Manhasset Press 3/29/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

That Championship Season

FRANK RIZZO

frizzo@antonmediagroup.com

Atrip to the state tourney Final Four will have to be its own reward for the Manhasset girls basketball team.

The Indians lost in the state semifinal to Rochesterarea Canandaigua 55-42 on March 17 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Poor perimeter shooting (1-for-18 from the 3-point arc, per one account) helped sink Manhasset, which trailed 19-14 at the break, 32-26 after three and 39-34 with 4:14 left.

“A couple of shots fall our way, we’re having a different conversation right now,” Manhasset coach Lauren Sadeh told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Canandaigua, which lost to Westchester’s Walter Panas 61-51 in the Class A state final, outrebounded the Indians 3625. Manhasset finished the year 24-2 and was led in the game by Ali McIntyre (12 points) and Nicoletta Tsiamis (11).

The Indians earned the school’s first Nassau and Long Island championship trophies since 1993, beating Lynbrook and Shoreham-Wading River respectively.

“Whatever happens upstate now it’s gravy,” a reporter told Sadeh after her team beat the Suffolk County champs.

“Yeah,” she agreed. “Hundred percent it’s gravy.”

Lauren Perfetto (10) and Ali McIntyre (23) battle Juliana Mahan of Shoreham-Wading River for this ball.

Lauren Perfetto scores two against Annie Sheehan of Shoreham-Wading River. “She’s a gym rat. She’s the heart and soul of our team,” Sadeh said of Perfetto. “She wants to put in the extra work and she pushes everybody in practice. I think you need that kind of gritty kid on the team.”

Ali McIntyre springs free for a medium jumper against Annie Sheehan of Shoreham-Wading River in the Long Island championship game. (Photos by Frank Rizzo)

Nicoletta Tsiamis (25) closely guards GraceAnn Leonard of Shoreham-Wading River on this throw-in late in the game. Praised coach Lauren Sadeh, “She’s so tenacious, she never lets you breathe on offense.”

Caitlin Barrett (22) at foul line, sinks this free throw with 0.2 seconds left to send the Long Island championship game into overtime.

Groundbreaking Endometriosis Study Enters Phase 2

Study seeks healthy women to contribute to understanding of uterine health

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a condition that affects 1 in 10 women. Many suffer in silence for an average of 8 years to get diagnosed. If their endometriosis is more mild, these women can go decades without proper care, which can have long-term effects on their health, including infertility.

That’s what happened to Megan Stade, 28, of Ronkonkoma, who had been experiencing debilitating cramps for nearly a decade with doctors telling her it was “just bad cramps” and to go on birth control to ease it. “I feel like a lot of people either don’t know about it or, you know, doctors will kind of just put it off as ‘Oh, you’re a young girl with bad periods. You know, you’ll be okay’. And then it kind of progresses and progresses to a point where you’re in excruciating pain,” she said when asked about her experience.

The constant unknown from the dozens of doctors she visited even took a toll on her mental health. “A lot of doctors...don’t know how to properly diagnose it yet because it is hard to identify. And you know, the only way to confirm you actually have it is to go under the knife, and I feel like a lot of doctors don’t want to send people that way.”

Having a definitive diagnosis has definitely made a difference in her overall outlook. “Moving forward, obviously I have peace of mind knowing that I kind of have it there and ...if I do start getting that pain back again, I’ll have an idea why.”

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue (normally found lining the uterus) grows outside of the uterus; endometriosis lesions are mainly found in the pelvic cavity, but can also be found in the lungs and other areas. Nearly 8.0 million women and girls suffer from endometriosis in the USA alone, and many more women and teens are likely undiagnosed. Symptoms can range from painful menstrual cramps to debilitating abdominal and pelvic pain and infertility. While the severity of endometriosis varies, the more extensive forms of the disorder can cause severe pain and disability. Approximately 40 percent of female infertility is associated with endometriosis.

But in the near future, instead of invasive, often costlyout-of-pocket diagnostic surgery, which delays treatment, soon menstrual blood could be used to diagnose the painful and complex condition. A new clinical trial is underway to make it a reality.

For more than 6 years, researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research have been studying the use of menstrual blood to aid in diagnosis. More than 2,400 women nationwide have contributed their samples to the Researcher OutSmarts Endometriosis (ROSE) clinical study which has resulted in a series of research papers.

One of the participating doctors is Dr. Christine Metz, Professor in the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, and professor in OB GYN in Department of OB GYN at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell. She made the comparison between the current diagnostic model and investigating a fire. “It’s kind of frustrating because what you learn about the lesions, it’s like going to a house after it’s burned down

and try to figure out who the arsonist was.”

While there have been a limited number of studies that have used endometrial tissue, this is the first of its kind to use menstrual blood to learn more about the health of the uterus. “No one had ever used menstrual blood as a biological specimen to learn about uterine health...There have been a few studies prior to ours looking at stem cells in the menstrual blood. But that’s because endometrium has to regrow every single month. Of course, it has these great stem cells, they can do that. But they were isolating them to treat all different kinds of health conditions that had nothing to do with the uterus. But we believe menstrual blood will tell us a lot about uterine health, infertility, fibrosis, abnormal bleeding, all sorts of interesting things that we would like to know about our health.”

Now in phase 2, the research team has kicked off a new clinical trial looking to enroll symptomatic woman to supply their blood prior to getting official diagnostic laparoscopic surgery. The goal is to validate the ability to predict diagnosis through the use of menstrual blood which will one day hopefully lead to an FDA approved non-invasive test.

If you’re a woman living with endometriosis or suspect you might have it, you may be eligible to participate in the Research OutSmarts Endometriosis (ROSE) study. Healthy “controls” (those without symptoms of endometriosis, see below) are invited to participate too. By participating, you could help researchers develop a better way to diagnose and treat this understudied condition.

To learn more about ROSE:

The ROSE research team (winner of the 2018 Northwell Innovation Challenge) is a group of Feinstein Institutes scientists and professionals who use several innovative approaches to study endometriosis and other women’s reproductive health disorders. Their goals are to reduce the time between symptoms of endometriosis and diagnosis; develop noninvasive (nonsurgical) methods to diagnose endometriosis; discover improved treatments for women with endometriosis; better understand the genetic basis of endometriosis and relate it to what is occurring at the

cellular level in the disease, with emphasis on the role of stromal cells and the immune system; alleviate the pain and suffering among women with endometriosis; and learn more about uterine health

By participating in the ROSE study, you can help us reach these goals.

To Participate in Phase 2:

Complete an interest form or call (516) 562-3636 (ENDO) to find out how you can participate in the ROSE study.

If you are a woman with a diagnosis or suspicion of endometriosis who is over the age of 18 and not pregnant or breastfeeding, you will be asked to answer health/gynecological questionnaires, provide a sample of menstrual effluent (ME), collected in the privacy of your home, and allow researchers to collect excess endometrial tissue samples removed during surgery (optional).

endometriosis who is over the age of 18 and not pregnant or breastfeeding, you will be asked to answer health/gynecological questionnaires and provide a sample of menstrual effluent (ME), which is collected by you in the privacy of your home.

pating in the study will be asked to fill out a consent form.

Menstrual blood may provide a non-invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis.

(Photo by the Feinstein Institutes)

Megan Stade, a study participant. (Photo by Megan Stade)

Girl Scouts Offer Handmade Cards To Support Shelter

Manhasset’s 5th Grade Girl Scout Troop 526 chose to support shelter animals through The Shelter Connection as part of their journey to the Girl Scout Bronze Award. The girls designed, printed, and packaged special notecards to sell to raise funds for this wonderful charity. The sale will take place on Saturday, April 1st from 9-11am and 3-5pm at Raindew in Manhasset. Readers are encouraged to stop in and support Troop 526 on their mission to help animals in the local shelter.

—Submitted by Girl Scout Troop 526

designed

Each girl

a special card for the sale.

(Photo by Girl Scout Troop 526)

Troop 526 showing their finished product!

(Photo by Girl Scout Troop 526)

Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Celebrates Community Champions at Legacy Brunch

Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) recently announced that it will hold its second annual Legacy Brunch on Thursday, March 30 at The Heritage Club in Farmingdale to celebrate Girl Scouts that are leaving a legacy and impacting Girl Scouts throughout Nassau County. This event will bring together generations of Girl Scouts and Girl Scout supporters to celebrate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and what it has meant to Girl Scouts for over 100 years. Tickets to the event are available for purchase at www.gsnc.org/legacy, and all proceeds will go toward enhanced Girl Scout programming to ensure we continue the legacy of building girls of courage, confidence and character.

“The Legacy Brunch will truly be an inspiring event, as Girl Scouts share experiences, showcase its rich history, and bring the Girl Scout experience to life for the community,” said Randell Bynum, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Part of Girl Scouts is

connecting girls with successful role models who have been where they are today, and our four honorees personify what it means to be true champions for our Girl Scouts.”

Girl Scouts has championed changemakers—helping girls develop leadership skills to make a tangible, positive difference in the community. Guests will learn more about some of the most enriching traditions and programs available to all Girl Scouts. Attendees will learn about the life-changing experience of spending time at Camp Blue Bay, the passion and

vision it takes to carry out one of the Highest Award Projects Girl Scouts can earn, and join in a few other Girl Scout traditions.

The event will also feature a community spotlight on an esteemed Girl Scout alum, locally renowned meteorologist Meridith Garofalo, who has covered major historical events and scientific advancements over the course of her expansive career as a television journalist. Meredith enjoys giving back and supporting Girl Scouts in Nassau County by sharing her story.

The inaugural Legacy Award will

be presented to Valerie T. Terzano, Ph.D, of Melville, who is the Vice President for Nursing and Patient Services at NYU Langone Hospital Long Island and the Vice President of the GSNC Board of Directors. Also three Impact Awards will be presented to Deandra Denton, of South Hempstead, a third-year student at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and a 2016 Girl Scout Gold Award earner; Elizabeth Garcia, of North Massapequa, the youth program director at the nonprofit organization Circulo de la Hispanidad; and Melanie Sinesi, of Bayville,

the Director of Community Affairs for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and 2008 Girl Scout Gold Award recipient.

The Legacy Award is for change makers in Nassau County who give back to the community by elevating and supporting the Girl Scout mission through their career or volunteer work. They are true leaders working to pave the way for a positive future for Girl Scouts and their families. The Impact Award recognizes emerging leaders under 40 who are currently giving back and making contributions to the Girl Scout mission and the larger Nassau County community. These emerging leaders represent the future of leadership in Nassau County.

To purchase tickets, become sponsor or make a donation to support our mission, visit https://secure.swell.gives/ legacyawardbrunch/tickets/#/ ticket.

—Submitted by Girls Scouts of Nassau County

LEGACY AWARDEE: Valerie T. Terzano, NYU Langone Hospital.

(Photo by Girl Scouts of Nassau County)

IMPACT AWARDEES: Deandra Denton, Elizabeth Garcia. Melanie Sinesi (Photo by Girl Scouts of Nassau County)

“Excellent real estate agent to work with. Kevin is diligent and proactive. If you are looking for an “available” agent who will respond to your calls/texts/emails, Kevin is it. He will not only search for a home tting your criteria, but he will physically scout them prior to the appointments. The process is so seamless because he asks the right questions and looks into any potential issues, so no time is wasted! Thanks to Kevin for nding our home. If we were to ever sell our house, we will be reaching out to Kevin”

- Port Washington Buyer

“Kevin is the best real estate salesperson I’ve worked with! He was there from start to nish, helping every step of the way. He is thorough and meticulous when it comes to inspections, paperwork, lining up all the professionals needed to close. I was impressed. Kevin has since become a dear friend. My husband and I highly recommend Kevin to anyone wanting to nd their dream home.”

-Manhasset

Buyer

Kevin Concannon Real Estate Salesperson

Manhasset O ce

364 Plandome Road

516.627.4440, c.917.608.7290

kevinconcannon@danielgale.com

danielgale.com

#19 Agent by Volume Platinum Award Manhasset Office

JOANNE HANTZOPOULOS

#23 Agent by Volume Platinum Award Manhasset Office

TONG TONG CHEUNG

President’s Circle Award Port Washington Office

GABRIELLE ROTH-ZOFCHAK

President’s Circle Award Port Washington Office

BIAGIA D’AMICO Leading Edge Award Manhasset Office

THE HIGGINS TRUNZ TEAM President’s Circle Award Manhasset Office

EVA LEE President’s Circle Award Port Washington Office

#4 Rental Agent by GCI #3 Agent for Rental Transactions President’s Circle Award Port Washington Office

MARIA ROVEGNO

President’s Circle Award Manhasset Office Port Washington Office

ELIZABETH ZUVEKAS Leading Edge Award Manhasset Office

MADELINE MORITZ President’s Circle Award Port Washington Office

elliman.com

HELENE VLACHOS

CALENDAR

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

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 29

Creating Rain Gardens

Discover how to install these gardens that reduce stormwater pollution and flooding, recharge and purify our drinking water, and provide food and habitat for wildlife. This online Zoom class begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs for 90 minutes. For more information and to register visit NorthHempsteadNY.gov/ sustainability or call

MONDAY, APR. 3

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

in the Community Room on the Lower Level for a screening of this exemplary thriller, followed by a thought provoking discussion. Contact Jazmin Mooney at jmooney@manhassetlibrary.org for more information.

TUESDAY, APR. 4

Town of North Hempstead Town Meeting

This year’s Town Board meetings will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The meetings are also broadcasted live on the Town’s website beginning at its regularly scheduled time at 7 p.m. Residents who are interested in viewing the meetings can visit: www. northhempsteadny.gov/ townboardlive. For the latest updates including information on meeting

locations, please visit: www.northhempsteadny. gov.

APR. 8

Easter Egg Hunt

hunt at 10 a.m. All are welcome! Contact info@manhassetlutheran. org or (516)627-2430 for more information.

ONGOING

MPL Bus Trip to New York Botanical Gardens

The New York Botanical Gardens is an unforgettable destination in any season. This trip takes place Wednesday, May 24. Payment of $100 must be made at the time of registration-checks only. Each cardholder may bring one non-cardholder guest. For questions or further information, contact Stephanie Catlett,

Annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election

Tuesday, April 18: Budget Vote and Trustee Election in the Community Room, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

You Are Not Alone

Peck), one of the lawyers who sent him away. Please join librarian Jazmin Money from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Church of Our Saviour Lutheran at 1901 Northern Blvd. is hosting the annual children’s Easter egg

APRIL 2- PALM SUNDAY - 10 am

SATURDAY, Easter

Thursday, March 30: Absentee ballots will be available, if previously requested, in the Administration Office or by mail.

Tuesday, April 4: Library Board of Trustees Meeting and Annual Budget Hearing in the Community Room at 7 p.m.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling suicidal, call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline: (516)679-1111. The 988 Suicide and Crisis line is also available 24/7 by dialing 988 or 1-800-2738255.

GREAT NECK TERRACE OWNERS CORP.

1 East Mill Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021

APRIL 6- MAUNDY THURSDAY - 7 pm

APRIL 7- GOOD FRIDAY - 12 Noon

APRIL 8- THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER- 7 pm

APRIL 9- EASTER SUNDAY - 10 am

Easter Egg Hunt on church lawn following service!

1579 Northern Blvd., Roslyn www.trinityroslyn.org

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT

(Ground Floor Unit) with an additional room that may be used for an Office Space.

Price: $3,250 per month

(Water, Sewer, Heat and Gas included)

The Co-op has an outdoor Pool, Playground, Basketball Court, Dog Run and a laundry room located in the building. The Co-op is also in close proximity to the LIRR and public transportation.

If interested, please contact the Great Neck Terrace Onsite Management Office (516) 487-5512

Immigrant Stories: From Tokyo To Long Island, By Way Of Tattoo School

Personal perseverance pays off for one artist

actually discouraged her from going to art school. More and more, she knew she had to make a fresh start, and so she moved to New York in 2007.

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

Growing up in Tokyo, Japan, Nasa

Tsuchiya always loved to draw. As a child she had a strong interest in anime and the art of video games and hoped to one day become a cartoonist. However, as so often happens, adolescence took her down a different path. She started spending more time just hanging with her friends and lost who she wanted to be. Fresh out of school she took a job at a hostess bar where she made decent money. She also partied with her friends, drinking and playing poker until all hours of the night. She was languishing. “One day I was thinking ‘I have to get out of this. All my friends are bad, and we play poker and drink and we don’t even know what day today is. We don’t even know how long we played poker.’ So I wanted to get out of that environment.”

Tsuchiya recalled.

This led to a pivotal moment for Tsuchiya. The man she was dating at the time had some tattoo magazines, and there was an ad in one of them for a tattoo school. “And I thought, ‘oh, If I pay, I can learn tattooing. That’s cool.’” When she saw the advertisement, it reminded her of her childhood love of drawing, and her ambition to be a cartoonist. Her passion for art reignited, and she was determined to become a tattoo artist.

Tattooing is still very taboo in Japan because of the criminal element. Tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. “If you have a tattoo in Japan, you can’t even go to the gym. No pool, no sauna, you can’t even go to some beaches. It doesn’t matter if you are female or male, it’s taboo. If you have tattoo, you are bad person. That’s what people usually think.” Tsuchiya said.

Attending the tattoo school suited Tsuchiya, since she didn’t feel comfortable putting herself out there. “I’m pretty shy. So I can’t really be like ‘hey, I wanna be apprentice, can you teach me how to tattoo?’ I cannot be like this.” She started at the tattoo school before refining her drawing skills, which seems backwards to her in retrospect. “My drawing was terrible. So I learned to tattoo first. I know I have to draw learn drawing.” She wanted to improve her drawing, but her friends and acquaintances were not supportive. They

When Tsuchiya arrived, she didn’t speak English. She got her student visa through language school and began classes immediately. She also enrolled in art school at the same time. “In the morning I went to language school, and in the afternoon I went to art school, but I couldn’t understand what my teachers were talking about, you know.” But she stuck by her commitment to become a tattoo artist in the US. Still, there were times when it felt overwhelming and frustrating. “One day I came home and cried, I was so frustrated. I didn’t understand what people were talking about. I wanted to express myself, but I was always frustrated. I cried so much.” It took about two years for her to get a strong grasp of English, and then things started to improve. In 2010, she started seeking employment at some local tattoo shops, but her lack of a portfolio made this difficult. Finally, a shop took a chance on hiring her, and from there she was able to build a strong portfolio of work.

Tsuchiya has noticed an increase in the number of women working in the industry. When she first started in the U.S., it was rare to see another woman tattoo artist. “When I went to the first shop in the US, every single person is a male artist. No female. Maybe only the piercer, she is female. But everybody else was a guy.” These days, however, more and more shops are hiring women. In 2013 she even worked at an all-female shop in Queens.

And there have been other advances as well. Both Tsuchiya and her coworker were pregnant at the same time, and they worked through their pregnancies. The shop she works in offers maternity leave, and when she returned, they helped her breastfeed comfortably.

From a wild youth to solidly established in her chosen field, Tsuchiya’s story proves its possible to achieve your goals. She took her passion for drawing and turned it into a career through hard work and perseverance. Nasa Tsuchiya is currently working at Lark Tattoo in Westbury. To view her work, check out her Instagram at @nasatsuchiya.

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Their stories can inspire and amaze. Each one is a glimpse of another perspective, enriching and encouraging. Do you have an immigrant story to tell? Email aolsen@ antonnews.com with a brief biography and contact information. Your story could be featured in a future issue.

HERE FOR EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY LIFE

Our Faith puts all your needs and comfort first. So, our innovative medical care is always delivered with unmatched compassion. It’s because we understand that we’re not treating just patients, we’re treating someone’s family, best friend, and neighbors to us all.

Learn more at chsli.org

At Catholic Health, exceptional medical care and personalized support is inspired by every one of you.

Community College Faculty Continue To Ask For Fair Contract

The Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers (NCCFT) has called on the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees to agree to a fair contract for NCC’s educators and to reverse a devastating health care cost increase amid rising inflation rates.

NCC is an asset and an investment in the community. For every $1 invested in NCC, the community receives $6.80 over the course of a student’s working life, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. But according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, many NCC educators are paid $30,000 less than a living wage despite this value.

Nassau Community College trustees gathered on Feb. 9 for the 7:00 public session of their monthly meeting The crowd of faculty and students that filled the room remained in good spirits, buoyed by spontaneous speeches of students while they waited. They were rallying for a fair contract for full-time faculty, who have been working without a contract since Sept 1, 2022. Faculty stated that at a time of high inflation, soaring housing and transportation costs, and after years of contracts with wage freezes or mere 1.1% wage increase, faculty wages have simply not kept up with the cost of living in Nassau County.

FRANK RIZZO

In the words of NCCFT President Faren Siminoff, “Faculty have sacrificed for the College for over a decade. It’s time the College acknowledges this, and it can start by giving us a fair contract.” Speakers emphasized the plight of “junior” faculty, those hired after 2014; their first-year salaries are below $60,000. Modest salaries are further reduced by mandatory 6% contributions into pensions, and 15% contributions into health insurance premiums — which,

if combined with a pay reduction to cover health insurance premium increases which the College announced to the union in January — would total about $10,000 for family coverage in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Empire Plan– and even more if the faculty member is enrolled in the Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan Faculty shared that these low starting salaries are leading to difficulty in

attracting qualified applicants. Biology Chair Christine Tuaillion stated that the full-time faculty union (NCCFT) had been willing to allow recent job applicants to start at a higher position in order to earn more, but the College refused; as a result, the applicant turned down NCC as coming here would have amounted to a $15,000 cut in earnings. One junior faculty member shared that she has educational loans from graduate school to repay and “our salary simply does not cover the bills.”

The Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers is a local of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), a federation of more than 900 local unions representing more than 480,000 people who work in, or are retired from, New York’s schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities. NYSUT represents classroom teachers, college and university faculty and professional staff, school bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, teacher assistants and aides, nurses and healthcare technicians.

NYSUT is part of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the fastest growing union in the United States. We are also part of the AFL-CIO and Education International.

‘One Pill Can Kill: One And Done’

residents.

frizzo@antonmediagroup.com

Putting a face on the opioid crisis, Carole Trottere held up a photo of her son Alex Sutton, who died of a heroin fentanyl poisoning on April 8, 2018. The Suffolk County resident, who spent a career as a public relation professional for various Nassau County politicians, joined Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at a press conference on March 20 at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola.

The county, as part of its multi-pronged effort to fight the overdose crisis, will place naloxone (Narcan) kits wherever there is a external defibrillator at one of its facilities. Sixty kits were donated by the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (LICADD), based in Westbury. Nalaxone counters an opioid-induced coma and is credited with saving many lives as its use has spread from emergency professionals to everyday

Trottere expressed her gratitude for the Narcan kits and stated, “I’m not the only grieving parent here today. I just want to point out, I have many fellow grieving parents. It’s like the club that no one wants to belong to. And I’m one of thousands of parents on Long Island. If you do the math with the stats of how many people have died of fentanyl poisonings, just multiply that by how many parents and other loved ones and families are affected.”

Trottere added, “You have to keep driving home the fact that these children live in a very dangerous world now, unfortunately. And if I had to say something to the young people...[it’s that] death is permanent. And you’re going to leave behind a family that is heartbroken for the rest of their life.”

Blakeman contemplated how the public would react if a commercial plane crashed every day, killing 300 people. That’s the daily toll across this country of overdoses, many caused by the powerful and widely available synthetic opiate fentanyl. The county’s medical examiner, Blakeman related, counted 270 overdose deaths in 2021, 190 of them from fentanyl. He said

the figures seemed to be trending lower in 2022, but final stats were not yet available.

“The fentanyl crisis is pervasive in every community, including ours,” Blakeman said. “And what we are trying to do here today is to save lives, especially the lives of our young people, to educate them and

—Submitted by NCCFT

to give them tools so that if they are in a situation where they are overdosing, they have the ability or someone else has the ability to rescue them and save their lives.”

Earlier this year, the county made a $2.4 million investment in treatment, education and prevention at its mental health ward at Nassau University Medical Center [NUMC].

“What we find out from a lot of parents that have children who have this kind of substance abuse is that they have some kind of psychological or psychiatric event, and there’s not enough places to treat them for that. So that’s one of the reasons why we put the money [at NUMC],” Blakeman said.

Blakeman noted that the county plans to spend $15 million in each of the next four years, its share of the money from a multi-billion settlement agreed to by opioid manufacturers and distributors.

“We want to make sure that the money gets to organizations that have a track record and that get things done,” said Blakeman, who added he will be guided by a committee of professionals on how to best disburse the funds.

Read a longer story at www.longislandweekly.com.

Faculty, staff and students gathered at the monthly NCC trustees meeting in February.

(Photo by nccft.org)

The county will place 60 of these Narcan kits wherever there is a external defibrillator at one of its facilities.

(Photo by Frank Rizzo)

County Adds $2 Million In State Funds To Septic Upgrade Program

The Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously on Monday, Feb. 27 to dedicate an additional $2,030,000 in New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) funding toward helping residents and small business owners upgrade and modernize their septic systems.

Nassau homeowners and small businesses that discharge less than 1,000 gallons a day of wastewater are eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grants toward the installation of nitrogen-reducing septic systems through Nassau County’s S.E.P.T.I.C. (Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness) program. The

initiative is funded by NYS EFC resources and matching funds from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allotment; to date, Nassau County has allocated more than $7 million in ARPA funds toward this environmental initiative.

“These state resources will go a long way toward protecting the single-source aquifer and our precious drinking water from nitrogen pollution,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D –Glen Cove) said. “Thanks to this grant program, it is more affordable than ever for eligible property owners to benefit from having a modern, environmentally

Prevent Fraud; Protect Your Medicare Card From Scammers

friendly septic system – and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity while funds are still available.”

This latest round of state support for the replacement of septic systems in Nassau County was part of approximately $225 million in grants for critical initiatives that protect freshwater quality, public health, and the environment.

“The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District (NCSWCD), which manages Nassau’s S.E.P.T.I.C. program, has worked diligently with County representatives, community members, and industry

professionals to streamline the application process and make it easier and faster for Nassau County homeowners, not for profits, and small businesses to access these critical program funds,” NCSWCD District Manager Derek Betts said.

Visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/591/ Nassau-Septic or call 516-364-5861 to learn if you are eligible for a S.E.P.T.I.C. program grant. Feel free to also contact Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton at 516-5716211 or dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny. gov.

—Submitted by the Office of Delia DeRiggi-Whitton

OPED COLUMN The Storage Unit

Many seniors receive phone calls from scammers who are posing as Medicare or Social Security personnel. These persuasive callers will offer any number of temptations to earn your trust and whet your appetite such as free merchandise including back braces, sweaters, and wheelchairs. They’ll say, “all I need is for your Medicare number.” If you’ve gotten this far, stop right there. NEVER give your Medicare or any other identifying information to anyone you don’t know, whether by phone call, text or email.

Please ignore these callers and hang up, whatever they are offering you. You should only get medical devices or treatments from your own doctor or health care provider. These scammers have no idea about your health conditions and what you may or may not need, but may lead you on to obtain your personal information.

If you do place an order with one of these random callers, oftentimes you will receive an off-the-shelf piece of equipment; a foam neck brace, for example, yet Medicare will be billed for a custom designed piece of equipment such as your doctor might recommend. In addition to potentially damaging your health, this transaction has the potential to damage your wallet. If Medicare has paid for an expensive item under false pretenses, and you need one down the road, Medicare will not pay again, an expensive potential risk.

Medicare sends a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to beneficiaries every three months. It is important to examine these

There are only so many places a man can put things. Some may call it “junk,” like my wife, but during a man’s life, he just accumulates things.

As a music lover, I’ve accumulated over 200 albums and duplicated many of them during the great CD migration of the late ‘80s. Who knew that 35 years later, music streaming services would make CDs obsolete? Although 2022 marked the first time since 1987 that vinyl record sales outpaced CDs, I’m not buying another copy of “The White Album” under any circumstances. I don’t even own a turntable anymore. Come to think of it; I don’t have a CD player either. But I have over 250 CDs sitting in a cabinet.

LONG ISLAND LIVING

Barry

Kiltsberg, Nassau County Medicare Counselor

notices to make sure that the services that Medicare has paid for were actually ordered and received by you. If you have any question about the services Medicare paid for, you can call Medicare at 1-800-Medicare and they can give you more details about the service and provider.

Medicare pays out about $60 billion a year due to fraud, abuse and waste. We all pay a price for Medicare fraud, either directly or indirectly. It is up to all of us to protect the Medicare program by being a careful consumer. A critical part of your role is to remember to always treat your health insurance card like a credit card and protect it.

Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City.

Although I donated most of my DVD collection to the Armed Forces a few years ago, I still possess three versions of Star Wars. I’ve kept my boxed sets of the Rocky films, Die Hard, and Back to the Future. To be honest, if the Blu-Ray player is hooked up to the TV, I’m not sure I know how to use it.

If I knew that someday you could watch virtually anything using your remote control, I might have saved money and been driving a Porsche today.

This past holiday season, the back room in our basement was packed with so much crap that it was a considerable effort to reach the decorations, much less drag them out of their hiding space. Large plastic tote containers holding the kid’s old schoolwork and Beanie Babies blocked empty suitcases waiting to go on vacation again. The floor was littered with boxes of things I hadn’t looked at in years.

Without the luxury of an attic or a garage, something had to give. We can’t live this

Paul DiSclafani pdisco23@aol.com

way. In another year or so, you might find us on an episode of Hoarders.

So, I broke down and rented a storage unit.

After doing some research, I found that many Long Islanders seem to need a storage unit outside their home. Some places had waiting lists, others just tiny rooms available. I finally secured a 5 x 10 unit that was so spacious and clean; I almost wept while signing the contract. This piece of real estate was now mine to do with what I pleased.

But how do I make decisions on what stays and what goes? It certainly doesn’t make any sense to haul junk from one place to another, right? Of course, therein lies the rub. The very definition of junk varies wildly between spouses. After almost 40 years of marriage, I’ve found that my wife considers

see DISCLAFANI on page 7A

SANTOS WATCH So Long, Farewell (For Now) Making time to turn away from the spectacle

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

As this column has explored for the past few months, Representative George Santos (NY-03) quickly became far more visible this year in national news than most of us likely expected, regardless of political party, when we visited voting booths last fall.

Here in his congressional district, like the rest of the country, the name “George Santos” has gone from being an explosive prompt at the water cooler to a punchline so familiar that it’s nearly lost all meaning (except as a wink to audiences, whether on rightwing blogs or in a subway poster for the musical Shucked).

Regardless of what awaits Santos in the ongoing congressional investigation or in the ballot box come 2024, his story has in many ways passed on from the realm of informative news into the world of entertainment — or perhaps that’s where it always was, and was intended to be. Few of us would likely deny that, overall, it’s often been a theatrical affair.

As Liz Skalka put it for the Huffington Post back on January 28, a mere six weeks into the scandal: “[I]t feels like we’ve learned too much about Santos and also nothing at all. Every twist of the Santos saga is like a new episode of a show you’re being forced to watch because everybody else is ... The product is a cartoonish rendering of an allegedly corrupt congressman, one who is apparently so money-obsessed that he’ll sell out your pet and lie about his own mother for clout ... That [notoriety] might be exactly what he wants.”

As such, while the Rep. Santos fires are being kept burning by major media outlets and various federal investigative bodies, Anton Media Group will be taking a needed break from Santos Watch, at least for a while — stepping out to Switzerland for our own well-being a la The Sound of Music, if you will, carrying along the knowledge that we can always return someday.

In the meantime, we’ll also be waiting to see if this dramatic saga ultimately plays out like The Producers, with its timeless message that those who mess around with financial malfeasance and/or white supremacy will probably end up in jail.

COLUMN

Spring Into New!

What does spring mean to you? For many of us, it means spring cleaning around our home - getting rid of the old and refreshing our spaces with something new. How about spring cleaning for our bodies? Consider your body as a special home that needs spring cleaning too!

During spring, our bodies want to shed toxicity and start anew. But how do we do that?

My patients are often occupied with a busy lifestyle. I can

recommend a 7-day detoxification plan but for some of us, it is not an option.

My solution to this common problem is a series of simple steps that are attainable for everyone.

Start your day with a glass of warm water and lemon. This magic drink will help your liver and kidneys cleanse themselves of toxins.

While shopping at the

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

Publishers of

Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot

Great Neck Record

Manhasset Press

Nassau Illustrated News

Port Washington News

Syosset-Jericho Tribune

The Nassau Observer

The Roslyn News

Editor and Publisher

Angela Susan Anton

President

Frank A. Virga

Vice President of Operations/CFO

Iris Picone

Director of Sales

Administration

Shari Egnasko

Editors

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

Advertising Sales

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

Director of Circulation

Joy DiDonato

Director of Production

Robin Carter

Creative Director

Alex Nuñez

Art Director

Catherine Bongiorno

Senior Page Designer

Donna Duffy

Page Designer

Christina Dieguez

Director of Business

Administration

Linda Baccoli

For circulation inquiries, email: subscribe@antonmediagroup.com

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

Fax: (516) 742-5867

© 2023 Long Island Community Newspapers, Inc.

Celebrating 39 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1984-2023

Letters to the editor are welcomed by Anton Media Group.

We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity.

All letters must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. All material contributed to Anton Media Group in any form becomes the property of the newspapers to use, modify and distribute as the newspaper staff assigns or sees fit. Letters to the editor can be mailed to: editors@antonmediagroup.com

Additional copies of this and other issues are available for purchase by calling 516-403-5120.

A screenshot from Mel Brooks’ The Producers, during the play-within-a-play musical number “Springtime for Hitler.”

A screenshot of the final scene from 20th Century Fox’s The Sound of Music.

A poster for the Broadway musical “Shucked” takes a jab at Rep. Santos.

Halloween In March

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

Halloween was about five months ago, but I still love anything spooky or creepy no matter what time of year.

My name is Jennifer and I will be writing a weekly column about different activities you can do around Long Island, and beyond, that are affordable, do-able and will provide an easy way to add some excitement to your week. So you may be thinking, how could you possibly celebrate Halloween in March? Well, there are two local places where it’s Halloween year-round: Haunted House of Hamburgers in Farmingdale and Monster Mini Golf, which has locations in Deer Park and Garden City. Both locations are about a 20-minute drive away from Haunted House of Hamburgers, making it a perfect pairing to have a themed day trip or night out.

My friend Victoria had been telling me that she wanted to check out Haunted House of Hamburgers and Monster Mini Golf, and I said why not try both? So on Wednesday, we went to Haunted House of Hamburgers for dinner, and then to Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park.

If you are going to visit this Halloweenthemed restaurant, I recommend making reservations. Even on a Wednesday night, the place was packed and all but one table was filled. Since I made a reservation, we were seated pretty quickly, and we also got our drinks right away. There are an assortment of spooky-themed cocktails and mocktails, as well as just regular fountain drinks. Victoria ordered a cotton candy mocktail, and paid the extra $2 to add smoke to it. I just got water.

All the burgers, sandwiches, salads and entrees were also Halloween-themed. And there’s plenty of options and variety, which should make everybody at your table happy. I ordered the Tarantula Burger, but subbed in an Impossible Burger since I don’t eat meat. I also asked for them to hold the bacon. The burger came with a toasted brioche bun with the restaurant logo pressed onto it, pepper jack cheese, onion strings, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and garlic mayo. Victoria got the Growling Grilled Chicken which came with

grocery store, make a habit of reading labels and avoiding ingredients like artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated oils. They reintroduce toxins back into your body, so stay clear!

Make a habit of sweating too. That means heart-pumping exercise or short sessions in the sauna. These activities will promote cleansing of toxins.

Don’t forget to eat a diet fortified with organic vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, nuts, and fruits. The nutrients from these healthy foods will aid the cleansing process.

grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and mayo on a brioche bun with the logo. We both got sides of sweet potato fries, and everything was absolutely delicious.

My only complaint about this restaurant was that there was about an hour wait time to get our food, though the dessert I got after, mint chocolate chip ice cream came pretty quickly. The two scoops were big enough to share between the both of us. Uniquely, we also got to witness what happens when a smoke alarm goes off in a restaurant. Local fire fighters came in to check to make sure we were safe, but the staff handled the situation excellently and continued serving all their guests.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was excellent. The dining room was lit by black light, and there was Halloween decorations everywhere you looked. A scary soundtrack played the entire time and overall we both had a wonderful time. For everything we got, including drinks, dinner and a dessert it came out to about $70 in total.

Afterwards, we made our way to Monster Mini Golf. Inside there’s a huge arcade, where you can win tickets that will get you your standard arcade prizes. In the back there’s the monster-themed mini golf. A game is $12, and you can choose if you want to keep score or not. We didn’t. The course does challenge you, but not too much making it ideal for children and people who are just playing for fun like me. My favorite parts of the course was where there were little obstacles.

Want more tips? Read below for Dellonutritionals-approved Spring Into Health tips that will help you feel refreshed this spring!

• Avoid processed and fast foods that contain chemical ingredients.

• Stick to organic whenever possible.

• Soak in some rays daily for your dose of vitamin D.

• Eat enzyme-rich foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and miso soup.

• Take probiotics.

• Eat natural foods with more color. They are typically enriched with

Overall, these two local attractions makes for a great day out with the family, on a date or with a friend. At both places, there were

adults, teenagers and families with children enjoying what there was to offer, making them appropriate for all ages.

everything located in the back room, without exception, junk.

Surely there must be room in our lives for the box of beer mugs I procured from the many different bars I’ve been to throughout my lifetime. Why would she insist I trash over 30 years of paperwork from my Fantasy Football league? Plenty of outdated electronics without power cords are taking up space down there, but I can’t bring myself to throw them out.

After a couple of trips to the new storage room, we are making progress. I can see the floor again, so that’s a start. You wouldn’t believe how much

antioxidants!

• Stick to whole, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

• Practice deep breathing daily.

• Eliminate common allergens such as wheat, soy, dairy products, and peanuts.

• Choose organic, naturally raised, and pastured meats like free-range organic poultry.

• Eliminate refined sugars.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating. Choose organic

you can cram into a 5 x 10 storage room. We still have a long way to go, but we’re taking this one day at a time. “Maybe,” my wife said, “If you spent time going through all that junk and threw most of it out, we wouldn’t need a storage room.”

Oh, the horror!

How dare she call my box full of old hockey jerseys I no longer fit into junk! Maybe someday I’ll need that calculus textbook with all the necessary items highlighted. What about all of her junk?

After thoroughly reviewing all the items taking up space in the basement, I can honestly report that none belonged to my wife.

green tea instead.

• Crack open some eggs. Protein helps repair cells that have suffered free radical damage. Eggs are a complete source of protein and they also contain biotin, an essential vitamin that protects against dry skin.

• Grow an herb garden. It’s easier than you think, and herbs like basil, rosemary, and parsley are loaded with antioxidants.

Wishing you a happy and healthy spring!

The course at Monster Mini Golf.

What I ordered from Haunted House of Hamburgers. (Photos by Jennifer Corr)

NUTRITION from page 6A

DISCLAFANI from page 5A

WE LOVE OUR PETS Got A Mystery Mutt? DNA Testing!

identification, as well as information on traits and risk assessment for genetic diseases.

My family has always rescued dogs. From the time I was little, I can recall the click-clack of paws on our tile floors, floating tufts of various colored hair, and the early morning barking which disturbed me from slumber. Rescuing dogs has been one of the greatest things my family has done, for the dogs sure, but especially for us. We are proud that we are able to bring these troubled animals to a home where they will be safe and loved. However, perhaps the biggest disappointment when it comes to rescuing is that we rarely - if ever - truly know our dogs.

I do not mean in a personality aspect. Anyone who has a pet knows that they often make their likes and dislikes - and quirks - very clear. What I mean is rescue animals rarely come with a detailed, full genetic report. There have been times where we are lucky to even guess at their age or place of origin. My mother, who prides herself on being a dog encyclopedia, very often can determine to some extent what breed or breeds a dog might be. This is the method we have used thus far in our pet owning journey, but we were all stumped when we recently adopted our newest dog.

This is Red! We rescued him from a group called A New Chance Animal Rescue, a foster home rescue based in Bedford Hills. We know he hails from Louisiana, was one of a litter of seven, and has come a long way from being cripplingly shy and contact-avoidant to the mushy, attention lover he is today. When we first saw him, we had guesses as to what he could potentially be. Breeds such as Lab, Shepherd, even Chow Chow were options. My mother’s skills were truly put to the test as we stared into his golden brown eyes. However, for as much as we felt certain about his personality, we were completely stumped on what breed or breeds he could be. He was truly our first

mystery mutt.

For as helpful and experienced as the rescue agency is, they - like most facilities - cannot offer genetic screening for their animals. While shelters and rescue agencies do their best to provide as much information as possible, oftentimes a lack of resources and support mean that they are just as limited as the typical homeowner might be in cracking down on what breed a dog is. Priority is given to ensuring the health, welfare, and well-being of potential adoptees. This is a noble task, but leaves little room for the in-depth exploration of a dog’s history that one might receive from other sources such as a breeder.

This is not to promote breeding over rescuing. I firmly believe in the healing power

of animal rescue and will always promote it first and foremost. And thankfully, many companies have made it possible for adopters to determine for themselves what exactly their dog is made of. For our family, we turned to the DNA test kit Wisdom Panel. DNA test kits have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as we all look for answers to where we come from. Pet DNA kits are no different, and have boomed as a market to allow pet owners to discover much more about their animals. Red being the first dog we could not really identify sparked our interest in pursuing a more scientific approach. I was able to order a Wisdom Panel kit online. The company offers a variety of tests – including one for cats – depending on what information you are looking for. Because we had never done a DNA test before, we opted for their Essential Kit, which included dog breed

We were sent two swabs in the mail, as well as packaging to store them in and a box and return label. In order to gather DNA from Red, we needed to swab the inside of his cheek for several seconds. While he is a very good boy, this was not exactly his favorite part of the process, so I do recommend having a second person available to help distract your pet while collecting a swab. (It is not a painful process, but your pet might be a little confused and squirmish!) We waited for the swabs to fully dry and then repacked them in the box to return to Wisdom Panel’s labs. When the results came in, we were all shocked.

According to the results, Red consisted of eight breeds - far more than we had anticipated! He also had some surprising DNA. We had been right that he consisted of breeds like Chow Chow and Lab but were also surprised to learn he was 1/5 Border Collie, a breed which had not even crossed our minds. There were also some unexpected breeds which turned up, such as a McNab, which none of us had heard of before. The test was able to provide a type breakdown as well, indicating that his breeds consist of mostly “herding” dogs, as well as “Asian and Oceanian” and a little bit of “sporting”. We were relieved to learn that he did not test positive for a variety of potential health complications. We even learned a few interesting facts about his traits, including what genes contributed to his brownish-red color, why he has a certain number of toes, and where some of his behaviors likely stem from.

We were blown away by just how much we were able to learn from this experience. Mixed bag or purebred, a lot can be gained from understanding your pet’s background, including how to be an even better pet owner in the future. For our family, doing a pet DNA test offered a lot of answers, and we can confidently say he is no longer a “Mystery” mutt!

Red on his way to our house after adoption. (Contributed photo)

Some of Red’s breed results surprised our family. (Photo courtesy of Wisdom Panel website)

Red was screened for several genetic complications. (Photo courtesy of Wisdom Panel website)

Recently Sold HOMES

This two-story brick and stone Tudor home at 72 Jayson Ave. in the University Gardens section of Great Neck sold on Feb. 2 for $855,000. It has a large living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room and stained glass windows. It has a large eat-in-kitchen with gas cooking. Two of the bedrooms with a full bathroom are located on the main level, while the third bedroom and second full bathroom is located on the second level. The one-car garage is detached. This home is conveniently located near Northern Boulevard, parks, shopping, buses, railroad and major highways. It is in the Great Neck School District and zoned for Great Neck South middle and high schools. Great Neck residents enjoy park district amenities such as the Olympic-sized pools, a lazy river, ice skating rink, sports courts and the waterfront at Steppingstone Park.

This recently upgraded, charming, sundrenched four bedroom brick Cape at 65 Jayson Ave. in the University Gardens section of Great Neck sold on March 3 for $1,200,000. The first floor features a bright living room with a fireplace, dining room, a large sunroom, cathedral ceilings, two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The second floor has two oversized bedrooms with large closets and built-in drawers, a full bathroom and cathedral ceilings. Recent updates to the home include a newly renovated open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a new Forti range hood, new air conditioning, new washer and dryer, a new furnace and water heater and a newly renovated sunroom. The large, tiled backyard offers flat grassy area that are perfect for outdoor activities and summer barbecues. The long driveway can accommodate up to five parking spaces and includes a one-car detached garage. This home is within walking distance to the railroad, bus stop, parks, grocery, elementary school and more.

New York’s volunteer firefighters, which respond to emergency calls in a majority of the state, save not only lives and property, but also billions in taxpayer dollars. According to an economic impact study released by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), these dedicated volunteers help New York taxpayers save $4.7 billion annually through their services.

The report emphasizes the critical role of volunteer firefighters in safeguarding New York’s communities and helping to save lives. The 80,000 volunteer firefighters in the state provide vital protection and services during emergencies and contribute significantly to their communities through continuous training, outreach, and fire safety education. They also play a critical role in the statewide response plans to major emergencies and natural disasters.

Prepared by Resolution Economics (ResEcon), the “Economic Study of The Tax Savings Generated by New York’s Volunteer Fire Service” is the second study in the past decade to examine the economic impact of New York’s volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters keep local taxes and expenses low by eliminating the need to pay career firefighters wages, benefits and related costs. New York relies heavily on volunteer

fire departments, and a conversion to paid departments would cause a severe economic burden and require a massive increase in property taxes.

“Without the dedication and service of the brave volunteers throughout the state, local taxpayers would face a significant financial burden to fund the type of emergency response they are accustomed to,” said FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr.

Among the report findings:

• Fully paid career departments would cost taxpayers $4.7 billion annually in pay, benefits, operating, maintenance, and capital costs.

• 31,058 full-time paid firefighters would need to be hired.

• Of the state’s 1,640 fire departments, 93.2 percent are all-volunteer or mostly volunteer.

• If New York switched to an all-paid fire service: local government property taxes would rise an average of 28.4 percent absent volunteer firefighters (taxes would increase between 5.8 percent and 133.8 percent depending on the county) and there would be a one-time cost of $8.17 billion to acquire existing structures, vehicles and equipment.

Founded in 1872, FASNY represents the interests of approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in the state. Visit www. fasny.com for more details.

—FASNY

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.

& LIFESTYLE

Cult-Classic The Room Celebrates 20 Years

Star of film hosts screening at Cinema Art Centre in Huntington

The Room is known as the worse movie ever made, but many consider it the best

The plot follows a successful bank executive named Johny, who is happily engaged with Lisa, until she seduces his best friend Mark. From there, nothing is ever the same again. There are also many sub-plots in this film, including Denny, a young man Johny practically adopted, having a run in with some trouble when he’s unable to pay back drug money, Lisa’s mother mentioning she was diagnosed with breast cancer once and the house of Johny and Lisa basically having an open door policy where any of their friends can walk in at any time.

The plot may not seem that wild to anyone who hasn’t seen the movie, but what makes it so special is the movie’s director, writer and star, Tommy Wiseau. He certainly stands out with his long black hair, sunglasses and European accent. Yet nobody knows where he’s from, how old he is and how he became rich. If you ask him where he’s from, he’ll likely say “New Orleans.”

The dialogue in the movie is what also makes it famous. Some compare the script to what artificial intelligence or aliens would come up with if they were trying to write a script about humans.

Though the movie, with a $6 million budget, only made $1,916 with its initial Hollywood release in 2003, it has since earned its title of cult-classic. Greg Sestero, the film’s co-star and a close friend of Wiseau (they met at an acting class in San Francisco in 1998), wrote a book about the making of the movie called The Disaster Artist in 2013. And in 2017, James Franco directed a film adaption of the book. James Franco played Wiseau, Dave Franco played Sestero and Seth Rogen plays the script supervisor. Many other famous comedians and actors also took part in the film.

On March 17, in celebration of The Room’s 20th anniversary, Sestero made a stop at the Cinema Art Centre in Huntington as part of a screening tour of the movie. There, he hosted a meet and greet and held a Q&A with fans. Two screenings were held at the

and the 7:30 p.m. showing was sold out. There were only a few seats open for the 8:30 p.m. screening.

Watching The Room with an audience is a much different experience than watching it alone. Similar to watching live screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, there’s a ritual to watching The Room.

There’s a framed photo of a spoon in the set’s living room that finds itself in the background of many scenes. Whenever the crowd spots this photo, someone will scream “spoon!” and audience members will throw plastic spoons at the screen. When a character appears on screen with little explanation of who are they and how they know the main characters, people will scream “who are you?” During long stock footage of the Golden Gate Bridge, the audience will yell “Go! Go! Go!” until the car crossing the bridge finishes its journey. Some clap to the R&B music that plays during the uncomfortably long sex scenes. These are just some of the things fans do when watching this movie.

Ahead of the screening at the Cinema Art Centre, Long Island Weekly had the chance to ask Sestero some questions about the making of the movie, what he’s up to now and about his friend Wiseau.

Long Island Weekly: Have you ever been to New York?

Sestero: It was in New York I went to a screening at Ziegfeld Theatre that I got the idea to write the book Disaster Artist. It was the seventh anniversary when I realized

people love this movie, and the story behind this movie is even more crazy. New York always brings about good vibes.

Long Island Weekly: Could you imagine that these screenings of The Room would still be showing 20 years later? And what’s your favorite part about doing these screenings?

Sestero: Back in the day, I didn’t think anyone would see it. There’s a lot of big studio films, a lot of big movies that just come and go. Especially for me back then, I just thought it would be something that would never come out. What are the odds of ever putting out a totally independent film? It’s just one of those things I’ve come to embrace, because clearly there’s something about this movie people really like. I’ve attended weddings of people that are now married and have families because of this movie. And that’s what you set out to make films for, is to connect people. And that’s what this movie’s done. I think this year is about celebrating the connections and joy this crazy movie has brought people. And for myself, I always wanted to get into writing and film making, so I was able to write The Disaster Artist because of The Room and I’m now making a UFO abduction movie, and without The Room I know that stuff would never be possible.

Long Island Weekly: What was the process of writing The Disaster Artist?

Sestero: I wrote a sequel to Home Alone, called “Home Alone, Lost in Disney World,” when I was 12, so I always wanted to make

movies and tell series... And then when The Room amassed a cult following and people were asking questions, I thought the making of The Room would make a great movie in itself... And so, it was really about trying to tell a story about much more than the making of that movie. It was about two friends following their dreams, two friends who were polar opposites. Really, I wanted the Disaster Artist to be a book anybody could pick up.

Long Island Weekly: Did the bad reviews of The Room bother you at first?

Sestero: I was always fascinated by the character of Tommy because I met him in an acting class and I watched him perform and I thought ‘does anybody see how entertaining this is? What would people think if they saw this guy in front of a crowd?” I got the comedy early on, nobody else did. So when we made The Room and it started showing, I thought, ‘what are people going to think?’ Because I was a passenger of this crazy journey, I was always intrigued by the response.

Long Island Weekly: What does your friendship with Wiseau look like now?

Sestero: We still talk pretty frequently. This year it will be 25 years since we met in an acting class. It’s just one of those things where after a certain point you’re connected forever. I enjoy the wacky places that he can push you to go. I think at times we get comfortable in life and it’s cool to try new things, and when you’re put in peculiar situations it helps you grow.

Greg Sestero and Tommy Wiseau in The Room. (Still courtesy of Wiseau-Films)

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. No. 1AR, 5-1AR – Residential Non-Heating Service

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

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

5-3 – 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

Art League’s ‘Cynthia Pascal: A Retrospective’ Opens April 15

The Art League of Long Island announces the retrospective exhibit of Cynthia Pascal in the Jeanne Tengelsen Gallery. The opening reception takes place on Saturday, April 15, from 6 to 8:00p.m. A celebratory remembrance introduction will be held from 6:00 – 6:30, followed by light refreshments and the opportunity to enjoy the exhibition in the Gallery. The exhibition is on view through April 28.

Cynthia Pascal was an American artist born and raised in New York. She achieved her Bachelor of Arts, MSW, and PHD in Social Work and managed a practice as a psychotherapist for over 40 years. Ms. Pascal studied painting with Arthur Sternberg in Old Westbury College and at the New School for Social Research in New York City. Her formal training provided a beginning structure that she soon broke from to create her own unique statement. She does not start out with a preconceived narrative when she paints and is always open to discover meaning in the process.

Her work includes abstract, expressionistic, and impressionistic styles, all of which explore the depth and complexity of human emotion using women as her primary subjects. Acrylics are her primary medium,

along with oils, pastels, and clay.

Ms. Pascal’s earlier work was comprised of hard-edged expressionistic paintings which made strong statements about the female in crisis: often fearful, resigned, tremulous, but always teeming with life. Her later works depict women in control, passionate, assured and living with conviction and joy. Almost all of her paintings portray women who appear to have a reservoir of personal experience within.

Many of Ms. Pascal’s works hang in private collections. She has exhibited at

The Blue Door Gallery, The Whitman Art Gallery, The Eclectic Gallery, The North Shore County Gallery, The Universalist Church Gallery in Manhasset, and at The Bleeker and Terra Galleries.

Ms. Pascal continued to work and produce fine art which celebrated the human spirit until 2022, at the age of 92.

Established in 1955, the Art League is not-for-profit visual arts center whose mission is to provide a forum and showcase for artists of all ages and ability levels, whether through art education in the

studios, open studio time, or exhibition opportunities in the gallery and art fairs. Artwork on display in the gallery may be available for purchase. The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery is open free of charge Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Art League is located at 107 East Deer Park Road, in Dix Hills. For more information visit www.artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400.

—Submitted by Art League of Long Island

Cynthia Pascal, Abstract of Women in Pink and Blue

(Photos by Art League of Long Island)

Cynthia Pascal, Two Girls Sitting.

Cynthia Pascal, Dance Siesta.

North Shore Animal League America rescues and cares for thousands of animals each year.

By leaving a gift as part of your will or trust, you ensure your love of pets lives on.

Photos by Ellen Dunn

More affordable housing? Sign me up. OPED

In her recent State of the State Address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced her plan to build 800,000 new homes in New York state over the next decade to combat New York’s crisis of expensive homes and outrageous rents.

The plan has come under fire here in Nassau. But honestly?

Affordable housing would be fantastic, and people should give it a second thought. We have in our hands an opportunity to fix every problem that is plaguing our County.

Concerned about crime? Homes closer to each other make it easier for the police to reach you. Worried for the homeless? Cheaper housing means fewer homeless individuals. Anxious that young people are fleeing Nassau? Those young people will stay if the housing was cheaper. Care about the environment?

Excellent, because higher-density housing is more energy-efficient than single-family homes, which also means lower utility bills.

Most importantly, it will drive down the cost of living. Purchasing a home or renting in Nassau is almost impossible in this economy, but more housing supply will

PRO HOUSING

finally put some pressure on prices to go down.

Not to mention, almost 70% of Long Islanders say we need more affordable housing. So now’s our chance to do it.

Obviously, it’s not all sunshine and vodka. More affordable housing may mean a decrease in property value, for example. But even that may be beneficial: as property value goes down, so too go down property taxes, the bane of all Long Islanders.

There are concerns about

whether infrastructure can keep up with the growth in population. After all, no one wants schools to suffer or roads to become congested. But the case is severely overstated.

Hochul’s plan calls for 7,170 to 14,340 new units to be built, an increase of just 1.5 to 3 percent in housing stock. The actual population increase—spread out across Nassau County and over 3 years—will be, in the most extreme case, a 5% increase over the current population.

In addition, the plan would include $270 million to assist municipalities in reaching their targets. The new housing would also swell the tax base and provide new jobs for Nassau businesses struggling to find employment, making any needed infrastructure investment completely doable. Benefits of affordable housing notwithstanding, the biggest reason given by politicians and residents for opposing this plan is that it would disrupt the “suburban way of life.”

To which I respond: Thank God! Soulless neighborhoods with no sign of activity or sense

of community; people tensed up around one another; disgusting malls, parking lots, and other hostile and alienating architecture; and having to spend gas and drive to run the smallest errand because everything essential to living is spaced out.

This is the “suburban way of life” you so dearly want to protect? Sounds to me like the suburban way of death. It’s no coincidence that the suicide rate is higher in suburbs than it is in urban areas across the country.

And let’s not pretend that good schools, lawns, or privacy belong exclusively to the suburbs. The best school in Nassau, Jericho High School, is beaten by 32 other schools nationally, the majority of which are in cities. Lawns and community gardens are still possible with denser housing, and with

all the private surveillance going up, I wouldn’t vouch for the privacy of the suburbs.

Taken all together, the governor’s housing plan is a good one, and not out of loyalty to the governor. If anything, I think it doesn’t go far enough. I would have liked to see even more housing built, in various different areas so that people of different races and incomes could be integrated.

But the perfect will not be the enemy of the good. The positives of this plan definitely outweigh the negatives, and it is my hope that the proposal is passed so that we may move towards a more moral, affordable, and vibrant Nassau County.

— Matthew Adarichev is a Hofstra University sophomore studying public policy and a student journalist from Westbury.

Matthew Adarichev

National Eating Disorders Association Presents The Annual Long Island NEDA Walk

The National Eating Disorders Association(NEDA) organizes the annual Long Island NEDA Walk on April 23 at Sunken Meadow State Park. NEDA Walks spread awareness about the realities of eating disorders and build supportive, local communities of hope, strength, and recovery.

In the United States alone, 30 million individuals will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Money raised from the walk will help fund the NEDA Helpline and other vital programs focused on prevention, cures and access to quality care.

“NEDA has seen the volume of calls, texts, and chats skyrocket up to 58% over the previous period. This unprecedented need for support inspires all of us in the community to come together, in unity, to ensure that no one faces these complex and pervasive disorders alone,” says Liz Thompson, CEO of NEDA. “We are so thankful for our active, engaged, dynamic community. Over the course of 2023, we will be activating in more than 50 communities across the United States, building community through programs and initiatives, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they deserve. When we connect, we thrive. Join us as we come one step closer to a world without eating disorders!”

Learn how you can join tens of thousands of passionate walkers, participating in person or virtually, across the country to make a difference in the fight against eating disorders!

To pre-register, visit https://nedawalk. org/longisland2023.

About the National Eating Disorders Association

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders,

and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. Through our programs and services, NEDA raises awareness, builds communities of support and recovery, funds research and puts essential resources into the hands of those in need. For more information, visit www. nationaleatingdisorders.org.

For more information about NEDA Walks, please visit www.nedawalk.org or contact the National Walks Team at walks@ nationaleatingdisorders.org.

—Submitted by the National Eating Disorders Association

Bringing It All Back Home Review of Bob

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

Can rock stars write good books? I don’t mean ghost written efforts. There was Dylan’s own Chronicles, a two-volume book that lurched from one drab sentence to another. Add to that George Harrison’s I, Me, Mine, another tome badly in need of a blue pencil and Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run, colorful but overwrought in the man’s belief that rock music remains a temple his fans come to worship in. (They just want to hear “Rosalita.”)

These books generally announce to the world that Dylan, Harrison, and Springsteen were great songwriters.

This one is different. Bob Dylan spent 10 years on The Philosophy of Modern Song. It works, in part because Dylan knows these tunes front and back. Plus, he took his time writing its chapters. Dylan lets his imagination run free, but controls it in short, succinct essays. The music is transcendental. The entire song is, like poetry, an experience, rather than a puzzle. Consider his analysis of Bobby Darin’s “Beyond The Sea.”

Soon the fair winds blow you into the harbor and you see the port lights. Soon you’ll be approaching and coming up. You’ll hit town and weigh anchor, and she’s sanding on the shores of everlasting gold. Soon you’ll be shut off from the world, linked up everlasting. On top of each other, you’ll kiss and embrace, every day from now, a jolly holiday. Wonderfully brilliant and true to form. You see everything from the proper angle, you’ve returned to where you came

Dylan’s ‘The Philosophy of Modern Song’

from. No more casting off into a distant galaxy. No more cruising off into supernatural darkness. Never again you’ll go sailing, you lay it all down and pull the shade. You quit while you’re ahead.

No collection of American music would be complete without Hank Williams, Sr. Dylan celebrates his mournful classic, “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”

Soon you’ll be marching on the same side of the road as what I’m on, we’ll see how you handle that. You were prejudiced, stupid and hypocritical, and now your cheatin’ heart is making its presence felt. You didn’t want me to live an honest life, you bamboozled me and ripped me off, and now there’ll be no more sleep for you. Not this night, not any night. You thought you could do anything, thought you’d live forever, and you gave it all you had. You just didn’t have the right character to pull it off. It’s a hell of a thing, isn’t it.

The title of this review is lifted from Dylan’s fifth album, a 1965 effort that was one side acoustic, the other side rock n’ roll. As a youngster growing up in Hibbing, MN, Dylan (back then, his real name Robert Zimmerman), spent his nights listening to music stations

from across the land. The Fifties, contrary to being a dull decade of conformity, was in fact a highly creative and eclectic period. Dylan soaked it all in: country, folk, rock, jazz, blues, swing, big band. As with every other brash Fifties kid, Dylan was a young Elvis. By the early 1960s, rock’s initial phase had petered out. Folk music was in vogue, especially on college campuses. Dylan had a new idol, Woody Guthrie. The later had a house in Queens County. Dylan made the pilgrimage. More important, he took on and conquered the Greenwich Village folk scene.

This volume is really Bob Dylan’s Great American Songbook. The man clearly reveres his masters and mentors. These men are not entertainers, they are teachers. Dylan’s own status, plus his reverence puts him on a first name basis with “Frank,” “Dino,” “Tony,” “Bobby,” “Dion,” “Rickey,” “Willie,” “Hank,” “Ella,” “Billie,” and especially “Johnny.” If Dylan had a soulmate in contemporary music, it would have to be Johnny Cash. When Dylan made the plunge from folkie to rocker, Cash stood with him all the way. “Shut up and let him sing!” the Man in Black declared. Johnny Cash was just

the friend Dylan needed at that point in his career.

As with any collection, there are omissions: Songs by The Who and The Clash, but no Lennon and McCartney, Springsteen, or Neil Young ballads. The reader will discover and delight in the greatness of American music in all its variegated forms. The authenticity of these tunes, some famous, others forgotten, shines through on every page.

The book opens with a photo of the young Elvis Presley, decked out in white shoes (don’t step on them!), followed by a scene in an Anywhere, U.S.A. record store to finally, a photo of the immortal Johnny Ray belting out a tearjerker. Johnny? Yes, Cash, but Mr. Ray, too. Can’t forget him.

Albany Needs to Support State Senate Plan to Properly Invest in Fixing Local Roads and Bridges

A newly released letter, signed by more than three dozen business, labor, minority and women-owned business and local government leaders, calls on Governor Hochul and Speaker Heastie to adopt the State Senate’s budget proposal as the blueprint to ensure statewide and local infrastructure halts the decline of its conditions and moves to good repair.

Approving the Senate plan will counter

record high inflation which caused the cost of highway construction material to skyrocket and reduced the NYSDOT’s core program to its lowest levels since 2015—while also decimating local road and bridge maintenance and construction programs.

Time is of the essence to invest in local infrastructure. In more than half of NYSDOT regions across the state, both

New York’s pavements and bridges have rapidly deteriorated.

Thankfully, the State Senate Majority’s budget proposal, under Leader StewartCousins and Transportation Committee Chairman Kennedy, meets system needs and calls for $2 billion more per year for the DOT Capital Program—$8 billion in additional investment in total over the remaining four years of the program. The

Senate’s plan also proposes investing an additional $360 million for the state’s local road system.

As stated in the letter: “we strongly urge you to consider accepting the Senate’s one house proposal which includes significant and necessary increases to the NYSDOT core and local highway capital budgets.”

—Submitted by RebuildNY

DiNapoli: Thousands Of Young Children With Disabilities Not Receiving Services

Audit Finds More Than Half Did Not Receive Services; Black and Hispanic Children Faced Greater Barriers

Therapeutic and support services available through New York’s Early Intervention (EI) Program are vital for infants and toddlers with disabilities, but an audit released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found many young children did not receive services or faced delays in care. The audit recommended the New York State Department of Health (DOH) improve its management of the EI program and eliminate barriers to care.

“Failure to provide babies and toddlers with early intervention services misses a critical window of opportunity and increases the risk of significant developmental and learning delays, and the need for more special education services in the future,” DiNapoli said. “The Department of Health needs to address the underlying reasons why children are not receiving the services they are entitled to, why services are often delayed and how access can be improved.”

DOH is tasked with developing a system that ensures children are identified, located and referred to the EI program. The department oversees 57 counties and New York City, which operate the program at the local level. Services are available for children under 3 years of age who have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, and could include speech pathology or audiology, occupational or physical therapy, psychological services or support services for children and families. Under the law, children must be evaluated for services within 45 days after being referred to the program, receive an individualized plan for services, and begin receiving those services within 30 days, upon parental consent.

From July 2018 through February 2022, approximately 189,000 children with a suspected or confirmed disability were referred to the program. However, records showed that 27,000 (14%) never received an evaluation and 10,000 (5%) were still pending. Of the nearly 152,000 children who were evaluated, 98,000 or 64% were determined eligible to receive services, but about 2,000 (2%) of eligible children never received an individualized plan and another 1,000 were pending. Of the 95,000 children who did receive an individualized plan:

• Nearly 51% or about 48,000 children did not receive all types of the therapeutic services to which they were entitled.

• About 28% or 27,000 children did not receive authorized services within 30 days.

• About 3% or 3,000 children did not receive

any of their authorized therapeutic services.

DOH pointed to the absence of parental consent as the cause of many instances of denied or delayed services. Since DOH does not require explanations, case files rarely identified why consent was not given, why a parent withdrew their child from the program, why some children were referred to the program but were not evaluated or why they faced delays in care. Officials in 10 municipalities told auditors that sometimes they were not able to reach a parent or there was a lack of service providers. In some cases, parents couldn’t attend meetings or get to a provider during the day. If DOH required this information to be recorded, it could be used to help reduce disparities and improve outreach efforts.

DiNapoli’s audit also found that delays in evaluations and delivery of services were major issues. If DOH accounted for these delays, then its performance metrics would be significantly worse. For example, if delays attributable to “exceptional family circumstances” were included when calculating timeliness of services in DOH’s 2020 annual report, then just 66%, instead of the reported 90%, of children received services on time.

According to a report from DOH, from July 2017 to June 2020, Black and Hispanic children were less likely to be referred to and evaluated for the EI program compared to white children. Black children were also less likely than white children to receive therapeutic services within 30 days. In addition, auditors identified disparities across the state in the availability of providers and access to services. In Broome County, for example, there were less than three providers for every 100 eligible children, while in Putnam County there were nine. The audit determined DOH must do more to identify and address barriers to equitable access to the program.

The COVID-19 pandemic also created problems for families in accessing services. Some families were not able to use telehealth or found it to be less effective than in-person treatment. Overall, there were significant drops in referral rates (-20%), evaluations (-24%), and eligibility

determinations (-19%) from 2019 to 2020.

Officials in 10 counties also cited issues with DOH’s web-based system to manage the EI program. They said reports did not correctly show the number of children being served in their area. Nine municipalities indicated that they developed their own internal systems for administering and managing the program locally due to problems with DOH’s New York State Early Intervention System (NYEIS).

Additionally, local officials said the provider directory was not kept up to date on the NYEIS. As a result, some parents were turned away by providers who no longer were offering services or taking on new clients. The audit found 23% of the about 7,800 service providers listed on NYEIS did not give any services during the audit period.

DiNapoli’s audit recommends DOH:

• Identify why some children are not receiving services or are facing delays in care

and develop and implement strategies to improve participation and timely delivery of services.

• Include specific goals, tasks, and objectives on municipal workplans for improving public awareness and outreach.

• Take steps to understand disparities in accessing EI program services and develop an action plan to better deliver equitable access.

• Regularly verify the provider directory is accurate and up to date to ensure it is useful to families.

• Expedite a new web-based system to manage the EI program, which has been delayed multiple times, and ensure that municipalities are prepared to use it. In response to the audit, DOH indicated that EI is a voluntary program that requires parental consent and relies heavily on municipalities to administer. The department acknowledged COVID-19 created challenges and that provider capacity is a significant factor that affects the timeliness of services. It outlined its current activities to better address disparities and outreach at the local level.

—Submitted by the Office of Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

Registrations will begin on 1 April – please share the link with any young people that may be motivated to participate. They will also be recruiting adult volunteers to help at various locations. www.rewildlongisland.org/summerprogram.

—Submitted by ReWild Long Island

The Summer Program To Fight Hunger and Climate 2023 is organized in the CowNeck Peninsula by a team of adults and youth activists looking to create opportunities for high school students and adult volunteers to further biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security.

“Failure to provide babies and toddlers with early intervention services misses a critical window of opportunity and increases the risk of significant developmental and learning delays...”

—Thomas DiNapoli Comptroller.

Free Inclusive Program To Launch Great Ideas Now Open To New York Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Ready, an organization that makes entrepreneurship and ownership more accessible for women, minorities, and first-time business owners, is looking for 300 participants across New York City and throughout the state to join its Spring 2023 cohort. The launch of the statewide initiative begins April 3 for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Supported by JPMorgan Chase, the organization’s How To Start Something Accelerator is a self-paced entrepreneurship program that will enable 300 under-represented entrepreneurs and those who have previously lacked access to comprehensive, early-stage entrepreneurship

training with the opportunity to start, pivot or restart their ideas and ventures.

Entrepreneurs in the free program gain access to an immersive learning accelerator with an online platform, a step-by-step learning framework, and personalized feedback from entrepreneur coaches.

In addition, the program provides participants with access to weekly live workshops, online office hours, and a community forum where entrepreneurs build traction and connections. As a result, each participant who completes the program will have de-risked a venture model. The free self-paced entrepreneurship

program is open to all New York State residents with any level of education, any idea, and any background. They must be at least 18 years old and able to commit approximately 8 hours a week for six to nine months. Learn more and register at https://howtostartsomething.com.

“I was just a personal trainer working in corporate fitness centers. After the program, I ended up in a 3,000 sq ft private training facility in a prime location off a busy street. It became profitable within 1 month with a whole slew of clients that we could barely keep up with demand and had to start hiring a team,” said Jake Allyne, an entrepreneur from Hartsdale, in

his 30s.

“I started to look at myself differently. I went from being an employee since I was 12 years old to now I am the boss, and I’m comfortable being the boss,” said Joyce Cole, an entrepreneur from the Village of Ossining in her 40s.

Entrepreneur Ready has been working since 2008 to not only make entrepreneurship and ownership more accessible but also to produce equivalent outcomes and achievements for women, minorities, and first-time business owners. The How To Start Something Accelerator has proven results in communities of opportunity.

—Submitted by J.P. Morgan Chase

Raise Up NY In Uniondale To Rally To Raise The Minimum Wage

On March 10, impacted workers, labor unions, small business owners, lawmakers, and advocates held a press conference on Long Island to urge Governor Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature to first raise New York’s minimum wage to at least $21.25 by 2027, and thereafter adjust it automatically each year to keep pace with rising cost of living and gains in worker productivity. In order to address

the current cost-of-living crisis, Raise Up NY is advocating for a $21.25 minimum wage. The coalition supports including the Raise the Wage Act (S1978A/A2204A) in this year’s state budget, which would benefit 2.9 million New Yorkers and over 500,000 people on Long Island and in Westchester. The Act would put an average annual raise of $3,300 in their pockets, or an additional $63/week. In

comparison, Governor Hochul’s budget proposal would only index New York’s minimum wage starting at $15, increasing

worker pay by only $13/week for only 900,000 workers.

—Submitted by Raise Up NY

Jessica Kravitz Participates In Live-Fire Quals Aboard Arleigh Burke

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jessica Kravitz, of Long Island, shoots an M9 service pistol aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer U.S.S. Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) during the live-fire handgun qualification course on Feb. 14 while in the Baltic Sea. The Arleigh Burke is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Almagissel Schuring

Raise Up NY at their “Raise the Wage” rally in Uniondale. (Photo by Katie Shane via Twitter)

HUD Announces Funding For Native Communities, Affordable Housing, Community Development, And Homeless Assistance

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced more than $794 million in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) formula funding for eligible Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) to carry out affordable housing activities in Tribal communities. In New York, HUD awarded $6,305,517 to Federally recognized Tribes in the state. Locally, the Shinnecock nation received $90,246.

“HUD is committed to supporting our Tribal communities by providing resources that will help persons living in those neighborhoods thrive,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “We know that these grants will not only be used to create affordable housing, but they will also provide much needed wrap-around services and solutions to complex issues.”

“HUD funding to Tribal communities provides resources so that all households have a decent, safe place to live,” said Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “Permanent homes and services not only support residents, but they also improve their communities and the lives of families that need it most.”

The IHBG program is a formula grant that provides a range of affordable housing activities on reservations and related areas. Eligible activities include housing development, operation and modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, crime prevention and safety, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing challenges.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also announced $5.6 billion in funding to States, urban counties, insular areas, DC, Puerto Rico, and local organizations across the country. These annual formula grants provide critical funding for a wide range of activities including affordable housing, community development, and homeless assistance.

“Viable communities must promote integrated approaches to develop decent housing, suitable living environments, and expand economic opportunities to the most vulnerable,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “These funds allow communities to address their unique needs by prioritizing what matters most to their residents and letting them own their investments in community development through these important federal resources.”

“State and local governments and

organizations depend on HUD’s community development funding to address the needs of their residents,” said Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “These valuable stakeholders serve communities in need. HUD provides this federal funding to support a wide array of services that assist underserved residents and improve low-income families’ quality of life.”

The grants announced for New York today are provided through the following HUD programs:

• $318 million in Community Development Block Grants to 58 localities to build stronger communities to 1239 states and localities to build stronger communities— The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, counties, and insular areas to develop stronger, more resilient communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income people. In 2022 the program helped over 60,000 families nationwide through housing activities, 46,000 individuals through job creation or retention, 83,500 people experiencing homelessness through improvements to homelessness facilities, over 5.3 million people through public services, and over 39 million people through public improvements.

• $140 million in Home Investments Partnerships Program (HOME) grants to produce affordable housing — The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is the primary Federal tool of States and local governments to produce affordable rental and owner-occupied housing for low-income families. HOME funds a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME projects leverage non-federal funds including, in many cases, tax credits for affordable rental housing. In 2022 the program helped create over 15,000 units of housing and nearly 17,000 households were assisted with tenant-based rental assistance through the HOME program.

• $55 million in Housing Opportunities

for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) grants to connect people with HIV/AIDS to housing and support — The Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/ AIDS (HOPWA) program provides stable and permanent housing assistance and supportive services to low-income people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Over 100,000 households across the nation receive HOPWA housing assistance and/or supportive services annually.

• $27.7 million in Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) to address homelessness — Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) provides funds for homeless shelters, assists in the operation of local shelters, and funds related to social service and homeless prevention programs. Recipients enable

people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness. ESG funds may be used for street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and rapid re-housing assistance. Annually, ESG connects over 350,000 people nationally to emergency shelters as they transition to permanent housing

“This funding allows communities to address their most pressing local needs, providing flexible resources to build homes, support renters and homeowners, provide life-saving assistance to people experiencing homelessness, and improve public facilities, community resilience, and local economies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Marion McFadden. “HUD’s annual formula block grants allow states and localities to invest in the success of neighborhoods and allow people of modest means to thrive.”

—Submitted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center Presents Friedlander Upstander Awards

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) annually honors middle and high school students on Long Island who confront intolerance, prejudice, or other forms of social injustice with the Friedlander Upstander Award. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship. The 13th Annual Friedlander Upstander Awards will be presented at HMTC’s 2023 Upstander Awards Event on Monday, May 15, at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, NY.

Due to the rise of antisemitism, hate speech, hate crimes, and bullying on Long Island and nationally, those who make a difference in their schools and communities by acting as upstanders are more important than ever. HMTC defines an upstander as a person who stands up for others and does not allow bigotry, hatred, or intolerance to happen without intercession. Every year we honor middle and high school students from across Long Island who have demonstrated the actions of an upstander. The student’s action could be one of intervention or prevention,

big or small.

Those who apply must be enrolled in a middle or high school on Long Island, need a brief nomination letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or another adult who is not a family member. They also must write a five-hundred-word essay on what actions they have taken that make them upstanders. Applications for the Friedlander Upstander Awards are due March 27, 2023.

For the past thirteen years, the Friedlander Upstander Awards have been generously provided by the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation in partnership with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation was established by Claire Friedlander, a Holocaust Survivor from Poland. The foundation supports local education, performing arts, healthcare, and environmental nonprofits.

For more information, contact Gayle Peck at gaylepeck@hmtcli.org.

—Submitted by Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center

“Permanent homes and services not only support residents, but they also improve their communities and the lives of families that need it most.”

— Marcia L. Fudge, HUD Secretary

Boris Chartan, Founder Of The Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center And Holocaust Survivor, 96

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Holocaust survivor

Boris Chartan. He was the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County’s (HMTC) founder and first chairman. He was 96 years old.

Boris, along with other survivors, clergy, and politicians, founded The Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center in 1992 to remember Holocaust victims, educate future generations, and to be a second home for survivors who settled on Long Island and rebuilt their lives here -- after losing everything to the hands of the Nazis.

“This is an insurmountable loss for the HMTC and the survivor community,” said HMTC board chair Alan Mindel. “Boris was the driving force in creating a sacred space for our cherished survivors. If it weren’t for him, the Center would not exist. It is because of Boris’ vision that we now educate thousands of students, law enforcement, nurses, and the general community across Long Island and beyond about the horrors of the Holocaust and how to be upstanders and speak out to prevent future genocides from happening.”

Carol Ragione, who worked closely with Boris and has known him for more than two decades recalls, “As one of the original employees of HMTC, it was an honor to work for Boris Chartan, a

Holocaust survivor, whose vision was to bring an educational center and museum to Long Island and to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to children and adults alike. It’s a sad day with his passing. May he rest in peace.”

Boris was born in 1926 in Podkamien, Poland. He was an only child but part of a large extended family. As a child,

he recalled that the Jewish people were blamed for everything that went wrong -- they had no power and were often singled out and attacked, and the Nazis burned down synagogues. He witnessed the murders of his aunts, grandmother, and others, which happened right in front of him.

Boris and his father were taken to a

work camp where they were forced to mine rocks. A Polish couple his father was friends with hid Boris’ mother in a hayloft on a farm. They made sure Boris and his father had food and they traveled long distances by horse and wagon to the work camp to deliver it. Boris and his father managed to escape from the camp and joined Boris’ mother in the hayloft. They were liberated by the Russians and taken to Germany to live in a displaced persons camp. With the help of his uncles, Boris came to New York in 1946. Boris credits this kind Polish couple for saving his life and for being upstanders.

In an interview with a high school student in 2005, Boris shared, “We are here to tell the story to make the young people aware of what hate and intolerance can do to us. Be on guard all the time. When you see intolerance or injustice, speak out and do not keep silent. Silence leads to the destruction of people.”

In Boris’ memory, and in honor of all Holocaust survivors on this earth and in our hearts -- we promise to continue doing all we can to teach future generations to fight antisemitism and hate. May Boris’ memory forever be a blessing.

—Submitted by the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County

Three Long Island Visual Arts Non-Profits Come Together To Host Mental Health Awareness Events

The Art League of Long Island is excited to participate in “Art Soothes the Mindful Soul” and announces a free event during Mental Health Awareness Month. This art and meditation event will be held on May 25, from 6pm to 7:30 pm in our Jeanne Tengelsen Gallery. The event is open to all members of the community and no prior experience is necessary. It is an opportunity for individuals to come together and learn about the importance of mental health and the benefits of meditation and art therapy. We hope to offer a unique experience that will be both educational and therapeutic for all participants.

Elizabeth Castelli, a meditation instructor and life coach, will lead the group through a guided meditation

session that will begin with a relaxation/body scan. She will help participants tap into their Inner Heart Wisdom, the place of Creative Power, and imagine what they are being called to create. Posing inquiry to our heart center to envision what is lying latent within.

Rachel Woelfel, a Masters candidate in Art Therapy at Pratt Institute, will then lead the participants in expressing their emotions through color and mixed media art materials. This workshop is in the spirit of the Art League’s motto, “Be the Artist You Want to Be.”

Elizabeth Castelli is a ACC (ICF), Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) through the Institute for Professional Excellence in

Coaching (iPEC), an ICF (International Coaching Federation) accredited program. She upholds the ICF professional and ethical standards of practice in her coaching. Elizabeth is also a Registered Nurse and traditional Reiki Master.

Rachel Woelfel is a Graduate Student at Pratt Institute’s Art Therapy and Creativity Development program. Born in Huntington, New York, Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and Art History from Stony Brook University, with minor studies in Media Arts and Gender Studies.

The event will be held in the Art League of Long Island’s Jeanne Tengelsen Gallery, located at 107 East Deer Park Road, in Dix Hills, NY.

Established in 1955, the Art League is a not-for-profit visual arts center whose

mission is to provide a forum and showcase for artists of all ages and ability levels, whether through art education in the studios or exhibition opportunities in the gallery and art fairs. Artwork on display in the gallery may be available for purchase.

The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery is open free of charge. For more information visit www.artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400. Pre-registration is required due to limited space, and interested participants can register online at the Art League’s website: www. artleagueli.org. Contact the Art League of Long Island’s Marketing Coordinator, Amy Tischler, at atischler@artleagueli. org or (631)462-5400 x22.

—Submitted by the Art League of Long Island

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES

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

Holiday Mathis

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND HOROSCOPES By

By Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll make thoughtful and well-informed decisions. You’ll throw your mind ahead and plan for di erent outcomes. Much of what you do in the name of others goes unacknowledged, as is the case with people who are consistent and excellent leaders. Know that what you’re doing matters quite a lot.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You know what you intend to do, but you’re better o writing it in a diary than telling people now. ere are people who will take your ideas and run with them, or worse, try to in uence your pure vision. Flesh things out on your own for a while.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve deferred to others, paid your dues and humbled yourself to the process. Now, believe in yourself. It’s warranted. Don’t imagine you can do anything -- that would be silly given human limitation and other circumstantial constraints. But believe in yourself -- a being as worthy as any of seizing this gift of light, of breath and moments.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). ough you’re known for having good style, it’s the content that matters this week. e most alluring thing you’ll do today will have little to do with what you own or what you look like. Attractiveness has more to do with having a positive attitude, being kind and compassionate and cultivating healthy relationships.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). is week sees you at your busy best. People need you, which incentivizes you to be the best at what you do. You take pride in your work and you do what it takes to keep your skills sharp. You’re constantly seeking to improve your craft and develop your unique style.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Success can take many forms for you. Would you rather have recognition or money? Or would you rather have a profound sense of knowing that you’ve reached higher or deeper levels of mastery? is week’s success is proven in the smiles of those who are joyfully moved by what you do.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Fortuitous conversations will erupt between strangers this week. Real life will be more interesting than digital life and will teach you things you couldn’t possibly learn from a glowing screen lled with information. We’re all in this together, so you may as well get to know the person standing next to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). To imagine the bliss inside a wonderful relationship between you and the object of your a ection brings on a dopamine high -- an altered reality lled with hope and possibility. ere is nothing inherently wrong with this if you can accept it for the entertainment value of what it is instead of mistaking it for anything to do with the realities of human connection.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You love someone and want to x their problem, which you will -- by giving them plenty of room to make their own mistakes. It’s hard to watch someone fall. Maybe it’s worse than going through it yourself. But you cherish the lessons you’ve learned, and you will give loved ones a similar experience.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It’s a wonderful week for getting your point across if you have one, but if you don’t, this is a week to come up with one. Mercury is busy, purposeful and on your side now. By the end of the week, you may nd a very di erent meaning to things than you had at the start of it all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). None are winners or losers because of the number of mistakes they make. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s the reaction to mistakes that de nes people. is week presents situations that give you a chance to shine. A solid core of character and a spiritual grace will extend to your community.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What you come up with on your own will be your favorite idea, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea on the table. Compromise is the friend of business and the enemy of art. When you’re working on something creative, make it all about you and ful lling your vision. For anything else, pay close attention to the needs and wants of others.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

Your role will bring you honor. You’re the neutral person who helps a group get along, but you’re also the problem-solver and motivator who helps everyone function at a high level. e main events of next season will have you feeling younger and lighter. You’ll bond anew with family. You’ll be paid for work you enjoy.

Go for a gallop

Solution: 19 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 19 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Go

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 SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2023

CONTRACT BRIDGE

By Steve Becker

Structural visualization

spade, South cashed the A-K of trump, hoping the missing clubs were divided 2-2.

When East showed out on the second trump, declarer tried the K-Q-A of hearts in hopes that the opposing hearts were divided 3-3, or that West, who had the third club, had the heart length. Unfortunately, West ruffed the third heart for down one.

Solution:

Opening lead — two of spades.

Assume you’re declarer at five clubs. West leads a spade, and you ruff the spade continuation. How would you play the hand?

Aside from the ace of diamonds, the only other potential loser is your fourth heart. But if West has the diamond ace, a parking place for the heart can be developed by leading twice toward dummy’s diamond honors.

The actual declarer therefore led a diamond to the king at trick three, but when East produced the ace and returned a spade, another plan was needed. So after ruffing the

Tomorrow:

Though declarer gave himself several chances to get home safely, he overlooked an approach that didn’t require a favorable break in either hearts or the trump suit. After the diamond ace proves to be offside and declarer trumps the spade return, he should cash the A-K of trump, lead a diamond to the queen and ruff a diamond. A heart to the queen is followed by another diamond ruff.

At this point, declarer has the A-8-6 of hearts while dummy has the jack of clubs and K-4 of hearts. A low heart is led to dummy, and the jack of clubs is played, extracting West’s last trump as South discards his heart loser. Declarer then takes the last trick with the ace of hearts.

In this way, declarer nullifies the location of the diamond ace and the uneven divisions in clubs and hearts. In all, he scores three club tricks, four ruffs in his hand, three hearts and a diamond for a total of 11 tricks.

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

AUTO / MOTORCYCLE

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT

YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

DONATE YOUR CAR TO BREAST CANCER RESEARCH RECOVERY! Tax Deduction

Receipt Given Upon Pick-up, Free Towing. 501c3 Charity. 631-988-9043 breastcancerresearchrecovery.org

Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response

Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Wheels For Wishes benefiting MakeA-Wish® Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We

Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100%

Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: (877) 798-9474. Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www. wheelsforwishes.org.

COMPANIONS / ELDERCARE

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM!

Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price

Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

Job ID 7691

M

239952

Wheatley Hills Golf Club, East Williston NOW HIRING: Waitsta & Bussers, Front Desk Receptionist, Clubhouse Maintenance, Valet Parker, Pantry-Prep Position Competitive Hourly Wage E-mail: Frontdesk@wheatleyhills.com

FINANCE

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361

HEALTH / WELLNESS

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-595-6967

Don’t Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

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

HOME SERVICES

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

GREENPORT: Prime Main Street location. Suitable for retail/professional. 875 sq. ft. Original floors and architectural details. Owner, 516-241-8135.

239978 M

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR WANTED Will Certify & train, Co. Car. New York State License 3 yrs clean. High School Diploma Seniors Welcome Call 516-731-3000 240059

HERE CALL 516-403-5170

M

Pro

– FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118 239874 M Owner Andy DiSpirito 45 years of experience. Old Craftsmanship. We build driveways, patios, pools, chimneys, steps, barbeques, waterproofing and drywells. All work is done and supervised by owner. We work with every kind of stone: Bricks, Cinder Block, Belgium blocks, Granite, Railroad Ties, etc. Please Call ANDY at 516-759-3235 MASON CONTRACTING CORPORATION FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG Tuning, repairs, restorations, moving and storage. Selling pianos starting at $399. Buying Yamaha® and glossy black/white pianos. 239982 M I now move house contents on LI to Florida. Call Bruce for the best service. 516-330-7138

Local Student Starts Singing Program For Adventures In Learning

Adventures in Learning, a program housed in the Manhasset-Great Neck EOC, was pleased to announce the start of a new program created by local student, Carys Hyland, called Adventures in Singing. Carys is a member or Tri-M Music Honor Society for voice, sings with the Manhasset High School Symphonic Choir and has been invited to perform at local events including a local fundraiser for Tuesday’s Children, as well as singing the National Anthem and God Bless America at both the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at Mary Jane Davies Park. The program was a way to share her love of singing combined with her musical training with underserved children in the community. Carys said, “I feel very fortunate to have found singing as it has been a wonderful outlet for me. I hope to teach the basics and perhaps inspire some children to continue singing throughout their education. The Manhasset School District has amazing resources and wonderful music teachers. If I can inspire one child to continue singing and learn fundamentals, I will be thrilled.” For over 50 years, Adventures in Learning has

offered children in kindergarten through sixth grade a place to come after school for fun, guidance and academic assistance. Throughout the years, Adventures in Learning has served hundreds of local children, making a difference in the lives of underserved youth who would otherwise be without assistance during a critical time

in their development.

Carys proposed her idea to her chorus teacher, Mr. Jared Berry, who was very enthusiastic and offered his assistance. Carys then contacted Polly Haas, Associate Director of Programs for Adventures in Learning, who then helped with the logistics of setting up the program. Carys currently

teaches approximately 15 students in 2nd and 3rd grade. The program introduces the basics of music theory, notes, pitches, rhythm, voice training, and performance style. Each week the students are taught a familiar song that has been adapted to keep the students engaged, including using karaoke, and based on the reaction of the students this program is likely to be one of the most successful. Carys has found it extremely rewarding to work with her eager students and looks forward to continuing with the program and has created it to be sustainable for the future.

Carys is requesting donations to pay for costs related to procuring the sheet music and related supplies. Donations can be made through Adventures in Learning’s website at www.adventures-in-learning. org or by check payable to Adventures in Learning (please include on the memo line Adventures in Singing) and mailed to Ms. Polly Haas, Associate Director of Programs, Adventures in Learning, P.O. Box 1054, Manhasset, NY 11030. All donations will go directly to Adventures in Learning and are tax deductible.

—Submitted by Adventures in Learning

Carys Hyland teaches Adventures in Singing students at the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC.

(Photo by Coleen Hyland)

Corona Man Arrested In Manhasset For Possible Fraud

The Sixth Squad reports the arrest of a Queens man for the Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument that occurred on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Manhasset.

According to Detectives, defendant Kyle Jackson, 27, of 11250 Northern Boulevard, Corona, entered into a Mobile Gas Station located at 1111 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset. Defendant Jackson stated that credit cards that were left at the gas station belonged to him and attempted to claim possession. The name defendant Kyle Jackson provided did not match the credit cards and an employee became suspicious and requested Nassau County Police to respond to scene for possible fraud. After an investigation was conducted, defendant

Kyle Jackson was placed under arrest without incident. Further investigation revealed that defendant Kyle Jackson had in his possession multiple pictures on his phone of fraudulent identity and social security cards.

Defendant Kyle Jackson is charged with nine counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Forgery 2nd degree, Grand Larceny 4th degree, Attempted Grand Larceny 4th degree, Criminal Impersonation 2nd degree and three counts of Unlawful Possession of a Personal ID 3rd degree. He was arraigned on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at First District Court, located at 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

—Submitted by Nassau County Crimestoppers

Vehicle Stolen In Flower Hill

The Sixth Squad reports the details of a stolen car incident that occurred on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 9:50 a.m. in Flower Hill.

According to Detectives, a victim had his 2020 BMW X5 stolen from the American Car Wash, 1037 Northern Boulevard. While the victim waited for his car to be finished, a dark-skinned male wearing red pants, a hoodie, and a black mask entered the victim’s vehicle which was parked in an adjacent lot and drove off. Although the car was running, it did not have the keys inside, the victim’s car disengaged power a short distance away

at 1044 Northern Boulevard. The suspect exited the stolen vehicle, then entered the passenger side of a Black SUV and drove southbound on Mineola Avenue. The SUV which the subject drove away in is a newer model, Black BMW SUV with an unknown New Jersey registration. The Investigation is ongoing.

Detective’s request anyone with information regarding the above listed crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or to call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

—From the Nassau County Police, 6th precinct

Northwell Emergency Departments Receive Accreditation For Pain, Addiction Care

Twelve Northwell Health emergency departments have received the Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED) designation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

PACED is a national accreditation program that seeks to improve management and substance use care for patients. Having a PACED designation means that patients in these hospitals will receive the highest level of treatment for pain and addiction, while minimizing the use of opioid medications.

The 12 hospitals to have received the PACED Bronze level accreditation are:

• Huntington Hospital

• Staten Island University Hospital North

• Staten Island University Hospital South

• North Shore University Hospital

• Plainview Hospital

• Syosset Hospital

• Glen Cove Hospital

• LIJ Valley Stream

• Long Island Jewish Medical Center

• South Shore University Hospital

• Lenox Health Greenwich Village

• Lenox Hill Hospital

Sandeep Kapoor, MD, assistant vice president of Emergency Medicine Addiction Services, said the designation recognizes Northwell’s determined efforts over the past decade to create a humanistic and evidence-based

approach to helping people living with substance use disorder (SUD) and pain issues.

“The fact that 12 of our hospitals have received national accreditation recognizes our efforts to humanize the approach

to substance use and pain. We are very proud that our model of care is being regarded as an industry standard,” Dr. Kapoor said. “It is our mission that all 18 of our emergency departments will soon be recognized for our work in this space.”

Sadly, the effects of the pain/substance use crisis and the resulting fatal opioid overdose numbers continue to rise throughout the United States. Fatal opioid overdoses, many caused by Fetanyl, are considered a national public health epidemic represented by 108,000 deaths in the 12-month period ending in August 2022.

Dr. Kapoor emphasized that Northwell’s comprehensive, three-prong approach to the substance use crisis –education, clinical practice and research – is a critical component to success.

“We will continue our efforts to provide patients with all the knowledge and power available to us to shift that narrative that there is ‘no help out there,’” said Dr. Kapoor. “We are here and committed to serve our patients, their families, and our communities in a holistic and comprehe nsive manner.”

—Submitted by Northwell Health

DeSena Charges Subversion After Sewer Funds Vote

and David Adhami.

frizzo@antonmediagroup.com

The Town of North Hempstead Town Board gave its unanimous, symbolic support for the Plandome Road sewer project at its March 14 meeting. Such a formal vote had been requested by the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, which will use a $5 million state grant to place a sewer line under the main business thoroughfare. With the vote secured, the district can begin its planning process.

However, the Democratic majority once again blocked a plan by Supervisor Jen DeSena to move about $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) moneys under town control into a dedicated fund to help with the second part of the infrastructure project—attaching “lateral” piping to the main line to connect about 88 properties in order to complete the sewering of Plandome Road businesses.

With Councilman Robert Troiano absent, fellow Democrat ic councilmembers Veronica Lurvey, Mariann Dalimonte and Peter Zuckerman voted against a resolution introduced by the supervisor. DeSena, a Democrat who caucuses with the Republicans, was joined by Dennis Walsh

The Democrats had blocked the same resolution in January, saying they needed more time to make certain that using ARPA moneys to partially aid private businesses would be legal. They hoped that an answer would be forthcoming before the April 4 town board meeting, where they promise to give DeSena’s proposal another look.

Town Attorney John Chiara said he had been exploring the legal issues in consultation with Matthew McDonough, an attorney retained by the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce to provide guidance on the use of ARPA funds. However, he was not ready to provide a legal opinion at the March 14 meeting, and this influenced the Democrat trustees’ response.

Dalimonte reaffirmed her reluctance to commit the funds without a clear indication that it would pass muster with the federal government.

“My issue is the ARPA funds have restrictions,” she said in pleading for an extension on the vote. “If we allocate this $3 million, and then we go and spend that $3 million...

[and] the federal government comes in and says ‘Sorry, you are not allowed to allocate that $3 million.’ So now we have to bond for $3 million pay the $3 million back to the federal government and now every single taxpayer—250,000 taxpayers in the town of North Hempstead—just paid for that sewer line. I support putting the sewer line in, but we need to make sure to cross our t’s and dot our i’s on this.”

In a statement released on March 16, DeSena said, “I am both shocked and extremely disappointed at the actions of the majority members of the town board, as they not only voted to block the funding for this grant program to administer this vital project, which has been something the community has been asking for for nearly 40 years, but they did so while exhibiting open disdain and hostility towards residents who came to speak in favor of the program. Our town has been presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to complete this project at almost no cost to town taxpayers, as ARPA funds were specifically designed to allow for a grant program for a project such as this, whereas normally

government funds cannot be used in this way. Our businesses, our residents, our environment and the future of our Plandome Road business district deserve this project. It’s incredibly sad to see all of these things sacrificed by the majority councilmembers to bolster their own political power, as they’re presumably looking to dole out these federal funds to their own pet projects.”

Lurvey provided the following response: “Enough already. The most basic facts about this project are unknown. Who will receive the money? How will it be spent? What controls will be in place? Is this a legally appropriate use of the funds? These are critically important questions to which there are no concrete answers. My priority is and has always been allocating $3 million in a prudent way that best serves the town. There should be no favoritism or politics at play. Our residents are sick and tired of petty squabbles. They want results, and it’s our job to deliver—in a responsible way, ignoring all the political noise and interference that the Supervisor keeps injecting with her coordinated attacks.”

In all, the town received about $10.1 million under ARPA’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program funds. Trustees have not yet finalized how the town will spend these moneys.

Read a longer story at www.manhassetpress.com.

Supervisor DeSena And Town Clerk Srivastava Call For Nominations For 30th Annual Women’s Roll Of Honor

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava announce the date for the 30th Annual May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor Breakfast to be held Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.

“Town Clerk Srivastava and I are proud to continue the 30-year tradition of honoring the incredible women in our Town with this year’s planned event in June,” Supervisor DeSena said. “The Town is so fortunate to have an abundance of outstanding women who exemplify the strength and service it takes to be a community leader.

I look forward to this year’s Women’s Roll of Honor ceremony to further shine a light on our amazing and selfless community members.”

Town Clerk Srivastava spoke of the exciting plans for the event which in the past was a highlight of the March Women’s History Month celebrations.

Supervisor DeSena and Town Clerk Srivastava are calling for nominations for the 2023 Women’s Roll of Honor now until Friday, April 28, 2023.

Town Clerk Srivastava noted, “During

our month-long celebration of Women’s History Month, we should reflect on the many dedicated and talented women in the Town of North Hempstead who are deserving of public recognition. Their contributions are worthy of note and continue to make a difference in the quality of life that we enjoy. I encourage our residents to consider that special person in their community as a nominee and to submit their recommendation to the Clerk’s Office without delay.”

The Breakfast and Ceremony will take place Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links, 1 Fairway

Drive, Port Washington. Guest reservations will be accepted starting May 20, 2023 through June 2, 2023.

The Women’s Roll of Honor history, photos, videos, news releases, nomination forms and past honorees can be found on the TONH Website, www.northhempsteadny.gov under Town Clerk’s Office. See Women’s Roll of Honor.

For event information and nominee submissions write to Office of the Clerk at WROH@northhempsteadny.gov or call the 311 or 516-869-6311.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

New Podcast Teaches Small Scale Law Lessons

Th e pandemic sent many organizations into a slumber. When Manhasset resident Amy Martella joined the Corporate Law Center at Fordham Law School as its Executive Director, she was determined to revive the center’s pre-Covid track record of groundbreaking work. Instead of putting pen to paper, however, she put microphone to recording device. And thus, the Bite-Sized Business Law podcast was born.

Bite-Sized Business Law examines some of the most significant and compelling legal issues facing businesses today. In an age where we are constantly barraged with information, Bite-Sized Business law seeks to break down the most important headlines, tackling everything from financial meltdowns to emerging markets. “You don’t have to be an expert or a business leader to care about what’s happening in corporate

America today,” says Ms. Martella. “Corporations have a huge impact on all aspects of our society, from influencing global markets to driving new technology. I want this podcast to make these concepts accessible to everyone who might be asking themselves, ‘Why should I care?’”

Ms. Martella is a lawyer who lives in Manhasset with her husband and four children, three of whom attend Shelter Rock Elementary School. So when she started booking podcast guests, she looked no further than Shelter Rock to find one of her first guests. In an episode that aired on February 28th, Ms. Martella interviewed fellow Shelter Rock parent Maria Charon about her work as a SPAC sponsor, which is a unique investment vehicle whose popularity spiked during the pandemic but has since sharply declined. Ms. Charon, also a lawyer, explained how SPACs work and shared

her insights as to why they experienced such a marked drop in value.

“It was incredibly fun talking to Maria about something other than school, sports, or birthday parties,” Ms. Martella remarked. “Manhasset has a wealth of individuals with expertise in business law, and I was thrilled to be able to highlight one of them on Bite-Sized Business Law.”

Besides Ms. Charon, Ms. Martella has interviewed business law scholars, industry experts, and practitioners on a wide variety of topics including the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, litigation finance, crypto bankruptcies, and ESG (environmental, social, governance principles).

Bite-Sized Business Law is currently available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and other popular podcast platforms.

—Submitted by the Corporate Law Center at Fordham Law School

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick Responds To Senate’s One-House

This week, the Senate Democrat Majority released their one-house budget which outlines their priorities for this year’s budget. Sadly, but unsurprisingly, the advocacy of everyday New Yorkers fell upon deaf ears. New York State hangs in the balance right now as we struggle to work through several crises – most notably, the affordability as well as the public safety crisis – and yet the Senate Democrats’ proposal is glaringly absent of policies that will make our state safer, stronger, and more affordable. They’ve proven once again that they have no interest in addressing the real issues that New Yorkers face, and we will all have to pay for it.

This one-house budget proposes that we add billions in state spending – $9 billion more than the Governor’s proposal – without any mention of providing relief from our incredible tax burden, protecting struggling small businesses, or aiding municipalities that are being crushed under the weight of unfunded mandates. As a homeowner, small business owner, and former trustee in the Village of Malverne, I understand very intimately the financial difficulty that Albany imposes upon us at all levels; somehow, the Senate Majority finds it appropriate to exacerbate it further and risk losing even more of our tax base to more affordable states.

Furthermore, this one-house budget

Budget Resolution

takes a backwards approach to the public safety crisis that has been affecting us all. Not only did the Senate Majority reject every measure that may provide some reprieve from the disaster wrought upon our cities and suburbs by bail reform, but they also opted to include Clean Slate so that even the most serious offenders will have their criminal records sealed.

It is unfair to every victim who has yet to receive justice, and it is a mockery of our criminal justice and judicial system as a whole.

With this budget proposal, the Senate Majority indubitably confirmed their belief that New Yorkers are content with the prospect of dealing with more crime, minor accountability, and less money

in their pockets. It is a display of blatant disregard for the genuine struggles of the taxpayers. I emphatically voted against this budget proposal. I and the Senate Republican Conference will continue to advocate for a safer, stronger, more affordable, and a more free New York throughout this budget process.

—Submitted by the New York State Senate

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

IMPACT OF HOUSING PROPOSAL WOULD BE DEVASTATING

Many residents are outraged that our Assemblywoman, Ms. Sillitti, is promoting Governor Hochul’s plan for high density development in suburban communities. Unlike State Senator Martins who opposes the plan and supports his constituents who have worked and strived to own a home in a beautiful community, Ms. Sillitti supports high density development which would lead to the demise of suburbia.

According to Munsey Park Mayor Ceriello, “If you’re within a half mile radius of the train station, villages and towns have to rezone the property to accept dwelling density of fifty units per acre “. (Manhasset Press, March 12-21,

page 9). The plan would allow fifty units of housing on what currently is zoned for four units. The impact on schools, infrastructure, congestion, environment and quality of life would be devastating. Obviously the Governor is attempting to cater to her base but why would our elected Assemblywoman Sillitti promote a plan that would negatively impact her

constituents?

Despite the community’s negative reaction, Assemblywoman Sillitti continues to support the high density housing plan and in an attempt to gain resident support, she has proposed “incentive funding”. Perhaps it was an oversight but her proposal is insulting to the intelligence of her constituents. Obviously the “incentive funds” are our own taxes which will be spent on the destruction of our communities.

Remember to vote next time around.

Laurann Pandelakis Manhasset, NY

Blessings In A Backpack

Over the past month, St. Stephen’s Sunday School and youth group raised funds with a Super Bowl Sunday chili and hotdog sale to support Blessings in a Backpack. After raising almost $800, it was time to go shopping and pack the bags for distribution to children who otherwise might go hungry over the weekends. The idea is to provide two breakfast, two lunches, two dinners and snacks. This was the first time the Sunday School has been able to resume this outreach since COVID began. There were enough funds raised to provide a second weekend of food in the future.

Blessings in a Backpack is a national program to provide food on the weekends for school children across America who might otherwise go hungry. During the 2021–2022 school year, Blessings distributed nearly 3.2 million bags of ready-to-eat food to children at 1,118 schools in 46 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Since 2009, Blessings has provided 26.7 million hunger-free weekends for more than 927,000 children nationwide.

In Port Washington, Blessings is an opt-in program offered to students who are identified as “food-insecure”. The program is aimed at the youngest students in the district. Currently 45 weekend meals

are being provided. The program has been in existence for approximately eight years. Sheryl Albanese and Valerie Taylor are the Program Coordinators.

—Submitted by Sheryl Albanese and Valarie Taylor

Bike Rodeo And Helmet Safety Event At Manorhaven Beach Park

North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte in partnership with the Port Washington Police Department is proud to once again host a Bike Rodeo & Helmet Safety event on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Manorhaven Beach Park (Main Parking Lot-Skating Rink). The hour long fun and educational event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will provide children with the opportunity to participate in a series of courses that allows them to practice bicycle safety and agility skills.

“I am proud to once again to be hosting this popular event. We had a tremendous response last year and wanted to extend this opportunity to more children,” said Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte. “This event teaches the importance of wearing a bike helmet and obeying traffic rules. Now that school is back in session, we want to make sure that everyone can have fun outside and stay safe.”

“As part of this great partnership with

the town, the Port Washington Police are committed to the safety of our children, as they enjoy the many benefits of Bike Rodeos,” said Port Washington Police Sergeant Peter Griffith.

The event is free and all participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Attendees must register by April 20, 2023 and call 311 to RSVP.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Statement: Majority Must Stop Undermining Independence of County’s Inspector General

On Sunday, March 12, Newsday reported that the Legislative Majority is refusing to re-appoint Nassau County Inspector General Jodi Franzese until at 2024 at the earliest – inaction that will keep the fate of the office in flux for at least another nine months.

In response to this development, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M.

Abrahams (D – Freeport) issued the following statement:

“With Nassau County’s disturbing history of corruption, it is unfathomable that anyone would think it is wise to undermine the Inspector General’s office, which was created for the sole purpose of preventing future scandals,” Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M.

Abrahams (D – Freeport) said. “The Minority Caucus is not willing to accept the risk of a return to the waste, fraud, and abuse of the past. It is time to end the gamesmanship, reappoint the Inspector General, and fully commit to the independence of Nassau County’s public integrity watchdog.”

Abrahams Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams. (Submitted photo)

Organizing the food to be packaged

Shopping for non-perishables

Bags of meals packed by volunteers

Port family shopping for Blessings in a Backpack (Contributed photos)

Bunnies, Ducklings, And Chicks: Resist The Temptation

Just buy chocolate instead

Rabbits

AMANDA OLSEN JENNIFER CORR

It’s spring, a time when many people consider adding some soft, fluffy friends to their home. Chicks, ducks, and rabbits are pets that are traditionally gifted around Easter. Associating these animals with renewal and rebirth extends well before Christianity.

It’s often told that these symbols of the season have their roots in pagan celebrations, but the Folklore Center at the Library of Congress found no historical evidence of this before the writings of Venerable Bede, who lived from 672 to 735. He mentions the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre as the origin for the month of April and the name given to the now Christian holiday of Easter. Though this is often connected to stories about a German goddess of similar name, sometimes written as Ostara, none of these accounts are older than Jacob Grimm’s original publication of the story in 1835. It’s more likely that these animals are associated with spring because of observations about eggs, rabbits and hares, and their habits and behaviors at this time.

Regardless of where the tradition springs from, it can be very tempting to gift one of these adorable animals, especially when they are young and small. It’s important to note what keeping rabbits, ducks, or chickens involves, however, and making sure both you and your home are up to the task.

Rabbits are the most common animal associated with the Easter holiday. While a recent law makes it illegal to sell rabbits from pet stores in New York State, that law does not take effect until 2024, making this the last Easter they can be purchased this way. Rabbits can weigh anywhere from 4 to 20 pounds depending on their breed, live up to 12 years, and need daily exercise. They can be litter trained and taught to come when called. They should live inside, in either a large pen or rabbit-proofed area, due to the danger of wild animals and weather conditions. Rabbits are social animals and do best with a companion, usually another rabbit.

Ducks

It’s not hard to see why people find tottering, fuzzy ducklings appealing. Ducklings quickly grow up into ducks, which can be up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 1.5 to 3.5 pounds. They have quite a demanding set of requirements in order to thrive. In order to clean their eyes and nostrils, domestic ducks need a water source that is deep enough for them to submerge their heads. Surprisingly, ducks don’t need a pond for swimming; a kiddie pool that is kept fresh works well enough. This means changing the water every day, since ducks wet their food in the water and also poop in it. Since domestic ducks can’t fly, it’s important that their living space is secure from wild animals. Ducks also do better with companions of the same species, although they will live with chickens.

Chickens

The sound of tiny chicks peeping from

the corner of the local feed store can be irresistible, but just like ducklings, they don’t stay small for long. Chickens range in size up to a few pounds and can live ten years. For the first eight weeks, they need to be kept inside, under heat lamps, until their adult feathers come in. Then they need to be kept outdoors, in a coop, with space enough to keep them from becoming stressed.

Once the cuteness wears off and the commitment kicks in, Easter pet owners often feel the sharp pang of buyer’s remorse. Shelters and rescues often see an uptick in surrenders in the weeks after Easter, when people begin to realize how much work is involved in keeping these animals.

When it comes to rabbits, Lori Ketcham of Save the Animal Rescue Foundation emphasizes the special attention required. “They’re wonderful pets, but they require daily cleaning, fresh food and water every day. They need attention. They need space. If you don’t pay attention to them, they get bored and start chewing on things. Boys spray urine on the wall. There’s a lot of things people should research before saying ‘it’s cute,’ and bringing it home from the pet shop.”

Worse yet, these living creatures are frequently abandoned in parks and wooded areas.

“Domestic ducks are thinking, feeling individuals, not school science experiments, Easter photo props or objects to be discarded like trash when you don’t want them anymore. Abandoning domestic fowl is as cruel and illegal as abandoning a dog or a cat. Domestic ducks have tiny wings, large bodies and generally no camouflage. They typically cannot fly, and they can never migrate — literally sitting ducks for predators and cruel

people when abandoned to the wild,” said John Di Leonardo, Executive Director of Humane Long Island. “Domestic ducks also lack the survival instincts of wild birds; many were raised in incubators and never learned even limited skills from their mother. When abandoned on ponds, they don’t know how to forage for naturally occurring food and often starve to death. They are routinely attacked and killed by predators, including raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and cruel humans.”

Bringing any animal into your life should be a careful, deliberate decision, not an impulse. Because of the serious commitment required, pets should not be given as gifts. It should be done with a great deal of thought and discussion, and with as little fanfare and excitement as possible to avoid stressing the animal.

“Taking any animal into your house if a lifetime commitment to that animal, so it’s not to be done for entertainment values and for things like looking cute; having a couple chicks running around at Easter, or a little baby bunny. Taking that into your home has to be carefully thought out on how you’re going to take care of it. Abandoning animals is a crime,” said Gary Rogers of the Nassau SPCA. He did have some encouraging news, however. “We’ve seen [the issue of Easter pets being abandoned], but we don’t see it as much anymore. But every once in a while, somebody thinks it’s cute to get theirs so now we’re dealing with the aftermath two to three months from now.”

Time Is Of The Essence… Or Is It? Pros and cons of ending the clock-change

LAUREN FELDMAN

lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

In 2022, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a proposal which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the United States. As of this month, it still awaits House approval and a presidential signature. The Act would come into effect in November of this year, whereby we “fall back” one final time, and “spring forward” into a permanent time shift in March of 2024. Despite full support from the Senate, the debate over the clock-change has remained contentious for years, and it seems even those who are in favor of its elimination cannot agree on which time zone to adopt.

To clock-change, or not to clock-change?

For some of us, the “spring forward, fall back” method is all we’ve ever known. There is a common misconception that farm laborers inspired the clock shift, which has been proven false – in fact, farmers have generally been against Daylight Saving time, not proponents of it. Still, clock changing has a much older history than many might realize, proposed as early as the 1700s by Benjamin Franklin, who noticed that waking up earlier some months – and correspondingly going to bed earlier – allowed him to avoid lighting his house with candles. He noted that following the sun was cheaper than lighting one’s home.

This concept gained momentum in the 1900s, when William Willett wrote and published a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight, which campaigned for what we call today Daylight Saving Time (or DST) in the United Kingdom. Willett, like Franklin, felt there were benefits to rising earlier in the summer, and wanted to encourage others to move the clock and make the best use of daylight. During WWI, the Germans adopted the clock-change as a means to use electric energy more sparingly. Eventually, the British also followed suit, as did almost every country on either side of the war. And so was established the system which has persisted to today.

According to David Prerau, the author of the highly acclaimed book Seize the Daylight – as well as dubbed – “the world’s foremost authority on Daylight Saving Time” – the clock-change may be annoying,

but it is definitely necessary. Prerau is a big proponent of keeping the clock-change, and his conviction does not stem from a solely hypothetical perspective. He recalls how, in an attempt to save electricity during the energy crisis of 1974, the US attempted to (temporarily) extend DST year-round for two years. For as ideal as it seemed initially, the results were vastly unpopular. Many complained that waking up in the dark was a difficult and stressful procedure, especially in the winter, when mornings were also a lot colder. The unpopularity of the experiment forced its early cancelation, and a return to changing clocks.

In an interview with NPR’s Jenn White and Dr. Beth Malow in March of 2022, Prerau said, “Switching clocks can be a pain, but the fact is that the change makes a difference for four months of the year.” Plus, he argues, we still have the benefits of daylight saving time for most of the year. “The current system is an excellent compromise; it allows us the benefits of daylight saving for most of the year but avoids the problems of waking up and traveling in the dark to work or school during the coldest, darkest months of the year.”

Which time is the “right” time?

Those who favor the end of the clockchange must also decide which time setting to make permanent: Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time. The 2022 Senate Act opted for DST to become the new normal, but what exactly would this entail? Being on DST means that we get less light in the winter and more light in the summer; it stays light in the summer later than it normally would. While the idea of darkness by early evening sounds depressing, is Daylight Saving Time actually the better time zone to adopt?

According to Dr. Beth Malow, from the Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt University, light is important especially in the morning. “If it’s dark when we wake up, it interferes with our ability to feel rested.” Malow also points out that late evening light can increase sleeplessness – which can affect our mood and health. This is why she – alongside many in the medical community – support the adoption of an official time… just not DST. Instead, Malow and others argue in favor of Standard Time.

Dr. Malow fears for vulnerable groups who cannot adjust their schedule based on daylight. “People need light during the morning to travel to work or school.”

It also activates a positive burst in mood and energy when we wake up with the sun. Readers might be familiar with the concept of a body-clock, or circadian cycle, which is the natural internal process

which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This system was historically tied to the rise and set of the sun, before clocks and timekeeping began to determine our hours.

For some, Standard Time is a return – as close as modernly possible – to honoring the sun’s effect on our ability to wake and sleep. Some states have already put into effect year-round Standard Time, such as Hawai’i and most of Arizona.

So did the Senate get the right idea, but the wrong answer? According to Dr. Karin Johnson of the Baystate Regional Sleep Medicine Program, the majority of people in the US do support the end of the clockchange. However, DST is not the right choice. Many studies suggest that consistent poorer sleep quality – which results from the misalignment of our sleep pattern on DST – contributes to not only worse mood, but worse health, with increases in obesity and even cancer seen in various communities. With the medical community in agreement, why the insistence on Daylight Saving Time from the Senate?

One theory is the role capitalism may play in adopting permanent DST. When it stays lighter later, people are more likely to stay active after work or school. This activity also encourages spending more money. Shops around the US, when polled, revealed that there is a spike in customers during Daylight Saving Time for a variety of products. This correlation does require more insight, including the fact that over the Summer – peak DST time – many young people are out of school and looking for things to do (and buy). However, is the link between DST and higher levels of consumerism prominent enough to seal the deal?

For now, it seems the Senate is deadlocked on their time-change initiative. The Act was reintroduced by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) in March of this year, but it seems that Congress has more pressing issues to worry about at the moment. For now, the clock-change stays, but soon enough we may have to ask ourselves whether time is truly of the essence.

(Sketch by Lauren Feldman)

MANHASSET STUDENTS SPREAD THE LOVE OF LITERATURE

Manhasset students in Munsey Park Elementary School’s Kindness Club, along with the Manhasset School Community Association (SCA), recently teamed up during the school’s Book Fair Week to pass on the love of literature. Together, they organized a book drive to support the Book Fairies, the largest book donation organization in the Tri-State area.

Thanks to the generosity of the Munsey Park school community, 35 boxes of books were donated to the Book Fairies. These books will support the organization’s mission of helping under-resourced communities through more access to books.

—Submitted by Manhasset Public Schools

MANHASSET SENIORS EARN FINALIST TITLE IN PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Manhasset Public Schools is proud to announce that eight seniors from Manhasset Secondary School were named finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Kyra Balacek, Kristen DiConza, Jack Diskin, Mitchell Jung, Ericka Lai, Ava Malysa, Benjamin Punzalan and Moer Zhou are among 15,000 students to earn the finalist title. They will continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.

The eight Manhasset seniors were recognized in the fall as semifinalists in the program based on their high scores on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. To meet the finalist standing, they each had to submit a detailed scholarship application which included their academic record. The students will find out this spring if they are presented with a National Merit Scholarship Award.

—Submitted by Manhasset Public Schools

MANHASSET SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAMS SHINE AT REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

Eight seniors from Manhasset Secondary School were recognized as National Merit Finalists. Pictured with Manhasset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gaurav Passi

Manhasset Secondary School students recently competed in the Science Olympiad Division B and Division C Regional Tournaments where they were presented with medals in a variety of different events. Both Science Olympiad tournaments were held at Kellenberg High School and each featured a series of 23 team events. Division B is for middle school students, while Division C is for high schoolers. Manhasset students successfully took home 12 medals at the Division C Nassau West Regional Tournament on Feb. 4. After placing sixth, Team C also earned a spot at the New York State Science Olympiad Tournament on March 17 and 18 at Le Moyne College. Regional award recipients included:

• Astronomy, 7th place: Ben Punzalan and Moer Zhou

• Chemistry Lab, 7th place: Daniella

Dell’Aquila and Ericka Lai

• Codebusters, 9th place: Sean Lim, Ming Lu and Henry Ma

• Disease Detectives, 6th place: Kristen DiConza and Kayla Liu

• Disease Detectives, 7th place: Alec Abassi and Sohum Khatoria

• Fermi Questions, 4th place: Chris Hom

and Ben Punzalan

• Flight, 9th place: Ewan Wang and Kevin Zhang

• Green Generation, 5th place: Kristen DiConza and Kayla Liu

• Green Generation, 7th place: Hannah Chang and Alena Tsai

• It’s About Time, 3rd place: Johnny Chen and Alex Lu

• Remote Sensing, 8th place: Cristina Caputi and Vivian Chen

• Rocks and Minerals, 6th place: Ericka Lai and Emily Zhao

During the Division B Western Long Island Regional Tournament on March 11, Manhasset students won a total of 17 medals. Award recipients included:

• Bio Process Lab, 1st place: Lucienne

Keyoung and Aidan Wong

• Bridge, 1st place: Felice Chu and Aidan Wong

• Crave the Wave, 7th place: Jake Li and Benjamin Yang

• Crime Busters, 5th place: Catherine Chen and Naya Shah

• Dynamic Planet, 2nd place: Roy Choi and Daniel Shen

• Experimental Design, 8th place: Abigail Chen and Jake Li

• Fast Facts, 2nd place: Shreya Kedia and Samantha Stoneking

• Flight, 6th place: Sophia Fulton and Vikram Gauld

• Green Generation, 1st place: Chloe Eng and Samantha Stoneking

• Meteorology, 8th place: Adriana Chan and Chloe Eng

• Road Scholar, 2nd place: Joshua Lin and Robert Lu

• Rocks and Minerals, 2nd place: Ho Yuen Chan and Bentley Lam

• Roller Coaster, 5th place: Catherine Chen and Aidan Wong

• Sounds of Music, 6th place: Roy Choi and Daniel Shen

• Wheeled Vehicle, 1st place: Joshua Lin and Aidan Wong

• Write it Do it, 6th place: Alexandra Kong and Samantha Stoneking

• Write it Do it, 8th place: Abigail Chen and Regina Huang

In addition, Team A earned the fourth place trophy and secured a spot at the New York State Science Olympiad Tournament at East Syracuse - Minoa High School next month.

—Submitted by the Manhasset Public Schools

Science Olympiad Division B students from Manhasset Secondary School won 17 medals at the Science Olympiad Regional Tournament on March 11. (Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

(left) and Manhasset Secondary School Principal Dr. Dean Schlanger (right). (Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

Members of the Munsey Park Kindness Club helped box up donated books to give to the Book Fairies.

(Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

The Munsey Park Kindness Club and SCA ran a book drive to support the Book Fairies and collected 35 boxes of books.

(Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

Street Named For Local Civil Rights Hero

The Town of North Hempstead

Hosted a street naming ceremony to honor civil rights activist Dr. Hazel N. Dukes on the occasion of her 91st birthday. Dr. Dukes was born on March 17, 1932.

Dr. Dukes was a prominent civil rights activist who dedicated her life to fighting for equality and justice for all. She was a leader in the civil rights movement, and her tireless efforts helped to break down barriers and pave the way for progress.

This ceremony was particularly significant as it falls during Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the vital role that women have played in shaping our history and society. Dr. Dukes was a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights and a champion of gender equality, making her an inspiring figure for all women.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Town Of North Hempstead Sponsors Defensive Driving Course

Council Member Dennis Walsh announced that the Town will be sponsoring a defensive driving course offered by Empire Safety Council on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Empire Safety Council is New York State approved and recognized by all insurance companies. The course will be held at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration fee to attend the class is $30.

To make a reservation for the course please email WalshD@northhempsteadny. gov or send a check made payable to Empire Safety Council and mail to:

Council Member Dennis Walsh

Attn: Kay Farrell

220 Plandome Road

Manhasset, NY 11030

Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email to hold

Lifeguard Certification Course Returns

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board have announced a 4-week lifeguard certification course that will be held at Michael J. Tully Park beginning May 1. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a special deep-water skills test at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, May 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

your reservation.

By taking Empire’s Defensive Driving Course you can save 10% on your auto insurance for the next 3 years and reduce up to 4 points from your driving record.

For more information, please call: 516869-7703 or email: WalshD@northhempsteadny.gov

—Submitted by the office of Dennis Walsh

Individuals ages 15 and older can sign up for the American Red Cross Blended Lifeguard Training Course. Those who register must pass the pre-test requirements to participate in the class. Admission will be on a first come, first serve basis. After passing the pre-test, participants must pay a $325 fee to cover the course, book, and class materials. The pre-test will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Upon the conclusion of the course, participants will have the opportunity to register and take the Nassau County Lifeguard Certification Test. Additionally, the Town is also seeking lifeguards to join the North Hempstead team at one of its six aquatic facilities.

Lifeguards can work at an indoor facility, or outside at either pools or a waterfront venue, and they will have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer months. The positions offer a competitive salary and access to Tully Pool for swim training. All applicants must have the appropriate lifeguard certification from Nassau County and possess a current CPR/AED certification.

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

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Local officials celebrate Dr. Hazel Dukes and officially proclaim Dr. Hazel Dukes Way.

(Photo by the Town of North Hempstead)

We Are Leaders in Your Market

Douglas Elliman is ranked #1 on Long Island for Sold Units and Sales Volume.*

Since 1911, Douglas Elliman Agents have served our communities, helping neighbors nd a place to call home. With over 100 o ces nationwide, and our global partnership with Knight Frank, Douglas Elliman has the experience and reach, whether you are buying, selling, relocating, or investing.

Connect with an exceptional agent today. The time is now. The next move is yours.

Manhasset O ce 154 Plandome Road

516.627.2800

Port Washington O ce 475 Port Washington Boulevard 516.883.5200

Roslyn O ce 1528 Old Northern Boulevard 516.621.3555

elliman.com

Looking to buy or sell a home in Brooklyn, Queens or Long Island?

Look no further than Angie & Irene, the #3 team at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

With over 40 years of combined experience in the real estate business, Angie Boudourakis and Irene Nictas have the vast knowledge in multiple markets and expertise to guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. Their exceptional service, attention to detail and unparalleled professionalism make them the go-to team for all your real estate needs.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned investor, Angie and Irene have the expertise to help you make informed decisions and achieve your real estate goals. So why wait? Contact Angie and Irene today and experience the difference that a top-tier real estate team can make.

Whether you are selling, buying or renting, we treat each home like it’s our own.

Evangelia (Angie) Boudourakis

Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence

c.917.751.6700

evangeliaboudourakis@danielgale.com

Irene Nictas Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence

c.917.518.3031

irenenictas@danielgale.com

As corny as is sounds, this place made my dreams come true. I worked with Angie and Irene and I really couldn’t say enough about how wonderful they were. There were houses that I had in mind that they knew were not good investments for my family speci cally, and guided us in a direction that I will be forever grateful for. We have closed on our home and we are starting our rst holiday season. I could not be more thankful for Daniel Gale, especially Angie and Irene. They are friendly, knowledgeable, honest and treat you like a family member. If you are looking for a home or selling your home, this is the rst place you need to start.