The Roslyn News 2/08/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Chamber President Looks Back At A Great Run

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

After over one year as president of the Greater Roslyn Chamber of Commerce, Rich Branciforte has stepped down from his leadership post.

Replacing Branciforte will be Mimi Howard. At its January meeting, the following board members were re-elected: Barbara Kaplan, Lou Federico, Steve Blank, Wayne Wink, Graciela Hall, Janine Dion, Melissa Spitalnick, Jimmy Zanfardino, Alicia Brown and Garnet Ardila. Incoming board members include Howie Mann, Kate Lumetta, and Gwen Levy.

A vote was taken at the meeting and approved. The installation will be reviewed and voted in at our next board meeting in February.

Branciforte’s term officially ended on Feb. 6. He used the occasion to reflect on his successful tenure.

“It is always sad when something you love doing comes to an end, After 15 months as president of the Greater Roslyn Chamber of Commerce, I did not run for re-election,” he told The Roslyn News. “I became president fifteen months ago when the then president resigned. We held a board meeting and no one wanted to move up. I often kid that I became president because we flipped a coin and I lost, but in fact I won because I made great new friends and business acquaintances, ran many first time events and got to see the chamber grow.

Branciforte reflected how on back in November 2021, there were 42 members, and now, the chamber is pushing a hundred.

“Our treasury was depleted then, today

we are financially sound with no outstanding debt,” he said. “I was president once before, in 1995-96 and prior to that had served two terms as vice-president. We have to remember that the chamber is an organization of businesses and its goal is to help our members and the community. I think we have done both.”

The chamber started the year with a Christmas tree and Menorah lighting at the Clock Tower that was well attended.

“The same night we got the Roslyn Theater to re-open for the day and showed the movie Elf which drew over 150 residents and their families,” Branciforte said. “We followed up with a trip to Citifield to see the Mets play in April. Then in May, we were the only Chamber of Commerce on Long Island to have a booth at the HIA Trade show where we picked up some new members and great contacts.”

The key to any organization, Branciforte said, is membership, and this chamber’s membership has more than doubled since going “old school.”

“I went door to door to the businesses in our area, which takes in Albertson, East Hills, Greenvale, Roslyn Village and Roslyn Harbor,” he said. “Owners were surprised, they hadn’t seen anyone from the chamber in person in a while. This was very important; it gives you the opportunity to explain why you should be a chamber member.”

In July there had been a very successful concert in Gerry Park with over 250 people in attendance. And regular board and general meetings that are held at 8 a.m. once a month have been attended by 30 to 40 members.

“I also was blessed with a good team of officers and board members,” Branciforte said. “Barbara Kaplan and Lou Federico

have put in numerous hours as vice-presidents. Our newest board members helped tremendously and a special thanks to Jimmy Zanfardino of Delicacies for all his support. We also had what seems like a gazillion ribbon cuttings for new members.”

Branciforte says he will continue to run his own business, Good Times Magazine, which is now in its 54th year.

“I am also a member and inductee in the new Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame which opened in November in Stony Brook, and frequently act as a docent there,” he added. “And to make sure I don’t get bored, will be running the big Great Guitar, Musical Instrument and Audio Show April 15 at L.I.U./ C.W. Post and the Support Long Island Music Festival Nov. 17 to 19 with 150 bands appearing at 100 locations. Plus perhaps a Poetry Slam in Roslyn for good measure.”

He urged anyone who has a business in Greater Roslyn to join the chamber, as they won’t be disappointed. Those interested can reach info@roslynchamber.org.

Meanwhile, the chamber recently performed another ribbon cutting. New member Roslyn Wine and Liquor, located at 1366 Old Northern Blvd. in Roslyn Village, offered friends and customers tasty treats plus several delicious beverages to try, including Prosecco and tequila.

The new owners are Sergey Kalantarov and Yair Pinkhasov, and familiar face Anna Chablaney, who is the former owner, is now the manager of Roslyn Wine and Liquor.

The chamber was well represented. Barbara Kaplan, Mimi Howard, Wayne Wink, Graciela Hall, Alicia Brown, Garnet Ardila, Melissa Spitalnick, Howie Mann, and Kate Lumetta were all in attendance as was Town of North Hempstead Councilman Peter Zuckerman.

—Information submitted by the Roslyn Chamber of Commerce

Rich Branciforte’s acceptance speech into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. (Submitted photos)

Lunar New Year Celebrations

The Roslyn High School Asian Cultural Exchange Club (ACE) recently hosted a Lunar New Year celebration.

The event featured a variety of entertaining performances that included Chinese yo yo, singing and rapping, a fashion show, musical instruments, and even a lion dance! The entertainment was performed by students throughout the district, as well as a professional face-changing master performing the traditional art.

“Events like this offer great opportunities for our students to get a glimpse into different cultures,” said teacher and club advisor Huichee Yeh. “It was a wonderful evening for the community to come together for discovery and celebration.”

Teacher Huichee Yeh with Roslyn Middle School Principal Craig Johanson and Roslyn school community members joined in on the celebration, as well as Ms. Falcone’s second grade class with class mother Mrs. Lee at Harbor Hill School joined in on the celebration.

Roslyn Middle School welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit on Friday, January 20, 2023 with a wide buffet of Asian cuisine. Students also had the opportunity to try character painting and lantern making.

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

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

Town To Host Lunar New Year Celebration

North Hempstead Town Supervisor

Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board will be hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 at Mary Jane Davies Green, across from Town Hall at 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset. This free event is open to all.

Festivities will include a lion dance troupe from the Chinese Center of Long Island, performances by the New York Chinese Chorus and Herricks Chinese Sing-A-Long Group. The Great Neck Chinese Association will have a Chinese calligraphy demonstration. Additionally, there will be God of Fortune characters from the Great Neck Chinese Association and Manhasset American Chinese Association.

There will be special Lunar New Year giveaways from the multiple organizations including Chinese Center of Long Island, Grace Roslyn Association for Chinese Enrichment (GRACE), Manhasset American Chinese Association, and Great

Neck Chinese Association. Tidal Tea from Great Neck will be providing bubble tea at the event.

As part of the celebration, the Town will also be hosting a lantern art exhibit at the event. North Hempstead students can create their own lantern which will be on display in the park on the day of the event. Participating students can bring their creations with them on the day of the event.

This year’s community partners will include: the Chinese American Association of North Hempstead (CAANH), the Chinese Center for Long Island, Inc. (CCLI), the Grace Roslyn Association for Chinese Enrichment (GRACE), the Great Neck Chinese Association (GNCA), the Herricks Chinese Association (HCA), Herricks Korean Community (HKC), Manhasset Association of Chinese Americans (MACA), Korean Community Services (KCS) and WAC Lighting.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

mother Mrs. Lee.

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

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

Pictured here are photos from the event.

Submitted by Cynthia Younker of the Roslyn School District

The Joy Fu Seniors’ Lunar New Year Celebration

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Veronica Lurvey, and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava recently attended the Joy Fu Seniors’ Lunar New Year Celebration on January 23 at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park. The Joy Fu Club is a senior citizen social organization centered on

Chinese heritage that features activities for members including ping pong, Mah Jong, chess, arts & crafts, exercise, and cultural education. Sunday, Jan. 22 marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year ushering in the Year of the Rabbit.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

The Roslyn High School Asian Cultural Exchange Club (ACE) recently hosted a Lunar New Year celebration. (Photos courtesy Cynthia Younker of the Roslyn School District)

Town officials join members of the Joy Fu Seniors for their Lunar New Year celebration. (Contributed photos)

Wrestling Squad Continues Winning Ways

THE ROSLYN NEWS STAFF

roslyn@antonmediagroup.com

After a long layoff, the Roslyn High School boys’ varsity wrestling squad is back in action and still up to their winning ways.

On Jan. 27, the Bulldogs scored a convincing 57-18 win over South Side High School.

The win left Roslyn with a 4-1 record overall and a 2-0 mark in conference play.

Top performers for Roslyn were Elijah Leader, Li Hao Jia, Samuel Ilizarov, Christian Morris, Ferman Puentas, Kevin Mendoza, Joel Lee, and Ryan Rosenberg.

The win was Roslyn’s fourth consecutive triumph. The season started off poorly for the Bulldogs,

as they lost a Dec. 16 match to Bellmore JFK. The Bulldogs recovered with three consecutive wins, beginning the new year with triumphs over Great Neck North (42-31),Great Neck South (60-15), and Glen Cove (34-30).

In other news, the boys’ basketball bounced back with an impressive 71-48 win over Garden City. Then Bulldogs jumped out to a 11-10 first quarter lead and then blew the game wide open with a 26-9 second quarter spurt.

Spencer Smith lead the way with 20 points, while Jesse Kahn added 18 points. Also in double digits was Mason Goodstadt with 13 points.

Roslyn, of course, is legendary for academics, but sports is a fun way to watch these young people develop. Come out and cheer on these fine teams.

—Information submitted by Cynthia Younker for the Roslyn School District

Sid Jacobson JCC Celebrates Lunar New Year

On Jan. 28, Sid Jacobson JCC in Greenvale celebrated Lunar New Year, The Year of the Rabbit, with performances, community, and food. Sid Jacobson JCC partnered with the Greater Roslyn Association for Chinese Enrichment (GRACE). GRACE’s mission is to serve and support the Chinese American families in Roslyn, promote cultural awareness, and improve diversity and inclusion within the community.

—Information provided by Sid Jacobson JCC

Gumdrop Bridge Stem Challenge

The Roslyn High School girls varsity basketball team visited East Hills Elementary School to assist Ms. Naughton’s fifth graders with the Gumdrop Bridge Stem Challenge. They were tasked with building a structure with only gumdrops and toothpicks. To meet the challenge, students had to design a bridge that could support one pound of sugar for ten seconds or more. Pictured here are photos from the event.

Submitted by Cynthia Younker for the Roslyn School District

Students In The News

Roslyn residents Eleni Vasiliades and Luke Lambropoulos have been named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year

A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition. Bucknell is located in Lewisburg, PA.

—Submitted by Bucknell University

STEM Grant For SUNY Old Westbury

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer has announced that $1,870,000 has been awarded to SUNY Old Westbury in the FY2023 spending bill recently signed into law by President Joe Biden.

The federal dollars will help the college launch a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career preparatory center -- The Old Westbury STEM Center for Engagement, Entrepreneurship & Inclusion (OW-STEM) – to engage students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM-related fields and set them on a trajectory towards successful STEM-oriented careers

OW-STEM will feature cutting-edge, inquiry-based STEM pedagogy featuring work with complex data sets from active research efforts, a fully integrated learning community structure to provide a holistic and comprehensive educational experience, and a central focus on green jobs and the green economy to prepare students to answer the call for a growing number of

professionals in fields like semiconductor chip manufacturing, wind power generation, data science and biotechnology.

“The awarding of these funds confirms SUNY Old Westbury is among the national leaders in STEM education, but what makes OW-STEM truly unique is its integration of STEM education, social justice and environmental sustainability,” said College President Timothy E. Sams. “The launch of OW-STEM will enable us to improve and accelerate opportunities for STEM leaders needed for the diverse, multicultural, globally conscious future that lies ahead of us.”

For students with STEM interests, SUNY Old Westbury currently offers undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Physics, Health and Society, Computer Information Sciences, Mathematics, and Management Information Systems as well as graduate degree in Data Science.

—Submitted by SUNY Old Westbury

The Roslyn Bull Dogs

(Roslyn News File Photo)

Celebrating the Lunar New Year with food.

(Photos by Madison Kane)

Performances entertained the crowd at the Lunar New Year celebration.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

Sculpt and Stretch

From 10 to 11 a.m., the library will host a Sculpt and Stretch session in the Helen Glannon Room. The library is at 2 Paper Mill Rd. Call 516-621-2240.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Knitting One-on-One

From 11:30 a.m. to noon, a reference librarian will teach the basics of knitting: how to cast on, knit, purl, and fix some of those unruly stitches. Please bring your yarn and needles to the appointment. You must register in advance for this program. The library is at 2 Paper Mill Rd. Call 516-621-2240.

Young Adult Advisory Council

Happy Valentine’s Day

From 4 to 5 p.m., the library will host a Young Adult Advisory Council meeting for students grades 6 to 12. Earn community service hours by attending virtual meetings and planning events for teens. Please email blteens@bryantlibrary.org to register. Registration is required for new members only. The library is at 2 Paper Mill Rd. Call 516-621-2240.

................

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

Mad Science

From 2 to 3 p.m., the Bryant Library will host a fire and ice show for children grades K to 5. Get ready for some sizzling excitement. Join the library for safe and scientific fun with fire and ice. Witness and learn about the amazing properties of fire. Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice. Check out the “Big Burp” and the “Screwdriver Sizzle” and the famous “Mad Science Shower,” as the event explores the science behind this amazing frozen gas. This Mad Science Show will provide you with live, interactive, and compelling educational experiences that will make learning a blast. Presented by the Long Island STEAM Group. Online registration required. Contact children’s services at 516-621-2240.

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans: The Legendary Recordings

At 2 p.m., the Bryant Library will present a musical experience that highlights the

collaboration of Bill Evans and Tony Bennett on two albums during 1975 and ‘77, which yielded some of the best recordings in the history of jazz. Few listeners realized that Tony Bennett was as much of a jazz singer as almost anybody; he had already made a handful of albums in a small jazz combo format, but these were far lesser known than his big chart hits. Then, in 1975, he made what would be his supreme statement in the jazz field, the first of two albums with the remarkable pianist Bill Evans. Joel Zelnik (piano) and Stan Edwards reprise the 47th anniversary of this remarkable collaboration of American Art Song at its finest, by recapturing the virility and expressiveness in these performances. It is a beautiful surprising repertoire – no Gershwin, no Ellington, no blues. They’re mostly songs associated with great female singers: Mabel Mercer and Billie Holiday, as well as Bill Evans’ own “Waltz For Debby” with Gene Lees’ lyrics. The library is at 2 Paper Mill Rd. Call 516-621-2240.

MONDAY, FEB. 13

Paint Night

(Submitted photo)

ONGOING:

residents made

From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Village of East Hills Social Committee will hold a “Paint Night,” an exciting evening of art when residents can learn the finer techniques of painting and create their own masterpieces at the Village Theater. Tickets are $45; the price will increase to $50 on Feb. 7. To guarantee their spot, residents should RSVP to easthillssocial@ gmail.com with their name, address, and cell phone number. Payment can be made at https://pay.xpress-pay. com/org/1C5EB13A4B61431.

Kindergarten Registration for Roslyn Public Schools

Parents with children entering kindergarten at Roslyn Public Schools for the 2023-2024 school year must register their child with the district. All children must be residents of Roslyn and must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2023. To be placed on the registration mailing list that goes out in January, parents should email gpolak@ roslynschools.org with the subject line Kindergarten Registration and include the following information in the body of the email: child’s full name, address, date of birth, and name of pre-k school, if applicable.

$23,000 a year in savings* from lighting upgrades means more of this for Long Island.

When the nonprofit Canine Companions requested a free energy assessment, we discovered that installing LED fixtures and other energy efficiency measures could save them nearly $2,000 a month. And with available PSEG Long Island rebates, the installation was affordable. Today, those changes have meant more funds for the mission of providing service dogs to Long Islanders with disabilities. And that means a better Long Island for us all.

Taking On The Mission To Heal Our Vets

Local organization is so much more than a rescue

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

In an unassuming storefront in a Nesconset strip mall, lives are being changed. Paws of War, a non-profit with a roster of programs aimed at helping both veterans and companion animals, is approaching its ten year anniversary. Since 2014, Paws of War has brought over 300 dogs and cats rescued by troops serving overseas to safety in the U.S. They have also provided hundreds of Veterans with service and support dogs rescued from kill shelters. Their slogan is “Helping both ends of the leash; Help a vet, save a pet.” And they are living it out everyday; all of their services are free to veterans and first responders.

When a veteran or first responder goes through a traumatic experience, it can be hard for those who love them to know how to help. These experiences can cause people to withdraw or bottle up their feelings. It is critically important to be supported by people with similar first-hand experiences, because only they can directly relate to what the individual is going through. Paws of War is different from a traditional rescue because many of the people there are also veterans. This creates a trusting community of people who know both the challenges of military service and how much caring for a pet can ease the transition back to civilian life.

Kelli Porti, an army veteran herself, is the Veteran and Community Outreach Liaison. She oversees operations, coordinating volunteers and helping to evaluate and place the pets. “Our main pillars are our War Torn Pups and Cats program, which is where we rescue on behalf of service members who are on deployment overseas. We bring the rescues here and then we reunite them. We also rescue out of state and locally, often being brought on to cases that are extremely rewarding, hoarding circumstances and also with puppy mills. Then we also have our training program in our onsite training facility. We provide the training here to either be a companion animal or service animal. They all start at basic obedience.”

Other programs in their cadre include therapy pets, which often go to camps and nursing homes; a mobile vet clinic called “Vets to Vets” that provides free pet wellness to veterans and first responders; Helping Heroes, which assists with home repairs and maintenance; and an outreach that helps vets care for their pets when they are un-housed or in the hospital.

Porti stated that it is the commonality of veterans helping veterans that make their organization special. “We’re not your everyday animal rescue. Because our veterans are our family, and our first responders are our family. So, you know, we have people who have moved and they come back and visit us; they keep

in touch. We’re always a part of each other because veterans feel comfortable being around other veterans and first responders feel the same way.”

Companion animals can help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, and keep people more physically active. An American Heart Association survey found that the most common ways pets help their owners destress is through snuggles, followed by making their owners laugh and helping them feel less lonely. For people with PTSD, having a pet gives them a reason to get out and do more.

Porti confirms that interacting with Paws of War is often the catalyst for helping traumatized veterans and first responders heal. “Veterans and first responders…dealing with PTSD, they don’t really want to leave their house. It’s very difficult for them. But now that they have this training, and they’ve been coming to class, and they’ve been socializing, (all) because they’re taking care of this animal that they love now unconditionally, that unconditionally loves them. Now they’re feeling more comfortable coming to class, then they start saying hey, I’d like to try out and help out, you know, Paws of War going to this event, so it starts extending them to get out more and just to do things that normally they wouldn’t do.”

Besides rescuing animals overseas and domestically, Paws of War is also helping animals where they are. One example is pets left behind by Ukrainian refugees. Because of the War Torn program, there was already a network in place to get necessities to the border of Poland and Ukraine and then into the areas where they were needed most.

Mike Kilano, a Marine combat veteran, volunteers at Paws of War regularly. He cites the organization with helping him heal after his service. When he left the VA hospital he had gained 75 pounds and felt adrift. It seemed like there wasn’t much worth doing with himself and he became depressed. But when he found Paws of War, his sense of purpose returned. He became more grounded and was able to go out and do things for the organization. Slowly, he gained confidence and became more comfortable.

“I want to tell people, there is light at the end,” he said, smiling and stroking one of the rescues. “There is hope.”

Pumpkin, a beagle/miniature pincher mix, goes home Feb. 4.

(Photo by Cory Olsen)

Eric Lau of Merrick, a marine veteran and New York City reman, trains his Paws of War alum Hazel, the yorkie mix.

(Photo by Cory Olsen)

Blaze, a 2 year old Male standard Poodle, poses with Kelli Porti of Paws of War.

(Photo by Cory Olsen)

Gustav, a dog rescued overseas by a deployed service member, with Mike Kilano, a Paws of War volunteer

(Photo by Cory Olsen)

Callie, a golden retriever mix, waits for instruction from retired fire chief John Morrissey of Plainview. (Photo by Cory Olsen)

Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s Is Food To Feed Your Soul

shot up to the top of the most requested menu items,” Ford said.

CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Not to be confused with another similarly named establishment out east, Bobby Q’s of Freeport has recently opened its second location in September. The first and still existing restaurant on Main Street in Freeport survived through COVID and has sort of taken on a more on-the-go feel since it opened in 2017. The newest location, Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s on Sunrise Highway is surely to become a dining destination once the word catches on far and wide.

Crime fighter by day, soul food chef by night, owner Bobby Ford’s expansion to the larger sit-down location is making his dreams a reality of bringing more dining services to the patrons who are tried and true fans of his six-generation Southern comfort food and seafood dishes.

“My mom taught us all about cooking; I am one of nine,” Ford said. “It is in our DNA; I am the one who took up the torch.”

Ford’s mother was originally from South Carolina before moving to Harlem with her family and then eventually to Brooklyn where Ford was born and raised.

Appetizers

The roasted sweet peppers, Bobby Q’s “pepper poppers” are filled with vegetarian stuffing and are a great place to start.

Salad/Soup/SIDES

Salad? There’s no salad in soul food. Just kidding. In Southern cooking, you do get plenty of vegetables through your side dishes like fried okra, mashed potatoes, whole ear corn and candied yams. Ford has spent a lot of time perfecting his dishes so that people who are vegan can even enjoy his collard greens and black eyed peas that are so surprisingly vegan. Many items on the menu are vegan to accommodate a diverse dining crowd.

I would be remiss if I did not sing the praise of Ford’s nine-cheese mac & cheese. This stuff is dynamite. It is the one thing that even after you are full, you could still find room to finish the bowl.

Entree

“Fried chicken and barbecue chicken have always been popular, but somewhere along the line fried fish and turkey wings

There is really something for everyone on the menu, from vegetarian options to the classic poultry, fish, seafood, steak, pork, sandwiches, platter options and sampler plates.

Something special about Bobby Q’s jerk chicken and pork is that it’s truly enjoyable jerk.

“It’s not spicy; it has a sweet component to it to mellow it out,” Ford said. “A lot of people really don’t like the spiciness, but they love the jerk flavor.”

Jus Like Mama’s is also offering a special Valentine’s Day price-fixed menu for $69.99 per person. Reservations are required for the special dinner.

Dessert

What Southern soul food meal would be complete without a peach cobbler to top it off? This thing is like heaven with its savory seasoned warm peaches in a caramel sauce atop a cake dumpling. It is only available occasionally. Of course, there are other dessert options that are equally as tasty like carrot cake, red velvet cake and banana puddin’.

Kids

While not specifically listed on the menu Bobby Q’s will prepare some of the commonly ordered meals for kids including pasta, sliders, chicken fingers or nuggets.

Atmosphere

The building used to be a furniture store but has been thoughtfully transformed into a sleek and appealing venue. The exposed ceiling gives Jus Like Mama’s a cool warehouse vibe. Although I visited in the winter, the patio is going to be highly sought after seating once

the temperatures start to warm up. The restaurant is handicapped accessible.

Parking

There is ample street parking surrounding the restaurant and a small, fenced-in parking lot immediately behind the restaurant off Centre Street.

Hours

Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Bobby Q’s on Main Street is open Tuesday through Saturday, with an abbreviated menu.

Location

If traveling by LIRR, take the Babylon line (green) to Baldwin station. Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s is located two blocks east of the train station at 365 W. Sunrise Highway in Freeport.

Reservations

Reservations are highly encouraged, especially during the winter months when seating is limited to solely indoors.

Bobby Q’s offers dine-in, catering, private parties and takeout. There is a separate menu for takeout. Delivery options are available through DoorDash and UberEats. Visit www.bbqeastofharlem.com or call 516-460-8056 for menus and more information.

Peach cobbler

Jerk chicken and pork

Pepper poppers

Photos by Christy Hinko

LI-based Research Study Confirms Libraries’ Key Role In Community Health

Mental health needs a top concern expressed by library patrons

Anew study co-authored by a team led by senior author Dr. Lisa Benz Scott, Professor and Executive Director of the Program in Public Health at Stony Brook University, was published this month in the Library and Information Science Research journal. The team reported that on Long Island, where the study was conducted, that mental health was one of the top needs identified by library personnel when asked for their perception of concerns presented by library patrons. The study was conducted by faculty and student researchers at Stony Brook University, Program in Public Health and Adelphi University, Master in Public Health Program with support from the Long Island Health Collaborative, the Suffolk Cooperative Library System and the Nassau Library System.

The Long Island study was an extension of a similar one conducted by the University of Pennsylvania among the urban Philadelphia library system. On Long Island, 97 in-person staff interviews were conducted at 32 public libraries between December 2017 and January 2020. Researchers sought to understand how

library personnel in a socioeconomically diverse suburban setting address the health and social needs of patrons and to identify strategies for promoting more effective public library-public health partnerships.

Other top needs identified were exercise, diet/nutrition, technology literacy, housing, and employment.

The research confirmed the increasing public health role public libraries play in their communities.

In lower-resourced communities, study participants noted that patrons routinely seek more basic social service needs (employment assistance, food scarcity, free screenings). In higher-resourced communities, participants found patrons sought more

A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR LONG ISLAND

Sands, the world leader in developing integrated resorts, is proposing a multi-billion-dollar investment at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This groundbreaking, world-class hospitality and entertainment project will be transformational for the Long Island economy, creating thousands of quality union jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue.

A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES

Sands is committed to developing long-term partnerships with local businesses. For Long Island-based manufacturers, distributors, wholesale suppliers and other companies servicing the hospitality and entertainment industries, the Sands project will be an unprecedented opportunity to grow your business and be part of what will surely become an iconic centerpiece of the Long Island landscape.

enrichment-like services (cooking classes, art programs). Prior research has found that public library visits are highest among the working poor and those who are middle income. These patrons seek services beyond access to books and are looking for assistance in what is known as the “social determinants of health.”

Social determinants are those factors outside of clinical care that influence an individual’s health. They account for nearly 80 percent of health outcomes and are now widely accepted as contributing to health inequities. These factors include education, poverty, access to transportation, safe and affordable housing, health insurance

coverage, and access to nutritious and affordable foods, among others.

“Our public libraries are trusted resources in communities,” said Janine Logan, director of the Long Island Health Collaborative.

“This is why we are seeing more health and social service programming occurring in our libraries and often the programming is a result of collaboration between the library, local hospitals, local universities, and community-based organizations. Some libraries even employ social workers either full-time or per diem.”

The researchers recommend more evidence-based training workshops to help library personnel address patrons’ needs, more widely available collaborative programs, and pairing of library personnel with professionals who hold specific expertise to promote access to and utilization of health and social services. These and other innovative solutions require the support of local governments, policy makers, healthcare systems, health sciences and medical libraries, assert the researchers.

—Submitted by Long Island Health Collaborative

Bank Of America Donates To Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank

Island Harvest Food Bank and Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank received a $50,000 donation from Bank of America to help address food insecurity on Long Island. This donation represents the second phase of the employee booster campaign launched earlier this year, which provided $75,000 to Island Harvest and Long Island Cares.

The donation is part of a unique program to encourage bank employees to receive an annual flu shot and/or coronavirus vaccine or booster, while also investing in the community.

Impact by the numbers:

• An estimated 230,000 people on Long Island face food insecurity. With help from the bank’s donation, Island Harvest and Long Island Cares will be able to provide 52,500 meals to individuals and families across Long Island.

• Since the onset of the pandemic, Bank of America has provided $575,000 to Island

Harvest and Long Island Cares to support local hunger-relief efforts.

• Bank of America has committed nearly $19 million to local hunger relief organizations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico through its two employee booster campaigns.

“The economic fallout from the coronavirus has significantly increased demand

for services from Island Harvest and Long Island Cares,” said Marc Perez, President, Bank of America Long Island. “Despite the difficulties of recent years, these organizations have remained steadfast in their work to address food insecurity. Likewise, Bank of America continues to be deeply committed to supporting hunger relief efforts on Long Island.” —Submitted by Island Harvest

Long Island Native Plant Initative Seeking Board Members

Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) is looking for new board members to help shape their direction so LINPI can continue to further their mission to protect native plant populations through the commercial production of ecotypic (genetically native) plants and seed for landscaping and restorations.

Board members work together to help keep LINPI growing through quarterly board meetings, committees, and volunteer

efforts. Help us make decisions, foster ideas, create, and execute new projects.

No plant expertise is required. Skillsets especially useful include accounting, fundraising, education and outreach, grant writing, business/non-profit management and legal, as well as native plant

propagation, restoration and management. Active board members can expect to contribute 10 hours or more per month of their time through a combination of committee, project, and volunteer work and meetings (like the quarterly board meetings).

If interested, please reach out to greg@ linpi.org.

—submitted by Long Island Native Plant Initative

Congressional Gold Medal To Be Awarded To Benjamin Ferencz, The Last Living Nuremberg Prosecutor

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (DNY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced recently that their bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Ferencz was included in the FY2023 omnibus funding package. Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, will receive the award in recognition of his work prosecuting Nazi war criminals, most notably the Einsatzgruppen, and his service in World War II. The bill previously passed the House in May and was introduced by Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Joe Wilson (R-SC).

“I am honored to have secured the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Ferencz, a champion for human rights and the last living Nuremberg prosecutor,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As chief U.S. prosecutor during the Nuremberg trials, Mr. Ferencz held Nazi war criminals accountable for their crimes against humanity, and spent the many decades since

then fighting for human rights, justice and peace. Mr. Ferencz’s life exemplifies what it means to dedicate oneself to compassion, empathy and righteousness. Few people have been more deserving of this tremendous honor.”

“I am honored to recognize Benjamin Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the greatest honors an American can receive,” said Senator Schumer. “Mr. Ferencz, a Jewish immigrant who went on to serve our country in the Army, and honorably serve as a chief prosecutor for the U.S. in the Nuremberg trials, bravely held notorious Nazi war criminals to account. This award rightfully recognizes Mr. Ferencz for his fervor for justice and lifelong devotion to human rights and peace.”

“By awarding Ben Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, with the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress is sending an important message: that hate, bigotry, and antisemitism can never be tolerated. This message couldn’t come at

a more important time with antisemitism and Holocaust denial on the rise,” said Rep. Frankel. “Mr. Ferencz is a hero of the Jewish community who has dedicated decades of his life to combatting antisemitism, prosecuting those who act on their hatred, and keeping the lessons of the Holocaust alive. It is a privilege to recognize his remarkable lifelong commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity with the Congressional Gold Medal— Congress’s highest expression of honor.”

Ben Ferencz immigrated to the United States from Hungary when he was ten months old and his family settled in New York City. Ferencz grew up in New York City and attended The City College of New York and Harvard Law School.

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Ferencz joined an anti-aircraft artillery battalion preparing for the invasion of France. Ferencz was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945 with the rank of Sergeant of Infantry. Soon after being discharged, he was recruited to work on the

Nuremberg trials.

Ferencz, along with roughly 50 other researchers, examined Nazi offices and archives in Berlin, finding staggering evidence of genocide by the Nazis. Ferencz, in his first-ever case and aged 27, served as Chief Prosecutor for the United States in the Einsatzgruppen Case, in which commanders of SS mobile death squads faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Twenty-two defendants were charged, prosecuted, and convicted of murdering over a million people. Fourteen were sentenced to death.

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. The first Congressional Gold Medal was given to George Washington in 1776 and has been awarded just 184 times to our nation’s heroes, activists, scientists, and other important figures in our society.

—Submitted by the office of Kirsten Gillibrand

Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

Santos recuses himself in Congress, vows to “focus on serving” NY-03

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

There was a lot of competition this past week vis-à-vis news items that would qualify for our “Santos Watch” series, but likely the biggest splash for Representative George Santos (NY-03) surrounds one of the main jobs of a U.S. rep: serving on committees.

Less than two weeks after he was reportedly tapped to serve on the Small Business Committee and Science, Space and Technology Committee, Santos announced that he was recusing himself from the two House committees, creating national headlines.

In a January 31 statement emailed to press (under a letterhead reading “George Santos,” as opposed to the “George DevolderSantos” header he used earlier that month), Santos said: “With the ongoing attention

surrounding both my personal and campaign financial investigations, I have submitted a request to Speaker McCarthy that I be temporarily recused from my committee assignments until I am cleared.”

“This was a decision that I take very seriously. The business of the 118th Congress must continue without media fanfare. It is important that I primarily focus on serving the constituents of New York’s Third Congressional District and providing federal level representation without distraction.”

The same day, Reps. Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) released the following joint statement:

“This is a classic case of

someone quitting right before they were going to get fired. While we, and the overwhelming percentage of Long Islanders we represent, are relieved to see that Santos will not be undeservedly sitting on committees, he should still do the right thing and resign. That is what is in the best interest of his constituents and House Republicans.”

Other Recent Highlights:

• The Federal Election Commission (FEC), already pointed in Santos’ direction by numerous parties, has been making inquiries about the source of Santos’ campaign and/ or personal funds, as well as the fact that the man he listed as his treasurer on paperwork denies holding that job.

• According to the Washington Post, the U.S. Attorney General has asked the FEC to step aside for the sake of its own investigation(s).

• On January 31, the FEC made public the resignation letter it received from Santos’ previous

COLUMNS

treasurer, longtime GOP operator Nancy Marks.

• Ritchie Torres (NY-15), among others, has called for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate Santos’ muddied, perhaps even swampy financial situation.

• On February 1, members of more than half a dozen local activists groups protested outside Santos’ district office calling for his resignation. “You will not get away with this Mr. Santos,” said William Bailey, senior director at New York Communities for Change, as WABC reported.

• Nassau County Republicans continue to distance themselves publicly from Santos. An article by Joe Anuta for the website Politico reported that local GOP are hoping that relative-newcomer District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly will go the distance re: legal repercussions. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman commented at a January press conference, as noted in Politico: “He needs help ... This is not a normal person.”

Temporary LIRR Shuttle Service To Grand Central Madison Is Putting Lipstick On A Pig

The original Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment New Starts Full Funding Grant Agreement to MTA was approved in 2006. It included a project cost of $6.3 billion, federal share capped at $2.6 billion with the start of passenger service including a promise to run 24 hourly trains rush hour (most of which were supposed to provide a one seat ride) in 2011. The temporary shuttle service is a temporary band aid fix coming nowhere close to meeting this commitment.

Shuttle operations between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends comes nowhere close to existing LIRR frequency and service hours in and out of Penn Station.

With shuttle trains operating only every 30 minutes during rush hour, imagine the potential overcrowding on shuttle trains between Jamaica and GCM. There is no local service for Kew Gardens and

PENNER STATION

Forest Hills riders during rush hour.

Riders on the Port Washington branch will have to transfer at Woodside for access to the shuttle train rush hour and off peak.

The project cost has grown to $11.6 billion today. This does not include debt service payments of $1 billion for borrowing costs buried under the MTA operating budget. There are also $4

billion worth of LIRR readiness projects to support the start of service They take place east of the Woodside Harold Interlockings and are carried off line from the official project budget. Without these projects, the LIRR lacks the expanded operational capabilities to support both promised 24 rush hour train service to GCM along with a 40% increase in reverse peak rush hour service.

Penn Station is a 24/7 facility with overnight service to and from between 1 AM and 5 AM. Grand Central Terminal is closed overnight from 2 AM to 5:15 AM. Unlike the LIRR, Metro North provides no service in or out during that time period. Why does MTA hold the LIRR and Metro North to different standards when it comes to utilizing these two facilities? Ms. Catherine Renaldi is the first MTA official to serve as President of both Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads. The LIRR

Karl V. Anton, Jr., Publisher, Anton Community Newspapers, 1984-2000

Publishers of

Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot

Great Neck Record

Manhasset Press

Nassau Illustrated News

Port Washington News

Syosset-Jericho Tribune

The Nassau Observer

The Roslyn News

Editor and Publisher

Angela Susan Anton

President

Frank A. Virga

Vice President of Operations

Iris Picone

Director of Sales

Administration

Shari Egnasko

Editors

Janet Burns, Jennifer Corr, Lauren Feldman, Christy Hinko, Amanda Olsen, Julie Prisco, Joe Scotchie

Advertising Sales

Ally Deane, Mary Mallon, Sal Massa, Maria Pruyn, Jeryl Sletteland

Director of Circulation

Joy DiDonato

Director of Production

Robin Carter

Creative Director

Alex Nuñez

Art Director

Catherine Bongiorno

Senior Page Designer

Donna Duffy

Page Designer Christina Dieguez

Director of Business

Administration

Linda Baccoli

should provide equal levels of 24/7 service to both Penn Station and GCM customers.

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

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for NJ Transit, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, NYC Transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ.

For circulation inquiries, email: subscribe@antonmediagroup.com

Publication Office:

132 East Second St., Mineola, NY 11501 Phone: (516) 747-8282

Fax: (516) 742-5867

© 2023 Long Island Community Newspapers, Inc.

Celebrating 39 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1984-2023

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.

Larry Penner

Rep. George Santos’ Twitter profile image.

Batten down the hatches. Nassau County is running out of phone number combinations that begin with the area code 516.

Since the 1950s, Nassau and Suffolk County businesses and residences were assigned a phone number with the area code 516. In 1999, you would have thought the world was ending when it was announced that Suffolk County numbers would be switched to 631. But the sun came up the next day, and thus the great “Area Code Rivalry” was born, with Nassau County residents celebrating and taunting the obviously second-class “631-ers.” As an added insult, Suffolk got a second area code, 934, in 2016.

Honestly, I’m not sure the area code means much anymore.

It used to be that you could recognize an incoming call just based on the area code, but the fear of Y2K changed all that in 1999. Manhattan’s exclusivity of

Move Over 516 and Make Way for 363

exchange (the first three digits after the area code) also identified their location. Exchanges 798, 799, and 541 were permanently assigned to Massapequa and Massapequa Park.

LONG ISLAND LIVING

212 and the outer borough’s 718 soon required a scorecard, as 347, 332, 917, and 929 have since been added. Why bother with an area code if it doesn’t correctly identify the geographic area?

Most people who still have landlines (that’s the strange-looking device connected to the kitchen wall with a curly wire that once was used for talking and listening) know that in addition to the area code, their

Of course, the increase in cell phone usage has made area codes and number exchanges moot. A cell phone can be used anywhere a wireless signal is available around the globe. Phone numbers are no longer unique. They might seem like randomly assigned numbers (my seven digits do), but in reality, they are not.

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator sees to that. What qualifies a person to be the NANPA remains to be seen, but someone has to make sure numbers assigned across the country, including area codes, are distinct. Of course, most people have been adding a “1” to the beginning of all the numbers they

dial (adding a 10th digit to the process) for the last few months, but now it is required in Nassau County as 363 comes into play.

I stopped paying attention to area codes some time ago, mainly when spammers use your local area code and exchanges, so you think it’s a call from your friend. That may work on the elderly, who are the only ones who know what those numbers really mean. Nobody born after 2000 would know what you were talking about if you asked them for their “area code.”

In my childhood, remembering phone numbers and your address was vital to your survival. I still know the parent’s numbers for my friends Bruce and George. My mother has had the same number since we moved to Massapequa in 1967. If I lost my cell phone today and could not retrieve my address book, I could only call my mother and either Bruce’s or

George’s mother. Unfortunately, both of their mothers are long gone.

It looks like 363 will be a nothing burger in Nassau County, especially for residential phones. Most people I know are ditching their landlines and relying only on their cell phones. I can’t remember the last time I actually answered my landline when the person on the other end wasn’t a robot or a recorded message. But I like my landline number. We’ve had it since buying our house in 1987. It’s part of our identity. Even my 90-year-old mother now calls me on the cell phone instead of what used to be called the “house” phone.

When we eventually move out of state (like the rest of the population our age), we’ll take our cell phone numbers with us, and it will officially be the end of our landline number.

Until then, this is 516-799-xxxx, saying good night, America!

Headline: Teach Your Teens The Dangers Of Driving Impaired

Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage that teenagers have been celebrating since the early days of automobiles. Driving makes teens feel more independent than ever before, and it can also provide a break for parents, who spend a great deal of their time carting their kids back and forth from practices and other activities.

But the celebration of this newfound freedom necessitates a crucial conversation and the drawing of a line in the sand: Let them know that driving while using alcohol, marijuana or any other substances is forbidden, and start having these conversations when they are young.

With marijuana use now legal for people 21 years of age and older, your kids may be of the mindset that it’s not a big deal. That’s far from the truth. It’s illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol and weed or other drugs. According to the NY State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, driving under the influence of marijuana subjects you to the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.

And there’s good reason: Marijuana impacts areas of the brain that control perception, balance, coordination, memory

PARENTING PLUS

Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust

and judgment. It can slow reaction times, decrease attention and make it difficult to follow the road and stay in your lane.

We know you don’t want your kids to use marijuana or alcohol, period. But the reality is that many of them do. Having the conversation about safety and driving will not make them any more likely to experiment – in fact, it might have the opposite effect.

Here are some sobering statistics:

• 23% of teens admit they have driven under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or marijuana.

• Teen drivers 16-19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older.

• The percent of crash deaths involving cannabis more than doubled from 9% in 2000 to 21.5% in 2018.

• 24% of teens reported that within the previous month, they had been a passenger in a car with a driver who had been drinking alcohol or using drugs. As a parent, what can you do to minimize the risks?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests creating a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement that clearly sets expectations and limits. Sit with your teen and write down the hazards of driving while impaired and the consequences

for breaking the rules. Put it on your refrigerator and update it as your teen gains experience and more driving privileges. (Visit cdc. gov for a sample agreement.)

If your teen plans to go to a party, make sure you talk to the parents where the festivities are being held. Ask if there will be supervision and if alcohol is being served—and if your teens are under 21, the answer should be a resounding no.

Despite taking all precautions, your teens may find themselves in a situation where they are being pressured to drink or use drugs. Tell them that you will be willing and able to get them at any time during the night—and that if they or their friends have

been drinking or using drugs, they should contact you for a ride.

As parents, we must do all we can to educate our kids about the dangers of driving while impaired, but we also need to face the reality that even “good” kids can start heading down a dangerous path. Keep the lines of communication open, and if you suspect there may be a problem, consider contacting a professional who is trained in alcohol and substance use.

Bottom line: Let your teen know that driving requires their full attention, so marijuana, alcohol or any kind of substances are not allowed – and that means no texting, too!

Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust is the Director of at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s Leeds Place, which operates an Adolescent Outpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment Program. Substance use services include counseling youths who are alcohol and drug abusers, children who live in families with a parent who is suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction and youths who have co-occurring chemical dependency and mental health problems. Prevention services are offered to local school districts. Call (516) 626-1971 to learn more.

& LIFESTYLE Spark Of Creativity

Expressing life with epilepsy through art

JENNIFER CORR

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy is defined as a brain condition that causes reoccurring, unprovoked seizures. It’s a condition that is often misunderstood in media and falls under the radar, even though it’s the fourth most common neurological condition in the world.

On Jan. 20, the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University in Hempstead hosted the art gallery, “Spark of Creativity,” to showcase artwork, spoken word and written word from artists with epilepsy or loved ones of a person with epilepsy. It was a night of starting conversations and building bridges of understanding for the many experiences people have with epilepsy.

The show was organized by two doctor candidates at the Zucker School of Medicine, Patrick Tierney and Justin Esposito.

“It started with Patrick and I being interested in neurology as a special interest for us,” Esposito said. “We wanted a unique event that would explore unique experiences from people with neurological conditions. After speaking with [Dr. Simona] Proteasa, we settled on epilepsy as the best example of that, as a neurological illness where people can have pretty much any symptom. The seizure can take so many different forms. It’s an individual experience and also something that’s widely misunderstood too.”

seizure, and the IV drip being the first thing you see.

“In the project I have black and white photographs signifying seizures and the life with epilepsy,” Hopper said.

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com her

The photos, shot on 35 mm film, were part of a project called Seize, a project that includes a mix of black and white and color photos to depict that while living with epilepsy can be gloomy, there are also plenty of moments with happiness and joy.

In general, Hopper has found photography as a way to heal and get a break from the many struggles epilepsy brings to his life. He’s also worked with epilepsy patients afraid of flash photography, providing them with flash-free, professional family photographs.

Also among the artists featured in the gallery was an author, Marc Palmieri, who wrote the book She Danced with Lightning, and his daughter Nora Palmieri, who created art inspired by her sister Anna Palmieri’s experience with epilepsy.

“She was diagnosed at five-months-old, she got brain surgery in 2018,” Marc Palmieri said of his daughter, Anna Palmieri. “She had thousands of seizures before the surgery, but she is now seizure free. I wrote the book, it’s a memoir, about living with a child with this kind of deadly condition. But it’s also about what she taught me; courage and desire to live a full life even when facing what was a very dangerous and dire spiral of her condition when she was 12-years-old.”

A cover of the book, as well as Nora Palmieri’s artwork, was presented at the gallery.

Daniel Hopper, who has had epilepsy for 18 years, was among the artists featured in the show. His project, Journey with Epilepsy & Photography, included three photos and a bucket full of empty prescription pill bottles. The first photo in the series showed a blurry IV drip. Hopper said it was meant to convey what it’s like waking up from a

Poet and artist Alyssa D’Amico had her artwork showcased. She had the chance to read several poems she’s written recounting her experience with epilepsy, from childhood, to teenage-hood and adulthood. She discussed friendships, crushes, and the confusion she grew up feeling with epilepsy. Her poetry reminded the audience that even when facing such a frightening condition, people with epilepsy still go through the everyday experiences.

Daniel Hopper’s project, My Journey with Epilepsy & Photography.

(Photography by Daniel Hopper, picture taken by Jennifer Corr)

Casino

HOMES

Recently Sold

This hi-ranch in the heart of the Massapequa School District at 73 Locust St. sold on Jan. 27 for $529,999. Its zoning does not require flood insurance. The rooms are spacious and the home has hardwood floors (under carpeting on the main floor). This home is ready for some refreshing and TLC. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The huge lower level provides access outside to enjoy entertaining and gardening in the fully fenced property. The yard has a five-zone in-ground sprinkler system. There is also a private driveway and a one-car attached garage. This home is located with convenience to shopping, schools, transportation and the serenity of Tackapausha Park.

HOME & DESIGN Winter Is Here Finally

Stay warm while saving money

Winter is finally here, and PSEG Long Island wants to help customers stay safe and warm and save money and energy. As the mercury starts to drop, the utility offers simple, energy-saving tips:

• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.

• Use a programmable thermostat to manage your home’s heating and cooling needs. Energy Star estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save the average American household about $180 a year. PSEG offers rebates on smart thermostats.

and LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

• Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.

• Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts.

• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.

This fantastic and spacious Colonial home at 156 Grand Blvd. in Massapequa Park sold on Jan. 31 for $849,000. It has a beautifully remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a center island with an under-counter microwave, side server, beverage bar and sliding doors to the backyard. This home has a formal dining room, a living room with gorgeous hardwood floors and a powder room. The lovely first floor master bedroom suite has deep closets and a generous full bathroom. The additional four bedrooms are nice-sized, one even has cathedral ceilings. The home has three bathrooms, a massive attic, central air conditioning, a central vacuum system and 200-amp service. The basement is huge and has an outside entrance. The detached two-car garage has a walk-up loft.

• Install a high-efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Rebates are available from PSEG’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. PSEG’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15 percent of the electricity used in the home,

• Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.

• Close fireplace dampers when not in use. Stop warm air from escaping through chimneys.

• Move furniture and drapes away from heat sources. Remove furniture or items that block vents. Open any register or baseboard dampers.

• Open your curtains and blinds that face the sun on sunny days to warm your home, and close them at night to keep the warm air inside.

Visit www.psegliny.com/ savemoney for more tips.

—PSEG Long Island

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.

REPLACE. RENEW. RESTORE.

REPLACE. RENEW. RESTORE.

Sleep plays a vital role in the body’s cycle of healing, growing and rejuvenating. The DUX® Bed’s unique, customizable component system provides unrivaled ergonomic support to help you experience significantly higher quality sleep.

Sleep plays a vital role in the body’s cycle of healing, growing and rejuvenating. The DUX® Bed’s unique, customizable component system provides unrivaled ergonomic support to help you experience significantly higher quality sleep.

Resolve to invest in your health. Visit a DUXIANA® store near you to discover the difference The DUX Bed can make in your

Resolve to invest in your health. Visit a DUXIANA store near you to discover the difference The DUX Bed can make in your life.

Heartbroken Nature Lovers Find Themselves In Battle After County Clear-Cuts Popular Park Woodlands

Desiree Benn was horrified watching the nature park get chopped down. She quickly called the state authorities who stopped the cutting, but by then, over an acre had been wiped out, including over 100 trees. “It was a massacre”, said Ms. Benn. After asking questions and attending meetings, she quickly found out her input was not welcomed by decision makers. So, she founded Coindre Hall Park Community, in her quest to protect the sensitive waterfront area as a public nature preserve.

In the scenic harbor town of Huntington, New York, yacht clubs, private property, and members-only beach clubs dominate the shoreline. The last sliver of public access to the waterfront and undeveloped woodlands is

historic Coindre Hall Park. The advisory board overseeing huge changes to the park is laden with town insiders and the yacht-club-crowd, who are determined to bulldoze anything in the way of a taxpayer funded, mega-restoration project. With neither an authorized plan, nor anyone on the board having essential environmental credentials, they’ve already begun major work.

Overdevelopment and commercialization of our shorelines are issues many communities are dealing with, and we need help...Please help save our nature park, and we’ll be there when your park is next.

community, whose views differ from non-boat owners. Many park users want to know the benefit of constructing a pier and bringing boats into this pristine area.

The board is largely made up of members of the boating

Many question the wisdom of spending millions of tax-payer dollars to restore a condemned boathouse in a flood zone. Many are vehemently opposed to a road and parking spaces in the lower park area. Rather than engage in meaningful dialogue, the board refuses to acknowledge key questions,

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Mr. Goldstein:

and just pushes through an agenda in the face of mounting objections from the public. Hundreds have joined the grassroots group through Facebook and Nextdoor; thousands have signed petitions. Group members have been speaking up at board meetings and legislative sessions. It still may not be enough to move the needle against such an entrenched political machine. “Overdevelopment and commercialization of our shorelines are issues many communities are dealing with, and we need help”, Ms. Benn explains. “Calling all nature lovers! Please help save our nature park, and we’ll be there when your park is next”.

—Submitted by Coindre Hall Park Community

PROPOSED LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP. RESORT IN UNIONDALE

To: Robert G. Goldstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Las Vegas Sands Corp.

I write regarding Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s proposal to develop a resort at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.

As the elected representative of the Coliseum site and a fiduciary entrusted with protecting the overall best interests of Nassau taxpayers, I am always willing to take a closer look at opportunities to create jobs, expand our tax base and establish new revenue streams to aid in the delivery of essential County services.

To ensure that the intended outcomes of your proposal are aligned with the fulfillment of those responsibilities and desires, it is essential for a decision-maker like myself to have access to the most comprehensive information possible so that I can reach a well-informed decision. A thorough analysis of the economic development and job creation outcomes in host communities for previous Sands-developed resorts will be central to my review.

For the purposes of completing that analysis, I respectfully request for Sands to provide my office with data specifically outlining the number and nature

of employment opportunities that were created in similarly positioned host communities; the salaries and benefits associated with each; professional development and advancement opportunities that were offered to recruits; the average duration of employment in each of these specific job titles; and the number of union employment opportunities that were created through these endeavors. Please also identify local hiring plans that were implemented; the extent to which these goals were achieved; and steps that were taken by your organization to achieve those targets.

Specific to the casino element of the proposed resort in Uniondale, N.Y., please furnish an enumeration of the job opportunities that will be created in the related service industries, including but not limited to the casino itself and associated restaurants, spas, entertainment venues, retail establishments and experiential destinations. As part of your response, please provide a detailed list of job titles, descriptions and projected salaries and benefits that are envisioned. Moreover, I am interested to learn more about the recruitment and training opportunities you are planning

to offer and your strategies for maximizing the creation of union employment opportunities through this endeavor.

Please also advise my office of how you plan to incorporate minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE), disadvantaged business

enterprises (DBE); and entities spearheaded by veterans, disabled individuals and service-disabled veterans into the operations of your proposed resort. Please furthermore advise of previous scenarios in which a host community established baseline hiring requirements for such entities; the percentage that was achieved by Las Vegas Sands, Corp.; and the strategies you used to achieve these outcomes.

In the interest of mitigating concerns about potential negative economic impacts, please provide all data, analysis and studies conducted by Las Vegas Sands Corp. related to your experiences with existing small businesses in previous host communities and strategies that were utilized to address any concerns that were identified.

In the coming weeks, I will be in touch with additional questions. In the meantime, I look forward to your response and the opportunity to further review the merits of your proposal.

Sincerely,

Siela A. Bynoe Nassau County Legislature, Second Legislative District

Legislator Siela A. Bynoe. (Via Facebook)

—Desiree Benn, Coindre Hall Park Community

A HEART AS EXCEPTIONAL AS YOURS DESERVES THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CARE AT ST. FRANCIS HEART CENTER

AND NOW, IT'S CLOSER THAN EVER

Our unmatched care is now available in more locations, so your heart is always in the right place.

St. Francis Heart Center is now available at more Catholic Health practices and hospitals across Long Island, including Good Samaritan University Hospital, Mercy Hospital, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. This means you have easier access to the most advanced treatments for cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, no matter where you live on the island.

For a location near you, visit chsli.org/heart

Drinking Tea, Coffee Lowers Risk Of Death

Drinking two or more cups of coffee a day may double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease among people with severe high blood pressure (160/100 mm Hg or higher) but not people with high blood pressure not considered severe, according to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

The study found that one cup of coffee and daily green tea consumption did not increase the risk of death related to cardiovascular disease at any blood pressure measurement, though both drinks contain caffeine. According to the FDA, an eightounce cup of green or black tea has 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, and an eightounce cup of coffee has closer to 80 to 100 milligrams.

Previous research found that drinking one cup of coffee a day may help heart attack survivors by lowering their risk of death after a heart attack and may prevent heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals. Separate studies have suggested drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes and some cancers; may help to control appetite; may help to lower the risk of depression or

boost alertness, though it is not clear if this effect is from the caffeine or something else in coffee. On the harmful side, too much coffee may raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping.

“Our study aimed to determine whether the known protective effect of coffee also applies to individuals with different degrees of hypertension; and also examined the effects of green tea in the same population,” explained the study’s senior author Hiroyasu Iso, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo, and professor emeritus at Osaka University. “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to find an association between drinking 2 or more cups of coffee daily and cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension.”

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is consistently too high, making the heart work harder to pump blood. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The current blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association and

classifies hypertension as a blood

pressure reading of 130/80

mm Hg or higher.

”These findings may support the assertion that people with severe high blood pressure should avoid drinking excessive coffee,” said Iso. “Because people with severe hypertension are more susceptible to the effects of caffeine, caffeine’s harmful effects may outweigh its protective effects and may increase the risk of death.”

RECIPE

The study found that people with more frequent coffee consumption were more likely to be younger, current smokers, current drinkers, eat fewer vegetables, and have higher total cholesterol levels and lower systolic blood pressure (top number) regardless of the blood pressure category.

The benefits of green tea may be explained by the presence of polyphenols, which are micronutrients with healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in plants. The researchers noted that polyphenols may be part of the reason only coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk of death in people with severe high blood pressure despite both green tea and coffee containing caffeine.

The research has several limitations: coffee and tea consumption were self-reported; blood pressure was measured at a single point, which did not account for changes over time; and the observational nature of the study could not draw a direct cause-and-effect connection between coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease risk among people with severe high blood pressure.

Further study is needed, researchers said, to learn more about the effects of coffee and green tea consumption in people with high blood pressure and to confirm the effects of coffee and green tea consumption in other countries.

—American Heart Association

Heart Healthy: Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of chicken noodle soup always equals comfort. The vegetables add nutrition and an aromatic flavor. This soup can be prepared at a moment’s notice and turns mealtime into a warm and satisfying experience.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 medium carrots (thinly sliced)

2 medium ribs of celery, leaves discarded, thinly sliced

1 small onion (diced)

4 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all visible fat discarded, cut into bite-size pieces.

3 cups water

3 tablespoons fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, minced.

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (crumbled)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper ((coarsely ground preferred))

6 ounces dried no-yolk noodles

Directions

Heat the oil in the pressure cooker on sauté. Cook the carrots, celery, and onion for three minutes, or until the carrots and celery are tender and the onion is soft, stirring frequently. Stir in the broth, chicken, water, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Remove the pressure cooker lid. Set the pressure cooker to sauté. Heat until the soup comes to a simmer. Stir in the noodles. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring frequently. Serves six, two-cups serving size.

—American Heart Association

American Heart Association

Tips To Help You Detect Skin Cancer Early

You may be thinking of ways to take better care of yourself in the new year. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests making a commitment to get to know your skin better—learning about the warning signs of skin cancer and what to do if you see something suspicious could save your life.

“Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, but it is often overlooked or dismissed,” said Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “It is one of the most curable forms of cancer if diagnosed and treated early. But if allowed to grow, certain types of skin cancer can become disfiguring and even deadly.”

Increase your chances of spotting a skin cancer before it becomes dangerous:

1Learn the warning signs of skin cancer.

A good rule of thumb is to look out for anything new, changing or unusual on your skin. This could be a mole or birthmark that increases in size, thickness, changes color or texture or is bigger than a pencil eraser. A skin cancer can also appear as a growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black or multicolored. Other warning signs include a spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed, especially if it does not heal within three weeks.

2Perform a monthly self-exam. By dedicating some time every few weeks to take a thorough look at your skin, you’re giving yourself the best chance of noticing anything suspicious early on. Try picking one date to perform your self-exam every month or setting up a reminder on your phone to ensure you stay on track. Taking photos of any spots that are new or changing can help you keep track of potential problems.

3Schedule a professional exam. See a dermatologist for a professional skin exam at least once a year. Dermatologists are specially trained to recognize the signs

of skin cancer and can look at any spots you may have noted in your self-exams. If you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer (you have a history of melanoma, for example), your dermatologist may suggest more frequent examinations.

“Remember, skin cancer is the cancer you can see,” Sarnoff said. “Unlike cancers that develop inside the body, skin cancers form on the outside and are usually visible. If you see anything suspicious on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away.”

—The Skin Cancer Foundation

Damien S. Treated for colon cancer

Live Music Brought To Stony Brook Cancer Center

Music at the MART, kindly funded by Michael Ardolino/Realty Connect USA, is presented by the Staller Center’s Educational Outreach Program in partnership with the Stony Brook University Department of Music and the Stony Brook Cancer Center. The collaboration between the various departments at Stony Brook is a combined effort to provide patients with cancer a relaxing environment while offering the therapeutic benefits of live music. The Cancer Center’s outpatient services are on levels 5 and 6 in the Medical and Research Translation (MART) building, where these outstanding musicians provide music for patients before they go to an appointment or receive infusion therapy every Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The Staller Center’s Educational Outreach Program collaborates with Stony Brook University’s Music Department by hiring these skilled musicians to perform at interactive workshops for kids aged three to eight called the Instrument Petting Zoo (IPZ) in libraries, nonprofits, and other venues. The IPZ concept is modified with music at the MART for adults.

“The Stony Brook Music Department is thrilled to begin this collaboration between its music students and the Cancer Center,” said violinist Stephanie Bonk. “’Music at the Mart’ allows music students to perform in the Stony Brook community, and the chance to connect with patients, and hopefully offer a little comfort during these times.”

Christina Faber, director of cancer center support services at the Stony Brook Cancer Center and Paul Newland, director educational programming from the Staller Center made a connection after the opening night French film, Peaceful at the 2022 Stony Brook Film Festival. They discussed a shared vision and how they might incorporate music into the Cancer Center.

Michael Ardolino, a community leader in the Three Village area who supports several campus initiatives, was interested in this idea and offered to help launch it.

“The Music at the MART program is an amazing way to support the arts while impacting the lives of patients receiving care and, maybe, even bring a smile to the faces of the Stony Brook Cancer Center staff. I’m thrilled to support the pilot program and to help get it started,” said Ardolino.

—Staller Center for the Arts

Gladys Ayala Becomes NYU School Dean

Gladys M. Ayala, MD, who has served as vice dean and professor of medicine at NYU Long Island School of Medicine, has become the school’s new dean and chief academic officer.

“At NYU Long Island School of Medicine, we have a unique opportunity to train the next generation of primary care physicians with excellence in clinical skills, along with the skills to address healthcare disparities; and we do it in three years,” Ayala said. “In this exciting new chapter, I will continue to work collaboratively with the faculty and educational leaders to advance medical education through innovation that will shape the physicians of tomorrow and enhance the care delivered to patients.”

diverse workforce, deepening community engagement to promote health equity, and expanding population health and health systems research on campus.

Gladys M. Ayala, MD

Ayala’s career in medical education spans more than 25 years, and she has initiated numerous programs for medical students to enhance their medical school experience. She has taught medical students in New York State about the principles of primary care, history, and clinical skills since 1994 and is passionate about the impact that primary care doctors who are trained in cultural competency can have on the health and wellness of communities denied health equity.

Ayala’s appointment follows the retirement of the school’s founding dean, Steven P. Shelov, MD. She has led MD curriculum development and implementation and oversaw the areas of MD admissions and the Office of Students and Diversity at NYU Long Island School of Medicine since 2018. As vice dean, she also led the school’s latest strategic planning process that will focus on four main goals: advancing medical education, developing a

Before coming to NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Ayala was the vice chancellor for university student affairs and interim vice dean at New York Medical College’s School of Medicine in Valhalla, New York. A native New Yorker, she received her doctorate in medicine from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1986 and her master’s in public health from Columbia University in 2007.

Ayala lives in Westbury.

—NYU Long Island School of Medicine

Michael Ardolino, Christina Faber, Maria Aubry and Paul Newland

Stuart Rabinowitz Elected To Alzheimer’s Foundation Board

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced the appointment of Stuart Rabinowitz, Esq. to its board of directors. Rabinowitz, the former longtime President of Hofstra University and a Woodbury resident, brings an extensive background in education, business, and law to his new role.

“Stuart Rabinowitz is an innovative, passionate leader with extensive experience and a strong desire to help others,” said Bert E. Brodsky, AFA’s founder and board chairman. “We are proud to welcome him to our team and look forward to working with him to further enhance AFA’s programs, services, and reach to better serve the more than six million American families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.”

Rabinowitz is senior counsel to Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP in Mineola. Prior to that, he spent nearly 50 years working in educational and leadership roles at Hofstra University, starting as a law professor at Hofstra Law School in 1972 and rising to dean of the law school in 1989. In 2001, he became the eighth president of the university.

“I am honored to be elected to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Board of Directors and look forward to furthering the mission of improving patient care, providing valuable patient family resources, and fostering public awareness,” Rabinowitz said.

As president, Rabinowitz led Hofstra to significantly expand its offerings and create several new schools, including the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs and the School of Health Professions and Human Services. He also founded the National Center for Suburban Studies, the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Cybersecurity Innovation and Research Center. In addition, he brought Hofstra to the national stage as host of three different presidential debates (2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections), the only university

ever to do so.

Prior to his work at Hofstra, Rabinowitz worked at Rosenman & Colin LLP for a number of years and as an associate law professor at his alma mater, Columbia Law School.

Additionally, Rabinowitz served in numerous other leadership positions, including as a Long Island Association board member and co-vice chair of the Long

Island Regional Economic Development Council. He is currently a member of the New York State Commission of Continuing Legal Education.

He has received many awards for his service, among them the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, EOC; Distinguished Service in the Cause of Justice, Legal Aid Society; UJA Federation Leadership Award; the Bar Association of Nassau County Proclamation for Outstanding Service to the legal profession and the community; and the Conference of Jewish Organizations of Nassau County’s Community Service Award.

AFA is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. Individuals who have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or need support services can contact AFA at 866-232-8484 or through its website, www.alzfdn.org.

—Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Stuart Rabinowitz

What’s our greatest asset at The Bristal Assisted Living communities? It’s the lifetime of interests and experiences you bring to it. After all, that’s what makes you special. A caring team that spends the time getting to know you so you can continue nurturing, sharing and exploring those interests? Well, that’s what makes us special, too.

See for yourself. Explore all of our locations in the tri-state area. thebristal.com

Girl Scout Cookie Season Continues With Cookie Booth Sales Throughout Nassau County

Girl Scouts of Nassau County announced today that Girl Scout Cookies® will be available at individual Girl Scout Cookie booths throughout Nassau County starting January 28, 2023. Each booth will be creatively designed, built and decorated by Girl Scouts and acts as pop-up Girl Scout Cookie stores in prominent locations to help Girl Scouts hone their entrepreneurial skills. To find a cookie booth that is closest to you, visit www.girlscoutcookies. org. Booth sales will continue until March 8, 2023.

“Our Girl Scouts are excited to use their creativity and people skills to connect with customers at cookie sales booths they set up and run themselves. Running a booth sale gives our cookie entrepreneurs the experience and practice of running a small business—setting goals, making decisions, managing money, solving problems, and engaging with their customers,” said Randell Bynum, the chief

executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Every time a cookie-loving customer purchases Girl Scout Cookies, they are supporting Girl Scouts who make the world a better place, one box of cookies at a time.”

The Girl Scout Cookie Program® returned in communities throughout Nassau County on December 14, 2022. In addition to making the delicious and iconic Girl Scout Cookies available to all, the over 100-year tradition gives Girl Scouts a hands-on lesson in entrepreneurship and business development. The program is part of the Girl Scouts’ ongoing efforts to empower, inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders. With the return of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, Girl Scouts of Nassau County is also bringing back Operation Cookie and Hometown Heroes as its 2023 annual Gift of Caring program. Through a partnership with DHL, customers

could purchase boxes of cookies which are then sent to active-duty members of the United States Military serving overseas, as well as at the local Marine Base in Garden City, the Coast Guard station at Jones Beach, and other New York military institutions.

This year’s cookie line-up includes all the classic favorites—Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups®, Girl Scout S’mores®, and Toffee-tastic®

—in addition to the return of last year’s debut cookie Adventurefuls® and this year’s newest cookie, the Raspberry Rally, which will be available for purchase online only starting February 27, 2023, while supplies last, for direct ship only.

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 Digital Cookie, or from one of the many

Girl Scout Cookie booth sales happening now around Nassau County. To find Girl Scouts selling cookies near you, visit www.girlscoutcookies.org.

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to lifeand work together tobuild a better world.Through programs in Nassau County, across Long Island and from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities canbe unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up theirbootsfor a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alumni, Girl Scouts leads the way as they find their voices and make changes that affectthe issues most important to them.

—Submitted by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

A Prophetic Voice: Buchanan Lays Down His Pen

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

There are plenty of mossbacks out there who miss the age of print. Who can forget The New York Daily News of the 1970s or The New York Post of the 1980s and ‘90s?

For The Daily News, Dick Young was the voice of the paper. It didn’t matter that he wrote a sports column. The contentious Young, a native of Washington Heights, set the tone for the entire paper, then the voice of the long vanquished outer borough ethnics: Irish, Italians, Orthodox Jews, Greeks and Poles, an angry electorate who provided the shock troops that delivered

for Richard Nixon, James Buckley, Ronald Reagan, Alfonse D’Amato, Rudy Giuliani, and George Pataki back when New York was still a two-party state.

During the Seventies, a young Pat Buchanan’s syndicated column was carried by The Daily News. Later, it moved to a more hospitable home at Rupert Murdoch’s New York Post. Now the man, at age 84, has retired his long-running column.

After Buchanan’s failed 2000 presidential run, The Post, as I recall, no longer carried his column. What a run he had. During those decades, no pundit could make a newspaper jump like Patrick J. Buchanan. He dominated The Post the same way that Young held sway over The Daily News Buchanan’s work was--and is---both learned and provocative, itself a difficult standard to achieve and maintain. Buchanan’s style was short and to the point, words written as hard as the one-two combination punches

LEGAL NOTICES

Keyspan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid

PURPOSE: THE FILING OF NEW TARIFF AMMENDMENTS TO P.S.C. NO. 1 GAS TO COMPLY WITH THE COMMISSION’S ORDERS DATED JANUARY 19, 2023, IN P.S.C. CASES 4-M-0565 AND 20-M-0266.

TEXT: Notice is hereby given that Keyspan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid has led new tari amendments with the Public Service Commission to comply with the Commission’s Order is dated January 19, 2023, to become e ective February 1, 2023.

Keyspan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“KEDLI”) led tari revisions in response to a New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) Order Authorizing Phase 2 Arrears Reduction Program. Phase 2 of the Arrears Reduction Program provides automatic relief through direct bill credits to residential non-Energy A ordability Program (“EAP”) and small-commercial customers who have eligible arrears and who did not receive relief under the Phase 1 program, by issuing a one-time bill credit to reduce or eliminate accrued arrears through May 1, 2022. The PSC Order also establishes the Arrears Management Program (“AMP”) Phase 2 Surcharge to recover costs of these bill credits e ective February 1, 2023.

Notice is hereby given that starting on February 1, 2023, the AMP Phase 2 Surcharge will commence on customer bills and will be included in the Delivery Revenue Adjustment line. The AMP surcharge is located on the KEDLI website. For Residential customers: https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ ?regionkey=nylongisland&customertype=home and Business customers https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Business/Bills-Meters-and-Rates /?regionkey=nylongisland&customertype=business

Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com

he used to throw at the punching bag in the basement of his boyhood home in Washington, DC.

Buchanan was an English major at Georgetown University. He was a history buff. This gave his arguments a sound historical and literary foundation. Most pundits throw out arguments and incentives. Buchanan was plenty controversial, but the man had a thorough knowledge of Western history and literature. Just read his 14 serious-as-a-heart attack books.

Buchanan’s career was divided into two parts: The Goldwater-Reaganite Cold War warrior of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, followed by the lonely America First champion of the early 1990s and beyond.

The latter represented the road not taken. When Buchanan used his immense media platform to articulate a policy of trade protectionism, immigration restrictions, and anti-interventionism, Fred Barnes crowed: “You guys aren’t a wing of the Republican Party, you’re not even a feather!”

So Buchanan, urged on by his younger sister, Bay, ran for president in 1992. His 37 percent vote in the New Hampshire primary spelled the doom of George H.W. Bush’s

presidency and inspired Ross Perot to enter that year’s race.

Four years later, Buchanan won the New Hampshire primary, igniting a left/ right media onslaught unseen in American history. GOP voters stuck with Bob Dole, the safe choice, someone with no prospects of unseating Bill Clinton.

There was never a chance of a Buchanan presidency. It matters. If Buchanan had been elected in 1996, America would be a far different place today: Borders sealed, manufacturing jobs right here in the U.S. of A., marriage strictly between a man and a woman, historical monuments protected, a nation enjoying peace and prosperity.

Above all, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 would never have taken place. A Buchanan presidency would not have U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, a fact that apparently set Osama bin Laden into a terrorist mode. Further, the terrorists who committed the crimes never would have been allowed into the United States in the first place. This is no consolation for those who continue to suffer. It is, I maintain, undeniable.

Patrick J. Buchanan, right, with Richard Nixon

[Pat] Buchanan’s style was short and to the point, words written as hard as the one-two combination punches he used to throw at the punching bag in the basement of his boyhood home in Washington, DC.

Art League Of Long Island Hosts LI Artists Exhibition, Open House

The Art League of Long Island’s 61st Long Island Artists Exhibition features 2-D and 3-D works created by artists from Suffolk, Nassau, Brooklyn, and Queens. The exhibit will be on view in the Art League’s spacious Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery March 4 through April 7, 2023. The opening reception takes place Saturday, March 11 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

The Art League of Long Island’s Open House will take place on Saturday, March 18 from 11 am to 2pm. The Open House offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about its year-round art classes and summer programs and see what happens in the Art League’s specialized art studios. Art League instructors will perform live art demonstrations in painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry making, and printmaking, catering to students of all ages. Some of these demos will be interactive, allowing individuals and families to create fun art projects. Meet Summer Art Adventure Program Director Marianne Murphy and teaching assistants as kids work on fun hands-on activities. The Art League is a not-for-profit art center offering more than 300 visual arts classes annually in a variety of mediums to adults, teens, and kids ages five and up. Classes, workshops, and open studios are offered to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students year-round, in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Students can register at any time throughout the year.

Summer Programs are available for kids ages 5 to 14 and for older teens working on their college portfolios. In addition to the myriad art classes, the Art League also hosts special events, lectures and exhibits throughout the year.

The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery is open free of charge Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-8pm, Fridays & Saturdays 10am-3pm. The Art League is located at 107 East Deer Park Road, in Dix Hills. Artwork on display in the gallery may be available for purchase. For more information visit www.artleagueli.org.

—Submitted by Art League of Long Island

Malverne Chamber Of Commerce

Call For Artists

Sixth annual Art Walk open to all Long Islanders

The Malverne Chamber of Commernce is seeking artists and photographers to participate in their annual art walk. Accepted art work will be displayed in Malverne shops and services for two weeks. Works must be approved by the art counsel. No overtly political work or nudes will be accepted. Photo-based works, paintings, sculpture, unconventional and multimedia are welcome.

Email mcasini@VisualFuelDesign.com to enter. Include a JPEG or PDF of each piece for consideration. Be sure to label with your name, phone number, title of entry and medium of entry. If submitting via mail, send entries to Maria Casini at Visual Fuel Design, 16 Kevin Court, Malverne, NY 11565. Include clear, well-lit photos or printouts of each piece, the title, medium and personal information, including phone number and email. Work must not

exceed 20 inches by 30 inches.

All accepted entries must be original to the entrant. No more than six entries per artist will be reviewed for consideration. Two might be selected. Accepted art must be framed with a hanging wire on the back or ready to display. Art will be considered partially by how easily it can be displayed.

The deadline for submission is March 31. Artists will be notified their work has been accepted for display no later than April 11.

Fees for entries are $30 for the first two entries, $15 for full-time students. Additional entries are $5 each. The Malverne Chamber of Commerce retains a 20 percent commision from any artwork sold.

The Art Walk will run from the end of June into July, with a reception in June at the Malverne Library. Exact dates to be determined.

A collage of works from the Art League’s exhibition in 2021.

(Photo by the Art League of Long Island)

Attorney General James Recovers Over $422,000 For Hundreds Of Long Island Tenants Illegally Denied Security Deposits

New York Attorney General Letitia James recovered more than $422,000 for hundreds of tenants whose security deposits were illegally withheld by Fairfield Properties (Fairfield), one of the largest residential property owners on Long Island. The real estate company illegally withheld full or partial security deposits without providing tenants with a written itemized list of deductions, inspected apartments without the tenant present, and did not allow tenants to make repairs before vacating their apartment to avoid penalties. As a result of today’s agreement, Fairfield must return security deposits that it illegally withheld to approximately 900 former tenants, including interest, and pay $90,000 in penalties.

“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry that their landlord will illegally withhold money that belongs to them,” said Attorney General James. “Fairfield withheld thousands of dollars that belonged to hardworking people, and today, we are returning that money to tenants who were shortchanged. We will always go after landlords that violate the law and the rights of New Yorkers.”

Fairfield owns and operates 196 rental buildings with 13,620 rental units in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received complaints from tenants that Fairfield was withholding their security deposits, and after an investigation, OAG found that the real estate company

routinely violated several housing and tenant protection laws.

New York law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of any deductions on security deposits within 14 days or else a security deposit must be returned in full. Fairfield withheld full security deposits or returned partial deposits without providing tenants a written itemized list of deductions. New York law also requires landlords to give tenants written notice of their right to be present when the apartment is inspected and must allow tenants the opportunity to clean or fix anything

that would be deducted from their security deposit. Fairfield routinely inspected apartments without the tenant present and did not give tenants the opportunity to make repairs or clean their apartment before vacating it.

As a result of today’s agreement, Fairfield will return $422,598.21 back to 899 former tenants who had some or all of their security deposits withheld. Fairfield will contact former tenants and send them their checks. The company will also pay $90,000 in penalties to the state and will be required to provide reports to OAG about its compliance with this agreement. The company has agreed to comply with all laws regarding security deposits and must send certificates affirming their compliance every year or whenever requested by OAG for three years. They will also train current staff on correct security deposit procedures and will provide annual trainings in the future.

“Enforcement by the New York Attorney General is the key to tenants’ rights actually being obeyed in the marketplace,” said Ian Wilder, Executive Director, Long Island Housing Services. “It is unfortunate that law enforcement is forced to step in to make sure that tenants are protected. As both a Fair Housing and HUD-certified Housing Counseling agency, we see that laws passed by the legislature to ensure that tenants are on equal footing with their landlords are often ignored. Tenants regularly find themselves without the

resources to ensure that their rights are obeyed. We appreciate that the New York Attorney General stepped forward to protect our fellow Long Islanders.”

This agreement is part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to protect tenants and hold bad landlords accountable. In December, Attorney General James barred a Queens property manager from locking tenants out of their homes. In November, she stopped real estate company Compass from denying housing to low-income New Yorkers. In October, Attorney General James and the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force announced a settlement with Greg Fournier and his real estate company, Greenbrook Holdings, for harassing tenants and engaging in unlawful practices in managing its buildings in Brooklyn. In September, Attorney General James secured $4 million from landlords after uncovering an illegal kickback scheme to deregulate apartments.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Rachael C. Anello of the Suffolk Regional Office, with the assistance of student intern Mishaal Bajwa, under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General in Charge Kimberly A. Kinirons. The Suffolk Regional Office is part of the Division of Regional Affairs, which is led by Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. —Submitted by the Office of the Attorney General

Legislation to Make Volunteer Firefighters, Ambulance Workers Eligible for Property Tax Exemptions After Two Years of Service

To ensure that Nassau County’s volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers receive the maximum property tax exemption allowable under a recently amended state law, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D – Freeport) and his Minority Caucus colleagues have proudly introduced legislation that will make firefighter/ambulance workers eligible for property tax exemptions after completing two years of volunteer service.

The previous eligibility threshold was five years of service. On Friday, Jan. 20, the seven members of the Minority Caucus filed legislation that would opt Nassau County into a state law, enacted in December 2022, that allows volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to apply for up to a 10-percent exemption on the assessed value of their property (exclusive of special assessments) after completing two years of service. Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers must live in the community

served by their volunteer organization to qualify for this exemption.

Days after the Minority Caucus filed its legislative proposal, the Majority Caucus re-filed the proposal on Monday, Jan. 23 with all 19 legislators as sponsors, all but guaranteeing passage.

“The Minority Caucus is deeply appreciative of the commitment that our courageous volunteer firefighters

and ambulance workers demonstrate as they serve and protect the residents of Nassau County on a daily basis,” Minority Leader Abrahams said. “We are gratified that our proposal appears on track for unanimous approval, and we look forward to providing an incentive that will make Nassau County more affordable for our selfless volunteers and encourage more people to step up and answer the call of community service.”

—Submitted by the Nassau County Minority Caucus

Letitia James, Attorney General for the state of New York

(Photo by the Office of the Attorney General)

Omnibus Funding Package Includes Over $26M In Federal Funding For Long Island

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Long Island members of the House of Representatives, recently announced that they had secured over $26 million in funds for Long Island as part of the final omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

The senators secured a total of $26,244,395 for projects across Suffolk and Nassau County, including facility upgrades and educational programs at Stony Brook University and Long Island University, upgrades to key local infrastructure such as the Town of Southampton’s sewage system, and funding for social programs such as substance use prevention and homeless safety net services.

“From increasing access to public water to creating a STEM career center, upgrading a local park, and providing support services to vulnerable populations, these community projects are making a difference across Long Island,” said U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. “I’m proud to bring this substantial federal funding to our communities and I’ll keep fighting to help these vital organizations and institutions continue their great work across the island.”

Organizations receiving funds include:

• Town of Brookhaven Suffolk County Water Authority Calverton Connection Project ($5,000,000)

• The funds will go toward Suffolk County Water Authority’s proposed plan to extend 21,000 linear feet of water main along Mill Road in Manorville to areas in the vicinity of South River Road in Calverton, Town of Brookhaven.

This project would give 98 homes on private wells in a DEC Potential Environmental Justice Area access to public water. Many of these homes are within a Suffolk County Department of Health Services Survey area that has detected PFAS levels above the maximum contaminant level.

• Town of Southampton Riverside Sewer System Project ($5,000,000)

• Funds will go toward the construction of sanitary infrastructure and a centralized sanitary treatment facility that will service the entire hamlet of Riverside.

The total anticipated sanitary wastewater flow from the project area is 800,000 gallons per day, and the sewage treatment plant is to be phased in 400,000-gallon increments.

• City of Glen Cove / Installation of Packed Tower Aeration System at Duck Pond Road Well Station ($3,452,972)

• Funds will go toward a new, permanent Packed Tower Aeration System (PTAS) and backup generator to keep three critical water wells in service and to remove harmful contaminates from the City’s drinking water.

• Town of Brookhaven / Bellport-North Bellport Sewer Hook-ups ($3,260,000)

• Funds will go toward providing sewer hook-ups in conjunction with sewer connections/upgrades to be made by Suffolk County.

• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory ($2,000,000)

Funds will go toward the establishment of a Next Generation AI Center for Advanced Cancer Diagnostics, which will include modernized equipment with state-of-theart spatial transcriptomics technology to Interfaith Nutrition Network ($2,000,000) Funds will go toward the renovation of a newly acquired building that will allow

help study tumors in depth. expand its existing homeless safety net programs and create new ones. INN will be able to expand its Center for

Transformative Change to meet individually with guests to develop plans of action that are custom tailored to meet their specific social services needs; provide sleeping pods for temporary respite for guests during operating hours; expand its Clothing Boutique with adequate space to develop a new Dressed for Success work attire program; create new clinic space that will enable its partner organizations to provide medical, mental health, and substance abuse counseling services on site, thereby eliminating transportation challenges that are often difficult for guests to overcome; and offer a new training suite for use in workforce development programs that will help the guests move toward a more stable future.

• SUNY Old Westbury ($1,870,000)

• The funds will go toward the creation of an inclusive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career preparatory center at SUNY Old Westbury. OW-STEM aims to engage students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEMrelated fields to set them on a trajectory toward successful STEM-oriented careers. The Center will feature:

• Cutting-edge, inquiry-based STEM pedagogy featuring work with complex data sets from active research efforts.

• A fully integrated learning community structure to provide a holistic and comprehensive educational experience.

• A central focus on green jobs and the green

curriculum.

justice-involved women and girls.

• Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, Inc. ($500,000

• Funding will go toward programming supporting LGBT middle and high schoolaged youth in substance use prevention, mental health, and anti-bullying.

• The Aaron & Marion Gural JCC Inc. (GJCC) / Resilient Impactful Sustaining Empowerment Project ($300,000)

• The funding will go toward significantly expanding GJCC’s mental health and supportive services for three vulnerable populations who have experienced serious trauma in their life: Holocaust survivors (and their families), Ukrainian and Russian immigrant seniors, and victims of domestic violence residing in and around the Five Towns of Long Island, NY. The program will provide wraparound trauma-counseling to 300 unduplicated individuals, as well as outreach and educational services to another 5,000 individuals.

Freeport Union Free School District ($173,923)

student activities.

industry

a Quantum Internet Center on Long Island

Freeport High School will use the funds for the creation of a college and career center that will promote a college-going mentality as well as offer a place where information and resources are readily available to students and their parents.

• The Town of North Hempstead will use these funds to upgrade the 6.07-acre Bunky Reid Park, adjacent to and part of the Yes We Can Community Center, which is one of the few outdoor park, recreation and wellness spaces for New Cassel and the Village of Westbury. North Hempstead will renew and improve this outdoor community park with a new skate park, community gardens and pollinator areas, and improvements to the deteriorating swimming pool.

• The Woman’s Opportunity Rehabilitation Center Justice Services ($638,000)

• Funding will go toward continuing to provide relocation services for domestic violence survivors as well as educational/ vocational and mentoring services for

The Freeport High School College and Career Center will focus on designing, implementing, and managing services, programs and systems that foster college and career readiness. The Center will offer information about career paths and college including college majors, essays, and applications; financial aid; resume writing; college entrance exams and much more. It would house a variety of books, brochures and computer programs with specialized guidance materials, test registration forms and other relevant information and resources.

• Long Island University ($149,500)

• Long Island University in Nassau County will use the funding in collaboration with the Society of Presidential Descendants to digitize and archive the personal collections of past presidents, including correspondence, journals, and other historical records. These records will be publicly available and will spur students, scholars, and the general public to engage with important figures in American history.

—With contributions from the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

partnership to facilitate internships for students.

Comptroller: Flaws In Reassessment

said. “The fact is, the data and our assessment system had errors.”

FRANK RIZZO

Bad data, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips suggested, may have contributed to the county’s reassessment problems.

Phillips related what her audit of the county’s Department of Assessment (DOA) had found as she spoke at the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce installation luncheon on Jan. 18.

Her office had been asked by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to take a look at the DOA’s reassessment undertaken at the direction of then-Executive Laura Curran, who lost to Blakeman in the 2021 election. Curran had argued that values for the approximately 386,000 residences and 37,000 businesses in the county were unrealistic due to the actions of her predecessor Edward Mangano, who froze the assessment rolls. Her administration introduced tentative assessment rolls on Jan. 2, 2019 and the reassessment was controversial, with many residents finding their home values for taxation purposes rising dramatically while others saw a reduction. Critics charged that the new rolls were filled with errors and rewarded those who filed tax certioraris (grieving the assessed value).

Phillips stated that Mangano had hired a pair of expert valuation firms, Standard

Valuation Services (SVS) and Michael Haberman Associates, Inc. (MHA) to review the DOA’s “property information, assessment processes and the ability of its software system, ADAPT, to produce valuations.”

The experts put out their respective reports in December 2017 and January 2018, during the transition to Curran and her taking office. Both, according to the recent audit, “indicated significant weaknesses in the property information and characteristic data maintained by the [DOA].”

The new administration hired the same

two companies and asked them to come up with a reassessment by September 2018, despite their warnings about the imperfect data and lack of time to correct it. To ease the shock of the new valuation, Curran got the state legislature to allow her administration to phase-in the higher tax rates over a period of five years for residential properties.

“If analysis and quality control had been done before that reassessment got released, I am confident that the errors and the impact that it had on us as property owners would not have been as severe,” Phillips

Her auditors also found that DOA employees were entering data from the county clerk’s office, such as deeds and title transfers which contained valuable property information, by hand.

“The [data input] process was backed up by months, if not years,” she said.

She emphasized that the “goal [of the audit] is not to point fingers. The goal is to make sure that any administration—it may be the current or a future administrations— doesn’t make any mistakes that were made in the past.”

She pointed to a poster in which five similar properties with exact assessed values were listed and noted that those who had grieved multiple times had a much lower tax liability, in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars.

“They rewarded those homeowners that had grieved and they penalized homeowners that never grieved,” Phillips summed up.

“Taxpayers in Nassau County have the right to expect fair and equitable property valuations, conducted with transparency,” Phillips said in a statement. “Restoring trust in government is among my highest priorities, and integrity and fairness in assessed values are among our residents’ top concerns. This review of the 2020/21 Reassessment sheds light on a deeply flawed process and makes recommendations for the improvement of the county’s property assessment process going forward.”

Read a longer story at www.longislandweekly.com.

Green Comet May Be Visible Through February 9th

A recently discovered comet is now passing through the inner solar system and should be visible with a telescope and possibly even binoculars. The comet, dubbed C/2022 E3 (ZTF) – was first sighted in March last year, when it was already inside the orbit of Jupiter. It made its closest approach to the Sun on January 12 and then passed closest to Earth on February 2.

This is the first time this comet has made a pass by earth in 50,000 years, and it’s worth spotting. It has a bright green glow. Comets are notoriously unpredictable, but if this one continues its current trend in brightness, it’ll be easy to spot with binoculars, and it’s possible it could become visible to the unaided eye under dark skies.

Comets hang out just outside the solar system and are mostly made of frozen gas, dust and rock. Some exist in a wide disk beyond the orbit of Neptune called the Kuiper Belt. Other comets live in the Oort Cloud, the sphere-shaped, outer edge of the solar system that is about 50 times farther away from the Sun than the Kuiper Belt. The comet with the longest known orbit takes more than 250,000 years to make just one trip around the Sun.

Gravity from other celestial objects, like planets and stars, can pull comets out of these far reaches of the solar system. As the redirected comet passes closer to the sun, it heats up, causing a trail of debris to stream behind it. This is the tail of the comet. This reflects the light of the sun

and makes the comet appear like bright streak in the night sky.

NASA’s Stardust mission collected samples from Comet Wild 2 and brought them back to Earth. Scientists found those particles to be rich in hydrocarbons, which are chemicals considered the “building blocks” of life.

Rosetta, a mission of the European Space Agency that had several NASA instruments onboard, studied Comet 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Rosetta dropped a lander on the nucleus, then orbited the comet for two years. Rosetta detected building blocks of life on this comet, too. And images showed Comet 67P to be a rugged object with lots of activity shaping its surface.

—With Contributions from Nasa

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips points to a blow up from her department’s recent audit. It shows five exactly valued properties, and how homeowners who files tax grievances reduced their tax liability. (Photo by Frank Rizzo)

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

JENNIFER CORR

It’s almost the day of love, Valentine’s Day! It’s time to grab a card, some flowers, chocolate or whatever your significant other, or friend, would like to feel loved. But Valentine’s Day, or the week of, also makes for a great time to spend with your favorite person.

Here are some date ideas within all different price ranges:

Valentine’s Day dinners and brunches: Glen Cove Mansion: Enjoy a four course dinner, complete with a cocktail hour, open bar and entertainment for $110 a person. Dinner goes from 6 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 14. Buy tickets at themansionatglencove.com/.

The Milleridge Inn: Join the Milleridge Inn in Jericho for a romantic brunch. Enjoy all you can eat prime rib, crab legs, shrimp and more. This event is on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brunch is $65.95 for adults ($75.95 for bottomless mimosas) and $39.95 for children. Visit the milleridgeinn.com for tickets.

The Red Salt Room: Enjoy a Prix-fixe menu by legendary chef David Burke at the Red Salt Room at the Garden City Hotel on Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. for $135. To see the menu and learn how to get tickets, visit gardencityhotel.com/redsalt-room. There will also be a brunch on Feb. 12.

Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate: Have dinner in a castle with this prix-fixe menu at Oheka Castle in Huntington. Seating is from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, and is $175 a person. To see the menu and reserve a table, visit oheka.com/upcoming-events. htm. There will also be a brunch the prior weekend.

Valentine’s Day scares: Bayville Scream Park: Go for a very untraditional Valentine’s Day date and head over to Bayville Scream Park, otherwise called Bayville Adventure Park, on Feb. 10, 11 and 14 for three Valentine’s-Day themed haunted houses and three themed bars, as well as a three-course dinner. Deals range from $29.75 to $79.75. Visit bayvillescreampark.com for tickets and more information.

Cooking and art classes: What’s Cooking?: Book a private cooking class for $175 with What’s Cooking? in Oyster Bay. Learn how to make steam, shrimp, fish and vegetarian tacos as well as guacamole, vegetarian slaw and super festive toppings. Reserve on whatscookingny.com.

The Well Seasoned Chef: Learn how to make creamy organic tomato soup, pan seared steak with horseradish sauce, garlicky stir fried brussels sprouts, rosemary-Parmesan roasted potatoes and chocolate covered strawberries with homemade ice cream at The Well Seasoned Chef on Feb. 13. The class is $120 and it books fast, so reserve your spot at thewellseasonedchef.com.

ClayNation: Paint and sip in a tranquil, creative alternative to a bar scene at ClayNation in Glen Cove. There is a variety of art projects to choose from and you will never get bored. ClayNation provides everything needed to complete your art project, so feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks. There is an $8 studio fee, plus the cost of your project. This class is on Feb. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. Sign up at claynationonline.com.

Pottery on Wheels: This studio in West Islip offers pottery wheel classes for adults. For an hour, adults, who are beginners at pottery, will have the opportunity to work on the pottery wheel or hand-building tables with close instruction. Participants

will choose two of their pieces to be fired, glazed and ready to be picked up about 3 to 4 weeks later. The class is $65. Sign up at potteryonwheelsny.com.

The Art Guild: Learn from artist Steven Vando at the Art Guild in Manhasset from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 16 and create “Experimental Florals in Loose and SemiAbstract Watercolors.” This class is $75 for non-members and $60 for members. Sign up at theartguild.org.

Pinot’s Palette: Get creative at Pinot’s Palette, a paint-and-sip studio, in East Meadow on any day, including Valentine’s Day. On Feb. 14, there will be classes “Love In The Horizon” and Blossoming Moonlight Love.” Sign up for these $46 classes at pinotspalette.com/eastmeadow.

Wine and beer tastings: Garvies Point Brewery & Restaurant: At this brewery in Glen Cove, enjoy one of Garvies Point Brewery’s flights right from the brewery with any appetizer for $20. For more information, visit garviespointbreweryandrestaurant.com.

Lithology Brewing Co.: At this brewery in Farmingdale, get your first flight for $13. For more information visit lithologybrewing.com.

W A Meadwerks: Taste various craft honey wines here in Lindenhurst. There are $12 flights, $3 samples and $8 glasses. Visit wameadwerks.com for more information.

Spa Day:

Glen Cove Mansion: The newly opened MYW Studios Mansion Spa is designed for your enjoyment and relaxation. Services including massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, treatments, and even a salt cave. Day passes for guests start at $20 and for non-guests $45 and include fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. To reserve, visit themansionatglencove.com.

East Wind Long Island: Spa packages at this hotel in Wading River start at $569 per couple. The starting package includes luxury overnight accommodations, $70 voucher towards dinner, champagne and chocolate strawberries and a hot stone massage or hydro-lifting facial per person at The Spa & Salon.

The Rockaway Hotel and Spa: Enjoy the Winter Pool House at The Rockaway Hotel and Spa in Queens. Included in the day pass, which starts at $30, there is access to the pool house, the sauna, lounge space and outdoor heated pool as well as towels and robes to use. There are other spa services at the hotel as well. Book online at therockawayhotel.com.

Winter Hikes (Free!): Garvies Point Preserve: Five miles of marked nature trails in Glen Cove.

Muttontown Preserve: Five hundred and fifty acres of fields, woodlands, ponds and estate grounds in East Norwich.

Cold Spring Harbor State Park: Forty acres of hilly terrain that offer scenic vistas of the Cold Spring Harbor.

Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve: The preserve’s highest point of 155-feet produces tremendous views of the Jones Beach Tower, the New York City skyline, and numerous coastal treasures. It’s located in Merrick.

Mill Pond Park: This long and narrow 54-acre preserve, located in Wantagh, includes a large pond that draws numerous native waterfowl, along with nature trails that wind through a wet woodland with red maple, coast pepperbush and skunk cabbage.

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve: Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, situated on a scenic peninsula extending into Long Island Sound in Huntington, offers miles of bridle paths, walking, jogging, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and nature trails over acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline and salt marsh.

WORD FIND

This

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES

Holiday Mathis

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND HOROSCOPES By

By Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’d love it if you didn’t need attention from others and were only doing what you do to ful ll your own curiosity and passion. Alas, attention is a basic human need. It’s woven into the fabric of humanity, and however ne or coarse the thread may be, there’s no shame in it. It’s part of the human connection.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People decide how to interact based on the limited information they know of you at any given moment. Your self-knowledge is deeper but still incomplete. is is the value in long relationships with people who have experienced you in many scenarios. is week, you’ll bene t from seasoned insights.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Just when you think you’re working in isolation, or having an experience all your own, things shift. You’ll understand that you’re operating in a shared world, a co-creation. All that happens is a function of the group. Although there are more or less in uential people present, no individual is in control of the outcome.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When the job places demands on your skill, grace and creativity, you feel happier for it. It’s when the job taps on your patience or acting ability that you feel the burden of work. It will still build and improve you, as long as you take it in small doses, lifting intentionally and methodically like a weightlifter in training.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). ere are those who are happy to see you explore, have adventures and learn what you’re good at. ey’ll celebrate you when you do well, and you won’t ever have to worry about them being jealous or trying to keep you in a certain role. is is what real love is. Soak it in.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While learning involves duplication, it’s not all there is to it. You’re not a robot following a program; you’re an organism who learns through your senses and experience. You can’t learn in an environment that won’t let you take risks and make mistakes. Success will be a function of choosing your “classroom” well.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What attention do you owe people in your life, your community and the world at large? How much can you give and still have plenty left for what matters to you? You’d rather tend to small, lovely things than let big, impersonal entities grab your focus. With intentionality, quiet and mindfulness, you’ll make it happen.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). While you can never pay certain people back for all they’ve done to make your life better, your respect makes a di erence. You’ll model this for those too immature to understand the reasons and ways our forebears sacri ced for our daily world to run smoothly. You pay homage in both playful and solemn ways.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have a foggy fantasy about how a project will go and what it will entail. You’re about to nd out. Give yourself credit for having the rare courage to jump in and nd out what it’s really like. Even if the reality doesn’t quite live up to the dream, the vividness of experience is still the preference of the brave.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Clear-headed action is seldom associated with the storms of passion. In poetry, drama and song, too much romantic fervor often signi es doom. You’ll wonder if you’re too crazy about something or someone to make the right moves. Even the slightest detachment gives the bene t of healthy perspective.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Must it always be work before play? e animals are doing play rst, just as you did when you were small. It’s the natural way, and you never want to lose the ability of being excellent at the games that make existence sparkle. So you’ll practice and prioritize your fun -- an ordering of life you won’t be sorry for.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). ere will be exaggerations and overreactions to contend with this week and the equivalent of children crying for ice cream, infusing urgent emotion into nonessentials. You’ll acknowledge the emotions of others without taking them on as your responsibility and your days are made peaceful.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

ere was a time in your life when you thought peace was the opposite of an exciting life, but now you understand the fullness of experience that can happen from a foundation of deep peace. Feeling satis ed, connected and c alm allows you to go into the wilderness of life and creativity and have vividly felt adventures. You continue to resolve problems and settle into a serenity from which lovely relationships and projects will blossom. It will be among your top years.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

alternative theme of the puzzle.

All that glitters

Solution: 22 Letters

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 22 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

All

Solution: 22

FROM KING FEATURES SYNDICATE, 300 W. 57th STREET, 41st FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Solution: Baubles bangles and beads

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 236

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8, 2023

Date: 2/8/23

CONTRACT BRIDGE

737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

By Steve Becker

Big swing on a small deal

South dealer. Both sides vulnerable.

Declarer then collected the rest of the tricks. He cashed the A-K of trump and the K-J of clubs, then crossed to dummy with a trump and discarded both his hearts on the A-Q of clubs to finish with 10 tricks and a score of 170 points.

At the second table, the defense functioned far more efficiently. Here East played the deuce of diamonds on the king to discourage West from continuing the suit, so West shifted to the jack of hearts at trick two.

East cashed the A-Q of hearts and reverted to diamonds by returning the nine. West won with the jack, cashed the ace and continued with the seven. When dummy ruffed with the nine, East overruffed with the queen.

Opening lead — king of diamonds.

Consider this deal from a teamof-four match. Only a partscore was involved, but even so, the hand is highly instructive.

At the first table, West led the diamond king, East signaling with the nine to indicate a doubleton. West continued with the ace and another diamond, which East ruffed. East could now have saved a trick by cashing the ace of hearts, but instead he returned a trump.

Then — as if declarer had not already suffered enough — East heartlessly returned a heart, promoting West’s jack of spades into another trump trick.

So, the declarer at this table went down two — 200 points — which was four tricks and 370 points worse than his counterpart had done at the first table. It was not that South had done anything wrong — he didn’t. It was simply that his opponents did everything right.

Tomorrow: A futile gesture.

is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 22 letters left over. They spell out the

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

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

Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Wheels For Wishes benefiting MakeA-Wish® Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: (877) 798-9474. Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org.

HEALTH / WELLNESS

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918

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

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

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574 Don’t Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

Call: 866-393-3636

Pro Piano Man

Supervisor Jen DeSena of North Hempstead joined with her partners in Nassau County government, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Supervisor Don Clavin of Hempstead, to denounce an ill-conceived progressive proposal that would impact Long Island suburbs and single-family home zoning. The latest proposal by Governor Hochul, seemingly a repeat of last year’s plan to turn suburban neighborhoods into overcrowded urban centers, would result in thousands of apartments and high density housing flooding every community, as well as spot zoning in which large scale apartment buildings could pop up next to single-family homes.

“We must save our suburbs from this ill-conceived plan as it would overcrowd classrooms, greatly increase traffic and cars parked on our streets, strain emergency services and threaten the environment,” said Supervisor Saladino. “While some Albany leaders want to blame the local of affordable housing for the mass migration leaving our State, we all know the real reason people are fleeing New York is crushing taxes, rising crime and government overreach which threatens individual rights.”

The three Town Supervisors joined local neighbors to voice their concerns of how

the Governor’s urbanization plan would negatively impact the environment, traffic, parking, emergency services, police protection, local utilities and schools. They also asked the public to join them in contacting state officials to demand that this proposal not be included in the Governor’s budget.

“Removing the rights of residents to have a say over their communities is a direct threat to democracy, especially when you silence the voices of residents and replace their say over development projects with an unaccountable, bureaucratic board located hundreds of miles away in Albany,” Supervisor Saladino added.

—Submitted by Town of Oyster Bay

Town Leaders Denounce Housing Plan Threatening Long Island Suburbs Silverberg Named NAELA President

Local officials and neighbors gathered in Manhasset to denounce Governor Hochul’s plan to remove zoning control of communities from local municipalities, potentially resulting in thousands of apartments flooding single-family neighborhoods and creating spot zoning in which large apartment complexes can be built beside single family homes.

BY THE ROSLYN NEWS STAFF jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

Roslyn Heights resident Scott B. Silverberg, Esq. has been named president of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). An associate attorney at the Law Office of Stephen J. Silverberg, he is dedicated to elevating the profession and has been active with NAELA as well as other national and regional legal organizations.

“Our work with the New York Legislature focuses on protecting seniors and special needs individuals, at the same time we seek to improve the skills of Elder Lawyers,” Silverberg said. “I’m excited about taking this leadership role and look forward to a busy and fulfilling term.”

Silverberg is a member of the National Board of Directors of NAELA and was previously Vice President of the New York Chapter.

(Photo by Town of Oyster Bay)

Scott Silverberg. (Submitted photo)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FROM TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD SUPERVISOR JENNIFER DESENA

“I am pleased that the Town has installed a new highway superintendent six months after the majority councilmembers chose to recklessly terminate our acting highway superintendent without a replacement in line. Throughout the interview process, Mr. Schlaeffer showed

himself to be a capable and qualified candidate for the highway superintendent position, and I look forward to seeing his leadership and experience in action during the upcoming winter storm season.

“At the same time, I am incredibly concerned by the Board

majority’s partisan attempts to further delay the process of hiring a new Town Comptroller by voting down my appointment of John Morris, an extremely qualified candidate with decades of municipal accounting experience. This Town has been without a Comptroller or Chief Deputy Comptroller for a full

LAVINE TO GARBARINO: ‘THANKS BUT NO THANKS’

Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine (D-North Shore, LI) responds to an email from Congressman Andrew Garbarino with the following statement:

“At a hastily called press event on Jan. 11, a lengthy parade of Nassau County Republicans took the extraordinarily courageous step of calling on their colleague George Santos to resign. They suggested that he was not welcome at either their headquarters or at their events. They indicated that their other Congressional Representatives would take it upon themselves to provide representation to the people of the Third Congressional District, the people Santos was elected to

represent.

On Jan. 18, I received an email from Congressman Andrew Garbarino, representing New York’s Second District in Suffolk County, advising that I was one of his ‘new constituents,’ and urging that I could rely on his office’s resources.

Along with everyone else in Northern Nassau and Northern Queens, I live in Santos’ Third Congressional District. I am not a constituent of Congressman Garbarino’s Suffolk District.

In response, I emailed my old friend Andy Garbarino as follows: ‘While I appreciate you reaching out, you are not my Congressional representative and I am not your

year now, and that is both shocking and absolutely unacceptable. At this point, it’s clear that they are actively blocking the hiring of a new Comptroller solely for political gain, especially given the fact that Councilwoman Lurvey and members of their staff agreed Mr. Morris was a qualified and capable

candidate following our joint interview. Our residents deserve better than elected officials who would prioritize playing politics over what’s in the best interest of our Town’s fiscal health and bond rating.”

—Submitted by the Office of Supervisor DeSena

‘new constituent.’ George Santos, with whom and for whom you campaigned, is my Congressional representative. That fact is truly shameful. Thanks again and wishing you well.’

So, to Congressman Garbarino, with whom I worked in the New York State Assembly before he was elected to the House of Representatives, I simply say, ‘Thanks but no thanks.’

For better or worse, Santos is our Congressman and I expect him, perhaps unrealistically, to make some effort to try to live up to his responsibilities.

I am not inclined to reach out to the same Republican politicians who offer assistance but are simply

attempting to shield themselves from criticism. As the old saying goes, ‘Once bitten, twice shy.’

Should Santos be unresponsive to any requests I may have for assistance to the people I represent, I will reach out to either Senators Schumer or Gillibrand, or to any number of Democratic Congressional representatives.”

Charles Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District, which consists of portions of northeastern Nassau County. He serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Rules and Insurance.

—Submitted by the Office of Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine

Assemblymember Charles Lavine. (Photo courtesy Mario1024! via Wikimedia Commons)

Experience

More as a Museum Member

More Access

Free admission, parking and preview parties

More Savings

Discounts on art classes, programs and 10% off in the museum store

More Enrichment

Lectures, performances, tours, family activities and much more

Visit 1,000 Museums Free Supporting members ( $150) enjoy admission privileges while they travel and VIP invitations while they’re here. Visit NARMassociation.org to see participating museums

Purchase a Membership Scan code, visit the museum, or go online to NassauMuseum.org

SEE IT NOW

NOWTHROUGHMARCH 5

Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-4:45 pm

Nassau County Police Report An Unusual

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder report an unusual increase in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses from January 13th to January 18th, 2023. This could be attributed to counterfeit pills/opioids laced with fentanyl.

If anyone is using non-prescribed drugs, they need to use extreme caution. Please be aware that some illegal homemade pills can be repressed/altered/counterfeited to appear like the original and may contain Fentanyl.

Residents are reminded to only take medication that is prescribed by a doctor and controlled by a licensed pharmacist. All medication should be kept out of the reach of children and should always be safeguarded.

If you are in possession of any controlled substance that is either expired or in need of disposal, the medication can be brought to any Nassau County Police Precinct 24/7 to be properly and safely disposed of.

Residents in need of treatment, information and referrals for addiction can contact the Nassau County 24/7 HELPline at (516) 277-TALK (8255).

Slow Progress Since Last Summer?

Flanked by community leaders and recovery advocates on the front steps

of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building, Nassau County Legislators Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D - Glen Cove), Arnold W. Drucker (DPlainview) and Debra Mulé (D - Freeport) unveiled legislation on Jun. 21 that would require the inclusion of fentanyl-detecting test strips in Narcan kits distributed by Nassau County agencies.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which experts at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have determined is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. The consumption of fentanyl-laced drugs - often unbeknownst to the user - has resulted in a tragic increase in the number of overdose deaths amidst the ongoing opioid drug crisis in Nassau County and across America.

Including fentanyl testing strips with Narcan kits would serve as a low-cost way of potentially identifying tainted drugs and preventing accidental overdoses. Individuals dissolve substances they wish to test in water and dip a strip into the solution. The strips require only minimal amounts of drug residue to work properly, and results are generally available within five minutes.Findings from the 2018 FORECAST study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health determined the inexpensive strips

COME MEET YOUR NEW VALENTINE AT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

County Approves $1.55 Million in Grants to Rid Nassau’s Drinking Water of Emerging Contaminants

The Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously on Monday, Jan. 23 to designate $1.55 million to support an array of water quality initiatives. This allocation is drawn from $6 million of the County’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that the County previously dedicated toward water quality improvement initiatives. Of that sum, the $1.55 million was allocated toward $50,000 grants for eligible public and private water suppliers in support of their efforts to remove emerging contaminants and toxins from our drinking water.

Water districts can apply the funding toward conducting studies; planning and design remediation initiatives; purchasing equipment, materials and supplies; developing operations manuals, guidelines, and materials; maintaining removal systems that are already online; and defraying the cost of lab testing. The Nassau County Department of Public Works will oversee the administration and implementation of these projects.

Within the 11th Legislative District,

the Glen Cove, Port Washington, Roslyn and Sands Point Water Districts are eligible to receive grant funding to combat emerging contaminants such as 1, 4-Dioxane and PFOs/PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acid), which have been found in the sole-source aquifers that provide Long Island with its drinking water.

A likely carcinogen, 1,4-Dioxane is a byproduct of industrial processing and is found in common items such as anti-freeze, shampoo and laundry detergent. It is called a “forever chemical.”

PFOAs and PFOs are synthetic chemicals that were once used to coat non-stick, waterproof, or stain-resistant products. Although these compounds have not been made in the United States for more than two decades, these chemicals never break down, and they have been discovered in our soil and water. Human health impacts include developmental defects, cancer, liver damage, immune disorders and more.

—Submitted by the Office of Delia DeRiggi-Whitton

North Shore Animal League America has a wide variety of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens to choose from.

Increase In Fatal And Non-Fatal Overdoses

are simple to use and have a high level of accuracy in detecting fentanyl in drug samples.

“As the battleground in the opioid drug crisis shifts, we must adapt our strategies to save more lives and give more residents the best possible chance at achieving longterm recovery,” Legislator Drucker said. “By including fentanyl detection testing strips in the Narcan kits that County agencies distribute, we have an opportunity to quickly ramp up our ability to uncloak this silent, stealthy killer - one that would otherwise lurk in the shadows.”

In December 2021, Suffolk County passed similar legislation to require the inclusion of fentanyl testing strips in the Narcan strips they distribute. Here in

Legislators Debra Mulé, Arnold W. Drucker and Delia DeRiggi-Whitton introduce legislation to require the inclusion of fentanyl test strips in Narcan kits in June of 2022. (Contributed photo)

Nassau, Keisha Graham-Wilson, of the Hicksville-based Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc., said the agency has been including Fentanyl testing strips in the Narcan test kits it distributes for the last several months. Kits come with directions stapled to the package; the proposed Nassau legislation similarly require instructions to be included with all testing kits that are distributed.

“These test strips are so important in terms of preventing overdoses,” GrahamWilson said. “Individuals don’t realize that fentanyl is in substances that they are using. We have individuals that have told us they are only using marijuana, but when we do toxicology, sometimes we have to tell them that the substance they are using is laced with fentanyl - and they are so shocked and surprised.”

Additional recovery advocates and community leaders from across the County expressed their support for the proposal. They agreed that fentanyl test strips are yet another tool that can be utilized to prevent

overdoses and save lives.

“Because fentanyl is 40 to 50 times stronger than heroin, it is possible that a fentanyl overdose victim may not respond to just one dose of Narcan,” said Claudia Rotondo, Executive Director of the Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse. “Providing these strips could be life-saving because it would give us the ability to test the remnants of the substance that was ingested to see if it was cut with fentanyl.”

“The DEA warned several months ago that fentanyl was a driving force behind the majority of overdoses that have transpired in the last year,” said Dr. Sharon Harris, Executive Director of the Glen Cove-based Substance Abuse Free Environments (SAFE). “This is an incredibly important piece of information that needs to be promoted to educate our youth and our families about what is going on.”

—Submitted by Danny Schrafel of the Nassau County Legislature, Minority Caucus

Post 652 Discusses Antisemitism And How To Help Fellow Servicemen And Women Across LI

The Jewish War Veterans Post 652 recently held their monthly meeting at Congregation Ohav Sholom near Wantagh. This meeting enables Jewish War veterans on Long Island to connect and discuss the pressing matter of antisemitism, which has been on the rise especially in recent years.

The Jewish War Vets were established in 1896. Post 652 was established in 1950, and includes members from many periods of recent deployment, including some surviving servicemen of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The Post is currently based in Merrick, just 6 minutes from Wantagh, but includes members from across Long Island. The Post was combined with Post 312, which was founded in 1945. Post 652 honors the mission statement of the Jewish War Veterans organization, which is that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. Their vision is to continue to be a leading Veterans Service Organization in the United States, supporting and advocating for all uniformed service members, veterans, and their families.

Gary Glick has been the Department of New York Commander for 10 years now; a job he says few want to do because of the challenges of combating antisemitism.

“Write down what caused the problems of the Holocaust… The sad part is we could just cross out a name and put another guy’s name, and the same things are happening again. And it feels like everyone has blinders on.” Glick cited that there are groups who continue to claim that Jewish men never served the United States during periods of conflict, particularly Korea and Vietnam. When, in fact, Jews were drafted or enlisted just as other citizens had been.

Modernly, Glick says, there is still a resistance to acknowledging the services provided by Jewish men and women in the armed forces. “This is untrue, and we need to defend that it is untrue,” he says. The men and women present at this meeting are proof of the national dedication to protecting and providing for the United States. The group is non-political, and encourages Jewish vets aligned with any party to get involved. “We try to get out there and get to the head of things, but then

it becomes political. We’re not political… When something happens to a Jew, we’re the minority, and we just want to help.”

Meeting Highlights:

Glick co-led the monthly veterans meeting with Post 652 Commander Eric Spinner. There were several topics of note that arose during the meeting.

Firstly, efforts are currently underway to develop a museum in Glen Cove featuring military history and veteran records. Mel Cohen, Commander of Post 336 – as well as Glick’s predecessor as Department of New York Commander – informed the group that a monument replica is also underway for approval. The original monument is located in Arlington Virginia. Cohen says that about 10 years prior, a group called Dignity Memorial sponsored replicas for JWV Posts on Long Island. The replica belonging to Post 652 is currently awaiting a position at the developing Glen Cove museum.

Glick also mentioned ongoing efforts to connect with Jewish vets across Long Island who may be unaware of the services and community offered by the JWV. One such example includes a plethora of veterans in the Farmingdale area, with whom Glick is attempting to get in contact. Glick was tipped off to this group of veterans in the town of Farmingdale who were not aware of the Jewish War Veterans, or Post 652. The Observer plans to follow up on future efforts of the JWV to connect with veterans throughout our coverage areas.

Volunteer Highlights:

The meeting also prompted a discussion on several volunteer efforts to be undertaken by and on behalf of Jewish war veterans.

A prominent factor in determining a veteran’s ability to participate in his or her local Post is something many of us do not give a second thought to; mobility. For veterans who have difficulties driving, for

example getting to Post meetings can be troublesome at best, and impossible at worst. While efforts have been made by Post 652 to offer digital alternatives, such as a Zoom stream, this does not always successfully accommodate members.

Therefore, one effort underway is the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Volunteer Transportation Network. Through this service, volunteers can drive veterans to and from their monthly meetings, medical appointments, services, and more. All that is required is a valid NYS driver’s license, and a little free time. To learn more about becoming a volunteer driver, contact Robert.Erdody@va.gov or call (631) 235-8220 for more information.

Another volunteer effort under discussion was the poppy drive. Many veteran groups will offer poppies or flags as a thank-you to those who donate to the Post. Discussions are underway for where and when Post 652 will be participating, particularly as Memorial Day draws closer. Consider contacting the JWV if your business is interested in helping JWV Post 652 raise funds for veterans.

Get In Contact:

The JWV are always hopeful to connect with and support Jewish veterans across Long Island. Glick reiterates that if someone doesn’t tell the JWV they’re a veteran, they can’t get help or benefits from the group. Therefore, if you are someone you know is a Jewish veteran, please consider getting in contact. You can go online to www.we-are-vets.us/jewish-war-veterans to sign up for emails, be added to their mailing list, meet their team, and find out about local upcoming events.

Department of New York Commander Gary Glick (left) and Post 652 Commander Eric Spinner (right) lead the meeting of Jewish War Veterans. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Feldman)

Congregation Ohav Sholom, which housed this monthly meeting of the Jewish War Veterans.

Banner of Post 652. (Contributed photos)

Susan Cherney, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

O 516.629.2236 | M 516.639.8100 | susan.cherney@elliman.com

Stuart Bayer, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

O 516.629.2223 | M 516.375.1005 | stuart.bayer@elliman.com

Nicole Eskanazy, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

O 516.629.2275 | M 516.317.4004 | nicole.eskanazy@elliman.com