog.

Richard Osthof said that he met Santos, who introduced himself as Anthony Devolder, in 2016 while living in a tent on the side of a New Jersey highway.

Osthof’s service dog, Sapphire, was sufering from a life-threatening stomach tumor, treatment for which would cost $3,000, the veteran told Patch.

A veterinary technician told Osthof to use Friends of Pets United, a pet charity headed up by Santos under the Anthony Devolder alias.

Osthof said he never saw any of the funds after a GoFundMe was set up and subsequently deleted once it got close to hitting the $3,000 goal.

Sapphire died in January 2017, he said.

“I went through two bouts of seriously considering suicide, but thinking about leaving her without me saved my life,” Osthof told Patch. “I loved that dog so much, I inhaled her last breaths when I had her euthanized.”

Osthof said Santos informed him that the money would not be used for Sapphire, but rather “for other dogs.”

Santos faces a pair of new complaints fled by a watchdog group and two of his Democratic colleagues from New York.

The Campaign Legal Center, a

nonproft organization that aims to advance democracy through the law, questioned the newly elected congressman’s 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 the congressman’s $705,000 loan to his campaign into question, claiming he falsifed reports on nearly 40 expenditure flings under $200.

The center fled the complaint with the Federal Election Commission and to the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice several weeks ago.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Ritchie Torres and Daniel Goldman fled a complaint with the House Ethics Committee several weeks ago for allegedly violating the Ethics in Government Act, saying the Republican must be held accountable for deceiving voters and Congress.

The Ethics in Government Act, ofcials said, was created to “preserve and promote the integrity of public ofcials and institutions,” which Torres and Goldman believe Santos has failed to adhere to. The two described fnancial reports submitted in 2020 and 2022 as “sparse and perplexing” in the complaint.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTOS

U.S. Rep. George Santos.

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Belmont in the money in Hochul budget

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The $227 billion budget proposal from Gov. Kathy Hochul for the 2024 fscal year includes $455 million for redeveloping and renovating Belmont Park.

If approved, the project will create new tracks, parking and a clubhouse.

Modernizing Belmont Park has been at the forefront of the 2023 legislative agenda for We Are N.Y. Horse Racing, a business and labor coalition that unveiled its plans in Albany in November.

The Elmont racetrack was last renovated in 1968.

The coalition of horse racing industry leaders has long been pushing the state to approve and back a $455 million bond.

Ofcials said the bond would not use taxpayer money and be paid back with racing revenue over 30 years. The horse racing industry in New York generates $3 billion in annual economic activity while sustaining 19,000 jobs, according to the New York Racing Association.

Improvements at the park could bring back the Breeders’ Cup to Long Island for the frst time since 2005, ofcials have said. The cup would be an additional marquee event on the horse racing calendar, which includes the Belmont Stakes, the third leg in the Triple Crown competition along with the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in Maryland.

NYRA attempted to get similar fnancial support in the 2022 budget with a $450 million bond but was unsuccessful. NYRA’s previous efforts to obtain funding for a new grandstand and track improvements also failed.

“Belmont Park stands at the center of the statewide racing ecosystem, and the project

to reimagine the facility will create jobs, drive tourism to the region and secure the future of thoroughbred racing across the state,” NYRA

Aiding Port parents of autistic child

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Town and Port Washington ofcials gathered on Derby Road Thursday afternoon to mark the end of an ongoing struggle for one family and unveil two “Autistic Child Area” signs on their block.

Stevie and Angelo Bovis, who moved to the area last September, recently received a variance

from the town’s Board of Zoning and Appeals allowing a previously-built four-foot fence in their front lawn through the American Disabilities Act.

“Despite this happy ending, I still would like to extend my deepest sympathies on behalf of the town as their family was put through an ordeal, and I hope this will raise awareness go-

Continued on Page 46

President David O’Rourke said in a statement to casino.org. “The time is right to build a new Belmont Park for the beneft of New York State, and

we look forward to working with our legislative partners to ensure the Governor’s proposal is enacted.”

Flower Hill office fire draws 37 departments

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Roslyn Fire Department responded alongside 36 other Nassau County fre departments to an ofce building fre in Flower Hill on Saturday evening.

The Nassau County Police Department said in a Feb. 6 report that the cause of the fre at 1025 Northern Blvd. was undetermined and under investigation.

Three frefghters sustained minor injuries during the response. They were treated at local hospitals and released.

Newsday reported the building’s roof, second and third foors had collapsed due to the fre. The ground foor and the basement of the building also had extensive water buildup.

A Roslyn Fire Department ofcial told Newsday that the fre was well-advanced by the time of their response at 5:45 p.m., leading them to believe it had been burning for a while before crews arrived on the scene.

Responders at the scene included the Fire Marshal Hazmat Ofce, Fire Marshal Investigators Ofce, the Ofce of Emergency Management, Fire Chief Jordan Williams, Arson Bomb Squad detectives and 6th Squad detectives.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

Town and Port Washington officials pose with an “Autistic Child Area” sign on Derby road, where two were installed on both ends of the block where the Bovis family lives.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER DESENA

A fire blazed in a Flower Hill office building Saturday evening.

PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS

A sign at the entry to Belmont Park.

Herricks mourns death of student, mom

Louise DiBlasi died 3 days after son Steven, 17, superintendent reports to board

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Herricks Superintendent Tony Sinanis said the district is still mourning the recent loss of high school student Steven DiBiasi and his mother Louise.

“The tragic, unexpected passing of Steven DiBiasi and subsequently his mother was something that really shook our community to the core,” Sinanis said during the Feb. 2 Board of Education meeting. “On behalf of the entire district and Board of Education, I want to express our condolences to the DiBiasi family. who are still grappling with that loss.”

Steven, 17, died on Jan. 25 and Louise three days later, according to a GoFundMe created by one of the student’s best friends.

“He was an amazing friend, student, hockey player and unique individual,” the page said. “Steven gave his time and energy to special needs kids — his love for hockey was his passion and his way of spending time with others — such as coaching Bethpage special needs hockey team.”

By Tuesday at noon, the page had raised over $9,000.

“After speaking with Steven’s family, it was clear our strong home-to-school connection played a role in Steven’s journey,” said Sinanis, who did not disclose the cause of the two deaths.

L. Success burglary leads to arrest of 4

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A forced entry into a Lake Success residence in January led to Nassau police arrest four individuals who allegedly stole $82,000 worth of possessions in six Nassau burglaries since November, according to ofcials.

Police said they were notifed of the attempted forced entry into the Pine Hill Road residence on Jan. 18. The four allegedly broke a bathroom window in the back of the home to try and enter before an alarm was activated and they fed in a black Ford Edge.

Lake Success police reportedly pulled the car over and found a frearm in the vehicle before arresting David Rodriguez Paez, 25, Andres Delipe Rayo Lugo, 19, Kevin Santiago Siabato Canon, 19, and Andres Felipe Canon Ibanez, 23. Paez, Canon and Ibanez were all from Columbia while Lugo hails from Queens and all were arraigned on Jan. 19, police said.

The four allegedly committed other burglaries in a silver-colored Chevrolet Equinox by breaking into the sides or rears of homes in Herricks, Mineola, Manhasset, Jericho and Plainview from November to January, police said. Once inside the homes, the group stole money, credit cards, jewelry, a .380 frearm and a security system DVD player from the six burglaries, according to police.

The value of all the stolen items was approx-

imately $82,000, police said. An Irwin Street residence in Herricks was burgled on Nov. 26, a Roselle Street residence in Mineola was burgled

Continued on Page 47

“Steven was appreciated, valued and seen in our schools and we as a school community are better educators because of Steven. What I learned about Steven was that he was brilliant, passionate, kind and loved to learn.”

Sinanis also acknowledged the eforts of district administration and staf who support both students and colleagues during a difcult time.

5 arrested for burglaries in L. Success, Herricks

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Nassau detectives announced the arrest of fve people for allegedly committing nine burglaries in the county over the past three months, including three in Lake Success and one in Herricks, on Friday.

Yeferson Camero-Alzate, 29, Edinson Henao-Vera, 37, Hotstyn Barrera-Perico, 25, Yessica Lorena Garcia Ahumada, 24, and Ana Ortiz Zamora, 47, were all arrested Wednesday and scheduled to be arraigned at the First District Court in Hempstead, police said. Eforts to reach ofcials for further updates were unavailing.

All fve of the defendants hailed from Queens, police said, and are allegedly responsible for burglaries also in Westbury and Syosset. The crew burgled Lake Success residences at Horizon Road, Links Drive and Old Field Lane and a Scott Street residence in Herricks, police said.

The Scott Street burglary happened on Dec. 21, the Horizon Road and Links Drive incidents occurred on Dec. 23 and the Old Field Lane burglary happened on Jan. 4, according to police. The nine burglaries occurred from Nov. 15- Jan. 27, ofcials said.

Camero-Alzate, Henao-Vera and Zamora were all charged with one count of seconddegree burglary while Barrera-Perico was

Five people from Queens were arrested for allegedly committing nine Nassau burglaries, police said.

charged with six counts of second-degree burglary and second-degree attempted burglary and Ahumada was charged with two counts of second-degree burglary and attempted burglary.

“Steven was appreciated, valued and seen in our schools and we as a school community are better educators because of Steven. What I learned about Steven was that he was brilliant, passionate, kind and loved to learn.”

— Tony Sinanis HERRICKS SUPERINTENDENT

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

A group of four were arrested for allegedly burglarizing homes in Nassau County last month, police said.

Mayors, GOP pols knock Hochul plan

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Village, town and state ofcials gathered Friday in Mineola to express their opposition to state budget housing mandates proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The $227 billion budget announced last week details Hochul’s vision for solving the state’s housing shortages.

Local governments would have three years to rezone areas within a half-mile of Metropolitan Transportation Authority rail stations, including the Long Island Rail Road, under the proposed housing plan.

State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) said the proposal is “foolish” and “clumsy.”

“The governor’s proposal is nothing less than an existential threat to our way of life that cannot be overstated or ignored. Although we acknowledge that there is a housing crisis in New York, the governor needs to understand that she cannot mandate, legislate or regulate her way through this,” Martins said in a statement. “Nor can she expect our communities to sit idly by while bureaucrats in Albany demolish the pillars of our suburban quality of life.”Martins was joined by six other Republican state senators, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, a Republican, and mayors throughout the North Shore.

During her State of the State address on Jan. 10 Hochul unveiled her plan to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade to address the state’s housing shortage. 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.

Hochul spokesman Justin Henry told the New York Post the governor is “eager to work on solving the housing crisis and making New

York more afordable with any elected leader who wants to be part of the solution.”

A Newsday poll of 2,910 Long Islanders showed that 43.7% were in favor of increased housing near transit hubs, while 38.6% were pleased with the current amount. A total of 17.6% participants said they would like to see less housing near transit hubs.

Nassau and Sufolk counties would be required to grow housing stock by 3% every three years along with downstate areas such as Westchester and Putnam Counties, while upstate New York would be required to grow by 1%.

Martins, who was mayor of Mineola before his frst stint as a state senator in 2010, said the village had added 1,000 units over the past 10 years.

“While mayor of Mineola, we worked with the community to develop a master plan that allowed for transit-oriented, residential development around Mineola’s LIRR station,” Martins said. “It was done by building consensus for construction in the right area, in the right way, at the right time. Collaboration and sharing best practices will work where this proposal will not.”

In 2022, Hochul rolled out a $25 billion, fve-year housing plan aimed at creating and preserving 100,000 afordable homes throughout New York, 10,000 of which would have support services for vulnerable populations.

Hochul also called last year for changing zoning laws for Accessory Dwelling Units, which include basements, attics and garages, but was criticized by Long Island ofcials.

Proponents of the legislation have claimed establishing ADUs could help senior citizens on fxed incomes remain in their homes, enable younger people to aford homes and be a new source of income for homeowners who live in high-cost areas.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF MINEOLA

Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira speaks at a Friday morning press conference in the village.

OUR VIEWS Editorial Cartoon

Make Nassau police accountable

On Jan. 7, Memphis police offcers stopped Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old father for alleged “reckless driving” – although the police chief would later acknowledge they were “unable to substantiate” probable cause for the stop.

Body camera footage shows the offcers pulled the 140-pound Nichols out of the car, pushed him to the ground, threatened him, yelled obscenities and conficting commands, and used pepper spray and a taser on him.

Nichols managed to escape, but fve ofcers caught up with him a few minutes later. They then proceeded to beat him, striking him at least nine times with batons, kicks and punches delivered to the head and torso at points while Nichols was held down.

The ofcers fst-bumped each other after the beating.

It then took more than 20 minutes after Nichols was beaten before medical attention was provided, even though two fre department ofcers arrived on the scene with medical equipment within 10 minutes.

Nichols was hospitalized in critical condition. He died three days later.

The fve ofcers who conducted the beating were fred by Memphis police and charged with second-degree murder and other crimes.

How could this happen? Start with training, department policies and accountability.

In Memphis, there appears to have been little. The special unit that pummeled Nichols had apparently been using the same tactics on people in high-crime, low-income areas since its formation. But no one had died yet.

The second form of accountability is legal. The fve ofcers now face murder charges and were fred.

But the Nichols family does not have the right to sue the ofcers for fnancial damages in civil court.

Nor would a family in Nassau County or almost any other place in the United States.

The reason? A legal doctrine called qualifed immunity that shields public ofcials, including police, from civil li-

ability — even for the most egregious misconduct.

While doctors, lawyers, journalists and even homeowners are held accountable when they are negligent, police offcers are not. So they have nothing to fear from their actions in all but the most extreme instances.

The use of qualifed immunity would have been restricted under the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which was approved by the House in 2021 after the Minneapolis man was murdered by a police ofcer.

The legislation would also have limited the transfer of military-grade equipment to police departments, required ofcers to complete training to avoid excessive force, increased the use of body cameras, created a national database for ofcer misconduct allegations and banned no-knock warrants and chokeholds, in some cases.

But the policing act died in the Senate where Republicans objected to restricting qualifed immunity.

President Biden and other congressional Democrats have called for Congress to reconsider the legislation in the wake of Nichols’ shocking murder.

If Congress fails to act a second time, the state Legislature should restrict qualifed immunity on its own. And if the state Legislature fails to do so, Nassau County should act.

New York City did that in 2021.

After the legislation was approved, the city’s Police Benevolent Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association, and Captains Endowment Association sent out a legal guidance that said members were “strongly cautioned” against searching homes, cars or people or performing any stop-and-frisk, “unless you are certain that you are clearly and unequivocally within the bounds of the law.”

That is what the standard ought to be. We would like to believe that the vast majority of police, the good cops, already do this. Good policing requires them to build trust and work with the community. Not to terrorize them.

Some critics will be quick to point out that New York City saw a spike in

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crime in 2021 and 2022 after qualifed immunity was restricted.

This would be someway disingenuous since most of these critics have repeatedly cited bail reform as the reason for the spike in crime in New York, not changes to qualifed immunity.

It also is not supported by the facts. In 2022, major crimes rose much higher in Nassau County (41%) than New York City (22%).

Is there a problem with policing in Nassau County? It’s hard to tell, but there is reason for concern.

Nassau County leaves reviews of possible misconduct to the police themselves and 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 for 41 allegations.

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

What were the names of the police involved in those instances and were any involved in more than one case? We don’t know. How serious were the accusations and how much was paid to settle the claims? We don’t know that either.

And how many many of the accusers were white and how many were black? We don’t know that as well.

The county Legislature’s three mi-

nority members, all Democrats, asked state Attorney General Letitia James to establish an independent ofce to monitor misconduct in the Nassau County Police Department after the county Legislature approved a reform policing plan put forward by then County Executive Laura Curran that they believed was inadequate.

James, in a letter sent to the legislators, acknowledged the benefts of establishing a remote ofce and criticized the county for not including “meaningful checks on law enforcement.”

But James said she lacked the necessary funding to establish a remote oversight ofce in Nassau.

She added that “it is our frm intention that the ofce give special scrutiny to those jurisdictions where local accountability and formal oversight is lacking, and that certainly includes Nassau County.”

Nassau County Republicans responded earlier in the year to the Black Lives Matter movement’s calls for police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis by joining a “Back the Blue” campaign.

County Democrats weren’t much better.

Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, joined by three fellows Democrats, introduced a bill that would allow frst responders to sue any person who harasses, attacks or injures them while they are in uniform under the Nassau County

Human Rights Law. It carried civil penalties of $25,000 to the “aggrieved” frst responders and up to $50,000 if the violations occurred during a “riot.”

Critics said the law would chill free speech and peaceful protests.

They also noted that supporters of the bill ofered no examples of violence against frst responders in Nassau County. Or examples of similar legislation anywhere else in America.

The law was approved by the Legislature with the support of all 12 Republicans but vetoed by Curran, citing concerns that it was not constitutional.

Nassau has had one of the lower crime rates of any like-sized county in the United States. And its police have been among the best paid with the cost of police almost double the national average per capita.

We entrust the police to protect our safety, which they often do at great risk. For which we are grateful.

But the public has both a need and a right to know if there are police who have gone over the line and that they are being held accountable if they did.

Following the death, of Tyre Nichols, Nassau Democrats and Republicans should establish an independent police review board and eliminate qualifed immunity.

There is nothing contradictory about having a low crime rate while maintaining the highest standards in policing.

Yvonne Farley

Tyre Nichols’ last words: ‘Mom, mom, mom’

“All mothers were summoned when he called out for his mama.”

This message appeared as an image — a meme, in all CAPS, spraypainted in black on three sheets of plywood. The image was posted widely on social media. It was posted on the day following the release of the police videos of the deadly attack against Tyre Nichols, a father, son and brother. Tyre, a 29-year-old black man, was assaulted by fve black Memphis police ofcers, who have since been fred and charged with second-degree murder. Others who came onto the scene and failed to intervene or medically treat Tyre, also face consequences.

Most excruciating in viewing the video in which Tyre was taken down were his repeated cries for his mother — mom, mom, mom — whose home was only about 60 yards away from the violent scene. And, make no mistake, what the video showed is nothing short of torture.

Rev. Al Sharpton gave the eulogy at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church on February 1. He directed his remarks at the police ofcers who battered Tyre. He invoked the memory of Rev. Martin Luther King, who was as-

sassinated in Memphis in 1968: “[The] fve black men wouldn’t have had a job in the police department in the city that Dr. King lost his life. You didn’t get on the police department by yourself. The police chief didn’t get there by herself. People had to march and go to jail and some lost their lives to open the doors for you — and how dare you act like that sacrifce was for nothing?”

Tyre Nichols was 140 pounds and managing Crohn’s disease. The combined weight of the fve police ofcers was, by all estimates, conservatively 1,000 pounds. Imagine being helpless, cooperative, pleading for your life, and being tased and pepper-sprayed, kicked in the head repeatedly, and beaten with fsts and a police baton by more than 1,000 pounds of malevolent force.

Now, imagine if it was your son or daughter that was being battered. Imagine them being just 60 yards from your front door, crying out mom, mom, mom, as their life was hanging on a thread.

In her remarks at the memorial Vice President Kamala Harris said, “Mothers around the world, when their babies are born, pray to God

when they hold that child, that that body and that life will be safe for the rest of his life. Was [Tyre] not also entitled to the right to be safe?”

Although the fve police ofcers were fred and will stand trial, the flm they directed and starred in will live inside of all those who viewed it. Forever.

Viewing the video of the human cruelty and deadly violence perpetrated against Tyre Nichols, renders us all subject to vicarious trauma, particular-

ly if we have any empathy whatsoever.

Taking action to afect change can help individuals to triumph over the demoralization of helplessness and despair and can help to ease the overwhelming weight of trauma. Advocating for police reform is one way to help survivors to mourn and “establish the historical and cultural meaning of the traumatic event,” as trauma specialist Bessel van der Kolk advises.

In her remarks, Vice President Harris called for the passing of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, frst brought to Congress in 2021. Although the legislation passed in the House it did not make it through the Senate.

The proposed bill would prohibit no-knock warrants in certain circumstances and police methods like chokeholds. It would eliminate qualifed immunity, which protects ofcers from civil litigation. The bill would also provide funding for training and community policing nationwide.

It feels as if almost every week there is a violent event that draws the nation’s attention. The latest being the police killing of Tyre Nichols, the mass shootings against Asian Americans in

California, and the hammer attack against Paul Pelosi, which generated a disturbing number of revolting jokes and conspiracy theories by legislators and media commentators – the usual suspects.

A growing proportion of Americans who have been leaning towards authoritarian rule are developing a real taste for violence, even celebrating it. And, it is not going away soon. It won’t simply disappear.

What to do?

Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so that today’s and tomorrow’s black children and grandchildren, and especially Black boys, will be safe and will no longer need to hear “the talk” whenever they leave their home.

Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so that no mother, ever again, will have to hear their child cry out for them as they are being beaten to death by law enforcement ofcers charged with protecting them.

Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and take a step in transforming the culture of violence that is growing in America before it metastasizes and crushes our democracy.

DiNapoli issues roadmap for state debt reform

In New York there are 294 state agencies that have issued 97% of state-supported debt.

And it is taxpayers who must pay of that long-term “backdoor borrowing” that presently totals $60 billion and is expected to hit $88 billion in 2026.

Compare those staggering numbers to New York’s voter-approved debt, which is only $2 billion.

The debt service payment on the backdoor borrowing is $6 billion this year and is projected to exceed $ 8.5 billion in 2026.

Over the years, billions of proceeds from that bonded debt were expended to fund pork barrel projects and to balance the state’s operating budget In lieu of fnancing bona fde capital projects needed to improve the state’s aging infrastructure.

This year, for example, various state agencies forked over $260 million to the state’s general fund for Gov. Kathy Hochul to hand out to allies in the state Legislature.

Then there’s the $600 million of state funds Hochul secured to build a new Bills football stadium in her

hometown of Bufalo.

The consequences of this reckless spending: the rating agencies have criticized the state’s history of inappropriately using debt.

Standard & Poor’s, the rating agency, has stated that New York’s “moderately high and growing debt levels are a key factor that will preclude a higher credit rating.” Moody’s ranks the state “as having the second largest total debt of all states following California.”

One New York statewide elected ofcial, who has been calling for meaningful afordability limits on the state debt levels and for establishing “modernized best practices for the proper use of limited state capital and resources, all while enhancing accountability to state residents,” is Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Last week DiNapoli issued a very thoughtful and practical “Roadmap for State Debt Reform.”

In his analysis of New York’s spending practices, DiNapoli says bluntly that the state “has a history of misusing debt for inappropriate purposes, including burdening future

generations with the cost of repaying money borrowed to pay for current operating expenses.”

“Debt limits,” he added, “have been circumvented too easily with little consideration or public debate of the long-term impacts.”

DiNapoli is also critical of the N.Y. Debt Reform Act of 2000 which contains numerous loopholes to caps on state debt that permitted $18 billion in

new borrowing “as if it did not impact the overall burden on taxpayers.”

To restore prudent debt practices and the long-term afordability of state debt levels, DiNapoli calls for a constitutional amendment that includes “a binding constitutional cap on all existing and future state debt outstanding that covers backdoor borrowing.”

The cap would be 5% of state personal income. The calculation would be “based on a rolling 10-year average of personal income growth.”

This sound approach would provide stability in forecasting debt limitation, particularly during recessionary periods when personal income often declines.

DiNapoli’s plan also calls for revising the constitutional limits on the issuance of general obligation bonds supported by the full faith and credit of the state that require voter approval.

The current amendment was designed in the 1800s when the primary modes of transportation were horses, canals and railroads.

DiNapoli’s proposal would permit state bonds to address infrastructure needs for airports, mass transit, roads,

bridges and water and sewer lines. The issuance of debt for emergencies without voter approval must also be updated. Presently, constitutional exceptions include invasion, insurrection and the suppression of forest fres. New exceptions for the issuance of debt outside the cap should be permitted to respond to terrorist attacks and public health emergencies.

However, to prevent gubernatorial overreach during a crisis (i.e., Andrew Cuomo during the COVID pandemic), DiNapoli’s plan would require that a declaration of emergency “be limited to debt being issued in no more than three years after such declaration, not exceed a maximum amount of specifed in the declaration, and have a fnal maturity of no more than 10 years.”

To curb Albany’s never-ending spending spree that is taking the state down the road to fnancial perdition, constitutional debt reform is imperative.

The comprehensive DiNapoli plan, if implemented, will meet that need by restoring voter accountability and ensuring outstanding debt will be afordable and properly expended.

Stories of love and death on Valentine’s Day

Stories of love or death for Valentine’s Day

(A mother’s love is what those baby geese are chasing )

Stories may have very diferent opening lines but are basically the same story told with diferent characters. “Lolita” began with the line “Lolita, light of my life, fre of my loins” and “Moby Dick” started with the line “Call me Ishmael,” but in the end these two stories were the same.

Humbert Humbert, the middle-aged literature professor, was obsessed with the nymphet Lolita and that obsession killed him. Captain Ahab was obsessed with Moby Dick and his obsession killed

him, too. Lolita was a 12-year-old girl and Moby Dick was a whale, but they both got the plot moving along well.

Of course, not all stories end so sadly.

“One Thousand and One Nights” is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales about Scheherazade, who was permitted to live by entertaining her king with an interesting story each night. And I thought my deadlines were terrifying. Dante’s “The Divine Comedy” does end with him going to heaven in the end, which is a better deal than Ahab’s or Humbert Humbert’s.

Humans tell stories because we need stories. It gives our world some meaning and purpose and ofers solace or beauty along the way. The famous mythologist Joseph Campbell said that all great stories have the same plot. You have someone who receives a call to embark on a journey. The main character hesitates and then begins the journey. He or she encounters challenges, receives help from a mentor, eventually faces the enemy, survives all the trials and returns back to share the boon. This is the plot of “Star Wars” with Luke Skywalker as the young hero and Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda as the mentors. George Lucas directed these flms and he used Joseph Campbell as a consultant.

A mother’s love is what those baby geese are chasing.

Great stories are about great adventures, a journey and a transformation. Robinson Crusoe was about a seafaring man who was shipwrecked and strand-

EARTH MATTERS

ing on an island of the coast of South America and survived using his wits. Don Quixote was about an old man inspired by chivalric romances who decided to become a knight errant. He fghts windmills and other oddities and the story of “Don Quixote” is now considered one of the great works of Western literature.

“Les Miserable” is also a tale of adventure and transformation with Jean Valjean starting out as a criminal and ending up as a saint. “The Odyssey” by Homer was about a 10-year journey of Odysseus who had to triumph in war in Troy and overcome the temptations of sirens in order to return to the love of his wife Penelope.

The reason we love to watch sports so much is because they are telling a story as well. Whether it’s golf or the Super Bowl, we watch as athletes face profound pressure and wait to see if they can cope with the pain, anxiety and fatigue. The world will watch the next Super Bowl in order to observe this narrative. Who will choke in the end and who will have the courage and will to win.

Stories give us the answer to the great question of life and its meaning. Each of us is faced with this challenge of creating our own story. We all know our calling. In my case it is to become a great sport psychologist. In your case it may be to become a great teacher or mother or nurse or chef or father. The challenges

and anxiety must be endured if we are to achieve our dream.

We write our own endings. If we are steadfast enough, our story ends in pride and glory and peace like the end of “A Simple Heart” by Flaubert. This is a story about love and devotion where Felicite, a simple maid who lived a life of sufering and loss, transcends her life at the moment of her death as she mistakes her stufed parrot for the Holy Spirit and ascends to heaven. This is the ultimate story of transformation and demonstrates Flaubert’s love for his nanny.

All these stories are strange. Humbert Humbert is an odd duck and so is Ahab. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are oddities as was Dante, Odysseus, Felicite, Ishmael and Robinson Crusoe. But they all had one thing in common. They were all looking for love and it was that need that kept them alive and in the hunt. The hope for love is used to help the hero journey onward past all the fear and pain and sufering.

We like stories because they inspire us to carry on, give us hope and courage in our hunt. “All That Jazz” ended with Joe Gideon dying as a result of his endless quest for love. And “Rocky” gets his brains beat out and after the fght screams out for his “Adrian!” You thought money makes the world go round, but really it’s love that keeps us moving after all.

Gas stoves are not environmentally sound

My pilot light is always on when it comes to reigniting climate conversations. But these days my fuse is especially short. What blew up for me was the most recent, ridiculous conversation about gas stoves.

There’s so much noise that you may have missed the headlines. But many got fred up when Richard Trumpka Jr. of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission proposed that natural gas stoves are “a hidden hazard” and might be banned as other unsafe products have been. This isn’t news. In 1986 the EPA warned about gas stoves’ harmful efect on indoor air quality, but the gas industry waged a well-funded misinformation campaign to quickly drown out the alarm bells.

Of course, gas stoves are part of the fossil fuel pollution problem that’s contributing to climate change. Natural gas is 90% methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas at more than 80 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide in the frst 20 years. Natural gas powers indoor appliances like kitchen stoves and water heaters in most homes in Nassau County and a growing number in Sufolk as National Grid continues to push east.

Gas stoves leak methane even when they’re of as our gas pipes and fttings can’t keep this potent greenhouse gas contained. At every point of the natural gas infrastructure, from fracking to pipeline transport to your home, this fighty

gas escapes and pollutes not just the atmosphere, but also your indoor air. Yet little data seems to have actually reached the consumer regarding the harmful effects on our health.

In a newly released PSE (Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers) for Healthy Energy study titled “Home is Where the Pipeline Ends,” Ivy League researchers detected the presence of at least 21 hazardous air pollutants, including known carcinogens and neurotoxins. Policy makers and consumers should familiarize themselves with this important study.

It reports that gas appliances aren’t just ob-NOx-ious contributors to climate change, but also causing pollution right now in your home. Upon combustion, not just fne particulate matter but a whole lot of harmful gasses, like nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and other health hazards are blowing right into your face as you cook.

Using a gas stove is like living with an indoor smoker. Of course, proper ventilation while cooking would expel indoor pollution, but how often do you turn it on? Even I am guilty of not using the range hood at maximum exhaust when we gather in the kitchen with family and friends. Instead, I turn the loud fans down or even of, so I can better participate in the conversation or listen to the news. This is why we’re replacing our gas stove with an induction stove. Our home is powered by solar panels, so

HILDUR PALSDOTTIR Earth Matters

it makes sense for us to replace gas appliances with clean energy electric ones. What’s concerning is that millions of Americans don’t have a choice in this matter and many kitchen ventilators do not exhaust the toxic fumes to the outside. Some just draw the fumes into a flter that captures the particulate matter (smoke); the carcinogenic gases remain. When the flter gets dirty even the particulates aren’t contained. It’s estimated that at least half of kitchens aren’t properly ventilated, making it clear the gas stove is a public health hazard. It exposes our children and vulnerable citizens to unhealthy air, risking respiratory prob-

lems and neurologic damage.

Decades of studies and peer-reviewed fndings warn that gas-burning stoves are causing childhood asthma. A December study claims 18.8% of childhood asthma cases in New York could have been prevented. Experts are calling it “gasthma.” Knowing this, the majority of Long Islanders I’ve spoken with still insist that they’re “cooking with gas!”

The impassioned defense of the gas stove that recently hit the mainstream media is a result of a renewed disinformation campaign that has been waged for decades by well-funded lobbyists serving those who put profts over people. Do you still believe it’s “better” to cook with gas? Or would you rather become part of the climate solution and explore clean, energy efcient, and lifesustaining methods for feeding your family?

I’ve personally been disheartened by the resistance I have met here in Nassau as I replace my gas stove with an induction stove. Even the salesperson advised me against this purchase, warning that the resale value of my home will drop as “everyone wants a gas stove”!

I grew up in Iceland where we power our homes with cleaner energy. We don’t burn natural gas. I assure you that my food cooked with electricity was just as tasty as that cooked here by burning gas. Today’s induction stoves are at least equal and even better in response time for cooking.

If you care to be part of the climate solution, transition away from fossil fuels. Start with cleaning up your home energy source (solar, geothermal). Then replace your gas appliances with electric. Please call your local elected ofcials and ask them to support the All-Electric Building Act, S562A/A920.

Cities and counties across the United States have already adopted electrifcation ordinances on new constructions. The power grid doesn’t have to pollute, there’s a better way, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has already set an example for New York State by committing new buildings in New York City to be all-electric starting in 2024.

Thanks to the Infation Reduction Act, legislation committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, this year you will be eligible to save thousands of dollars when you buy a heat pump, install solar panels and move away from gas towards energy-efcient household appliances. Savings through tax credits and rebates will help citizens transition without economic stress. If you plan to upgrade your home for clean energy solutions, please visit https://www. energy.gov/scep/home-energy-rebateprograms-frequently-asked-questions

This column was written with the editing assistance of Billii Roberti, of Green Choices Consulting, an energy efciency and renewable energy consultant.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Hochul’s proposal to make N.Y. ‘more livable’

Agovernment’s budget is policy made real, promises put into action. There is a lot to commend Gov. Kathy Hochul for what she has in her proposed $227 billion budget (balanced as required by state constitution). In remarks introducing the budget, she said it incorporates “unprecedented investments in areas that will make a positive impact in people’s lives, that’ll make the New York dream real, make it safer, more afordable, more livable.”

In the realm of public safety, Hochul is proposing $337 million to reduce gun violence, including investing in communities most under siege (crime analysis centers, data sharing, working with the nine-state coalition to stop the fow of illegal guns, targeting resources for youth employment, training and after-school programs), redeploying State Police to assist cities that seek help, investing $12.8 million to expand Community Stabilization Units (community policing) and revising bail reform laws.

Making communities safe also requires fxing the mental health system. She is proposing to spend $1 billion to transform care: 1,000 inpatient psychiatric beds, 150 new beds in state facilities, meaningful wraparound services and $10 million to expand school-based services. Insurance companies would be required to cover mental health services, including treating opioid addiction. The state is working jointly with federal and local partners to stop deadly drugs from coming into the communities. She proposes to build 3,500 residential units supported by intensive mental health

services.

One of the most controversial proposals (especially raising hackles from suburban Republicans) is her plan to fnally, actually address New York’s housing crisis. Her New York Housing Compact calls for creating 800,000 new homes over the new next decade, on top of last year’s $25 billion investment. to create 100,000 afordable housing units. She is setting a target for a 3 percent increase in housing stock in downstate communities and 1 percent upstate every three years. “It’s very doable, and we’ll work with our local partners,” said said. “No longer is failure an option. And this is not a one-size-ft-all approach.”

Parrying the attack that local governments would be giving up control, she noted that the plan allows for local governments to decide how they will meet these targets – perhaps redeveloping old ofce parks or changing zoning codes. The state will provide incentives, paid for out of a proposed $250 million infrastructure fund “because I know from my experience that’s often the barrier” — to pay for the sewers, the roads, the schools that redevelopment entails. In addition, localities can tap into a $20 million fund for planning assistance, since not every town has a planning department.

A big focus – for more than a decade – has been to encourage growth in the New York City metropolitan area through transit-oriented development that has transformed and revitalized many suburban downtowns (helped with the state’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization grants), at the same time giving these

KAREN RUBIN View Point

localities an expanded tax base, which gives relief on property taxes. And the more houses that are built, the bigger the housing supply, which lowers the cost of owning a home – so a win-win-win.

Hochul also is continuing her record investment in public education – upping last year’s $31 billion in school aid to $34.5 billion – the largest school aid increase ever.

To mitigate the afordability crisis that often keeps parents home from the workplace, Hochul proposes to increase investments in child care, increasing to an unprecedented $7.6 billion over the next four years, and easing eligibility to make 500,000 families eligible. She also seeks to make New York State’s 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave available to state employees (how is it that they don’t have it now?).

READERS WRITE

Thankfully, Hochul is also continuing to make climate change a priority, which she called “the greatest threat to our children and grandchildren.” She is proposing to implement a nation-leading Cap and Invest program and a $200 million fund to help low-income families insulate their homes, upgrade their appliances, get new heating systems. She will also draw upon $500 million in clean water infrastructure funding on top of the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act that voters approved.

The pandemic only underscored inadequacies of the state’s health care system, so she is proposing to double down on last year’s historic investment with an additional $1 billion to address health care needs and prepare for future public health emergencies. She proposes $500 million “to invest in transformative capital funding, help our hospitals, while being laser focused on underserved communities where the health outcomes are the poorest.” She is also proposing to establish a new health care technology program, expanding telehealth services.

Turning to economic development (jobs!), she said “we’re working to become the most worker-friendly and the most business-friendly.” She is proposing $1.3 billion in economic development investments to create the jobs of the future.

Drawing on the success of attracting Micron, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing that’s investing $100 billion over the next 20 years and will support 50,000 jobs, Hochul is proposing the frst ever Ofce of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration. And

for workers, she is proposing to tie the state’s minimum wage to infation.

Another focus for economic development is public transit. Touting major improvements, including the Long Island Railroad’s Third Track and access to Grand Central Madison, as well as moving forward with the Second Avenue subway, the Interboro Express and perhaps most signifcantly a groundbreaking on the much needed Gateway Tunnel (thanks to Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act), she is proposing $9.1 billion for transformation investments.

Calling the MTA “the lifeblood for many New Yorkers,” Hochul is also proposing a “multi-faceted solution” to the MTA’s fnancial woes, including $400 million savings and efciencies without cutting service. This includes reallocating some federal funding, increasing contributions from New York City, and in the long term earmarking a share of future casino revenues.

But in the second most controversial part of her budget plan, she is calling for a small increase from 0.34 percent to 0.5 percent in the existing payroll mobility tax.

“This is a pivotal moment for our state,” she declared. “If we want to make real progress for our people, we can.”

The state Assembly and Senate are holding 13 joint hearings on the proposed executive budget through March 1. These joint hearings will continue through March 1 and will be available for viewing on the Senate and Assembly websites.

The George Santos debacle a stain on N.Y. 3

As a resident and voter in NY3, i am truly amazed at how many of my neighbors voted for George Santos (Is that his real name)? and have been engaged in an exercise to explain how this could have happened. How did NY3 voters not know about the lies that the members of the Republican Party knew about

in 2020 when he ran unsuccessfully against Tom Suozzi. Did voters give up their good judgment in a quest of power that will not accrue less crime, local taxes, unless they want county insolvency and a repeal in SALT state tax collection?

And what do we not have to show for this election? A man who stole votes

and a seat in the House of Representatives that he lied and cheated to obtain.

A man who supports extremist, exclusionary positions, division and fear. A man to whom NY3 voters have ceded ethicality, morality and good judgment for unthinking adherence to someone else’s goals.

It is past time to pressure all local,

state and federal politicians to move all their colleagues to remove George Santos. We have not been successful to date. Perhaps it is now time to also tell all politicians that they will not longer receive our donations until this is accomplished. It is past time for people to stop pretending that he has any legitimacy in the Congress, a right to a sal-

ary, medical care and police protection. It is past time to send him packing into his previous existence of obscurity. It is past time to send a message that NY 3 will not tolerate deception and corruption.

Josie Pizer Great Neck

Never too late to give thanks to others

We know this is very late, but it is welldeserved, nonetheless. We could not let another year pass without thanking Finn MacCool’s and Sullivan’s Quay for their generosity and kindness!

Over the past few decades, they have been long-time supporters of St. Peter of Alcantara’s Parish Outreach Thanksgiving Meals for Seniors. The thoughtfulness and compassion they show towards these beloved members of our community who are either alone for the holidays, ill, and or homebound is nothing short of inspiring.

We are truly touched and are so deeply grateful. In addition, we would also like to express our gratitude to Leona Murphy for her tireless eforts behind the scenes. Leona has been volunteering at

Parish Social Ministry (Outreach) for over 20 years and has been coordinating the entire event for just as long.

In addition to leading Sullivan’s delivery team on Thanksgiving Eve, not to mention all the work

she does every week at our food pantry and outreach ofce, she does an impeccable job ensuring that the entire program runs smoothly from beginning to end, year after year.

Also, we cannot forget Emily Hanlon, who leads

our Finn’s delivery team on Thanksgiving morning and she has also done this for decades! Last, but certainly not least, our wonderful volunteer drivers who deliver these delicious meals, many of whom have also been helping for many, many years.

As a family, they often help with their children. What a wonderful example of giving and helping those who are hurting and less fortunate! We are so blessed to have such a dedicated group of caring and selfess individuals! What wonderful people what a wonderful town!

Lourdes Taglialatela Director, Parish Social Ministry (Outreach) St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church

Visiting

My father’s parents lived in a small community wedged between a salt marsh and heavy industry, machine shops and factories of an old eastern coast city.

Most industry were rusting relics, but I heard Sikorsky still operated. Each visit I was told to avoid the streets leading to the abandoned buildings because I liked to roam.

My father also said it’s good to remember that on this earth we are all just visitors here.

I was faithful to my elders and slept well at night. Believe it or not, when Frankie next door wasn’t around the salt marsh was everything to me, summer and winter.

Between traipsing around to taking my boots of to enter into the house through the mud room, always late, doors were not locked. Then everyone left doors open.

The tall reeds bloomed like fowers through the shallows. I lay in the sun and wandered.

Found the nest with the eggs and hungry chicks. Peacefully, to not disturb anything in their world. Learned to go clamming.

Fiddler crabs slipped through fngers like too many thumbs.

I found Indian head coins, a can with a 1909vdb Lincoln head penny and other treasures and lost it!

At tides edge I righted horseshoe crabs and star fsh and returned them to their water world. Older I came to understand they were more related to spiders and there is only our one world— learning little by little to love it.

Today I looked in the mirror, in which to see at last the child came home. I unlocked the door, greeted him and let him in.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

Federal debt, deficit and policy

The national debt has been a punching bag for almost a century, even mentioned in a song written in 1951

(“If You’re So Smart, How Come You Ain’t Rich?”) The debt stands at over $30 trillion and the alarms are sounding just as they did when it hit $5 trillion, $10 trillion, $15 trillion you get the idea.

Everyone’s hair goes on fre with each high water mark, and yet, nothing catastrophic has happened.

There is occasional talk about a “Balanced Budget Amendment” to cure this, but it’s hardly necessary and would needlessly hamstring the government. People are looking at this the wrong way and in highly simplistic terms.

Worse is the political discourse. Comparisons by Congress people referring to the debt as if it were a credit card balance or likening it to household debt are just plain infantile. But there is a mature way to look at this and a rather obvious one.

The last time we ran a surplus was in 1998 to 2001. A confuence of a strong economy and higher tax rates, among other factors, propelled revenues over the level of expenditures. We stopped issuing 30-year treasuries during this period as there was no need to run auctions to fund the government.

People were wondering aloud back then how mortgages would be priced if the same thing happened with shorter maturities that base their yields of 10-year paper.

A series of unfortunate events ended this state of afairs in short order.

First the “dot-com” market crash, then

September 11, and lastly, two poorly structured, reckless and badly timed tax cuts executed by the Bush Administration.

The rationale presented by the Administration was that “it was your money” so it should be returned as if the recession we went through at that time wasn’t enough to eliminate the surplus all by itself.

Note that no matter what, spending and revenue always go up over time. They can vary at diferent rates depending on what is going on at any given moment, but generally speaking, the economy continues to expand and so do the funding and the spending to maintain it.

The frst thing to acknowledge is that strong economies deliver stronger revenues. If a solid pace can be maintained, the gap between spending and revenue narrows. Again, nothing kills revenue like an economic downturn.

The second thing to acknowledge is that tax policy has deliberately sabotaged revenue growth below what could be considered a more “natural,” for lack of a better term, rate than what has been needed.

That is what grew the debt, and although we’ve had moments where the defcit shrank dramatically, it was never enough to pole vault over the debt threshold. But with judicious steps taken, that can be done. And to remind you, you can’t reduce the debt without frst completely eliminating the defcit frst.

There is a common theme with the tax cutters: if you do enough of it, the economy will grow and the debt will take care of itself. There is only one faw in this theory:

It is a complete fantasy, it never happened in reality and tax policy over the years has not been a major factor in overall economic performance.

No matter what the tax rate, there are dozens of levers working on the economy at any given time, and to underscore the obvious once again, a solid economy will generate solid revenue growth, and historically, tax policy hasn’t helped or hindered any outsized degree unless

it’s some targeted sector like real estate, for example. So recessions come and go, employment and waxes and wanes no matter where marginal rates sit, or how capital gains are taxed.

Moreover, the tax-cutting policy sews the seeds of ever larger debt. As mentioned, spending and revenues always go up, save for the occasional disruptions that history serves up.

So if you never give revenues a chance to catch up to expenditure after the bottom falls out, it’s like dropping the baton in a foot race over and over again. You’ll just keep falling behind, and there is no way to catch up. Ever.

So this explains why we needlessly torture ourselves over the national debt, and why a few sober, simple acts of policy aimed at revenue growth would end the farce once and for all. That’s where the conversation should start. Not with an artifcially imposed debt limit, or the performative nonsense served up by the Republicans.

Donald Davret Roslyn

Push for a bigger, better state bottle bill

Every once in a while, a law comes along that has a positive impact on the environment with almost no downside. New York’s Bottle Deposit Law is one of those. So you would think that adding commonsense upgrades to this proven and successful bottle bill would be a no-brainer. The new improvements address growing environmental concerns, ease the fnancial burden for municipalities and help ofset the cost of living for the underserved. But de-

spite these clear benefts, Gov. Hochul has made the decision to leave the new “Bigger Better Bottle Bill” out of her executive budget.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the initial implementation of the original Bottle Deposit Law. The bill required a 5-cent refundable deposit on eligible beverage containers to encourage their return to avoid litter and waste. The law has been the state’s most efective recycling and litter prevention program. For example,

in 2020, New York’s redemption rate was at 64%, roadside litter was reduced by 70% over the past four decades, and 5.5 billion containers were recycled in the state. Who doesn’t want to see those numbers go up?

The Bigger Better Bottle Bill would add non-carbonated drinks, wine and spirits for redemption and double the deposit value to 10-cents to increase the rate of recovery and incidentally provide a much needed “raise” for those who collect bottles as a source

of income.

Reloop, a non-proft advocating for a global circular economy, estimates that expanding the law would save New York’s municipalities $70.9 million annually through waste diversion. Not only would municipalities save fnancially, but diversion on this scale from the waste stream would save an estimated 331,900 metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of removing 32,000 cars from roads each year.

As someone who is deeply in-

volved with the global plastics crisis, it is more than disappointing to see something as sensible and responsible as this updated bill get left of the governor’s budget. Did I mention it would be a major fnancial beneft both for New York’s municipalities and the state as a whole, with no cost to taxpayers? Let’s fnd a way to get this done!

Legislator Pilip should focus on her district

An open letter to Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip:

Your recent “District 10 Update” of Jan, 23, 2023 is a disappointing attack on the governor of New York State and the mayor of New York City, with little actual information of use to your constituents. Instead, you are repeating tired partisan attacks on Democrats and blaming the rise in crime on bail reform.

The fact is there is no evidence to support the fear-mongering claim that bail reform has contributed to

the rise in crime on Long Island.

There is no evidence that crimes are being perpetrated by repeat offenders released without bail, yet Republicans continue to spread that misinformation. Attempts to roll back bail reform will certainly have a disproportionate impact on Black people and other people of color.

Yes, Nassau County needs to be kept safe. So what is our county executive doing to make good on his campaign promises to keep us safe?

Since Bruce Blakeman took ofce in January 2022, crime has increased by 41%, according to Newsday and

you cannot blame that solely on bail reform.

Perhaps Nassau County would be safer and would function more effciently if our local elected ofcials concentrated more on governing their own districts instead of campaigning for state and national candidates and attending press conferences to attack their political rivals.

Fully half of your “District 10 Update” consists of a diatribe against Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg for his sentencing of a criminal convicted of a hate crime against a Jewish man from the South Shore of Long Island,

which is not your district, along with condemnation of Gov. Hochul for not repealing bail reform.

While I share your outrage at the alarming increase in antisemitism nationwide, I think your “District 10 Update” should focus on matters in District 10 instead of political attacks on Democrats throughout the state.

You were elected to be our Nassau County legislator. What have you done for your constituents lately? That’s what we want to know.

Please, stop the partisan attacks on Democratic city and state ofcials and focus on the needs of your con-

stituents in District 10.

We are the laughing stock of the world due to our con man of a congressman, “George Anthony Devolder Santos,” whom you enthusiastically endorsed at many appearances together.

Now, more than ever, your constituents are in need of honest and diligent representation at the local level.

Nina K. Gordon Great Neck

Patti Wood Port Washington

Trellus offers $500 grant to businesses

BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery is offering a $500 grant to 20 different small businesses on Long Island which would cover their subscription to the service and about three months of deliveries.

Trellus is an on-demand, same-day delivery service on Long Island which helps local businesses compete with Amazon and other large national companies, according to Adam Haber, co-founder and CEO of Trellus.

Don’t miss your opportunity to submit your nominations for the Top Business Leaders 2023. Blank Slate Media is recognizing the most infuential and accomplished individuals in business, fnance, education, law, not-for-proft, and media who continue to fnd ways to lead and inspire.

PRESENTED BY

“Instead of shopping at Macy’s, you’ll go to Madison’s Niche, which is a chain of local retail stores that sells clothing and gifts,” Haber said. “We want to be everything you’d find on Amazon, you’d find on our marketplace.”

Trellus entered into the 1010 WINS Small Business $10K Challenge, sponsored by Dime Community Bank, with the intention of sharing the prize money with local companies. Upon winning the challenge, the company opened applications for small businesses to apply for 20 “micro grants” of $500 each.

“Small businesses deserve a win against the likes of Amazon, Walmart, and other ecommerce giants. Trellus is breaking down barriers to help independently owned businesses survive,” said JR Jensen, co-founder and chief technology officer of Trellus, in a press release. “We’re thrilled to share this $10,000 with independent businesses on Long Island that are driving local economic growth and breathing life into our downtowns.”

To be eligible, a business must have a physical location on Long Island. But it doesn’t have to be a store—it could also be a home-based business, Haber said. Trellus encourages businesses with a strong community focus to apply, particularly those owned by women, Black, Indigenous and people of color, and military veterans. The application window closes Feb. 14.

From “Mineloa to Montauk, the goal is for us to help people support these small businesses by making it irresistible to shop local,” Haber said.

Cold freezes out town Polar Plunge

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Participants in the Polar Plunge expect to get cold – they quite literally sign up to subject themselves to freezing cold waters for the purpose of raising money for the Special Olympics New York. But ironically enough, the North Hempstead plunge scheduled Feb. 4 was canceled because it was too cold.

“It’s the winter,” Bayside resident and plunge participant Jamey Kohn said jokingly to his friends. “It’s supposed to be cold.”

But it wasn’t just cold. Director of Development for Special Olympics New York Rebecca Hoffmann said it would have been “completely fine” if it was just really cold, but it was the negative windchill at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington that made the plunge there no longer safe.

“It is a polar plunge so you’re supposed to be cold, but safety does come first,” Hoffman said. “It was a hard decision, but we knew it was the right decision.”

water would have been about 40 degrees, Hoffman said that upon exiting the water attendees would be subjected to hypothermia.

Plungers included Special Olympic athletes and Hoffmann said it would have been dangerous for them due to their health issues.

The event also included a celebration on the shores beforehand with awards and sponsors present. It was decided that even the pre-plunge activities were not safe as attendees were vulnerable to frostbite if they were simply outside for more than 15 minutes.

But Kohn, who is the executive director of Temple Israel of Great Neck, is not afraid of extreme activities paired with extreme temperatures. While this would have been his first Polar Plunge, Kohn has participated in ultra-marathons, one of which was a 100-mile race in Buffalo two years ago in February. He said the temperatures ranged from 7-30 degrees during the 27-½-hour race, with his water bottle freezing after the first 30 minutes.

SPONSORED BY

She added that they were monitoring the weather with the town of North Hempstead and the Port Washington Fire Dept. in the week leading up to the event and were hopeful the plunge could still happen. As they got closer to the 24hour mark, the temperature continued to drop and Friday afternoon they made the decision to cancel the event.

The Polar Plunge involves participants jumping into freezing cold waters, so even though the

While Kohn was not fazed by the cold weather the morning of the plunge, he said even going on a nine-mile run at 6 a.m. that day, his disappointment in the plunge’s cancelation was coupled with an understanding of the risks at hand.

“Would I have done [the Polar Plunge] anyway?” Kohn asked. “I still would have tried it despite the temps, but I understand. It’s a dangerous situation. The water is a scary place for people — even more so in less extreme temperatures.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TRELLUS

Brian Berkery, left, Adam Haber, and J.R. Jensen

Human trafficking prevention month Fight for Charity seeks boxers

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Robert Troiano, Jr., Peter Zuckerman, Dennis Walsh, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte along with Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava welcomed Jennifer Rowland of The Safe Center LI to Town Hall on Jan. 24.

Town ofcials presented a proclamation of recognition ofcially declaring January as National Human Traffcking Prevention Month. This month

is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafcking and educating individuals on ways to identify and prevent it.

The Safe Center LI is a non-proft organization located in Nassau County, that provides free, confdential and comprehensive services for victims sufering from all forms of interpersonal violence and assault. For more information on The Safe Center LI visit: www.tscli.org.

Students collect over 2,000 books

Students at the Vincent Smith School in Port Washington collected over 2,000 children’s books to donate to Hindi’s Libraries.

Hindi’s Libraries collect and donate new and gently used children’s books to families in need across the globe, at NO COST to recipients. Organizations across the globe have beneftted from these book donations, spanning across all 50 states, India, Africa, Haiti, Puerto Rico and more. See more of their story on the Today Show: https://www.today. com/video/honoring-a-teacher-s-love-ofliterature-by-putting-books-in-hands-of-

kids-134410821702

The Vincent Smith School is a private 1st-12th grade school specializing in learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

Students thrive in small, nurturing classes with special education teachers who can diferentiate instruction according to each child’s individual needs.

The school has been a mainstay of Port Washington since 1924 and has graduated children from many notable Long Island families including Guggenheim, Grumman, Hicks, Morley, Shea, Paley, and more.

Call for Long Islanders in the business community to step in the ring to box for charity in the 18th Annual Main Event

Long Island Fight for Charity,the nation’s only all-volunteer charity fundraising event and program is now conducting its search for 2023 volunteer charity boxers. Since 2003, over 350 men and women have earned the title of LIFFC Alumni Boxer, volunteering their time to fundraise for local charities and get in shape to box in the annual main event.

The LIFFC 18th Annual Main Event will be on Monday, Nov. 20 and will feature at least 10 bouts between volunteer charity boxers who have demonstrated their personal commitment to raising a minimum of $10,000 for the Fight for Charity organization,benefting local charities, endure physical training and participate in promotional activities and media interviews.

Since its inception, the event has raised over $1.75 million for local, Long Island-based charities.

Applications are now being accepted for volunteer charity boxers who will enter training to prepare them to step in the ring at the 18th Annual Main Event. Boxing experience is not required. What is required is a commitment to fundraising, “character,” a willingness to train and be ready to meet a business colleague toeto-toe in the ring in front of a thousand fans.

This is a rare opportunity for individuals to make a personal commitment of time, talent and to truly “give back.”

Since 2003, LIFFC has distributed funds each year to Long Island charities including Long Island Community Chest, The Genesis School, National Foundation for Human Potential and many others.

“Since 2003, businesspeople have volunteered to become charity boxers and many have said it was the ‘experience of a lifetime’. Here on Long Island,there are men and women who want to ‘give back’ to the community in a meaningful way by volunteering to become Charity Boxers. Over the years, the success of LIFFC has been related to the volunteer boxers who have given their time and talent in support of our mis-

sion, which is to raise funds for charities that provide services for Long Islanders who are in need,” said Fight for Charity co-founder, Jef Cohen. “Now is the time for men or women to consider donning a pair of boxing gloves and start prepping for this fall’s Main Event.”

If you have connections in the Long Island business community, relish both physical and mental challenges and possess a spirited drive to “give back” and improve the lives of fellow Long Islanders,please visit https://lifghtforcharity.org/boxer-application/to learn more about how to participate in this year’s main event.

To request an application to become a volunteer boxer email info@lifghtforcharity.org or call 631-757-0432.

Supporting access to education

New York Institute of Technology and the National Supermarket Association, a trade association representing more than 200 members who own 400 supermarkets in New York and other cities throughout the East coast, Mid-Atlantic region, and Florida, are teaming up to help provide access to education to NSA members, their employees, and their families.

The related missions of the two organizations provide a strong foundation for this collaboration.

The NSA, founded in 1989 by Hispanic entrepreneurs, is committed to supporting education for its members’ approximately 20,000 employees and their families. For more than 60 years, New York Tech has been guided by its mission to provide all qualifed students access to the opportunity to receive a career-oriented professional education and is recognized for the diversity and social mobility of its student body.

Beginning with the spring 2023 semester, NSA will promote information about New York Tech undergrad-

uate programs to its members, their employees, and their families.

New York Tech’s School of Management M.B.A. programs will also be promoted in this relationship. Accepted students are eligible for scholarships; NSA scholarships will cover at least 25 percent of related students’ full-time tuition.

“As we work to develop new channels and opportunities to provide access to education, New York Tech is committed to actively engaging with employers such as NSA to create pathways for traditional and nontraditional students seeking a college education,” said Jerry Balentine, provost and executive vice president at New York Tech. “This partnership model is one we hope to emulate with additional employers, and we applaud NSA for advocating for education among its members and their employees.”

“Our entrepreneurial drive led us to open supermarkets a few decades ago in what had been economically depressed, primarily minority neigh-

borhoods. Today, this same vision that strengthened and enhanced our communities extends in many ways, including our dedication to helping people earn a college degree. We believe that our community members interested in pursuing higher education will fnd a place for themselves at New York Tech,” said Samuel Collado, NSA president.

The two organizations will also work together to provide internships, experiential learning and other career-related opportunities. For example, NSA will be invited to New York Tech career fairs and related events, and NSA members will consider qualifed New York Tech candidates for internships and job opportunities.

The two will also collaborate on fundraising eforts in support of student scholarships, and NSA will encourage its members to support New York Tech’s Grizzly Cupboard food pantries, part of the Bear Bytes initiative, which provides students with food as well as health and wellness resources and information.

Legislature to allocate money for youth services

The Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously on Monday, Jan. 23 to allocate more than $560,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to Nassau County’s Department of Youth

Services, which will distribute funds to an array of not-for-proft health and social service agencies that serve Nassau families and children.

Several of the organizations that

are slated to receive additional funding through this initiative include the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, the Port Washington Parent Resource Center and more.

“So many not-for-proft organizations are still struggling to get fully back to normal after the disruptions that were caused by COVID-19,” said Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton

(D-Glen Cove). “I thank my colleagues in the Legislature for voting to deliver muchneeded support for ongoing and new programs that enrich the lives of our children and their families on a daily basis.”

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING HALL OF FAME OFFERS RANGE OF PERFORMERS

The newly opened Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, on 97 Main St., Stony Brook, NY, is hosting a range of live event performances in February.

The first event is on Feb. 5 from 3-4 p.m. featuring George Cintron & Danny Miranda.

This will be followed by The Como Brothers on Feb. 12 from 3-4 p.m.

The next event is on Feb. 19 with Buddy Merriam from 3-4 p.m.

On Feb. 25 the Long Island Comedy Festival featuring Paul Anthony, Maria Walsh and Rob Falcone will be held at 8 pm.

Lastly, on Feb. 26 MJT will be performing from 3-4 p.m.

Events during regular visitor hours are free with admission ticket purchase. Events after hours require separate ticket purchases. More details and for tickets visit: https:// www.limusichalloffame.org/ticketsand-gift-cards/

Danny Miranda’s influences and musical palette range from Roots, Americana, Jazz, Pop, Heavy Rock, and everything in between. Danny’s touring experience began in the early ’80s in and around the New York City club scene and has become the choice player for the likes of Brian May, Paul Rodgers, and many other top-tier performers and musicians. Whether playing arena rock or an intimate folk or jazz club, Danny fits the bill. A true student of the game and a masterful musician.

George Cintron is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who is a founding member of the group “Cintron”- a band that dominated the 1980’s tristate club circuit. Guitarist for Windborne Music shows touring throughout North America including Tributes to: Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, The Doors, Michael Jackson, Las Vegas Production of Queen’s Musical “We Will Rock You.” Has also played with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Enrique Igle-

sias

Matt and Andrew Como, are musicians (singers, songwriters and performers) from Long Island who are passionate about their songwriting, heartfelt lyrics, and recording original music. Combining a pop and rock easy-listening sound with a blues vibe, they have written and recorded multiple albums and EP’s of original songs.

Their latest songs have been recorded with Grammy-nominated engineer Kenta Yonesaka at Germano Studios in New York City. Matt and Andrew have toured the East Coast performing at venues such as the Hard Rock Café and The Cutting Room in New York City along with performances around the country from Hollywood California to Texas’ South by Southwest, Florida, Boston, New York City and more.

Matt and Andrew have had songs being featured in TV shows such as E! Networks’ Keeping Up with the Kardashians, MTV’s The Real World, and The Oxygen Channel’s Best Ink and on global in-store playlists for H&M, Zara, Pull Bear among others. Their videos have been playlisted in US stores like Walmart, Costco, BJs and others.

The Como Brothers have established themselves as singer-songwriters working with industry legends such as drummer Steve Jordan (John Mayer, Saturday Night Live band, Late Night with David Letterman), keyboardist Andy Burton (Little Stephen

& the Disciples of Soul), Aaron Sterling (Taylor Swift),and many more. Celebrating 43 years together,Buddy Merriam & Back Roads are one of the North East’s longest-performing bluegrass bands. They have released 7 CDs and Buddy has produced 2 books of his original mandolin compositions. Over the years the group has entertained at the Grand Ole Opry, World of Bluegrass for the IBMA in Owensboro and Louisville K.Y. and Nashville Tenn. BM&BR have played at most of the large bluegrass festivals in the NE and 2 tours of Ireland, Scotland & England. Buddy is the long-time host of the popular Blue Grass Time radio program on WUSB 90.1fm every Wed. 6-8 p.m. since 1991.

Buddy is a founding member of the 501 (c)(3).Mandolin Heritage Association and currently working on a 200-tune transcription/video project that is the beginning of an archive of his music. He is a proud recipient of a Long Island Sound Award from the L.I. Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Buddy Merriam & Back Roads 2023 includes Buddy on the mandolin, Ward Cloughen on string bass, Beaumont Tamchin on guitar, Adam Becherer on the fiddle and powerhouse vocalist Nicole Evans. For more information visit www.BuddyMerriam.com or follow on Facebook/Buddymerriam.

MJT is a musical force of nature and long-time fixture of Long Island’s

live music scene. The Godfrey brothers’ musical trifecta is built on Matt’s ambidextrous virtuosity, playing simultaneous keyboards and synth bass, Jordan’s bombastic, edge-of-your-seat drumming and David’s atmospheric chord melody guitar parts and soulful vocals. The Godfrey brothers’ magic has captivated audiences opening for Slash and Miles Kennedy and backing diverse, national touring acts like Yellowman, Stone Bwoy, and Tash Neal.

The Godfrey brothers first gained national attention in 2009 by sneaking out of a homeless shelter to win the fabled Amateur Night contest at the historic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NYC. Having grown up playing music as a means of survival, the Godfrey brothers are so close and familiar with one another, they are able to morph as a unit, moving through space and time with a collective mind share that is a wonder to behold.

MJT’s live show showcases the band’s unique blend of groove, heaviness, and emotion with interwoven melodies, complex harmony, counterpoint, timing, and sheer intensity. Heightening the sense of orchestral grandeur emanating from the 3-piece live band, MJT has evolved from an underage virtuoso jazz combo into a world-class musical powerhouse of epic proportions, delivering ambitious compositions without losing the energy and soul of rock music.

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is open Wednesdays-Sundays from 12 noon

through 5 p.m. Admission prices are:

Adult $19.50, Seniors (65+) and Veterans $17.00, Students (w/ID) $15.00. Children under 12 are free. Tickets and now gift cards can be purchased online at the LIMEHOF.org website and at the door.

The first exhibit features replicas of clubs, with videos of artists performing, ads, posters, instruments, and an exact replica of a typical 1970’s stage, with vintage equipment and sound system. There is also a permanent “Hall of Fame” with plaques and exhibits recognizing over 120 inductees, as well as areas for a library, classrooms for educational programs and master classes, a surround -sound theater and a gift shop with music and entertainment themed memorabilia.

There are a wide range of compelling visual elements and rare artifacts on display throughout the building. Inducted artists who have donated their memorabilia include Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Debbie Gibson, Blue Öyster Cult, Twisted Sister, and families and estates of Harry Chapin, Guy Lombardo, John Coltrane, and so many more. Donations include various musical instruments, performance outfits, rare posters and photos, handwritten lyrics, and much more.

LIMEHOF has a new event calendar page https://www.limusichalloffame.org/museum/

GIFT CARDS now available online, as well as admission tickets: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/ tickets-and-gift-cards/

Art exhibit at the Great Neck Library

The Great Neck Library is exhibiting the Light in Motion paintings by Clemente Ettrick from Feb. 14, 2023 to March 10 at our Main Library, 159 Bayview Ave. in Great Neck. We welcome you to come join us for a reception on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

When Clemente Ettrick closed his forty-year Manhattan advertising design studio and retired, his plan was not to leave the art community.

Instead, he chose to focus on developing his lifelong passion: exploring fine art with a focus on human anatomy. The suggestion that he consider painting performing artists was a good one. Drawing from his work experience, study of human anatomy, frequent quick sketch practice sessions at the Art Students League of New York, and affiliations with artist groups here on Long Island, he has continued to refine his skills by painting images of local performance artists.

He has also become proficient at using light and color to create images that reflect the physical and emotional expressions of those artists themselves.

Membership in the Huntington Arts Council, which hosts a wonderful annual summer arts festival, has provided opportunities for him to observe performances of Long Island dancers and create paintings based on his interpretations and impressions of their performances. His goal

is to capture and bring their work to life for those who saw the performances as well as for others who did not.

Clemente’s exhibit at the Great Neck Library’s Main Branch comes primarily from his Light in Motion collection, which spotlights local dancers, some of whom perform with Great Neck-area dance studios.

Clemente displays his work on ClementesPalette.com, Instagram as @clementespalette and Facebook as ClementesPalette.

His original paintings are not for sale. However, most of them are available in limited editions as giclées, which are frameable museum-quality reproductions. Created on canvas or pastel paper, they are indistinguishable from the originals.

Most recently, Clemente has been painting flamenco dancers and has entered a collaboration with a New York City choreographer/performance artist, Bárbara Martínez to raise awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on the environment. In the spring of 2023, they plan to display paintings of his impressions of her choreography alongside her live performance of her original work.

For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

dining & gift guide Valentine’sDay

Proposal Pointers

How to plan your Valentine’s Day proposal

Celebrate with Sweets

Valentine’s Day indulgence done devilishly right

Make It a Movie Night

Romantic films to fall in love with

a style for every taste and budget

Planning your Valentine’s Day proposal

February 14 is a day dedicated to love. And for couples who are pondering their futures together, Valentine’s Day may seem tailor-made for wedding proposals. According to a survey of 1,000 married adults by James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewelry retailer, people really love getting engaged on Valentine’s Day. Fortythree percent of Millennials report favoring Valentine’s Day for proposals — whether they’re doing the asking or being asked. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to pop the question on Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas for planning the proposal.

Make it your own

Even if the proposal is taking place on one of the most popular days of the year to get engaged, interject some personality into the occasion. Include important elements that are dear to the person to whom you are proposing, such as favorite fowers or a preferred restaurant. Restaurant reservations may be hard to come by on Valentine’s Day, so you may want to select a more private meal at home or something catered unless you want to share your proposal with a crowd.

Visit possible locations in advance

Think about where you would like to propose and visit those areas at different times of the day. Timing a proposal during sunset with the

rays creating a warm glow on a park bench or on the incoming tide can make it more magical. Adjust proposal area plans for busier crowds expected on Valentine’s Day.

Have the ring at the ready

Jewelry shops are in demand around Valentine’s Day, so be sure to choose and have the ring sized well in advance of the proposal. This ensures the ring will be ready in time. If the ring will be a surprise, get hints beforehand to understand your loved one’s design tastes. Consider bringing a friend along when shopping to offer support and advice.

Use chocolate to your advantage

Boxes of chocolate are ubiquitous on Valentine’s Day. Nestle the ring inside of a box of truffes or another favorite confection and have the question “Will you marry me?” attached to the inside of the box.

Hire

a photographer

Work with a photographer to capture the moment, whether it’s a professional photographer or a friend enlisted for the task. This way you can be fully immersed in the moment as it unfolds, and then look back on the experience from a different perspective when the photos are printed.

Valentine’s Day is a popular time for wedding proposals. With a little planning, the occasion can be even more special.

Buying jewelry for Your Valentine

You can’t buy love, but on Valentine’s Day those in love certainly like to treat the special people in their lives to some lavish tokens of affection. According to the National Retail Federation’s Valentine’s Day Consumer Spending Survey, Americans spend an estimated $19 billion on gifts, flowers, dinners, and more come Valentine’s Day.

In addition to chocolates and flowers, jewelry is a popular Valentine’s Day gift. Since jewelry is often a personal taste, much like a fragrance, it can be challenging to find the perfect item. With so many different styles, colors and pieces, it’s no surprise that so many jewelry shoppers feel overwhelmed. Some expert advice can make the process go more smoothly and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests thinking before you shop. Since jewelry is a major purchase, shoppers should first establish a budget. Consider the gift recipient’s style and look at other jewelry he or she wears. The more informed you are before visiting the jewelry stores, the easier it will be to find a piece he or she will like and one that you can afford.

Take the time to become educated about diamonds and other gemstones. Diamonds’ value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat (often referred to as “The 4 Cs”). Color ranges from the

diamond being nearly white to graded down to yellow. The cut is the way the stone is fashioned. Clarity informs consumers if the stone is flawless or has specs or scratches inside of it. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

Diamonds and gemstones can form naturally or be manufactured in laboratories. Lab-created gemstones may look like natural gemstones but be of lesser value.

Shop around and get referrals for reputable jewelry stores. You can consult the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged about a particular store. Many consumers are most comfortable purchasing jewelry made in-store so they can verify the merchandise and retailer.

Check for the appropriate markings on gold, silver and platinum jewelry that indicate their authenticity. Make sure the jeweler will include certification or a grading report with the jewelry and your receipt.

No matter how much research you do, realize that there’s a chance the jewelry you purchase will not prove the perfect fit. So make sure you understand the store’s return policy and if there is a charge to have rings or other items resized.

Jewelry is a classic Valentine’s Day gift. With the right approach, shoppers can make the process of buying jewelry a lot less intimidating.

Sweet cookies for your Sweetheart

Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to shower loved ones with special gifts, including treats. Dessert is a signifi cant component of Valentine’s Day, as chocolates and cakes are given and consumed in abundance.

French macarons are a great sweet for amateur bakers to add to their Valentine’s Day repertoire. Making macarons often is a labor of

love, so offering a sweetheart a plate of these chewy, meringue-based cookies really shows you care. Vary the fi lling of choice depending on your beloved’s favorite fl avors. Enjoy this recipe for “French Macarons,” which utilizes the Swiss meringue method, courtesy of Karli Bitner and her “Cooking with Karli” blog. Weighing the ingredients produces more reliable results.

French Macarons

Make 20 macarons

100 grams powdered sugar

100 grams superfine almond flour

100 grams egg whites

100 grams granulated sugar

Food coloring, if desired

Vanilla buttercream filling

4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

11⁄2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Up to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Food coloring, if desired

1. Measure out all ingredients.

2. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. Set aside.

3. Add 1 cup of water to your sauce pan or to the liner of your Instant Pot.

4. Heat the water over medium heat until steaming.

5. While the water is heating, add the egg and 3 tablespoons of the measured out sugar to the bowl you’ll be using for the double boiler.

6. Once the water is steaming, place the bowl over the steaming water and whisk until the egg whites are foamy and white. When they are foamy and white, remove the bowl from the pan or Instant Pot and set on a hot pad on the counter. Turn off the burner or Instant Pot.

7. Add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and mix using an electric hand mixture until the egg whites are white, glossy and can form stiff peaks.

8. Add the food coloring now if you’d like to color your macarons. Mix until combined.

9. Add the powdered sugar and almond flour to the bowl and mix with your mixer for 8 seconds. After the 8 seconds is up, use a silicone spatula to stir and smear the batter from the outside of the bowl towards the center. Turn the bowl as you do this

to make sure all of the batter gets stirred equally.

10. Do this until your batter thins and is able to drizzle a ribbon of batter for a few seconds without it breaking.

11. Transfer the batter to a piping bag equipped with a round piping tip.

12. Pipe equal circles onto a silicone or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Make sure that your piping bag is straight up and down. Apply equal pressure and release pulling straight back up. Repeat with the remaining batter.

13. Bang the pan gently but firmly onto the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

14. Preheat oven to 300 F.

15. Allow the macarons to dry out as the oven preheats, for about 20 to 30 minutes. Your macarons should be dry to the touch before going into the oven.

16. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes at 300 F. The macarons should not turn brown.

17. Allow the macarons to cool completely on the pan.

18. When the macarons are completely cool, make your filling.

19. Make your filling by combining all ingredients using either a stand mixer or your electric hand mixer. Slowly add in the heavy cream (you can substitute milk if you’d like) because you want a thick buttercream so it doesn’t squirt out while eating the macaron.

20. Once the buttercream is mixed together and your desired consistency, gently pipe some frosting onto the bottom side of one cookie and then sandwich the frosting with the bottom side of a second cookie to create your macaron.

21. Repeat with remaining cookies.

The various Types of Chocolate

Valentine’s Day is a popular time to indulge in sweets. In fact, according to Nielsen, more than 58 million pounds of chocolate candy will be sold during the week of Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate wasn’t always the sugarsweetened dessert people consume today. The history of chocolate dates back to 1900 BC, when Aztecs believed the cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom. Chocolate was made into fermented beverages, and the cacao beans also were used as a form of currency because they held so much value.

According to the History Channel, some ancient civilizations considered chocolate to be a mood enhancer and aphrodisiac. Chocolate was believed to have mystical properties and was revered so much that it was reserved for rulers, warriors and priests.

It was not until centuries later that edible chocolate became popular among the masses. Dutch chemist Coenraad Johannes van Houten invented the cocoa press, which could turn extrude cocoa butter, paving the way for the modern age of chocolate as a confectionary ingredient and gift.

Choosing the right type of chocolate may require gaining an understanding of various chocolate-related terms.

· Cocoa powder: This is the unsweetened raw form of cocoa made from partially defatted chocolate liquor. Dutch-processed (alkalized) cocoa powder is milder and less acidic than natural cocoa powder.

· Unsweetened chocolate: “Bitter” or “baking chocolate” are other names attributed to unsweetened chocolate. It is best used in baking when it can be combined with sugar and other ingredients. It is also the base ingredient of most forms of chocolate, with the exception of white chocolate.

· Dark chocolate: Chocolate that contains only chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, and lecithin is considered dark chocolate. No milk solids are added in. The higher the percentage on the wrapper, the more bitter the chocolate.

· Milk chocolate: In addition to dark chocolate ingredients, milk chocolate also contains dry milk solids or condensed milk. It is sweet and has a mild chocolate taste.

· Bittersweet and semi-sweet: These chocolates are milder than dark chocolate, but not as sweet as milk chocolate. Many chocolate manufacturers derive their own formulations for these types of chocolate, varying the amount of cocoa solids they include.

· Couverture chocolate: An expensive chocolate, this is coveted by professional bakers or confectioners. It contains a high percent of cocoa butter and chocolate liquor, which helps it to melt evenly. It is ideal for tempering and can coat candies smoothly.

· Ganache: Ganache is a whipped filling, glaze, icing, or sauce that is used in various desserts. It is made by heating cream and pouring over chocolate of any kind. When cooled, it is malleable but not runny, which is why ganache is often used in making candies or fillings.

· Truffle: A chocolate truffle is made from a ball of ganache rolled in cocoa powder. Truffles can be made from any variety of chocolate.

Chocolate is a favorite on Valentine’s Day, making it a perfect gift or dessert.

Fall in love with these Romantic flms

Stories of romance are as old as love itself. That makes Valentine’s Day an ideal time to indulge in a romantic comedy or classic love story. Plenty of flms can be enjoyed while snuggled up with a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. The following can serve as a romantic starting point for couples looking to cozy up with a good flm, not to mention one another, this February.

• “Casablanca” (1942): Who hasn’t heard the line “Here’s looking at you, kid”? Set during World War II and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, the flm focuses on an American expatriate who must choose between love or helping a Czech resistance leader escape to fght the Germans.

• “Roman Holiday” (1953): Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn win audiences over in this romantic classic about a European princess who meets an American reporter one night in Rome. He’s looking for a scoop, but ends up getting a much better reward.

• “Ghost” (1990): While a certain dance-heavy Patrick Swayze vehicle is renowned for its romantic elements, “Ghost” shows that love can continue even beyond the grave. And one especially memorable scene might just inspire couples to take up pottery.

• “Love and Basketball” (2000): Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan star in this story of two

neighborhood kids who aspire to be basketball stars. As they grow up, their skills develop and their relationship grows. However, when one’s stardom really skyrockets, it puts a strain on their love.

• “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001): In this modern telling of “Pride and Prejudice,” Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, who is hopeless at love and falls for Hugh Grant’s lothario Daniel Cleaver. This unfolds as Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy is hiding his affections for Jones behind seeming indifference.

• “Love Actually” (2003): Featuring an ensemble cast, this movie tells the tales of eight very different couples who are providing glimpses into their love lives. The tales are loosely intermingled during the month leading up to Christmas in London.

• “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014): Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley star as two youngsters who meet in a cancer support group and fall for one another. A flm about true love and heartbreak, this one is sure to require keeping a box of tissues on hand.

• “A Star is Born” (2018): Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga star in this remake of the classic flm. Jackson, an alcoholic rock star, falls in love with an aspiring singer, Ally. As her fame begins to eclipse his, Jackson’s demons come resurface.

Alternatives to common Valentine’s Day Gifts

Millions of people are set to spend untold dollars on Valentine’s Day gifts or experiences this year. Data compiled by InfographicPlaza. com indicates that individuals traditionally spend the most on jewelry, a night out, fowers, apparel, and gift cards on Valentine’s Day. Fifty-two percent of people who buy Valentine’s gifts will spend money on candy, particularly chocolate.

Though tried and true gifts never fail, those looking for something a little different this Valentine’s day can consider these alternatives.

Traditional: Candy/chocolate

Alternative: Baked goods

Bite-sized baked offerings can be a welcome change to boxed chocolates or chocolatecovered strawberries. Consider petit fours, which are tasty layered cakes about one to two inches in size. The popular franchise Nothing Bundt Cakes also offers Bundtinis®, which are slightly smaller than cupcakes and can be mixed and matched in a variety of cake favors.

Traditional: Bouquet of a dozen red roses

Alternative: Flowering plant

Even well-maintained cut bouquets only last so long. A fowering plant can endure much longer. Beautiful interior fowering plants include African violets, Bromeliads, Orchids, Peace lilies, Amaryllis, Christmas cactuses, and Jasmines.

Traditional: Dinner out

Alternative: Feed the needy

Civic-minded sweethearts may appreciate the thought of donating the time and money they might normally spend on a restaurant meal by helping to ensure needy children and adults have access to hot meals.The Feeding America network is a nationwide network of food banks that secures and distributes meals. Individuals can learn more about volunteerism or how to make donations at feedingamerica.org/.

Traditional: Lingerie

Alternative: Time spent together

In a poll of more than 350 women, Business Insider discovered that lingerie was one of the gifts women did not want to receive on Valentine’s Day. In fact, 97 percent of respondents weren’t fans of receiving lingerie on Valentine’s Day. Spending time together doing something couples are passionate about may be more well-received.

Traditional: Stuffed animal

Alternative: Adopted animal

There are only so many stuffed animals, particularly fuzzy teddy bears, an adult can collect. Instead, why not adopt a shelter animal or donate to an animal rights organization? Before gifting a pet, confrm the recipient is on board with the idea. A pet is a years-long emotional and fnancial commitment that requires forethought and planning.

Unique and romantic locales for the ideal Valentine’s Day Getaway

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from private dinners at home to a night out on the town at a trendy restaurant. Regardless of how couples celebrate their love for each other this February, romance is an essential ingredient on February 14.

Few things can set a romantic tone as well as a getaway. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, these locales provide a unique and romantic setting for couples this February.

• Griffth Observatory, Los Angeles: Located on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffth Park, the Griffth Observatory has been the site of many a romantic Hollywood scene, including its recent appearance in the 2016 flm “La La Land.”

• Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse, Old Saybrook, Connecticut: Constructed in 1886, the lighthouse is ideal for seafaring couples. Privately owned, the lighthouse can be seen on a rented boat for two. Given the New England temperatures in February, this romantic, charming lighthouse may not be for the feint of heart.

The most popular Valentine’s Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day sparks one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Though it might not inspire the masses quite like Black Friday, Valentine’s Day compels millions of people to fnd gifts for that special someone in their lives each February. In fact, the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2022 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey found that the average person expected to devote $175 to Valentine’s Day spending in 2022. Any heartfelt gift can light up a sweetheart’s smile on Valentine’s Day, but certain items tend to be more popular than others on February 14. Though Valentine’s Day shoppers can always go their own way when shopping for their sweethearts, some of the more traditional gifts remain wildly popular. In its survey, the NRF found that these go-to gifts maintained their status as the most popular items for individuals to show their love for that special someone in 2022:

• Candy: Fifty-six percent of survey respondents indicated they planned to buy candy for their sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.

Though any candy can suffce, chocolates inside a heart-shaped box tend to be especially popular in mid-February.

• Greeting cards: Greeting cards will likely never go out of style, as 40 percent of respondents indicated they would give a card in 2022.

• Flowers: The appeal of a bouquet is undeniable, prompting 37 percent of shoppers to give fowers on Valentine’s Day.

• A night out: A romantic night out is perhaps as meaningful as ever in a world still emerging from the pandemic. So it’s no surprise that 31 percent of respondents indicated they planned to take their sweethearts out for a night on the town in 2022.

• Jewelry: Though it might rank below the others on this list, jewelry remains a go-to gift on Valentine’s Day. And with total Valentine’s Day spending on jewelry estimated at more than $6 billion in 2022, this could be where most Valentine’s Day dollars go this February.

• Little Palm Island, Florida: Billed as the only private island resort in the United States, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is located off the Florida Keys coastline. Guests arrive by seaplane or private boat, making for an ideal excursion for couples seeking a true getaway.

• Savannah, Georgia: Separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River, this coastal Georgia city features beautifully manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and a historic district shaded by stunning oak trees. Couples in town for a romantic getaway won’t want to pass up on an opportunity to stroll the cobblestoned waterfront path along the river.

• Tofno, Vancouver Island, Canada: It’s not impossible to unwind in a candlelit tub with a view of the mighty Pacifc Ocean in the district of Tofno on the west coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island. An acclaimed food scene makes Tofno the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

A romantic getaway can be just what couples need this Valentine’s Day. These are just a handful of the many places couples can consider as they seek to escape to a romantic locale this February.

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ART DRIVES SOCIAL ACTION: "THE PLANT A ROW STORY" @ 9am AT THE HEART OF PLANT A ROW'S SUC‐CESS IS ART! Port Washington Public Li‐brary, 1 Library Drive, Port Washington. marv‐@plant-a-row.org, 516510-8408

Baby&Me Class: Friday 2/10 (9:20-9:50am) @ 9:20am / $30

Hollywood Health Club Pool, 265 E. Park Ave., Long Beach. 516-978-7946

After School ProgramsFlorence Brownstein at Chabad - Toddlers

12:05pm - 7 Classes @ 12:05pm / $175

Feb 10th - Mar 31st

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

Graztopia Live@Great South Bay Brewery @ 6pm Great South Bay Brewery, 25 Drexel Dr, Bay Shore

Gimme Gimme Disco @ 8pm Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐tagh

Amateur Boxing Road To The Garden @ 6:30pm / $30 Amateur Boxing Road To The Garden Doors Open 630 pm 7 pm Start 186 Jericho Turn‐pike, Mineola. danan nx2@optimum.net, 516840-3556

Morning MoviesNorth Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

@ 10am / $15

Get your tickets today! https:// northshorechildguid‐ance.org/morningmovies/ Manhasset Cinemas, 430 Plan‐dome Road, Manhas‐set. mespichan@ northshorechildguid ance.org, 516-626-1971

Fleetwood Macked with Return to Paradise tribute to Styx at The Warehouse @ 7pm The Warehouse, 203 Broadway, Amityville

Darlene Love @ 8pm / $68-$88

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love Returns to Port Wash‐ington Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. info@landmarkon mainstreet.org, 516767-6444

Nate Charlie Music @ 6:30pm

Teddy's Bully Bar, 46 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay

Larry Chance & The Earls

@ 7pm

NYCB Theatre At Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury

Kenny Vance @ 7pm

NYCB Theatre At Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury

New York Riptide Vs Albany Firewolves @ 7:30pm / $24-$42

Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐iseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐pike, Uniondale

Pat McGann: Live at The Paramount @ 8pm / $25-$40

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

Great Neck Winter Market

@ 10am

Great Neck Indoor Winter Mar‐ket Great Neck House, 14 Ar‐randale Avenue, Great Neck. deeprootsfarmersmarket@ gmail.com, 516-318-5487

Thursday Feb 16th

Rob Schneider: I Have Issues Tour

@ 7:30pm / $25-$55

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

A stand-up comic and veteran of the award-winning NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a suc‐cessful career in �lms, television and continues his word-wide standup tour.

WINE GLASS PAINTING

February 12, 2023 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

@ 1:30pm / $60

Paint your heart-�lled designs onto a beautiful wine glass in this fun workshop! February 12, 2023 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck. Schild krautc@goldcoastarts.org, 516829-2570

Kelli Baker (solo) LIVE at Twisted Cow Distillery @ 6pm Twisted Cow Distillery, 13 He‐witt Square, East Northport

Tracy Walton and Sierra West at Hard Luck Cafe @ 7pm Hard Luck Café, 423 Park Ave, Huntington

Dudley Music: The Swing Sessions @ 7pm Industry Lounge & Gallery, 344 New York Ave, Huntington

Fri 2/17

Baby&Me Class: Friday 2/17 (9:20-9:50am) @ 9:20am / $30 Hollywood Health Club Pool, 265 E. Park Ave., Long Beach. 516-978-7946

Harlem Globetrotters @ 1pm / $20-$165

UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Is‐land

The Legendary Recordings: Tony Bennett & Bill Evans @ 2pm

Join us for a musical experience! Highlighted is the collaboration of Bill Evans & Tony Ben‐nett on two albums dur‐ing 1975 and ‘77, which yielded some of the best recordings in the history of jazz. 2 Paper‐mill Rd, 2 Papermill Road, Roslyn. info@ bryantlibrary.org, 631621-2240

Mon 2/13

WWE Monday Night Raw @ 7:30pm Barclays Center, Atlantic Av‐enue, Brooklyn

Tue 2/14

New York Islanders vs. Ottawa Senators @ 7:30pm / $25-$1000 UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Island

Wed 2/15

Joe Pianos @ 5pm Teddy's Bully Bar, 46 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay

Martin Kaye Live on Long Island @ 8pm / $50

A bene�t concert for lo‐cal literary nonprpo�t Hindi's Libraries 295 Main St, 295 Main Street, East Rockaway. leslie@hindisli braries.org, 516-4003428

Thu 2/16

Jurassic Quest @ 1pm / $25

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐pike, Uniondale

Art Talk: Leonardo Da Vinci @ 1pm

Join us in person for an engaging conversation with art historian Jay Schuck, as he dis‐cusses Leonardo da Vinci's artistic theories and practices in rela‐tion to the conditions of his time. 2 Papermill Rd, 2 Papermill Road, Roslyn. info@bryantli brary.org, 631-621-2240

Zoe Keating @ 8pm / $27-$41

Zoë Keating is a onewoman orchestra. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washington. info@land markonmainstreet.org, 516-767-6444

James Maddock @ 8pm My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove

Defying Gravity Party @ 8pm Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐tagh

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READERS WRITE

MTA playing catch-up on East Side Access

There is still work to be done after the soft opening on March 25 for Long Island Rail Road East Side Access to Grand Central Madison. So far, there is only limited shuttle service between Jamaica Station and GCM. How will the 160,000 daily LIRR riders previously predicted by the MTA to use this supposedly state-of-the-art physicality deal with some interesting challenges? There are only four elevators connecting the east and west lower and upper level tracks with the mezzanine and Madison Concourse. Escalators are steep and require 90 seconds of travel time. In addition to those riders physically challenged, there will be many others such as pregnant women, those with bicycles, people who sufer from vertigo or altaphobia, limited eye sight and seniors who may not be comfortable riding escalators, but will instead elect to use elevators. How would

only two elevators provide sufcient capacity especially if one or both sufer mechanical difculties? The one waiting room only has a 29-seat capacity plus seven stools for WIFI connections to serve all the riders utilizing this facility. There are no benches on either platform, mezzanine level or Madison concourse to sit on while waiting for your train. Perhaps the MTA & LIRR are afraid of an invasion by the homeless occupying space. You better be in good physical shape if you can fnd a seat in the waiting room when your train is posted to insure boarding before departure. When it comes to disposal of newspapers, beverage containers, garbage or other waste, there doesn’t appear to be any attempt for recycling let alone disposal of what can’t be recycled. Are riders suppose to carry all of this to street level before able to throw out? Many people, while waiting for a train, enjoy stopping

by a newsstand to purchase a paper or periodical. I didn’t see any potential newsstands or any newspaper vending machines. Newsstands are readily available in Metro North Grand Central Terminal, Penn and Jamaica Stations. There are a number of ticket vending machines still waiting to be installed and one set of escalators on the Madison Concourse yet to open.

A signifcant portion of the lighting is the old style forescent bulb vs. newer more efcient and environmentally friendly LED. A number of contractors are still walking around the facility in the process of completing contract punch list, inspection and acceptance, quality assurance and quality control. MTA Real Estate is in charge of leasing space. No retail space has opened to date. How many months of lost revenue will be incurred until all retail space is occupied?

Ten years after the original completion date

of 2013 as promised in the 2006 Federal Transit Administration $6.3 billion Capital Investment Grant Full Funding Grant Agreement (which capped the federal share at $2.6 billion) and $5 billion over budget not including $1 billion more for the cost of fnancing for a total of $2.6 billion, LIRR commuters deserve better.

When it comes to East Side Access, the LIRR 1960’s motto “Line of the Dashing Dan” should be changed to “Line of the Slow Moving Sloth.”

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 Ofce of Operations and Program Management.

Cold freezes out town’s Polar Plunge

Continued from Page 20

Kohn admitted he may not be the best person to gauge whether or not the conditions were safe but still has total support for the event coordinators’ and city ofcials’ decision to cancel.

“The temperatures don’t bother me. I run in 100-degree weather,” Kohn said. “But there are plenty of people, I’m sure, who might not have that experience. It could have been more of a danger for them. It could have been a danger for me. Who knows? I’ve never jumped into frigid temperatures in frigid waters before, so God knows what could have happened to folks.”

While safety for attendees was a reason for

the plunge to be canceled, Hofman said that it was also to preserve the resources of local frst responders. The Fire Department is present during the plunge with divers in the water and she said it would have been a better use of their time to be able to respond to other emergencies throughout the town due to the extreme weather.

So the North Hempstead Polar Plunge had to be canceled, and due to short notice and an already scheduled calendar, Hofman said they will not be rescheduling another plunge in town. The money raised, all $35,000 of it, will still be donated despite the plunge not occurring.

Hofmann said the 50 planned plungers of North Hempstead have been invited to join another plunge. The next one is scheduled for March 25 in Oyster Bay and about 600 plungers are expected.

“It’s important for [participants] to still come out and plunge because the mission behind it all is that they would be freezing to raise awareness for the athletes of the Special Olympics,” Hofmann said. “So this is their way to still honor the donations they collected and to come out and really make a diference in the community.”

Hofman said about half of the plungers from North Hempstead plan to join the swim

in Oyster Bay. Kohn said he doesn’t think he’ll be one of them but plans to try again next year.

“[North Hempstead is] where I work, it’s where my congregants live, so I felt a little bit closer, more of an afnity to this one,” Kohn said.

The motto of the Polar Plunge is “Freezin’ for a Reason,” but that reason is not to subject one to dangerous environments.

“It really starts with the cause,” Kohn said. “Special Olympics does incredible things for people. It gets people to push themselves, to try something a little more extreme. So you combine that with the cause then it’s a better combination in my opinion.”

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Design

Sports

Running without distractions

High

on making states in indoor track again

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

It is a statement that sounds inconceivable when made about a teenage girl.

But Schreiber girls track and feld coach Jeremiah Pope said it matter of factly about his star sophomore runner Ashley Carillo, and when confronted with it in person, Carillo confrmed it with a sheepish smile.

“She doesn’t even bring her cell phone with her when she comes to practice,” Pope said.

What?? A teenage girl without a cell phone is like Garfeld without lasagna. Like a toddler without a stufed animal. Like LeBron James without a basketball in his hand.

But it’s absolutely true.

“When 3:17 (p.m.) hits, we bring our stuf out, and I leave my phone in the backpack,” Carillo said this week. “I bring my spikes, my water, go outside, and that’s it.

“It’s totally freeing,” Carillo said. “I get into the training mode, and try to run the splits I’m aiming for, and I shut out the world.”

When Carillo gets back to her phone, she said “sometimes I’ve missed a lot,” but Pope told the story to illustrate the newfound focus and dedication Carillo has exhibited this season.

And despite a fantastic freshman year, it’s true that Carillo has gotten even better in 2022-23. She began the three-part high school running season last fall in cross country, where she won the county title in 19:27.89, then qualifed for states for the frst time in that discipline, fnishing 48th.

Now in the indoor winter season, Carillo is thriving in both the 1,000 and 1,500-meter runs. She’s ranked No.1 in Nassau County after putting up a personal-best 3:01.68 in the 1,000-meter run at the Molly Stanner Games in NYC on Jan. 15, and on Feb. 9 is favored to win counties yet again, with the state qualifer, and state championships, coming up later in February.

“I wish I had 20 more just like her,” Pope said with a laugh. “She works hard, listens to what the coaches say, and has gotten so much better than last year.

“You don’t ever, ever have to

worry about her not doing what she’s supposed to be doing when no one’s looking.”

Carillo, who has knocked eight seconds of her 1,000 time from the end of her ninth-grade year, said she and Pope have most worked on her striding from last season.

A former soccer player, Carillo had the tendency to over-stride on races that required more speed, so she and Pope have worked on getting her feet down on the ground quicker, and not swinging her arms as much.

“It does waste energy when you overstride and have a big arm swing,” Carillo said. “I tend to do a heel strike sometimes when you really want to land more here,” she said, pointing toward the middle of her foot. It’s things like that that I’m really concentrating on now.”

Carillo said just getting the experience of last season was a huge help this year; she said she “didn’t have any idea what I was doing” at the start of last year, relying on her athletic ability and translating coaching into results.

In her freshman indoor track season, Carillo won the 1,000 meter Nassau state qualifer and made it to the state championships, where she fnished 21st, in 3:09.50. She also won the county championships in the 3,000 meters in the spring outdoor season.

This year she and Pope said Carillo has on gaining more strength, working out harder in the weight room, and getting help from teammates like Eve Scherr to be pushed in practice.“Having someone like Eve who is right there with me, pushing me and being as close as she is, is so incredible,” Carillo said. “Just knowing that you have the support and the challenge in practice every day is great.”Having come very close to the 3-minute barrier in the 1,000, Carillo knows if she wants a Top-10 fnish at states in a few weeks she’ll need to get to at least 2:55. Totally attainable, she felt. “I do put pressure on myself, to get top fnishes and to get better times, because I know I can do it,” she said. “With Pope’s great training and me being focused and working hard, I feel like I can do anything.” Except answer her cell phone during a workout, of course.

PHOTO BY JEREMIAH POPE/SCHREIBER H.S.

Schreiber High School sophomore Ashley Carillo is aiming to make states in indoor track again this winter.

Schreiber

sophomore Ashley Carillo focused

Business&RealEstate Battery replacement may save your life

Homeowners sometimes forget one of the most important life-saving preventative maintenance and a simple chore to do in their home or apartment to replace the batteries in the fre and smoke alarm. This must be done on a yearly basis or as needed when a red light fashes or you hear a slight beeping sound. If you are hardwired via your electrical current for your detectors, then you are in the most advantageous position for safety.

According to a February 2021 article by the National Fire Association with its 50,000 members, the following was found in a report it published about home fres:

1.) Smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74 percent) of reported home fres in 2014–2018.

2.) Almost three out of fve home fre deaths were caused by fres in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent).

3.) The risk of dying in reported home structure fres is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.

4.) When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in 94 percent of the fres considered large enough to trigger a smoke alarm. Battery-powered alarms operated 82 percent of the time. Power source issues were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.

Compared to reported home fres with no smoke alarms or automatic ex-

tinguishing systems (AES) present, the death rate per 1,000 reported fres was as follows:

35 percent lower when battery-powered smoke alarms were present, but AES was not 51 percent lower when smoke alarms with any power source were present but AES was not 69 percent lower when hardwired smoke alarms were present but AES was not 91 percent lower when hardwired smoke alarms and sprinklers were present.

The calculations above were based solely on the presence of fre protection equipment, but the equipment’s operation was not considered.

In a 2018 study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, less than a quarter of households in 1977 had fre/smoke alarms. The numbers increased throughout the 1970s through the 2000s. The importance of these detectors hit home and dramatically ramped up and as of today, 97% of homes have some type of fre and smoke alarm.

I recall many years ago in 1994, when professional tennis player Vitas Gerulaitis, who was living in Kings Point, was visiting a friend in South Hampton. An improperly installed pool heater caused carbon monoxide gas to travel into the pool house where he was sleeping, causing his death at the early age of 40. I do not know if there was a functioning fre smoke and carbon monoxide detector at that time, but if there was, it would have potentially

PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate Watch

saved his life.

The liability and agony of the loss of life not only is traumatic but can be fnancially devastating, too. I am quite sure insurance policies require fre-smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every foor. As they say, an ounce of prevention will provide a pound of cure and save lives, too.

New homes are required by local building codes to have hardwired alarms (with battery backups in case of a blackout) on all foors. However, it is a prudent idea to test your alarms regularly whether battery-operated or hard-wired to make

absolutely sure they are operational. Also, they can be tied into your central dispatch system, so if you’re away, the Fire Department will be notifed of any incidences of fre, smoke, or carbon monoxide issues.

One fnal thought has to do with frozen and broken pipes that may occur (especially last week) especially with the kind of frigid air that we all have recently experienced. When we have these types of unusual freezing temperatures for any length of time, there are additional devices that some are utilizing today. They will not only notify you of any type of water leakage with an application for your cell but will also shut of your main water supply, preventing thousands of dollars of potential damage. For outside exposed pipes you can purchase low 24V wiring online or at your local or big box stores. Then you can wrap it around your faucets, and plugin it into a local electrical outlet to prevent the pipes from bursting.

Just today visiting my daughter’s home we saw water running down the street at her friend’s newly purchased home nearby and I knew immediately it was a broken pipe. I called ManhassetLakeville Water and the Fire Department showed up to shut of the water, saving countless thousands of dollars and preventing further damage that would have occurred. Make sure you leave your temperature at least at 55 degrees. However, on the north side (the coldest area of your home) be sure to provide enough warmth

and protection/insulation to outside pipes and inside walls so bursting pipes will be avoided.

Your life and home are all-important so I advise those without any type of fresmoke or carbon monoxide devices to have them installed ASAP. For those who do have them, check regularly and replace the batteries as needed. This is a must needed task to protect you and your loved ones.

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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 eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email and cell number and he will call or email you back.

What is Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)?

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

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

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

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

&RealEstate

Koppel picked for Alzheimer’s advisory board

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America announced the appointment of Dr. Jeremy Koppel, to its Medical, Scientifc & Memory Screening Advisory Board.

Koppel is a longtime physician specializing in geriatric psychiatry and co-director at the Litwin-Zucker Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, in Manhasset.

AFA’s Medical, Scientifc and Memory Screening Advisory Board is comprised of leading experts in the care, research and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

AFA relies on advisory board members for expert insight and opinions on scientifc issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well assistance with the development of AFA policies, programs and advocacy eforts related to research and care.

“Dr. Jeremy Koppel is a leading and distinguished researcher and physician who has devoted to his professional career to making a diference for families afected by Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo,Jr., AFA’s president and CEO. “His three decades of experience in research and patient care, together with his passion for helping others, will make him a valuable addition to AFA’s Medical, Scientifc and Memory Screening

Advisory Board. We are proud to welcome him to our team.”

Koppel said, “I am honored by the opportunity to serve on the Medical, Scientifc and Memory Screening Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. I look forward to working together with esteemed leaders in the feld who are currently serving on the board with the aim of amplifying new research and improving the lives of patients and families

sufering with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Dr. Koppel’s clinical research is focused on providing a new framework for the exploration of novel treatments for psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease.He and his team explore the underlying causes of some of the more disturbing behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including agitation, hallucinations and aggression, as a means for identifying ways to treat them.

Turning tragedy into victory with Skin Bar

Skin Bar New York, a full-service medical spa, celebrated its newest location with a grand opening party recently, with a ribbon cutting and tour of the facility for approximately 75 people and raising money for survivors of domestic violence.

Located atMoss Wellness, 950 Franklin Ave Suite LL, Garden City, Skin Bar New York ofers skin care treatments designed to help women

and men feel good about their appearance.

The event also supported The Safe Center, located in Bethpage, which provides services to victims and survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence in Nassau County, by ofering discounts of 10 to 30 percent of facials and spa treatments for donations to The Safe Center of up to $100.

Jessica Bianculli, owner and

founder of Skin Bar New York, founded her business in 2017 after surviving domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. Rebuilding her life with her two daughters, she established her frst location in Huntington.

“As long as you look good, you feel good and you do good,” said Bianculli. “I know what it’s like to feel trapped in a situation you can’t get out of. Had I known The Safe Center

existed it would have alleviated a lot of the problems I experienced. If we can help one person navigate their own problems, we will have achieved our goal.”

Jessica is also working with The Safe Center to establish scholarships to allow aspiring cosmetologists who are domestic violence survivors to pursue a new career path.

“We are thrilled to partner with

Skin Bar NY to help survivors of domestic violence and other interpersonal violence,” said Bridget Mantello, director of development for The Safe Center. “Having support from business owners like Jessica who can also help direct people toward the resources we provide is a critical step in helping people escape situations they may feel are beyond their control.”

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Santos, Romney clash at State of Union

Continued from Page 1

facing the nation, but said he does not wish Biden ill will.

“I do not wish failure upon any sitting president,” Santos said in a statement. “President Biden’s success should be our success, and this should serve as an opportunity for the president to work with Republicans to reverse two years of abysmal Democrat-led policy.”

Santos notably attended the “stop the seal” rally on Jan. 6 where Biden defeated former President Donald Trump.

The congressman lauded the work done by the now-Republican-controlled House, despite Santos recusing himself from a pair of congressional committees amidst a furry of investigations against him.

Romney was not the only one in Washington Tuesday who felt Santos was out of place in Capitol Hill, as dozens of 3rd District constituents trekked from Roslyn to the nation’s capital to have their voices heard. Their message- to have McCarthy and the House Ethics Committee expel Santos.

Chants of “New York 3, Santos-free” and “Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Santos has got to go” rang out early Tuesday morning at the Roslyn train station as the group of 3rd District residents and political activists of all ages boarded their bus to Washington.

Once there, the residents fooded the hallways of the Capitol outside Santos’ ofce before joining New York Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Ritchie Torres, who fled a complaint against Santos last month, called for him to be removed from ofce.

“The George Santos that was elected to repre-

sent NY-03 is not the real George Santos, and he’s deprived us of a real representative who can be trusted to serve us,” Aidan Davis, a youth activist, said. “That’s why we need Congress to act now— and that’s why I’m here today to call on Speaker

Kevin McCarthy to ensure that the House Ethics Committee not only investigates his misconduct but that the entire House of Representatives votes to expel him from Congress immediately.”

Santos brought Michael Weinstock, a 9/11

Officials aid parents of autistic child

Continued from Page 10

ing forward of what is considered a reasonable accommodation,” North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said at a press conference outside the Bovis home.

Stevie and Angelo’s daughter, Stella, 4, is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is considered a fight risk. Angelo said during his Jan. 11 hearing he built the fence ahead of applying for a permit and variance on the advice of Stella’s doctor and two therapists to let Stella play outside freely and safely.

The house the family bought is one home away from Port Washington Boulevard, which stretches from Port Washington North to Munsey Park. DeSena added some neighbors opposed the fence and “general animosity simmered as

the process with the zoning board played out.”

Stella’s mother, Stevie Bovis, said she was thankful for the support of both her neighbors and community.

“I just want to say thank you to the community coming forward and really making us feel welcomed after such an ordeal that was so disheartening to myself, my husband and my daughter, Stella,” Stevie said. “I also want to say thank you to the neighbors that have stepped forward and given us their blessing and have also shown support and sympathy for what we’re dealing with on a daily basis.”

Other homeowners on Derby Road expressed concerns during the hearing with the four-foot distance of the fence to the curb, the height of the fence and the aesthetics of the overall neighborhood, among other things. A

letter was also submitted to the board with the signatures of 14 other homes on Derby regarding their displeasure.

The town’s Board of Zoning and Appeals, which has fve members and is autonomous from the Town Board, has to consider a diferent set of standards for zoning restrictions when applications are protected by the American Disabilities Act and ultimately granted the variance since it is a reasonable accommodation for Stella’s needs.

District 6 Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte of Port Washington, who was unable to attend Thursday, reiterated her ongoing support for the Bovis’.

North Hempstead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte joins Port Washington ofcials in bringing fowers to the Bovis fmaily on Derby

Dems, DeSena resolutions on Santos

Continued from Page 2

front.

“It’s truly shocking that when given the opportunity to show a united front on behalf of our nearly 240,000 residents, they have immediately resorted to political attacks by inexplicably including my name in their resolution,” DeSena said Tuesday night. “It’s truly disconcerting that the majority continue to play these political games instead of working together as we fght this ongoing battle to remove this conman from ofce.”

The Democrats also demanded that DeSena justify her demand for an audit by Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips

During a July 11 news conference last year, DeSena asked Philips to audit the town’s Building Department, which is currently ongoing.

DeSena said a “complete and thorough review” was conducted during the frst six months of her administration last year ahead of calling for the audit, but reiterated her previous position Tuesday night that one in the form of a report does not exist.

“I did not create a report. A review includes conversations with department heads, hearing from constituents or speaking with experts,” DeSena said.

Lurvey, who asked for the details and docu-

ments associated with the review to be made available for the town board in July, said the resolution is to help see what issues she found.

“The reason for this is so we can know what problems did she identify and what issues need to be solved?” Lurvey questioned. “What problems do we need to assess as a board.”

DeSena, who voted against the resolution to provide a report, said she will comply but that doing so will tie up her staf.

In unrelated town board news, Dalimonte was presented with a proclamation from North Hempstead and the town board recognizing her eforts in helping manage a dangerous situation

responder and former Democratic congressional candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, as his guest to the State of the Union.

The congressman lauded Weinstock’s work in helping New York recover from the Sept. 11 attacks and supported him in his struggle with neuropathy, a disease stemming from the harmful toxins inhaled from the World Trade Center.

“I am grateful for Michael to join me as my guest, but also united in our quest to address the issue of the World Trade Center Health Program to cover neuropathy for the men & women who sufer as a result from the dust that came from the World Trade Center,” Santos said. “Michael’s story is one of heroism, but also one as a survivor who is advocating not just for himself but for fellow frefghters, and medical emergency responders.”

Weinstock expressed his gratitude to Santos for his invitation and said, despite political diferences, he hopes to bring more attention towards frefghters who sufer from neuropathy, also named the “suicide disease” since there is no cure.

The condition, which afects the body’s nervous system, is also not covered under the World Trade Center Health Program.

“I am a proud Democrat and Congressman Santos is equally proud to be a member of the GOP,” Weinstock said. “Tonight, however, we speak with a unifed voice, and we encourage the World Trade Center Health Program to include neuropathy as a ‘covered condition.’”

Road. (Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead)

“I visited the Bovis family over the weekend with members of the Port Washington Police Department and Stella Spanakos of the Nicholas Center, and we brought fowers to let the family know they have a friend in us,” Dalimonte said in a statement. “Going forward, I would like members of the Port Washington community to come together and form a support group for parents and grandparents of children with autism – I would like to work Stella Spanakos from the Nicholas Center to help facilitate this.” Spanakos, co-founder of the Nicholas Center in Port Washington, which provides daily support to over 140 individuals with autism each day, said it takes a community efort to make everyone feel welcomed.

“Kudos to our great community, it takes more than a village to raise a child with disabilities,” Spanakos said. “We are very grateful this had a happy ending.”

when a car traveling northbound on North Plandome Road crashed into a tree outside her house on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Dalimonte said once she heard the crash she ran outside in her pajamas, requested a nearby resident call 911 while helping direct trafc with others.

The North Hempstead Town Board congratulates Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte. (Photo by Brandon Dufy)

“He hit a tree and from the tree, he bounced of and hit a telephone pole,” Dalimonte said. “The airbags were all deployed and what I was scared of was the gasoline that was spilled onto the road.”

Dalimonte said she grabbed a fre extinguisher to put out the fre and assisted in getting the driver out safely.

The next North Hempstead Town Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14.

PHOTO BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Some from Long Island traveled to Washington D.C. on Tuesday to call on Congress to expel U.S. Rep. George Santos.

DeSena says she interceded to aid probe

Continued from Page 1

Gordon Tepper, who was appointed by the Town Board, said the Building Department’s initial response to the request was that it was outside the scope of the audit period and asked for clarifcation from the comptroller’s ofce.

“Subsequently, the comptroller’s ofce clarifed by expanding their audit period so the documents could be provided, and they then asked for a multitude of additional documents,” Tepper said in a statement to Blank Slate Media. “The Building Department provided the requested documents on Tuesday, Jan. 31 — two days prior to the comptroller’s deadline. The Building commissioner actually responded within a week, despite the comptroller’s substantial expansion of the audit period.”

Wendy Goldstein, the comptroller’s spokeswoman, told Blank Slate Media that the audit scope has not been expanded and record requests are a routine part of the audit process.

Councilmember Veronica Lurvey, a Democrat, criticized DeSena for involving herself in the audit.

“I have great concerns over the appropriateness of the supervisor’s interference in the audit process. We expect an independent audit, and it would be deeply disturbing if the supervisor were trying to politicize or unethically infuence the audit,” Lurvey said in a statement. “Politicizing the audit would be an unfortunate way for the supervisor to shift attention from her empathic endorsement of George Santos.”

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently called on Building Department officials to cooperate with the ongoing audit.

At the upcoming meeting on Feb. 7, the Town Board will hold a hearing to consider a law requiring DeSena to turn over the “complete and thorough review” the supervisor said she conducted of the Building Department over the frst six months of her administration before asking for an audit.

The Building Department, led by Commissioner John Niewender, has been frequently criticized by elected ofcials and residents for long delays in processing permits.

The comptroller’s ofce, which is headed by Republican Elaine Phillips, announced in August it would audit department operations from Jan. 1, 2020 to “present time” at the request of DeSena, who campaigned on streamlining government operations.

The request, made in July, was supported by Democratic Town Board members.

Last year, several pieces of legislation were passed by the Town Board intended to make the Building Department more efcient.

In 2007, fve Building Department ofcials were indicted after a 16-month investigation by then Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice for receiving favors and payments in exchange for granting permits without inspections.

All fve were later convicted, including former Commissioner David Wasserman, who was sentenced to one year in jail in 2008 after pleading guilty to grand larceny and falsifying business records.

Manhasset say more info needed on mascot use

Continued from Page 4

would be done with the district’s “Indians” mascot, but members of the board presented questions to Passi and board President Pat Aitken on what the requirements would mean for Manhasset.

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

The resolution Manhasset would have to adopt under the proposed regulation 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 offcials.

Royce questioned what specifcally 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 specifcs need to be hammered out,” she said.

Trustee Jill Pulano echoed Royce’s call to seek guidance from legal counsel on what the exact defnitions under the proposed regulations would be.

“Once we have that, pending the actual approval of the legislation, we can work on sort of a plan as to what we think might be a way to approach it and come up with some diferent milestones that we will have to hit.

Passi, without providing specifc costs, said the school district would have to pay for uniform replacements, scoreboard modifcations and changes to the wrestling mats, gym foors, signage, wall padding, banners and outdoor windscreens. Royce touted the importance of the student body when talking about these proposed regulations.

“There’s a lot of community members who are very invested in this, but I also feel that a lot of the responsibility about formulating how we go about this process rests in the student body,” she said.

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 be 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 student’s 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.”

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.”

L. Success burglary leads to arrests

Continued from Page 11

on Jan. 2 and a Summer Avenue residence in Manhasset was burgled on Jan. 9, according to police.

Paez was charged with four counts of second-degree burglary and two counts of seconddegree attempted burglary. Lugo was charged with fve counts of second-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree attempted burglary. Canon was charged with one count each of second-degree burglary and second-degree attempted burglary. Ibanez was charged with

one count of second-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree attempted burglary, according to police.

Eforts to reach police for further update on the individuals were unavailing.

The North Shore has experienced foreign burglary crews before when individuals from Chile came to Long Island in late 2019. Investigators from Nassau’s Burglary Pattern Team arrested three Chileans that were part of an organized crime group that entered the country on 90-day travel visas, police said. The members

stake out homes in well-of areas and strike when no one is home.

All three were charged with fugitive from justice charges, according to ofcials. Homes in Saddle Rock, Great Neck and Hewlett were hit by the crew, which stole an estimated $1 million in jewlery, cash and electronics from homes across the East Coast, ofcials said.

Homes in Manhasset, Kings Point, Munsey Park, Woodbury and Jericho had also been previously targeted, ofcials said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE

nassau COMMUNITY

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SCOPE Education Services has IMMEDIATE job openings in all of the Before and After School Programs located in the Garden City Elementary Schools!

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Mineola students honored with BOCES education award 4 EWSD students exibited by league

Four East Willison Advanced Placement Art students have been selected to have their artwork exhibited at the 16th annual Art League of Long Island’s Go APE 2023 Advanced Placement Exhibition.

The artwork created by Wheatley School seniors Emma Azevedo, Rachel Blennau, Isabella Lahiji and Ariel

Rosenberg will be among the 137 2D and 3D works that were selected from over 40 Long Island high schools.

The Go APE exhibit will be on view to the public at the Art League of Long Island’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills, from Feb. 4 through Feb. 18.

A Mineola High School learner has been announced as a recipient of the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award, an award usually reserved for educators, board members and organizations.

Senior Markella Kiriakes was nominated for this award based on her outstanding contributions to the school community. As a student activist, leader, volunteer and role model, she has brought her positive energy and collaborative spirit to countless clubs and activities, including the Dignity Club, Thespian Society, Political Action and Debate Club, World Language Club and Mustang Media Broadcast. Markella is also part of the Girls Varsity Golf Team, a member of the Student Service Center, a student ambassador at Camp Invention and a volunteer worker in the high school ofce.

East Williston student artists display their works that were selected for the prestigious Art League of Long Island exhibition. Pictured left to right are Ariel Rosenberg, Rachel Blennau, Isabella Lahiji and Emma Azevedo.

Students receive computing award

Two Mineola students have been honored with the National Aspirations in Computing Award by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT).

Mineola High School tenth grader

Julia Manevitz and eleventh grader

Skyla Azeharie received National

Honorable Mention designation by the NCWIT for their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing and leadership experience, computing-related activities, tenacity in the face of barriers to access and future plans.

As her senior project, Markella created the “Zen Den”, a space within the high school for mindfulness and meditation that will remain as a testament to her desire to help other students and to leave an indelible mark on her alma mater.

Markella and the other hon-

‘The Little Mermaid Jr’ show

Congratulations to the cast and crew of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” presented by the North Shore Middle School Masquers along with some elementary students who magically journeyed “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends and “wowed” us with their brilliant performances of this popular musical.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” is an enchanting look at the sacrifces we all make for love and acceptance.”

Bravo to the cast: Ava Birnbaum, Gracey Bordas, Amalia Carpenter, Marguerite Collier, Sofa Conway, Violet

Curiale, Luca Dekkers, Julia Friedberg, Shane Gallagher, Olivia Kenny, Sophie Leigh, Ryan Marco, Olivia McCarthy, Damiana (Ana) Mitchell, Abigail Monte, Mia Pinto, Julia Price, Cecilia Reilly, Carolina Sosa, Noah Thompson, and Brielle Vogt.

A standing ovation to the ensemble and dancers: Olivia Conway, Jane Espinosa, Taheya Faruque, Maggie Friedberg, Alma Guerrero, Mila Hamm, Ava Kim, Virginia Levine, Willow Lonigro, Annie Lopez, Rafaella Mango, Amelia Marks, Jacklyn Monte, Anabelle Papaleo, Addie Sanak, Megan Schaefer, Benny Sosa, Bella Thompson, Lillian Trotta, and Evangeline Waserztrom.

Three cheers to the crew: Eleni Amigdalos, Valentina Atlas, Christopher Caliendo, Stella Cashman, Avery Dimeola, Ella Esposito, Natalie Finamore, Kieran Gof, Anne Kelly, Michael Llewlyn, Oscar Molina, Juliet Monte, Victoria Monte, Metta Pollio, Shreeya Ramlogan, Ian Strong, Xiaoya (Isabella) Sun, Hope Swinburne, and Irene Vasilatos.

Thank you to The Little Mermaid Jr. director Damien Chillemi, Vocal Director, Brain Messemer, Choreographer, Simone Kuranishi, Producer, Diane Vestuto, Chief Set Constructor, Christian Andersen, Costume Design and Instruction, Chakira Doherty, and Set Design and Props. Caitlin Mallon,

Mineola High School learners Julia Manevitz, left, and Skyla Azeharie, right, have been honored by the NCWIT with the National Aspirations in Computing Award.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINEOLA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award honoree Markella Kiriakes, a senior at Mineola High School, in the “Zen Den,” a space within the high school for mindfulness and meditation that she conceptualized, designed and completed as her senior project.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINEOLA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Production of the “LIttle Mermaid Jr.”

orees will be recognized on Apr. 27 at the sixteenth Annual Education Partner Awards Gala, hosted by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation.

Luxury Lifestyle in Great Neck

The Rose at Great Neck | Great Neck | Price Upon Request

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