Nassau Illustrated News 3/29/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Westbury Community Rallies Together

Parents, students, and staff pitch in for remote learning after fire

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

Students and staff at Westbury Middle School had to transition to remote learning for the last two full weeks in March after an early-morning fire in the school’s basement on March 13.

No injuries were reported from the fire, which broke out shortly after 3:00 a.m. and caused significant smoke damage, and some water and electrical damage, at the Rockland Street school.

According to school officials, the basement fire also caused electrical problems that led to parts of the school being without power. The fire started in a basement utility room near an electrical junction box, and was contained to that room, but smoke damage was extensive in the school’s basement.

Thankfully, however, the entire Westbury Middle School community was able to spring into action right away, and, for better or worse, has experience that prepared them for the step of going remote.

Westbury Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Tamira

A. DuPree Chase spoke to Nassau Illustrated News during the middle school’s second week of remote learning about how, all in all, the community’s emergency transition has been a heartening one so far.

“The pandemic prepared us for this,” explained Dr. Chase in a phone interview.

“During the pandemic, we made sure all our scholars had Chromebooks, chargers, and MiFi [mobile wifi] attached, so that they’d have access to learning.”

As a result, she said, “The students at Westbury Middle School transitioned to remote learning within two hours of our learning about fire. We let families know at around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, March 13, the students were ready on time, and we were able to start our day without a hitch.”

“Kudos to parents, teachers, school administration, and especially to students for knowing exactly what to do.”

The school and its community also made sure that Westbury Middle School scholars would have the option of getting breakfast and lunch delivered to them each day that the school was closed.

“We actually deployed our school buses, and met with our food service providers, and

knocked on the door of every middle-schooler in the district, which is 1200 kids,” said Dr. Chase. “Some students refused, and some students accepted, which is perfectly fine. And we’ve tried to minimize any interruption to the academic day with the delivery.”

“What was also amazing was last week, maybe 36 hours after the incident, we called all of our middle-school parents together to update them about our status,

and the parents were extremely understanding and supportive at that meeting. Several parents reached out to us right afterward asking if they could help distribute meals.”

“We didn’t ask them for help, but they volunteered because they believe in the notion that Westbury love is real love, and that’s exactly what they showed us.”

“We want our scholars back in the school, and they want to be back, but we do have extensive smoke and water damage,” Dr. Chase said last week. “We have service providers who are working double shifts, and we are very grateful that we have insurance.”

Meanwhile, she said, “We have not stopped the learning. Kids are engaged, their cameras are on, they’re participating in class. They’re also still participating and competing in sports after school at our campus or at other schools.”

“We are just so appreciative of the strong leadership in our school district, from the board of education to the principal at the middle school. Our facility staff has been second to none, and actually some of the security staff got on the bus to help deliver meals because the kids recognize them.”

“I could not be more grateful to lead such a staff.”

L-R: School Board Trustee Michelle Wilson; Naima Smith, Parent; Isabella Hamilton, WMS

PTSA President; Makiebah Fagan, Parent; Superintendent Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase; Anita Johnson Ferguson, Parent; Principal Felicia H. Crawford; Dr. Christy Baralis, WMS Assistant Principal.

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase spoke to parents and took questions during a meeting on March 14, 2023. (Courtesy of WUFSD via YouTube)

School staff and parents and Aramark food services workers packed lunches onto school buses for delivery during remotelearning.

FCA To Honor Leah Fisher At Long Island Women In Philanthropy Event

In celebration of Women’s History Month, FCA, one of Long Island’s largest human services agencies, will hold its second annual Long Island Women in Philanthropy breakfast and fashion show Thursday, March 30 at The Mansion at Oyster Bay. The festivities will run from 9:00 a.m. until noon. In addition to honoring the vision of its founding mothers, FCA will recognize the work of present day philanthropist and activist Leah Fisher, Senior Vice President at Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

“It would be near impossible for FCA to do the important work we do without the support of philanthropic-minded women,” said FCA President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds. “Fortunately, we experience the philanthropic ideal every day among our volunteers and donors, as well as the many women who come to work each day at FCA. These women are all present and future heroes, striving to help each other achieve their potential and strengthen themselves and others in our community. With this event, we are looking to inspire the next generation of women to help FCA continue to grow and serve the Long Island community.”

FCA’s original orphanage, the Temporary Home for Children, was spearheaded in 1884 by Louisa Lee Schuyler (a great granddaughter of Alexander Hamilton, one of our country’s founding fathers) and a group of like-minded women committed to

Resurrection Church Plant Sale Coming Up

Since 2005, Women’s Ministries at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection has been holding Plant Sales every May that benefit various veterans’ organizations. These organizations include Bethesda Naval Hospital, Walter Reed Society, Building Homes for Heroes, The Independence Fund, America’s VetDogs, and Tunnel to Towers. This year’s sale will benefit Paws of War, a nonprofit charitable organization that assists military members and their pets.

Their mission statement, “Helping both ends of the leash,” describes how they rescue and train dogs to be service dogs and companion animals to veterans.

Resurrection Lutheran Church is a Christian community of faith, located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. For more information, call 516.746.4426, or visit resgc.org.

— Submitted by Carolyn Orlik for Resurrection Lutheran Church

the welfare of vulnerable children. Today, FCA has six divisions that provide a wide range of services to Long Islanders of all ages. These predominantly women-led divisions include: Addiction Prevention, Treatment & Recovery; Children’s Mental Health and Wellness; Prevention and Community Engagement; Family Support; Residential Care; and Senior & Adult Services. Each of these six divisions will be represented in the fashion show by client and volunteer models whose lives have been positively impacted by FCA programs.

This year’s honoree, Leah Fisher, is a heroine and champion of women in her own right. In addition to the work she does managing projects within the Corporate Legal department of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., Fisher is one of the founding members of ‘Conversations For Change,’ a podcast that explores social activism through challenging conversations. Topics are selected based on overt areas of strife and inequity, current events, and what the women experience in everyday life.

Conversations for Change (CfC) was conceived by a group of young women,

budding social activists, led by Fisher and her mother, Susan Fisher, who felt frustrated with the snail’s pace of social progress, and wanted to created a platform for women’s voices to be heard. The podcast @convoforchange is widely available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and other platforms.

The Women in Philanthropy event will be held on Thursday, March 30 at The Mansion at Oyster Bay in Woodbury from 9 am-12 pm. Immediately following the program, FCA will host a Women’s Market featuring a variety of products from local, women owned businesses.

Fashions will be provided by FCA’s fashion show partner Altar’d State, located at the Roosevelt Field mall. Hair and makeup designs will be provided by students in Sewanhaka High School’s cosmetology department, a partner in the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Paige O’Brien, Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Chief Development Officer at 516- 746.0350 x 4320, PObrien@fcali.org or visit www.fcali. org/events.

— Submitted by FCA

The Andy Foundation Donates To The Guidance Center

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center (the Guidance Center) is pleased to announce that The Andy Foundation, a Garden City-based nonprofit, dedicated to helping children less fortunate than most, has donated $10,000 to support its mission.

“There is such a tremendous need now for supporting mental health services for young people, especially since the pandemic caused such isolation, fear and sadness,” said Jill Palmeri, the founder of The Andy Foundation. “Our mission is helping children in need, and the lifesaving work of the Guidance Center is something we are proud to support.”

Kathy Rivera, Executive Director/CEO of the Guidance Center, expressed gratitude for The Andy Foundation’s generous donation. “We never turn anyone away for inability to pay, so we count on the support of the local community, foundations and other funding sources to make sure we are here for everyone who needs us,” said Rivera. “Kids and teens are experiencing rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking at levels that are higher than ever before, and because of caring people like Jill and her team, these young people will get the help they desperately need and deserve.”

The Andy Foundation, which was formed in 2004 to honor the memory of Andrew Palmeri, focuses on helping children less fortunate than most. You can support the Andy Foundation by donating

The Guidance Center, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and has offices in Roslyn Heights, Manhasset and Westbury, is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth to age 24) and their families.

— Submitted by The Guidance Center

Podcast host Leah Fisher, Senior Vice President at Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (Submitted photo)

L to R: Eileen Peers, Wilhelmina Smith, Ellen Iamascia, Kathy Lowe, Marian Farber, Edith Freeman, and Carole Machold at a previous annual plant sale. (Courtesy of Resurrection Lutheran Church)

or shopping at The Andy Foundation Yard Sale Shop, located at 195 Herricks Rd, Garden City Park.

L to R: Andy Foundation founder Jill Palmeri, Kathy Rivera and Lauren McGowan. (Submitted photo)

JANET

BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

Dozens rallied outside the Nassau County Legislature on Monday, March 20, to show their disapproval for the Las Vegas Sands casino bid ahead of a legislative meeting. The event was organized by Long Island Clean, Air, Water and Soil co-diretors Claudia Borecky and Dave Denenberg. Speakers included Pastor Arthur Mackey Jr. of Mount Sinai

Baptist Church Cathedral, in Roosevelt, and Chanda Washington, Associate to the President for Government and Community Affairs at Hofstra University.

Casino Opponents Rally In Mineola Statement: Majority Must Stop Undermining Independence of County’s Inspector General

“A casino would bring problems, not solutions,” said Washington. “Problems that expose this diverse suburban community to addiction, sex trafficking, traffic congestion, crime, environmental discrimination and economic harm to local businesses.”

The bid to turn the Nassau HUB into a casino and entertainment complex has met with mixed reactions from local residents and businesses so far this year.

The Legislative Majority is refusing to re-appoint Nassau County Inspector General Jodi Franzese until 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.”

Submitted by the Office of Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams

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—

Pastor Arthur Mackey Jr. addressed rally attendees and press on March 20, 2023.

(Credit: Janet Burns)

Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams. (Submitted photo)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

THURSDAY, MARCH

30

Long Island Women In Philanthropy Breakfast and Fashion Show

The second-annual event will be held at the Mansion at Oyster Bay. Fashions provided by Altar’d State, with hair and makeup designs provided by students in Sewanhaka High School’s cosmetology department. 9:00 a.m. until noon, followed by a Women’s Market featuring a variety of products from local, women owned businesses. For tickets, contact Paige O’Brien at (516) 746-0350 x 4320, PObrien@fcali.org or visit www.fcali.org/events.

FRIDAY, MARCH

31

‘Project Independence and You’ Radio Show

Tune into the “Project Independence and You” Radio Show at 88.1 FM and WCWP.org from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for this Town of North Hempstead event for seniors. Gregg Balbera, CSA (Owner, Certified Senior Advisor-Right at Home Nassau Suffolk) to discuss aging alone and maintaining your quality of life. Call 311 for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Westbury Easter Egg Hunt

The Village of Westbury will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 1. The rain date is April 8. The hunts begin at 10 a.m. for ages 3-4; 10:20 a.m. for ages 5-6; 10:40 a.m. for ages 7-8; and 11 a.m. for ages 9-10. Bring a basket for the eggs and have your child’s picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Sign up at the Recreation Department, 357 Rockland St., Westbury, or call 516-334-5560 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beacon Church Community Easter Egg Hunt

Beacon Church is hosting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. This free family-friendly event is open to the whole community and will feature bounce houses, games, crafts, snacks, and more. Bring the kids, family and friends. At the event they will be collecting non-perishable food items for those in need in the community. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Beacon Church, 201 I U Willets Rd, Albertson.

OLVS Easter Bunny Breakfast

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 2 Bellmore Street, Floral Park. Contact: (516) 775-2444.

Edge City Church Easter Egg Hunt

Edge City Chuch is hosting a fun, free Easter egg hunt event for families at Mineola Memorial Park. It will include face painting, games, live music and prizes. Register on Eventbrite.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Celebrate Passover at LICM

Come Celebrate Passover at the Long Island Children’s Museum. This week-long holiday celebrates the Israelites liberation from slavery in Egypt. Museum guests will be learning about the traditions and making a frog-themed craft to bring home. This is a drop-in program; it takes approximately 10 minutes to create the craft and is yours to keep. 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Free with museum admission.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Long Island a-Go Go with Barry Rivadue Revisit the exciting transformation of Long Island during the 1960s, from its suburbs to fashion to new technology! Plus, pop culture and the way of life many of us remembered, including the nearby World’s Fair. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Mineola Memorial Library.

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

ICLI Eid Bazaar

Join the Islamic Center of Long Island with family and friends for food, drinks, henna, clothes, jewelry, and more. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 835 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury. For more info contact ICLI Office at: Email: info@icliny.org; Phone: (516) 333-3495.

UPCOMING

Spring into Wellness

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is offering a free four-session creative arts support group empowering breast cancer survivors to express themselves using art, on four consecutive Thursdays: April 13, April 20, April 27 and May 4, 2023—from 10 am to 11:30 am. For information, questions and to register, call Angela M. Papalia, LMSW at (516) 877-4329 or email apapalia@ adelphi.edu. Register by March 31.

AARP Tax Help

At Mineola Memorial Library: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Wednesday through April 12. Appointments must be made in advance at the Reference Desk or by calling 516-746-8488 ext. 2. At Westbury Memorial Public Library: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Wednesday through April 12; on April 5, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Appointments only.

High School

Adults: $25

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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UPSTANDER APPRECIATION WEEK AT HILLSIDE GRADE SCHOOL

To encourage a caring and inclusive school environment, Hillside Grade School hosted its annual Upstander Appreciation Week from Feb. 27-March 3. The event was organized by school social worker Lori Cohen and Student Council advisor Christina DeMartino.

This year’s event was a collaborative venture between the Caring Ambassadors and Student Council. Throughout the week, the two student groups visited classrooms to share tips and strategies on how to be and recognize an upstander.

To further promote Upstander Appreciation Week, themed days were held. On Monday, students dressed in an assigned

grade-level color for Confetti Day; on Tuesday, students wore their favorite sports gear for “Upstanders are Good Sports”; on Wednesday, students wore clothes to represent their school spirt for “We Take Pride in Being Upstanders”; on Thursday, students handed in Post-It notes with inspirational messages that were added to a heart display in the main lobby; and on Friday, students wore pajamas for “Upstanders Make Our School a Warm and Cozy Place.”

Cohen and DeMartino also shared video links and anti-bullying book recommendations for classroom teachers to utilize.

— Submitted by New Hyde ParkGarden City Park Union Free School District

MINEOLA LEARNER NAMED NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST

Mineola Union Free School district congratulates Cathreen Paul on being selected as a National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship semifinalist.

Cathreen is a senior at Mineola High School and a member of NHS. Recipients of this recognition are chosen based on the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership, and character, all of which are reflected in Cathreen’s exemplary dedication to scholastic and extracurricular endeavors.

“Cathreen has been an invaluable member of the Mineola Community whose impact on the school will last well beyond her graduation,” said school counselor Nicole Lebowitz. “Her selfless attitude is reflected in all aspects of her life. She is constantly working to lift up those around her and sees success not as an individual goal, but as a collective mission.”

At Mineola High School, Cathreen has been a leader and trailblazer, while always

finding time to support the local community. As a junior, she founded the Asian American Cultural Alliance, providing a space for students to learn and embrace diverse culture. She has held leadership positions in the Student Organization, Key Club, Business Club and Student Service Center, where she volunteered at Ronald McDonald House and provided peer to peer tutoring. As an active member of the Computer Science department, Cathreen served as President of Girls Who Code, Vice President of FRC Robotics and was an active board member of Science National Honor Society and Computer Science Honor Society. As a junior, she was awarded the Aspirations in Computing Award from the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). This fall, Cathreen plans to major in Computer Science and Business Management.

— Submitted by the Mineola School District

Hillside Grade School hosted Upstander Apprecation Week from Feb. 27-March 3.

SEWANHAKA ROBOTICS TEAM COMPETES AT LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Sewanhaka Central High School District’s robotics team, the RoboPandas, competed against 30 of the top qualifiers from across Long Island at the FIRST Long Island Championships at Bethpage High School on March 12.

The RoboPandas teamed up with the IslandBots and RoboHawks for a threeteam alliance. The alliance competed in the “Playoff/Elimination Rounds” at the end of the competition, which includes a semi-final round and a final round. Each of these elimination rounds is played in a “Best of Three Matches” format. Their alliance won

the semi-final round and the finals against the two different alliances of three robots.

Additionally, the RoboPandas earned third place for the Promote Award, which is given to teams that encouraged participation in robotics; as well as first place for the Design Award, recognizing the team that best incorporated industrial design elements into their robot. Advisor Jack Chen was given the Compass Award, recognizing him as the outstanding Coach/Mentor of the Year.

— Submitted by the Sewanhaka Central High School District

(Courtesy of the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District)

L-R: NHS advisor Scott Donnellan, Cathreen Paul, NHS advisor Cynthia Lombardi and Mineola High School principal Dr. Nicole Culella. (Courtesy of Mineola School District)

Sewanhaka Central High School District’s robotics team, the RoboPandas, competed at the FIRST Long Island Championships at Bethpage High School on March 12. (Courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District)

Mineola Memories: The Old Man Rants

BY JACK GARLAND

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have lived for six or more decades have the very advantage highlighted in this column - of being able to look back and savor many memories. However, we also have the perspective of being able to compare life as it was then with the present state of affairs. Sometimes, and I stress sometimes, it seems that things have taken a turn in the wrong direction. Certainly, I cannot dismiss the magic that modern technology has brought to the features of our everyday lives: medicine, automotive safety, global communications, Velcro. Years ago, it took a great deal of time and effort to work my way through a pair of jeans so that the knees eventually showed their way through the denim. Now, this symbol of accomplishment is available right off the rack. How fortunate we are today, to have voice mail and answering machines advising us of the grandson in need of bail money, the unknown $720 bill on our Amazon account, the impending criminal charges against us by the IRS, and the fact that our Windows operating system is about to self-destruct.

Nevertheless, humanity needs to be made aware of the bad trends, and no one has perfected the art of complaining as well as we senior citizens. It is not only our privilege to criticize, but our duty. In his

song, “Life’s Been Good,” Joe Walsh sang, “I can’t complain but sometimes I still do.” So now, perhaps in keeping with the spirit of the upcoming April Fools Day, here is my grumpy old man’s tongue-in-cheek list of gripes:

Those 500 ml. bottles of water may be trendy or convenient, but let’s think. I could pay 22 cents for 100 gallons of tap water that has been regularly tested and treated for health and safety measures, or drink water from an unknown source that costs more than the same amount of gasoline. Hmmmm. While on the subject, it seems that we now have self-service gasoline pumps that suddenly turn into TV sets. Couldn’t they have put a volume control on these things?

When we pay a utility bill, we are requested to write the account number on the check. But fifteen digits? I’m so glad that my phone company has 600 trillion other customers.

Years ago, we had to remove our shoes in order to attend a sock hop. Now we have to remove our shoes in order to board a plane unless, of course, we are old enough to be deemed incapable of designing exploding shoes.

When I was a kid and was about to receive a vaccination, the doctor would say, “I’m

Floral Park-Bellerose School District has announced its KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION SCHEDULE for the 2023-24 school year

THE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

John Lewis Childs School: 8:15 AM – 2:45 PM

Floral Park Bellerose School: 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM

Children who live in the District and who will be ve (5) years old on or before December 1, 2023 are eligible to attend. To register for kindergarten for the upcoming 2023-24 school year, please complete the New Student Registration Form located on our District Website (www.fpbsd.org).

New Student Registration is only for children who do NOT currently attend Pre-Kindergarten at FPBS or JLCS and who plan to attend Kindergarten in September 2023.

Once online registration is complete, you will be contacted by someone from the main o ce to make an appointment to come in with the required documents to nalize the registration process.

For further questions, please call John Lewis Childs School at (516) 434-2780 or Floral Park-Bellerose School at (516) 434-2750.

going to be sticking this needle in you.” Now I hear, “Just a little pinch.” Do I look that stupid? (There was no need for you to answer.) Speaking of which, years ago, none of us were brainless enough that we needed to be presented with warning signs stating,

“This hot beverage may be hot,” or “Do not stop on the tracks.”

What’s the deal with middle names? We are mortified when they are read aloud at

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

A photo of the author visually patrolling his lawn.

eighth grade graduation, and then they disappear forever, only to re-emerge if we assassinate someone.

Perhaps if models were paid a little better, the males would be able to afford razor blades.

Hardly a week goes by when we don’t hear of some celebrity apologizing for something. When entertainers use their high visibility or popularity to set a good example, no one notices but, if they are accused of offending someone and quickly apologize, pow! A tidal wave of free publicity.

Does it seem that some products labeled as “green” or “energy efficient” don’t work too well?

Finally! A Saturday Night Live musical guest that I recognize.

In the past, all envelopes had to be opened with the common, stiletto-type letter opener. Now, in many cases, all we need to do is pull on the flap or the little tab and Voila four pieces of shredded paper and a sealed envelope.

Who needs paper towels that come apart in the middle? Also, I am certain that bathroom tissue is getting narrower and landscapers’ trailers are getting wider. By the way, why do some people pay money to have their grass cut, and then spend more money to go to a gym?

Weekly supermarket newspaper advertising inserts now have an interesting design. They are 21” tall. When we open them up and hold them out so that we can see the entire paper, the 7’’ wide pages fall out on our lap. As for the wider pages, some have the edges folded forward, some have the edges folded back, and some are not folded at all. And this is considered user friendly. Back in the 1970’s, manufacturers’ coupons expired in 18 months. We consumers would maintain little 3x5 file boxes with index tabs, sorting the coupons according to category. No need for that procedure now; the typical life expectancy for a coupon now is 18 days.

I would like to limit my verbal rant against children. Thank goodness we have them to open the child-proof caps for us. When I started teaching years ago, I made a promise to myself never to begin

a sentence with, “These kids today…” But hey, is the visor on your baseball cap supposed to keep the sun out of your ear? Also, see if you can ride your bicycle without the front wheel becoming airborne every 30 seconds.

Do I have a smart phone? My cell phone is in the upper third of its class, goes dinga-ling-a-ling, and I can talk to people on it. For me, that’s smart enough. Sometimes I

get interesting looks when I flip it open and pretend that I’m using a rotary dial. Social media? Does the entire planet need to see a photo of the lima beans I had for lunch? If you would really like to know what’s on my mind, check out a much higher class of media, like the Nassau Illustrated News So there you have it. Add to the list, share with your friends, and stay off my lawn.

An Islip sign warns motorists not to pause on active train tracks.

A plate of lima beans the author had for lunch. (Photos courtesy of Jack Garland)

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)

Garden City Police Department Crime Report

3/15/23

• Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Main Street where one of the vehicles left the scene, and the other vehicle’s driver sustained a neck injury. Upon investigation, Officers located the 53-year-old motorist who fled the scene in Mineola, where he was arrested. He was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident.

• Officers and DPW personnel responded to Cherry Valley Avenue for a fallen tree blocking the roadway.

• A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed.

• A Hampton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and uninsured vehicle.

• A truck driver on Stewart Avenue was charged with driving with a suspended license and defective equipment.

• An Edgemere Road motorist was charged with unlicensed operation, unsafe turn, and operating a cell phone while driving.

• Officers responded to a traffic light malfunction on Franklin Avenue.

3/16/23

• Officers responded to the Garden City Middle School, where staff received phone threats from someone who stated he was in the parking lot and would shoot up and bomb the school. Due to the threat being outside the building, the school was placed in lockout, as officers and school staff carefully and systematically searched the interior and exterior of the building. Upon completion, the call was deemed unfounded. NCPD Homeland Security and Canine were on the scene to assist.

• A company was charged with operating a truck on Manor Road while being 56,000 pounds overweight.

• A Hampton Road motorist was charged with excessive speed and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

• GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for an alarm. Firefighters encountered a smoke condition caused by burnt food. They rendered the area safe and vented the home.

• A package was reported stolen from the front porch of a Euston Road residence.

• Officers investigated a report of a vehicle leaving the scene of an accident that occurred on Nassau Boulevard.

• GCFD and the GCPD responded to a Herricks Road building for a CO Alarm. Firefighters determined the cause was a faulty lithium generator battery. Firefighters rendered the area safe. Medics treated one worker who had carbon monoxide exposure.

• A Rockaway Avenue truck driver was charged with passing a Stop sign and an usecured load.

3/17/23

• Officers arrested a 20-year-old male for intentionally removing a phone from a relative who was attempting to call the police to report a domestic incident. The subject was charged with Criminal Mischief.

• Officers responded to Garden City Middle School, where telephone threats of an imminent bombing at the school were received. Due to exigent and mitigating circumstances, the school was evacuated, and school buses were redirected to a secure site. Garden City Officers, along with NCPD Emergency Service, Bomb Squad, a Canine Officer, and school staff, conducted a thorough search of the premises. Upon completion, the call was deemed unfounded. The incident is apparently related to a similar incident that occurred at the school on March 16th.

• A truck driver on Clinton Road was charged with driving with an unsecured load of sandbags.

• Officers responded to Franklin Avenue and 11th Street for a traffic light malfunction.

• A New Hyde Park Road motorist was arrested for reckless driving, driving with multiple license suspensions, excessive speed in a school zone, unsafe start, and unsafe lane use.

• Officers investigated a report of a female subject stealing multiple items from CVS.

• GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a gas odor. Firefighters rendered the area safe upon finding a gas stove issue.

3/18/23

• Officers and Firefighters responded to a residence for a fire alarm and determined the cause to be a faulty smoke detector.

• A Clinton Road motorist was charged with reckless driving and excessive speed.

• A Stewart Avenue motorcyclist was charged with unregistered vehicle and not wearing a required helmet.

• A Washington Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and operating a cell phone while driving.

3/19/23

• At approximately 3:30 AM, two subjects, one armed with a knife and the other armed with an apparent firearm, approached a male victim sitting in his 2019 Honda Civic on Brook Street and ordered him to exit his vehicle. The subjects then entered the vehicle and fled the scene. The subject with the knife was described as a male black 5-10, clean-shaven, wearing all dark clothing. The subject with the apparent firearm was described as a male black, 6-0, thin build, wearing a white

camouflage jacket and sweatpants. The victim and another family member, who was nearby, were not injured. Notifications were made to Hempstead PD, NCPD, and other area Departments. The vehicle was located in the Bronx. The investigation is ongoing.

• A gray auto reportedly fled the scene after colliding into another vehicle on Rockaway Avenue.

• Firefighters and Officers responded to a residence for a fire alarm and determined the cause to be a faulty sensor.

3/20/23

• An Officer attempted to stop a motorcycle on Stewart Avenue for multiple traffic violations when it mounted a curb, drove over a sidewalk, and struck a vehicle on Franklin Avenue. Medics treated a female passenger of the motorcycle for a leg injury and transported her to a hospital. The 21-year-old motorcyclist was arrested for Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Unlawful Fleeing from an Officer, Passing a Red Traffic Light, Unlicensed Operation, No Helmet, Illegal Muffler, and Unsafe Lane Usage.

• A Cathedral Avenue motorist was charged with passing a red traffic light and disobeying a lawful order of a Police Officer.

• A victim reported a larceny after sending money via a cash app for concert tickets. However, she never received them.

• An Officer responded to Old Country Road for a hazardous condition and removed multiple metal objects from the roadway.

• Officers responded to a traffic light malfunction on Cherry Valley Avenue at 9th Street.

3/21/23

• An Osborne Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and disregarding a traffic control device.

• A victim’s identity was apparently stolen and used to file a false tax return.

• A Clinch Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed in a school zone.

• GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a gas odor. Firefighters determined the cause was an open stove burner.

Chaminade Coach Is Finalist For Jr. Knicks Coach Of The Year Bernardi Receives Presidential Volunteer Service Award

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Coach Lou Bernardi of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy was recently honored with the gold-level Presidential Volunteer Service Award, recognizing his more than 500 hours of service with Valor Sports volunteering at free baseball clinics and other events.

Bernardi commented to Anton Media Group on his volunteer work: “It varied from toy drives, food drives, clothing drives and volunteering at events. But mainly in providing free clinics and training for amateur players. The game of baseball has given me so much that I owe it to the next generation of players to give back to them and make sure they have the same opportunities I had growing up.”

“Anytime someone is recognized for an achievement it is humbling to say the

(Courtesy

least,” Bernardi continued. I am obviously grateful, but for me the recognition is a challenge to do more. The hard part is what comes next.”

Chaminade High School boys’ basketball head coach Dan Feeney has been named a finalist for this year’s Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

On December 6th, 2022, Coach Feeney had to go above and beyond his normal duties when a student athlete suddenly collapsed during practice and began seizing before going into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. Coach Feeney quickly called 911 and helped administer CPR along with one of the team’s assistant coaches. The coaches and team trainer were able to regain the student athlete’s heartbeat before administering two shocks from the AED. The student athlete ultimately received treatment at the hospital before returning to the court just six weeks later.

Each year, the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year award presented by HSS celebrates coaches making a positive impact on and off the court in each of their respective communities. Those recognized are

celebrated for their demonstrated qualities of commitment, dedication, integrity, character, mentorship and participation within community service initiatives.

The Jr. Knicks Coach of The Year program, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery, celebrates coaches who embody the values that make a positive impact on young basketball players, both on the court and in the community. The Knicks and HSS will choose six nominees, five finalists will each win $2,000 and the Coach of the Year will be awarded $20,000 and be entered as the Knicks representative in the Jr. NBA’s National Coach of the Year Program.

HSS will also provide all finalists and the winner with access to the HSS “Move Better Play Better” package for one year that includes workshops, webinars and classes to teach coaches, parents and athletes various lessons on health and fitness.

— Submitted by the Hospital for Special Surgery

Mineola Cuts Ribbon On Newest Turf Field

Mineola has officially opened the gates to its third and latest turf field, which is located at the district’s Jackson Avenue School. The synthetic multi-purpose turf field will be used by Mineola students for soccer, lacrosse and other sports. It will also be available for use by community sports programs through a scheduling process.

— Submitted by the Mineola Schools District

L to R: Danny Lackner and Lou Bernardi with their awards.

of Lou Bernardi)

Members of the lacrosse team from Jackson Avenue School look forward to their first game on the new turf field.

Jackson Avenue School students made posters and banners to celebrate the grand opening of their new turf field.

Birds-eye view of the new turf field at Mineola’s Jackson Avenue School.

(Courtesy of the Mineola School District)

Mineola students who attend Jackson Avenue School were joined by administration, teachers and members of the board of education for the ribbon cutting signifying the grand opening of the new Jackson Avenue turf field.

Corpus Christi Church

155 Gar eld Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501

516-746-1223 | www.corpuschristi-mineola.net

Come Home to Holy Week with The Risen Lord

“You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the Cruci ed One!! He has been raised! He is not here! Behold where they laid Him” (Gospel according to Mark 16:6)

Holy Week is the most sacred time in the life of the Church, embracing into our hearts the Paschal Mystery of Christ Jesus. We begin on Palm Sunday, followed by Reconciliation Monday, 3 April (Confessions being offered in every Catholic parish church from 2 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM – 9 PM) We culminate on Easter Sunday with the joyful celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. Please join us with your family and friends, to deepen our faith in Christ living, dying and rising!

HOLY THURSDAY, 6 APRIL

7:00 P.M. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Multi-Lingual) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Until 11:00 P.M.

GOOD FRIDAY, 7 APRIL

3:00 P.M. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

7:00 P.M. Stations of the Cross (English in Church)

7:30 P.M. Stations of the Cross (Spanish in School & outside to Church)

9:00 P.M. Stations of the Cross (Portuguese in Church)

HOLY SATURDAY, 8 APRIL

7:30 P.M. Solemn Easter Vigil Mass at Sunset

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES, 9 APRIL

7:00 A.M. (English)

8:30 A.M. (Portuguese)

10:00 A.M. (English)

11:30 A.M. (English)

1:00 P.M. (Spanish)