Syosset–Jericho Tribune 3/15/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

An Update On Jericho Union Free School District’s Budget Planning

and levels, all the way from varsity and JV boys badminton in the fall (girls badminton takes place in the spring), varsity and JV boys and girls basketball in the winter, to varsity boys and girls golf in the spring.

JENNIFER CORR

Earlier this month, the Jericho Union Free School District Board of Education held its third budget planning workshop.

In addition to voting on the budget, taxpayers will be asked on April 18 to vote on a proposition that will authorize the board of education to expend not more than approximately $7 million from the capital reserves and fund balance in order to complete capital improvements, such as districtwide bathroom upgrades, districtwide window replacements, music classroom reconstruction at the middle and high school, districtwide ceiling and lighting upgrades, among other projects.

At the last budget workshop meeting on Feb. 9, Victor Manuel, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, said the tax cap would rise to 4.37 percent, but the tax levy will not be close to that.

District projects that will be funded by the budget and capital project monies were also discussed at the meeting.

There was also a decrease in the special needs budget line because there are fewer students with IEPs.

To read the previous story on the Jericho Union Free School District budget planning for year 2023 through 2024, visit syossetjerichotribune.com.

“This year some of the challenges we’re facing on the budget side, the expenditure side, are significant increase in health insurance premiums... transportation... and overall inflation,” Manuel said. “Our tax levy will certainly not be flat this year, but it will not be at 4.37 percent.”

The 2023 through 2024 projected enrollment is 3,225, down from 3,324 for 2022 through 2023, according to data gathered by BOCES demographers this past October.

In this budget process, we may also see a change in funds towards instructional staff salaries. Funding towards elementary instructors, tutors and research and development faculty would increase from approximately $16.5 million in the current year, to approximately $16.9 million. As far as secondary school, funding towards elementary instructors, tutors and research and development faculty would increase from approximately $21.3 million in the current year to approximately $21.8 million. These

monies just cover salaries, not benefits.

As for employee benefits, the budget has increased from approximately $30 million to approximately $33 million. The driver of that increase is primarily health and dental insurance and the New York State Retirement System.

Funding for textbooks used in schools district-wide has increased from $390,869 in the current year to $404,612.

When asked if the district was going in a more digital direction when it comes to their text books, Manuel said that the district is, but the district will pull the funding for it out of the textbook budget lines.

That leads us to the district’s technology plans.

According to the presentation, the district has completed its first website re-design in over a decade; the district is fully one-to-one with Chromebooks and has a refresh cycle supplemented through the Smart Schools Investment Plan (meaning that the district will replace units); every Smart Board has been replaced; emails, PowerSchool, storage and most backups have been migrated to the cloud; every district employee uses a multi-factor authentication to log into Google or Microsoft services; almost every piece of software is part of the Classlink single sign-on initiative; 24/7 network monitoring has been added; and the district has transitioned to computer-based testing and has received

excellent experience doing so.

The district has also taken steps towards upping computer technology security, considering all the hacking-related situations that have been happening in the industry.

Jericho parents have been offered device insurance for the first time, and there’s a Chromebook depot at the high school and middle school managed by a technology staff member. Jericho Middle School’s library has also been upgraded with six printers that can print in color and black and white, and they have the most powerful desktop PCs in the district.

With that said, the technology budget has increased from approximately $3.1 million in the current year to approximately $3.2 million.

Another aspect of the district discussed was athletics.

“The Jericho athletic program continues to be strong,” said John Mankowich, the curriculum associate for Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. “As of right now, at the high school level you have 31 varsity programs, 16 junior varsity programs and we have two programs that are labeled JV9 and JVB. The middle school program has 30 teams throughout the year. Eight of those are separate seventh and eighth. And we have 14 that are combined seventh and eighth grade programs.”

There are multiple athletic program offerings at Jericho High School and Jericho Middle School, varying in seasons, sports

“You’ll see in the spring season we added unified basketball for this coming year,” Mankowich said. “That is a special needs program where we combine students in our special needs classes with our general education students and they will be playing competitive basketball games with other schools... It’s a lot of fun. We went last year to watch schools play and this year it culminates with a big play day with all 14 schools that have it.”

Mankowich said the unified basketball team would love to host the other schools this year.

The interscholastic athletics budget has increased from approximately $1.3 million to approximately $1.4 million.

Another line item discussed was transportation, which has increased from approximately $6.3 million to approximately $7 million. The district is budgeting for two 30-passenger vans and technology equipment for two vans.

First Student bus services provides 19 buses, 28 vans and seven per pupil pickups, serving five public schools, 23 private and parochial schools and five special education schools. For the 2023 through 2024 budget, the district anticipates bringing the number of vans down to 26.

“What a per-pupil is, that if a bus is going to a particular private school and there are a couple of students from Roslyn or another district, if it works within that particular route, we would get charged a per-pupil rather than purchasing an entire bus for a school year,” Manuel said.

Buses and vans are assigned to multiple daily trips, up to eight trips each.

“[Lori-Ann Savino] does a great job scheduling and I want to add that she basically rips up this year’s schedule and starts from scratch every year in order to be as efficient as possible,” Manuel said. “She tries to put pieces together to minimize the cost.”

All of the district buses have also been equipped with Storm Arm cameras to record illegal passing when buses are unloading students. Most of the First Student buses have also been equipped. As far as the funds that would come in from the tickets that would be issued, $250 to $300 per violation, Manuel explained that there are currently negotiations about how much entities would get, as Nassau County wants to get some of the money.

To view the latest budget presentation, or watch it on YouTube, visit jerichoschools. org. The next budget meeting will be held March 16.

Transportation is among the budget challenges the Jericho Union Free School District is facing as they budget for the upcoming school year. (Photo courtesy Unsplash)

This year some of the challenges we’re facing on the budget side, the expenditure side, are significant increase in health insurance premiums... transportation... and overall inflation

—Victor Manuel, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs

Syosset Businesses Apply For Special Permits

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

Counselor Judy Lynn Simoncic of Forchelli Deegan Terrana appeared at the Oyster Bay Town Board meeting on March 7 on behalf of multiple clients who operate their businesses from the property 170 and 180 Michael Drive in Syosset. An architect and traffic engineer were also present with Simoncic.

“There are six special use permits that are before the board today,” Simoncic said. “Many of the uses that we are seeking to legalize have been in existence for eight years. The premise is two separate parcels... The property is located in the town’s

light industrial zoning district. These properties were initially developed in the early 1960s.”

The first three special use permits relate to 170 Michael Drive and concern the Cultural Arts Playhouse, Title Boxing Club Syosset and Long Island Swim Academy.

The last three special use permits relate to 180 Michael Drive and concern Puzzle Break Long Island (escape room), John Ondrush Golf & Fitness Academy and Peak 180 (fitness center).

The owner of these properties purchased the lots in 2006, and Simoncic explained that they were guided by an architect who has since passed away. The owner was unaware that special permits were needed for some of the businesses.

After the architect passed away in 2017, John Moccio , an architect who now represents the businesses, advised that the

businesses should submit an application to clean up the properties. And it was then they learned that special use permits were required.

With respect to parking, the buildings do share 316 parking spaces throughout the site.

“In total... we do require 602 spaces,” Simoncic said. “We will be requesting a variance from the zoning board for those.”

The uses of the establishments complement each other really well, Simoncic said. There’s also plans to repaint the parking stripes to make it easier for patrons. Wayne Muller of R&M Engineering prepared a detailed parking and traffic analysis, and found that on a Saturday at 11 a.m. there was a maximum of 154 cars parked at both sites, and on a weekday at 5:30 p.m. there was a maximum of 143 cars parked.

“Their peak activity does not all occur at the same time,” Muller said. “For instance

the playhouse, their activity is more later in the evening with people going to performances and studio workshops, and the other uses, like the swim facility, their activity occurs earlier in the day.”

Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, as someone who spends a lot of time there, said she’s observed that the businesses do cohesively share parking with one another.

“I have one [child] that goes for arts and the other goes to the gym right across the street, then they eat dinner at the Wendy’s down the block, so for me, it’s a place for the kids to go and I hope we can continue to do that the right way,” Walsh said. “Thank you for being proactive.”

The Town Board voted that for each hearing on each special permit that the public portion of the hearing is closed, but the comment period will be open for 30 days. The decision will be reserved.

Pastor Sheridan Of Faith Lutheran Church

In Syosset Leads Town Prayer

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

Rev. Rebecca Sheridan of Faith Lutheran Church and School in Syosset on March 7 led the prayer that kicks off each Oyster Bay Town Board meeting.

“Since we changed to our new administration six years ago in January of 2017, we made a big difference in the way we begin our meetings,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “When we came here our new administration and

our board made the decision that we will start every meeting with prayer and for the young people in the room, you may learn the separation of church and state... That has a different connotation, but in terms in starting meetings with prayer where I served, and where Councilman [Steve] Labriola served in the New York State Assembly, as well as the New York State Senate, all meetings are started with prayer. So we felt that it is appropriate.”

The prayer is not of a specific religion, as it’s for everyone.

“We also ask a religious leader from the community ecumenically, which means from every religion, to have a turn coming to our Town Board meeting this way we get

to know all our churches and synagogues and temples and all the different religious groups and we learn more about one another’s cultures,” Saladino said.

Rev. Sheridan was called up to the podium to lead her prayer.

Saladino brought up after the prayer that March is Women’s History Month, making it a great time to point out the accomplishments of women who live in the Town of Oyster Bay.

“Pastor Sheridan grew up in Nebraska in the Lutheran church,” Saladino said. “She received a Bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Augusta University... She earned a Master’s degree in divinity from the Lutheran School of

Theology in Chicago where she met her husband. She moved to the East Coast to be closer to their family and they’re both raising their family here in Syosset where they live with their two daughters. This has been a true blessing for the Faith Lutheran Church and School. The pastor has answered the call of ministry and has truly made a difference in the lives of many in our community.”

Saladino expressed his gratitude towards Rev. Sheridan, especially with March being Women’s History Month.

“But as I am reminded by my new wife, every month should be the month that we recognize the accomplishments of women,” Saladino said.

Ensuring popular community businesses will be here for much longer

Title Boxing Club is among the businesses at 170 and 180 Michael Drive that need a special use permit. (Photo courtesy Google Earth)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

Women in Horror! A Celebration and Readings

The New York Chapter of the Horror Writers Association, in partnership with the Syosset Public Library, is pleased to present an evening of horror in celebration of women in horror. Join in on Zoom for scary stories, a Q&A and a lot of fun. This online event will begin at 7 p.m. The Zoom webinar ID is 835 4327 8803. More information can also be found at syossetlibrary.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

In-Person: Defensive Driving

It Is Well Driving School is hosting a Defensive Driving Class at the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Completion of this program entitles you to a NYS insurance discount and point reduction. Bring your NY State Driver License and a pen to class. Masks are suggested. Bring a sweater or jacket, as well as a lunch. Tea and coffee will be available. The cost of the class is $30. In-person registration only. Make checks payable to “It Is Well Driving School.” Check must be submitted when signing up. This class is for all ages.

Lunar New Year Parade, Food Festival

Join ABI Health Care for their first ever Long Island ABI Lunar New Year event featuring a floats parade and an Asian food and culture festival.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., taking off from the Long Island Rail Road

Syosset Station, Parking Field S2, The parade route will run from the LIRR Syosset parking lot, to Jackson Avenue, to Jericho Turnpike to Lafayette Drive by Home Depot.

In-Person: Community Art Swap

Join the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help divert materials from the landfills while encouraging environmentally friendly creations. Bring new or gently used arts and craft materials and then choose art supplies for yourself. No donations will be taken the day of the swap. Donation dates and times are March 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. and March 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. The rules are sticking to arts and craft materials

only, that the donations must be fit for reuse, the donations must fit in car and when in doubt, use the “bestie” rule.” Ask yourself, “would I give this item to my best friend?” Do not leave donations outside the library doors.

Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts Free Workshop

Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts, 239 Cold Spring Road in Syosset, at 2 p.m. invites students in grades nine through 11 to a free workshop on multiple disciplines, from vocal audition techniques, band improvisation and performance techniques, stage lighting and set design and dance. Registration is required. Register at longislandhighschoolforthearts.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

The Lindy Loo Classic 2023

The Lindy Loo Foundation is delighted to invite you to the 2023 Lindy Loo Classic at AMF Bowling, 111 Eileen Way, Syosset at 1:30 p.m. Come on down to the lanes to celebrate the beautiful life of Linda Cunningham and help support the continued mission to improve the social lives of people with intellectual and development disabilities living in the greater New York Metropolitan area. Check out the website, lindyloo.org, to see the amazing work that The Foundation has been able to accomplish. The foundation simply would not be able to carry out our mission without your unending support

and it means the world to the foundation to celebrate with you again this year.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

In-Person: News Currents with Elinor Haber

Join Elinor at the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane in Jericho, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day; the international, national and local scene. Trends that affect us in the now and the future will be focused on.

LI Reads Book Discussion

Join Jackie Ranaldo, Head of Readers’ Services at Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, at 2 p.m. for an in-person discussion of the 2023 Long Island Reads Selection A Speck in the Sea: A Story of Survival and Rescue by John Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the program.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

Long Island Speed Dating

Single men ages 58 to 74 and single women ages 56 to 69 are invited to join a speed dating event at 4 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho by WeekendDating.com. The night will consist of 10 dates in one night. The event will run from 9 to 10:15 p.m. For more information, visit weekenddating.com or call 718-757-6933.

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Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a parade and food festival in Syosset. (Photo courtesy Unsplash)

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Second Annual Top Gun Run Celebrates LI Scout’s Legacy

Proceeds to benefit Andrew McMorris Foundation

On March 25, participants w ill gather for the second annual Top Gun Run to benefit the Andrew McMorris Foundation and Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts. This 5K run/walk will take place on an actual runway at the EPCAL property in Calverton, NY. The race is named after Boy Scout Andrew McMorris, who was killed by a drunk driver while hiking the Greenbelt Trail in Manorville with his Boy Scout Troop. Several other Scouts were severely injured as a result of this tragic crash. The lives of his family, friends, community and fellow scouts were forever changed by Andrew’s loss.

“September 30, 2018 was probably the one of the most horrific things to happen to a family and to our boy scout troop. The drunk driver plowed into the entire line of scouts. Andrew was the last one struck, and he was the one that was fatally struck,” said Alisa McMorris, his mother, when she recounted the events of that day.

It’s a normal response to withdraw after such a tragedy, but McMorris knew that’s not what her son would have wanted. Their estate attorney suggested starting a foundation in Andrew’s name, which resonated with the family. “That first year, we sat around a kitchen table came up with a logo and pooled all of our money with my sister’s and brother’s, and we handed out two scholarships.” The scholarships were distributed on Andrew’s birthday, March 30.

The McMorris family decided to further commemorate this special day by holding the annual race at that time. Last year, the weather on race day was questionable. It was overcast and threatening to rain for most of the lead up to the start. “It’s an overcast day. It was terrible weather; we were kind of worried about it. We were like, come on Andrew, come through for us. We need good weather for this race. And then at the moment

when the firefighters raised the flag… you looked at the sky above that flag, it was a perfect hole with sun coming through. And it was as if Andrew was peering down.” McMorris remembered.

Each quarter mile of the race is marked with a plaque featuring a picture of Andrew and one of the defining characteristics of the scout law, such as being loyal and honest. The finishers will also collect a race coin that features a picture of Andrew with the McMorris family’s slogan, “We finish what we start.” These powerful reminders help spread awareness against drunk driving and celebrate Andrew’s spirit.

Hosting the race is an important part of honoring Andrew’s legacy. Many people come to run or walk the runway, but plenty of people come just to watch and cheer on the participants. The atmosphere is more celebration

something McMorris has her own way of describing. “It’s hard to put into words just what it was like to be there with everyone having the same kind of feeling. And we call it soysadness and joy, because there’s a little bit of sadness, but there’s so much joy to be had by the community.” McMorris is sure Andrew would love the annual gathering. “Andrew brought everyone together no matter what they were. He loved the party. And he loved having people over. He would invite people over off the bus all the time.”

Besides the Top Gun Run, the Andrew McMorris Foundation gives out several scholarships. These scholarships are open to

high school seniors nationwide and range from $250 to $2500 and the deadline is March 30. They also offer a variety of grants.

There are grants of up to $500 for fine arts pursuits for students in K-12 to follow their dreams. These grants are evaluated on a rolling basis from January 10 through June 1. Scouting grants for Eagle Scouts and Gold Star Girl Scout projects are also available. There are aviation grants for up to $1000, and the deadline for these grants is March 30. These grants and scholarships are especially meaningful for McMorris, who feels a special connection to the students who knew her son.

It’s important to the McMorris family to raise awareness and spread the message to help decrease the number of these completely preventable deaths. They are advocating for a decrease in the legal blood alcohol

limit, from .08 to .05. They are also seeking comprehensive changes to vehicle law to make it safer for everyone on the road.

“Last year’s inaugural Top Gun Run drew more than a thousand participants, and this year is guaranteed to be bigger and better,” said McMorris. “We were so thrilled that so many people came out to celebrate Andrew and helped to turn a runway into a huge party.”

This is a fundraising event and all proceeds support the Andrew McMorris Foundation and the Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts. The race is seeking sponsors. For sponsorship information, please contact Donna Lillie at dmlillie.bsa@gmail or on her cell at (631)774-8074.

Participants at the starting line for the 2022 inaugural Top Gun Run.

(Photo by the Andrew McMorris Foundation)

The clouds opened up just in time for last year’s race.

(Photo by the Andrew McMorris Foundation)

Andrew McMorris at one of his flying lessons. (Photo by the Andrew McMorris Foundation) peer-

school grants.

sadness,

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations Across Long Island

Get out your green and get your leprechaun on

BrickHouse Brewery and Restaurant

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

While Saint Patrick’s Day was originally a day of religious observance, services and feasting in honor of Saint Patrick, in the United States it has become a day of secular celebration of Irish culture. Here are some of the remaining parades and events.

Farmingdale

Wed, March 15th 7:30 p.m.

Saint Patrick’s Day Game Show Night

Get ready to slam the buzzer at 317 Main Street for St. Patrick’s Day Game Show Night. Each participant on each team will participate in the games such as “Family Feud,” and “Crowd Says.” Each winner on the winning team will get a prize.

Seaford

Fri, March 17, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock N Roll Party at United Skates of America Roller Skating Center

1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford

Skating, Dancing, Games with the Leprechaun, Trivia, Contests and more! Find the Pot of Gold for big prizes.

Hampton Bays

Saturday March 18th at 11AM

17th annual Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The parade features an array of entertainment from pipe bands, school marching bands, community organizations, business floats, fire departments and more.

Glen Cove

Sun, Mar 19, 1–3 PM

Robert M. Finley Middle School

1 Forest Ave, Glen Cove, NY

The Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins to form up at noon in the area of the Finley Middle School at Forest Avenue and Dosoris Lane in Glen Cove. It steps off at 1 pm and proceeds through the streets of downtown Glen Cove. There is ample parking at Glen Cove’s municipal parking garages and elsewhere and shuttle buses will run between the parking areas and the formation area.

Patchogue

Sun, Mar 19, 11:00AM–1:30 PM

Patchogue-Medford Library Parade Activities

54-60 E Main St.

Activities take place during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade OUTSIDE the front of the Main Library. Be parade ready – color a festive button and get a (temporary) tattoo!

12:00 PM Start

St. Patrick’s May the Road Rise to Meet Ye 2 Mile Run/Walk

Get your run in right before the Parade and enjoy 1 Beer at the Pubs of Patchogue! Redeemable with your bib.

First 400 Registrants Get a Tech Tee. Packet Pickup: Outdoors on Havens Ave or if inclement weather, indoors at 67 W Main St, Patchogue.

Patchogue Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The line of march will proceed from the East Main Street intersection of Route 112 and finish at the viewing stand on the corner of Havens Avenue and West Main Street.

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Harbor Crab Celebration on Parade Day!

Enjoy a $5 Guinesss, $5 Corned Beef Sandwiches + Live DJ & Dancing! DJ Salty Jim will be providing the soundtrack to the occasion from 2:00-6:00pm. Don’t miss this fun time!

Babylon Village

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 19 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wantagh

Sun, Mar 19 1:00 pm

Wantagh 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Long Island. The parade will feature pipebands, cars, floats, marchers, fire trucks, and police. There will also be a Block Party on Railroad Avenue following the parade.

Bayside

Sat Mar 25 2023 at 12:00 pm

2023 Bayside Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The 2023 Bayside Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be stepping off on Saturday March 25th at 1:00 p.m. the parade will be marching down Bell Blvd from 35th avenue to 42nd avenue.

Ronkonkoma

Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:00pm

Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Celebrate Irish Heritage as the Ronkonoma St. Patrick’s Day parade steps off on March 26. The parade will start on Hawkins Avenue at School Street, head South down Hawkins Ave ending at Thorne Street.

Montauk

Sun Mar 26, 2023

12:00pm to 1:30pm

Montauk Friends of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Edgemere Road , Montauk, NY, Long Island’s easternmost parade runs up Edgemere Road and turns on to Main Street, passing the reviewing stand on the green. It finishes at the end of Main Street by the IGA. Starting at 10 am on the green, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce will be serving hot soup in a St. Patrick’s Day Parade souvenir mug. Montauk’s finest soups are

restaurants.

made and donated by local

Roni Jenkins, Emcee of the parade along with parade committee members, Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, and members of the Glen Cove City Council. (Photo by Gill Associates Photography)

Glen Cove Fire Department walking in the St. Patrick’s parade. (Photo by Natalia Ventura)

Photos from 2022 St. Patrick’s Day parade

Firebird Pipers from Kellenberg Memorial High School performing at the parade. (Photo by Natalia Ventura)

LEGAL NOTICES

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“Company”) that it has led with the New York State Public Service Commission (“Commission”) proposed tari revisions to its Schedule for Gas Service, PSC No.1 – GAS, to become e ective, on a temporary basis, April 1, 2023.

These revisions have been led in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 12, 2021 in Case 19-G-0310. The table below compares the Company’s current rates (prior to April 1, 2023) to rates e ective April 1, 2023 by service classi cation. E ective April 1, 2023, $2.5 million has been removed from base delivery rates to be collected through the ‘Rate Adjustment Clause’. The Rate Adjustment Clause is a separate surcharge that will be included in the Delivery Rate Adjustment line on customers’ bills.

S.C. No. 1A, 5-1A – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C.

1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

S.C No. 15, 5-15 – High Load Factor Service Monthly

S.C. No. 16, 5-16 – Year-Round Space Conditioning Service

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 1 –Less than 1MW

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 2 –Equal to or greater than 1 MW but less than 5 MW

– Multi-Family Service

S.C. 9, 5-9 – Uncompressed Natural Gas Vehicle Service

S.C. 17 – Baseload Distributed Generation – Rate 3 –Equal to or greater than 5 MW but less than 50 MW

No change for the delivery rates for S.C. No. 1B-DG, 5-1B-DG – Distributed Generation & S.C. 18 / 19 – Non-Firm Demand Response Sales and Transportation Service.

These revisions have been led in compliance with the Commission’s Order issued August 12, 2021 in Case 19-G-0310. Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Home/Bills-Meters-and-Rates/ or the PSC’s website (dps.ny.gov).

KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a

GRID

SANTOS WATCH Crossing The Red/Blue Line

Bipartisan electeds increasingly turn from, or target, Rep. George Santos

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

Public tension between Representative George Santos (NY-03) and fellow Republicans continues to heat up as spring slowly heads to Long Island.

Firstly, the House Ethics Committee announced in the beginning of March that it has opened a formal investigation into Rep. Santos, seeking to examine via investigative subcommittee whether Santos “engaged in unlawful activity” during his 2022 run for Congress.

As NPR reported, “The probe will also determine whether Santos violated federal conflict of interest laws and whether he “engaged in sexual misconduct” toward an individual who was seeking a job in the freshman congressman’s House office. Santos has denied that allegation.”

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

Publishers of Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot

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The official portrait of U.S. Representative George Santos (R, NY-03).

(Public domain)

The Ethics Committee noted in its statement that opening an investigation “does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.” On Twitter, a statement posted to Santos’ account said the congressman is “fully cooperating,” with “no further comment made at this time.”

Public displays of distancing have also increased from both local and national electeds, including Santos’ Republican peers.

On March 7, Representative Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) introduced a pair of bills, entitled the “No Fame for Fraud Resolution” and the “No Fortune for Fraud Act,” which seem to directly target Rep. Santos, whether it passes or simply

stands on record.

Fellow Republican Reps. Nick Lalota, Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, Nick Langworthy and Brandon Williams co-sponsored the package of bills.

D’Esposito and colleagues said the bills would prevent members of Congress who violate certain election laws and other federal statutes from receiving compensation for ‘selling their story’ in the form of books, public appearances, and so on.

As Victor Nava reported for the New York Post, Rep. Lalota (NY-01) referenced Santos directly during a press conference: “He’s trying to use his new infamy to enrich himself, to further what he set out to do three years ago, to use his persona as a public figure to enrich himself.” Santos responded with criticism of his Nassau County neighbor, D’Esposito, in short order on Twitter.

Olivia Beavers wrote for the

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Helping Your Anxious Child

Clinicians have noticed a significant increase in referrals for children experiencing symptoms of anxiety, especially in light of the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Schools had shut down for a lengthy period; kids were isolated at home and away from their friends; many families faced food insecurities and job loss; and family members and school staff were contracting the virus and dying.

Although we appear to have entered a less deadly phase in the pandemic, its psychological impacts are far from over. Understandably, parents want to know if their child’s feelings of anxiety will pass in time or if those feelings should be addressed by a mental health expert.

First, let’s start with some of the signs to look for to determine if your child is experiencing a level of anxiety that may best be managed with professional treatment.

PARENTING PLUS

Linda Thomas-Batson

activities that they would normally engage in and enjoy.

2 Your child is experiencing headaches, stomachaches, sweating and/or heart racing, and it is not connected to any other illness.

aggressive and irritable without a reasonable explanation.

6. They are exhibiting increased problems with separating from you or require a great deal of reassurance that everything will be alright.

7. Lastly, they have become overly critical of themselves, worried about failing in school or reluctant to participate in an activity because they are afraid of not performing well or being negatively perceived by their peers. If these symptoms describe your child and interfere with their ability to perform in school, home or outside activities, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional either at school or a mental health clinic to further explore the matter.

to cope with them.

2 Avoiding things that make us worry or frighten us does not teach us to cope; in fact, it actually makes symptoms worse. Therefore, learning to understand those feelings and what to do when anxieties arise is the best approach.

3. Parents should take a supportive, positive and realistic approach to children’s fears and worries. Dismissing their feelings or telling them to tough it out often makes things worse.

4. Parents can recognize their child’s feelings and help them to express those feelings by listening to their concerns.

online outlet Politico on March

5 The most important thing is to show your child acceptance and love and, if necessary, secure the appropriate help to treat the problem.

Linda Thomas-Batson, LMSW, is a clinical social worker at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Long Island’s leading children’s mental health organization. She has worked in the field of social work for more than 40 years, specializing in working with children who experience symptoms of ADHD, PTSD and trauma, with a focus in family therapy. To reach the Guidance Center, call 516-626-1971.

cop who give cops a bad name. Spare me.’”

1

. Your child is worrying a lot more than usual, and it is not warranted by any particular events in their lives at the present moment. Their feelings of worry do not go away after a reasonable amount of time, and they are preventing them from participating in

3

. You may notice that all of a sudden, they are avoiding people, situations or places that they used to enjoy or other children would likely enjoy.

4. Their worrying has affected their ability to fall asleep, remain asleep through the night or sleep by themselves.

5 Their behavior has changed, and they have become more

Here are some things to consider when making the decision on whether or not to seek help, in addition to some steps you can take prior to seeking the help of a professional.

1. A qualified therapist will work with your child to help them manage anxiety symptoms and learn to function with those feelings. They will be taught to identify and understand their emotions and then learn strategies

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7: “After D’Esposito spearheaded a bill clearly aimed at Santos, designed to prevent members convicted of certain offenses from then profiting off their story in the form of book deals, paid speeches, or movie and TV contracts, the Long Islander pushed back on Twitter. “‘Coming from a man who lost his NYPD issued GUN while he was DJ’ing at a party!’ ... [Santos tweeted] before deleting his post. ‘You sir are the example of a bad

Beaver explained, “Santos appeared to be citing, in part, a New York Daily News report that found D’Esposito had been docked vacation days on two separate occasions, including once in 2015 for having his firearm stolen out of his vehicle and another time in 2007 after working as a DJ and serving alcohol ‘without authority or permission to do so.’ Santos in his tweet conflated the two.”

Our company has grown

The story of Coach Realtors began in 1954, with a mission to champion, inspire and lead Long Island’s best real estate agents. Throughout the decades we have grown and nurtured our brand with care and thought, and provided exceptional real estate service to our ever-growing list of satisfied clients.

Today, we are proud announce exciting news and the unparalleled growth of our brokerage.

Coach Realtors is partnering with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned residential real estate company in the world.

This bold partnership has allowed Howard Hanna l Coach Realtors to become the #1 real estate company in the state of New York!

Home buyers and home sellers working with our company will continue to experience our personal care and attentiveness now enhanced by a robust suite of services to achieve their goals. We look forward to working with you!

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Howard ’Hoby’ Hanna, LP Finn, Whitney Finn LaCosta and Bob LaCosta

(Left to Right) Howard ’Hoby’ Hanna IV, LP Finn III, Whitney Finn LaCosta and Bob LaCosta

Owners of Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors

HOME & DESIGN

This charming six bedroom center hall colonial is situated on 2.52 professional landscape acres with pool at 11 Laurel Ln. in the Locust Valley village of Matinecock. This newly renovated home sold on Jan. 10 for $2,750,000. Its sunlight filled living room with wood burning fireplace leads to a covered porch for entertaining. The eat-in-kitchen including custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and premium appliances opens to a bluestone patio. The elegant dining room and family room has a natural gas fireplace. The two-and-a-half car garage has an adjoining custom mudroom. Two powder rooms on the first floor complete this level. The second floor has a primary room with two walk-in closets and ensuite bath, four additional bedrooms, a laundry room and two bathrooms. The outdoor living space has open and covered terraces offering incredible privacy for the pool. This home is conveniently located near transportation, schools and shopping.

Watch Out For Whales In New York’s Waters

Humpback whales are the most common whale seen in New York’s waters. The Atlantic Ocean humpback whale population has been increasing in recent years and they were federally delisted as endangered in 2016. More whales have been observed overwintering in our nearshore waters, likely due to climate change, increased food abundance and water quality. Vessel strikes and gear entanglement are the most significant threats to whales along New York’s shores and were the cause of many of the recent whale death able to be identified to date. DEC, in cooperation with NOAA and its stranding response partners, strives to respond to all whale stranding and mortality events to collect data and biological samples from the animal. Completing a necropsy is a priority for each stranding to help determine cause of death. If you come across a stranded marine mammal in New York, remain a safe and legal distance from the animal and call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631369-9829 to report its location.

Reports of marine mammal and sea turtle

sightings from the public are crucial to helping the response team collect vital information about our local marine animal populations. Send your sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles to sightings@amseas.org. NOAA administers vessel speed reduction zones which include both mandatory (Seasonal Management Areas) and voluntary (Slow Zones) speed reduction areas for vessels to reduce the likelihood of deaths and injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with vessels. In the Seasonal Management Areas, all vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots to reduce the threat of vessel collisions. Slow Zones are triggered when three or more right whales are recorded in an area. In these areas, all vessels are encouraged to travel less than 10 knots.

In 2022, NOAA proposed regulations that would broaden the requirements of mandatory speed reduction zones to further protect North Atlantic whales. Slow Zones provide added protection to all whales and marine mammals.

—Department of Environmental Conservation

This fabulous Colonial home at 500 Chicken Valley Rd. the village of Matinecock sold on Dec. 20 for $2,500,000. It sits on eight bucolic acres overlooking a large serene pond with seasonal wildlife. The home has gracious entertaining rooms for easy indoor and outdoor access, lending to wonderful sunsets. The home, built in 1960, is on a full house generator. It is centrally located near schools and shopping. It has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. It has natural gas, forced air and central air conditioning. It has a two-car attached garage.

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.

DESIGN & DÉCOR

TREAT YOUR WINDOWS

INSIDE

Design books to inspire DIY toolbox

How To Prepare Your Garden For Spring

BY KATIE JACOBS specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

The cold winter months can seem to stretch on forever for those of us who love our lawns and gardens! Instead of staying shut indoors, why not make the most of your time and bundle up for some springtime lawn prep?

Some planning and work on the front end will help make your garden all the better and spring garden maintenance more manageable. Here is a short checklist of items to work on this winter.

Get Your Tools Ready

Winter is a great time to dust off your spring tools and arrange for any cleaning or repairs needed. It’s also the time to take stock of what might be missing from your shed that you’ll need come springtime. Think about items like your mower, garden spreader, blower, rakes, shovels, etc. There is nothing more frustrating than going to do yard work on a beautiful spring day only to realize that the tools and equipment you need either aren’t there or don’t work.

Clean Up Beds

Get the not-so-fun task of cleaning up the beds in your yard out of the way during winter so that in the springtime, you’ll be able to enjoy planting and seeing the

plants and flowers you cut back thrive with new growth.

Clip away anything that didn’t make it through the winter or needs pruning and think about making room for new plants and flowers. Think about adding fresh straw or mulch to beds if needed.

Create A Spring Planting Plan

If it’s just too cold and miserable to be outside but you still want to get a jump start on your spring garden, get your creative juices flowing and create a spring lawn and garden plan.

Think about what you’d like to grow, what grows best in shade versus sun and begin to map out where things will go in relation to what you already have growing. Taking time to draw up a plan will prove beneficial in the end as opposed to figuring things out as you go...things like timing and placement are important.

Select A Spring Fertilizer

Temperatures are finally starting to warm

up and the arrival of spring draws closer. As temperatures increase, soil temperatures also increase and this creates different conditions within the soil. Your garden will require certain nutrients at this time.

Pull Winter Weeds & Get Rid Of Pests

Garden weed control is much easier to tackle on the front end, so now is the time to get rid of those weeds that will hamper spring growth. It might seem like everything is either dormant or dead in the winter, but not those pesky weeds! They seem to hang on no matter what.

Go ahead and rid your lawn and beds of weeds so that you will have healthy soil to plant your spring plants and flowers in the spring. Be sure to apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent spring and summer weeds.

Pests are another issue that will quickly get out of control come springtime, so consider pre-treating your garden with a broad-spectrum insecticide to make sure that grub worms in your garden don’t move in. Want to learn more about achieving a great lawn? Visit www.sodsolutions.com to check out more Sod University tips.

—Katie Jacobs writes for Sod Solutions.

Careful planning makes for a successful garden.

Gotcha Covered

North

Shore window treatment expert shares what’s trending

BY CHRISTY HINKO

Far from the miles of dark heavy fabric and ornate cornices and double row curtain rods of the olden days, today’s homeowners are flocking to lighter and airy window treatment designs.

“People are going for simplicity, the cleanest, most simple look and they are doing that in a variety of ways from Roman shades with a crisp bottom or a clean roller shade and no valance,” said Graham Byers, president and window treatment expert for Gotcha Covered North Shore. “They are looking for subtle textures rather than bold patterns, seeking out fabrics for a cellular, roller or wood shades that have a wonderful texture in them, but that offers variations in color and density. It’s not loud or drawing attention to itself and it creates a luxurious feel without having it go overboard.”

Byers said the trends in window treatment choices are consistent with broader interior design trends as well.

“I don’t see homeowners going toward strong colors, in line with bold color trends that get talked about,” he said. “Homeowners want something that they’re going to like this year, as much as they’re going to like it in five years.”

Re-doing major decor elements, like furniture, window treatments and

flooring, too frequently is not popular.

“People are choosing neutrals and subtler tones, even in reds and blues, but that are more muted,” Byers said. “You want to bring color into your room, but not so much that you are like, ‘Wow, this is great, but now I have to change it next week,’ it has to be something you can live with.”

Of all window treatment options, Byers said shades are the most popular choice for decorating.

“I’ve got a lot of clients who have got elaborate top treatments, valances, swags and cascades of fabrics; it’s just really heavy stuff,” he said. “They are choosing shades because they fit the window frame; they are not these big, huge pieces of fabric that cover so much more than the window; shades are light and airy.

He said the most popular choice is a single roller shade, minus the valance across the top. The roller shade is a low-maintenance choice because when it’s up, it is out of sight and when it’s down it is just a piece of hanging fabric.

“It barely attracts dust and dirt and now

a lot of the new materials have a coating on the fabrics that repel dust,” Byers said. “They are much easier to clean and maintain.”

Long gone are the days of formal drapery, although Byers said he does still get occasional requests for drapery; if that is what the customer wants, that is what he is prepared to deliver.

“It is almost like window treatments are taking a step back so that other things in the room can shine,” he said.

The typical timeframe from consultation to installation is approximately four to six weeks.

Byers, who has been in the window treatment business for two years, said that post-pandemic production and manufacturing has nearly returned to normal, but there are times when a single component is not available and can delay the process significantly.

If you are planning a renovation project or making major changes to your windows, it is best to schedule the window treatments consultation for after the new windows are in place.

“Window treatments are custom to an eighth of an inch (shutters are custom to a 16th of an inch), so it’s really precise,” he said. “I have been in a lot of houses where homeowners have ordered something

themselves from somewhere online and they do their own measurements. They have these huge gaps on the sides that just don’t fit the way they’re supposed to.”

He said they might have measured correctly, but they do not have the expertise of how the fabric falls or where the gaps in coverage will be.

“Maybe they did not know that this kind of shade has a deduction of two inches, or the fabric is an inch, and a half less,” he added.

If you want new window treatments, you want to do it after you put new windows in because inevitably, the size of the window might change by a half of an inch or the molding ends up being narrower.

“I always wanted to start my own business,” Byers said. “It was the right thing for me at just the right time.”

He works closely with his wife, who is an interior designer. The duo often collaborates on design projects.

“When I am working with any designer, I let them lead with the fabric,” he said. “I bring the vision to life.”

Ready to get started? Visit www. gotchacovered.com/north-shore or call 516-701-0141 to find inspiration and to book a consultation.

Christina Byers Design

Design With Inspiration

Check out these new book titles for home interior and design inspiration

1Arranging Things by Colin King

3

McAlpine by Bobby McAlpine

New York–based stylist Colin King shares his wisdom and insights for cultivating beauty in our everyday surroundings—composing objects into simple, sophisticated vignettes that enrich our homes and our lives. The go-to stylist for many of the world’s leading brands and publications, King is a regular contributor to Architectural Digest, T, Ark, and Rum magazines. He collaborates regularly with West Elm, Anthropologie, Zara Home, Crate & Barrel, and Roman and Williams Guild and has his own celebrated product lines with Beni Rugs and Menu, with more in the works. 2

Heirloom Rooms by Erin Napier

Erin Napier, designer, host of HGTV’s Home Town, and author of Make Something Good Today, returns with a gorgeously illustrated and one-of-a-kind celebration of the homes we live in and love. Our homes are more than an assemblage of bricks and glass, wood and nails. They are the keepers of our childhood memories, our milestones, and heartaches. They evolve as we do. As a family grows and eventually retracts, a home can change hands and begin again. We are the chapters in the book of a house. They carry on after we are gone, setting the stage for another story, a new life, new memories.

The work of renowned firm McALPINE has always communicated the power of romanticism, speaking directly to the heart through the beauty and poetry of the home. Tapping diverse influences, the residences draw from architectural languages ranging from Elizabethan and Dutch to colonial Caribbean and agrarian American. The book opens with Bobby McAlpine’s own newly designed house, featuring exquisite spaces that are modern in expression but classical in order and balance. Other projects include a white-on-white neoclassical pavilion-bythe-sea in the Bahamas; a masonry dwelling in the rolling hills of Virginia; a quintessential American country house in Tennessee that combines the familiarity of a farmhouse with crisp minimalism; and an exuberant house sited on the edge of a pastoral golf course in Alabama. Freely choosing from architecture’s treasury, the assembly of houses is familiar, bold, and surprising, all at the same time—reflecting the complexity of the human experience. 4

Sacred Spaces by Carley Summers

Before she became an internationally renowned designer and photographer, Carley Summers suffered from alcoholism and addiction, spending nights in jail, the emergency room, and rehab. As someone who celebrates recovery today, she knows firsthand the importance of a warm and inviting home. Summers uses her life experience and her craft to ensure that the homes she photographs and designs are comforting, healing spaces to live and grow in. Sacred Spaces takes readers on a beautifully photographed journey inside fourteen homes, from North Carolina and California to Canada, France, and Morocco, as Summers uncovers the vulnerable stories behind each one: a mother who uses her kitchen to heal her son with food, a woman who found her sanctuary after overcoming childhood abuse, and more. She even offers a tour of her mother’s home and her own.

Nine Must-Have Tools For Your Tool Box

A well-stocked tool box is necessary for homeowners and renters to do basic home repairs and simple DIY projects. From hanging pictures to assembling furniture, a good set of tools lets you take on all types of projects instead of calling somebody else to get the job done.

Tape Measure

The golden rule of DIY is to measure twice and cut once. You need a tape measure to do this. A 12-foot tape measure is long enough for most homeowners’ needs. It’s also small enough to fit in a drawer or tool box and won’t break your budget.

Unless you are building a shed or tackling a larger DIY project, avoid the contractor-grade 25-foot tape measures which are heavy and expensive.

Ball Peen Hammer

A traditional claw hammer is a must for construction, but an 8-ounce ball peen hammer is better for DIYers for tapping picture hangers into walls or making light-duty repairs.

A ball peen hammer is lightweight, takes up less space in a tool box, and has no sharp claw to navigate around, making it a better choice for general household use.

Screwdrivers

A good set of screwdrivers can help with a range of home improvement tasks

from installing overhead lights to changing cabinet pulls. You need at least three different sizes of flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers to cover most jobs.

A multi-bit screwdriver has interchangeable screwdriver heads and will take up less room in your tool box, but it’s easy to misplace one of those bits. If you’ve got more space, buy a screwdriver set. A good set of screwdrivers could last you the rest of your life.

Adjustable Wrench

A pair of high-quality adjustable wrenches can take the place of multiple wrench sets. An 8-inch wrench hits the sweet spot for most projects, but if you plan on doing light plumbing or other heavier home repairs consider buying a full set of standard and metric wrenches.

Utility Knife

A utility knife or box cutter is the most used item in your tool box. Utility knives are indispensable for opening packages as well as any household task that requires cutting, scraping and scoring. Keep one in your tool

box, but keep a second one in your kitchen drawer or somewhere else for easy access. A folding pocket knife can do the same tasks, but if you want to keep your blade sharp opt for a utility knife that uses replaceable blades.

Torpedo Level

You need a sturdy, 9-inch torpedo level for hanging shelves, mirrors or televisions straight. Hang them with no level, and they’ll end up crooked. Look for a level with a bubble that is easy to see and can take both horizontal and vertical measurements. It’s also good to have a level with built-in magnets which can help you go hands-free and make small adjustments to a metal surface.

Hex Keys

Hex keys are also known as allen wrenches or allen keys. Hex keys can be used to tighten bike seat posts and assemble flat pack furniture. Sometimes products include hex keys with the instructions but having your own set with longer handles will make the job much easier. A full set of allen wrenches in standard and metric sizes will get more use around your home than you realize.

Socket Wrench Set

If you plan to do any mechanical or auto repair, you will need a good socket wrench set. Choose one with a 3/8” drive to cover most uses and sockets in standard and metric sizes.

Unless you are a mechanic, you don’t need those giant sets with 50 or more sockets. You’ll be fine with a socket set half that size.

Personal Protection Equipment

Personal protection equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, work gloves and hearing protection. Keep these items in your tool box so you have no excuse not to use them. Use safety glasses any time you are striking or grinding something, as well as during yard work or working on something overhead that might cause dust or debris to fall.

Work gloves prevent splinters and protect your hands from minor nicks and scratches. Leather work gloves are the most durable and are ideal for gardening and heavy-duty applications. Nitrile work gloves allow for the most feel and will keep your hands dry and clean. But a good multipurpose work glove can cover almost every job.

Use hearing protection around loud equipment such as lawn mowers or heavy machinery. Earmuffs offer the most protection, but ear plugs are smaller and easier to carry. Still need more information on what tools to get? Visit www.lowes.com to watch the DIY Basics video series and view tool buying guides to help you find the right tools for your project.

—Reprinted courtesy of Lowe’s

The right tools make projects easy. Lowe’s

Easy And Eye-Catching

Home design on a budget

Are you bored looking at the same old decor around your house? Maybe it’s time for a change. If a slim budget is holding you back from updating your space, here are six ideas to help refresh your home that will cost about $100 or less.

Wallpaper a Nook

For a big impact at a low cost, wallpaper a reading nook, an alcove or a study space. Today’s fantastic wallpapers range from retro florals to zingy geometrics, and at less than $15 a roll in the discount bins at your favorite home store, it’s a statement you can afford to make.

Create a Sticker Backsplash

If tile is too expensive, consider a backsplash made of peel and stick, waterproof stickers. Just peel and apply them to a clear, flat surface. At a cost of $30 or less for 16 stickers, you can bring a whole new look to your kitchen.

Highlight Your Front Door

Choose a stand-out paint color that says ‘Welcome.’ Add a jazzy new house number, a cool door mat and, if the budget will allow it, a bright new door knocker.

Install Crown Molding

Add elegance to a living or dining room with do-it-yourself crown molding. Depending on the size of your room, you can find peel and stick kits, including pre-cut corner pieces, beginning at around $100. Solid wood molding costs up to $4 a foot, but since it’s hard to see at least eight feet above your head, you can opt for a vinyl look-alike for less.

Plant a Window Box

Up your home’s curb appeal with a cheerful window box or two, featuring foliage and flowers that complement the home’s exterior. The boxes are available at most home stores all year long for less than $100 each.

Hang a Gallery Wall

Make your house feel more like home with a gallery wall displaying treasured framed photos, your favorite artwork and even some of your kids’ fabulous artwork and/or posters. A failsafe way to do this is to create paper cut-outs of each framed piece and arrange them on the floor to your satisfaction first, before you start banging nails into the wall. Visit www.onekeymls.com for more home tips, real estate advice and market statistics.

Accent a wall with wallpaper. Choose

Sticker backsplashes are easy to install. Window planters add curb appeal.

Mix and match art with a gallery wall.

Crown moulding is classic.

Experience

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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

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PHOTOGRAPHY’S MOMENT

NOWTHROUGHMARCH 5

Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-4:45 pm

A Celtic Carousal Comes To Long Island

Behind the scenes with Flogging Molly

Dennis Casey’s Fresh Tunes For Flogging Molly Fans

In recent conversation with Flogging Molly guitarist Dennis Casey, he was asked to recommend three bands that a fan would enjoy but that they might not have heard of. These were his recomendations:

Skinny Lister

Formed in London, and currently opening for Flogging Molly and AntiFlag on their current tour. Their fast paced folk influenced tunes will have any packed barroom hoisting their beer and shouting along to every song.

Flogging Molly, formed in Los Angeles by native Irishman Dave King in the mid 1990s, took its name from an Irish pub called Molly Malone’s, where they spent their early days as the house band. Front man King, with his distinct Brogue and acoustic guitar, continued to add members to the band from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Many of the current band members are a diverse group of musicians King met at Molly Malone’s and asked to join the band, each member adding diversity and nuance to their complex sound. The current lineup is founder and vocalist / guitarist Dave King; King’s wife, Bridget Regan, on violin, tin whistle and vocals; Dennis Casey on guitar and vocals; Matt Hensley on accordion and concertina; Nathan Maxwell on bass and vocals; Spencer Swain on mandolin and banjo and Mike Alonso on drums.

As the band grew, so did their following. Known for their rigorous touring schedule, the band spends months on the road every year playing to packed venues of all sizes, performing at music festivals and headlining one of the most unique cruises imaginable.

Style of music

The band recently took the stage with their unique assortment of instruments at Huntington’s Paramount Theater. The result was raucous punk rock verve, blended seamlessly with Celtic melodies and a sea of undulating bodies, electrified by the energy that Flogging Molly brings to every show. The attendees ranged from school age kids to seniors, the result of having drawn fans with their eclectic sound and energy for approximately 25 years.

While many bands may fit neatly into

a particular genre, a band as diverse as Flogging Molly can be more difficult to classify, but it is often referred to as Celtic punk. Longtime Flogging Molly guitarist and former Long Islander Dennis Casey put it this way:

“It’s kind of hard to do in a tagline because we’re people with really diverse backgrounds and we bring all kinds of influences to it, but Dave King, being from Ireland, I would definitely say there is a Celtic element of the band for sure as well as the instrumentation. He writes a lot about Ireland. And so I would say that’s a pretty good summation of what we are”.

Spend some time listening to the bands seven studio albums, and the band’s range immediately becomes apparent. From the slower more acoustic folk songs such as “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” to the strident electrified “Seven Deadly Sins” to “Whats Left Of The Flag” where King’s mournful lyrics and solemn acoustic accompaniment are set ablaze with a strum of Caseys overdriven guitar, Flogging Molly maintains a continuous musical thread through a diverse palette of songs.

Touring

Spending a lot of time on the road is a large part of what Flogging Molly has been known for. Over the years they’ve been all over North America and Europe and have toured in Japan. Casey had this to say about touring in Japan: “I remember we played Japan and the first time we went there... It’s such a completely different vibe. And

Flogging Molly made an appearance at The Paramount in Huntington.

I’ve been very fortunate to be able to do that.” He added “playing that far (away) and then having people know your music it was just kind of mind boggling. It blew me away, wow, our music is resonating halfway around the world.”

Pandemic

For a group of musicians who spend so much of their lives traveling and interacting with large groups of people, the recent pandemic had an enormous impact on the band. Casey put it this way: “in the beginning, there is this chaos, like What the hell’s happening? We were on tour and we went into California and, we saw it coming and then, everything shut down and so there was this state of fear, and the unknown, everybody staying home and realizing I may never do this again. What I do for a living is very people oriented, people in large groups.” As a father of four Casey was also quick to point out the silver lining: being able to spend time with his family. “The pandemic was a blessing and a curse for our band, because in the more than 25 years that we’ve been doing this, we never got to spend a lot of time with our families, and this is just the way I looked at it. We all did. I got four kids. I was gone most of their lives, to be able to stay home that long was what’s so beautiful for me.”

In addition to the time spent with family, members of the band also extended a life line of sorts. King and Regan streamed songs from in front of the fireplace of their home in

Fontaines D.C.

This Dublin, Ireland band started in 2017. Their lyrics alone are well worth a glance, but coupled with their incredibly catchy post-punk style melodies, they will likely become a favorite of anyone who listens.

Idles

Hailing from Bristol, England, Idles are intense and driven. With their raw, often frenzied lyrics, propelled forward by breakneck rhythms, Idles are a force of nature. Amidst the chaos of each song, however, they manage to maintain a cadence that draws you along as only a great band can do.

Ireland, and Casey posted a series of guitar lessons on the band’s YouTube channel. Whether they were aware of it or not, they provided a much welcomed continuity at a time of uncertainty for many fans of live music.

Salty Dog

With the lockdowns and restrictions behind us, hopefully for good, one of the most unique aspects of their touring is back up and running. Salty Dog Cruises is a multiday Caribbean cruise started by Flogging Molly nearly 10 years ago. The cruise features multiple bands, tattooing, a half pipe, even music lessons with Flogging Molly. Casey put it this way: “I was really skeptical in the beginning when the idea came up. I remember I got on the boat and the first two people I met were from Belgium and I was like …this could be pretty good. It’s just it’s a big party. There’s the vibe that people are just there to have a great time.” If there’s one down side to Salty Dog cruises, it’s that those considering booking a ticket don’t have much time to ponder the decision. The cruise usually sells out within weeks.

Flogging Molly’s latest album Anthem was released this past September. For more information, see www.floggingmolly.com.

(Photo courtesy Katie Hovland)

‘‘

...we’re people with really diverse backgrounds and we bring all kinds of influences to it, but Dave King, being from Ireland, I would definitely say there is a Celtic element of the band for sure.’’

—Dennis Casey

NO TO CASINO AT COLISEUM SITE!

The proposed construction of a casino at the site of Nassau Veterans Coliseum in the predominantly Black and Brown community of Uniondale, New York, would be a destructive decision that could negatively impact neighboring Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, and

BRACING FOR IMPACT

The news that local leaders in Garden City voted to officially stand against the proposed Nassau County casino floated by Las Vegas Sands Corporation is music to the ears to those of us who have been saying NO all along. This is the third attempt by developers to bring a casino to this part of the county and although the pushbacks by community members have been sustained and tremendous, developers keep coming with different versions of the same thing.

Although the action by Garden City leaders is encouraging, the final decision rests with the county Legislature, and if we are to take a cue from Legislator Siela Bynoe’s (D- Westbury) letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Las

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Nassau. Casinos have long-term colleagues such as gambling addiction, crime, and prostitution, that are not in the best interest of the residents of Nassau County, the students at Hofstra University, and Nassau Community College. As well as the struggling cancer

Vegas Sands Corp., published in the Nassau Illustrated News, the decision could go either way based on his response. Bynoe posed the following pointed questions to the CEO:

“Provide my office with data specifically outlining the number and nature of employment that were created in similarly positioned host communities; the salary and benefits associated with each; professional development and advancement opportunities that are 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; identify local hiring plans that were implemented; the extent to which

patients at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Nassau. This effort could rob, rape, and ruin the lives of many broken, battered, and bruised Nassau County residents, students from home and abroad, and cancer patients, fighting the forward fight to survive.

Efforts to weaken the Black and

these goals were achieved; steps that were taken by your organization to achieve those targets.”

Bynoe asked other questions similarly along the lines of employment and employment opportunities, including opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) and disadvantaged business enterprises. (DBE)

I will not be surprised if this is the way most politicians will decide to go: seek assurance for jobs and employment opportunities from these business people, especially since urban casinos are on the rise in the northeast. According to the data, three major urban cities – New York (NYC), Philadelphia and Baltimore/ Washington, D.C., collectively

Brown vote through redistricting in America’s largest township, the Town of Hempstead, and one of America’s richest counties, Nassau County, literally adds insult to injury. The corrupt trinity of environmental racism, classism, and sexism, baptized in pure greed, wants possession of the very soul of

opened seven casinos from 2004 to 2012. The promise of jobs and employment opportunities seems to be the lure, but critics and opposers argue that there is a symbiotic relationship between casinos and local neighboring communities that could potentially increase problem gambling and have severe economic consequences such as economic distress, homelessness, mental disorders, and domestic violence. Detractors also make the association between the proliferation of undesirable businesses such as pawn shops, pay day loans, and check cashing stores- not exactly what some see as economic development. I will also not be surprised if Legislator Bynoe receives glowing reports to her many questions

our beloved township and county. The concerned residents of the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County must stand up, speak up, and seriously fight the forward fight for our future and survival.

Pastor Arthur L. Mackey Jr., Senior Pastor, Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cathedral

which will help her to make a decision, especially since they are in a business in which the “house” never loses. They might even throw in a few “sweeteners” as sales people often do with hard to sell products. I am under no illusion that this fight will result in the same outcome as the previous two, since there are so many heavy hitters involved; the public relations officer is former governor David Patterson, County Executive Bruce Blakeman is a major backer and chief cheerleader and I believe so is Governor Kathy Hochul. It might be akin to a David vs Goliath battle, but like David, we are not deterred and are bracing for impact but prepared for a soft landing.

Chester McGibbon, Westbury

New York State’s Schools For The Disabled Urge Governor Hochul To Reinstate Funding

The 4201Schools Association, which represents 11 schools serving children who are blind, deaf, and severely physically disabled, announced that a letter was delivered to Governor Hochul requesting that $2 million be reinstated in her Executive Budget before the 30-day amendment deadline on March 1.

The Association’s 11 member schools, which are located in Erie, Monroe, Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, support nearly 1,400 students across the state. All of the schools rely on the state’s investment in growth to meet the increasing needs of the student population served and to retain specially trained and qualified teachers, clinicians, and other staff.

“Our schools were extremely disappointed that Governor Hochul has proposed a massive funding increase to public

school districts while reducing our operational budget by $2 million. Our children deserve every opportunity available to students attending public schools. We’re urging the Governor to reconsider her proposal during the 30-day amendment period, and make our schools whole,” said Dr. Bernadette Kappen, chair of the 4201 Schools Association and executive director of The New York Institute for Special Education.

The 4201 Schools Association represents 11 schools located in Erie, Monroe, Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. The schools support nearly 1,400 students who are blind, deaf, and severely physically disabled from across New York State, and are nationally recognized for their expertise and achievement.

—Submitted by the 4201 Schools of New York State

EPA AWARDS GRANT TO CUNY JAMAICA FOR POLLUTION STUDY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $21,410,211 in grant funding to 16 institutions for community-based research to examine how climate change may compound adverse environmental conditions and stressors for vulnerable populations in underserved communities. EPA Region 2 has three organizations slated to receive $4 million in grant funding from this total.

The environmental and health effects of climate change are far reaching. Some communities are more vulnerable because they already face greater exposure to pollutants and lack the resources to respond to and cope with environmental stressors. These communities may be more likely to suffer sustained or even permanent damage from the impacts of climate change, further worsening health disparities. Additionally, children, older adults, and people with disabilities or pre-existing health conditions may be more susceptible.

These grants will support research projects that will use community-based participatory research approaches that aim to empower the partnering underserved communities with science-based resilience-building solutions to protect their most vulnerable residents. The grants are provided as part of the EPA’s Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions funding opportunity. The following institution in New York is receiving an award:

City University of New York – York College, Jamaica, New York, Studying Air Pollution-Health-Climate Interactions for People of Color in Southeast Queens, NY: A CommunityBased Project

City University of New York is receiving an award $1,344,622 for Studying Air Pollution-Health-Climate

Interactions for People of Color in Southeast Queens, NY under a Community-Based Project.

CUNY works with underserved communities in Southeast Queens near multiple solid waste treatment and transport facilities. Employing community-participatory research to empower the communities with information that can be used to inform state/local decision makers and city planners for mitigative actions. Poor air quality, whether outdoors or indoors, can negatively affect the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Outdoor ground-level ozone and particle pollution can have a range of adverse effects on human health. Current levels of ground-level ozone have been estimated to be responsible for tens of thousands of hospital and emergency room visits, millions of cases of acute respiratory symptoms and school absences, and thousands of premature deaths each year in the United States.

—Submitted by The EPA

Leaving Has Consequences

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

The year 2022 was not a good one for New York State. For decades, losing residents has been a problem in the Empire State. Last year was no different.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), up to 300,000 people left New York state in 2022. The whys of people leaving continues to perplex local leaders. The old bugbears of real estate prices and where new jobs are now located are always mentioned, but there may be other factors.

All this is part of a nationwide trend, also in the works for several decades. In 2022, California, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, lost 350,000 residents, followed by Illinois (140,000), New Jersey (64,231), Massachusetts (57,292), and Pennsylvania (39,957).

The states that attracted the newest residents in 2022 were Florida (444,484) Texas (470,708), North Carolina (99,796), South Carolina (84,030), Tennessee (81,646), and Georgia (81,406).

Real estate prices, property taxes, jobs, traffic, crime, and the fiscal condition of Sun Belt states vs. those in the Northeast and the West Coast. What specifically are the differences?

Comparing Florida to New York, the average house in New York was constructed in 1957. In Florida, the median date is 1987. Up to 18 percent of all units in Florida sell for less than $100,000. In New York, that number is 5.3 percent. Real estate in the $100,000 to $199,000 price range is even in both states, 23 percent each. After that, the gap increases. Houses in the $200,000 to $299,000 range total 23 percent of all units

in Florida, but only 14 percent in New York. In the $300,000 to $399,000 range, the number is 17 percent for Florida, but only 13 percent for New York. The Empire State does do well in high-end housing. Real estate in the $400,000 to $499,000 range accounts for 13 percent of sales in New York, but only 8 percent in Florida. Homes in the $500,000 and higher range make up 32 percent of all sales in New York, but just 12 percent the Sunshine State.

New Yorkers know about property taxes. There is also the income tax. New Yorkers’ earnings are taxed at 8.82 percent. In New Jersey, the number is 10.75 percent. Florida, Texas, and Tennessee have no state income taxes.

Traffic congestion is also more severe in states losing population. According to a study by U.S. News and World Report, the most congested cities in the country with the worst commutes are Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco. And then there is the ongoing crime problem.

By 2014, Florida had more residents than New York. That’s not all. Joey Politano, an economics writer with Apricitas Economics, has discovered that there are now more jobs in

Florida than in the Empire State.

Lack of income taxes hasn’t hurt such states as Florida, Texas, and Tennessee to increase gross income. Last year, Florida gained $23.7 billion in gross income, Texas $6.3 billion and Tennessee $2.6 billion. This allows for more expenditures for schools, roads, prisons, pay increases for state employees, plus room to reduce property taxes even further.

The population shifts have not yet amounted to a seismic change in American politics. The blue states still have more people than the reds. Such changes are possible. Since 1980, New York has lost eight congressional seats, while Florida has gained nine. In the last census, California, for the first time ever, lost a congressional seat. The exodus from blue states to red ones may, in time, peak and then level off. But if trends continue for the rest of the decade, Texas, after the 2030 census, could gain four congressional seats, Florida three, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Idaho, Arizona and Utah one each. The losers will continue to be California, New York, Illinois, and Michigan.

It’s not that New York hasn’t tried to stem the exodus. When he was governor, Andrew Cuomo proposed capping property tax increases at 2 percent for all counties outside New York City. That has worked insofar that neither Nassau nor Suffolk counties lost congressional seats in the last census.

The rest of the state has not been so fortunate. In 1950, New York stood at a zenith as the nation’s--and the world’s--leading political entity. It had 45 congressional seats. Today, New York sends 27 members to Congress. If Florida was a purple state, that might not matter. But if the Sunshine State stays red, that would have real political consequences. The red states, starting in the next decade, could elect presidents without any help from states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, not to mention coastal America.

TODAY, YOU CAN PUT A SMILE ON THE FACE OF A HUNGRY CHILD.

More than 67,000 children in Nassau and Su olk counties worry about where their next meal is coming from.

In 2022, we served more than 196,000 meals to children through our programs, but we must do better.

Kids Cafe, Pack It Up For Kids, Summer Food Service, and Aspara’Gus’ Breakfast Food Truck provide free and nutritious meals and snacks to children in need after school, on weekends and during the summer.

Lou Reed’s faith in New York

Native Plant Bank Looking For Gardening Items

Long Island Native Plant Initiative

(LINPI)is seeking the following items ahead of the spring planting season:

• Black spray paint (matte/flat/glossy, any kind)

• Wallpaper paint brush/ various paint brushes

• Dustpan and brush set

• Storage bins

• Electric pencil sharpener

• Refrigerator/walk in fridge/cooler

• Tall artist stool

• Sewing machine

• Seed cleaning screens/mesh

• Wood for frame making

• Stair tread

LINPI is located at The Sisters of St. Joseph, 1725 Brentwood Rd, Brentwood, NY. Use the entrance at Brentwood Rd and 5th Ave. Once on the property, bear left past the gymnasium at the stop sign. Proceed to the parking lot. Please park in the parking lot across from the playground and field. Walk across the field to the greenhouse. If you are handicapped, make a left turn onto the dirt road (past the playground), and turn left again at the painted RV and picnic tables. Any questions on directions, call (631)260-1513. Email info@linpi.org for more information.

The Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) is an all-volunteer cooperative effort of over 30 non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, nursery professionals, and citizens.

The mission of this organization is to protect the genetic integrity and heritage of Long Island native plant populations and thus biodiversity from a landscape to genetic level, by establishing commercial sources of genetically appropriate local (ecotypic) plant materials for use in nursery, landscaping, and habitat restoration activities.

—Submitted by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative

My Irish Rose

In the corner of the pub, I stand and raise my glass and ask the folks to drink a toast to my Irish Lass the one I left behind - the one with the Irish smile the one I left behind - the one with the Irish eyes so raise your glass and drink a toast to my Irish lass cause hope and dreams of love and life they all go by so fast

She said oh Jimmy please don’t go - you know I love you so I kissed her lips and held her tight she was my Irish rose then packed my bags with hopes and dreams and off to old New York and left her waving on the pier my rose of County Cork I said someday I would return and marry you, my lass but days and weeks turned into months as years went by so fast

In the corner of the pub I stand and raise my glass and ask the folks to drink a toast to my Irish Lass the one I left behind - the one with the Irish smile the one I left behind - the one with the Irish eyes so raise your glass and drink a toast to my Irish lass cause hope and dreams of love and life they all go by so fast

I thought someday I would return with pockets full of gold but time has not been good to me I’m a penny short of poor it took me years to find my way back to County Cork to try and find my Irish lass but she had died the year before and on her stone the words they read - Jimmy boy I loved ya so I placed a flower on her grave - god bless my Irish Rose

—Submitted by Vincent J. Kelly

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MARCH 18

APRIL 1

APRIL 6

APRIL 7

APRIL 12

APR 15 Celebrating David Bowie featuring Peter Murphy, Adrian Belew, Scrote & more

MAY 10 Matt Fraser

MAY 11 Theo Von

MAY 12 Kool & The Gang with The Spinners and Average White Band

MAY 13 Chris Janson

MAY 14 The Temptations & The Four Tops

MAY 18 Cheap Trick

MAY 21 The Marshall Tucker Band

JUN 3 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

APRIL 22

JUN 10 Happy Together Tour

JUN 23 Chicago

JUN 24 Les Claypool Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

JUN 25 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

JUL 18 Belinda Carlisle

JUL 22 Johnny Mathis

AUG 5 Air Supply

SEP 9 Lar Enterprises Presents: Oh What A Night of Rock & Roll

OCT 1 The Price is Right

DEC 12 An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katherine McPhee

BOX OFFICE IS OPEN!

WED–SAT: 12PM–5PM

SHOW DAYS: 12PM–9PM

TheTheatreAtWestbury.com

A native milkweed bloom.

(Photo by Mary Hammel courtesy of Unsplash)

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By

HOROSCOPES By

Holiday Mathis

This 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 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). What’s relaxing for you would be stressful for someone else. Doing the thing that soothes you shouldn’t be expensive on any level. If it costs you money or emotional labor, perhaps there’s another way? Get your self-soothing in this week, and don’t feel like you need to pay someone else for it. is is doable.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You will retell your life events, giving the picture a beautiful frame. Maybe the framing can’t make the art better, and maybe it can. It will de nitely help you focus better on what’s in front of you, see the beauty in it and understand how this glimpse is important to the whole room.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When people go through the motions and act right but the feeling isn’t there, you can tell. It bothers you. You want something genuine, and you should absolutely hold out for it because it will come to you. Keep the standard in mind as you go about your week. You will get what you seek and what you expect.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s all falling into place, each element dropping in a line before you, all within your reach, and there is nothing to worry about. A note: Intimacy is people being able to reciprocally share vulnerabilities with people who accept those weaknesses. If only the powerful parts are shared, it is impossible to be truly connected.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). e evolution of you is sometimes a natural progression and other times requires conscious thought and experimentation. is week, you’ll be choosing which way you want to grow. You can a ord to be daring. When it works out, you’ll sail. When it doesn’t, you’ll try the next thing and the next until you sail.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People sometimes ask questions as a means of control. You’ll love the conversation partner who asks out of sheer curiosity. You’ll have splendid exchanges. Moments of delight are in order.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your kindness radiates and emboldens you to new heights of originality. You’ll fascinate, draw a crowd, sell to them and fund an enterprise you believe wholeheartedly in. How satisfying to know you’re making the kind of di erence the world really needs now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You know who you are, you accept your traits and learn to highlight them, or work around them. Every personality trait has within it the potential to be a worst or best quality and will be both, depending on when you look. ere is a mystery in every area of life. Impressive transformations will occur right before your eyes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Accept someone’s idea for you. Your ability to prioritize and categorize will help you get to a bigger prize. You are capable of successfully making commitments you have never made before. So don’t be scared o by a prospect because it’s new. Say yes and get the experience.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Ten years ago, you did things di erently because it was a di erent you. To take advantage of a brief window of opportunity, you’ll have to move before you are ready and act before you are sure. Change is inevitable and never stops. You know what you’re doing. It’s going to work. is is the part where you just have to believe.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You express yourself in exciting ways. Only you’ve been behaving like this for so long that the way you talk, walk, dress and emote just seems very ordinary to you. You’ll gather fans and admirers. Life brings opportunities to exert yourself and learn to grow to be the person you want to be.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are creative, and a vast network of loved ones, friends and acquaintances will nd interesting ways to support you. You’ll come to appreciate yourself through the eyes of others. Money will be easier to come by. You’ll make a mag

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

Make a wish, and make it all about you. Your most sel sh birthday wish will come true immediately, and your least sel sh one will come true over time. You’ll get the help you need to close a gap and cross a bridge. A family project will be a win on many levels. More highlights: Your knack for debate gets you into a sweet deal. New people and places are in store. Your work takes on di erent meaning as the future opens options you hadn’t considered.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Heading north

Solution: 15 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 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle. Heading

Alpha Arafura Games Camp Canoe Cyclones Derby Dust Fire Flat Flood Giru

Gorges Gove Grit Halls Creek Heat Huge Ingham Innisfail Kununurra Lakes Motels Mt Isa

Museum Nebo Nets Olio Open Rest

Roma Rough Safaris Stop Swim Tambo

Thursday Island Tides

Timor Sea Tolga

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

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

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2023

CONTRACT BRIDGE

Perfect defense

By Steve Becker

bid — declarer would have had clear sailing via a straight crossruff, losing two club tricks at the end.

As it was, the opening diamond lead made it impossible for South to ruff two hearts in dummy, so he had to seek an alternative route to 11 tricks. He won the first diamond in his hand and immediately led the jack of clubs, losing the finesse to East’s queen.

East recognized that if he returned a second diamond, he could prevent declarer from ruffing any hearts in dummy, but he was concerned with an even more imminent threat — dummy’s clubs. If declarer established that suit while the ace of spades remained as an entry to dummy, he could eventually discard his losing hearts on the good clubs.

Opening lead — two of diamonds.

This deal features picture-perfect defense by East-West, who collaborated beautifully to defeat a seemingly unassailable five-diamond contract.

North-South would have been much better off in three notrump, where nine top tricks were available, but they reached the diamond game as shown. West got the defense off to a good start by leading a trump. Had West instead led a spade — the suit his partner had

East therefore set his sights on dislodging dummy’s ace of spades before declarer could draw trump and establish the clubs. And to make sure that nothing went awry, East returned the spade king!

This proved to be just what the doctor ordered. No matter what declarer did from this point on, he could not avoid losing two more tricks, and he finished down one.

Note that if East had returned any card other than the king of spades at trick three, South would have had no trouble making the contract.

Tomorrow: Defusing a threat.

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 Sudoku Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Request

for Proposal

A nonpro t organization in Plandome, NY is seeking sealed bids for replacement and installation of glass, aluminum frames, and materials for security related enhancements. This project is speci cally for the replacement and installation of glass for windows, window materials, and aluminum frames. Selection criteria will be based on experience, quali cation, knowledge of glass products and aluminum-frames systems, adherence to projected work schedule, completeness of o er, references, and cost.

Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at info@rsns.org

Bids will be accepted until Saturday, April 15th, 2023. Work is to commence by June 15th, 2023 and be completed by October 15th, 2023.

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SYOSSET

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION

OF GATEWAY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/8/2023 . Office location: NASSAU County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 95 Froehlich Farm Blvd., Woodbury, NY 11797. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

3-29-22-15-8-1; 2-22-20236T-#238947-SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Happy Life Nassau, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 2/13/2023.

Office located in Nassau. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against the LLC to:18 Holly Dr, Syosset, NY 11791.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSO-

CIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. ROBERT J. CASSANDRO, et al, Defts. Index #606853/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 3, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 13, Block 115 Lot 10. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. SCOTT SILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100125

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LEGAL NOTICE:

Notice of Formation: Chen

Legal PLLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/30/2021.

Office Loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 40 Oak Drive, Unit #1A, Syosset, NY 11791 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF NASSAU

INDEX #601172/2019

FILED: 2/9/2023

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the Place of trial. The basis of venue is: The location of real property being foreclosed. WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, against GREGORY FORNASIERO AS EXECUTOR, TRUSTEE AND TRUST BENEFICIARY UNDER THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOSEPH FORNASIERO A/K/A JOE FORNASIERO, MICHAEL FORNASIERO AS TRUSTEE AND TRUST BENEFICIARY UNDER THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOSEPH FORNASIERO

A/K/A JOE FORNASIERO, MAXINE FORNASIERO AS TRUST BENEFICIARY

UNDER THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOSEPH FORNASIERO A/K/A JOE FORNASIERO, JIM

HOLLAND, ROBERT BURGIO, and BRIAN O’MARA, if he/she/they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint, EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN F/B/O MARGARET O’NIELL IRA 20% UNDIVIDED INTEREST, Defendant(s). To the above named Defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to Answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney(s) within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default

for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P Sullivan, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Nassau County, granted on the 27th day of January, 2023, and filed with the Verified Complaint and other papers in the office of the County Clerk of Nassau County. The object of this action is to bar and forever foreclose of and from all right, title, interest, claim, lien and equity of redemption in and to real property situated in the County of Nassau being known as and by 3 Stafford Avenue, Woodbury, NY 11797, bearing tax map designation Section 14, Block 18 and Lot 2, which is more fully described in the Schedule “A” attached to the Verified Complaint. Aldridge Pite, LLP, Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 File 1175-4225B

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LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICHEARING CALENDAR NOTICE OF PUBLIC

MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions

of Chapter 246 Section 24612 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on MARCH 23, 2023, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BYORDER OFTHE ZONINGBOARDOF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 23-125

SYOSSET

HENG YONG MO Variance to allow existing 7.9 ft. by 12.2 ft. shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Alexander Dr., 981.65 ft. S/o Florence Dr., a/k/a 6 Alexander Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-126

SYOSSET

PUNEET PARASHER: (A)

Variance to construct second floor addition having less side yard setback, aggregate side yards and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (B) Variance to allow existing air conditioning unit having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Circle Dr., 281.44 ft. W/o Lincrest St., a/k/a 24 Circle Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-127

SYOSSET MONIR HOSSAIN: Variance to erect 6 ft. high fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Sunbeam Road), side/front yard (Woodbury Road) and within 30 ft. of intersection than permitted by Ordinance.

SE/ cor. of Sunbeam Rd. & Market Dr., a/k/a 1 Sunbeam Road, Syosset, NY MARCH 13, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF

Town, County, Village & City Leaders Denounce Governor’s Housing Plan

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board joined with other town, village and county officials from both Nassau and Suffolk counties to denounce the Governor’s latest plans to eliminate single-family home neighborhoods across Long Island. The plan would create high-density housing zones around every Long Island Rail Road station and allow for apartments to flood single-family home neighborhoods throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. This means that thousands of new apartments, people and cars could flood local neighborhoods and residential blocks.

“We must save our suburbs from this ill-conceived housing 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 lack 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 Governor’s high-density housing proposal would:

•INCREASE property taxes significantly to fund more students and services demanded by a larger population

•OVERCROWD classrooms and school districts with hundreds, if not thousands, of new students.

•STRAIN police and emergency services while increasing crime

•DESTROY our environment and INCREASE the carbon footprint

•SILENCE your voice over development projects, eliminate the public hearing process, and allow an unaccountable,

bureaucratic board located hundreds of miles away in Albany to make decisions over what belongs in your neighborhood

At the press conference, every member of the Oyster Bay Town Board – together with Mayors and Trustees from villages throughout Long Island – opposed this plan. County Legislators, Hempstead and North Hempstead officials and the Mayor of Glen Cove also oppose this plan as it

destroys our quality of life while stripping towns and villages of their ability to control local zoning.

Residents can voice their opposition to the Governor’s Housing Plan and Save our Suburbs by signing a petition at www. OysterBayTown.com/SOS. This petition will automatically send letters to elected officials in Albany.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Long Island Leaders And Elected Officials Address New York’s Housing Crisis

Governor Kathy Hochul early in March toured Patchogue in Suffolk County, Long Island with local leaders and elected officials to highlight key components of the New York Housing Compact — the Governor’s comprehensive strategy announced in the Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget to address New York’s housing crisis and build 800,000 new homes in the next decade. Advocates voiced broad support for the Governor’s vision to make New York more livable, more accessible, and more affordable.

President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties Matthew Aracich said, “Long Island’s real estate market is completely lopsided. I applaud the Governor’s stance on attempting to tackle this issue, so we can move forward and address the housing needs in both counties.”

Executive Director of Long Island Housing Services, Inc., Ian Wilder said,

“Governor Hochul deserves credit for standing up to propose a vision to address Long Island’s lack of housing - especially affordable housing. Without a plan, Long Island -- especially our economy -- will continue to be hollowed out because of a dearth of places to live. Even opponents of details of the Governor’s Housing Compact agree that we have a crisis. Yet after all this time, those opponents have failed to provide an alternative roadmap. This is why we continue to support the Housing Compact as a pro-home, pro-Long Island toolbox to move beyond the rhetoric to reach solutions.”

Executive Director of Housing Help Inc., Pilar Moya-Mancera said, “The Housing Compact Plan is an excellent opportunity to address the housing needs of young adults, senior citizens, disabled individuals, the hard-working class, and the essential workers who are the backbone of our economy. It is long overdue

that we start investing in the current and future success of the Long Island community. Moreover, the Housing Compact Plan is an incredible opportunity to usher in a new era on Long Island for desegregation. It is morally unacceptable that in 2023 we live in a region where the zip code you come from determines your life expectancy, quality of education, health, and quality of life.”

CEO of Health and Welfare Council of Long Island Rebecca Sanin said, “Long Island’s lack of attainable and affordable housing impacts competitive employment, public health, safety and retention of young professionals who attend our schools of excellence but need affordability in order to stay locally in their communities. The lack of safe, affordable housing on Long Island is a top economic and social issue impeding our progress as a region, stymieing family well-being and preventing America’s first suburb from

being a destination for investment and innovation. A combination of resources, infrastructure and incentives are sorely needed so that individual communities can effectively plan to meet their needs and potential and be attractive communities for future generations.”

President of ERASE Racism Laura Harding said, “Governor Kathy Hochul’s statewide strategy to address New York’s housing crisis represents a courageous first step in tackling the core challenge of affordable housing on Long Island and across New York. It proposes solutions that will benefit all Long Islanders by increasing housing options. It addresses the needs of our most vulnerable populations, and it tackles the exclusionary zoning that is at the heart of Long Island’s standing as one of the 10 most racially segregated regions in the nation.”

—Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Local leaders gather to resist Gov. Hochul’s housing plan. (Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

Town Of Oyster Bay Urges Residents To Donate Blood As Nationwide Shortage Impacts Hospitals

With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Tuesday, March 28th from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.

Councilwoman Maier stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”

Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds

Do

and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that

donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Your blood can help replenish blood supplies at local hospitals.

Councilwoman Maier added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesav-

Town Accepting Nominations For Women Of Distinction Program

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson, together with Councilwomen Laura Maier and Vicki Walsh, announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Town’s 2023 Women of Distinction Program. At the start of Women’s History Month, residents are invited to nominate extraordinary women who have made a difference in their communities.

“Each year, the town has the honor of recognizing women who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them through our Women of Distinction Program,” said Council-

woman Johnson, who serves as Chairwoman of the Women of Distinction Committee. “If you know a special woman who helps make your community a better place to live, we invite you to nominate her to be a 2023 Town of Oyster Bay Woman of Distinction.” Supervisor Saladino added, “We are proud to recognize women in our town and invite residents to submit nominations of those who make a difference and enrich the lives of others. We look forward to sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts to make our community, families and town a better place to live,

work and raise a family.”

Women of Distinction will be recognized at a special awards ceremony hosted by the Town Board in May. Nominations may be submitted for any achievement or honorable cause performed by

ing efforts.”

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact the Town’s Public Information Office at 516-624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at https://bit.ly/3IkK8U6.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

the nominee. The Town seeks to recognize individuals for their contributions to the arts, education, environment, athletics, community or civic service, volunteerism or business. Honorees must live or work in the Town of Oyster Bay.

To submit a nomination for the Women of Distinction Awards Program, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/women or call 516-624-6380 for an application. —Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

(Photo courtesy Louisa Duffy via Wikimedia Commons)

(Photo courtesy Vegasjon via Wikimedia Commons)

SCHOOL NEWS

Successful Scholar At Syosset High School

Sabrina Guo, a Syosset High School senior and an activist in the local and the international community, has been awarded with multiple scholarships and honors.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation selected Guo as a 2023 Coca–Cola Scholar. She is one of the 150 Scholars selected out of more than 91,000 applicants (0.15 percent selectivity) nationwide and will receive a $20,000 scholarship toward college study.

There were 51 Semifinalists from Long Island named in November, down to five Regional Finalists in January, and finally four named Coca-Cola Scholars

JERECHO

on March 1 from Long Island. She is looking forward to spending the Scholars weekend in Atlanta, GA in mid-April (all expenses paid).

She was also selected as a National Semifinalist for the 2023 National Honors Society Scholarship and will receive an award of $3,200 toward college study.

She was also named the first Runner-Up/Alternate of the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) of New York State, and the current representative of the 2023 Distinguished Young Women of Southern New York At-Large and Nassau County.

—Submitted by Sabrina Guo

RatnerSeaman Student Wins Poster Contest

Congratulations to Emma Porzecanski, who won third place in the New York State Bus Safety Poster Competition. She will receive a check from New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) in the amount of $50 as a prize.

—Submitted by the Jericho Union Free School District

Emma shows off her prize-winning poster. (Photo courtesy Jericho Union Free School District)

The Best of Jericho High School 2023

BY EMMA SANDERS AND SHEA GANG OF JERECHO editors@antonnews.com

In an attempt to replicate the popular “Best of Long Island” annual poll, the JerEcho conducted an anonymous survey in order to find out what students’ favorite aspects of Jericho High School are.

Ranging from the coziest classroom to the best school event, Jericho students have strong opinions on their fan favorites.

Best Place to Hang Out in School

Jericho students have a plethora of options to choose from when deciding where they like to enjoy their downtime during the school day. Whether it’s during a free period or lunch, the cafeteria is the best place to relax and de-stress.

Favorite Break of the Year

Whether it’s the holiday cheer, cozy weather or delicious treats that this break provides, winter break is the best break all school year, according to about two-thirds of surveyed students.

Best Bathroom

Out of the many bathrooms within the school, the tidiest and best functioning bathroom that stands out from the rest is the guidance bathroom.

Best School Spirit Day

Jericho comes up with so many fun and wacky spirit days that students couldn’t choose just one. Pajama Day and Anything but a Backpack Day tied for the best.

Best NEST Activity

Jericho’s NEST periods are a great way for students to relax and express themselves. According to the survey, the best way to spend NEST is through watching movies as a class. However, students’ second favorite NEST activity was the science Christmas-themed activities.

Best Vending Machine Snack

The vending machines provide endless snacking options to keep students satiated and full of energy. However, one snack is loved a little bit more than the rest: PopCorners.

Best Online Academic Tool

Due to COVID-19 and an increase in online learning, many new academic

platforms have been discovered. Within the past three years of learning through computers, Canvas seems to be the preferred way for students to access their schoolwork.

Best Pickup/Drop Off Spot on Campus

Getting in and out of school is no easy task, but certain entrances/exits are more accessible to use than others. Jericho students believe the front circle provides the most convenient access for getting dropped off and picked up.

Best School Sport to Spectate

There are many sports offered at Jericho, and teams always need a good spectator section to cheer them on. The volleyball team always has such an enthusiastic

student section, so it is obvious why it is students’ favorite sport to spectate.

Best School Pet

Most Jericho students and staff aren’t aware of the many amazing pets that there are at school. However, beloved therapy dog Josie is well known for putting a smile on our students’ faces and takes the title of best school pet.

Best School Lunch

Now that the entire lunch menu has changed, students are loving the new meals. In particular, grilled cheese and tomato soup is the top choice for most students.

Best Desk Chair

In a six-hour school day, it’s important to stay comfortable and engaged. In order to do so, a cozy chair makes the perfect workspace. That’s why respondents prefer lounge chairs.

Best School Event

Jericho is full of exciting and entertaining events throughout the course of the school year. Although they are all amazing in their own way, Battle of the Classes is students’ favorite event.

Coziest Room

During the school day, it’s easy to become bored of sitting in classrooms all day, and a change in scenery is the perfect solution. The High School Library provides this change and takes the cake for the coziest room in Jericho High School.

—Submitted by JerEcho

(Photo courtesy JerEcho)