Serving The Willistons, Albertson, Herricks, Mineola, Roslyn Heights, and Searingtown
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Friday, February 16, 2018
Vol. 67, No. 7
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SENIOR LIVING
HISTORIAN’S PASSION EXTENDS TO CARS
CURRAN WARNS OF BUDGET GAP
PAGES 31-34
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From Mineola to soccer stardom Mendes retires after 15-year professional career BY R E B ECC A KLAR Carlos Mendes, former New York Cosmos captain and Mineola native, said he’s been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. “I was in love with the game as soon as I started playing it and kind of always dreamed about it,” said Mendes, who now lives in East Meadow. “You have to dream big.” The recently retired professional player said he is looking forward to getting more involved with the local soccer
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINEOLA LIONS CLUB
Legislator meets Senator A recently graduated guide dog sponored by the Mineola Lions Club was named Senator after Nassau County Legislator Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello, seen here with his namesake. See story on page 61.
scene in the community he grew up playing in. Mendes retired from his 15-year professional career at 37 at the end of the 2017 North American Soccer League season in November. He ended his career as a defender and captain of the New York Cosmos. Mendes’ professional soccer career began in 2002 when he played for the Long Island Rough Riders, where he made 10 appearances before going to the Rochester Rhinos. The first time Mendes stepped onto the professional
field, the culmination of all his hard work and dreams coming true, was a surreal experience, he said. “So many kids when they’re younger, whatever sport they might play, think of playing in front of stadiums and fans and friends and family,” Mendes said. “And after so many years of hard work and so many people supporting me when it finally came true, when I had my first professional game, it definitely was the most special game in a lot of ways.” Continued on Page 48
Largest pot bust in Nassau County history O. Westbury man arrested after 358 pounds found: Singas BY A M E L I A C A M U R AT I
gas said. Micah Raskin, 49, was arraigned last Wednesday by An Old Westbury man Judge William Hohauser on was arrested last Tuesday charges of first- and secondand charged with four felony degree criminal possession of counts for possessing more marijuana, fifth-degree crimithan 358 pounds of marijuana nal possession of a controlled in the largest marijuana sei- substance as well as third- and zure in Nassau County history, fourth-degree criminal possesDistrict Attorney Madeline Sin- sion of a weapon.
If convicted on the top counts, he faces up to eight years in prison. Raskin was released on $150,000 cash bail, and he is due back in court April 27. “With this seizure of more than 350 pounds of marijuana and huge quantities of hash oils, this alleged dealer’s time Continued on Page 48
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