Great Neck Record 11/23/22 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

by Alex Nunez)

Local Libraries Receive Money Towards Construction Projects From State Education Department

JENNIFER CORR & JULIE PRISCO

The New York State Education Department in October awarded $34 million to 233 public libraries and systems across the state, including the Great Neck Public Library and the Port Washington Public Library. The funds are meant to help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy-efficiency standards and renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, as well as create meeting spaces to accommodate community needs.

“State Construction Aid allows public libraries the opportunity to meet the changing demands of the modern world. Nassau’s residents still use the library to browse and borrow books, but they also use libraries as remote workspaces and for the experience of learning together with others at events and programs,” Nassau Library System Assistant Director Nicole Scherer said. “The public library building is an essential community asset. Construction Aid is critical for ensuring public libraries can continue to keep their buildings responsive to community needs.”

A press release from the State Education Department stated that project activities eligible for awards include financing broadband infrastructure, construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation or rehabilitation of existing space. The projects can include roof replacement; the purchase and installation of alternative energy sources, HVAC systems, windows, doors and lighting systems; electrical upgrades; and construction of new or replacement walkways, parking lots, standby generators, and electric vehicle charging stations. In addition, new furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased

for new or newly renovated spaces.

“Priority is also given to renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities and projects to extend library services to people residing in geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged and distressed communities,” the press release stated.

The libraries in Nassau County determine what projects they would like to do to improve their library. Then the Nassau County Library System helps the libraries apply for funding for the different projects and assists the libraries throughout the application process.

Manhasset Great Neck Camera Club

The Manhasset Great Neck Camera Club will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library, located at 30 Onderdonk Ave, Manhasset. This meeting will feature a “Program Evening” where master photographer Alan Agdern, will provide an instructive, slide-illustrated lecture entitled: “Helping Photographers Improve Their Images”. This lecture will cover creatively using various photo editing tools and techniques to attain better results. Alan is a member of the Syosset Camera Club. A “Meet and Greet”

takes place between 6-7 P.M. Our meetings are open to all.

We are a welcoming group of photographers in an active club and can assist all classes and skill levels of digital photographers, from iPhone, Point & Shoot, Beginners, and Advanced. Visit our web site MGNCC.ORG which has links to the “Color Wheel”, our club newsletter, and a wealth of photography information. For further information, please email mgncc@optonline.net

—Submitted by the Manhasset Great Neck Camera Club

The Great Neck Public Library received $297,281. The money will go toward the renovation of the Parkville Branch, which will change the interior design to capture the best use of the space while maximizing function and appeal.

The Great Neck Public Library system is comprised of four different buildings: the main building, the Lakeville Branch, the Station Branch and the Parkville Branch. The Parkville Branch is located at 10 Campbell St. Like most libraries, the Great Neck Public Library offers many events, courses and workshops for young children, teens, adults and seniors. Every branch in the Great Neck

Library system offers different events. With the money the Parkville Branch has received, it will be able to redesign it’s space to increase availability for the fun and informational events that many residents attend.

The Port Washington Public Library received $279,282. The money will fund upgrades to the exterior library building facade to improve energy performance and reduce air and water infiltration. Roof replacement above Adult Learning Center is also in the plan for upgrades.

“It is a multi-phase project,” said Port Washington Public Library Director Keith Klang. “The long-term goal of the project is to make the library more sustainable, lower energy costs, and reduce any kind of water infiltration to the building that would structurally compromise us.”

Phase one of the two-phase project began right after Labor Day. Phase one focuses on the facade and roof of the building being renovated. Then phase two will involve resealing all of the windows around the perimeter of the building and doing dome glass replacement where needed.

“The funding from the Library Construction Aid is something that we advocate for every year with help from our legislators, our representatives and our advocates in Albany,” said Klang. “We’re not alone on this; there are lots of libraries across the state than need this kind of help. For us to be great libraries, we need to have the buildings to be able to serve the community. We’re really appreciative to everyone for helping secure the funding.”

“A library is a point of pride for any community as the embodiment of its belief in the power of learning and connecting with each other,” Scherer said. “This is especially true in Nassau County, where people deeply value opportunities for personal growth. Our public libraries serve in that capacity for people of all ages and all interests whenever they are ready for it and we are rewarded with passionate patrons in return.”

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The Parkville Branch building. (Photo from the Great Neck Library Website)

Port Washington Public Library view from Main Street. (Photo from the Port Washington Public Library Facebook)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@antonmediagroup.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

Performance Poets Association 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library Community Room) Hosted by George Pafitis. Join us for readings from the Performance Poets Association, and share your own poetry as well! Registration recommended but not required. Priority seating will be given to registered participants. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

MONDAY, NOV. 28

ACT Crash Course 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Virtual) In this 2.5 hour ACT Crash Course, we will cover the foundations of the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections of the exams to prepare teens for the Dec. 10 ACT. Presented by J&J Test Prep. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for registration information.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

Project Independence

12 p.m.-2 p.m. (“Yes We Can” Community Center) A Town of North Hempstead event for seniors. Bridge class. Classes are for beginners and those with basic knowledge

who wish to improve their skill. Call 311 to register or for more information.

Financial Investing Workshop

7 p.m.-8 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library Community Room) An Investor’s Guide to Mutual Funds. Mutual funds may play a major role as you try to reach your long-term financial goals. An Investor’s Tour of Mutual Funds provides a detailed look at the fea tures, benefits and risks associated with this type of investment as well as guidance to help empower you as you ex plore the multitude of funds available. Visit greatnecklibrary. org for registration information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

Project Independence 12 p.m.-1 p.m. (Roslyn Community Center) A Town of North Hempstead event for seniors. Golden Hearts Bingo and Blood Pressure Screenings. Call 311 to register or for more information.

Knitting and Crocheting Circle

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. (Parkville Branch Library Programming Room) Help, advice, and

chitchat will be facilitated. All skill levels welcome. Supplies will be provided, or bring your own from home. No registration is required. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

Toadstool Change Jar Workshop 7 p.m.-8 p.m. (Station Branch Community Room) Event for teens. Join us and make a fun and creative toadstool change jar. Having a cute fairy jar where you can store loose change or other fun things you want set aside for something makes it more exciting. Presented by Lisa Colon, CREATE Programs. Visit greatnecklibrary. org for registration information.

Levels Theatre: Little Women 8 p.m.-10:15 p.m. and Friday Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. (Great Neck Library Levels Teen Center) A “Next Stage” Production, created automonously by advanced students. Acclaimed playwright Jacqueline Goldfinger adapts Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, in this production directed by El Schader (director of Levels’ Twisted and She Kills Monsters). The story

is set during the American Civil War, and follows the lives of the four March sisters-Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy-on their journey to adulthood. Tickets will be available at the Circulation Desk of the Main Library beginning Wednesday, Nov. 16. Tickets are free of charge and are intended to guarantee seating as space is limited. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

Project Independence 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Hillside Public Library) What Matters to you Men’s Community Group Fall/Winter 2022. A Town of North Hempstead event for seniors. This group is open to all men, age 60 and over living in the Town of North Hempstead. Come and discuss topics that are of mutual interest to men living in this community. Call 311 to register.

Music For Aardvarks

11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. (Parkville Branch Library Community Center) Enjoy music and movement in this fun, interactive concert with Music for Aardvarks! This program is for children ages 6 months-5 years with an accompanying adult. Please use your child’s Library card to register. Please note that registration for this program includes class dates on Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 23. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for registration information.

Faster, Easier Method Of

Turkey This Season

LAUREN FELDMAN

The holidays are fast approaching and for many of us, preparations have already begun. Often central to the proceedings is the question of food; is it time to send a pre-order slip to a local restaurant? Or will the meal be prepared at home this year? For those in the latter category, the holiday season pres ents an annual challenge of time management, as dish after dish is produced under a tight schedule. The result is a wonderful dinner for guests and family to enjoy, but a hard day—or days—of work leading up to it.

Since the turn of the 19th century, turkey has been a staple of the holiday meal. Many of us go the traditional route, a slow-and-steady oven roast. For a smaller bird, this might be a

two- or three-hour process. For a larger-sized turkey, a full roast can take up to four or five hours.

To compensate, home cooks wake at dawn to put the turkey in the oven—or even prepare the

night before—to ensure the star of the meal will be ready in time. This is well and good for those who truly enjoy the process, but for those of us who just wish we could speed things up, there is

another cooking method worthy of consideration: spatchcocking.

Spatchcocking is a preparation style which has gained household popularity in recent years. It stems from the “butterfly” meth od, which involves preparing poultry by slicing it nearly in two but leaving the parts connected. The basics of spatchcocking are as follows: Turn your turkey breast-side down on a cutting board. With kitchen shears, cut first along one side of the backbone, then along the other. Remove the backbone and open the bird like an upside-down book, with the cut end face-down and the skin face-up. Flatten your bird, then season as desired and it is now ready to cook. What are the benefits of the spatchcock method? Perhaps most important is the time factor. By more than doubling its surface area, spatchcocking a turkey cuts the average cooking time by up to 75 percent. This means less time hovering in the kitchen and more

time with family and friends (or some extra sleep that morning).

Spatchcocking also achieves a more even cook because the meat is flatter in the oven, unlike a traditional roast which requires readjustment of the bird and oven temperature. And unlike the more delicate butterfly method, spatchcocking was designed for those with ordinary supplies and skills. It is an easier, more feasible method for the typical home cook who does not have high-end supplies.

The method does come with a notable shortfall. Spatchcocking produces a slightly drier dark meat than a traditional tur key, as this is the meat which traditionally rests in the juices at the end of the roast. So, if you have a preference for extra juicy dark meat, this is likely not the method for you. However, if given a chance, the spatchcock method might just prove to be both a time and energy saver this holiday season.

Night On The Town Tasting Event Benefits Michael Magro Foundation

The Michael Magro Foundation was delighted to be the beneficiary of “A Night on the Town,” a tasting event hosted by Warriors for a Cause on Oct. 24. More than 350 attendees turned out to network, enjoy tasty offerings displayed by nearly 30 local restaurants, vineyards and bakeries to honor Paul, Terrie and Marc Magro, the forces behind the Michael Magro Foundation.

A Night on the Town, which was held at Mineola’s Jericho Terrace, featured music, raffles, auction items, and of course, an abundance of generously donated foods. Laughter and conversation filled the venue’s rooms as attendees reveled in the ability to gather in person and enjoy the many tasty food and drink offered. The highlight of the evening was the honoring of the Magro family for their work with the foundation, all done in the name of Michael, their son/ brother who lost his battle to cancer at age 13. Warrior for a Cause presented the Magros with a check for $71,000, proceeds from the evening and reflective of the event’s success.

The foundation, which held its own remarkably successful tasting event, an Evening of Tasting & Giving, until the start

of the pandemic, is grateful to have been approached by Warriors for a Cause, a 501c3 volunteer run organization that raises money for several local not-for-profits, charities and foundations. Founded in 2013, this charitable group of like-minded men and women came together to form an ever-broadening social circle that helps support causes close to their hearts.

Michael Magro Foundation Vice President/Co-Founder Terrie Magro, expressed her appreciation to all those who supported the outing. “What a remarkable

evening, filled with new friends and old friends alike. Paul, Marc and I are just so pleased and grateful to everyone involved with Warriors for a Cause, as well as our supporters who came out for this event. All of you made this evening possible and ensured the foundation’s ability to continue helping families with a child battling cancer as they try to navigate this chaotic time. We are so grateful to have all of the Warriors for a Cause become part of the Michael Magro Foundation family.”

Sponsors for the 2022 outing include Gold Sponsor for the Night on the Town is Americana Manhasset. Silver Sponsors for the event are East End Group and Lalezarian Properties. Bronze Sponsors include Black Dahlia Floral & Event Design, Bulovas Restorations and the Edward Smith Mineola Lions Club.

The Michael Magro Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Paul and Terrie Magro to honor the life of their son Michael, who passed away from leukemia at age 13. The foundation works with the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Langone Long Island Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Cancer Division, and others— NYU, Cohen’s and Stony Brook—pediatric

specialties where treatment of chronic diseases is ongoing, as well as with children’s hospitals throughout Florida, Texas, Oregon and California. New hospitals in states throughout the nation are partnering with the foundation to provide services to their youngest patients. Core programs offered are Life Essentials [helping families struggling financially during their child’s treatment with non-medical expenses]; Project SOAR [providing support for childhood cancer patients, families, students and teachers when the child returns to school following a long illness]; and Bonding With Baby [helping siblings of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) communicate and bond]. In partnership with The Spencer Foundation, the Michael Magro Foundation offers Operation Playcation, an initiative providing inpatient pediatric hospital patients with new PlayStation units and games.

Visit www.michaelmagrofoundation.com or email info@michaelmagrofoundation. com for more information on the Michael Magro Foundation or to support the foundation with a tax-deductible contribution.

—Submitted by the Michael Magro Foundation

From left: Paul Magro, Patricia Palmeri, Marc Magro, Terrie Magro and Roy DeMarco (Photo courtesy of the Michael Magro Foundation)

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand recently announced that the town’s massive ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, Dec. 4). In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the Town is collecting toys to help families and those less fortunate throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the ‘Cruise-Thru’, collection boxes are located at town facilities through Dec. 14.

Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we collected over 20,000 toys for Long Island children. I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”

The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents an excellent way to con tribute directly to the cause and help bring

a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, and a drop box where kids can drop their letters to Santa off at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.

“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season,” Hand said. “I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our drop-off locations. By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of families hardest hit by the effects of the coronavirus this holiday season.”

Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations:

Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay; Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa;

Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage.

For more information, visit www.oyster baytown.com or contact Councilman Tom Hand’s office at 516-624-6309.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Anton Media Group is interviewing candidates for an Account Executive position based out of their Mineola, NY headquarters. This is an award-winning media company with a rich history in the marketplace, publishing some of the finest community newspapers in the industry. Serving Nassau County’s affluent ‘Gold Coast’ and beyond, Anton serves over 70 local communities with a strong portfolio of paid circulation local editions plus niche publications. This polished candidate must be results-driven, possess strong communication skills, and have a successful print sales track record.

Serving 43 of the top 100 Wealthiest Neighborhoods in New York State. Please submit résumé, references & salary requirements to: ipicone@antonmediagroup.com

COLUMNS

Thanksgiving Greeting

John Adams, second President of the United States, sent a mov ing letter to Francois A. Van der Kemp, who was one of the Dutch radical leaders of the Patriot Party. Van de Kemp was also a minister and publicist who gave the Patriot movement a Christian tint in his blazing speeches. I quote the following from Adams’ letter to Van der Kemp:

“I will insistthe Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations … They are the most glorious nation that ever inhabit ed this Earth.

The Romans and their empire were but a bubble in com parison to the Jews.They have

RABBI MOSHE WEISBLUM

return for the mystery by which we live. Who is worthy to be present at the constant unfolding of time? Amidst the meditation of mountains, the humility of flowers—wiser than all alpha bets—clouds that die constantly for the sake of God’s glory, we

are hating, hunting, hurting. Suddenly we feel ashamed of our clashes and complaints in the face of the tacit glory in nature. It is so embarrassing to live! How strange we are in the world, and how presumptuous our doings! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for witnessing the wonder, for the gift of our

unearned right to serve, to adore and to fulfill. It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.”

It would have been so easy for the pilgrims of 1621 to focus on what they didn’t have. Yet, their story reminds us that any moment is one to focus on what we have been given and to say thank you for it. Each day in this week of Thanksgiving and beyond—we say the words of the Psalmist Hodu—Give thanks to our Creator for it is good.

As we sit to eat our turkey (which in modern Hebrew is the same word—hodu), may we know just how good is our bounty and how great is our blessing. We should celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving EVERY DAY and through our behavior, we will show our unlimited appreciation to the true Source of all our blessings.

Seven Tips For Choosing Your Health Benefits For 2023

BY PHILLIP FRANZ

Amid higher inflation, you may be looking at ways to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it’s important to keep your well-being and budget in mind.

Annual or open enrollment season is here—a time when more than 19 million people in New York state and millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for the coming year.

Open enrollment is a good chance to review how often you’re using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch to another being offered. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to ensure you’re choosing a plan that will work best for next year’s budget.

Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens for two weeks sometime between September and December. Medicare members can enroll or make changes to coverage from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Most selections made will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

Here are seven tips to help in choosing a health plan through work, the Exchange Marketplace or Medicare:

1Consider all your options. Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan, so you can figure out which will work best for you. A good first step may be to watch a quick refresher video on health insurance lingo, including premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and out-ofpocket maximums.

Medicare members: As you weigh your options, ensure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a review, visit www. MedicareEducation.com—an online resource with answers to

questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.

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Check your prescription benefits. Knowing how to get the most out of your prescription benefits may help you manage costs. For example, check into discounts and lower-cost alternatives, including generics, which may be available. You may also be able to fill your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail—two more money-saving options.

2

Don’t forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.

Medicare members: You may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

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Medicare members: You may be surprised to learn Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider adding Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep your medication costs in check.

3

Check for mental health coverage. In addition to in-person mental health care, you may have access to a large virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists. Some health insurers also offer advocacy services to help you find the right type of behavioral health care.

Medicare members: Some plans offer virtual mental health care with a $0 copay, including UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.

5

Look into wellness programs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.

Medicare members: Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.

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Celebrating

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Anticipate next year’s health expenses. If you’re expecting a significant health event in the next year, such as surgery or the birth of a child, compare the differences in plan designs for that specific situation, including any out-of-pocket costs.

7

Consider a plan with virtual care services. If you’re busy or just prefer connecting with a doctor from the convenience of your home,

Letters to the editor are welcomed by Anton Media Group. We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. All material contributed to Anton Media Group in any form becomes the property of the newspapers to use, modify and distribute as the newspaper staff assigns or sees fit. Letters to the editor can be mailed to: editors@antonmediagroup.com Additional copies of this and other issues are available for purchase by calling 516-403-5120.

Phillip Franz

COLUMNS

Talking About Weight With Your Kids

The holidays are here and it’s not un common for people of all ages, including children, to pack on extra pounds. The sugary treats and heavy meals are abundant and many kids tend to be less active during the colder weather.

Regardless of the season, it’s always a good time to talk to your kids about healthy eating—especially with many adults and children alike having put on weight from stress eating and pandemic inactivity.

Sadly, being significantly overweight is common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the per centage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s. Today, nearly 1 in 5 school age U.S. children and young people (6 to 19 years) is considered obese. When you factor in those who are considered overweight but not yet obese, the figure rises to 31 percent.

Why the dramatic increase? Behavior and habits are the most likely factors, with tech nology playing a big role. Many families have become sedentary, with TV, computers and videogames as the culprits. Both kids and parents are often modeling these behaviors.

Of course, shaming a child for being over weight is never appropriate. Approach the issue as a family topic rather than focusing on an individual child. The message should be that we all need to eat more healthy foods like fruit, vegetables and lean proteins and less fatty, fried or sugary foods so we feel better and have more energy.

Here are some guidelines when broaching the subject of weight with your children, as per recommendations from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Foster open dialogue. Encourage your kids to share their thoughts and feelings about body image. When children discuss feelings about weight, be sure to listen and acknowledge that the feelings are real. Explain that people come in all different shapes and sizes, and you love your child no matter what.

Don’t make negative comments. Judging your own body or your child’s can result in lasting detrimental effects to your child’s body image and relationship with food. Set a good example for children in the way you talk about your own body as well as others.

from page 4A

consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. You may have access to virtual wellness visits, urgent care and chronic condition management.

Medicare members: Most Medicare Advantage plans provide access to virtual care, which can be an easier, more affordable way to talk with doctors about common health issues on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Visit www.uhcopenenrollment.com for more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company

Take action. Children learn fast and they learn best by example. Teach children habits that will help keep them healthy for life. Look for ways to spend fun, active time together.

Avoid the blame game. Never yell, scream, bribe, threaten or punish children about weight, food or physical activity. If you turn these issues into parent-child battle grounds, the results can be harmful. Shame, blame and anger are setups for failure.

Talk with your healthcare provider. If a health professional mentions a concern about your child’s weight, speak with the professional privately. Discuss specific concerns and ask for suggestions on making positive changes in your family’s eating habits and activity levels.

Seek advice. Look for a registered dietitian with a specialty in pediatric weight management. Many hospitals and clinics have comprehensive programs with edu cation and activities for both kids and adult family members that may be covered by your health insurance plan.

An important final note: If you are among the Long Islanders whose financial issues make it difficult to access healthy, fresh foods, don’t despair. Community Solidarity shares nutritious food to those in need, with 50 per cent of that being fresh produce. Visit www. communitysolidarity.org to find out more.

Dr. Sue Cohen is the director of Clinical Services at Right from the Start at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the leading children’s mental health agency on Long Island. Visit www.northshorechildguidance.org to learn more.

or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicareapproved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Virtual visits may require video-enabled smartphone or other device. Not for use in emergencies.

Phillip Franz is the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in New York

FRANZ

Dr. Sue Cohen

PARENTING PLUS

BY JANET BURNS

The Garden City Trojans field hockey team has a history of success, and this year’s team has kept their record of success intact.

In the 2022 fall season, goalie Mackenzie Wehrum, our November Athlete of the Month at Anton Media Group, contributed a lot toward making that happen, according to her coaches and teammates.

SPONSORED BY ORLIN & COHEN

Athlete Of The Month: Mackenzie Wehrum, Field Hockey

After a strong season in goal with a .91 save percentage, Wehrum had three shutouts in the post season and allowed only two goals, guiding her team to the New York State Finals. Her outstanding play earned her all-tournament honors.

On Thursday, November 3, Wehrum’s shutout helped her team to claim the Long Island Championship this season, a title which the Trojans have held for the past seven out of eight years (with 2020’s Covid-impacted season being the exception.)

During this year’s playoffs, Wehrum only allowed two goals, and clocked over 40 saves, as well as a 0.15 GAA.

“Since I stepped on the field my freshman year of high school I have only fallen in love with the sport more

as the years have gone by. I have done whatever I could through the years to play as much as I can and I have done just that. I am determined to make myself a better player not just for myself but for the teams that I am on. I am determined that when I do eventually get to play field hockey in college to work hard to better myself for my future team and coaches,” Wehrum said in her NCSA college recruiting profile personal statement.

Scheduled to graduate this spring, Wehrum won’t have too long to wait before her college playing career begins. She has already committed to playing for Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she’ll enroll as a freshman for the 20232025 school year.

Mackenzie Wehrum

(Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools)

Mackenzie Wehrum, a field hockey goalie for the Garden City Trojans, is our Athlete of the Month for November.

NE W YORK ISLAN DERS LEGENDS NIGHTS

The Islanders are a storied franchise thanks to many legendary players. For the 50th Anniversary season, celebrate the eight alumni whose numbers hang in the rafters. The first 10,000 fans at each of the eight Legends Nights will take home a commemorative bobblehead.

NEWYORKISLANDERS.COM/TICKETS

DENIS POTVIN FRI | DEC. 2 vs. NSH PRESENTED BY

CLARK GILLIES SUN | DEC. 4 vs. CHI PRESENTED BY

MIKE BOSSY SAT | JAN. 14 vs. MTL PRESENTED BY

BOB NYSTROM

WED | JAN. 18 vs. BOS PRESENTED BY

JOHN TONELLI FRI | JAN. 27 vs. DET PRESENTED BY

BILLY SMITH FRI | FEB. 17 vs. PIT PRESENTED BY

BRYAN TROTTIER SAT | MAR. 11 vs. WSH PRESENTED BY

BUTCH GORING TUES | MAR. 21 vs. TOR PRESENTED BY

‘Tis The Season For Cooking

Nothing brings people together quite like food, especially home cooking. Here are some of the newest and bestselling cookbooks on the market, just in time for the holiday season.

1. Go-To Dinners by Ina Garten

Even Ina Garten, America’s most-trusted and beloved home cook, sometimes finds cooking stressful. To make life easy she relies on a repertoire of recipes that she knows will turn out perfectly every time. Cooking night after night during the pandemic inspired her to rethink the way she approached dinner, and the result is this collection of comforting and delicious recipes that you’ll love preparing and serving. You’ll find lots of freeze-ahead, make-ahead, prep-ahead, and simply assembled recipes so you, too, can make dinner a breeze.

In the first-ever cookbook from TikTok star and social media sensation Nadia Caterina Munno—a.k.a. The Pasta Queen— is opening the recipe box from her online trattoria to share the dishes that have made her pasta royalty. In this delectable antipasto platter of over 100 recipes, cooking techniques, and the tales behind Italy’s most famous dishes (some true, some not-so-true), Nadia guides

you through the process of creating the perfect pasta, from a bowl of naked noodles to a dish large and complex enough to draw tears from the gods. Whether it’s her viral Pasta Al Limone, a classic Carbonara, or a dish that’s entirely Nadia’s— like her famous Assassin’s Spaghetti—The Pasta Queen’s recipes will enchant even the newest of pasta chefs.

4. Smitten Kitchen Keepers by Deb Perelman

5. Somebody Feed Phil The Book by Phil Rosenthal and Jenn Garbee

Phil Rosenthal, host of the beloved Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, really loves food and learning about global cultures, and he makes sure to bring that passion to every episode of the show. Whether he’s traveling stateside to foodie-favorite cities such as San Francisco or New Orleans or around the world to locations like Saigon, Tel Aviv, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, or Marrakesh, Rosenthal includes a healthy dose of humor to every episode—and now to this book.

Deb Perelman is the author of two best-selling cookbooks; one of the internet’s most successful food bloggers; the creator of a homegrown brand with more than a million Instagram followers; and the self-taught cook with the tiny kitchen who obsessively tests her recipes to make sure that no bowls are wasted and that the results are always worth the effort.

6. Better Homes and Gardens 100th Anniversary New Cook Book

Better Homes & Gardens celebrates its 100th anniversary with this expanded edition of the “red plaid” cookbook, a trusted staple in kitchens across America since 1930.

All-new chapters look back at the history of Better Homes & Gardens, including a “Behind the Kitchen Door” feature about America’s first test kitchen, and a “Then & Now” section comparing

3. The Woks of Life by Bill, Kaitlin, Judy and Sarah Leung

This is the story of a family as told through food. Judy, the mom, speaks to traditional Chinese dishes and cultural backstory. Bill, the dad, worked in his family’s Chinese restaurants and will walk you through how to make a glorious Cantonese Roast Duck. Daughters Sarah and Kaitlin have your vegetable-forward and one-dish recipes covered—put them all together and you have the first cookbook from the funny and poignant family behind the popular blog The Woks of Life.

original classics to updated recipes influenced by flavor and current food trends. With more than 1,000 recipes and a photo for each one, the book covers traditional dishes such as brownies and new fa vorites like cold brew coffee.

—Compiled by Christy Hinko

2. The Pasta Queen by Nadia Caterina Munno

Tilles Center

Eglevsky Ballet, Long Island’s premier ballet company and academy, presents its annual production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” starring New York City Ballet soloist Miriam Miller as the “Sugar Plum Fairy” and New York City Ballet principal Tyler Angle as the “Cavalier”.

The production also stars Fox Weather meteorologist (and Instagram and TikTok sensation) Nick Kosir as “Dr. Stahlbaum”, the father of “Clara,” the ballet’s protagonist. Eglevsky Ballet brings the beloved story to the Tilles Center stage with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning costumes, thrilling choreography and a cast comprised of more than 60 students and the company’s professional dancers. Eglevsky Ballet’s production is the longest, continuously running production on Long Island. Directed and choreographed by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry, Eglevsky Ballet’s produc tion tells the story of a young girl named “Clara” and how a mysterious gift from her godfather, “Herr Drosselmeyer” brings about an enchanted, fantastical dream. The Eglevsky Ballet has presented The Nutcracker as a holiday gift for children of all ages since 1961. This exciting pro duction is a vibrant representation of the trajectory in which Mr. Curry is leading the organization.

This year, the role of “Clara” will be danced by professional company member, Briana Laman. The “Nutcracker Prince” will be portrayed by professional company member, Ryan Cavaline. The central first act pas de deux in the prelude to “Waltz of the Snowlflakes” is usually danced by a “Snow Queen” and a “Snow King”. Mr. Curry has the music (his personal favorite in the ballet) performed by the characters “Clara” and “The Nutcracker Prince”. “Having this pas de deux danced by these two characters,” Curry says, “intensifies the connection between the two characters. We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

This year, Eglevsky Ballet is partnering

with Birthday Wishes of Long Island to offer support assistance in their mission. Birthday Wishes provides a birthday gift and a “Birthday-in-a-Box” for children experiencing homelessness.

Jamie Rapfogel, the Director of the Long Island Branch states, “We are thrilled to partner with the Eglevsky Ballet and their holiday performance of The Nutcracker this December at the Tilles Center!

What a special way to allow the families we serve to experience the magic and delight that this event allows. Just like our mission, of Eglevsky Ballet providing birthday parties to children experiencing homelessness brings feelings of normalcy and joy so does the honor of watching the Eglevsky Ballet’s holiday extravaganza!”

Eglevsky Ballet is asking all who attend the performances to bring an unwrapped toy for boys and girls ages 1-17 to donate to Birthday Wishes.

Do not miss these performances of The Nutcracker with Long Island’s own Eglevsky Ballet at the Tilles Center on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. and on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Featuring live music provided by the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony and guest stars from New York City Ballet and television, it is a produc tion not to be missed.

Tickets may be purchased at the Tilles Center box office or through Ticketmaster.

Cheese Ball Dip

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Hands down, dips and spreads make the all-time favorites list when it comes to appetizers, but as equally yummy as the finger food appetizer counterparts like deviled eggs, chicken wings, nachos and quesadillas. That said, dips and spreads are in a class of their own.

The list of possible ingredients is endless, although many have a standard base ingredient, a cream cheese or a sour cream. e added ingredients are wide-ranging too: anything from some of the more savory things like artichokes, avocados, bacon, mushrooms, olives,

yogurts and fruity mangoes and apples.

ey are so versatile and come in so many variations and easily complement any holiday, event or occasion. And when you are planning a party, your appetizer menu is one of the rst things you might consider, including some of the more

important to consider how easily the dip or spread transfers. Is it scoopable? Is it spreadable? Do you need a sturdy cracker or chip to pair with it? Which utensils are best-suited for the job? Is it served in a bowl or on a plate? Is it served warm or chilled?

Dips and spreads are always a crowd-pleaser. Here is one of my personal family recipes.

Cheese Ball

8 oz. cream cheese, softened ¼ c. chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans) 1 Tbsp cooking sherry ¼ c. walnuts, toasted and chopped

In medium bowl, combine rst three ingredients. Shape into a ball and chill, covered for at least three hours. Roll in toasted walnuts to coat. Serve with crackers; Triscuit or any

Thoughtful Ways To Give Thanks

For many Americans, the holiday season is a time for joy, gratitude and spending quality time with loved ones. However, with inflation at 8.2 percent, more than half (54 percent) of consumers plan to spend less on holiday gifts this year. With this in mind, here is a list of three ways to show your loved ones how much you ap preciate them this holiday season—with out breaking the bank.

1. The average person spends five hours a week cleaning. Taking the initiative to clean up the dirtiest areas of your home will allow you and your loved ones to spend more time to

gift of peace of mind.

2. When we hear about selfcare, we often think of bubble baths and scented candles. However, 54 percent of people strongly agree that having a completely clean home is one of the most calming feelings. Surprising your loved ones with a clean home will help them relax without the bow.

3. Give the chef in your life a well-de served break by cooking and cleaning up afterwards. Not only will your loved ones enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, but they will also be thrilled by the sparkling clean kitchen.

Photo: Nick Biondo

Hit The Off Switch Bone Appétit!

Hit movie Home Alone

made waves about hapless holiday makers leaving their child behind. But in the real world, what gadgets are most likely to have been left on in the home when people head abroad?

The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental. com have researched online for the most likely items in the home to be left on and come up with a checklist of things that need to be turned off before leaving the house.

As well as saving vital energy and reducing the risk of acci dents in your absence, these top tips will also help people save money during the current cost of living crisis.

The following steps can identify fire risks, other potential hazards and energy draining sources. But they point out not everything can be turned off, cit ing burglar and intruder alarms

which must be checked to see they are in good working order. Switch these things off before heading off on your travels:

Chargers

Unplugging chargers is a good tactic as they draw power into their power supplies constantly, so you can make an energy and cost saving.

Lights

You need to consider turning lights off, although weighing up if you will have a timer switch to factor in. Sometimes there are lights in the attic, garage or basement which are forgotten about and need to be turned off.

Modems and routers

By turning these off you can also prevent hackers from getting into your wifi as well as saving on power.

Heating

It’s a waste of money and energy to heat the house when you are away in the summer. Consider keeping the heating on very low if on holiday in the winter.

Kitchen appliances

Some of these are worth unplugging to save electricity and reduce the fire risk to your home. But not all—it would be unwise to turn off the fridge and freezer leaving you in a real mess on your return. Weigh up which appliances can safely be turned off.

Water

Locate the stopcock and turn off the water before leaving home on your holidays. It’s important as it will help prevent water leaks that can result in expensive floods and damage.

—StressFreeCarRental.com

The holiday season is the most wonderful time to celebrate with your friends and family, but also with your pets. A recent survey by the leading sustainable and biotech-driven pet food company, Wild Earth, shows that pet parents love including their furry friends on special occasions.

Do something special

Only 6.5 percent of pet owners don’t do anything special with their pets— which means a whopping 93.5 percent of you do.

Pets are truly part of our families, so it makes sense that they are involved in our celebrations.

Play dress-up

This year, grab a few sizes of your favorite holiday outfit. People everywhere are dressing their pooches up in their favorite acces sories and costumes. A little bow or Santa hat is the perfect addition to any pet’s wardrobe.

Photo shoot

Gathering the whole family for a photo takes divine intervention, but your pet is always ready to get their cute picture taken. A pet photoshoot is sure to make your pup the star of the holiday card.

Special meal

Bone appétit! The holidays are the time to try out new recipes and cook your family’s traditional favorites. You can whip up a special dish for your pet using clean, high-pro tein ingredients such as spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots and even cranberry sauce.

Buy a gift

Unwrapping presents isn’t just for our human family. Pets are part of your family too, so treat them to a special and healthy gift you know they will just love.

—Wild Earth

Jimmy Smits’ Fave Acting Influences

BY DAVE GIL DE RUBIO dgilderubio@antonmediagroup.com

With a storied line of crime procedurals under his belt ranging from a guest shot on Miami Vice and a major role on L.A. Law to starring in NYPD Blue and the late lamented Bluff City Law, Jimmy Smits wasn’t looking to go back down that path. That is, until Emmy Award-winning producer and director William Finkelstein, who knew Smits from back in the L.A. Law/NYPD Blue days, hipped the native New Yorker to the project the former was working on for CBS. All it took was mentioning the neighborhood the show was going to be based in to catch Smits’ attention.

“William Finklestein and I were having conversations, because we keep in touch,” Smits shared. “He was getting ready to do a cop show and it kind of came on my radar specifically because of all the stuff that transpired during COVID-19 with regards to this kind of spotlight on law enforcement transgressions and all of that. I told him good luck with that and it was beautiful to have this woman’s voice as the driving force behind this particular precinct and the whole thing about community policing. Then he said it was set in

a section of New York called East New York that not too many people know about. I told him to stop right there because that was my Wonder Years place. When I came back from living a couple of years in Puerto Rico, I was going to school [in East New York]. Pretty much my junior high school, high school and first years of college were all in that neighborhood. That’s where my first child was born, when I started going to college and making the choice to become an actor. All of those things happened in East New York, so I have an affinity for it.”

Smits plays veteran two-star Chief John Suarez, who serves as a mentor to Amanda Warren’s Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood, whose character was recently promoted to head up East New York’s 74th Precinct. Rounding out the cast are a number of familiar faces (Rubin Santiago-Hudson’s officer Marvin Sandeford and Richard Kind’s Captain Stan Yenko) and new talent (Elizabeth Rodriguez’s Detective Crystal Morales and Olivia Luccardi’s officer Brandy Quinn). The driving narratives for East New York revolve around the complex relationship between

law enforcement and local citizens in a lower income community of color. The combination of a talented cast and character-driven storylines were irresistible to Smits with the title locale being the deciding factor.

“For me, if you don’t have the character element in [a project] then I don’t want to see it,” Smits explained. “The stars felt like they aligned in regards to what’s happening with law enforcement and what’s been happening in New York along with women empowerment and having a character who is really a strong voice. We’ve come up with this ensemble of actors that is really tight and wonderful, but the characters are really compelling, unique and they each have their own spin on [the storylines]. It felt like something I really wanted to be a part of. And also for my old neighborhood—to kind of give props to it and give back in a way. That’s why I’m on this show.”

Having fallen in love with the art of acting, Smits was more than happy to share those talents that helped shape his career trajectory.

Raúl Juliá (March 9, 1940 to October 24, 1994)

“He was a brilliant, sanguine force of nature in terms of his acting ability. But the fact that he came from the place that my moms came from and his first language was Spanish. And he loved the classics. All of those things influenced me in terms of making a choice and me being able to see him out there working like that. It influenced me with regards to becoming an actor myself. He’s tops on the list.”

James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 to present)

“He is somebody that has broken barriers and has an immense love for the theater. I admire the work he’s done on film and through the years, he’s had a sustaining career.”

Katherine Hepburn (May 12, 1907 to June 29, 2003)

Rita Moreno (December 11, 2011 to present)

“Both of them in terms of powerful women who have come

from minority/disadvantaged communities. Because of their ethnicity and gender, they’ve had to work twice as hard [to succeed]. That energy is fascinating to me.”

Peter Brook (March 21, 1925 to July 3, 2022)

“One day a director— who is very famous in the theater world named Peter Brook, came to this community group I was involved with as a kid. He had this international group of actors from Africa, a Nordic-looking woman, a Japanese kabuki actor and kind of created an international language of theater. [Ed. Note: International Centre for Theatre Research]. It fascinated me that theater has such power and it fermented for this teenager at the time—to see if I could really do this as a profession. A light went on in terms of the power of physicality, space and telling stories. That moment really influenced me. It’s like a marker for me.”

Gregory Peck (April 5, 1916 to June 12, 2003)

“I did this film called Old Gringo and it was another kind of marker for me. Greg became a mentor and a friend. He was someone whose activism, along with Jane Fonda’s, was something I looked at. Along with the way he carried his life and approached his feelings about the artist’s ability to enlighten while doing his work at the same time. It touched me in so many different ways.”

East New York airs on CBS on Sunday nights. Check local listings for times. Visit www. longislandweekly.com to read a longer version of this story.

From left: Darien Sills-Evans (Deputy Mayor Raymond Sharpe), Jimmy Smits (Assistant Chief John Suarez) and Amanda Warren (Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood) (Photo credit: CBS 2022)

HOROSCOPES

By Holiday Mathis

By Holiday Mathis

Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It’s easier to be sure-footed when you’re walking the stability of a known world. While there may be a lot that needs to change, when you think about all the systems and routines that have to go right to keep things marching along, you feel grateful for whatever is happening smoothly in this part of life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). e week goes well if you don’t get too wrapped up in winning. at would make your game tight and vulnerable to mistakes of tension. Back o and consider two ways to relax into your play. Pretend like you have so much advantage you’ll never run out, or imagine instead that you have no advantage and therefore nothing to lose.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It’s a good time for social strategizing. For instance, you may want to decide ahead of time what and how you will share with people. It is both kind and smart to consider the expectations of others. When in doubt, go for a pleasant state of neutrality. Avoid inspiring envy and controversy or giving people a reason to focus unhelpfully.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Financial demands seem a ordable when someone else is paying. Chores and maintenance go faster when done by others. As true as this may be, you still prefer to take care of things on your own. Your reward for this is that you become incredibly capable, con dent, vital, attractive, forward-thinking and unstoppable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll speak words of kindness if they come to you, but you don’t have to. e way you hold yourself open to the world, the nice things you think to yourself about the strangers passing by and the friendliness of your smile contribute more than you know to the spirit of gentleness that would ideally prevail in a better world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). e act of creating a fantasy is like giving yourself a gift. e right fantasy can do more than entertain you. It can give you the clues about the life you might create for yourself. It can be the vision that shows you where you could go and pulls you into a future that would delight you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). is week’s to-do list contains items that are less than fascinating, but give them more attention than you think they deserve. ey have potential to advance you, perhaps delightfully so. It is the details -- the glorious, captivating details -- that will provide the magic of the week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). As much as you’d like others to focus on the same things that matter to you, it won’t happen often this week. ere are bene ts to the diverse energies, though. You’ll get more versions of the story, and multiple viewpoints will be interesting, broadening the scope of your project and causing you to learn more, and quickly.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). In the animal kingdom, there are not enemies, just creatures competing for resources. Humans tend to see the competition as sinister, and yet the same principle applies. Take moral bias out of the equation and you will see people in terms of what they need or want, not in subjective terms of good and evil.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are good at many things and great at something that is rare. Too much time has passed since you gave much-deserved attention to your talent. Use your exceptional gift this week, or at the very least, plan to use it soon, building the schedule, training or environment to make this possible.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have powers so terrifying and awesome you wouldn’t dare use them regularly. at would be like using a lightning bolt to do the work of a stapler. You don’t need to deploy these powers this week, though the thought will cross your mind. It’s a con dent feeling just to remember what you are capable of.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You embrace duty, knowing it’s not likely to change. People say it gets easier, but “it” actually remains about the same. What happens is that you get stronger, as well as smarter, more innovative and capable until one day, the task that used to make you sweat will be a piece of cake. at day is coming sooner than you think.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

It’s wonderful to know yourself this well. Past lessons braid together, and things you didn’t understand will suddenly start making sense in a way that applies directly to the main challenges of your life. New relationships are the e ervescence of the year, and though delightful and breezy, you’ll be surprised at how supportive these ties can be. Ask for the help you need to better position yourself in the professional realm. A mentor will be key. Also, a nancial issue will be set right.

was right. South would have made six clubs, scoring 1,370 points, whereas East would have gone down only three — 500 points — at six hearts doubled.

North’s seven-club bid is certainly questionable. He could have passed and left the decision to South, who was probably in a better position to

WORD FIND

Say cheese!

judge whether to double or go on. But North feared that if the EastWest hands were as distributional as his own, East might make six hearts.

West led a heart, and South pro ceeded to make the grand slam despite his apparently certain spade loser. He ruffed the heart in dummy, drew two rounds of trump and then cashed five diamond tricks, discarding a spade from his hand. Two more rounds of trump, ending in dummy, brought about this posi tion: North

The lead of the ten of clubs from dummy left East with no recourse. If he discarded a spade, South would discard a heart; if he dis carded a heart, South would dis card a spade. Either way, South would win the last three tricks.

Note that an opening spade lead by West would have defeated the contract by cutting a critically important link between the North and South hands.

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Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit

race, color, national origin, religion, sex, dis ability, familial status, age, marital status, sexu al orientation or disability in connection with the rental, sale or financing of real estate. Nassau also prohibits source of income discrimination. Anton Community News papers does not know ingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect hous ing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800660-6920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)

Town Hosts Pumpkin Fest

which featured pick your own pumpkins, music, crafts, character meet and greets, a ride on a train, a bouncy house, giveaways and more.

—Submitted

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course At Michael J. Tully Park

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board have announced that a 4-week lifeguard certification course will be held at Michael J. Tully Park beginning Nov. 28. Classes, which are geared toward adults, will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with special training on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a special deep-water skills test at Eisenhower Park on Thursday,

Dec. 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Individuals ages 25 and older can sign up for the American Red Cross Blended Lifeguard Training Course. Those who register must pass the pre-test requirements to participate in the class, which will take place on Monday, Nov. 14 or Monday, Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Admission will be on a first come, first serve basis. After passing the pre-test, participants must pay a $325 fee to

cover the course, book, and class materials. No absences are permitted.

Upon the conclusion of the course, participants will have the opportunity to register and take the Nassau County Lifeguard Certification Test.

For more information on pre-test requirements or the course, please call 516-739-3055.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Joseph Nicholas Rizzo

Joseph Nicholas Rizzo of Fort Mill, South Carolina passed away on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the age of 90. After several months of declining health, Joe died peacefully with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born in New York on January 6, 1932, to parents Nicholas Rizzo and Josephine Sabella Rizzo. His sense of duty, work ethic and love of country helped him while serving in the Army where he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

At the end of his military service Joe returned to New York and took on various jobs until settling into his lifelong career as a stockbroker in Great Neck, New York.

Throughout his life and by his warmth, charm and bright personality he made many long-lasting friendships, most of which remained his entire life.

Joe had a passion for his community and was a long-standing member of the Kiwanis Club and served as president in 1994-1995.

Those who knew him would say he was kindhearted, funny, generous, and caring. Joe was also an avid tennis player, sherman and adored cars, ne food, dancing, history, and cinema. First and foremost was a devoted father and grandfather.

Joe is survived by his sister Lisa Newman; children Imogene Ventimiglia and Johannah Hornak; grandchildren Celia Scudere, and Lila Hornak. People wishing to honor Joe’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster: https://www.hpccr.org/giving

Please note “In Memory of Joseph Rizzo”.

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena at Pumpkin Fest.

Families riding the train.

Attendees at Pumpkin Fest held at Clinton G. Martin Park. (Contributed photos)

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Councilmember Peter Zuckerman and Councilmember Veronica Lurvey recently attended Pumpkin Fest at Clinton G. Martin Park. Hundreds of attendees came out to the free event

by the Town of North Hempstead

Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming to North Hempstead Parks

On October 25, New York State

Senator Anna M. Kaplan hosted a press event at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park, NY with Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey, Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, Town of North Hempstead Councilman Peter Zuckerman, and local electric vehicle (EV) drivers to announce the Power Up in a Park Initiative that will bring 30 new electric vehicle charging stations to 7 community parks in the Town of North Hempstead. This is the first major investment in public charging stations on Nassau County’s North Shore, and it was made possible by a $500,000 grant secured by Senator Kaplan.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said “there are more electric cars on Long Island roads than ever before, but there has never been any significant investment in public charging stations for drivers in our community to use. With our ‘Power Up in a Park’ Initiative, we’re more than tripling the number of charging stations available in North Hempstead, and we’re giving residents another excuse to get out of the house and visit a park. I’m proud to have secured $500,000 for this vital investment in our green future, and I’m grateful for my partners in the Town of North Hempstead who are going to get it done.”

The Town of North Hempstead on Nassau County’s North Shore is home to over 231,000 residents, but according to

plugshare.com, a popular site to locate EV chargers, there are only 8 public EV chargers available within the Town’s borders. “Power Up in a Park” will see the installation of 30 level 2 chargers, which can give a vehicle 20-30 miles of range per hour of charge, in 7 Town parks. The parks currently being considered for this initiative are Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park, Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park, Town Dock in Port Washington, North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, Mary Jane Davies Park in Manhasset, Clark Botanical Gardens in Albertson, and The Yes We Can Community Center in Westbury.

With rising gas prices and new incentives from the Federal Government boosting interest in electric vehicles, EV sales have seen a sharp increase in the US during the first half of 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021, rising from 3.6 percent of all new vehicles in the US to 6.2 percent.

Unfortunately, the region’s charging station infrastructure has not kept pace with vehicle sales, holding back many potential car buyers from choosing an electric vehicle due to “range anxiety,” or the fear that a vehicle won’t be able to reach a charging station before running out of power. By expanding access to charging stations,

more Long Islanders will feel comfortable making the switch to an electric vehicle in the future.

“Thank you to Senator Anna Kaplan for your dedication and commitment to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation,” said North Hempstead Councilmember Lurvey. “Adding these EV charging stations to our parks is a natural fit and will hopefully encourage more people to make the switch knowing that expanded access is on the horizon. This is a model of sustainability and resiliency that we hope other towns on Long Island can follow too.“

“We are proud to once again partner with Senator Anna Kaplan on yet another initiative that will help our residents and visitors alike,” said North Hempstead Councilmember Zuckerman. “The “Power Up in a Park Initiative” will allow individuals to see the natural beauty of our parks while charging up their eco-friendly vehicle.”

“Senator Kaplan has consistently passed legislation that helps address the threat of climate change,” said North Hempstead Councilmember Dalimonte. “It’s important that we ensure more access to charging stations as this hopefully will pave the way for more Long Islanders to take the leap in considering an electric vehicle as their next car.”

me at Flower Hill Hose Company back in the mid ‘60s. Francis Trinchitella I believe was in the Class of ‘68. All of these men

2013, he and another post member, Joe Brandes, upgraded the trophy case on the lower level to house military paraphernalia

to the public by appointment. The annual Port Washington Veterans Day Car Parade will take place On Friday,

Mary Jane Davies Park at 11 a.m. —with contributions by John Iacono, American Legion Post #304

— Submitted by the Office of State Senator Anna M. Kaplan

New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan announced an electrical vehicle infrastruc ture initiative on October 25 at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park alongside Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey, Town of North Hemp stead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, and Town of North Hempstead Coun cilman Peter Zuckerman.

Photos: Brinkhoff/Möegenburg

SCHOOL NEWS

GNPS ARTISTS ON EXHIBIT AT JURIED ART SHOW

Works of art created by five talented artists from the Great Neck Public Schools have been selected for exhibit at the 2022 Nassau County High School Student Juried Art Competition & Exhibition, currently on display at the Art Guild in Manhasset. Additionally, one of the artists was awarded a third-place prize in the competition.

Artists and the titles of their work on exhibit are: Melad Asli, South High, “Lost In Translation”; Gloria Hsia, North High, “Imagination”; Avery Ko, South High, “Distorted Fruit”; Minkyung Nah, South High, “Music Is Mother”; and Rebecca Slobin, North High, “Power”. Minkyung’s painting was announced as a third-place winner at the exhibit’s opening reception and awards ceremony on Nov. 6.

North High students created their submissions in class and art club under the guidance of art teacher Emily Man. The

North High fine and performing arts department head is Dr. Pamela Levy. South High students created their submissions in class under the guidance of art teachers Megan Cashman, Colleen Campbell, and Safia Fatimi. The South High art department head is Karen Cuchel.

A total of 215 submissions were received for the 2022 Nassau County High School Student Juried Art Competition & Exhibition, and only 84 pieces were selected for the exhibit. The show, which is on display from Nov. 6–26, showcases artwork in a variety of mediums including watercolor, oil, charcoal, colored pencil, and digital media, as well as some three-dimensional pieces. The Art Gild is located at Elderfields Preserve, 200 Port Washington Blvd., in Manhasset.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

TWO NORTH HIGH TEAMS

WIN CHAMBER MUSIC

SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER COMPETITION

Two teams of musicians from North High School have been awarded prizes through the 2023 Young Musicians Innovation Challenge, sponsored by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS). This competition challenges high school students to launch innovative projects that would benefit the chamber music world, with a focus on areas such as performance, pedagogy, access, and social impact.

A project titled “The Virtual Chamber Gal lery” was awarded a $1,000 team scholarship and four mentorship sessions with CMS Board and Global Council members to help launch the initiative. This virtual interactive gallery will combine chamber music and fine arts, with a focus on accessibility to help students with developmental disabilities experience the world of music and art. Team members are Jack Brenner, Talia Elyaho, Taj Ramphul, Kajal Ramphul (team leader), and Maverick Williams, with guidance from Dr. Pamela Levy,

North High performing and fine arts depart ment chair/vocal music teacher. A project titled “Music Improvisation Through Drama and Peer Leaders” received honorable mention and was awarded four mentorship sessions. This project proposes combining elements of dramatic acting and peer leadership into music education, particularly the teaching of improvisation, to support community and personal expression. Team members are Ethan Dayani, Zachary Musheyev, and Mizuki Natsu, with guidance from Dr. Esther Noh, North High instrumental music teacher.

Now in its third year, the CMS Young Innovators Challenge is open to student teams in the Tri-State area, Miami, and Philadelphia. Students presented their proposals through video submissions that were adjudicated by a panel of CMS judges.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

DECEMBER REGISTRATION FOR ENGLISH & GED-PREP CLASSES

If you are an adult and want to learn English or improve your English-language skills, or if you want to earn a high school equivalency diploma, the Great Neck Public Schools Adult Learning Center offers a variety of classes during the day and evening designed to meet your needs.

A range of English-language classes are offered, from beginning literacy to advanced ENL (English as a New Language). In preparation for the GED examination, classes are available to improve math, reading, science, social studies, and writing skills.

Registration for Trimester II classes will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 7, and Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m.–noon, or from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Preference will be given to

Great Neck residents and returning Adult Learning Center students.

The non-refundable processing fee for classes is $75 for those who live or work in Great Neck (proof of residency or employment is required), and $125 for nonresidents. The Adult Learning Center is now offering the convenience of beginning the registration process online through FamilyID (www.familyid.com).

The Adult Learning Center is located at 105 Clover Drive in Great Neck. For more information, please contact the Adult Learning Center at (516) 441-4950, or visit www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/alc.

—Submitted by the

Neck Public School District

Great

South High students Minkyung Nah (right) and Avery Ko (left) stand next to Minkyung’s artwork, “Music Is Mother,” which was awarded third place at the 2022 Nassau County High School Student Juried Art Competition & Exhibition.

“Distorted Fruit” by South High student Avery Ko.

“Lost In Translation” by South High student Melad Asli.

“Power” by North High student Rebecca Slobin.

“Imagination” by North High student Gloria Hsia.

“Music Is Mother” by South High student Minkyung Nah. (Contributed photos)