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from Port Washington News 3/30/22 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

DEMOCRACY REQUIRES GETTING OFF OUR BUTTS

In Athens, young adults spent two years in public service. Many over 30 formed a huge city council to make laws for the population. In Rome, citizens had extensive and regular civic duties. Elected officials served only oneyear terms, so many would have the opportunity of being leaders. In Israel, land-owning parents administered the law among all relatives, boarders and workers on their land. Parents taught law and literacy to their children. In England, families contributed labor to the castle guard, just as in America, men rotated duty as night watchmen. Both democracies had extensive militia and jury duty requirements.

Today, Americans shirk even jury duty and can’t be bothered to vote in local elections. We have withdrawn from charitable causes, and civic, electoral and church participation. We are too busy with social media, video gaming, Netflix binging, on-line shopping, porno and the new sports gambling craze to be of service to our country and our fellow human beings.

The shame falls squarely on business, political and even church leaders, who regularly invite us to lead highly privatized lives dedicated to their products, services and causes. Can’t we do better?

Kim Shinkoskey

COLUMNS Embracing 65 And All Its Glory

An Anton Media Group Publication

One of my earliest Massapequa Observer columns from 2017 broached a very personal subject for me. After writing a few columns about life in Massapequa, my editor liked them so much she asked me to keep submitting something every week. Although Massapequa is a beautiful place to live and raise a family, developing a Massapequa-themed column each week would not be easy.

So, I reached into my bag of tricks and decided to submit a column about me.

I submitted a humorous column with the catchy title of “The ‘S’ Word,” detailing my inner feelings about turning sixty. It turned out to be one of my most popular columns and helped launch my career as a columnist, broadening my pool of exciting subjects to talk about.

In the five years since the publication of that column, I’ve had more than 230 columns published, won a bunch of Media Awards from the Press Club of Long Island (“Long Island Living” was voted best column in 2021), and published two books. Not too shabby, eh?

But now, I stand on the precipice of turning 65.

Many people from my generation never thought about getting this old. In our eyes, surviving until 65 meant an automatic end of our working days and transitioning into sweet retirement. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.

First things first. For my age group, the Social Security retirement age for full benefits is 66 and a half, not 65. That moves the calendar out to August of 2023 for me. That doesn’t mean I will retire at that point; it just means I can. Of course, I could retire tomorrow if I want and begin collecting social security.

As the youngest in my group of friends, some have already retired. My wife turned in her papers to the New York City Police Department over ten years ago. They all talk about the freedom and the perks of no longer working.

But I’m still working. I have an excellent job with Northwell that I’m in no rush to give up. I had hoped that when I was ready to retire, my wife and I could travel and do things without regard for vacation days from work. But even that is being put on hold as I try and work out some back pain issues since falling off a step stool last April.

I signed up for Medicare last month, and suddenly, I’m paying more attention to those commercials with Joe Namath and Jimmy JJ Walker. I wondered if my zip code made me eligible for all those additional benefits (it does not).

Somehow, turning 65 doesn’t seem quite as traumatic as turning 60. I never worried about making it to 30, 40 or 50. I was actually looking forward to those. But 60 was a different story, a real shock to the system. It wasn’t a milestone birthday I was looking forward to. Now, I am secretly looking forward to the next couple of milestones, mainly to see if I can make it to them.

Now that 60 is in the rearview mirror, and 65 is here, I’m learning to embrace it. While working out my back problems, I’ve noticed people are very

LONG ISLAND LIVING

Paul DiSclafani

pdisco23@aol.com

Despite having many friends basking in retirement, columnist Paul DiSclafani will be waiting a year to put in for Social Security

VOL. 58, NO. 32 MASSAPEQUAOBSERVMASSAPEQUAOBSER ER.COM APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2017 Also Serving North Massapequa and Massapequa Park $1.00

SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE Camps & Schools Salinaro Is A True Fighter Massapequa teen heads for Paralympics history BY JENNIFER FAUCI jfauci@antonmediagroup.com At an age where most babies take their rst steps and learn to walk, Brianna Salinaro was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. At the tender age of 1, the Massapequa resident and her benefits (it does not). Somehow, turning 65 doesn’t seem quite as traumatic as kind to someone with a kind to cane. It’s like I’ve suddenly turned into a pretty girl. Guys open doors for you or politely ask you if you need help. Soon, I’ll get a handicap sticker for my car and become one of those guys who rage against people parking illegally in those spots. I’m blessed to have gotten this far in life, and I’m certainly not ready to punch out. I’ve got so much to look forward to (like my son Kevin’s wedding this year) and plenty of columns to write for you, dear reader. Thank you for tagging along with me on this journey we call life. We’ve got a lot more to talk about…

Paul DiSclafani’s new book, A View From The Bench, is a collection of his favorite Long Island Living columns. It’s available wherever books are sold.

family received the news that their daughter’s life would be met with a slew of physical and sometimes men-tal and emotional challenges. As she grew up, her childhood was amassed with physical encounters, therapy and bullying by classmates. Refusing to succumb to her many tribulations,

Regents Changes Put Off BY JOSEPH CATRONE jcatrone@ antonmediagroup.com After some confusion and much discussion, the New York State Education Department has momentarily abandoned its plan to raise minimum passing requirements for its English and Math Regents exams above the standard score of 65. e plan, which was led by Commissioner of Education MaryEllen Elia, was the latest in what has been a movement towards adjusted test-ing standards, which has faced some backlash from teachers and parents alike. e department’s initiative began in May 2014, roughly a year prior to Elia’s arrival, when a memo was issued regarding a change to “aspirational scores” for the aforementioned exams, which would have required students receive at least a 75 on the English Regents and an 80 on the Math Regents, scores which fall under Performance Level 4. e Class of 2022, which would enter high school during the 2018-19 school year, would have been the rst class a ected. However, See REGENTS on page 3 Salinaro, a current freshman at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, is preparing to become the rst female ever to compete in the Taekwondo Paralympics. “Growing up with Cerebral Palsy Brianna Salinaro at one of her tournaments (Photos submitted by Brianna Salinaro) See TRUE FIGHTER on page 4 IS IS NOT. 847 Broadway, Suite 101 N. Massapequa allstateagencies.com/robertzabbiaProudly protecting our community for over 20 years. Robert Zabbia 516-799-6900 Ask me about Accident Forgiveness. With other insurance companies, having an accident can mean your rates rise as much as 40%. But with Allstate’s Accident Forgiveness, your rates won’t go up at all just because of an accident. Don’t wait! Call me today. Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Safe Driving Bonus® won’t apply after an accident. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Northbrook, IL Northbrook, IL © 2016 Allstate Insurance Co. 161347 C I had hoped that when I was could travel things withfor vacation even that is

about making it to 30, 40 or 50. I was actually looking forward to those. But 60 was a different story, a real shock to the system. It wasn’t a milestone

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Celebrating 38 YEARS

IN BUSINESS 1984-2022

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County Task Force Readies To Combat Anti-Semitism

Last year, I was given the opportunity to run for the Nassau County Legislature representing District 10, which primarily covers Great Neck, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, New Hyde Park North, Searingtown, and several other areas in northwest Nassau County. A major piece of my campaign platform was a commitment to fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate. Having experienced these behaviors while growing up and as an adult I know firsthand the pain and scars that these evils can leave behind. Fortunately, the voters in November responded favorably by electing me to the legislature and I fully recognize

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Mazi Melesa Pilip

the importance this new assignment represents.

As part of my efforts to further the fight against anti-Semitism, I was recently selected to serve on the newly formed Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. This special body was created by the legislature under the leadership of Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello and with the full support of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and tasked with collecting information and gathering information from the public and a variety of resources, including governmental and community leaders, law enforcement personnel, clergy, members of academia and other knowledgeable individuals and institutions that will make suggestions and proposals to raise public awareness of and combat anti-Semitism in all its manifestations.

All told, there will be 26 members of the task force made up of some of my fellow legislators and a representation of 18 members of the Nassau County community who possess diverse backgrounds in opposing anti-Semitism and intolerance while exhibiting leadership in their respective fields. Included in the outreach will be one or more public hearings that will allow any interested county residents to provide further input as well as a public comment period that will accept written commentary as well.

Ultimately, the task force will be submitting recommendations for any legislative action that should be considered by the full legislature. That process is targeted to occur, if possible, by Yom HaShoah on April 28.

I am honored and privileged to be chosen to serve on the task force. I look forward to working with the entire task force with the goal of developing meaningful and lasting recommendations and producing results that will meet anti-Semitism head-on and benefit our Jewish friends and neighbors. Certainly, there is much work to accomplish, and I relish the challenges that lie ahead. I will continue to keep you apprised as the process further unfolds.

How To Pay For A New LaGuardia Airport Transit Connection

The original proposal goes back to 1943. The City Board of Transportation proposed an extension of New York City Transit’s BMT Astoria line (today the N & W lines) from the Ditmars Boulevard terminus station. There was another proposal back in the 1990’s to extend the subway beyond the Ditmars Boulevard Station. It died due to local community opposition.

There always was a better option to improve public transportation connections to LaGuardia Airport as opposed to former Governor Cuomo’s $2.05 Billion Air Train. .

Here is how to pay for MTA NYC Transit subway extension to La Guardia. Check out the link to the Federal Aviation Administration. www.faa.gov/ airports/pfc/pfc_updates/media/ pfc_75_21_rail_access_policy. pdf. There is also the Federal Transit Administration. The next step would include attempting to qualify this project for Federal Transit Administration capital funding under various programs. This could include Urbanized Formula 5307, State of Good Repair 5337 or Federal Highway Administration CMAQ (Flexible Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) or other FHWA programs. (These funds can be transferred to the FTA for funding transit projects.) Another option is requesting permission to enter this project into the FTA national competitive Capital Investment Grants (CIG) 5309 New Starts or Core Capacity

PENNER STATION

Larry Penner

programs. This is a three-step process. First step is to obtain permission from the FTA for entry into either the New Starts or Core Capacity programs. This would include completion of the federal environmental review process (NEPA) resulting in the FTA issuing a finding. FTA will determine if the project will require a more detailed full blown Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), versus a simpler Environmental Assessment (EA). This could easily require one to two years. The second step would be obtaining the FTA permission to enter and complete final design and engineering. This would require one to two years. The third step would be negotiating an FTA Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for the project. This would include a final project scope, budget, schedule, project management plan and fleet management plan. This process, once you are admitted, averages about five

The proposal to extend New York City Transit’s BMT Astoria line (today the N & W lines) was first

broached back in 1943. (Photo by Adam Moss/CC BY-SA 2.0)

years before FTA would offer the MTA a Full Funding Grant Agreement to pay for the project. The MTA would have to come up with between 50 to 67 percent local match. FTA would probably accept FAA passenger fees as an eligible contribution toward the local share. You could have a three-way 33 percent share each between the FTA, FAA and MTA.

If all the planets aligned, you might be able to assume admission into the FTA CIG program in 2023, you might see an FFGA in 2027 or 2028. If construction started in 2028 or 2029, it might be completed some time between 2033 and 2039, with service starting between 2033 or 2039. I suspect that the final cost by the time any subway extension is built and will easily end up several billion more than the previously proposed $2.05 billion Air Train.

There would be no need for MTA NYC Transit to build a new maintenance and storage yard. Existing equipment already in use on the N & W lines could be used. The MTA NYC Transit might have to purchase additional rolling stock to maintain rush hour head ways. I would suspect that this would be no more than 40 to 50 additional subway cars at a cost of between $2.5 to $3 million each.

The MTA obtained billions in funding under the FTA CIG program to help pay for the $11.2 billion LIRR East Side Access to Penn Station and $4,5 billion NYC Transit Second Avenue Subway Phase 1.

Almost 80 years later, extending the Astoria, Queens subway line is still the best rail option.

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer, who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for the MTA, NYC Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Rail Road, MTA Bus along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ.

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation recently partnered with America’s VetDogs, a New Yorkbased national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and

first responders with disabilities. (Photo courtesy of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation)

America’s Vetdogs Gets A Hand From Amazin’ Mets Foundation

First-ever MLB service dog will be trained and placed with disabled U.S. veteran or first responder

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation (AMF), the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets, is pleased to sponsor a future service dog in partnership with America’s VetDogs, a New York-based national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, to name and co-raise a future service dog.

The AMF Pup is an adorable, 11-weekold, male, yellow Labrador Retriever, who will undergo basic training and socialization with the AMF staff, New York Mets’ players and fans for the next 16 to 18 months. The pup will have a home in the Met front office, attend community events and select home games at Citi Field to expose him to various environments that will help mold him into a confident and calm future service dog. Fans can follow the pup on Instagram at @MetsVetDog to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.

Fans recently cast votes to name the new team pup via the @Mets Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. The winning name, TKTKTK, was announced on March 23.

“We are very excited to be sponsoring our first future service dog with America’s VetDogs,” AMF President Alex Cohen said. “We hope that this AMF puppy will bring awareness to an organization that provides renewed independence to veterans and first responders, as well as create fun and interactive opportunities for our fans.”

“America’s VetDogs is thrilled to partner with the Amazin’ Mets Foundation on co-raising the team and league’s first future service dog,” America’s VetDogs President/ CEO John Miller said. “The Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s passion for supporting our nation’s heroes aligns with our mission to provide trained service dogs for veterans and first responders with disabilities. This opportunity offers a unique environment for the pup to grow and thrive in. A well-socialized puppy will have fewer adjustments to make when he returns to VetDogs for advanced service dog training. When it’s time, that confidence will help someone with disabilities conquer any challenges they may face together as a team.”

It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of the VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, and service and fraternal clubs.

Visit VetDogs.org for more on America’s VetDogs and ways to get involved. —Submitted by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation

FULL RUN ANTON MEDIA GROUP • MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2022 11A

WE LOVE OUR PETS

“He is five-foot-four when he stands on his hind legs; no one has to bend down to pet him, even if they are lying in a hospital bed; Cooper just walks up and puts his face right next to theirs,” Damore said. “Cooper has gentile eyes; when they see his eyes, they just want to hug him to death.”

Bideawee’s pet therapy program is designed to explore all of the benefits that the relationship between people and pets can provide.

“Although Bideawee staff spends a lot of their time finding forever homes for the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in our care, we really focus on the human-animal bond as a whole. And that encompasses so much more than adopting and fostering,” said Leslie Granger, CAWA, president and CEO of Bideawee. “We are proud to go into the community and provide a symbiotic connection between our animals and people who might be experiencing illness or stress.”

The program launched in 1986 and currently has more than 60 active therapy teams.

“I have been doing this for many years now,” said Damore. “Falcor, my Great Pyrenees, was my first therapy dog, back in 2013.” Cooper began his service as a pet therapy dog four and a half years ago, when he was three years old.

“One of the types of facilities our generous pet therapy teams frequent are local hospitals,” Granger said. “These institutions have been under an exorbitant amount of stress lately and it’s so rewarding to provide a smile to patients and staff alike; as COVID restrictions lift and things become more normalized, we hope to bring Bideawee’s pet therapy teams into more hospitals.”

Some dogs are restricted to the kinds of tasks and situations that they are suited for. The best of the best receive a “complex” mark on their certification.

It’s A Horse–No, A Bear

Cooper has a fan club.

Photos courtesy of Lou Damore.

“Cooper has a ‘complex-level’ certification, meaning he can go anywhere, in any kind of therapy scenario,” said Damore. Situations can range from one-on-one interactions, group settings, children, elderly, wheelchair-bound, bed-ridden, high-energy situations, confined spaces, etc.

“Some dogs can’t handle all of that stimulation,” Damore said. “The trainers will bring a group of people in; they will test their response to having someone approach in a wheelchair; they might see how they react to someone on crutches or moving with a walker; they test with a lot of noise and commotion.”

The owners are also trained to respond properly to different

Pet therapy with dogs becoming best cure for stress

BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

“‘He’s a bear; he’s a horse; he’s just too big; what do you feed him’,” Lou Damore said are some of the things he hears about Cooper, his 130-pound puppy each week during pet therapy visits to St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage. Cooper, not actually a puppy, is a seven-and-a-half-year-old Leonberger, who has earned one of the top levels of certification for pet therapy through Bideawee in Wantagh. The Leonberger breed of dogs are obedient, loyal and loving gentle giants.

scenarios, and how to handle their dogs in certain situations. Dogs and their owners are reevaluated every two years to ensure they remain fit for the program.

Many of the dogs in the program are retrievers, labradors and huskies because of their disposition.

“It is not necessarily the size of the dog that matters, but more about their demeanor,” said Damore. “Cooper is just an amazing dog.”

The Leonberger breed first appeared in the United States in the early 1900s from Germany, popular as farm dogs, used to pull carts. Male Leonbergers can weigh as much as 160 pounds and stand just less than three feet at withers (back height). At first glance they are intimidating because of their size and muscular stature, but within seconds you understand that this regal beast is intelligent and kind. There is nothing better than an interaction with one of these dramatically massive canines.

Cooper has participated in storytimes at libraries, test-taking destress events at Hofstra University and therapy situations at other local schools and hospitals.

“When you are there and see the smile on these patients’ faces, it makes you take a step back,” Damore said. “Some patients don’t get visitors or they have dogs of their own at home that they are missing.”

Cooper and his human see more than 40 patients at St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage on Thursdays.

Damore said, “Recently, one woman was having a tough time during her hospital stay and hadn’t smiled in two weeks while she was there. When Cooper walked in, she lit up.”

Patients also love receiving one of Cooper’s personal business cards during their hospital visits. He has his own following on Facebook (@ CooperLeonberger).

Requests can be made through Bideawee (3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh) for pet therapy visits. Visit www.bideawee.org to learn more about the organization or to learn how to become a Pet Therapy Team Member.