Port Washington News 4/19/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Carbon Neutral Nassau By 2035 Local officials react to Legislator’s proposal for county

AMANDA OLSEN & JULIE PRISCO

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

With rising sea levels and stronger, more frequent extreme weather events, Long Island is on the front lines of climate change. According to the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are responsible for accelerating global warming and climate change. Higher temperatures, more frequent precipitation and storms, faster rates of ocean warming, and sea level rise are some of the key physical effects of climate change that are impacting communities and ecosystems around the world. Climate change impacts will continue to worsen as global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions increase.

New York State has already enacted legislation to combat climate change. On July 18, 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) was signed into law. This is among the most ambitious climate laws in the nation and requires New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050.

But for some, this does not go far enough.

A recent proposal, spearheaded by Legislator Joshua Lazafan, together with the Nassau County Legislature’s Minority Caucus and advocates from the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, presents even more ambitious goals, requiring county municipal operations to be carbon neutral by January 1, 2035.

The proposal would require the county to create and deliver a carbon neutrality action

plan to the legislature no later than Dec. 1, 2024 and provide triennial updates to the Legislature outlining the county’s progress toward achieving carbon neutrality. The County Executive would be further empowered to seek state and federal grants and to create a local carbon neutrality advisory panel to aid in this effort.

“Our exposure to climate change is a constant threat to our homes, our communities, our infrastructure, our drinking water, and our collective safety,”

Legislator Lafazan said.

“Local governments are on the front lines of this crisis, and we have an opportunity to transform our community - making it healthier, more prosperous, and more equitable through our carbon neutrality plan.”

According to an OpEd from Legislator Lafazan, “Long Island ranks fourth among major population centers for its exposure to the physical and economic risks of climate change. Reports show that Long Island is especially vulnerable to warming

temperatures, extreme weather, sea level rise and “water stress” from our reliance upon a sole-source aquifer for potable water. This underscores the need for collective urgency here and how the actions we take now will help protect Long Island for generations to come.”

Legislator Lafazan’s concerns for the future generations is not exaggerated. He explains how we have already seen a preview of what is to come if we don’t act now to address climate change. “Powerful once-in-a-generation storms that happened every century are happening every month. Recently, 26 people died from the extreme tornado in Mississippi. Thirty-seven people died this winter from extreme storms in Buffalo. And lest we not forget Hurricane Sandy, where 44 New Yorkers lost their lives, and 69,000 people suffered property damage.”

The climate crisis is a bipartisan issue and Legislator Lafazan is encouraging Republicans and Democrats in Nassau

County to support the bill. “I call upon County Executive Blakeman and my colleagues in the Legislature to pass this bill and make Nassau County the cleanest and greenest municipality in the State of New York.”

On the local level, the Town of North Hempstead has been working to become a greener town for years now through awareness programs, recycling events, and conservation initiatives. North Hempstead has encouraged residents and businesses to be more environmentally conscious while improving the town code to address climate change.

“As a town that is committed to environmental sustainability, it is imperative that we take bold and ambitious steps towards reducing our carbon footprint. Legislator Lafazan’s bill to make Nassau County carbon neutral by 2035 is a commendable effort that aligns with our own goals of creating a more sustainable future for our community,” said Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte (District Six).

Councilmember Veronica Lurvey (District Four) discussed some of the town’s work through the Climate Smart Communities Task Force. The task force recently approved a Municipal Climate Action Plan, which is part of the town’s commitment to address climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions. The process started with the measurement of a baseline in 2019. The town aims to reduce GHG emissions by 20 percent by 2030 within its municipal operations, from the 2019 baseline, explained Councilmember Lurvey. The plan, which can be accessed on the town website, involved the input from town employees in every department, it’s comprehensive.

“I would like to review Legislator Lafazan’s proposed bill. As I understand it,

Legislator Lafazan announcing his plan for Carbon Neutrality in Nassau County. (Contributed by the office of Legislator Lafazan)

Our exposure to climate change is a constant threat to our homes, our communities, our infrastructure, our drinking water, and our collective safety.

—Legislator Joshua Lafazan

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CARBON NEUTRAL from page 3 carbon neutrality doesn’t necessarily mean 0 percent GHG emissions. It means that there is a balance between emissions and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere,” said Councilmember Lurvey. “Here is where another extremely important Town initiative comes into play. Trees act as carbon sinks. In 2019, I led the effort to do a massive revision to town code as it relates to trees. As a result of the revisions, the town is now mandated to strive to increase the tree canopy. Through the adoption of my budget amendments to the 2023 budget, we increased funding for tree related matters by $1 million. With these important actions, we took extremely important steps forward toward carbon neutrality, separate from the Municipal Climate Action Plan.”

“A municipal plan to reduce GHG emissions is a critical first step, but non-municipal actions and initiatives need to be a part of the solution,” said Counilmember Lurvey. “These will be detailed in a future Community Climate Action Plan to be developed separately, again through the Climate Smart Communities Task Force.”

The villages within the Town of North Hempstead have taken it upon themselves to follow in the town’s footsteps and be more environmentally friendly. For example, the Village of Great Neck Plaza has hosted Earth Day events to encourage

sustainable living. Great Neck Plaza Mayor Ted Rosen supports the idea of the proposed bill, he’d like to study it more.

“We should certainly aspire towards achieving carbon neutral status in the future,” said Mayor Rosen. “Setting a specific date is a much more difficult question, that requires careful analysis and study. I salute [Legislator Lafazan] for long term planning and looking ahead. Its 2023 now and he’s looking 12 years ahead for 2035, that’s very important and we should all be doing that.”

Mayor Lawrence Ceriello of Munsey Park questioned how the county will pay for the changes required, if not by raising taxes, and thus impacting individual residents.

“The Nassau County Legislature can debate the merits of Legislator Lafazan’s proposed bill but it is incorrect to suggest, as he does, that residents will not bear the cost of his plan. They will. For example, his plan will require that county-owned cars, like police and emergency response vehicles, that now run on gasoline be replaced with electric

versions that run on electricity. How does he propose to pay for this if not through higher taxes? Also, I assume his plan will require that all county-owned buildings be carbon-neutral; retrofitting all of those buildings will be expensive. In the County owned parks and beaches, wouldn’t his plan ban outdoor BBQ grills that now burn charcoal or propane? That may not sound like much, but to some families this change will be meaningful. So, as I see it, his plan will impact Nassau families in many ways, not the least of which is the increase in taxes required to pay for it.”

While there aren’t many concrete details regarding Legislator Lafazan’s proposal when it comes to costs and taxes, he states that his “proposal strictly relates to Nassau County’s government and our municipal operations. So, while this law does not establish new mandates for individual Nassau County homeowners, all citizens in Nassau will be the beneficiaries of a cleaner environment. Whether it’s improving the quality of our air, our drinking water, our beaches, buildings, parks and preserves, we all benefit from a greener Nassau. And of equal importance, this bill will make Nassau County a “Climate Smart” community, ensuring that state and federal grants offset the costs of these improvements so we don’t have to hike a single dollar in taxes.”

Going Green In Honor Of Earth Day North Hempstead continues to advance environmental initiatives

To celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, the Town of North Hempstead announced environmental initiatives recently passed by the town board. The town board voted unanimously to add electric vehicle charging stations at facilities throughout the town and to require the installation of water-efficient fixtures in all town projects.

Adding Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Throughout the Town

The North Hempstead town board recently voted unanimously to amend an agreement with Blink Charging Co. to install Level 2 EV and DC charging stations at facilities throughout the town. The stations will be installed in the Mary Jane Davies Green parking lot, the Clinton G. Martin Park parking lot, Port Washington Public Park District Lot 4, and the Michael J. Tully Park parking lot. This initiative was spearheaded by Councilmember Veronica Lurvey as part of her GoGreen environmental initiatives.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the Town of North Hempstead to increase accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations for our residents,” said Councilmember Lurvey. “This initiative was spearheaded by the Climate Smart Communities Task Force, and I was proud to bring it to the Board. By adding these charging stations, we are furthering our goals of creating a more sustainable, resilient, and green future. It is my hope that

this will also incentivize North Hempstead’s residents to transition to electric vehicles.”

The town first undertook the process of issuing a request for proposals to add electric vehicle charging stations in North Hempstead in December 2020. In early 2021, the town analyzed the qualified proposals, and the town board unanimously voted on Nov. 18, 2021 to approve an agreement with Blink Charging to help facilitate this initiative. This latest amendment approves the locations in which the charging stations will be installed.

The installation of these fast-charging stations will be at no cost to taxpayers. Revenue from the charging stations will be shared with the town. The town will work

with the community and Blink Charging to explore future charging location sites which may include local town parks, downtown areas, and transportation hubs.

Blink Charging is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and networked EV charging stations, enabling EV drivers to easily charge at any of its 23,000 deployed charging locations worldwide.

Town to Install Water Efficient Fixtures

The Town of North Hempstead unanimously voted to establish a new town policy requiring the installation of water-efficient fixtures in all Town projects. This action aligns with North Hempstead’s Municipal Climate Action Plan, which outlines

strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Councilmember Peter Zuckerman, who presented the resolution, stated, “This measure will help to ensure that North Hempstead is conserving water and reducing its carbon footprint. We are proud to find new ways to increase our energy efficiency and reduce our water usage.”

“This policy serves as a significant step towards reducing the negative impacts of climate change,” said Councilmember Lurvey. “By conserving water, we can promote a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The new policy will require all town projects to use WaterSense labeled products, a program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency to make it easier to find water efficient products and to serve as a resource to help save water.

In March, the town unanimously adopted a Climate Action Plan, which included a multitude of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate within its municipal operations as well as a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. The plan was developed in collaboration with the Town’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force.

—Information provided by the Town of North Hempstead

Town officials celebrate the 11th year that the Town has received the title of “Tree City USA”, 2023. (Photo from the Town of North Hempstead)

Town officials with Rebecca Shamtoob from Blink Charging. (Contributed photo)

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Port Washington Team and Gold Award Recipients, 2022

Parking Lot Reconstruction

Temple Judea Sponsors Food And Clothing Drives

It has always been the commitment of Temple Judea to help those in need of basic essentials. It is the year-round goal of the Social Action Committee to fulfill this responsibility.

In early April, Town of North Hempstead Councilmember

Sadly there are communities whose residents need extra help in providing food, clothing and other necessities.

With the guidance of the Committee Chairs, Rita Marcus and Alicia Munves, collection projects of these items are organized throughout the year.

Mariann Dalimonte’s newsletter announced the reconstruction of Parking Lot #2 in Port Washington. Parking Lot #2 is located north of Main Street between N. Bayles Avenue. and Herbert Avenue.

Recently the annual Prom Clothing Drive was instituted, providing “dressy” clothing and accessories to high school graduating students who otherwise would not have the means to be dressed in special outfits for their graduation social events. Another recent project was a collection of fresh fruits and vegetables, which included bagged potatoes, carrots, onions and apples. When the collection was completed at the Temple, the large quantity of food was brought to a community agency for distribution.

At various times throughout the year, canned and boxed food drives, as well as collections of cleaning supplies, are held at Temple Judea, and are then brought to the Sid Jacobson JCC for distribution to areas where they are most needed. Temple Judea offers a wide range of interesting, stimulating and community-involved activities. New members are always welcome. 333 Searingtown Road, Manhasset (exit 36n on L I E); 516 621-8049; temple-judea.com

—Submitted by Temple Judea

Councilmember Dalimonte included the map above in the newsletter to provide parking options while Lot #2 is under construction. The map was compiled by the Port Washington Parking District and the Port Washington Buisness Improvement District.

• Lots 1, 3, 7 and 12 are commuter parking

• Lots 4, 5, and 8 are shopper and commuter parking (metered parking with time limit)

In March, the Social Action Committee assembled boxes of kosher for Passover foods. These will be distributed to Jewish families who may not be able to purchase these Passover products for their special holiday observance.

Councilmember Dalimonte wrote, “I have been working closely with the Town of North Hempstead’s Department of Public Works on preparing a public works improvement project in our community. Parking Lot #2 has been scheduled for reconstruction commencing on or about Monday, April 24 and continuing for approximately two months. All work is weather dependent. The reconstruction of Parking Lot #2 will include new drainage, pavement, curbs, sidewalk, lighting, signage, fencing and landscaping. We regret any inconvenience, as the project will take time to complete, but we believe the result will update and enhance the safety and convenience for commuters and shoppers in our community.”

Town Celebrates Louie’s Manhasset Restaurant’s 60 Years

• Lots 6, 9, and 10 are shopper parking (metered parking with time limit)

For more details about parking in Port, visit northhempsteadny.gov/portparking

Social Action Committee members Adela Liebgold, Stacey Needleman, Rita Marcus, Alicia Munves, Denise Perry and Anise Cherry.

—Information compiled from Councilmember Dalimonte’s newsletter with additional reporting by Julie Prisco

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Veronica Lurvey, and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava attended the 60th Anniversary celebration for Louie’s Manhasset Restaurant on March 28. The family owned and operated restaurant has been serving up the classics to its customers and local residents for six decades. Louie’s first opened in 1963 and moved to its current home at 339 Plandome Road in 1972.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Town officials with staff at Louie’s Manhasset Restaurant. (Photo by the Town of North Hempstead)

(Photo by Temple Judea)

Port Veterans Gather For The Observance Of National Vietnam War Veterans Day

oo few remember that March 29, 1973, was the day the last of our American troops departed from Vietnam. In honor of that day, in 2012, President Obama issued a presidential proclamation marking March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day. Following in 2017, March 29 became our official National Vietnam War Veterans Day when President Trump signed into law, The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act. On March 29 of this year, an observance

of that day did take place on the second floor of Port Washington’s Protection Fire Engine Co, #1 firehouse, where members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1819, Commanded by Bob Freeland, invited American Legion Post 509, Commanded by Doug Weston, to gather in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The observance at the firehouse was opened formally with the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance and continued with the sharing of memories and personal

photographs of the veterans taken during the Vietnam War when many of these men were only teenagers. The evening was also in honor of all veterans who served our country with honor in conflicts or not. To quote Commander Bob Freeland on the occasion, “For many, the end was bittersweet and for a few there has been no end, God Bless!”

The evening also featured the reading of a moving poem by Alan K. Mercado, USAF, from Bravo Foxtrot United Veterans Inc.

No one knows from whence it came, yet each of us bears much the same. The inner strength that each of us hold to do the things we must. There was no way we could prepare to walk the path of our despair. Not to run from fear but stay and man our guns while in harm’s way, shows a courage shown by all who heed the soldier’s beckoned call. Many of us that came home, still hold a sorrow each his own. It bears a certain sullen sadness that had grown from all the madness. It has become as we surmised, the darkest chapter of our lives. In the still of daybreak’s hush, lives the scenes of what time touched. sometimes heard in the morning’s haze, are echoes of our yesterdays. The whispers tell of wrongs so heartless, with each one was born a darkness. So, we soldiers carry on and live the truth which forms our bond. That we are brothers of the call, who went and served and gave our all.

—Submitted by VFW Post 1819

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Members of Port Washington’s VFW and the American Legion, gather for the observance of March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

VFW Post 1819 Commander, Bob Freeland, and American Legion Post 509 Commander, Doug Weston, shake hands in honor all of the veterans who served our Country. (Photos courtesy of Debbie Tedeschi)

Pat Shroyer

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CALENDAR

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Earth Day E-Waste Recycling

8 a.m.-12 p.m. (802 West Shore Rd., Port Washington) Town of North Hempstead event. Electronic waste drop off event. Call 311 for more information.

Earth Day 2023 Celebration

2 p.m. (Sunset Park) Live Performance: Members of the Library’s ‘Terrace Band’ will participate in the Library’s Earth Day celebration with a live performance that will feature the music of 1973. Enjoy music and the water view and discover fundamental ways you can make a difference in making our community healthy and sustainable. See pwpl.org/earthday for more details.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Bass-baritone William Socolof in Concert

1 p.m. (Library Lapham Meeting Room) William Socolof has performed with some of the country’s most prestigious classical institutions, in repertoire ranging from chamber music and art song to musical theatre and opera. Join us for a special performance. Sponsored by the Music Advisory Council. See pwpl.org/events for more details.

Sunday Garden Classes

2 p.m.-3 p.m. (Growing Love Community Garden Manorhaven Preserve) Growing Groceries—Potatoes and Spring Crops.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

The class will look closely at how to grow potatoes, although other crops such as leafy greens and root crops will also be covered. Feel free to ask questions about growing your favorite foods.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Art Lecture with Alice Schwarz

12 p.m. (Library Lapham Meeting Room and on Zoom) Albert Bierstadt—An American Painter. Join museum educator Alice W. Schwarz as she explores Bierstadt’s sweeping scenes of New England to Yosemite Valley and the Rocky Mountains of the west. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Register at pwpl.org/events

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music

2 p.m. (Jeanne Rimsky Theater) Afternoon TEA event for seniors. Join us for a swashbuckling afternoon of Sea Chanteys and

Maritime Music with Stuart Markus. Stuart’s modern folk music, love of acoustic guitars and deep, honest songwriting and his love of sea chanteys grew out of his love of tall ships and combine his love of music and history. Visit landmarkonmainstreet.org to register.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

Bike Rodeo and Helmet Safety

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Manorhaven Beach Main Parking Lot, by skateboard park) Educational event will provide children with the opportunity to participate in a series of courses that allows them to practice bicycle safety and agility skills. All participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Hosted by Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte and the Port Washington Police District. Call 311 to register.

CPR/AED Training

7 p.m. (Library Lapham Meeting Room) Join us for CPR and AED training, presented by a

certified CPR / First Aid Instructor. Register at pwpl.org/events

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

Sandwiched In with Paula Curci

12 p.m. (Library Lapham Meeting Room and on Zoom) Poetry as Memoir. In celebration of National Poetry month, Paula Curci will reflect on how biographical journaling and poetic memoir can foster personal growth and encourage positive dialogue with family and friends. Register at pwpl.org/events

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

Taste of the Town

2 p.m.-5 p.m. (Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church) The Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington sponsors this event featuring delicious restaurant samplings, desserts and live music. Call 516-650-1959 or 917-741-8294 for tickets.

Shopping Charity Event With The Women’s Club Of Flower Hill

Shop and Fundraise at Love Shack Fancy and The Women’s Club of Flower Hill. Make it a Ladies Night or a Mom and Daughter Spree. Perfect time to shop for graduation and summer parties! Ten percent discount offered during the event from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on Monday, April 24.

Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Katie Oppo Research Fund. KORF is a non-profit that funds research to target the causes of ovarian cancer and investigates viable, groundbreaking avenues of prevention, treatment and cure. Katherine Rose, “Katie” Oppo, a Flower Hill resident graduated from Manhasset High School in 2009 when she was diagnosed with stage four small

cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type —an aggressive form of the disease—and passed only a few months later.

The Women’s Club of Flower Hill (WCoFH) is a community organization, founded in 1949. It spans among three beautiful towns on the North Shore of Long Island. These towns include Manhasset, Port Washington and Roslyn.

The objective of WCoFH is to be to promote civic, social and cultural interests among its members and to collect or otherwise raise funds for charitable and philanthropic purposes, specifically children’s charities. —Submitted by the Women’s Club Of Flower Hill

Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit A Success

Going strong after three years, program looks to expand

Adolescent mental health has become a greater concern over the last 25 years, and this trend has only accelerated since the pandemic. The teens themselves are breaking the stigma and demanding better resources. The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, or SPTS, a national organization based in New Jersey, recognized this need in Nassau County and created the Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit. The summit is organized by Susan Brief, a school social worker and private practice therapist, who has been involved with SPTS since her own teen years.

“When I was about 15, I was going through a hard time as a teenager. My parents knew someone that was on the board of SPTS, and I ended up doing a little fundraiser for them. The more I got to know about them, the more purpose it put to what I was struggling with. And since then I’ve just been getting more and more involved in all the different programming that they do. Now I am their event coordinator,” Brief said.

The single-day summit, begun in 2019 and now in its third year after a one year break during COVID, focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, something sorely needed for today’s teens. According to SPTS, Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 24. And the CDC reports that 36.7 percent of high school students reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year. This percentage is higher for females, Hispanic students, and lesbian, gay or bisexual students.

The summit hosted staff and students from 33 different high schools across Nassau County and two Suffolk county high schools. All of the attendees were introduced to coping strategies, overall wellness practices and leadership skills to help them take care of themselves and their friends. These skills will equip them to be mental health leaders in their communities and best support their own mental wellness. The hope is to open dialogues about mental health and break down stigma so that they can continue to talk about these issues in their home schools.

Brief stated that invitations are sent to

the participating schools, but it is the staff and teachers who choose the participants. “We advise them to send students that they feel will be empowered to take what they’ve learned from the day and bring it back to their community. So whatever that looks like, whether it’s a student that’s struggling themselves, or whether it’s a student that’s kind of a leader among their peer group. So we kind of have a mix of student profiles throughout the day.”

The day began with an open discussion panel with people directly affected by teen suicide. “We have three young adults who spoke to their lived experiences losing a loved one to suicide or experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviors... That was a really good outlet for the teenagers to be able to ask questions like whatever was on their mind. And that’s something that we got feedback was really powerful for them.”

The selected students are all sophomores and juniors, and there are workshops geared towards those groups specifically. Sophomores participated in a workshop called “Knowing Your Worth”, which was about self esteem and empowerment. This encourages them towards self-exploration, expressing themselves confidently and using kind words towards one another. This class touches on social media that as well.

The juniors participated in a workshop called “Through My Eyes” which

addressed the stigma of mental health, what assumptions people may hold, how to break through barriers and how to form better connections. This workshop also talked about bullying and cyber-bullying, a huge issue for teens in the age of social media.

Adolescence has always been a time of transition, both mentally and physically, but today’s teens have gone through a massive disruption in the past few years. The pandemic created gaps in the normal progression of self-discovery and development. “With a pandemic would happen for a lot of young teens is they missed that part of social connection and interaction as a big part of trying on different skins and figuring out who I am and what feels right. And they kind of jumped into a later stage and adolescence where they feel like they don’t know who they are yet. They’re not ready for the next stage in life when they’re very close to graduating and moving on. And those who were already you know, in mid- adolescence have been pushed into early adulthood not feeling prepared.” Brief said.

Brief noted changes, not only in suicides, but also in issues of body image and self-harm. “With that we see a big rise in eating disorders have been an incredible rise since the pandemic. substance use and... self-harm rates are up. So just all in all, the mental and emotional wellbeing of our teens is suffering, and it calls for

more attention and more support. Not just for the teenagers but for the staff who are around the teens. Being aware that how they’re feeling emotionally is going to impact how they show up at school and their performance. And also (support) for the parents who might not be sure what the warning signs are at home or how to start a conversation if they’re noticing that their teenagers are acting differently.”

In the future, SPTS plans to bring another of their programs, the Youth Council, to Long Island. “The youth council is for any teenager from ninth through 12th grade in Nassau County who’s interested in remaining involved in mental health. We will have monthly meetings and the meeting location will travel across Nassau County. They’ll be learning more about something called the wellness wheel and it covers eight different components of wellness. They’ll learn more about the warning signs of depression and suicide and how to recognize that in their peers, different engagement skills, more about the local resources so they really can be someone to create change in their school environment and be someone who knows how to support others in their school who may be struggling.”

For more information about the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, their programs, and how to get involved, visit sptsusa.org.

Participants at the Nassau Youth Wellness Summit. (Photo by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide)

Hiking Up Harriman And A Relaxing Salt Cave Experience

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

Harriman State Park

I have been itching to get out there and hike up a mountain since the weather started getting just a little bit warmer.

And on April 2, I just did that. The great part about living on Long Island is that you have so many great attractions that can take you away from your everyday life that can be seen with just a day trip. So on that Sunday, my boyfriend and I, joined by his sister, got up early and headed out to Rockland County, NY to visit Harriman State Park, which was less than two hours away. I’ve personally never been there before.

Once we got there, we realized we would have to park on the side of the road, but there was plenty of distance between the left of the car and traffic. I had downloaded

the Long Path, Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail trail map on the app AllTrails, which made the whole experience so much easier. It keeps you on track and acts like a GPS, even if there’s very little internet.

Throughout the moderate hike, we faced some steep incline, had to climb up or down some boulders, crossed streams by hopping on

rocks and we saw some beautiful sites. It was also interesting to see all the cell phone towers that were there, as well as the underground fiber optic cables. We had been out there for about six hours, gained 1,171 feet in elevation and walked about nine miles.

We celebrated the day by going to Golden Corral in The Bronx, NY. I would only recommend this

on a week day afternoon, as it was extremely busy.

Jeff Salt Cave

On March 30, I was coming off of a mild cold, but was feeling a lot of tension in my eyes, so I looked into some solutions online on how to relieve this tension, and a salt cave was recommended.

The closest one to me was in

Port Jefferson, so I decided to book it for $45, which gave me a 40-minute session.

I went there having no idea what to expect. But once you’re there, the staff takes you through the process. I took off my shoes and my jacket and walked in. The ground is covered in Himalayan salt. Once I sat down in the gravity chair provided, I realized there was pink salt all around me. There was one other woman in the room with me on the other side of the room, and I was given a blanket to keep me warm.

After the both of us picked a meditation to listen to, which played on a loud speaker, a staff member brought us some crystals to hold.

Overall it was a nice way to pass the time, and the meditation was very relaxing. The other woman even fell asleep.

It’s certainly something I would do again! And I’d say it even helped relieve some of that tension and I felt pretty good afterwards.

Port

The view of the mountains from Harriman State Park.

(Photos by Jennifer Corr)

Reading inside the salt cave.

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

Publishers of Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot

Great Neck Record

Manhasset Press

Nassau Illustrated News

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Angela Susan Anton

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Frank A. Virga

Vice President of Operations/CFO

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Ever since my husband retired, we have found ourselves seeking new adventures on the daily. Whether we take a drive to the East End or explore a new hiking trail, these excursions have brought new life to the doldrums that can easily make one feel as though they are in a “rut”.

During our treks through nature, we’ve been blessed to find interesting articles of yesteryear. Several years ago, I found an old bottle of “Minck” that was buried beneath the leaves. The journalist in me loves a good investigation, and so I proceeded to research my subject.

As it turned out, Minck Brothers was a mineral water manufacturer who bottled beverages that were considered better than what was on the market from the 1870s through the 1950s. They were located on Beaver Street in good old Brooklyn, NY. The bottle, sadly, was cracked on the top and would have injured whoever carried it back to the car. We buried it to prevent forest wildlife from injury.

We have collected beach glass, also known as “Mermaid Tears” or “sea glass” for decades. Over the years, our finds became jewelry created by our daughter, a hobby that was short lived thanks, in part, to the cost of creating. She continues to search with her fiancé along the shore and places her finds into the window above her kitchen sink where they glint and gleam in the sunlight.

Hubby and I continued to search for glass and challenged each other to find the most unique specimen to bring home and clean up before it was placed in a vase in the window. Sometimes we found beautiful cobalt and other times we found the frosted remnants of old Coca-Cola bottles that were smoothed by years of natural tumbling along the ocean floor. We collected enough glass to fill two small vases for our daughter, two

Fun Finds Along The Shore

of a green bottle with the word “Duraglas” etched into the bottom. Duraglas was a style of glass that was manufactured in the 1940s and 1950s and was touted as being stronger than the average glass bottle.

SEE YOU AROUND THE TOWN

medium vases for ourselves, and even more glass that is currently scattered upon my dining room table. We have discovered red, orange, cobalt, teal, cerulean, bright lime and even frosted white pieces that can be found along the shore. We’re always grateful for a good find and we’re amazed by the amount that continues to wash up along the shores of Long Island. Recently, Hubby and I opted to hike along the northern shores of Western Suffolk County, where we saw a gray seal as he sunned himself upon a large rock formation in the surf. We strolled along the shoreline as we enjoyed the sound of surf, sea birds and the occasional sound of a buoy clanging in the changing tide. As the tide was quite low, we decided to walk out further to search for seashells and other treasures that may have been stuck in the mud.

Lo and behold, Hubby found a broken piece of milk glass. Our reading glasses weren’t strong enough to read the print in the bright sunlight, so we brought it back to the car for further inspection. As luck would have it, Hubby had stumbled upon a large chunk of a milk glass container from MacLaren’s Imperial Cheese, which was manufactured between 1893 and 1920. Hubby pulled a few more pieces from his pockets and proudly showed me the base

Hubby also found a piece of “Trademark Lightning” glass made by the Putnam Glass company, which had been made to hold jarred fruits. Manufacturing of the Trademark Lightning glassware began in 1882; most jars were created in the early 1900s as well. The color of the glass almost appeared to be iridescent as it shone in the light.

Finally, I showed him my find. It was a piece of pottery with the word “warranted” on the back, along with a unicorn on his hind legs and a small black star beneath him. I did a little research and consulted an expert, who advised me that the pottery was a piece of ironstone that was made by the William Brunt Pottery Company, which dated circa 1880s or 1890s. It was made in East Liverpool, Ohio. It was a “Royal Warranted” item, which meant that it was created for use by the royal family. Most of the experts on ironstone advised me that the piece was either from a shipwreck or “dumping along the shore”. Either way, they told me that it was a lucky find and it would be nice to go back and look for an intact piece of ironstone. Sadly, the tide rose, and we were unable to complete our search. For those who are unfamiliar with ironstone, it is a glaze-covered piece of

earthenware. Most ironstone was manufactured in England, France and the United States.

A friend of mine advised me that there is a television show on BBC known as “Mudlarkers”. Mud larking is a pastime in England, where folks of all ages head out to the mud flats and shorelines at low tide to search for “buried treasure”. It has recently seen popularity in the US, and some mud larkers have found items that are worth anywhere from several hundred to several thousands of dollars. My friend called me her “little mud larker” and hoped I would find something of value in my escapades. I was only too happy with my little broken piece of pottery. Hubby still wants to collect “Mermaid Tears”, and that is just fine with me. I’m not out there to possess the greatest collection, nor do I want a trip to the shore to be just about looking for something, because the joy of being in the moment would truly be lost. We continue to search for sea glass because Hubby plans to create something special with the finds. There is something so special about searching through the sand to find that perfect piece of frosted treasure that feels smooth and cool against the skin and winks in the bright sunshine. While we have even trekked into the water to obtain larger pieces, the thrill is truly in the hunt. I’m not sure what we will find next, but I’ll be sure to share it here. For those of you who also feel the thrill when finding something rare, unique and beautiful, I wish you all the joy of the search!

Patty Servidio

Checking the Robert Moses Park shore (Photos by Alex Nuñez)

OPED

Nassau Hub Casino Is Not A Good Bet

BY PETER CAVALLARO

I have read with interest various recently published opinion pieces related to the potential casino siting in Nassau, one by Hofstra President Susan Poser and the other by RXR Chairman Scott Rechler. As mayor of the Village of Westbury, and someone caught in the middle of Nassau County’s last potential foray into casino gambling, I do not relish that the county will again potentially be the site of one of the state’s several newly authorized, full-blown gambling parlors in the downstate area.

From that last tussle I, and those who fought hard to prevent the siting of a casino at the former Fortunoff site in Westbury, did a great deal of research and learned much about the long-term impacts on local areas from casino siting. Much that we learned was decidedly negative. I certainly agree with Ms. Poser that a casino in the midst of two colleges and tens of thousands of college-age young adults is a uniquely bad idea. I am left with the sense that after literally decades of talk, and stops and starts, no one has

yet offered the clear vision or had the political will or clout, or whatever else it takes, to actually bring to fruition a truly beneficial, appropriate and accretive project to transform the Hub area.

The Hub project that Mr. Rechler and his group have been working on for the past several years offered, I thought, the potential starting point for a very good transformation of that area, and I and my staff had met with and had many discussions with the RXR team, as well as county officials regarding the Hub

development. We provided input on the development’s impacts on surrounding communities, as well as transportation.

But it now seems that Mr. Rechler’s business instincts tell him that he has the chance to take big development risk off the table for himself and his investors. This late shift seems like a bait and switch (intended or otherwise) that now requires a step back and the consideration of all sorts of additional matters, impacts and mitigations to be considered.

Sadly, the casino proposal represents low-hanging fruit for policy makers seeking to grab more revenue, and developers looking to de-risk a very largescale project in a drastically changed real estate environment. I do not blame them for that since their mission is to make money for their ventures above all else.

But, it is up to our government officials to regulate that profit-only desire to make sure that the development meets the needs of the county and surrounding communities. The lack of political will, vision and leadership over decades regarding the Hub is

astounding. It has the same echoes of another long-term Nassau issue—the assessment debacle that also has been a decades-long political football—where fear of partisan electoral losses prevails over creative problem solving. In the end, very few people really believe that a casino proposal at the Hub offers the best long-term vision for the future of Nassau. And the assertions that have been made by various proponents— that this “opportunity” is in any way equivalent to the in-fact

tremendous Amazon opportunity frittered away in Queens several years ago is simply public relations speak that is frankly absurd and offensive. In the end, casino gambling is not going away. But that is not the issue for our policy makers. Nassau residents and taxpayers deserve a project at the Hub that is thoughtful and in their best interests. This casino proposal is lazy and self-serving. Not a good combination.

THE SHIN COLLECTION AND

It is astounding to think that a private collection of masterworks as wide-ranging and important as these could be assembled by a 32-year-old connoisseur, but Hong Gyu Shin is an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares more than a hundred of his treasures with us by such greats as Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Derain, Balthus, de Kooning and many other top-tier names from art history. Shin is a synthesizer. His credo: “Avant-garde visual culture, irrespective of traditions, is timeless.”

See it now

To purchase exhibition tickets, visit the museum or scan code

More as a Member Experience

To purchase a museum membership. visit the museum or scan code

Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-4:45 pm

Cavallaro is the mayor of the Village of Westbury.

Photo credit Google

Westbury Mayor Peter I. Cavallaro.

(Photo by the Village of Westbury)

Better Assignments For Subway Station Booth Attendants

NYC Transit President Richard Davey previously announced his agreement with the Transit Workers Union Local 100 to preserve 2,000 station agents primarily assigned to subway station booths makes no sense. Worse, is his commitment to hire several hundred more. Now they have become “Station Ambassadors” to help riders navigate the system. As NYCT completes conversion to One Metro New York (OMNY) cards, staffing of station booths becomes obsolete. Converting former subway booth attendants to station ambassadors represents featherbedding. We have entered the digital age of OMNY fare-payment system which lets riders go through turnstiles by tapping credit cards, debit cards or smart phones.

Giving former station agents cell phones to use when observing criminal activity to notify transit police will not be meaningful. Those committing criminal acts are not going to wait around for transit police to arrive. Having former station agents periodically walk the platform several times an hour and be available to answer questions or provide directions does little to enhance service. More riders use apps to obtain this information.

The public’s priority is safety and security, open bathrooms and curtailing $500 million yearly fare evasion. Real management would not hire more station agents to perform these new functions outside obsolete token booths. Why not assign station agents on payroll to stand by turnstiles and emergency exit gates and attempt to curtail fare evasion? This would save $1 million a month currently spent in hiring 200 private security guards assigned to deter fare evaders. Let the existing station agents keep their jobs. With attrition as they retire in coming years, reduce the headcount. Start eliminating Station Ambassadors one station at a time based upon those with the least ridership. Keep Station Ambassadors at high volume stations with significant numbers of out of town commuters or tourists. This might include Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station 7th and 8th Avenue, Port Authority Bus Terminal 42nd Street, Times Square, World Trade Center Fulton Street, Flushing Main Street, Jamaica Center Parsons/Archer, Sutphin Blvd. Archer Avenue JFK Airport, Atlantic Avenue Barclay Center, Coney Island Stillwell Avenue, Yankee Stadium and Mets Willets Point (game days) and a handful of other subway stations with high ridership volumes. Cross train existing subway station and end of line terminal subway

station car cleaners to perform many of the same functions as a Station Ambassador. This might include reporting crime, sick passengers or delay in service. Do the same for the new 800 station and subway car cleaners to be hired over coming months as announced by Davey. Issue them cell phones as appropriate. Re-allocate funding saved by reducing the numbers of Station Ambassadors over coming years at they retire to pay for more transit police. They can be assigned to support safety, security and curtail fare beating station by station. This would go further to enhance ridership comfort on the subway system and for those concerned about criminal activity.

Funds can also be reallocated to open many of the still closed subway station bathrooms. NYC is a 24/7 town just like our NYC Transit subway system. Bathrooms need to be opened 24/7, not just 7 AM to 7 PM. There are significant numbers of transit riders with full bladders after 7 PM who desire a bathroom to relieve themselves. All of this needs to be dealt with if the MTA wants to see a return to the pre-COVID 19 five million plus ridership.

It is time to return to the days when a transit police officer was assigned to ride each train and patrol subway stations. Along with installation of security cameras on trains and stations, this might help to reduce vandalism and crime. The longterm NYC Transit management goal over time should be to convert all NYC Transit station agent positions serving as “Station Ambassadors” to finance increasing police protection and opening bathrooms 24/7 in our subway system.

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate,

LIW IW

John Pizzarelli’s Fave Stage & Screen Scores

Somewhere around June 2020, the music union in New York, the Local 802, was sponsoring hour-long lunchtime concerts for all of the first responders and hospital workers,” he recalled. I wasn’t even on Facebook. I hadn’t been on for a bunch of years and they said I had to go to my official page, click on a button and everyone would know and it would happen. I got all my passwords back and did this hour-long thing. That was something and then I decided to try and do that [on a regular basis]. Thursdays are good because it gives us Fridays off—not like I had anything to do on Friday anyway. We decided Thursday nights would be fun and my wife suggested we call [the show]

‘It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere’ and it just blossomed into something that was another thing that saved our lives during the pandemic—the response of the people. Eventually it went to all requests.”

Given the theme of the Garden State native’s latest outing, it only seemed fair to have him list a few of his favorite scores from the silver screen and stage.

Casablanca (1942)

“I’ve always loved it because it’s a perfect movie. But also because the music is so well-done. There’s also something unusual. The band will play ‘Avalon’ at one place and all of a sudden we see Ingrid Bergman and all of a sudden the song is ‘The Very Thought of You.’ There is a way that they use the underscoring to signal what is going on. That’s a really cool part of the movie and I think the movie is special for many reasons.”

BY DAVE GIL DE RUBIO editorial@antonmediagroup.com

Along with being a world-renowned jazz guitarist, John Pizzarelli is an artist quick to pay tribute to his influences via his recorded work. Among the inspirational nods he’s given are to the Chairman of the Board (2006’s Dear Mr. Sinatra, 2017’s Sinatra & Jobim @ 50), the Fab Four (1998’s Meet the Beatles, 2015’s Midnight McCartney), Duke Ellington (2010’s Rockin’ in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington) and most notably, Nat King Cole (1994’s Dear Mr. Cole, 2019’s For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole). For his new effort, Stage & Screen, Pizzarelli turned to a collection of classic songs from Broadway and Hollywood. The idea to go down this path came out of a weekly live stream the guitarist had been doing shortly after the pandemic lockdown started.

Joined by bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, Pizzarelli leads his new trio through a gamut of ear worms ranging from “I Want to Be Happy” and “Tea For Two” from the 1925 musical No, No Nanette to “I Love Betsy” from Honeymoon in Vegas, a stage musical adapted from the 1992 film of the same name. It all wound up being a breezy three-day session cut back in November 2021 that had Pizzarelli pleased with the end result. “When we started to go back to work, we were just picking things out of the air,” he explained. ‘I Want to Be Happy’ was just a tune that we decided to play. I’ve always liked that tune—it’s a great little jazz song. And then I heard Blossom Dearie sing ‘Tea for Two’ and she sang it as a ballad. I decided to do it that way and the more we did it, the more comfortable we got with it. And then we had a number of tunes that came out of the Thursday night set. The idea was that I had all these songs and when I looked at them, some of them were from movies and some I had in my back pocket like ‘Coffee in a Cardboard Cup.’ Stage and Screen just seemed like a nice idea for lack of a better title. We put everything together and thought it would work, so that’s what happened.”

WHERE LONG ISLAND WINS!

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) “This is a great movie. Hugo Friedhofer did the score. I actually own the record of the movie. It’s well-done from a cinematic point of view because of what it is about— veterans returning from World War II. I have a soft spot in my heart for Teresa Wright, who is also Mrs. Lou Gehrig in another movie.”

The Bridges of Madison County [musical] (2014)

“One of the greatest things I heard was Steven Pasquale and Kelli O’Hara sing the score of The Bridges of Madison County, the Jason Robert Brown show. It absolutely stunned me. That’s why I did one of Jason’s tunes. I love his work and wanted something that was current.”

The John Pizzarelli Trio will be appearing from April 25-29 at Birdland, 315 W. 44th St., NYC. Visit www.birdlandjazz.com or call 212581-3080 for more information. Visit www.longislandweekly.com to read a full feature on John Pizzarelli.

Casino Hotel

What Is ChatGPT? The capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence language bots

BY CHATGPT specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, which stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3.5. It is one of the most advanced language models available, capable of generating human-like responses to natural language queries.

The primary purpose of ChatGPT is to provide an automated conversational agent that can understand and respond to human language in a natural and intuitive manner. This makes it an ideal tool for a wide range of applications, including customer service, language translation, and chatbot development.

One of the key strengths of ChatGPT is its ability to generate responses that are not only accurate but also contextually relevant. This is achieved through the use of deep learning algorithms that analyze large amounts of text data to identify patterns and relationships between words and phrases. This enables ChatGPT to understand the meaning behind the words and respond in

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a way that is both meaningful and relevant to the context of the conversation.

Another important capability of ChatGPT is its ability to generate text that is indistinguishable from human-written content. This is achieved through the use of a large neural network that has been trained on a vast amount of text data from various sources, including books, websites, and social media. This enables ChatGPT to generate responses that are grammatically correct and free of errors, and that closely mimic the style and tone of human-written content.

However, despite its many capabilities, ChatGPT also has some limitations. One of the biggest challenges is its lack of real-world experience and knowledge. While it is capable of generating responses based on patterns and relationships in language, it does not have the same level of understanding of the world as humans do. This can sometimes result in responses that are factually incorrect or do not fully address the user’s query.

Another limitation of ChatGPT is its susceptibility to bias. Like all machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT is only as unbiased as see CHAT GPT on page 4B

CHAT GPT from page 3B

the data it has been trained on. If the training data is biased or contains stereotypes, then the responses generated by ChatGPT may also be biased or contain stereotypes. This can be a significant issue, especially in applications such as hiring or healthcare, where bias can have serious consequences.

Despite these limitations, ChatGPT is a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with machines. As machine learning algorithms continue to advance, we can expect to see even more sophisticated language models that are capable of understanding and responding to human language in increasingly sophisticated ways. With proper training and development, these models could potentially be used to create automated conversational agents that are almost indistinguishable from human interaction, opening up new possibilities for human-machine collaboration and communication.

Editor’s note: The above article, in its entirety, minus the headline and byline, was generated by ChatGPT with the prompt, “write a 600 word explanation about ChatGPT and include the capabilities and limitations.” It was generated in 20 seconds. The above response was not corrected for grammar, spelling or context in order to give the reader an understanding of what the ChatGPT bot and other similar artificial intelligence language machines are capable of. Visit www.longislandweekly.com/ chatgpt-april2023 to read more from local education officials and research librarians.

—Christy Hinko

Campus Visit Checklist

Visiting a college campus helps you get a sense of what a college — and life at that college — is like. This can help you decide whether the college is right for you.

When planning your campus visits, make sure to allow time to explore each college. While you’re there, talk to as many people as possible. These can include college admission staff, professors and students. Below are some other things you can do while visiting. Note that some activities, such as meeting with an admission officer or staying overnight in a dorm, might need to be set up in advance.

Gather Information

Find out what you need to do to apply and see if the college’s class and major offerings are what you want:

• Take part in a group information session at the admission office.

• Interview with an admission officer.

• Pick up financial aid forms.

• Sit in on a class that interests you. If classes aren’t in session, just see what the classrooms

are like.

• Meet a professor who teaches a subject that interests you.

• Talk to students about what they think of their classes and professors.

• Get the names of the people you meet and their business cards so you can contact them later if you have questions.

Explore the Campus

Get a feel for student life and

see if this college is a place where you will do well:

• Take a campus tour.

• Talk to current students about life on campus and the college.

• Check out the freshmen dorms and stay overnight with a student, if possible.

• Visit the dining hall, fitness center, library, career center, bookstore and other campus facilities.

• Talk to the coaches of sports that you may want to play.

• Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.

Check Out Campus Media

Tune in to learn what’s happening on campus and what’s on students’ minds:

• Listen to the college radio station.

• Read the student newspaper.

• Read other student publications, such as department newsletters, alternative newspapers and literary reviews.

• Scan bulletin boards to see what daily student life is like.

• Go to the career center and learn what services it offers.

• Browse the school’s website and any campus blogs.

Questions to Ask During Your Visit

Here are some questions you may want to ask your tour guide or students you meet on campus:

• What are the best reasons to go to this college?

• What’s it like to go from high school to college?

• What do you do in your free time? On the weekends?

• What do you love about this college?

• What do you wish you could change about this college?

• Why did you choose this college?

• What is it like to live here?

—College Board

Academy Students Prep For Regeneron Talent Search

BY DR. STEPHEN J. SULLIVAN specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

It’s 7:05 a.m. I’ve been at school for a half hour, so I slip out of Sacred Heart Academy’s (SHA) Science Research Lab for just a moment to brew myself a cup of tea. Upon my return, a half-dozen young women in blue blazers and plaid skirts have appeared seemingly out of nowhere. They are already excitedly chatting about…one senior’s recent research project on the topic of absorption spectroscopy and how it can be applied within atherosclerosis.

You’d think they owned the joint—because, well, they kind of do. And that’s just a typical Tuesday here at SHA. I love how comfortable the girls feel in a room assigned to the department chair and the research director.

According to a recent survey conducted by Junior Achievement and the research group Engine (www.ja.org), only nine percent of girls between the ages of 13 and 17 are interested in careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). But here at SHA, an all-girls, college-preparatory high school founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, just shy of 100 students practically

“live” in the Science Research Lab throughout the school year. As director of research, I mentor students as they tend to crayfish, weigh earthworms, test the starch content of pea plants or explore colleges with outstanding STEM programs. I encourage our students to challenge themselves academically, to ask tough questions and to dare to dream big. We define STEM broadly; each SciRes girl will work across the life, physical and natural sciences during her four years under our care. STEM

involves thinking critically, logically, and analytically. It also requires approaching problems persistently and creatively. SHA students are doing just that by participating in local, regional, national and international science competitions each year. Supported by gifted colleagues, I seek innovative and unconventional ways to expose these young women to the possibilities in STEM, both in college and beyond. Sure, it’s hard work for the girls. All three of my own children (Christine, Michael and Arthur) were Intel

(now Regeneron) Science Talent kids (2006, 2009, 2012), so I understand exactly what I’m asking of the girls—and their parents. The Regeneron Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research that is recognized and reviewed by a national jury of professional scientists. Each year, approximately 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study

Classes Start

Students from Sacred Heart Academy

and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation’s most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.

But students hardly enter their senior year of high school and suddenly decide to submit a six-week research project at a nationally competitive level. Here at Sacred Heart Academy, research is a four-year program, beginning with Introduction to Research 9 and including the AP Capstone Program. The SHA Research Program offers a unique opportunity for students to experience the rigor and rewards of authentic research while still in high school. This sequence of courses is directed to those students who have a keen interest in the physical, natural, and social sciences and would like to pursue excellence in areas of hands-on, original research. Students begin the program in ninth grade with the Intro to Research 9 course. Ultimately, students who continue with Research for four years will not only earn a SHA Diploma but will also have the opportunity to earn a AP Capstone Diploma, issued by the College Board and valued highly by colleges and universities around the nation and the world. Many students in the program showcase their research in publications and participate in internships with some of the nation’s top research facilities and universities.

And all of that hard work pays off. In

the last four years alone, I have mentored students who submitted 49 Regeneron proposals. Additionally, 13 girls have had research articles published in peer-reviewed journals since 2020. And since 2019, 51 girls have been invited to present original research at the prestigious (adult) Association for Psychological Association Convention; less than 250 precollegiate researchers have ever been invited in the conventions’ 35-year history.

Significantly, SHA students are comfortable explaining their work to their peers, faculty, science fair judges and journalists. Recently SHA’s principal, S. Jean Amore, CSJ explained, “In the middle of a terribly stressful time – an era of political polarization, global pandemics, European wars, and so on—Drs. Sullivan & Feinman make hard work and academic excellence ‘fun’ for seventy to ninety adolescent girls each year. Alumnae frequently write to share success stories from university, success that they consistently attribute to the influence of Science Research and the support they receive from their SHA family. It’s really quite lovely.” I couldn’t agree more. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your students succeed at university—not just gain admission to university—but truly excel upon matriculation because they were confident and prepared.

—Dr. Stephen J. Sullivan joined Sacred Heart Academy in 2018 as the Director of Research and faculty member. In addition, Dr. Sullivan is a respected senior lecturer at Columbia University.

Molloy College is now Molloy University.

With over 50 undergraduate degree programs, we combine academic excellence and leadership with personal mentoring. Molloy’s programs in healthcare, education, business and arts and sciences will lead you to an exciting career. Here, you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.

Fighting For Student Debt Relief At The Supreme Court

A message from Secretary Cardona on student debt relief

Recently Biden-Harris Administration mounted a powerful case for student debt relief in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The student debt relief program will provide critical support to more than 40 million borrowers most at risk of delinquency or default when the student loan payment pause ends.

Our Administration is confident in our legal authority to adopt this plan, and today made clear that opponents of the program lack standing to even bring their case to court. While opponents of this program would deny relief to tens of millions of working- and middle-class Americans, we are fighting to deliver relief to borrowers who need support as they get back on their feet after the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

While we await the Supreme Court’s decision, the pause on student loan payments remains in effect. Payments will resume 60 days after the Supreme Court announces its decision. If it has not made a decision or resolved the litigation by June 30, payments will resume 60 days after that.

In addition to this one-time debt relief program focused on counteracting the negative impacts of the pandemic, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and I will continue to put the needs of students and borrowers ahead of special interests, invest in college affordability, hold colleges accountable for runaway costs and unaffordable debts, and pursue historic changes to student loan repayment that will cut costs and reduce the crushing burden of student debt for millions of working families.

We will continue to provide you updates and will notify borrowers directly before payments restart.

Visit Student Aid for the latest information on student debt relief, the payment pause, and additional programs from the Department of Education to make college more accessible and affordable.

—A statement released by Miguel A. Cardona, Ed.D., Secretary of Education on Feb. 28, 2023.

Recently Sold HOMES

This stunning colonial home at 4 Pinewood Rd. in Old Westbury sold on April 4 for $2,300,000. It sits on 1.63 acres in the heart of Old Westbury and has more than 5,000 square-feet of living space. The home has six bedrooms and four bathrooms. The kitchen is an open concept and has a combination of VIking and Sub-Zero appliances. The first floor offers multiple entertaining areas including wood-burning fireplaces throughout the house. The den is bright and offers access to the deck. The bedrooms are generously sized and have a lot of closet space. The primary suite includes a fireplace, a walk-in closet and a bathroom suite complete with a clawfoot tub and a stand-up shower. The home has a three-car attached garage, a generator connection and a fenced-in in-ground saltwater heated pool. The home has six-zone gas heat and cooking, two-zone central air conditioning, a new roof and in-ground sprinklers.

This colonial home on two level acres at 3 Bridle Path Dr. in Old Westbury sold on March 30 for $1,570,000. It has a gated entrance and three quarters of the property is fenced in. The home has four bedrooms and six bathrooms. It has a finished basement and a free-form Gunite heated saltwater pool. There is also a poolhouse and a greenhouse on the property. The home was built in 1970. It has a huge detached three car garage and an attached two car garage. The home has central heat and air conditioning. It is a perfect home to entertain guests and is centrally located to many local amenities.

HOME & DESIGN

Pay Attention To Safety When Using Lawn Mowers

Spring is here and as we get our lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment out from storage to work in our yards, businesses and other green spaces, it’s important to keep safety in mind.

“Think safety first,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment—especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual and do maintenance on your equipment.” Tips for readying and using your equipment:

• Know not all lawn mowers are the same. Whether your mower is a garden tractor, zero turn mower or other, it has a unique design, requirements, weight classification, and other differences that impact how to use it safely. The newest machines have the latest safety standards.

• Know your specific machine. Many mowers may look similar but the technology is ever evolving with evolving safety systems. They vary in design, power supply, performance, operating parameters, and more. Your manufacturer-supplied owner’s manual will guide you in these differences. Read your owner’s manual.

• When using mowers on slopes follow the manufacturer’s guidance to the letter.

• Do not disable or alter manufacturer-installed safety equipment.

• Walk your yard before mowing. Slopes, wet grass and weather may impact equipment performance, as well as safe handling procedures. Pick up sticks and limbs that may have fallen to the ground and any loose objects that could be hit by a mower.

• Look over equipment before use. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.

• Protect your power. Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment if it is not designed for higher ethanol blends.

• Keep children and pets away from machines during operation.

• Keep your mower clean. It will run more efficiently and last longer. Always remove dirt, oil or grass before using and storing. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments. Visit www.opei.org for more safety information.

—Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

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.

Alzheimer’s Foundation, Mount Sinai Host Free Memory Screening

To help Long Islanders be proactive about their brain health, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and Mount Sinai South Nassau will be hosting a free memory screening event on Tuesday, April 25 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the atrium of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital (One Healthy Way, Oceanside). No advanced registration is required, and there are no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Parking is available in the visitor’s lot.

Memory screenings are quick (approximately 10-15 minutes), noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks. Screenings are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential. Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.

“Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, regardless of whether you’re experiencing memory problems. Just as we regularly check other facets of our health, we need a checkup from the neck up too,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “We are pleased to work with Mount Sinai South Nassau to provide this free service to the community.”

“The information from the screening helps

you and your physician take charge of your brain health and plan for and implement lifestyle changes as well as take advantage of treatments that will slow memory loss and the decline of thinking skills,” said Adhi Sharma, MD, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “My colleagues I and strongly encourage residents to get screened and take advantage of this free and essential screening.”

Early detection of memory impairments is extremely important. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow the symptoms of the disease, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic programming, that can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial and health care decisions.

For more information about the free memory screening program on April 25, please contact Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education Department at 516377-5333 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 866-232-8484.

—Submitted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Music And Entertainment Hall Of Fame Offers Scholarship

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHoF) will award $500 scholarships to graduating students. These scholarships will provide funding for eligible graduating high school students from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, or Kings (Brooklyn) counties who have shown an interest in pursuing a career in music. To apply and to read the eligibility requirements, please download the scholarship application (https://www.limusichalloffame.org/scholarshipsgrants/).

Student Scholarships Applications

Deadline: Friday May 12th, 2023

All applications must be postmarked by the application due date in order to be accepted.

The LIMHOF Education Committee will base selections on the completed application and the following:

• 400 to 500-word essay on education and career goals

• High school transcript

• Letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the applicant’s commitment to a music career

Eligibility criteria:

• Graduating high school senior from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn (Kings) or Queens counties

• Minimum 2.5 GPA

• Accepted full-time at an accredited college or university

• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in music

• Demonstrate Financial need

• U.S. citizen or legal resident with I-55 permanent residency

More information and applications may be found at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/scholarshipsgrants/

—Submitted by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

The Home Of Giants: More Thrills At Yankee Stadium

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

By the 1920s, baseball and prizefighting were the two major American sports. College football was huge. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1950s and the advent of television that the pro game took hold.

Whatever the attraction, Yankee Stadium was where history was made.

Starting in the Twenties, the Stadium was host to many great fights.

They included such championship brawls as the 1939 Joe Louis-Max Schmeling fight, in which Louis avenged an earlier defeat; plus those between Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano, Sugar Ray Robinson and Kid Gavilan, Sandy Sadler and Willie Pep, Rocky Marciano and Ezzard Charles, and Ingemar Johansson and Floyd Patterson.

A favorite was the June 28, 1939 bout between Louis and Tony “Two-Ton” Galento. The latter was known as “the Battlin’ Barkeep” as he tended bar in The Bronx in between ring dates. Imagine the conversation.

GALENTO: Got to take the night off, boss.

BOSS: And why?

GALENTO: Gotta take the train to the Stadium.

BOSS: What for?

GALENTO: The fights!

BOSS: Yeah?

GALENTO: Gotta step into the ring with Joe Louis. See you when it’s over!

(Louis won in a fourth-round TKO, even though Galento staggered the champ with a second-round haymaker.)

By the 1950s, the Yankee Stadium neighborhood was changing rapidly. The flight to Queens and Long Island was in full swing. Plus, fights were now televised.

On Sept. 28, 1976, at the newly-refurbished Stadium, defending heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali took on challenger Ken Norton. By now, Ali was 37. His best days were behind him. Ali won in a decision, one hotly disputed in the media and by the fans. By 1976, the crime situation in The Bronx was becoming out-of-control. A disparaging article on the fight in Sports Illustrated trashed the building as “Junkie Stadium,” while observing local thugs pawing the ladies in attendance. Prize fights would have to

take place elsewhere.

But not football games. New York, in the early and mid-1900s, was a capital for Ellis Island immigrants and their offspring. The most famous college team in America was the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The Irish often played at Yankee Stadium and the “D” train and Number Four trains were packed with the “subway alumni,” those ethnic Catholics came to cheer the Irish of Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy and such Heisman Trophy winners as Angelo Bertelli, Johnny Lujack, Leon Hart, Johnny Lattner, and Paul Hourning.

A zenith was reached on Nov. 9, 1946. Both Notre Dame and the Army squad

coached by Earl Blaik were undefeated. It was more than a game. The postwar era represented an unprecedented peak of American history. Victorious in the European and Asian theaters of World War II, the game showcased the pride and greatness of this now-invincible nation. The game was the most anticipated match in college football history, ending in a thrilling, but inconclusive 0-0 tie.

With the nationally-televised Dec. 30, 1958 National Football League title game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts, pro football made its debut as the new national pastime.

The game, naturally, took place at Yankee Stadium. The daylight turned from dusk to darkness as the two teams battled each other to a heart-stopping overtime barn burner, with the Colts and their quarterback great, Johnny Unitas, winning on a one-yard touchdown run by Alan Ameche.

That day, the Giants were led by quarterback Y.A. Tittle, plus Kyle Rote and matinee idol Frank Gifford in the backfield. The Giants were on a roll of their own. Two years earlier, while also playing at Yankee Stadium, the Giants defeated the Chicago Bears in the “tennis shoes’” game to capture the NFL crown. (The field was covered with ice. Head coach Jim Lee Howell instructed his charges to play in sneakers, an idea that worked swimmingly.)

At Yankee Stadium, the Giants, under

Allie Sherman, won consecutive Eastern Conference titles in 1961, 1962, and 1963, only to lose to the Vince Lombardi Green Bay Packers and the George Halas Bears in the title games. By 1972, the Giants were through with the House That Ruth Built, settling eventually in the swamps of New Jersey.

The year 2008 was the final one for the 1923 Yankee Stadium. The team stayed in The Bronx, which was great news. It’s not the same. The players, then and now, are not sentimental about these matters. In the old Yankee Stadium, however, players knew they were competing on turf where legends had roamed.

Today’s Yankee Stadium is just another ballpark hosting just another team. The old Yankees were under unbearable pressure, year after year, to win pennants and World Series titles. Managers and players suffered from ulcers, drinking problems, failed marriages. In 1961, while chasing Babe Ruth’s single season home run record, Roger Maris got so nervous that his hair began falling out. That pressure is no longer there.

There’s no need to despair. A century hence, the current Yankee Stadium, glorious as it is now, will grow old. A new Yankee Stadium, one constructed on ground where the 1923 Stadium once stood, will be constructed. History wheels will churn again. Let’s just hope that no youngster says to his pop, “Daddy, who was that man, Babe Ruth?”

Alan Ameche barreled in for the championship winning score. (Courtesy of For The Shoe)

Action from the 1938 Louis-Schelming bout. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By

HOROSCOPES By

Holiday Mathis

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 20 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don’t idolize anyone, and neither do you demonize anyone. You really have a balanced view of who people are and why they do what they do, which will serve you well this week. You’ll interact with new people, nd common ground and come out with some real treasures.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). So many come to you with outstretched hands. If only you could help them all... Who knows? Maybe you will! If you do, it will be a byproduct of you following the impulses to help yourself. What do you want? If you don’t know yet, you will by the end of the week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Accept what you want and accept what you don’t want. Acceptance is crucial to change because you cannot change that which you don’t take on. ink of your current situation as a vehicle. You can drive this wherever you want, but you have to get inside it rst. Acceptance puts you in the driver’s seat.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ve been known to do amazing things even when you’re tired, not in the mood, under the weather or otherwise encumbered.

Bottom line: You’re the kind of person who comes through to the best of your ability no matter what. Quietly celebrate your strength and others will celebrate you far less quietly.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s easier to wake the sleeping than it is to wake the ones who think they are already awake. Luckily, it’s not your job to be the alarm clock. It will be enough for you to simply note the alertness of those around you, meet them where they are and then raise awareness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If you want someone to love you back, that’s a less optimal goal than wanting to see their smile. Focusing on others comes easy to you this week. e attention you give them brings you out of your own mind and into the heart of the world.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Needing to know the reason for things is only human. e moment the mind lands on a reason (any reason at all, really), cognitive dissonance resolves. Until that point, agitation drives us forward. is week, provide reasons for people and for yourself. If you don’t, you leave yourself open to speculative ction.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You keep putting yourself in new situations because they always lead to self-discovery. If there isn’t enough novelty around you, a change of location will help. Travel is an especially e ective way to jump-start your energy. If it doesn’t work for this week, at least get something on the books. Looking forward to travel can be half the fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). “ e more the merrier” only works up to a point. And for most of what you’re doing this week, merriment isn’t the point anyway. Small groups are better for keeping everyone accountable. When too many get involved, there’s a di usion of responsibility. You’re the leader who helps everyone see how much they count. Together you’ll move mountains.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). No one can get you to move if you don’t want to today. You are self-directed. You follow your whims and do what you tell yourself to do. Follow-through matters much more than what you actually follow through with. It could be anything. e important thing is to trust yourself and know that you are compliant with your higher wishes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). No one wants you to feel obligated to them, and they will give of themselves freely without strings attached. ey may appreciate reciprocity, but they don’t expect it. ey know it comes in many forms. Know that when people consult you and prioritize you, it’s happening for a good reason. To understand that reason is to appreciate your own inherently lovable qualities.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll watch everything closely and extract abundant joy from minutiae: a toddler playing, a bird feeding, the patterns of passing clouds. Take on a disorganized area of your home, as it could be stopping the ow of energy through your world and preventing you from receiving money. Clean, clear and organize your way into a weekend payo .

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

Welcome to your pickup year when you’ll have opportunities to swing back and pick up what you might have lost along the way. Some will nish a degree, others will take another whirl at a relationship that didn’t work out the rst time. Among the found items will be material objects such as jewelry as well as things of emotional value, such as the respect of an authority gure or the acknowledgement of a group. More highlights: complex relationships that get simple and lovely, a winning to please your inner child and a physical breakthrough.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Favourite foods

Solution: 20 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 20 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Favourite foods

Solution: 20 Letters

Ales Apple

Banana Bars

Basil Beans

Beer

Bites

Brawn

Broccoli

Buns

Cake

Cherry Chips

Chops

Cocoa Cut Duck

Ales

Flavour

Gingerbread

Glutton

Gravy

Jams

Layers

Leg ham

Licorice

Mint

Mixed

Mousse

Pasta

Pate

Peas

Pieces

Pork

Sausages Scones

Spaghetti

Stew

Sugar

Sweet

Syrup

Taco

Tarts

Tomato

Trifle

Varieties

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

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

Creators Syndicate

Solution: Not much that I don’t like Date: 4/19/23 Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

Solution: Not much that I don’t like

Date: 4/19/23

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023

CONTRACT BRIDGE

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

By Steve Becker

The fickle finger of fate

of 1,460 points. He won the diamond lead with the ace, finessed the jack of spades at trick two, led another spade and collected the rest of the tricks without even breathing hard.

At the second table, with France North-South this time, the same contract was reached, and again the opening lead was a diamond. But at this table the French declarer played the hand more scientifically and went down as a result.

king of

It is possible to play a hand correctly and get a bad result, and to play the same hand incorrectly and get a good result. Consider the accompanying deal from a European championship match between Norway and France.

At the first table, with a Norwegian pair North-South, six spades was reached on the bidding sequence shown. West led the king of diamonds, and declarer breezed through the play to bring in the slam with an overtrick for a score

After taking the diamond with the ace, he was unwilling to settle for a mere 50% chance of making the contract by relying exclusively on a trump finesse. Instead, he decided to play the A-K-Q of hearts in the hope that the opposing hearts were divided 3-3 (a 36% chance), in which case he could discard his diamond loser on the third round of hearts.

He also had the added chance that even if the hearts broke 4-2, he could still fall back on the trump finesse. All factors considered, this gave him about a 2-to-1 chance to make the slam.

Unfortunately, West ruffed the second heart lead and cashed the queen of diamonds, and South went down one.

Sometimes, a little superior knowledge can be a dangerous thing!

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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FINANCE

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HEALTH / WELLNESS

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Do

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making people

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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BOOK SIGNING

May

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Town Officials Host Senior Spring Fling Dances

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Councilmembers

Peter Zuckerman, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte, and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava were proud to host the Town’s Senior Spring Fling Dances at the “Yes We Can” Community Center and Clinton G. Martin Park on March 24 and 31. More than 100 senior residents were welcomed for an afternoon of dancing, food, and games. This event is part of the Department of Community Services’ full slate of programming for seniors that takes place all year long. For more information, please call 311.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Councilmembers Peter Zuckerman speaking at the Senior Spring Fling Dance

Dancing at Spring Fling (Contributed photos)

Councilmember Dalimonte and Supervisor DeSena with town seniors

Town officials at the Senior Spring Fling Dance

Visual Arts Groups Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

The Art Guild invites the Long Island Community to “Meditate and Create”, the first in a series of events, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The program at The Art Guild takes place on May 4, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Elderfields Preserve. The program is open to adults of all ages and high school students.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated during May in the United States since 1949. However, this is the first time Long Island’s local arts organizations have developed programming specifically targeted towards providing mental health support.

The series, entitled “Art Soothes the Mindful Soul” is a collaboration between three Long Island arts organizations: The Art Guild, The Art League of Long Island, and Gallery North. By working together to offer parallel programs, the three organizations are better able to service the entire Long Island Community. Long Island residents are invited to attend any, or all, of the events. No previous art experience is required.

The partnership was the idea of Lisa Grossman, Executive Director of The Art Guild. Ms. Grossman observed, “Having

been at The Art Guild for five years, I’ve noticed many instances where we’ve helped people dealing with grief, physical disabilities, illness related stress, and anxiety. Art and artistic expression are wonderful healers.” Numerous scientific studies confirm that creative activities can help relieve stress, arrest cognitive decline, and assist with other psychological challenges.

All three programs contain both a meditation and an art component. The meditation allows attendees to clear their minds and become more open to creative expression. Dena Vigilis, from Yoga Life, will kick off The Art Guild program with some breathing exercises. She will guide participants through some chair yoga movements. Participants can use the techniques they learn during the event to reduce stress and anxiety in their daily lives. The program is designed to accommodate people of all ages and fitness levels. Ms. Vigilis is a certified yoga instructor with more than twenty years of experience. The Art Guild values our community partners and is very appreciative of Yoga Life’s programming support.

The second part of the “Meditate and

Create” event features Pamela SchindlerThomsen. She is an experienced art therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Ms. Schindler-Thomsen is skilled in Group Therapy, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Mental Health, and Working with Adolescents. She will lead participants in an art therapy activity targeted at participants with varying levels of artistic skill.

“Meditate and Create” is a free event but space is limited. To register, visit www. theartguild.org or contact The Art Guild at 516-304-5797. The Art Guild is located at Nassau County’s historic Elderfields Preserve at 200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030. The Art Guild offers classes and workshops for children and adults year-round.

The Art Guild of Port Washington, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive and enriching home for the visual arts education, exploration and exhibition. It is an organization open to all people with a common goal to advance the visual arts. The Art Guild was voted best Art School and Art Gallery in Nassau County for the sixth year in a row.

FOL Book & Author Luncheon On May 11 To Feature Best-Selling Novelist Dani Shapiro

Reserve now for the Friends of the Library’s (FOL) 54th Annual Book & Author Luncheon on Thursday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at The Garden City Hotel. The featured speaker is Dani Shapiro, author of the best-selling memoir Inheritance, who will discuss her acclaimed new novel Signal Fires. She will be interviewed by Port’s own Daniel Paisner, author, ghostwriter and podcaster, and take audience questions.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

For the first time in its history the event will have an honoree: Amy G. Bass, the FOL’s President Emerita.

You may reserve individual tickets and sponsorships online at pwpl.org/fol or you can pick up a reservation brochure in the library. Reservation deadline is May 3.

The Book & Author Luncheon is the

FOL’s sole fundraising event. Individual and business sponsors are sought beginning at $250. Sponsors enjoy special seating, signed books, and recognition at the event and in post-event media. For more information on sponsorships contact FOL Vice President Margaret DeSiervo at margaretdesiervo@ yahoo.com or 516-524-5655. For general questions contact fol@pwpl.org.

—Submitted by the Friends of the Library

Other events in the series include Art and Meditation on May 6, 2023 at 6PM at Gallery North, Getting Zen for children ages 5-11 on May 19 at 5 p.m. at Gallery North, Meditate and Create on May 25 from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at The Art League of Long Island, and Sound Bowl Healing on May 26 at 7 p.m. at Gallery North. Representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Queens/ Nassau will provide information on other mental health services available to those needing additional assistance.

—Submitted by The Art Guild

Helen Keller Services Hosts ‘Helen’s 5K Run/Walk’ Fundraiser On April 23

Helen Keller Services (HKS), a national non-profit working with individuals who are blind, have low vision, DeafBlind and/ or have combined hearing vision loss to live, work and thrive, will host its Annual “Helen’s 5K Run/Walk” event on April 23 with an official start at 9:30am at the Sands Point Preserve in Sands Point, NY. This is a USATF certified course. Funds raised will support HKS’ Health and Wellness Program. This is the first time in three years the event will be held in person, having been conducted virtually in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants can still choose to get involved virtually from April 15 to 23. All participants can register online at https://tinyurl. com/58ru2tan.

“We are so excited to be back together again, in the spirit of community and support that has always been the hallmark of this event,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of HKS. “This is a truly national event, pulling in participants from across the country. Last year’s event included participants from Maine to Hawaii.”

In addition to raising funds for HKS, participants can compete to win an award in the following categories:

• The first physically challenged male and female finishers

• The first place, second place and third place finishers who are DeafBlind

• The first three male and female winners in each age category: 10 and under, 11-15, 1619, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

• Award to the top male and female Veteran or in the Military

All in-person participants on April 23 will receive a Helen’s 5K Run/ Walk T-shirt. Co-Event Sponsors: Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation and Harding Real Estate. About Helen Keller Services

Helen Keller Services’ (HKS) mission is to enable individuals who are blind, visually impaired, DeafBlind and/or have a combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. HKS offers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please visit www.helenkeller.org.

—Submitted by Helen Keller Services

Annual ‘Helen’s 5K Run/Walk’ event on April 23 (Photo credit: Helen Keller Services)

Dani Shapiro (Photo by Beowulf Sheenhan)

Honoring Schreiber Vikings Athletics For Winter Season

Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte recently visited Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington to celebrate the Vikings’ outstanding winter season. Councilmember Dalimonte presented the student athletes with certificates of recognition for their achievements and for their dedication to their sport. Schreiber High School officials and coaches joined Councilmember Dalimonte to honor the athletes.

—Submitted by the Town of

How To Play Well: WellPlayed

Jordan Levine and Chase Kovar, Schreiber High School freshmen, started WellPlayed as a way to provide families in need with used sports equipment in good condition. Every child should have the opportunity to try a variety of sports. For many people, the cost of sports equipment can be a deterrent. We created WellPlayed so that regardless of financial means, all children can have access to gear. The goal of Wellplayed, a non-profit sustainable organization is to keep pre-owned sports equipment that is still completely usable and would otherwise be disposed of, out of landfills and into the hands of kids in need.

There are few things in the world that can

transcend socioeconomic boundaries as well as athletics. Sports has a great ability to achieve these lofty goals. Our mission is for all children to have the chance to participate. Specifically, we focus on collecting sportswear and equipment sanitizing, organizing, packaging items for families who would otherwise not be able to afford it. We donate the equipment to families and local groups in our community, like PYA.

Jordan and Chase were partially inspired by Pelé who was Chase Kovar’s grandfather, Shep Messing’s former teammate and friend. Pelé had grown up in poverty in the streets of Brazil, barefoot and using rags rolled up

with paper instead of a soccer ball to play the game. When Pelé rose to great fame, he initiated programs like this in Brazil and throughout South America.

We will collect sports equipment: Sunday, April 30, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at The Wellground, 917 Port Washington Blvd., in Port Washington.

Receive a special gift with donation. For more information or to donate equipment, please contact email WellPlayedNY@ gmail.com.

Jordan Levine 516-265-5772 and Chase Kovar 516-519-2355

—Submitted by WellPlayed

The Girls Varsity Track and Field team.

Members from the Girls Varsity Basketball team.

Members from the Boys Varsity Winter Track team.

Members from the Boys Varsity Basketball team.

Members from the Wrestling team.

Members from the Boys Varsity Swimming & Diving team. (Contributed photos)

North Hempstead

From the left: Jordan Levine and Chase Kovar (Contributed photo)

Luca Fasciano Places First In New York In National InvestWrite Competition

Young investing pro touts the importance of research to generate long-term returns

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Luca Fasciano is getting a head start in investing. Now in eleventh grade at Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School in Port Washington, Fasciano pored over his research into the financial markets to build an investment portfolio geared for long-term financial success. Fasciano’s approach led to a thrilling achievement in the SIFMA Foundation’s Fall 2022 InvestWrite competition.

Fasciano competed among thousands of other students around the country to write the best essay about long-term investing and the capital markets in the high school division. Fasciano and his teacher, Jennifer Herber, were honored by the SIFMA Foundation during a virtual presentation on March 31.

SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite national essay competition bridges classroom learning in math, social studies, and language arts with the practical research and knowledge required for saving, investing and long-term planning. It also serves as a culminating activity for The Stock Market Game™, a curriculum-based financial education program that challenges students to manage a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and cash over a semester or school year.

SIFMA Foundation’s programs are proven to increase participants’ test scores in math and economics, encourage students to think more about budgeting and financial planning, enable them to work in teams

to build their interpersonal social-emotional learning and better prepare them for college and careers. The SIFMA Foundation is committed to closing the opportunity gap by fostering greater knowledge of the financial markets for young people of all backgrounds, with a focus on underserved youth.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Luca, his teacher and their school,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “Through participation in the Stock Market Game and InvestWrite, Luca has acquired insights and gained confidence to embrace financial opportunities, research and make informed financial life

decisions, and achieve better financial life outcomes.”

Fasciano is adamant about the need for research: “When selecting different stocks, bonds, and funds to invest in, it is important to first evaluate your goals and limitations. Whether it be long-term growth or high-risk high-return investments, it is necessary to make choices that will be conducive to your lifestyle and any obstacles you may encounter. Regardless of your objective, conducting proper research with trusted sources is a step that nobody can skip.”

The Fall 2022 InvestWrite competition presented the following challenge to fourth

Winning Essay by Luca Fasciano

When selecting different stocks, bonds, and funds to invest in, it is important to first evaluate your goals and limitations. Whether it be long-term growth or high-risk high-return investments, it is necessary to make choices that will be conducive to your lifestyle and any obstacles you may encounter. Regardless of your objective, conducting proper research with trusted sources is a step that nobody can skip. Unexpected hardships in our lives are inevitable, and for those who don’t have the assets to employ a full-time fund manager or advisor, the blow of these events can be lessened via an abundance of websites, newspapers, blogs, and online market reports. Conducting ample research promotes calculated decision making

and a solid understanding of the market as whole, catalyzing the growth potential your portfolio holds.

Proper market research means comprehending information presented from various sources. The typical stock quote contains an array of different ratios, predictions, and values. However a select portion of these hold higher significance to the evaluator. Some of the most important values include but are not limited to Market cap, Beta, PE ratio, Dividend yield, and the 52-week range. Market cap is the company’s valuation in terms of the sum of all shareholder stakes, and this determines the company’s classification as a large-cap or small-cap corporation.

It is generally agreed upon that the larger companies tend to yield less return on

investment than smaller. However they are often more reliable and offer lower risk since they are typically more established companies that can better manage economic volatility.

Beta typically consists of a number greater than zero and less than two. This number reflects the volatility of the stock relative to the general market (beta of 1). This is vital in determining the risk level of an investment. The P/E ratio, or price to earnings ratio, is used to determine if the stock you chose is a growth or value investment. Those with a PE ratio below 20 are usually regarded by investors as a value stock, meaning it is being traded at a price that is lower than industry competitors. The stocks categorized as “value” typically have a

to twelfth-graders:

There are valuable research sources to help you make informed choices when developing your Stock Market Game investment portfolio. Discuss what you think are the most important things to research and use those to select a portfolio of stocks/ bonds/mutual funds you think will be successful in the long-term. Explain why your selections will make good long-term investments.

Fasciano captivated the panel of thousands of expert judges from across the financial services industry with a thoughtful and insightful essay.

—Submitted by SIFMA Foundation

low valuation in relation to other data points like high dividend yields (routine guaranteed payments issued by a corporation to its shareholders), strong earnings, or increased sales. Stocks that have PE above 25-30 can often be labeled as growth investments, meaning that they can be predicted to provide returns higher than industry competitors despite their higher share price. In addition, researchers will find the 52-week range useful when evaluating whether or not it is a good time to invest or sell. When observing the range of a stock or mutual fund (a pre-selected group of stocks pertaining to a specific sector/industry), you can see if it is at its highest point and is a smart shorting option or sell, or a low point with potential growth based on see WINNING ESSAY on page 18

Luca Fasciano (Center) with Schreiber staff (Photo from Schreiber High School)

Luca Fasciano (Photo from Paul D. Schreiber High School)

Hazel Dukes Street Naming Ceremony

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

On Saturday, March 17, The Town of North Hempstead hosted a street naming ceremony to honor longtime Roslyn Heights resident Dr. Hazel N. Dukes on the occasion of her 91st birthday.

Joining Dukes was North Hempstead Council Member Robert Troiano, Jr., and Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe. The ceremony took place outside the Roslyn Gardens apartment complex.

Dukes is currently New York State National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) conference president. She was a past national president of that organization.

A native of Montgomery, AL, Dukes attended Alabama State Teachers College before relocating to New York with her parents. On Long Island, Dukes attended Nassau Community College, majoring in Business Administration. She eventually worked for the federal Head Start housing program. In 1996, she began working for the Nassau County Attorney’s office. As the 1970s progressed, Dukes worked as a community organizer for the Nassau County Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC), while eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University. Following her tenure as NAACP national president, Dukes, in 1990, was appointed president of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYCOTB).

Other honors that Dukes has been recognized for include a Candace Award for Community Service from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 1990, an Economic and Business Award from the Women’s Black Agenda, and the Empire State and Nation Builder Award by the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators. In 2019, a plaque honoring Dukes was placed on 137th Street and Adam Clayton Boulevard in Harlem, by the Migdol Organization.

Dukes’ career has not been without controversy. In 1997, she pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny, stemming from an incident when she was manager of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYCOTB).

March 17, however, was a day to celebrate Dukes’ years of public service.

“Congratulations to Dr. Hazel N. Dukes on the street renaming in her honor this past weekend in Roslyn. A black woman who defied the odds and through her faith, hard work, fearless nature, passion and commitment to equality and justice has lived a life full of purpose. As a result she has positively impacted the lives of countless people across this country. We thank God for Dr.

Dukes and pray that those of us who love and admire her use her life as an inspiration to continue the fight that she has given her life to improve society for the betterment of others,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP Board of Directors

“Dr. Hazel Dukes is a distinguished trailblazer, a remarkable woman, and a source of inspiration for us all. Her unwavering support was pivotal in my first mayoral campaign, where I had the honor of becoming Long Island’s first African American Mayor. I consider her a genuine and cherished friend. Dr. Dukes has dedicated her life to championing civil and human rights causes. Her advocacy stretches back decades, and she has been a steadfast supporter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and numerous other leaders. Her leadership of the New York State NAACP and her resolute support of local organizations in Long Island stand as testament to her remarkable impact. Today, we pay tribute to Dr. Dukes by renaming a street in her honor. This momentous occasion serves as a reminder of the profound impact she has made as an American, educator, and religious leader,” said James A. Garner, Former Mayor of Village of Hempstead.

—Information courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead and Wikipedia

Casino Opponents Rally In Mineola

BY 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.

“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.

Pictured here are scenes from the ceremony. (Photos courtesy the Town of North Hempstead)

Pastor Arthur Mackey Jr. addressed rally attendees and press on March 20, 2023. (Credit: Janet Burns)

The Ed. Foundation honored As Nassau BOCES Education Partner

The Ed. Foundation of Port Washington is being lauded as one of the most devoted supporters of public education on Long Island. The Foundation is among 15 honorees to receive the 2023 Nassau BOCES Education Partner award, bestowed annually on those individuals and organizations that have had a profound effect on education in Nassau County.

A strategic education partner with school districts since 1967, Nassau BOCES created the awards program to recognize those who share its mission of ensuring a successful, challenging, caring and safe environment that enables students of all ages and abilities to achieve their maximum potential. These outstanding individuals and organizations have made strides in accomplishing key educational goals embraced by Nassau BOCES, such as ensuring student success.

Sue Hershkowitz will represent The Ed. Foundation when it is honored at the awards gala held this month by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that raises funds for innovative educational programs that fall outside of the agency’s budget.

In 2001, community advocate Amy Bass assembled a group of volunteers to form an education foundation with the goal of making a difference in the experience of students in the public schools in Port Washington. The following spring, the Port Washington Education Foundation (PWEF) awarded its first round of grants — totaling $20,329 — to fund 18 projects, ranging from an oral history study at Schreiber High School to math literacy workshops at the elementary schools. Since then, hundreds of grants have been awarded in all seven schools, at every grade level, in every subject area, totaling well over two

million dollars. A marketing effort in the spring of 2015 rebranded the PWEF as The Ed. Foundation, with a new name, new logo and new look.

The Ed. Foundation’s mission has remained consistent for more than 20 years; to support initiatives that are beyond basic educational needs, and to enhance and expand educational opportunities for all students. The Foundation actively seeks donations, grants and government funds, and distributes them to selected programs and resources. Every year, teachers, administrators, parents, student, and community members are invited to submit an application for any program, equipment, or educational enhancement that they would like to be considered for funding. Each application is reviewed by a diverse evaluation committee, and grants are awarded to those programs that most align with the Foundation’s mission.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Foundation awarded 40 grants, totaling over $160,000. These grants include funding for robotics, before-school exercise groups, chess clubs, ASL in-residence programming, math support programs, ceramics equipment, sensory spaces, acapella and tenor choirs, and so much more.

In addition to their annual grant process, targeted donations over the years have helped to support ongoing programs, including The Ed. Foundation Support Center, the recording studio, TV station and WDOT radio station at Schreiber High School, NAO Robots, NextGen Manufacturing and Design, College Pioneers, the Blues with Toby Walker, Education Technology and Art Lab, and Innovations in Equity and Systemic Change.

For additional information about the Nassau BOCES Education Partner awards,

including profiles of prior honorees and information on how to attend the gala, please visit www.nassauboces.org/ educationpartner.

About Nassau BOCES

A vital regional resource, Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities, as well as cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities. We empower students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative, artistic, outdoor, special education, career and technical, and virtual educational environments. We offer adult education programs and a variety of programs that are vital to improving the Long Island regional economy. Our professional development advances teaching and learning on Long Island. In addition, our technology services form the backbone of many school districts’ infrastructure. As the county’s educational leader in implementing the state’s reform efforts, we are helping to shape the future of education. To learn more, visit www.nassauboces.org and like us at www.facebook. com/nassauboces.

—Submitted by Nassau BOCES

earnings estimates or industry success. This is especially useful when an earnings announcement is upcoming, and resources such as Zacks and Investors. com can provide an educated prediction.

I am currently a high-school student with limited financial responsibilities, so I can take some risk. I have formed a hedge-fund type portfolio using these tools, which combines the benefits of long-term growth and stability with the potential of extremely high yields due to the extreme volatility of the current market. I’ve always stressed diversification, so my investment choices have varying market caps, volatility levels, and industries. I would first allocate 10% of my portfolio into VFIAX, an index fund that follows the S&P 500, a broad measure

of the top 500 largest companies available for trade within the U.S. Funds that follow the S&P 500 have yielded an average return of around 14.5% per year. It holds a beta of one, as it is a reflection of the whole market, and has considerable risk involved in times of crisis like the early 2000s, 2008, and 2022 recessions. It has proven to recover from these circumstances with time. Indexes like Vanguard’s S&P add instant diversification to a portfolio as it consists of the majority of major U.S industries. I would allocate 20% of my portfolio to companies such as MFA Financials and Himax Technology, two small cap companies with little growth or decline but extremely high dividend yield rates of around 16%. In the bear market that is predicted to continue, dividends

are a strong bet that you will receive a return. It is just a matter of balancing the payment to the overall decrease in value. Since the market is down this year it is important to be prepared for loss, so I would put 30% of my total portfolio into shorting stocks. For example, companies like Five Below that historically underperform on earnings dates would be a smart short option close to its release or oil companies such as Exxon or Chevron since gas prices continuously head downwards. With the remaining 40% I will go long, companies like Apple, Johnson and Johnson, and Visa, to divide into different sectors and attach onto companies that have devised several plans to avoid failure and will make a guaranteed comeback after the market as a whole heads back

from failure. Large corporations like these often provide stability that can provide substantial returns if the investor can afford to keep their money in for long term periods (minimum of a couple years). Modern technology and algorithms have provided the average person with an excess of resources, allowing them to grow their accounts and obtain more knowledge about what exactly it is that they are doing. My portfolio was catered to my lifestyle using the several different data points provided to me by the trusted sources, however this information can be interpreted and tweaked to fit any needs or limits. In an era where this information is at our fingertips, it is important we correctly value the information on the especially volatile market.

Sue Hershkowitz, President of The Ed. Foundation, will represent the Foundation, which is being lauded as one of the most devoted supporters of public education on Long Island at the 2023 Nassau BOCES Education Partner Awards Gala. (Contributed photo)

WINNING ESSAY from page 16

Honesty + Integrity + Professionalism

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