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Friday, January 28, 2022

Vol. 71, No. 4

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY GUIDE PAGES 23-26

MORE ACRIMONY AT CURRAN FREEZES N. HEMPSTEAD BOARD ASSESSMENT ROLL, AGAIN PAGE 2

PAGE 7

School districts scramble after masking ruling Appellate judge issues stay of decision that state mandate is unconstitutional BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z After a Nassau County justice overturned Gov. Kathy Hochul’s statewide mask mandate on Monday, Appellate Judge Robert J. Miller “stayed,” or suspended, that decision, requiring students to once again wear protective face coverings in school. Judge Thomas Rademaker of State Supreme Court in Nassau County said on Monday that Hochul’s mask mandate violated the state Constitution, which resulted in a handful of school districts on Long Island making mask-wearing optional for students and staﬀ on Tuesday. After Rademaker’s verdict, Hochul expressed her strong opposition to the decision and said, “We believe this will be settled very shortly.” The next day, Miller’s decision forced the school districts that chose to make mask-wearing optional to go back to following Hochul’s guidelines. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at the

state Appellate Court in Brooklyn. After the decision to suspend Rademaker’s decision, Hochul touted the need to prioritize the health and well-being of all New Yorkers and expressed her gratitude for those in state government who continue to aid her in that mission. “I commend the Attorney General for her defense of the health and safety of New Yorkers, and applaud the Appellate Division, Second Department for siding with common sense and granting an interim stay to keep the state’s important masking regulations in place,” Hochul said. “We will not stop fighting to protect New Yorkers, and we are confident we will continue to prevail.” Andy Pallotta, president of the state’s United Teachers organization, also supported the stay but asked state health oﬃcials to provide guidance to students, parents, teachers and staﬀ as to when masking mandates can be relaxed so that they may have some certainty in their lives. Continued on Page 34

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARYL VAZ-SALESI

Oracio “Ray” Vaz, of Mineola, was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for his time in the Army.

Ray Vaz, a decorated WW II hero, dies at 97 BY B R A N D ON DUFFY

the Bulge, and helped liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp, died on Saturday at the age of 97. As a 19-year-old, Vaz was a Oracio “Ray” Vaz, a World War II veteran from Mineola who private in the 359th Infantry Regfought in the Normandy landings iment of the 90th Division when on June 6, 1944, and the Battle of he landed on D-Day. He was shot

on Utah Beach and spent four months in the hospital. After recuperating, Vaz rejoined his unit, which was involved in the Battle of France, and was injured in combat a second time. Continued on Page 35

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The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Employees facing Herricks booster ‘loyalty test’: DeSena group for tech Supervisor, board dispute to whom commissioners report

Association announced at board meet

BY B R A N D ON DUFFY

BY V I C TOR I A CARUSO

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Democratic members of the Town Board are clashing over whom the town commissioners should report to. At a meeting last Thursday, DeSena, who was elected as a Republican in November, said that much of the existing staff, specifically commissioners, was being told not to report to her office as part of a loyalty test. Democrats responded that DeSena was trying to block commissioners from communicating with Town Board members. It was the second public meeting of DeSena’s administration, and tension remained high. Democrats hold a 4-3 majority on the board. “These commissioners are still being ordered to go to meetings and report to this new staff that only reports to the Town Board. These commissioners are in a very bad situation,” DeSena said. “There’s a loyalty test here and that is what I need to get past for the sake of our employees because they need to know that if they report to the supervisor, their jobs are not on the line.” Brian Devine, director of communications for the supervisor’s office, said comments that the office has told commissioners whom to report to were untrue. Devine said it “further serves to try and drive a wedge between the Supervisor’s administration and the heads of the Departments who seemingly know they should be reporting to the Supervisor (as it has always been done in the past) but are hesitating to do so as they have been made to feel their actions are a ‘loyalty check.’” Gordon Tepper, the town

A new booster association is coming to the Herricks school district. The Herricks Technology Boosters Association, an initiative started by several parents in the district, is being launched to support the use of technology in Herricks public schools. Cliﬀord Katz, a representative of the association, announced the initiative at last Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. By providing a combination of financial and educational support, Katz explained, the organization aims to keep technological standards high in the district and push educational boundaries. “We’re very excited about this,” said Katz. “We’re going to be soliciting members throughout the entire district.” The new group will mirror the district’s long-established booster associations in music and athletics. These programs have supported the district for over a decade, providing workshops, equipment and scholarships to students. The association will soon use community listservs to build membership and support. Katz said he is hopeful that the initiative “will draw a lot of traction,” explaining that supporting technology goals

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena’s first public meeting in office was Jan. 6. spokesman, said commissioners report to the Town Board. In a statement to Blank Slate Media, Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey said the Town Board needs access on behalf of constituents. “Town Board Members need to have a direct line to commissioners – period,” Lurvey said. “We are all accountable to the residents in our districts, and we have a right to ensure that their needs are being met. Supervisor DeSena’s attempt to block us from communicating directly with department heads would be unprecedented and an abuse of power. The Supervisor does not have unilateral authority to issue decrees that circumvent the rest of her colleagues on the Town Board. Whether it be requests regarding park benches, trees, streetlights, parking, or paving, council members unequivocally have oversight.” Tom McDonough, the safety coordinator for North Hempstead’s Civil Service Employees Association Unit 7555, said during the public portion of the meeting he had evaluated

the budget codes and identified funds to cover transfers during a personnel resolution passed at the last meeting that moved five employees out of the supervisor’s oﬃce. McDonough said he found $336,621.83 from salaries in other departments that have been eliminated to cover the budget amendments. Specifically, McDonough said one position where the funds came from was a union position in the tax receiver’s oﬃce. “We used to have a fulltime benefits coordinator in the H.R. department, now we have a part-time one,” McDonough said. “Do our employees not deserve a full-time benefits person? That answers questions about our health benefits, workman’s compensation or any other benefits we have.” No one on the Town Board responded to McDonough’s statements. A few residents spoke about the optics of the Town Board and the tone set with the new administration. Continued on Page 34

in the district will benefit everyone. The association comes at a time when technology is being heavily prioritized in Herricks public schools. In October, School Superintendent Fino Celano said that the district planned to distribute Google Chromebooks to as many grades as possible. As of now, grades 4 to 12 have Chromebooks and the district plans to provide them to grades three, two and one. Grades 11 and 12 are allowed to bring their own devices, but are oﬀered Chromebooks as well. The district’s goals for the 2021-22 school year include the development of a “digital citizen curriculum” to increase digital fluency and educate students about the importance of a “digital footprint.” The Herricks Technology Boosters Association plans to support the district in these endeavors. Katz mentioned the possibility of creating seminars to assist students and teachers with operating new technology. During the board meeting, members of the public suggested the creation of coding camps and seminars for parents. “We’re starting kind of small, but yes, we could consider that,” Katz responded. “We’re open to everything.” The next Herricks Board of Education meeting will take place on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

SCREENCAP BY VICTORIA CARUSO

Herricks Public Schools, this year, have been expanding their Google Chromebook rollout.

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The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Pre-K programs touted at ed board Move to full-day classes in 2019-20 school years draws 177 students, touted by educators BY J OH N N U G E N T

The Mineola pre-kindergarten program, which expanded to a full-day curriculum in the 2019-20 school year, has 177 children enrolled, according to district oﬃcials. Hampton Street School Principal Leigh Shaw, instructional leader Samantha Sanchez and dual language teacher Masiel Gomez presented an update on the program at the Board of Education meeting last Thursday. “Typically the goal of pre-K is to get the students school-ready,” Shaw said. However, “in Mineola students are learners,” she said, emphasizing that 90% of the human brain develops between birth and age 5. Shaw stressed that the mission in Mineola is to cultivate a “love of learning” from the earliest stages of the school experience. By adding three hours to the day, several new activities are now included that will enable pre-K learners to experience more interaction with their peers. Emphasizing that 3- and 4-year-olds are learners, Sanchez said that pre-K children develop their skills in language, vocabulary and social interaction based on their experiences. Sanchez cited a teacher testimonial that said “Pre-K is an opportunity to learn about life outside of home.” “Three- and 4-year-

SCREENCAP BY JOHN NUGENT

Mineola pre-k children singing “I am a learner.” olds learn through experience,” she said. The addition of play-based literacy centers, outdoor play and discovery, small group activities, lunch/recess and tabletop activities into the daily routine has enriched the learning experience in the formerly halfday program. A dual language pre-K option was introduced this year. The 20 children currently enrolled in that program spend part

of their day learning words, numbers and songs in Spanish. Gomez presented videos of the children singing and counting in Spanish. “The most important part of pre-K is that it’s fun and it’s exciting and a place to come and learn and play and grow,” said Shaw. “It took a long time to get to this spot, but we’re so happy that we’re here,” said

district Superintendent Michael Nagler. He said that significantly improved achievement data for kindergarten and later grades reflect the foundation established in the pre-K experience. The teachers have observed that the students in first grade and above are better prepared, he said. “They are not spending time re-teaching concepts that the children either forgot or never learned,” he said.

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The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Ex-Assembly Speaker

Sheldon Silver dies BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z After being convicted of political corruption in 2018, former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver made a desperate plea to have his seven-year sentence reduced, writing, “I pray I will not die in prison.” On Monday, the 77-year-old Democrat, who received financial kickbacks from a New Hyde Park-based real estate firm, died in federal custody. Silver was first elected to the state Assembly in 1973 from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. As speaker, he held sway over many major legislative decisions from 1994 until his arrest in January 2015. Later that year, he was convicted of political corruption charges

and sentenced to 12 years in prison, a decision that was overturned in 2017 after a Supreme Court ruling which narrowed the definition of corruption. In May 2018, Silver was again found guilty on seven counts of bribery, extortion, money laundering and honest services fraud after receiving more than $1 million in kickbacks disguised as legal referral fees to his firm, Weitz & Luxenberg. After receiving payments from Glenwood Management, a real estate firm in New Hyde Park, a Manhattan developer and a Manhattan physician, Silver directed state actions that benefited the parties he obtained money from. Continued on Page 44

PHOTO FROM THE ISLAND NOW ARCHIVES

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver died in federal custody on Monday.

Recent fires due to accidents, rekindling BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y A fire on Second Street in Mineola that displaced about a dozen residents was accidental, an investigation by the

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY D’AGOSTINO

Over 100 firefighters respond to a Jan. 14 fire in Mineola, the first of two incidents at the same location over the weekend.

Nassau County fire marshal’s office has found. At 178 Second St., two fires took place on Jan. 14 and 15. The initial fire, which displaced the residents, destroyed the two businesses on the first floor and was fought by 100 firefighters with assistance from numerous North Shore fire departments. According to officials, it was determined to be an accidental electrical fire. On Jan. 15, an equally intense fire rekindled from the night before, and it was determined that it was fanned by high winds before growing. On Jan. 10, the Mineola Fire Department responded to an apartment fire on the first floor at 133 Lincoln Ave. One resident was displaced and three dogs died, officials said. It was determined that this fire was accidental and was caused by combustible materials left on a stove.

The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Nassau’s property values frozen: report Newsday says former executive Curran conducted freeze for 2023-24 tax year in December BY R OB E RT PELAEZ Former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran froze the county’s residential property values for the 2023-24 tax year before she left office in December, according to a Newsday report. Curran’s reported freezing of the property values marks the second consecutive year she decided to do so. In December 2020, Curran cited the economic uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic as she froze the property values. “By temporarily pausing property assessments, we can allow families and businesses a little more certainty so they can focus on the task of rebuilding their finances at a time of enormous economic uncertainty,” Curran said at the time. Acting Nassau County Assessor Robin Laveman confirmed the freeze to Newsday and cited the fluctuating real estate market. “Nassau County has paused

its implementation to create a more fair, accurate and equitable system.” Efforts to reach Curran, Laveman or Blakeman for further comment were unavailing. Curran called for the reassessment of approximately 400,000 homes in 2018, for the 2020-21 tax year, after the county’s assessment roll had been frozen since 2011. During that period, thousands of residents filed grievances on the value of their homes, winning reduced assessments and shifting the tax burden onto others who did not challenge their assessments. Of the 227,475 residential PHOTO COURTESY OF COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE grievances filed on the 202021 tentative assessment roll, Former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran reportedly froze property values for the the commission made 60,760 2023-24 tax year before leaving office, according to a Newsday report. reductions of class one properties, according to officials. According to December property valuation updates for a map change, your notice day that the administration due to continued instability of should reflect the same prop- of County Executive Bruce statistics from OneKey MLS, a the real estate market,” Lave- erty assessment as the previ- Blakeman, a Republican who multiple listing service that inman told Newsday. “Therefore, ous tax year, as former County criticized Curran’s assessment cludes Long Island, the median unless you have received an Executive Laura Curran again undertaking before defeating sale price for homes increased assessment reduction, correc- froze the roll for 2023-24 at her in the November election, 6.6 percent from the previous was analyzing the “reassess- year to $645,0000 in Nassau tion of error, physically altered the 2022-23 level.” Laveman also told News- ment and laws associated with County. an improvement or petitioned

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Blakeman addresses bail reform in order Allows cops to provide records of repeat offenders; aims to provide judges with discretion BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed an executive order last week that permits the county’s Police Department to disclose if a person has been rearrested after being released without bail. Blakeman, in an effort to discredit the state’s bail reform laws enacted in the beginning of 2020, signed the executive order that cites a need to “increase transparency by disclosing in daily reports the pending criminal case data and bail status of those rearrested” by the Police Department. He said the reports will be made available online. “As I have said repeatedly, judges should have the sole discretion to determine if someone is a danger to the community or a flight risk,” Blakeman said at a news conference last Wednesday. The state bail reform laws eliminated pretrial detention and optional cash bail in an estimated 90 percent of cases. According to the executive order, approximately 20 percent of bail-related cases between July 2020 and June 2021 in New York resulted in an individual being rearrested for some offense. The order also claims more than 2,000 repeat offenders across the state were subsequently arrested for a violent felony while another case was pending. More than 400 of those repeat offenders were rearrested for a

violent felony involving a firearm, according to the executive order. The executive order went into eﬀect immediately. “It’s time that Nassau residents and the lawmakers who passed these dangerous laws know exactly how they are impacting our communities,” Blakeman said. “This executive order sheds sunlight on these dan-

gerous laws and puts pressure on the Governor and State lawmakers to put law-abiding Americans above criminals.” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said more gun arrests have been made in the county since Jan. 1, compared with all of December 2021. In the 13 made since the new year, Ryder said, six suspects were released on cashless bail. Oth-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed an executive order last Wednesday aimed at providing more transparency into rearrested individuals’ criminal history.

ers, he said, were given ankle bracelets to be monitored by police and then released on cashless bail. Six cases Ryder mentioned involved individuals being charged with possession of a loaded firearm, a bail eligible offense. In those cases, the individuals charged seem to have been released without bail at the judges’ discretion. Officials said nearly 90 percent of the 11,000 people arrested in the county in 2021 were released without bail. More than 300 of those individuals were released without bail following a weapons-related offense, according to officials. Despite U.S. News & World Report deeming Nassau the safest county in America for the second consecutive year in 2021, Blakeman rejected the designation. In a Newsday interview before November’s election, Blakeman said U.S. News & World Report only took “spoonfed” statistics from the county and said they did not reflect what really happened over the past year due to the pandemic. Nassau County spends $1,148 per capita on police and fire protection while the national median is $359, U.S. News & World Report said last year. Public safety professionals account for 1.26 percent of the county’s population, compared with the national median of 0.70 percent.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

COVID adds to mental health crisis: panel BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z

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A panel of mental health experts discussed how the coronavirus pandemic, social media and living in a world filled with uncertainty will continue to impact school-age children and young adults during a virtual forum hosted by Blank Slate Media last week. The event, moderated by Blank Slate Media’s editor and publisher, Steven Blank, featured Dr. Liat Jarkon, the director of the Center for Behavioral Health, Jeffrey Reynolds, the president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, and Andrew Malekoff, the former executive director and CEO of the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center in Roslyn Heights. Around a decade before the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020, Jarkon said, concerns about mental health began to occur more frequently. Since the pandemic began, she said, the number of people suffering from mental illnesses has increased to a point where the mental health crisis has become its own epidemic. “In approximately 2009-10, a lot of the mental health community started saying ‘we have to be careful, there’s something going on here,’” Jarkon said. “What’s happened since the pandemic is that the numbers have skyrocketed. It has catapulted the number of people – children, adults and seniors – who are dealing with anxiety, depression, domestic violence and substance abuse issues.” For children, Malekoff said, structure is one of the most important factors in development. With the pandemic causing a loss of structure in the forms of death, poverty or even not being able to go to school in the traditional pre-COVID manner, he said, this can contribute to children developing mental health illnesses in the future. “The accumulation of risk factors

are a sign as to how far at risk a child is for developing poor outcomes in their life,” Malekoff said. “To mitigate against risk are protective factors which are, for example, a good relationship with an adult or a peer group or school connectedness.” Malekoff called on schools, pediatricians and mental health clinics to screen for adverse childhood experiences so they can get a better sense of what risk factors an individual has been exposed to. Reynolds said the problems that the FCA has seen firsthand reflect the bigger picture throughout the nation. As the association tries to prioritize the Long Island community and the mental health issues it deals with every day, he said, staffing issues due to the pandemic have impeded it at times. “At the same time there’s been a COVID crisis, there’s a workforce crisis and I’m having a hard time filling positions at FCA,” Reynolds said. “I’ve had welltrained social workers who, because of the stress in their own lives merging with the professional stress, have said, ‘I’m going to work at Walmart over the course of the holiday season. They pay $20 an hour, I’m only making $19 an hour as a social worker and Walmart is a whole lot less stressful.’” Malekoff said there should be more avenues to help the roughly 140,000 children in the United States that have lost either their primary or secondary caregiver as a result of the pandemic who are at higher risk to develop mental health illnesses in their lifetime. Whether it was members of the older generation who were children when national or global wars occurred or the younger generation experiencing the coronavirus pandemic, he said, children that have dealt with profound loss in their lives should have their mental health assessed by a professional. Continued on Page 12

SCREENSHOT BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Mental health experts discussed how social media and the coronavirus pandemic will impact individuals moving forward during a virtual event last week.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Girl Scout Cookie season is back! Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently announced the exciting return of the Girl Scout Cookie Program for the 2022 season. The 2022 cookie lineup includes all the fan favorites—Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups®, Girl Scout S’mores®, and Toﬀee-tastic®. All cookie lovers will be able to purchase boxes from their local Girl Scouts during the cookie season currently running through April 3. For more than 100 years, this iconic program has helped Girl Scouts gain first-hand entrepreneurial experiences by setting sales goals, challenging them to be resourceful, and developing new and creative ways to reach customers. In doing so, they develop money management, public speaking, and decision-making skills that become essential tools for both their personal and professional future—in addition to bringing joy to everyone around them. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program presents Girl Scouts with a unique opportunity to learn through hands-on experience how to bring a business idea to life and manage their own business,” said Randell M. Bynum, chief executive oﬃcer of the Girl Scouts of Nassau Coun-

ty. “They must bring communication techniques, digital tools, and strategies together to achieve a set goal. I encourage everyone to show their support for our Girl Scouts across Nassau County by placing an order of their favorite flavors during this cookie season.” According to recent surveys of current Girl Scouts, over 75 percent of Girl Scouts are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or starting their own company. Also, 90 percent of Girl Scouts alumni have reported that the skills they learned from the cookie program directly helped them build success in their professional endeavors. “During this time of the year, the community has the unique opportunity to help support Girl Scouts’ for a lifetime by purchasing their favorite cookies,” said Bynum. “Coupled with the many initiatives and activities Girl Scouts oﬀer every day that promote social, emotional, and academic wellbeing, Girl Scouts are poised to be the leaders of tomorrow.” Girl Scout Cookies can only be purchased from a registered Girl Scout. Customers who would like to support their local Girl Scouts can purchase cookies in person or online via the Digital Cookie platform that includes direct delivery.

To find Girl Scouts selling cookies near you, visit www.girlscoutcookies.org. Another way to support Girl Scouts is by purchasing cookies to donate to GSNC’s Gift of Caring programs, including Hometown Heroes and Operation Cookie where they can donate Girl Scout Cookies to first responders, doctors, nurses, retail employees, servicemen and women, and other people who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe and going.

For your latest community news visit us 24 hours a day 7 days a week at www.theislandnow.com

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10 The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

McCormacks’ lawyer to DA: resign BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Robert Abrams, an attorney who represents the family of Kathleen McCormack Durst, called on Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah to resign after she cited “missed opportunities” as one reason it took nearly 40 years to build a murder case against real estate scion Robert Durst. Last Wednesday, Rocah released an investigative report about Kathleen Durst’s disapparance in 1982, saying “missed opportunities” and “tunnel vision” by various oﬃcials were why it took as long as it did to build a case against Robert Durst, who was charged with murder in the case last year. He died this month before a trial could be held. “We are able to see now how some missed opportunities by law enforcement oﬃcials directing the early stages of the investigation may have contributed to delay in bringing the charges in this case,” Rocah said. “Those of us in law enforcement, who are always seeking to better serve victims, can and should look at how this case was handled and what, if anything, we can learn about the crucial early stages of criminal investigations when individuals with status, wealth and power are implicated.” Abrams, of the Lake Success-based Abrams Fensterman LLP, said the McCormack family was not aware of Rocah’s news conference until after the fact and called on Rocah to resign after presenting “misrepresentations and omissions” surrounding the

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Robert Abrams, the attorney for the family of Kathleen McCormack Durst (left) called on Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah to resign after she cited “missed opportunities” as to why it took nearly 40 years to charge Robert Durst (right) with murder. case. “There have been numerous individuals, including members of the Durst family, that have knowingly and intentionally participated in a criminal conspiracy to help Robert Durst avoid prosecution,” Abrams said in a statement. “Today, the Westchester County District Attorney has sanctioned those illegal acts and attempted to explain away how money, power, and influence allowed a killer to escape justice.”

A graduate of New Hyde Park Memorial High School, Kathleen McCormack married Durst in 1971. She disappeared on Jan. 31, 1982; her body was never found. Thirty-six years after her disappearance, she was declared dead by a Manhattan court in 2017. Last year, the Westchester County district attorney’s oﬃce reopened the cold case investigating Kathleen Durst’s disappearance. Robert Durst had long been suspected

of being responsible for Kathleen Durst’s disappearance, a case he was indicted for last year on charges of second-degree murder. In the 2015 HBO miniseries “The Jinx,” Durst was recorded saying, “What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course” on a hot microphone. He previously denied the allegations. The California Department of Corrections said Durst, 78, died of natural causes on Jan. 10 while being treated at a hospital. In October, Durst contracted COVID-19, days after being sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for killing his longtime friend Susan Berman in 2000 in Beverly Hills. Abrams’ comments about Rocah came less than a week after he announced that he plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Durst’s estate, seeking more than $100 million. Abrams also said he would continue to pursue legal action against those who, he believes, helped cover up Robert Durst’s alleged murder of Kathleen Durst. Another announcement will be coming from Abrams, he said, on Jan. 31, the 40th anniversary of Kathleen Durst’s disappearance. “In the interim, we ask the public to consider why the current Westchester DA and her predecessors remain unwilling to tell the truth about why it took nearly forty years for Robert Durst to be charged,” Abrams said. Eﬀorts to reach Rocah for further comment were unavailing.

Zimmerman piles up Mineola man charged Dem endorsements in alleged ‘elder scam’ BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y The list of endorsements for Robert Zimmerman keeps growing. State Assemblyman Charles Lavine and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli have each endorsed Zimmerman, a longtime Democratic National Committee member

from Great Neck running for his party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.! He has also been endorsed by former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and former County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum. Continued on Page 35

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE

Great Neck’s Robert Zimmerman announced his Congressional run for New York’s 3rd. Congressional District.

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y A Mineola man was arrested for attempted grand larceny as part of what police are calling an “elder scam.” Joshua Estrella Gomez, 28, of Willis Avenue, was arrested last Thursday after he allegedly picked up an envelope from

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Joshua Estrella Gomez, of Mineola.

a Seaford woman following calls that resembled an “elder scam.” The victim, 73, received three calls from unknown men, each claiming to be diﬀerent people in order to bail her “grandson” out of jail, according to officials. The first call was from a man who claimed he was the victim’s grandson, was in jail and needed the woman to contact his lawyer. A second call came from a man stating he was her grandson’s lawyer and that he needed $8,000 from her to post bail. Police said a third call was made to the victim from an unknown male alleging to be the bail bondsman who said he was in the area to collect the money. Between the final call and Gomez arriving at the victim’s house, she contacted the police. Gomez was arrested without incident immediately after taking an envelope from the victim, police said. Gomez was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Eﬀorts to reach lawyers for Gomez were unavailing.

The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

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Continued from Page 8 In terms of social media’s impact on the younger generation, Jarkon said, parents should promote other hobbies and activities that can stimulate their children’s growth and aid their mental health. The anxiety that comes along with being fully immersed in social media, she said, can lead children and even younger adults to compare how they stack up with others they know or see online. “Studies have shown that [children] get depressed and anxious because they’re comparing themselves to everybody else,” Jarkon said. “I think if we spend more time with our children, engaging them in things that are family-oriented like a family game night, they’ll have less time to spend on social media and be sort of isolated.” Reynolds reflected on experiences he has had telling parents to act like a parent rather than their children’s friend. Children, he said, can easily pick up on their parents’ behavior, even if it’s just someone checking Facebook or Twitter during a dinner conversation. What younger people see when they go online, Reynolds said, also plays a significant role in developing insecurity or mental illnesses. “Parents should want to make sure

they keep those lines of communication open with their kids because they see and hear a lot of things and they need an adult to process that with,” Reynolds said. “That should be the parents, not someone else.” Malekoﬀ said parents with children up to 18 years old who may have anxiety, depression or other mental ills should reach out to the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center. Reynolds also touted the FCA’s work, but implored parents and all other individuals to ask how a person is doing. “You don’t have to be an expert in mental health in order to approach someone and simply ask if they are OK,” Reynolds said. “That goes a long way and for a lot of people, that opens the door to a much larger conversation.” Jarkon said anyone who expresses a desire to self-harm should be taken to an emergency room immediately. Utilizing other resources, including the ones provided by the New York Institute of Technology, can also help parents identify any mental health problems in their children. “Knowing that you’re not alone and that help is out there is really the most important thing,” Jarkon said. The full meeting can viewed online on The Island Now YouTube page.

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14 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Addressing the mental health crisis

e are in the midst of a mental health crisis. The proof is found in anecdotes that accumulate by the day. A man believed mentally ill pushes a woman to her death in Times Square. Another takes hostages in a synagogue in Texas. The list goes on and on and on. The proof is also in studies. The United States’ surgeon general in December warned that young people are facing “devastating” mental health effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation, including the coronavirus pandemic. The rare public advisory by Dr. Vivek H. Murthy cited significant increases in self-reports of depression and anxiety along with more emergency room visits for mental health issues. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Facebook studies have shown that Instagram, which it owns, is causing serious mental health problems, particularly for teenage girls. And the social media giant is doing nothing about it. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said several months ago many of the inmates at Rikers Island, the hell hole on East River, are suﬀering from mental health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 100,000 people had died of drug overdose deaths in the United States in the 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5 percent over the same period the

year before. The list of studies goes on as well. The good news is that thanks to COVID the profile of mental health issues has been raised. “If you ask the average person who considers themselves to be well-adjusted whether they have suffered anxiety or depression over the course of the past 18 months, I think nearly everybody would say yes and if they say no they’re probably detached from reality or not telling the truth,” Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, the president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association in Garden City, explained at a Blank Slate Media virtual town hall last Thursday. Reynolds and Andrew Malekoff, editor-in-chief of Social Work with Groups and the former CEO of the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, said government has responded with funding for schools and community groups to address the needs of students and families. The bad news is the ongoing problems with insurance companies refusing to cover conditions “above the neck in the same way they cover other conditions” as required by state law, Reynolds said. Malekoff said this failure is ignored by state officials who could provide families with the help they need for a broad range of mental problems, including addiction and depression. “Insurance companies and the government are not living up to their responsibility to provide people with quality, affordable

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and timely mental health and addictions care even though they are legally bound to,” Malekoff said. Those affected the most are people not poor enough to receive government assistance and not rich enough to be able to afford the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars needed for treatment. This is a problem that every legislator should be pressed to correct. Reynolds said these services will be especially important in coming years to cope with the effects of the coronavirus, which he said will be with us for years to come. Dr. Liat Jarkon, the director of the Center for Behavioral Health and an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the New York Institute of Technology, told the town hall audience that another prob-

lem is the lack of trained professionals to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Jarkon said the waiting list to see therapists can run six months – far too long to address people with serious issues that need more immediate attention. The shortage of trained professionals has gotten worse during the pandemic due to the low pay of health care workers who find other jobs paying the same with far less stress. The answer, Reynolds said, is for the state to provide funding to pay mental health professionals more. Adding to the need for people with mental health training is how we respond to crime. Police do not have – and should not be expected to have – the training to address people with mental health problems. That lack of training can often result in unnecessarily es-

REPORTERS Robert Pelaez, Brandon Duffy COLUMNIST Karen Rubin ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stacy Shaughnessy, Melissa Spitalnick, Wendy Kates, Linda Robinson, Steven Schoenfarber ART DIRECTOR Jewell Davis

calating a situation, sometimes with tragic results for the person with mental health problems, family members or even the police. In New York City, Adams intends to have mental health professionals accompany police to scenes in which illness rather than criminal behavior is the cause. This is a smart reform that should be followed in Nassau County. Nassau County should also help implement the use of 988 as a nationwide mental health crisis and suicide prevention number. The implementation plan approved by the Federal Communications Commission establishes a two-year timeline to make 988 operational nationwide (by July 16, 2022), with calls routed through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Continued on Page 28

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Williston Times • Great Neck News Herald Courier • Roslyn Times Manhasset Times • Port Washington Times

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

ON THE RIGHT

Will the MTA ever recover from COVID?

he Metropolitan Transit Authority continues to face a multitude of management, operational and fiscal problems. The ongoing COVID crisis, as well as the lax criminal justice system, cost overruns, delayed project completions, electrical grid failures, closures due to Hurricane Ida flooding, ransomware hackers breaching the MTA’s time-clock provider and never-ending overtime abuses are just a few of the issues the MTA has had to grapple with. The latest COVID variant, Omicron, is not helping the transit situation. Many private sector employees who had returned to the oﬃce are back working remotely at home. Subway ridership that had recovered somewhat to 50 percent of pre-pandemic numbers dropped to 40 percent in early January. City COVID regulations requiring COVID vaccination cards to be checked before entering restaurants, I have learned anecdotally, have also kept people

from traveling into New York City. A Park Avenue restaurant I have been frequenting for over 25 years was packed on Thursday nights back in December. But not last Thursday when I dined there. Out of 50 tables, only five had customers. The MTA’s problem child is the New York City transit system. Subway crime continues to rise. In November 2021, for example, the daily average robberies increased to 2.9 from 1.3. Major felonies jumped from 3.8 to 7.8. Total number of robberies in November were 88 compared to 39 in November 2020. The day after Christmas there was a rash of crimes in the subway system. Four attacks were reported. A subway conductor was attacked, a woman was stabbed, an innocent bystander was pushed onto subway tracks, and gunshots were fired by a man who provoked a verbal dispute with several people waiting for a train.

GEORGE J. MARLIN On The Right On Saturday, January 10, a vagrant claiming “I am God and I can do it” shoved a woman to her death in front of an oncoming subway train. The victim was the sixth person thrown onto the tracks in the past 12 months. Manhattan Institute analyst Nicole Gelinas has reported that “violent crime in the subways is still more than twice as high per rider as it was in 2019. The victims are random, but the perpetrators are not. The same hardcore class of criminals (and untreated mentally ill) just have

fewer people underground to prey upon.” And then there is the issue of fare beaters. Since beat cops were told in 2019 not to pursue them because district attorneys refuse to prosecute, subway fare evasion has more than doubled. In 2020, the MTA reported that 13 percent of riders jumped the turnstile versus 6 percent in 2019. (Some suggest the actual numbers could be as high as 18 percent.) This phenomenon is costing the MTA annually more than $300 million in lost revenues. Transit services have been scaled back thanks to the Omicron COVID variant. The New York Times reported on Jan. 7 that “on any given day this week, 21 percent of subway conductors, about 1,300 people— have been absent from work….” In addition, 25 percent of the 12,000 bus operators were out sick. The work shortage has forced the MTA to reduce subway schedules, to suspend service on three of the system’s 22

lines, and to cut bus schedules by 15 percent. With subway, bus, LIRR and Metro North ridership expected to be well below pre-pandemic numbers, it is projected that the MTA will lose as much as $500 million in fare-box revenues this year. And while the authority will fund more than $16 billion in deficits over the next three years with federal grants, those dollars are one-shot revenues that serve as stop-gap measures. Once the federal funding runs dry, the MTA will face a desperate situation. This helps explain why a report released by the state comptroller in December, “Capital Needs and the Resilience at the MTA,” noted that “the MTA is the engine that drives New York City’s economy, and it is running on borrowed time.” Sadly, for the MTA to avoid “going oﬀ the rails,” riders starting in 2023 may be forced to pay huge fare and toll increases in return for declining services and maintenance.

A LOOK ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

It’s a case of mommy see, mommy do

here I was watching my husband stirring a vial of this, setting a timer for that, laying out test strips on the dining room table — after reading four different sets of directions. Who knew that in order to go to a small family gathering, you had to become a chemist? Or at least a medical lab technician? And yet that’s what it was going to take to get us out of the house and to a small birthday party for a family member, as safely as possible. We needed a battery of tests: one for each of us the night before traveling to our hotel, and then another for each of us in the morning, just before going to the party. And, thanks to the feast-and-famine distribution of such things, every single test was a different kind from a different manufacturer with completely different instructions. If it had been left to me, we’d still be parked in the driveway waiting for President Biden’s tests to arrive because I

would have ruined every test in the house. Luckily, my husband excels at reading directions — and following them — so he became our CMO (chief medical oﬃcer) and finally got us on the road. I was still marveling at my spouse’s ability to decipher those instruction sheets, while I watched three toddlers playing on our hostess’ family room floor. Poor little things, I thought; wait till they grow up and learn that life is full of instruction sheets. Just then one of the kids started banging on a pot. Instantly, they all were. Then the oldest one started jumping on the couch. You know what happened next — they all were. Then one of them headed upstairs to our host’s home office. She installed herself at the computer keyboard, hand on the mouse, and announced, “I want to work!” I had forgotten just how much little kids are copy cats. They will “out” you for every blessed thing you do.

JUDY EPSTEIN

A Look on the Lighter Side This, at least, was infinitely better than the “dammit” and foot stomp that my own toddler had performed at this age, showing his grandma, my mother-in-law, just exactly how Mommy behaves when she’s triggered the car alarm. His brother loved grabbing the portable house phone and running around the house with it perched on his shoulder. He also used to put my reading glasses on his head and pre-

tend not to know where they were. Can’t imagine where he learned that. Before having children, I used to think that “copy cat” behavior was just vaguely annoying. As a mother, I learned to respect it. When my kids set up a lemonade stand, they insisted I help make a sign that they had “extra whitening!” I just thought they meant sugar; it was years before I realized they were copying it from a toothpaste ad. They would copy each other in big things and small. I remember one summer day at the local park where I took the 6-year-old and the 3-year old to try out their bike and trike. The 6-year-old was going strong until he took a little tumble, half way down the path. No harm done, he jumped right back up and continued on. What I found odd was that a few minutes later the 3-year old stopped pedaling, got oﬀ his trike and painstakingly

pushed it over onto the grass. Of course! It was the same exact spot where his brother had fallen. And one night — a rare evening out that I had really dressed up for — my little boy decided to tell me, “You look so big!” I was taken aback. Should I turn around and change into something else? But eventually I realized that’s what I always said to him when he was dressed up in his little blazer and tie, so to him it was the highest of praise. I am coming to believe that this “copycat” thing is really the way we were designed — or evolved — to learn nearly everything. Which means I should give up on reading instructions entirely. Instead, I should try behaving like a toddler. If I had, maybe I could have copied my husband and learned to do those COVID tests. Because never mind about our surveillance society. There is nobody watching you better, or more closely than a toddler.

16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

THE BACK ROAD

School connectedness and the pandemic

n 2005 I organized a research project in which 1200 high school students from all across Long Island were asked to share their concerns “now and for the future.” Below are a few of their responses. Looking back, it feels as if some of today’s youth might respond in a similar manner. One participant lamented: “I don’t think this world is ever going to get better. To live in this world you have to be very, very strong because if you’re not, the system will walk all over you. You cannot trust politicians because they are all snakes in the grass.” For today’s youth, any promise that the COVID-19 pandemic will come to an end is a hope interrupted, especially with the incursion of each new variant. As for the body politic, the divide is so deep that tribal loyalty has trumped truth and trust. One student opened up about his greatest fears: “I am afraid of a lot of things — mainly dying too young and not getting to live to my greatest expectations.” Such a sorrowful reflection by someone so young. Although that was two de-

cades ago, in the last two years the pandemic has delivered unending loss and grief. Stark images of refrigerated morgues parked outside hospitals and patients fighting for their lives on respirators have done little to quell the feeling of unease that has become so pervasive. The teens were asked, “When you’re confused about life, who helps you sort things out?” Almost 3 out of 4 said their parents and friends filled that role. Today, remote learning has interfered with the vital connections young people need, interrupting the natural ebb and flow of peer relations and turning too many a home into a pressure cooker rather than a sanctuary. In an all-day gathering of teens and adults following the release of the research findings, one young person spoke about wellmeaning parents overwhelmed with trying to make ends meet, unable to carve out any meaningful family time together. Many of today’s parents, and especially moms, have had to juggle employment and child-care, as their children are told by school officials to stay home after exposure to infection. The directives come

ANDREW MALEKOFF The Back Road

down in maddening cycles that are unpredictable and impossible to plan ahead for. One parent who participated in the forum commented: “Often, adults complain that kids are apathetic, lazy or unmotivated. Maybe it is our own apathy and fear that prevent us as adults from helping.” For many a pandemic-era parent apathy is not the culprit, but rather uncertainty, exhaustion and demoralization that extend well beyond the normal anxiety and stress that parents of school children and teens might experience. One teacher remarked: “So many young people are walking

around with such powerful feelings that we adults are not helping them with.” The pandemic has become the great equalizer. Never before have we collectively and publicly confronted a more insidious adversary in such a sustained manner. For almost two years now, each weekday morning that kids wake up they don’t know whether to board the school bus or pop open their laptops. Parents don’t know whether to head in for work or call in sick. One consequence of such chronic uncertainty is that school connectedness has been interrupted. What is school connectedness? It is the belief by students that they feel valued, included, respected and supported by adults and peers who care about their learning and about them as individuals. Second only to family, school is the most important stabilizing influence for young people. School connectedness enables young people to engage in healthy behaviors that mitigate against the risks of dropping out, absenteeism and poor academic outcomes; and, protects against health risks like alcohol and drug use, early

sexual initiation and violence. We cannot allow school connectedness to become another casualty of the pandemic, especially for marginalized young people who are at increased risk for feeling alienated and unsafe; and, feeling as if no one on earth cares much about what becomes of them. School connectedness must be underpinned by trusting and caring relationships and healthy communication among administrators, teachers, staﬀ, students, families and communities, especially during times of crisis. It is more diﬃcult to believe, as each succeeding variant intrudes into our lives, in the old adage that “this too shall pass.” But, it shall. In the meantime, let us not lose sight of the fact that the rewards of school connectedness and the sense of belonging and competency that it brings, last forever. For more information and strategies for promoting school connectedness go to: www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/ protective/school_connectedness. htm

VIEW POINT

We must save Great Neck’s history

eople used to think in terms of progress vs. preservation – a zero-sum sort of thing, an either/or — but preservation and progress are two sides of the same coin, a symbiotic relationship. And that is very much on view during the heated reaction in the village of Thomaston over preserving the Tower Ford building from a wrecking ball to make way for a five-story glass rental apartment building. I’ve been engaged with the Great Neck Historical Society since its founding about 20 years ago, and I think we all were struck by the outpouring of support for preservation and historic landmarking of the building, which dates from 1931, just about the same time as the village was incorporated. The huge outcry of residents of Thomaston and neighboring villages forced the village to stop in its tracks and repeal the incentive zoning that would have permitted new owners to raze the building and replace it with a five-story glass rental apartment building. The commission hired a con-

sultant (for $6,000) and other experts who presented their findings and were unanimous in saying that this now 90-year-old gem is of substantial architectural and cultural significance to not just warrant but demand preservation. It qualifies for inclusion on both the National and New York State registers of historic buildings. You might expect the “oldtimers” and longtime residents to support saving the building, but listening to Thomaston’s Landmark Commission hearing on Jan. 4, 2020, along with about 100 others, what struck me were the relatively new village residents who spoke with such passion. I must confess I was surprised at the women from China, with a heritage that goes back thousands of years – the truly Old World compared to a mere 250 for Americana in the New World — who spoke with such passion about the need to preserve Great Neck’s history and heritage. Commission Chair Donald Stern noted that among the considerations the commission would take into account is “economic

KAREN RUBIN View Point

impact” (though it was observed that “economic factors” are not in Thomaston’s landmark statute). Yet studies by such organizations as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service and others show that historic preservation has economic benefits as well as quality-of-life benefits for residents reflected in higher home values. “Preservation enhances real estate values and fosters local businesses, keeping historic main streets and downtowns economically viable. Heritage tourism is a

real economic force, one that is evident in places that have preserved their historic character. Developers are discovering that money spent rehabilitating historic buildings is actually an investment in the future, when these structures could be the showpieces of a revitalized city,” the National Park Service stated (https://www.nps. gov/subjects/historicpreservation/economic-impacts.htm) Historic preservation “has proven to be an eﬀective tool for a wide range of public goals, including small business incubation, affordable housing, sustainable development,” reports the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (achp.org). “The good news is historic preservation is good for the economy the positive impact of historic preservation on the economy has been documented in six broad areas: 1) jobs 2) property values 3) heritage tourism 4) environmental impact 5) social impact and 6) downtown revitalization.” (www. landmarks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Measuring-theEconomics-of-Preservation.pdf)

Jay Chagrin remarked, “What I’ve learned in my travels all over the world is that everywhere buildings that no longer meet original need aren’t destroyed, they are repurposed. There is no reason this building cannot be repurposed in equitable way.” For scores of communities around the state – those that have won the $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization grants (what a shame that Great Neck’s villages haven’t been able to put together a winning proposal), repurposing historic sites has been a central element. There are buildings turned into arts and cultural centers, community centers, retail and housing (yes, housing). In fact, the Roslyn Grist Mill (which dates from 1715 and was there when George Washington visited Roslyn in 1790) was repurposed into a charming Tea House that operated from 1920 to 1974. A vigorous local activist group, the Roslyn Landmark Society, successfully raised enough funds to restore the mill, a centerpiece to Roslyn’s historic main street. Continued on Page 29

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

OUR TOWN

Repetition dooms many to relive their mistakes

ave you noticed that your life has a way of repeating itself? Freud called this the Repetition Compulsion and there are a few films that demonstrate this dynamic in a dramatic fashion. Let’s take a peek at each film that deals with the famed Repetition Compulsion. The first is that wonderful German film “Run Lola Run” made in 1998 and starring the red- headed Franka Potente in her desperate quest to obtain 100,000 deutsche marks within 20 minutes. The film is unique and considered experimental because it repeats Lola’s 20- minute quest three times with alternative endings. In the first version she dies, in the second version the boyfriend dies, but in the third they both survive and manage to overcome and resolve the problem. This film is intended to demonstrate Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Eﬀect, but it suits our purpose grandly. The next film that deals with people forced to repeat a task was the 2011 film “Source Code” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. In this science fiction action thriller, Jake Gyllenhaal played a U.S. Army captain sent into an 8-minute digital recreation of a real life train explosion in order to discover the identity of the responsible terrorist. The third film was the 2014 blockbuster “Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow” starring Tom Cruise

and Emily Blunt. This futuristic science fiction tale takes place in Europe, which has been occupied by aliens. Cruise plays a public relations oﬃcer with no combat experience who is forced to join a landing operation against the aliens and finds himself in a time loop trying to find a way to combat the invaders. This film made nearly $400 million in its first release, suggesting the theme of the film hit a major cord with the audience. Freud and many other analysts, me included, have observed the neurotic pattern of repeating mistakes over and over. Examples include athletes who refuse to win or patients who remarry the same person after the first divorce. Many analysts have suggested that the initial problem lies in childhood and this problem becomes buried and entrenched within the unconscious and is repeated over and over since the person knows no other way to function. Freud thought that the patient is trying to master the initial problem and thus puts oneself back in the turmoil in order to finally master it. You can see in these three films how that pattern seems plausible, where the hero is thrust back over and over again into the same harrowing situation in order to resolve it. Lola finally solves the money problem but only after she dies the first time. In “Source Code” the Army captain finally discovers the terrorist’s identity

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

but only after he gets blown up numerous times himself. And Tom Cruise does finally solve the problem of the alien invasion, but he dies many times before that happens. There are conflicting theories as to why the repetition compulsion is so tough to overcome. The disturbed self-image that comes from childhood does tend to get reinforced and the low image forecloses other options since to grow takes strength and courage, while guidance and support are hard to come by. You can see repetition compulsions in sports all the time. It’s hard for the Mets not to be the Mets just like it’s hard for the Yankees not to be the Yankees. Or to bring this issue into the social realm, it’s hard for someone from the middle class to move into the upper class and just as hard for someone from the upper class

to move into the middle class. These things are self-perpetuating beliefs. One brilliant theorist who does provide some help in the area of leaving the past behind and growing beyond one’s troubles is Carl Jung. He was one of the founding fathers of psychoanalysis and was the first to talk about the importance of birth order on personality and the collective unconscious. One of his concepts was liminal space or that threshold one must cross to get to a higher level. The idea of growth to the next level is every athlete’s dream and the quest to move up is every American’s dream as well. Who doesn’t want to move up the social hierarchy, gain greater respect and make more money? This used to be referred to as “keeping up with the Joneses,” but that trivializes the importance and healthy side of this quest. To get past the threshold and gain entrance into the next level is remarkably tough. As Dante once said, the gateway to heaven means you first must enter hell. Jung suggested that in order to move through liminal space you need to become an initiate, remove yourself from the fray and receive support and guidance. This is what occurs as kids go oﬀ the college. It’s also what Thoreau did 170 years ago when he found sanctuary at Walden Pond. But in his case his mentors were the star,

geese and woodchucks. So where exactly do adults go to become an initiate, feel cloistered and receive enough support and guidance to grow? Many sociologists and social critics have pointed out that our society has a dearth of ritual space which would facilitate growth. And as community life becomes ever more embattled, these liminal spaces are shrinking by the minute. Sanctuary is not to be found. And this is why the dreaded repetition compulsions or the endless repeating of last year’s mistakes yet again will go on and on. Good for me because I’m the guy people visit to pick up the pieces and try to shed light upon the dreaded past. But a failure to have a society which provides supportive, cloistered growthinducing environments is a very big problem that no one seems to be talking about and therefore as adults we are left to fend for ourselves, saddled with an apparent learning disability of the gravest order.

E A R T H M AT T E R S

The environmental cost of fashion

here are lots of things to consider when shopping for clothing. Whether it’s a dress, suit, winter jacket, sweater, active wear or bathing suit, most people typically look for style and brand, but other considerations include color, fabric, buttons vs. zippers, fitted vs. comfortable, seams or no seams… and the list goes on. But what do our clothes say about our environmental awareness? It’s probably unlikely that any of the following considerations ever cross the minds of most consumers: Are cotton t-shirts organically grown or produced conventionally using prodigious amounts of pesticides and water. Are ski outfits treated with chemicals to make them waterproof? Are baby socks impregnated with BPA? Do synthetic or silk blouses contain anti-static chemicals? Do

wrinkle-free shirts contain formaldehyde? Are sneakers treated with odor-and-bacteria-resistant antimicrobial chemicals? Do bathing suits have chemical sunscreens embedded in their fabric? Are synthetic fabrics really made from plastic? For almost all of history, clothing has been made from agricultural or forestry products. These natural fibers, including wool, cotton, linen, silk and hemp, come from continuous, regenerative natural cycles. But in the 1930’s, the world saw a sea change in the textile industry. In 1931 Dupont created nylon, a “miracle” fiber that was totally synthetic. DuPont claimed their new fabric had the “strength of steel and the sheerness of a cobweb” when it introduced the first nylon stocking at the World’s Fair in 1939. It was an immediate

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

hit. Women flocked to department stores by the thousands, and four million pairs sold out in four days. Chemical engineers and fabric manufacturers in partnership have been creating new kinds of synthetic fibers with desirable characteristics ever since. Using oil and natural gas as basic build-

ing blocks, the industry has created fibers that are spun into the fabrics we know today as polyester, acrylic, spandex, acetate, olefin, neoprene, polyester fleece and microfiber. Essentially, they are all types of plastic, and their manufacture, use and disposal are having a giant impact on our environment. More than 60% of our clothing today is made from synthetics.So, how does this impact our planet? Around 5% of global emissions come from the fashion industry, and according to a McKinsey report, the manufacture of clothing was responsible for 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. This is more than the emissions from international airlines or maritime shipping. In addition, most clothing is made in China and India, where both countries rely heavily on coal fired power plants.

Textile manufacturers also add chemicals to their plastic fabrics to give them desirable features, but they do not have to disclose this information to the consumer. Like many human endeavors that purport to improve on nature, this addition of chemicals to plastic fabrics has turned out to have a heavy price tag. During their manufacture, use or disposal, many of these chemicals are released from their clothing hosts and make their way into the world, where they contaminate our air, our water, our food chains and even our bodies, with serious consequences. Some of the most commonly added chemicals, like dyes, PFAS, formaldehyde, phthalates and triclosan, are known or suspected carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, neurotoxins, skin irritants and allergens. Continued on Page 29

18 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

READERS WRITE

Not so long ago. Not so far away

ndrew Malekoff ’s Dec. 2021 “The Back Road,” cited truth and education, contending some things cannot be sanitized. His prescient brief stated that during WWII French collaborators helped German Nazis impose the forced roundups of French Jews that deposited them at the Paris Vélodrome d’Hiver staging area. Jews were then transported to concentration, work and death camps. Nazis operated over 1000 staging areas and camps and had numerous collaborators in all occupied territories that included existing Nazi and nationalist parties in those countries. This was how they efficiently rounded up Jews right after conquests, putting into place the industrialized mass death known as the Holocaust that murdered 6 million Jews. Roundups were well organized, conducted in the early hours and all hours, under the watchful eyes of French citizens. Nazis and collaborators often destroyed vacated Jewish property, houses and synagogues. The entire Jewish portion of Marseilles was torched the day of the roundups. In occupied countries, Jews were stringently stripped of citizenship and possessions. The lack of official citizenship and often paperwork caused problems for Jews trying to enter countries for refuge because they were considered stateless, often a basis to deny entry. The ultimate goal was to wipe Jews off the face of the earth. Considering the effort and machinery involved, there was no lack of collaboration. When Nazi Germany conquered a country, existing ultra-nationalist and Nazi parties were a base of support, tapped for research, propaganda, police, population control, the army and political leadership. For example, the Croatian Nazi party in addition to helping round up and exterminate Jews, undertook a program of eliminating all potential opposition to their particularly evil nationalist world view, and built on historical hatreds that resulted in the murder of over 500,000 civilian Serbs, which in the 1990s became a

justification for the brutal Serbia/Yugoslavia wars. The pattern was set for Brittan and the U.S. British collaborators compiled and updated lists of Jews and individuals deemed enemies to be immediately rounded up and executed upon conquest. Lists were being compiled of U.S. citizens in preparation for an invasion of the U.S., as well. If anyone questions whether scores of Nazi sympathizers existed in the U.S., online can be viewed the chilling photographs and video of a Nazi convention at Madison Square Garden in 1939. To see how this played out, 20,000 were decked out in full regalia. On stage were Nazi flags, American flags and a large mural of George Washington. The rally opened to the “Pledge of Allegiance,” Nazi salutes, children marching in, an orchestra, and appeals to “American patriots,” rants about “the Jewish-controlled press.” And “Wake up! You, Aryan, Nordic and Christians, to demand that our government be returned to the people who founded it!” The rally ended with the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Nazis marched in U.S. cities, leading citizens and industrialists supported Hitler. Events like this played out in countries across Europe leading up to WWII. https://www.npr.org/sections/ codeswitch/2019/02/20/695941323/when-nazistook-manhattan Sound familiar? Close to home, the 2017 aggressive rant “Jews, will not replace us!” of hundreds brandish-

ing torches in Charlottesville comes to mind. Attacks on people, synagogues, and vandalizing property are ongoing. On the world stage, countries, terror organizations, and anti-Semites are devoted to killing Jews and wiping Israel oﬀ the face of the earth. Many think the likes of Nazism and fascism are impossible today or just historical relics. In truth, they are terribly banal, simple poisonous ideologies are a way to give life importance and meaning. And ardent appeals to nationalism and patriotism rallies the basest instincts and emotions, and our highest principles. One of Faulkner’s characters put it this way, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” If this is confusing, it certainly can be and makes us human. Education is key, it cannot be sanitized or whitewashed. Death & Company Beyond the gates of Hell trainloads crammed full of Jews arrived, one after another without pause, minus compassion and humanity. Nazis and their collaborators pivoted on heels and eﬃciently split each life like cordwood. Bodies piled high and were tossed into ovens. Smoke filled the air and the ashes and remains were dumped into large holes or on the ground. There was no letup to the terror and murder. The whole place reeked of death, a verifiable cauldron of evil. It cannot be sanitized, ever. At last, we understand. Stephen Cipot Art by Francine Mayran, artist, psychiatrist, expert at the Council of Europe on the Holocaust and genocide. Artworks: They were called Jacob and Leah; Students visiting Auschwitz in 2020

Unfair picture of GOP response to Jan. 6

recent editorial in The Island Now withheld some important context from readers. I’d like to correct the record. Blank Slate Media stated that they requested comment from me on the anniversary of January 6. What they didn’t tell you is that the reporter openly and plainly stated in his email that the questions were from state Democrat Party Chairman Jay Jacobs. At best, this was extremely

unprofessional. At worst, this was an unethical breach of journalistic integrity. I couldn’t respond, which is rare for me. I think most reporters in our community and in Albany would tell you I’m accessible to them and respectful of their work. None of this stopped Blank Slate Media from attempting to paint me as “silent” on January 6 and tacitly supportive of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.

It makes me wonder if they read their own paper! Last year, I told Blank Slate Media that I agreed with Congressional leaders in both parties who stated President Trump incited the horrible violence on January 6. Another quote reported by Blank Slate Media following the inauguration: “There is more that unites us than divides as Americans,” Ra tweeted last Wednesday. “Your success will be America’s

LETTERS POLICY Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten, and those longer than 750 words may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters must include the writer’s name and phone number for verification. Anonymously sent letters will not be printed. Letters must be received by Monday noon to appear in the next week’s paper. All letters become the property of Blank Slate Media LLC and may be republished in any format. Letters can be e-mailed to news@theislandnow.com or mailed to Blank Slate Media, 22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577.

success and we are rooting for you.” And one more, for good measure: “We can debate, discuss and disagree but once the votes are counted whether at the ballot box or in our legislative chambers we must respect one another and move forward as Americans.” That’s exactly what most of us have been doing- moving forward as best we can during an incredibly diﬃcult time. Instead of amplifying what divides us by writing deeply partisan, misleading editorials, Blank Slate Media should be encouraging Democrats and Republicans to work together to promote public safety, revitalize our economy and finally defeat this pandemic. It seems like Blank Slate

Media assumes the worst of every proud, lifelong Republican in Nassau County. Luckily, I don’t think most people operate that way in real life. Most of us don’t assume every Republican we meet cheered on Jan. 6. Most of us don’t assume every Democrat we meet has hate in their heart for police oﬃcers. Most of us act in good faith. Most of us have an open mind. Most of us want to find common ground, achieve common goals and find new ways to understand each other. Those people are writing the letters you should run. Maybe take it easy on the editorials for a while. Assemblyman Ed Ra Franklin Square Letters Continued on Page 29

The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Traffic stop in Hgts. results in arrest of 4 BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Police said a traﬃc stop in Roslyn Heights led to the arrest of four individuals who allegedly had stolen merchandise and what is believed to be OxyContin in the vehicle. Last Thursday, Nassau County detectives said oﬃcers noticed a 2021 BMW with a New Jersey license plate that appeared to be fraudulent during a routine patrol. After pulling the car over at the inter-

section of Mineola Boulevard and Hillside Avenue, police said, they recovered a second fraudulent license plate, assorted stolen merchandise and what they believe to be OxyContin. The four occupants of the vehicle, Marcus Myers, 25, Baseemah Davis, 34, and Antoinette Myers, 33, all of New Jersey, and Nikia Edmonds, 24, of the Bronx, were arrested. Marcus Myers was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a forged

instrument in the second degree and two counts of possession of burglar’s tools. Edmonds was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of an anti-security item. Davis was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, three counts of possession of burglar’s tools, criminal possession of an anti-security item, two counts of criminal

possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and three counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. Antoinette Myers was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, four counts of criminal possession of an anti-security item and two counts of possession of burglar’s tools. All four were arraigned last Friday at First District Court in Hempstead. Eﬀorts to reach their lawyers were unavailing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Antoinette Myers

Baseemah Davis

Nikia Edmonds

Marus Myers

Roslyn’s Youn N. Shore’s Jacqueline Franchetti is lone Regeneron finalist continuing her fight BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Roslyn High School senior Hailee Youn was one of seven students on Long Island and 40 across the world named as finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Youn was one of 19 high school students on the North Shore to be named a semifinalist in the competition and the only one to advance to the final round. The competition, formerly sponsored by Westinghouse and then Intel and now sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Regeneron, is run each year by the Society for Science and the Public, with the goal of finding solutions to the world’s challenges from budding young scientists. Youn’s research explored voting trends and the responsibility for people to cast their ballots. The research resulted in her paper being published in the Journal of Political Sciences and Public Aﬀairs and her winning second place in the WAC Lighting Research Association Fair. “It’s extremely exciting and unexpected!” Youn said. “At first, I couldn’t believe it. I’m looking forward to joining this community of young scientists.” Roslyn school district oﬃcials lauded Youn for the hard work and dedication that led her to being one of 40 finalists in the prestigious competition.

“Congratulations to Hailee for this BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y momentous achievement,” Roslyn Superintendent Allison Brown said in a stateJacqueline Franchetti is still fighting. ment. “We are so proud of her and very Franchetti, a lifelong Manhasset resiexcited for her to receive such well-de- dent, has led a fight to reform the New York served recognition for her research.” justice system that let her daughter slip Continued on Page 34 through the cracks. On July 27, 2016, 2-year-old Kyra’s father shot her twice in the back while she was sleeping at his Fairfax, Virginia, home on an unsupervised, court-sanctioned visit. He then set the house on fire and shot himself to death. After Kyra was killed, Franchetti founded Kyra’s Champions and the Kyra Franchetti Foundation, whose mission is to protect children in custody cases from being ordered by a court into the home of an abusive parent. Franchetti’s advocacy has led to multiple bills, including Kyra’s Law, being introduced to the state Assembly. The bills make child safety the top priority in Family Court, increase judicial training on family violence and eliminate the use of forensic evaluators, PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN among other things. SCHOOL DISTRICT Franchetti said the bills have garnered interest and led to over 15,000 emails sent to legislators in support of the five bills. Roslyn High School senior Hailee “I am extremely thankful for the support Youn was one of 40 students only from the New York State legislators throughout the country to be named not but also from so many neighbors and New a finalist in the Regeneron Science Yorkers who want to see changes made to Talent Search. Continued on Page 45

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACQUELINE FRANCHETTI

Jacqueline Franchetti of Manhasset with her daughter Kyra at the Mary Jane Davies Green in an undated photo. A bill named after Kyra aiming at improving the Family Court system has been introduced into the New York state Assembly.

20 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

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Joseph (Joey) Sanders, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker O 516.629.2621 | M 917.371.8387 | joseph.sanders@elliman.com 110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NEW YORK 11746. 631.549.7401 © 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Ask the experts: Is it more than winter blues? In this monthly column, therapists from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center answer your questions on issues related to parenting, mental health and children’s well-being. To submit a question, email communications@northshorechildguidance.org. Question: My daughter is a mostly happy teen. Like all kids, she gets down sometimes, especially during the pandemic. But what I’ve noticed is that her mood seems to change dramatically in the winter. She becomes lethargic, unmotivated and sad. It’s a very noticeable diﬀerence from other times of the year. Is this a common thing with teens? What can I do to help her? Feeling Blue for My Girl

year cause clinical depression. While SAD typically begins in a person’s early 20s, older children and teens can develop the condition. More than simply the “winter blues,” SAD is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness nearly every day. People with SAD are unable to enjoy the activities that typically make them happy; they have diﬃculty concentrating and are often tired and/or agitated. Two chemicals in the brain—melatonin and serotonin—are responsible for regulating energy, sleep cycles and

Dear Feeling Blue: It sounds like your daughter may be one of the six percent of the population who experiences SAD, which stands for seasonal aﬀective disorder. While some level of winter blues isn’t uncommon, for some people, the shorter, darker and colder days that characterize this time of

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mood. During winter’s darkness, melatonin levels increase, causing sleepiness and fatigue. Serotonin, which is sometimes referred to as the feel-good chemical, is produced in greater amounts with exposure to sunlight, and we naturally get less light in the long, cold days of winter. Some people suﬀer from a lesser form of SAD, whose symptoms include low energy, weight gain, craving carbohydrates and social withdrawal. Some other facts: Females are about four times more likely to develop SAD than their male

counterparts. People with a history of depression are more prone to experiencing symptoms of SAD. Here are some strategies that you can share with your daughter, whether she experiences full-blown SAD or the milder winter blues (and most of these are useful tips for everyone year-round!): Get as much direct exposure to sunlight as possible. Since being out in the sun can be diﬃcult this time of year, either due to cold temperatures or long days inside, consider purchasing artificial “sunbox” lights. Their special fluorescent tubes mimic the sun’s beneficial rays (plain lights don’t have the same eﬀect). Keep or start an exercise routine. If it’s not too cold out and it’s a sunny day, try to walk outside to reap the benefits of being in natural sunshine—but even if you work out indoors, it will have a positive impact on your mood. Turn up the heat (between 64 and 70 degrees) and drink hot beverages. Eat healthy foods, with a focus on fruits and vegetables. That’s good advice any time of year, but especially important in

winter when your cravings for sugar and carbohydrates tend to increase. Don’t give in to the urge to isolate. Seeing friends and attending social functions are crucial to putting a damper on the blues. Keep active by engaging your creative side, whether it be taking up a new hobby or reintroducing a former favorite pastime. Encourage your child to participate in after-school clubs and other activities. Take up meditation and other mindfulness-based practices. You can find literally thousands of guided meditations on a free app called Insight Timer. Finally, keep in mind that if your daughter’s depression is impacting her ability to function, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional—regardless of the season. During the pandemic, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is seeing clients both in person and remotely via telehealth platform. To make an appointment, call (516) 626-1971 or email intake@northshorechildguidance.org.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Massage: A lifetime wellness resolution The holidays have come and gone, but what’s still lingering is that tension and excess stress trapped in your muscles, affecting your body including your: mood, energy and overall health. You’re already tired of trying to check oﬀ those New Year’s Resolutions, only to add to last year’s accumulated stress. How do you deal or better yet, what can you implement into your lifestyle to get your body and your life on a healthier state? Outsource! Yes, hire a professional licensed massage therapist. Whether in-oﬃce or inhome, you will reap so many benefits beyond your body just feeling more relaxed and limber from receiving massage treatments. Massage Therapy is considered to be a part of integrative medicine. It pairs well with your primary care, other treatments/ modalities such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture to treat a range of medical conditions, ailments and/or as an alternative medicine to prevent “Dis-Ease” of the body. Note: Massage Therapy doesn’t and shouldn’t replace your regular medical care. Consult with your doctor that you are incorporating massage to your healthcare plan. Also, keep your massage therapist informed on your health so that they may better help in your healing and recovery. While massage cannot “fix” your body, it can assist you in finding ways to reach optimal health, by reducing stress and increase relaxation. Here’s how Massage Therapy can play an important role in your stress management plan and healthcare. Stress Relief Pain Management Care Enhances: the bodies immune system by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system Improves: breathing—assisting an increase oxygenation of the blood Alleviates: tight and sore muscles, digestive disorders Assists: in prevention and treatment of injuries, recovery of postoperative healing Increases: range of motion, joint flexibility

Improves: circulation, cardiovascular health, balance, concentration, quality of life. Decreases: risk of several health issues, including: headaches, depression, anxiety, heart disease & more. As if the above benefits aren’t enough, Massage Improves one’s Mental & Emotional state. It can produce good feelings of comfort, being cared for, happiness to name a few. Just know that you don’t have to go at this wellness journey on your own. Tap into your contacts and ask for recommendations of professionals that can become part of your “Health Team” to help you improve your healthcare and well-being. Stay tuned for a future article. “Self Care Tips” Be more present (No multi-tasking) Mindful Breathing Be aware of signals from your body Movement Watch your Posture About Author: Roxanne Martinez learned the value of therapeutic touch at a very early age. Her mother taught her about homeopathic remedies, the importance of nutrition, self-care and healing. A graduate of New York College for Wholistic Ed. & Research in Syosset. Lic. Massage Therapist since 2000. Roxanne, owner of Tranquil2Go a Massage & Wellness business (Roxymar Enterprise Inc.). Additional techniques and modalities (Ashiatsu Bar Therapy, Stone Therapy, Medicupping Therapy…). She is committed to meeting and exceeding the standards of a professional therapist. For her, Trust & Communication are essential between giver and receiver to help bring the best results and promote well-being. Crafting massage treatments/sessions to release stress, tension and/or pain, to help restore homeostasis (balance) within the Body,Mind & Spirit.

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26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Masks: Protecting bodies and minds

NASSAU KNOLLS

CEMETERY & MEMORIAL PARK

Lovely & Quaint

The Latin root word for spirit is breath. So, isn’t it sad and funny that all of the issues that we face as a society center around mask mandates, breathing, and the proximity of individuals that we might otherwise share space, laughter, and time with friends, family, and others in our society? We need to stay mindful and diligent in how we protect ourselves, not just our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. We can’t allow fear to keep us from living our lives fully. But we do need to be smart about how we go about doing that. One way to take care of ourselves is to make sure that we continue to do the things that bring us joy. Whether reading, writing, spending time outside in nature, listening to music, or dancing, find what makes you happy and do more of it. We also need to be aware of the masks we wear. Not just the literal masks that we put on to protect ourselves from germs, viruses, and other potential dangers, but the masks that we wear to hide who we are. The mask of apathy or boredom — feeling like you don’t matter, so why should you care? Or perhaps you are feeling uninspired by your work or community and have decided to resign from society?

When you stop putting on those masks, it opens a whole new world of possibilities. You can start to see the world and your life diﬀerently. For example, you might find that you are more engaged in your work or that you want to get involved in your community. Start by paying attention to the masks you wear and then start peeling them back one at a time. What do you find? How does it feel? And most importantly, what do you want to do with that information? Being mindful of our health and wellness is both an inside job and an outside job. Yes, we need to clean our environments and protect ourselves from germs, viruses, and other potential dangers. But we also need to protect our minds from the viruses of apathy, other-ism, anger, rage, trauma, etc. We can’t do it alone. We need to be in a community with others, sharing our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. We are all in this together. So, let’s take care of ourselves and each other. About the Author: Keith W Fiveson is a Mindfulness-based coach, counselor, and consultant, engaged with individuals and organizations to improve resilience and performance. He lives in Port Washington.

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Sanity in addressing mental health crisis Continued from Page 14 “Once fully implemented, 988 will save lives and is a critical component to ensuring people in crisis are diverted from involvement in the criminal justice system and connected to appropriate services and supports,” Daniel H. Gillison Jr., National Alliance on Mental Health CEO, said in a recent article. Referring to a recent op-ed by Gillison, Jarkon said: “People in a crisis need help, not handcuffs. “A lot of times when there is a mental health crisis, the first thing people do is call 911 because they don’t know what else to do,” Jarkon said. “And law enforcement has acknowledged that they are not trained sufficiently to deal with mental illness.” Suffolk County is already working on a crisis stabilization facility that is designed as an alternative to going to the emergency room to deal with mental health issues. The three town hall panelists also agreed that teachers, guidance counselors, pediatricians and parents could play an important role in identifying and responding to children with mental health

problems. The panelists said all these groups can fairly easily screen children for issues in their lives that may be impacting their mental health. These factors, they said, included COVID, social media and the fear of gun violence in school amplified by active-shooter drills as well as events in their personal lives. Jarkon said this screening could be as simple as asking someone if everything was all right and, in some cases, if they ever thought of harming themselves. All three panelists called for referring people with mental health issues to organizations such as FCA and the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. Jarkon said the New York Institute of Technology website had a list of places that oﬀered mental health services. For too long mental health issues have carried a stigma while their impact has been grossly underestimated. It’s time for us to recognize the full scale of the mental health emergency in our communities so that it can be understood the way addiction now seems to be in the wake of the drug crisis.

Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro

has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below: Williston Park Professional Center 2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (building parallel to E. Williston railroad station)

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READERS WRITE

Starlings in Hochul should ride public transit free verse T

This cloud blocks the sun! A wayward waltz gets thicker and thinner, slow then fast, dives then climbs again, separates and coalesces.

The way it ploughs furrows through the air, folds and collapses like a passing breeze, you want to know why. What can bring these birds so far from the straight line proclivities of other birds? And all I can hear is the wild shudder of wings as they fly overhead, like a hurricane beginning its assault. But it doesn’t last long. Steady for a while, then a storm inside flicks its bolts, like a patchwork of shooting stars directed in unison. As if there’s nothing to lose but the promise of attention that held me hostage, how well it holds me. Maybe, for the theatrics and the amazement. I was fixed and I don’t make the slightest sound. Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

Ecological cost of fashion Continued from Page 17 Even the process of washing and drying our plastic clothing is filled with environmental dilemmas. For instance, washing a single fleece jacket or hat releases billions of tiny plastic fibers, or microfibers, into the wastewater, along with their attendant chemicals. MIcrofibers are a common group of microplastics — pieces less than 5mm in length. Recent studies have found microfibers from petroleum-based synthetic fabrics like nylon, acrylic and polyester in 83% of the world’s drinking water. Throwing the washed clothing into the dryer adds yet another environmental burden, as plastic fibers are released from the tumble dryer into the surrounding air. Microfibres are a common group of microplastics – plastic pieces less than 5mm in length. They have been found in the most remote regions of the planet, from the Arctic to the Earth’s troposphere. Every individual clothes dryer in the world releases between 90 million and 120 million microfibers annually. Slow, but positive steps are being taken to address plastic pollution worldwide. New laws on the use of single-use plastic bags or the sale of polystyrene packing peanuts are finally being implemented. Take-out food establishments are actually asking customers if they need plastic knives and forks, instead of just throwing them in the bag. But what about our clothing? The easiest and best solution is to avoid buying new synthetic clothing, especially “fast” fashion,” which is inexpensive and not designed to be durable. The choice of natural fibers for our clothing is about health, comfort, sustainability and a positive impact on our planet.

he apple (Gov. Kathy Hochul) didn’t fall far from the tree (former Gov. Andrew Cuomo). Both enjoy the perks of oﬃce at taxpayers’ expense. Is it really necessary for Gov. Hochul to travel from Albany via helicopter or airplane to events in NYC and Long Island? Upon arriving at Penn Station, the governor can transfer to either a NYC Transit subway or a Long Island

Rail Road train to reach her final destination. Just like ordinary New Yorkers who travel with a laptop or other communication devices, she can still be working and staying in touch with her oﬃce while riding Amtrak, NYC Transit subway or the LIRR. As senator, President Joe Biden was known as Amtrak Joe. He commuted from his Delaware home to the Capital via Amtrak on a regular basis for decades. Why can’t Hochul emu-

late Biden? Forget the helicopter and private airplane trips between Albany and NYC. Set an example for others. Show your support for transit just like Biden and become Amtrak Kathy. Larry Penner Great Neck (Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Oﬃce.

Ray Vaz: an American hero

ast week the Greatest Generation ever lost one of its greatest. At the age of 97, a true American hero passed. Ray Vaz lived a life that movies are made of. It is important to share his story to remind us all of the debt we owe to that generation. At the age of 19, on June 6, 1944, Ray stormed the beaches of Normandy. While running forward into enemy fire, he earned his first Purple Heart when he was shot that day. The war was not yet over for him. After recuperating, he rejoined his unit fighting their way through France where he shed blood for his country a second time, again taking a bullet. Once again, he recuperated and joined the fight as his unit liberated Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. The Greatest Generation ever were taught lessons that we, this privileged generation, are challenged to

understand. Their core was forged in the Great Depression and tested and steeled in the war. They came back to do the hard work of making this country the envy of the world. I had the honor of getting to know Ray and his beloved wife Ann. For many years, Ray was not able to speak of his war experience, but in his later years he shared his story with children in classes that his daughter Caryl Vaz Salesi taught. Several years ago, over lunch, Ray shared some of those stories with me. I read somewhere that bravery is not defined by the absence of fear, but instead by being very afraid and yet moving forward any way. Ray shared his experience on DDay waiting for his landing craft to reach the beaches. He wondered how deep the water would be and whether his life vest would be able to support him and all the equipment he was car-

rying. You see, Ray didn’t know how to swim, but still ran forward. He spoke of “just doing his job,” never acknowledging that “his job” was saving the world. He lived a life of quiet dignity, never boasting of his accomplishments or revealing the scars he carried. When I asked him about his experience liberating Buchenwald, he broke down in tears and could not go on. His wife Ann explained that even after more than 70 years, there were nights that he woke up screaming after having nightmares about Buchenwald. Ray did and saw things that we are blessed to never have to experience. We all owe a debt that can never be repaid to people like Ray. This village, country and world are better because of Ray Vaz. God Bless him and his family. Tony Lubrano Mineola

Saving Great Neck’s history Continued from Page 16 Not everything is worth saving, to be sure. But some structures are irreplaceable, with an importance that goes well beyond a local community to national identity, physical markers that keep the “story” in “history” real. As much as the immediate focus has been on saving the Tower Ford building, there is an even more crucial historic preservation project that demands attention. One of these is our own Saddle Rock Grist Mill, which should be an astounding source of pride for the greater Great Neck community. But instead, now the property of Nassau County, it has been left to literally rot away, suﬀering the ravages of superstorms and rising water levels. The Saddle Rock Grist Mill is one of five remaining tidal grist mills left in the entire English- speaking world. Dating back to colonial days in 1715, it was central to the settlement and development of the Great Neck Peninsula,

providing the economic underpinning. It actually functioned until 1947, when Louise (Udall) Eldridge, whose family had owned it since 1833, died and bequeathed it to Nassau County Historical Society, which unable to aﬀord it gave it to Nassau County. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. Scores of children – now adults – and their parents remember the thrill of visiting the Grist Mill and receiving a packet of milled corn. Today the “closed for the season” sign across a locked fence has been up for 25 years. The water wheel has completely rotted away. Another invaluable structure, so significant to our heritage and identity, is the Stepping Stones Lighthouse. Built in 1876, it continues to serve a crucial purpose in navigating the treacherous waters of the Long Island Sound. Sure it can be knocked down and replaced with a steel pole, but it serves a much

greater purpose to inspire and educate. Its twin lighthouse, Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, has been restored and opened for tours. The Great Neck Historical Society, in conjunction with the town of North Hempstead, which is the oﬃcial “steward,” and Great Neck Park District have been working for years now to raise money to repair, restore and literally save the lighthouse from deteriorating to a pile of rubble as well as the Grist Mill. These landmarks – no less than statues and monuments – are placeholders of history, markers of what we owe to those who came before, but more importantly what we owe to the future. They remind us that we are only here for a short time, we are mere links in a chain. To get involved, contact the Great Neck Historical Society, 516-441-7780, gnhistorical.org, info@greatneckhistorical.org.

30 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

READERS WRITE

Jon Kaiman outlines agenda in run for Congress

, like many of you, have wondered how our nation can come together, as one people, with a common purpose. What does it mean to be an American? What ideals do we hold? Who do we aspire to be now and in the future? Whether you’re a retiree concerned about the cost of medical care, a family juggling bills and a mortgage or a student just starting out – we all have a role to play in figuring out the direction of our country. My role, in the coming months, will be that of a candidate for the United States Congress and, if successful, as our next congressman in New York’s 3rd Congressional District. I live in northern Nassau County with my wife and three children who have all been active in our schools, our synagogue and our local arts center. Every Sunday morning for the past 25 years, you can find me ordering my ritual bagels and lox at Bagel Hut in Great Neck. Professionally, I am a problem-solver who has dedicated close to three decades of my life

serving you in state and local government, where I have overseen crisis management, municipal reform and fiscal oversight at the highest levels. The challenges we face today may feel national in scope, but they are still local in nature. How can our residents and businesses thrive in today’s economy? How do we keep our families safe? How do we prepare for and respond to increasingly extreme weather events? How can we repair old wounds with friends, neighbors and family in these divisive times? The answer lies in our ability to reject extremism and reclaim our identities as New Yorkers and Americans with a common purpose in pursuit of a fair, just, and rational world. And if we can come together in our community, we can come together as a country. I believe we can elevate our discourse even when we disagree and ultimately find common ground from which to overcome our community’s most pressing challenges.

My deep experience as a problem solver in government uniquely prepares me for this moment: to serve as an effective champion in Congress for you on day one. I started my career in public service as my town’s public safety commissioner, overseeing emergency management, animal control, and even the town’s harbor patrol. I would serve as a Nassau County District Court judge before being elected to five terms as the North Hempstead town supervisor, a town of more than 225,000 residents. In 2012, the governor called upon me to serve as New York State “Superstorm Sandy Czar,” and also as chair of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a state oversight entity that ensures Nassau County’s finances are managed prudently. Most recently, I’ve spent almost five years working side-byside with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone administering Suffolk County’s $3.5 billion county government. I understand how government works. I understand how to get things

done. I understand that we in government must fiercely and faithfully represent those we serve. I am a lifelong progressive, common-sense Democrat. As such, I am not the enemy of those who are politically to the left or right of me. I fight hard for my convictions but appreciate that I do not own a monopoly on good solutions to the challenges we face. Countless residents who have gotten to know me over the past 20 years know that I always avail myself for dialogue on how my policy goals impact those who disagree with me. These discussions strengthen the critical decisions we make for our future. I will work to strengthen and protect our families and communities: Safeguarding Social Security and Medicare; codifying a woman’s right to choose; boldly addressing climate change, now; banning assault weapons; preserving the right to vote; and ensuring universal access to aﬀordable health care and pre-school.

I also believe we must support our nation’s annual financial allocation to Israel, fund Iron Dome, and oppose the BDS movement. Our nation must also support NATO and strengthen this alliance. Concerning public safety, I believe we must work with our police; give judges discretion when setting bail and hold district attorneys accountable if they refuse to prosecute theft, assault, and armed robbery (as the new Manhattan DA recently announced). I believe in police accountability, police de-escalation training, police partnerships with mental health experts, and community support for our law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line every day. It would be my great honor to serve you in Congress. In Washington, just as I have in state and local government, I will work to bring us together as a community in pursuit of the important work that is before us. Jon Kaiman Great Neck

A bet on increased spending by Port schools

’m looking for a Port Washington resident to take a bet with me. The bet concerns the next Port Washington school district proposed school budget, which will cover the school year beginning July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. We will be voting on that proposed budget in May of this year. If I win the bet, you have to buy me the best steak and lobster dinner that they oﬀer at Bryant & Cooper, or at Peter Luger’s. If you win the bet, I must buy you that dinner at one of those places. What’s the bet? Earlier this week, Gov. Hochul announced that New York State has so many extra funds on hand that she proposes increasing state aid to all Long Island school districts for next year by a total of $442,320,067 (that’s $442 million, plus), or by 12.29%. Newsday, on Thursday the 20th, published a detailed comparative schedule (Page A10) of proposed state school aid for next year and the actual amounts of state school aid received by L.I. districts

for the current school year. State aid for our Port Washington school district is scheduled to increase by a whopping 20.25%, or by $2,585,344, from the current amount of $12,768,664 to $15,354,008 for next year. (For ease of conversation, let’s call the proposed increase in state school aid to be $2.6 million.) My school tax bill (and yours) for the current school year, 2021-2022, tells me that the Port Washington school district levied a total of $150,398,819 (that’s $150 million, plus) in school taxes on our community for this school year. That amount included an increase in the levy of 2.21% over the prior year’s levy. That $150,398,819 amount represents the maximum school tax that our school oﬃcials could levy on our community, under the tax levy cap law, for the current school year. Our New York State comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, recently announced that the maximum basic percentage increase in the school tax levy

for the next school year, 20222023, is limited to 2.0%. Under the law, the annual basic percentage increase in the levy is limited to the lesser of the percentage increase in inflation or 2.0%. However, under the law, each school district is allowed to make certain adjustments to that basic percentage increase and I believe that in the case of Port Washington, that our allowable adjusted percentage increase in the school tax levy for next year will be at least 2.50%. Okay, so what’s the bet? I’m guesstimating that the maximum allowable school tax that can be levied against our community for next year will be $154,158,792, which is $150,398,819 X 102.50%. Thus, I’m guesstimating that the school tax that will be levied against our community for next year will be increased by a whopping $3,759,972 over our current tax levy (that’s approximately $3.8 million), even though our school district will be receiving additional state aid of almost $2.6 million for the year.

I believe that our school officials are so greedy that they will ask our community to approve, in May, whatever the maximum school tax levy increase can be for next year, while they don’t mention the fact that our school district is about to receive a whopping almost $2.6 million increase in state aid. And that’s the bet. I’m guesstimating that our greedy school officials will propose a school budget increase of approximately $6.4 million for next year, to take into account a $3.8 million proposed increase in the school tax levy, plus the surprising newly found increase in state school aid of approximately $2.6 million. If you think that our school officials (that’s our school board and our top school administrators) will do otherwise, will you take the bet? If you think that it will be difficult for our school officials to account for a proposed spending increase of approximately $6.4 million for next year, I don’t think that it will be a difficult matter for them to stretch the truth about.

Mrs. Callahan, our recently retired long-time assistant superintendent for business, had the slippery, sleight of hand skills to account for such an increase, very easily. Ms. O’Hara, who is our new assistant superintendent for business, may take a little longer to phony up the figures. You can be sure that our school officials will claim that even though our student enrollment is declining slightly, we still need more elementary school teachers, more middle school teachers and more high school teachers, and of course, we will also need more guidance counselors, more administrative staff, more security personnel and more building maintenance staff. Our school officials will claim that many of these proposed increases in personnel are required because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. You don’t have to eat lobster and steak if you don’t care for it, while I eat mine. Joel Katz Port Washington

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

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32 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

Business&RealEstate

Middle class and housing market Over the last number of years since the bottoming out of housing prices in 2011 and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic coming onshore in the U.S., things have looked up in the market. Prior to the pandemic, the market seemed to be cooling a bit and then the outlook changed quite rapidly overnight as people migrated away from large city populations and demand for housing totally outstripped available inventory. More important, the vast majority of builders didn’t want to get caught again in another potential downturn, so construction decreased severely from 2008 and 2015. At the same time able purchasers continued coming into the market every year during that time period. By the time new permits were issued and construction began, there was a substantial lack of inventory and it became apparent that demand was reducing the number of homes that were available. Today, the middle class has been described as 52 percent of the population by the Pew Research Center. Others describe it diﬀerently, ranging from household income to aspirational goals. Defining the middle class

today can be very challenging and complicated depending on what variables you might use. However, how far your money goes will depend on where you live in the U.S. and how you spend and save. If you live locally on Long Island, you can best be described as middle class, but it also depends on what towns and zip codes which can be determinants, too. The middle class is being squeezed and some feel they are being pushed down to a lower level and the pandemic has been a contributing factor. Jeﬀrey Wenger, senior policy researcher at the Rand Corp., says all kinds of factors are part of the equation in determining middle class status: “It’s a sense of security It’s a certain amount of income It’s a certain amount of human capital It’s a certain amount of community involvement and engagement.” According to his estimates, as of 2020, annual income for the middle class has ranged from a low of $26,900 for single person to a high of $71,900, while income for a family of five has ranged from $60,290 to a high of $160,788. However, based on the census of 2020, which was very

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

diﬃcult in ascertaining due to the pandemic, Rakesh Kochhar, senior researcher at the Pew Research Center, middleclass income lies more between $51,200-$153,000. This number might have been lower if more people of color were counted, but Covid-19 reduced the number of families that went uncounted. What is hurting many Gen Z members and millennials who might have been middle class are their exorbitant student loans. Unfortunately, this has caused those individuals over the years to either very slowly pay down the loans or not pay them at all due to the pandemic, which has

reduced their wealth and put home ownership out of reach. If this is the future “supposed middle class,” then it is slowly but surely disappearing. A Sept. 27,2018, article by Homi Kharas and Kristofer Hamel of the Brookings Institution about the middle class and the wealthy calculated that the middle class represented more than 50 percent of the global population and the other half were vulnerable or poor. The article was very lengthy in explaining their methods of determining how they came to their answers. They did say and project that almost nine out of 10 of the next billion middle-class consumers will be Asian spread around the globe through 2030. But it appears that more will reside outside the U.S. (China’s middle class is approximately 707 million). The middle class is the most crucial and largest segment of demand in the global economy. As housing costs have been escalating at a faster pace than salaries and wages student loans remain burdensome, many will never be in a position to buy unless they can get themselves out of their overwhelming cycle of debt.

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How we define “middle class” in the future will be even more challenging asmany more will no longer be considered belonging to that group. Future incomes will define who belongs in which labeled group. If home prices don’t adjust downward in the future and greater supplies of reasonable housing aren’t built, then affordability for those considered middle class will not exist. The government will need to step in to provide greater assistance with grants and programs. But with the historic printing of money today will there be any available in the federal budget to be able to consider such programs? Making it too easy to purchase for those who don’t fit the profile with suﬃcient consistent income and creditworthiness will only cause us to repeat the easy lending mistakes made back in 2000s. The middle class in the U.S. is declining based on current trends and will continue to going forward. Unless wages and salaries catch up to the cost of purchasing, or higher paying positions come about or greater educational opportunities are created, there will most likely be the “haves” and a greater percentage of “have-nots” outside the middle class. They will be destined to be permanent renters and never experience becoming homeowners. Here is a link to an article from The Rand Blog on 5/14/21 about the future of the middle class: https:// www.rand.org/blog/2021/05/ most-americans-considerthemselves-middle-class-but. html#:~:text=Chances%20 are%20that%20you%20believe%20you%20are%20 in,and%20just%201%20percent%20thought%20they%20 were%20upper-class Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Ste180, 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 Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S). For a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, a 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

The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Recent Real Estate Sales in the

Willistons

21 School Street, East Williston

455 Garfield Avenue, Mineola

5 bd, 5 ba, 4,000 sqft, Sold On: 12/7/21, Sold Price: $1,805,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: East Williston

5 bd, 2 ba, 1,772 sqft, Sold On: 12/13/21, Sold Price: $670,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Mineola

409 Roslyn Road, East Williston

33 Meritoria Drive, Williston Park

3 bd, 2 ba, 1,650 sqft, Sold On: 12/10/21, Sold Price: $750,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: East Williston

5 bd, 4 ba, 3,300 sqft, Sold On: 11/5/21, Sold Price: $1,549,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: East Williston

Editor’s note: Homes shown here were recently sold in New Hyde Park, the Willistons, Mineola and surrounding areas by a variety of real estate agencies. This information about the home and the photos were obtained through the Zillow.com. The homes are presented solely based on the fact that they were recently sold in New Hyde Park, the Willistons, Mineola and are believed by Blank Slate Media to be of interest to our readers.

Mike Fink

Licensed Associate Broker 193 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 Office: 516-743-9953 | Cell: 516-647-3737 mfink@bhhslaffey.com !"#$%$&$'(")*" !"#$%&'#(%)*#+,#-&''*./0$#0+,/*1#2+/(#3.%/(*'#4'%5*'6#/(+,#+,#.%/#)*3./#3,#3#,%0+-+/3/+%.#%"#/(3/#0+,/+.78#900#:7&'*,#3;;'%<+)3/*8#900#+."%')3/+%.#"&'.+,(*1#'*73'1+.7#,%0*#;'%;*'/$#,30*6#'*./30#%'#:.3.-+.7#+,#"%')#,%&'-*,#1**)*1#'*,;%.,+40*8#=%#'*;'*,*./3/+%.#+,#)31*#/%#/(*#3-> -&'3-$#/(*'*%"#3.1#+/#+,#,&4)+//*1#,&4?*-/#/%#*''%',6%)+,,+%.,6#-(3.7*#%"#;'+-*6#'*./308#-%))+,,+%.#%'#%/(*'#-%.1+/+%.,6#;'+%'#,30*6#0*3,*#%'#:.3.-+.7#%'#2+/(1'3230#2+/(%&/#.%/+-*8

34 The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Schools scramble after mandate rulings Continued from Page 1 “Public health experts have been clear that masks are an important part of the strategies designed to keep students, educators and our communities safe,” Pallotta said Tuesday. “In the meantime, we’re looking to state health officials to set a clear off-ramp for when mask requirements in schools can be relaxed so students, families and educators have some certainty that there is light at the end of this long tunnel.” Tim Dolan, interim superintendent of the North Shore school district, which temporarily allowed mask-wearing to be optional, said school districts being the centerpiece of political controversy is “terribly disappointing.” “The Board and I will continue to work with our legal counsel to find ways to navigate into the future,” Dolan said in a statement Tuesday. “This is a complex legal issue, and we need to make every effort to protect the rights of all and deny the rights of none. That is a very tough balancing act, but we must find a way to do so. We will.” Allison Brown, the superintendent of the Roslyn school district, announced on Monday that masks would be optional for students and staff, but acknowledged that the judge’s decision could be suspended. Confusion arose after the decision at the Manhasset Secondary School on Tuesday, according to Newsday, when a group of unmasked students were reportedly denied entry to the building. School officials told Newsday that the unmasked students were allowed to stay in the library for remote learning. “I’ve been here since 7:30 in the freezing cold,” 16-year-old Tina Bonati told News-

PHOTO COURTESY OF METROCREATIVECONNECTION.COM

School districts throughout Long Island will be monitoring what happens in the state appellate court in Brooklyn on Friday in regards to mask mandates in classrooms. day. “I’ve missed like four or five periods of school. … I feel extremely annoyed. I think that my rights to education should not be denied because of an unconstitutional act.” Gaurav Passi, the acting superintendent in Manhasset, said in a letter to the community Tuesday that the confusion was “understandable” and a “vast majority of students” abided by the district’s decision to follow the state guidelines. “We share the community’s frustration with the conflicting messages from governing authorities and their legal counsel,” Passi said in the letter. Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent James Grossane said the district would continue to enforce the mandate, acknowledging the strains it has taken on all of the district stakeholders.

“Schools must continue to follow the massive mandates that have been in place for all students and staff since the beginning of the school year,” Grossane said Tuesday. “We all know that these last 22 months have been very difficult and stressful for our entire school community. Please know we are here to support you and stand ready to assist in any way we can to understand that we as a board and as an administration must comply with the laws that are in effect, that is the oath we take every year.” Prior to the stay, the Port Washington school district released a statement saying it would also abide by the state’s mask mandate until a final decision was made. “We are anxiously waiting to see the next steps by the state,” the statement said.

“Until an official announcement has been made whether masks will be optional and/ or it plays out in the courts, the district must continue to abide by the mask mandate currently in place.” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman implored Hochul to “stop disrespecting the rights of students and parents” and to revoke the mask mandate for schools and indoor settings, which is different from the school mandate and is set to expire on Feb. 1. “Mask decisions should be made by families and school boards who have their finger on the pulse of their communities, not Albany politicians,” Blakeman said in a statement Tuesday. “Nassau is normal again, and our county will continue to lead the way as an example for the rest of the state to follow.” Blakeman, a Republican, received backlash from Democratic officials throughout the state for an executive order he signed several weeks ago aimed at providing school districts with a choice to enforce mask mandates or not. Hochul said local governments do not have the power to override state mandates on education and called Blakeman’s executive order an attempt “to assert authority with respect to what has already been declared a public health emergency.” Jay Jacobs, chairman of the state’s and Nassau’s Democratic Party, said Blakeman’s order will likely result in more school districts closing their doors for in-person instruction with the growing number of coronavirus cases on Long Island. Jacobs said the executive order is an example of how “elections have consequences.”

DeSena says employees facing ‘loyalty test’ Continued from Page 2 Rebecca Hughes Parker, of Port Washington, said she has a lot of optimism about the new board but referred to DeSena’s speech when she was sworn in and promised to keep politics out of Town Hall. Parker referred to comments DeSena has made about the budget, the resources she said she has available to her as well as comments made by her oﬃce. “It seems like we are inserting politics into the conversation here, not removing it as we were promised,” Parker said. DeSena responded with much of what she has consistently said since taking oﬃce. She referred to the number of employees that report to her in the super-

visor’s oﬃce being shrunk compared with former Supervisor Judi Bosworth’s administration. “That has changed and it changed because of the election,” she said. Toward the latter half of the three-hour meeting, the board tabled a resolution to appoint Harry Weed, the acting highway superintendent since 2021, to the job on a permanent basis so it can be determined whether he lives in the town, as required. DeSena said she would have preferred to discuss the matter before the public meeting, but said the board does not meet prior to creating the agenda. After the 48th and final resolution on the evening’s agenda was passed, Charles

McQuair, special counsel to the supervisor’s oﬃce, approached the board and called for unity. McQuair said that party caucuses are unproductive. He said that the resolution on Weed’s appointment should have been discussed in executive session before Thursday night but that did not happen due to partisan politics. “I’m here to work with the supervisor and all of you in terms of moving the ball forward, and I don’t see how we can do that in the future without having a unified group,” McQuair said. In response, Councilman Robert Troiano, a Democrat, asked what McQuair’s role and responsibilities are and how they dif-

fered from John Chiara, the town attorney. The two discussed the Open Meetings Law, which Chiara brought up, and how caucusing may or may not violate that. “The caucus meets with a quorum. You may have issues here with regard to the Open Meetings Law,” McQuiar said. “The danger here is that people watching and listening may be of the opinion that we are violating the Open Meetings Law and I can’t allow you to put a question about the integrity of the process into people’s minds,” Troiano responded. Party caucuses are exempt from the Open Meetings Law. The next Town Board meeting will take place Thursday, Feb. 17.

Roslyn’s Youn lone N. Shore Regeneron finalist Continued from Page 19 “We are bursting with pride that one of our wonderful Roslyn High School seniors has earned such an extraordinary honor,” Roslyn Board of Education President Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy said. “Congratulations to Hailee! We wish her continued success when she participates in the final competi-

tion in March.” “Hailee is amazing in that she can think on multiple levels simultaneously; she can see both the big picture and the smallest details and weave them together seamlessly,” Roslyn’s coordinator of secondary research, Allyson Weseley, said. “She is a top-notch researcher and a wonderful and

generous collaborator, who works to improve the research of her peers.” After winning a $2,000 award for being one of the semifinalists, Youn will take part in a weeklong competition from March 9 to 16 with the finalists competing for more than $1.8 million in awards. Each finalist will be awarded at least $25,000,

with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000, contest oﬃcials said. A total of 39 students on Long Island and 14 in North Shore school districts were named semifinalists in 2021, with Lucy Zha, a former student of the Wheatley School in Old Westbury, being the North Shore’s lone finalist.

The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

Ray Vaz, decorated WWII hero, dies at 97 Continued from Page 1 After returning to his unit again, Vaz helped liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp. For his eﬀorts, Vaz was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, among others. In 2012, 68 years after fighting for his country, Vaz received the awards. A Mineola resident since 1927, Vaz left Mineola High School during his junior year at 17 years old to enlist, joining his older brother in the service. Decades later, his daughter Caryl Vaz-Salesi, then a school teacher in Mineola, noticed her father was not on any lists of graduates and was curious as to why because he was eligible for an honorary degree. District oﬃcials at the time suggested presenting him with a diploma at that year’s graduation or a Board of Education meeting, but Vaz would not accept. “It kind of tells you he didn’t want to make a big deal about it,” said VazSalesi, who accepted the degree on his behalf. “I’ve seen articles over the years of veterans accepting their diplomas later on, but he just didn’t want to be in the spotlight like that.” Sharing his experiences was not something that Vaz did often outside his VFW post, his daughter said. Growing up, she was aware of his service, but not about his swimming during the Normandy invasion when he didn’t know how, helping liberate concentration camps or where the shrapnel came from that disabled and stopped him from raising his right arm.

Much of that changed when VazSalesi invited him once a year to speak to her sixth-grade class about his experiences, where with her students she heard stories he had not told her before. “One year when he came in, the students had only prior information based on what I described,” Vaz-Salesi said. “When I heard he was in the oﬃce, I went to get him and by the time we left the elevator, they lined down the hallway alongside the walls and saluted him as he made his way into the classroom. It was very touching.” Vaz-Salesi said her father shared stories and answered questions from students, describing his time digging and huddling in foxholes, and throwing grenades in the night at what the soldiers thought were enemies, only to find the next morning multiple cows lying in the field. “I called my siblings and asked if they even knew about this,” Vaz-Salesi said. “Some of the stories were very interesting.” One topic he never did speak about was liberating Buchenwald. After spending weeks there helping the survivors get fed and relocated, he would sometimes break into tears thinking about it when asked or wake up in the middle of the night from nightmares based on his experiences. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Vaz came to Mineola when he was three months old. His father, Antonio Vaz, was one of the founders and builders of the Mineola Portuguese Club. When Vaz returned to Mineola after

the war, Vaz-Salesi said, his family said he could take time before fully getting onto his feet. One of the jobs he had was helping build the Northern State Parkway before ultimately finding a career selling kitchen appliances. A moment of silence was held for him at the Jan. 20 North Hempstead Town Board meeting, where Councilman Dennis Walsh, a former Mineola trustee, spoke about him. “Ray was a true American hero,” Walsh said of his friend. “He did many great things in the Mineola community.” Similar sentiments were shared by Tony Lubrano, owner of Piccola Bussola on Jericho Turnpike and former president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce. Lubrano got to know Vaz and other veterans in the area while hosting meetings and celebrations from Mineola’s VFW Post 1305 and through his work with Warriors for a Cause, of which he is chairman. The restaurant owner shared a story involving his staﬀ members when during a holiday party for the post on a December Sunday, he overheard talk about which football player was the toughest. Lubrano decided to introduce them to Vaz, which befuddled some of them because they thought they were only looking at an older man. “I said to them ‘let me show you someone who’s the toughest person you’re ever going to meet,’” Lubrano said. “He was not exactly a tall, muscular fellow now or even in his younger years, but after he described for us what he did

for this country they thanked him for his service, shook his hand and said what an honor it was to meet him.” More recently, Vaz was able to get a COVID-19 vaccination earlier than most as a veteran in his mid-90s. Vaz-Salesi commented how much of a challenge it was going to be to transport him to the Javits Center in Manhattan, which was where he was designated to go. Lubrano reached out to his network and was able to help organize transportation for Vaz to the center, where he saw the veteran treated like a hero. “As luck would have it, the U.S. Army was organizing everything and helping everyone get through the process of getting their shots,” Lubrano said. “His daughter Caryl called me almost in awe of the way he was treated upon seeing him enter in a wheelchair, donning his Army jacket and hat. She said that they saluted him and took him almost literally by the hand and walked him through the day to make sure he was OK.” Lubrano said that Vaz, along with every veteran, should be treated the way he was that day. “Mr. Vaz had a debt that we cannot repay,” Lubrano said. “He deserves anything we can do to help.” A mass for Vaz was held Monday at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Mineola and interment was in Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale. Vaz was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Ann. He is survived by his children, Caryl, Anthony and Suzzanne, seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Zimmerman piles up Dem endorsements Continued from Page 10 This week, ex-Congressman Gary Ackerman, ex-Huntington Councilwoman Tracey Edwards and Liuba Grechen Shirley, former Democratic nominee for the 2nd Congressional Distirct, also endorsed Zimmerman. “I have known and worked with Robert for many years. His leadership and advocacy on behalf of the communities of the 3rd congressional district is well known,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “Robert’s background as a young congressional staﬀer, as a Long Island businessman, and in public service has prepared him for this moment. He will make an extraordinarily eﬀective Member of Congress and I am proud to endorse his candidacy.”# Lavine expressed similar sentiments in his endorsement. “I proudly support Robert Zimmerman for Congress. We are facing unprecedented challenges to rebuild our infrastructure and protect the Long Island Sound and our environment,” Lavine said in a statement. “Robert’s keen understanding of

Washington, and his proven dedication to our communities, make him uniquely qualified to advocate eﬀectively in Congress. I look forward to partnering with him in our mission to protect our environment and enhance our quality of life.” Ackerman, whom Zimmerman worked for during his time in Congress, said: “I proudly announce my support for Robert Zimmerman for Congress. Robert has been a close advisor to me over the years, and in that time I have seen him in action in our congressional district and on Capitol Hill. During these most critical and challenging of times, Robert Zimmerman is eminently and uniquely qualified to serve in Congress to represent our values. He believes America’s military strength must be matched by its moral leadership, and I know Robert to be a stalwart advocate for economic security, staunchly pro Israel and a national voice for education, clean air and water, and preserving a woman’s right to choose. He will provide strong and steady leadership for us in Washington, DC.”

Zimmerman, 67, is co-president of ZE Creative Communications on Bond Street, a public relations firm he began 33 years ago with Ron Edelson.# He is seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is running for governor.# If elected, Zimmerman would become the first gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens. Other endorsements for Zimmerman’s campaign include current council members Veronica Lurvey and Peter Zuckerman as well as retired Councilwoman Lee Seeman. Zimmerman’s rivals for the Democratic nomination include former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool and Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington.# George Santos is seeking the Republican nomination. In response to Zimmerman’s increasing list of endorsements, Kaiman’s and Lafazan’s campaigns said they remain confident.

“Jon Kaiman isn’t looking to run as the institutional party candidate,” said Steve Randazzo, Kaiman’s campaign manager. “His focus is on working with and for the people who he will represent. Our campaign is comfortable letting the voters decide who should be their next Member of Congress.” “In the coming weeks, Legislator Lafazan will roll out his own set of strong endorsements from leaders throughout this district,” Ross M. Wallenstein, spokesperson for Lafazan For Congress, said in a statement. “In the meantime, he remains confident - and the voters will agree -# that his vision, his ideas, and what he can do for the third congressional district will resonate even more than endorsements when it comes to who they want representing them in Washington.” The 3rd Congressional District incorporates Nassau’s North Shore and parts of Queens and Suﬀolk counties. Later this year, legislators will announce reshaped congressional districts that may aﬀect the district.

For the latest news, visit us at w w w.theislandnow.com

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NASSAU COUNTY NEEDS CERTIFIED HHA’S, COMPANIONS AND HOMEMAKERS. ★★★ HIRING IMMEDIATELY★★★ “A Special thank you to all the Nurse Aides and all who Save Lives.” • Competitive Pay Rate • Flexible Scheduling • All Shifts & Locations available

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CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE FULL TIME ATRIA LYNBROOK Up to $1,000 sign on bonus. An Atria Home Health Aide will be asked to: Provide care to residents in a community, observe, report and document resident status, maintain a clean safe environment, assure adequate nutrition and fluid intake, safely transfer and ambulate resident, maintain the resident’s physical and mental well-being. Charlene Lindsay-Jorgensen 516-596-2700 EXPERIENCED RECEPTIONIST & CLERICAL PART TIME SEASONAL POSITIONS Located in Franklin Squarem Call 516-358-9455 Fax resume 516-358-9483 Email: ed@loturco.com HOUSEKEEPER WANTED in Garden City Home. Looking for 2 days a week with possibility of other hours during the week. Must have own transportation and speak fluent English and Spanish. Flexible and willing to work with your schedule. Job includes: food shopping, laundry, running errands, organizing household, restocking and keeping house in order, house and pet sitting when needed. Must be able to work with existing cleaning person in the home. Looking for somebody trustworthy to become part of our family. Interested applicants please text 516-526-8353 for an interview. Position available immediately. TAX PREPARER PART TIME Franklin Square Experience needed Retirees welcome. Call 516-358-9455 Fax resume 516-358-9483 Email: ed@loturco.com

DELI CLERK SANSONE MARKET Garden City Park • RELIABLE • Minimum 2-years experience • FT/PT Apply at store or online @ sansonemarket gardencity.com/careers RECEPTIONIST needed for P/T eves & weekends. Will train. Also VET/TECH KENNEL ASST. Duties include helping doctors with appointments/treatments. Cleaning cages/offices/equipment. Must like animals, be reliable, dependable & work well with others. Pay negotiable for both positions. Please call to schedule interview. Port Washington Animal Hospital: 516-883-2005 HOUSEKEEPER Starting February 15th want to place my excellent Tuesday housekeeper of 23 years in Great Neck area. Needs local transportation to and from work Please call 516-466-3659

SITUATION WANTED A HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150

EMPLOYMENT

SCHOOL BUS/VAN DRIVERS

Best Pay Package in the Industry! Start at $25.92* (Bus) • $22.61* (Van) Equal Opportunity Employer

FREE CDL TRAINING *Attendance Bonus Included

• 25 Hrs. Week Minimum FULL BENEFIT PACKAGE

HUNTINGTON COACH 631-271-8931

We are seeking a tax clerk/processor/breakdown person for a full-time (40 hours + Overtime M-F 5 days) seasonal (February-April) position to join our tax team. You will perform clerical and administrative functions in order to drive company success. You must be able to work overtime. • Collating and processing completed tax returns. • Filing, Copying and Faxing. • Coordinating incoming & outgoing mailed in returns. • Handling incoming & outgoing mail and faxes.

• Light phone duty. • Previous experience in office admin • Ability to prioritize & multitask • Strong Attention to detail • Strong Organizational skills • Full-time Temporary (seasonal)

Salary: $17.00/hour Email: LJR@rosovichassociates.com Call 718-347-9631

SITUATION WANTED

Certified HHA

EXPERIENCED YOUNG LADY Seeks employment as an aide or companion. Excellent references. Please call 516-904-9843

• Experienced • Excellent references.

We will provide you the best caregivers in America. Filipino men and women. Kind, loving and caring at this very difficult time.

Call Gertrude

347–444–0960

A COMPANION HOME HEALTH AIDE

With 20 years experience in home care & nursing homes seeking position to care for the sick/elderly. Male or female patients. Experience with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, Dementia, Stroke. References available. English speaking.

Please call 347-546-4133

HOME HEALTH AIDE / ELDER CARE Loving reliable woman seeking FT position nights/weekends to take care of your loved one. Experienced with ALS, dementia, diabetes, etc. Great referenceshighly recommended. Licensed driver. Call 646-575-8217

LIST YOUR SITUATION WANTED CALL NOW! 516.307.1045

COMPANION NURSING I am currently looking for a companion nursing position, preferably for the elderly. I am a licensed CNA that has over 30 years of experience working with geriatric and psychiatric patients. I am looking to find a part time position to compliment my current place of work. I can provide licenses and documentation. As my work will show, I am a hard working individual that is open to transition to a new phase of work. Feel free to contact me at my personal phone number, (516) 426-0083 or by email: christopher.vexp@gmail.com AIDE/CARE GIVER: CARING, EFFICIENT, RELIABLE Available FT Live In nights & weekends to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Cooking, light housework, tidy up, personal grooming, administer medications. 15years experience. References available. Fully Vaccinated. Please Call 516-448-0502

ANNOUNCEMENTS COVID 19 TESTING PCR NASAL SWAB TESTING AVAILABLE For Exposure or Travel Mon-Fri By Appointment No Waiting In Line Original Lab Results Texted To Your Phone Or Pick Up ANTIBODY TESTING FOR VACCINE IMMUNITY LEVEL OR ILLNESS AVAILABLE 176 Tulip Ave Floral Park 516-488-1414 GET DIRECTV ! ONLY $69.99/ month. 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies on Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package). PLUS Stream on UP to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

MARKETPLACE A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-7468900 Antiques-Furniture-JewelrySilver-Mirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit....Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange. org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical SocietyLike us on Facebook & Instagram INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house r sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www. invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

WANTED TO BUY LOOKING TO BUY! Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash PaidCall George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104 TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTSALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

JUNK CARS BOUGHT Auto Wrecking Frank & Sons

516-997-5736

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

▼ EMPLOYMENT, MARKETPLACE, AUTOS, CAREER TRAINING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Garden City Police Department is currently seeking Part-Time School Crossing Guards BENEFITS:

1. Eight (8) Paid Holidays per school year. 2. Optional membership in NYS Retirement System. 3. Two (2) sessions per day; one (1) hour in the morning, one (1) hour in the afternoon. 4. Uniforms and cleaning provided.

All interested candidates may obtain an application online at: https://gardencitypolice.net/forms-and-applications or by visiting: Garden City Police Department 349 Stewart Avenue Garden City,New York 11530

• Private Care Nurse • Professional Home Health Aides Home Companions • Housekeeping Let us do all the work so you and your family can enjoy the white-glove service, VIP Solutions for all your needs. Our services cover a wide range of needs and are fully customized from Private Care Nurse, to Housekeeping, to Event Planning, to Luxury Travel and much more. Apex Concierge Services promises to deliver top-tier, luxury concierge services to high-income and sophisticated clientele in the Greater New York City, Long Island, and practically anywhere our services are needed. We offer a wide range of premium concierge services, 24 hours ad day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Services are offered through exclusive membership or single-service and event needs. We offer quality services when you need it, every time and all the time! Contact us for more details.

Also, inquire about Apex Concierge Services as a Corporate Employee benefit package or Employee rewards program. Contact Us Now! 1-866-VIP-APEX (1-866-847-2739)

1010 Northern Boulevard, Suite 424, Great Neck, New York 11021 apexconciergeservices.com | Email: VIP@apexconciergeservices.com

42 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

▼ TUTORING, SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENTS

CAREER TRAINING

CAREER TRAINING COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-5436440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

,-./,&'(()( >-8@)::(8'2#%L).)#8<M)'4%@8-%N)2/;)-:O !"##$%&'#(')%*'+,)-.(/)0%1-23"24)0 56,%78-9:;8<:0%56=%>%=-)3(4:0 =82/;('?%=)-4(@(/24(8'

!!!"#$%#&'(()("#*+ A:)%/8"<8'%/83)%B52::2"CDE%@8-%CDF%8@@

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FREE ESTIMATES Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone. Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146 MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

MASONRY All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886 NEVER PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE MONTHS! 866-440-6501

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV 10#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277 DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup24hr response Tax deductionEasy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT MINOLA 2 Family house148 Roslyn Rd 2nd Floor Apartment: (walk up) 2 Bedrooms $2250/month All utilities are separately metered *** Close to Winthrop Hospital, LIRR, Restaurants NO FEES! Call or Text Michael: 516-510-9666 LIST YOUR SERVICES HERE. CALL NOW: 516.307.1045

APARTMENT FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT Floral Park, Plainfield Ave. 2BR, 2nd FL. Parking 1 car. 1 Block to LIRR. $2,250- per month. Credit check & references required. Available March 1st Call 516-508-8469

SERVICE DIRECTORY BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! CALL 888-508-5313

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

COMPUTERS TDS COMPUTER SERVICE Mac and Windows Repairs/Data Recovery/Virus Removal/Network Support/IT Security 516-944-5193

THE GENERAC PWRcell a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

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

SERVICES LEAK REPAIRS Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens 24 HOUR SERVICE Call 516-668-5624

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

Established 1976

45 YEARS PROUDLY SERVING LONG ISLANDERS

UPDATING YOUR HOME?

We can provide you with Mantels and Mouldings to Enhance your Interior Space. FREE DELIVERY

WITH PURCHASE OF $250 OR MORE New orders only. Expires 3-15-22

10% OFF MOULDINGS ORDER OF $200 OR MORE. New orders only. Expires 3-15-22

631.289.0100 • 494 Long Island Ave. Medford www.hbmillwork.com Suffolk License #HI-63172 | Nassau License #162824

Prepare for Power Outages & Save Money PWRcell, Generac’s fully-integrated solar + battery storage system, stores solar energy that can power your whole home during utility power outages and save you money on your electric bill.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

ACT NOW

TO RECEIVE

A $300 SPECIAL OFFER!* (888) 871-0194 $0 DOWN FINANCING OPTIONS!** *Offer value when purchased at retail. **Financing available through authorized Generac partners. Solar panels sold separately.

ATTORNEY Didi Hutt, Esq. Specializing in personal injury litigation including car accidents, slip/trip and all injuries, construction accident cases and medical malpractice. Call 212-323-7443 or email: dh@huttlawpc.com

L VE YOUR HOME MORE!

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC. FREE ESTIMATES Stainless steel liners cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist. FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK 516-766-1666 or 631-225-2600 Since 1982 chimneykinginc.com

One time use only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon or offer. Coupon offer good until December 31, 2022. Valid for any new service except subscription fees. Must mention coupon at time of sale.

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405

DISH TV $64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo expires 1/21/22 Call 1-888-609-9405 LIST YOUR SERVICES HERE. CALL NOW: 516.307.1045

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

▼ SERVICES, CLEANING, TUTORING, HEALTH SERVICES

HEATING OIL DELIVERY NASSAU & SUFFOLK COUNTYY

Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator

* PER GET 7¢ OFF GALLON on your first order ON OUR WEBSITEE

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

877-516-1160

PET SERVICES

FREE

*150 Gallons or more

PROMO CODE NEW22

Limited Time Offer - Call for Details

Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

Beautiful puppies, dogs, kittens, cats for adoption.

Upgrade Your Home with a

NEW METAL ROOF Guaranteed to Last a Lifetime! LIMITED TIME OFFER

60% off

All vetted, spayed/neutered.

845-361-1861

142 Bloomingburg Road Middletown, NY 10940

DENTAL Insurance

YOUR INSTALLATION

STRONG AS STEEL WITH THE ATTRACTIVE LOOK OF VARIOUS ROOF STYLES

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL

10% off

Install for Military, Health Workers and First Responders

Limited time offer. Expires 3.31.22

from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

Call to get your FREE Information Kit

From Dimensional Shingles to classic styles reminiscent of Cedar Shake and Spanish Tile, an architectural roofing system by Erie Metal Roofs can enhance the beauty of your home while protecting your family and property for a lifetime.

Warranty- Limited Lifetime. Transferable to 1 subsequent owner from original purchaser. Terms and conditions apply. Hail up to 2.5”, Appearance of the surface coating beyond normal wear and tear.

Call today to schedule your

FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-492-6084 Made in the USA

New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not be available in your area. Offer expires March 31, 2022. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved.

1-855-225-1434

TO LIST YOUR TUTORING SERVICES HERE, CALL NOW

516.307.1045

NEED EXTRA MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. PRIVATE PAY MEDICAL CARE. Personal Concierge Services including Private Medical Care, Companions, Therapy & Housekeeping. Apex Concierge Services 866-VIP-APEX VIP@APEXCONCIERGESERVICES. COM

Special Financing Available

Port Tutoring Academic success Test Prep/All subjects/ All Grades /All Levels. Individual and Small Group Tutoring. 516-767-1342 info@portturtoring.com

SERVICES

PET SERVICES

HUMANE SOCIETY OF MIDDLETOWN, NY

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

CLEANING CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER Good references, ability. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days and hours. Reasonable rates. I will do a good job! Call or text 516-589-5640

TUTORING

nextdayfueLS.com

1-855-633-8357

Passion for Seniors Certified HHAs, companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau locations. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

HEALTH SERVICES FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home/Care Coordintion Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES

alone I’m never

Life Alert® is always here for me. One touch of a button sends help fast,, 24/7. / with

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Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds: B438, B439 (GA: B439B).

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6208-0721

PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS HERE. CALL NOW 516.307.1045

For a FREE brochure call:

1-800-404-9776

SEND US A NEWS TIP! WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT NEWS IN OUR COMMUNITY. LET US KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON! WWW.THEISLANDNOW.COM

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44 The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

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Ex-Speaker Silver, 77, dies in fed custody Continued from Page 4 In July 2018, Silver was sentenced to seven years in prison. Before his arrest, Silver was one of the three most powerful politicians in New York, a list that included former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Glenwood Management also played a part in Skelos’ trial, where he was also convicted on corruption charges. Silver’s former chief of staff, Judith Rapfogel, told The New York Times that he was incarcerated at Devens Federal Medical Center in Ayer, Massachusetts. Silver died at the Nashoba Valley Medical Center, according to The Times, though the cause of death was not immediately confirmed. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat who replaced Silver after his conviction in 2015, touted his predecessor’s efforts to help rebuild lower Manhattan following Sept. 11 along with prioritizing New Yorkers’ quality of life throughout his tenure in the Assembly. “I will remember Shelly for his many legislative accomplishments,” Heastie said in a statement. “For years he was the lone voice in the room pushing back against many regressive policies that would have harmed so many New Yorkers, and he presided over landmark laws to improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents. My heart goes out to his wife, Rosa, and his children, grandchildren and many friends during this difficult time.” Born on Feb. 13, 1944, Silver was the youngest of four children whose parents immigrated to the United States from Russia. Silver, an Orthodox Jew, received his bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University and a law degree from Brooklyn Law School. According to The Associated Press, Silver was known to observe Sabbath despite lengthy legislative meetings.

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The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Happening at the Williston Park Library From the Director: We are no longer accepting donations at this time. We hope to begin in late Spring, but the date is still to be determined. Please DO NOT put donations in the outdoor book bins. New titles added to the collection: Last Goodnight—Kat Martin Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography— Laurie Woolever He Gets That from Me—Jacqueline Friedland Month of Borrowed Dreams—Felicity Hayes-McCoy My Monticello—Jocelyn Nicole Payne Game on-Tempting 28—Janet Evanovich Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone—Diana Gabaldon Burncoat—Sarah Hall Becoming—Nora Roberts Ramsay in 10: Delicious Recipes Made in a Flash— Gordon Ramsay Our Daily Hours Are: Browsing &Vestibule Pick-Up: Monday-Friday: 10am-5:30pm and Saturday: 10am-4pm “Open for Browsing” means you can come inside,

walk around the Library, and look for books and other items. Please limit your time to 1 hour. Only one family at a time will be permitted in the Children’s Room. Items requested over the phone can be picked up in the Library vestibule. Please maintain social distancing practices while in the Library. All customers and staﬀ are required to wear face coverings at all times while in the Library, per Executive Order 202.17. Face coverings must cover both your mouth and nose. Congregating is not permitted. Three computers are available for public use for a limit of 30 minutes. Library items may now be returned inside the library Adult Programs Reiki—Thursdays—February 3 & 17—6 pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. $10 p/person. Knitting Circle—Thursday—February 3, 17 & 31— 11:30 am-1:30 pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. Empire Safety Driving Course—Wednesday—March 30—10 am-4 pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall

for drivers of all ages. $30 p/person with check payable to Empire Safety Council. Limited to 25 participants. Masks are required. Children’s Programs Lego Tower Challenge—Thursday—February 24— 11 am-12 pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall for children of all ages. Masks are required. Limited to 12 participants. Register at willistonparkprograms@gmail. com Sensational Playtime: OT for Kids—Thursday— March 10—10:30 am-11:30 am in the Assembly Room of Village Hall for children 18-36 months. Led by 2 occupational therapists, this program emphasizes learning and developmental motor skills. Limited to 15 participants. Call, stop by or email (willistonparkprograms@ gmail) to register. Tie Dye T-shirt workshop—Tuesday—April 19— 11:30 am-12:30 pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall for children ages 4+. Limited to 15 participants. $15 material fee (includes t-shirt) Register at willistonparkprograms@gmail.com or call the library at 7421820. Please specify shirt size. Masks are required.

SCHOOL NEWS

Jacqueline Franchetti Kapoor honored for continuing her fight OK in page program Continued from Page 19

Herricks High School junior Namit Kapoor was recognized at the Jan. 20 board of education meeting for being one of 30 students from across the country to participate in the prestigious

United States Senate Page Program. He is pictured with Board of Education President Henry Zanetti, his brother, parents and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Blank Slate Media welcomes your submissions. Please e-mail them to news@theislandnow.com

protect innocent and vulnerable children,” she said. A more recent part of Franchetti’s initiative is her student advocacy group, which involves North Shore students in the policy-making process and gives them a voice. “I have always envisioned Kyra’s Champions as one that is for kids and by kids. I have looked for ways to involve students from our area and around the nation in Kyra’s Champions,” Franchetti said. “In our program are students who want to learn to become global citizens and students who have been horribly impacted by the failings of family court both in New York State and around the nation.” Téa Cotroins, a ninth-grader at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, said the group encourages her to use her own voice. “The Student Advocate program has encouraged me to use my own voice to help pass bills that will prevent child abuse,” Cotroins said in a statement. “I have already scheduled my first meeting with a New York State Senator this week. We will discuss Kyra’s Law and other bills inspired by Kyra’s story to prevent child abuse and child murders. “I have already learned to email legislators, as well as how to discuss critically important issues like advocating for the safety of children in custody cases. I have been amazed and inspired by Kyra’s Champions and by Jacqueline’s story. I am very excited to become more involved in this movement. I know I will carry on all the skills I am learning at Kyra’s Champions throughout my life and future ca-

reers.” In December, Gov. Kathy Hochul released a report from the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations, created by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year, of which Franchetti was one of 20 members. The group was aimed at providing recommendations to the governor about updates to the evaluations for New York courts after negative experiences were reported by parents, attorneys and court oﬃcials. Forensic evaluators have a background in mental health and conduct evaluations on parent/child relationships before providing a report to the court. Franchetti described a lack of necessary training, bias and lack of standards as reasons the commission was created. Franchetti said examples include a forensic evaluator in Schenectady requiring a child who disclosed sexual abuse to sit on her father’s lap during her interview. She said on Long Island an evaluator interviewed a young boy on the bed where he was raped, and in her daughter Kyra’s case, the evaluator dismissed documented evidence and eyewitness accounts of abuse and advocated for the father who murdered her to have joint custody. “It was a true honor to be asked and be part of this,” Franchetti said. She said she wants to make sure the legislation so important to her gets over the finish line. “It is up to the Legislature to look at these recommendations and take them forward,” Franchetti said. More information about Kyra’s Champions can be found at www.kyraschampions.org.

46 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 28, 2022

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The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

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48 The Williston Times, Friday, January 28, 2022

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