Syosset–Jericho Tribune 4/05/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Former Jericho HS Football Star Who Beat Cancer Receives Accolades

Everyone’s life changed in 2020 when the pandemic upended what we knew as normal. In November of that year, Brandt Morgan found himself facing another challenge few could imagine. At age 15, the Jericho High School quarterback was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of cancer.

During his many months of cancer treatment at a Long Island hospital, Brandt had two goals: to get well and to play football again. If he was a champion on the football field prior to his diagnosis, he would later prove that his courage and determination knew no bounds.

As soon as he could, he resumed training while receiving chemotherapy treatment, setting up a makeshift gym in his hospital room. Side effects of the grueling treatment weren’t Brandt’s only challenge. At one point, he had to overcome neuropathy in his legs that made walking difficult. He dealt with listeria and appendicitis that required another four-week hospitalization.

Brandt faced every challenge head on, and in September 2022, he was in remission and returned to the football field as QB-1 quarterback to play again. Many who know him call him a hero, including his mom Abby, who was with him every step of the way. “He’s a warrior, he’s my rock star,” she said. “I’m the proudest mom in the world.”

This month, Brandt received the “Honored Hero” award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which pays tribute to individuals who inspire others with their stories of strength and courage.

For his outstanding character and determination, Brandt previously received the USA Football “Heart of a Giant” award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and the New York Giants. The award recognizes high school football players in the tri-state area who demonstrate an

unparalleled work ethic, extraordinary dedication and a passion for the game.

In late 2022, Brandt, who will turn 18 in April, faced another challenge that brought him to HSS. The cancer treatment, which included steroids, had contributed to the development of a condition called osteonecrosis in his right knee. Resulting damage to the cartilage and bone made it difficult for him to engage in weight-bearing activities such as running and climbing stairs. His best bet to repair the damage was a cartilage transplant.

Scott Rodeo, MD, vice chair of Orthopaedic Research, co-director of the Orthopaedic Soft Tissue Research Program at HSS, and Head Team Physician for the New York Giants performed a surgery known as OATS - osteochondral autograft transfer surgery.

Teenager Inspires Hospital Staff

HSS staff who got to know Brandt, even briefly, were impressed and inspired by his positive attitude and perseverance. Dr. Rodeo said he was struck by Brandt’s unwavering commitment to achieve his goal to play football again.

Stephen Melancon, PA-C, a certified physician assistant who works with Dr. Rodeo, said he was impressed by the way Brandt confronted a challenge that many adults would have trouble grappling with emotionally and physically. Now Brandt has a social media presence to help other young people diagnosed with cancer.

“For someone his age, with all that he’s gone through, not only to still be able to participate in sports, which is great, but to put himself out there and make himself a resource

for other people – it proves he’s an exceptional young individual with incredible drive and outstanding character,” Melancon said.

“Brandt is truly the definition of exceptional. I don’t know anyone quite like him,” said Robbie Tran, senior director of Global Sports Marketing at HSS. “When faced with adversity, he set his mind on a goal and despite multiple setbacks fought until he accomplished what he set out to. He is an inspiration to many,” added Tran, who met Brandt when he received the Heart of a Giant award.

Brandt, who went home from HSS on New Years Eve, continues to make progress following his knee surgery. He is still in physical therapy, which is expected to last 4 to 6 months, and the prognosis is good. At this time, no additional surgery is planned, and he should be able to return to most activities, Dr. Rodeo said.

The Road Ahead and a Mission to Help Others

Although football may no longer be in his future, Brandt still has dreams and goals. He’s looking forward to college and a possible career in sports management. In the meantime, he is dedicated to helping other young people with cancer who contact him on social media or via a website he has created called “Comeback Kids.”

The site was born out of the kindness and generosity of a teenager who has been through a lot, as he seeks to encourage others, candidly describing his long journey from the moment he was diagnosed with cancer. He provides heartfelt advice on ways to cope and maintain a positive attitude. He communicates sincere empathy to comfort young people facing similar challenges.

“Your life can change in a heartbeat, like mine did,” he added. “I think this happened to me for a reason – that I was meant to help other people.”

—Submitted by Hospital for Special Surgery

Brandt Morgan, center, is pictured with his twin brothers, Jake and Brody. (Photo courtesy Hospital for Special Surgery)

Community Church Of Syosset Celebrates Centenarian’s Birthday

On March 13, Community Church of Syosset gathered to celebrate a congregant’s birthday.

But it wasn’t just any birthday, it was a day that made Elizabeth Kappstatter a centenarian.

Elizabeth (Betty) Kappstatter was born in 1923 in a big brown house on what is now Baylis Place, Syosset.

Growing up, she went to church every Sunday, sometimes twice in a day, as her parents were very active in the church. She had gone to Hicksville High School, because at the time, there was no high school in Syosset. But she’d finish high school in Washington D.C., because her family relocated there when she was 15 because her father worked for a contractor who was building the National Gallery of Art.

In 1942, Kappstatter married her husband Arthur at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hicksville. They rented the house on Baylis Place where Kappstatter grew up.

In 1953, after serving in the military, Arthur built their current home at Church Street on a property that was in Kappstatter’s family. From there, they

began attending Community Church of Syosset with their children Jeff and Betty.

“From the early days we didn’t have a pastor, people just met,” Kappstatter said. “We worked on Christmas corner for 10 years. It was quite an event. We all worked all year long leading up to the first Saturday in December! People waited for it every year. We sold beautiful, quality things. I don’t think it would go over today. We used to have rummage sales too which we don’t have anymore. One year we tried an auction but that didn’t go over so well.”

For 25 years or more, Kappstatter worked at the Syosset Central School District as an attendance teacher. Her job description was basically social worker in an authoritative setting! Her job encompassed much more than attendance though, it involved anything having to do with student numbers; projections for student enrollment for the future or neighborhood fluctuations, anything to do with student numbers.

—Submitted by Community Church of Syosset

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.”

To purchase exhibition tickets, visit the museum or scan code

Elizabeth (Betty) Kappstatter, seated, with her daughter Betty Anne and her grandchildren. (Photo courtesy Lauren Chabina)

Great Neck Martial Arts Studio Expands To Glen Head

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

A+ Martial Arts studio in Great Neck is home to champions. And now, prospective students can learn from the experts in Glen Head.

Adham Sabri, the owner and teacher of A+ Martial Arts, and a resident of Great Neck, is a world medalist and professional karate fighter of Karate Combat, a full contact striking league.

And his wife, Ashley Davis, also an owner and teacher at A+ Martial Arts, has medals of her own. She is a member of the U.S. Olympic National Team and a world medalist. As previously reported by the Great Neck Record, Davis has been participating in karate since she was 4-years-old.

“My dad was really into Bruce Lee, and he wanted us to learn martial arts,” said Davis. “I instantly fell in love with karate.”

Similarly, it was Sabri’s father that also got him into karate. Sabri said his dad taught him to stay in it and never give up.

“As a teenager, sometimes I didn’t want

to go to practice and I wanted to go with my friends,” Sabri said. “He was the one who pushed me to keep the ball rolling... I’m Egyptian-American. I grew up in Egypt.”

And as an Egyptian-American, Sabri holds national titles in both Egypt and the United States.

When asked how he and his wife met, Sabri said that once he moved to the United States, Davis said she reached out to him to see if they could practice together.

After Davis went to compete at the Pan American Championship in 2017, winning Gold, she returned home and celebrated with Sabri. Then, they got married.

They opened up A+ Martial Arts five years ago, and they are now expanding to Glen Head.

“I used to work in Glen Cove,” Sabri said. “And we have so many clients from Glen Head, that used to drive all the way to Great Neck.”

So what makes A+ Martial Arts unique compared to other studios?

“What makes us different is that the people who are teaching in our skill are the highest level athletes of the world,” Sabri said. “Also we follow the Shudokan curriculum, which is a Japanese style of karate.”

Ashley Davis and Adham Sabri, owners of A+ Martial Arts.

(Photo courtesy A+ Martial Arts)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Second Night Passover Seder

Congregants of North Shore Synagogue, 83 Muttontown Eastwoods Road in Syosset, and family members and guests are invited to celebrate Passover at 6 p.m. Rabbi Shalhevet will lead a meaningful, engaging and interactive Seder with a catered meal and dessert. It is $36 a person. RSVP at registration@northshoresynagogue.org.

Virtual True Crime Club

with Robert P. Ottone

Join horror author Robert P. Ottone in this virtual event through the Syosset Public Library from 7:30 to 9 p.m. to learn about a brow-raising true crime case and share your true crime theories with fellow aficionados. This meeting subject is The Zodiac Killer.

MONDAY, APRIL 10

Craft Buddies

This program is happening at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, from

7 to 7:45 and is available for children in grades kindergarten through second. Teen volunteers will help these little ones make a fun craft. Register online at syossetlibrary. org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Bubbledad’s Indoor

Changing the world one bubble at a time, enjoy this show designed for children ages 4 and up at the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Watch Bubbledad as he creates mesmerizing bubbles of all shapes and sizes infused with science in this interactive show. Purchase tickets at the library ahead of the show.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Chinese Cooking- Kung Pao Chicken with Sunnie Zhang

Sunnie will show participants at the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane, from 11 a.m.

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We provide a thorough evaluation of individual skin needs and design the appropriate treatments and products that address specific areas of concern.

to 1 p.m., how to make the most popular Chinese dish, Kung Pao chicken, which has a spicy, lychee flavor. It is a well known traditional dish both here and abroad. The cost is $3 per person. Registration is required. Visit jericholibrary.org.

Camps ‘R’ Us Syosset Open House

Camps ‘R’ Us is an accredited, award-winning and affordable summer day camp for children ages three and up. Camp programs and activities feature sports, arts and crafts, gaming, gaga, dance, STEAM, swimming, special events, field trips and much more. Join Camp Directors for a fun, informative open house at Syosset Campus located at St. Edward Confessor School, 2 Teibrook Ave, Syosset. Discussions will include upcoming camp season,and participants will get to take a tour of the facilities and ask questions. General information session begins on the hour at 10 and 11 a.m. followed by a tour of the campus and a Q&A with the Camp Director.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25,

Afternoon Book Discussion with Virtual Appearance by Author Lisa Scottoline

Join Evelyn Hershkowitz, Readers’ Ser-

vices Librarian at Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, for a special Afternoon Book

Discussion of the 2021 historical fiction ETERNAL. This event will take place in-person at the library, including a live, virtual appearance by the author who will discuss the writing of ETERNAL , as well as introduce her newest 2023 release, LOYALTY. The Zoom link will also be provided on the Calendar of Events at syossetlibrary.org for those who wish to view the presentation virtually. In-person attendees will enjoy an exclusive, extended book discussion following the author’s Zoom visit.

ONGOING EVENTS:

Together With Tots Program North Shore Synagogue, 83 Muttontown Eastwoods Road in Syosset, will be offering a program for children from nine to 18 with creative music and movement, interactive activities, story time and social development. The program begins April 17 and will run form 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. It will go on for seven weeks. For more information contact 516-921-2282.

Whether you are seeking the most advanced laser hair removal treatment, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, cellulite reduction, fat reduction, acne treatment or injectable services such as Botox®, Restylane® or Juvederm®, we are truly dedicated to meeting the needs of every client. In addition, the latest anti-aging solutions, our med spa offer includes the hottest treatments such as Morpheus8 and CoolPeel to bring you everything you need to resurface, restore and rejuvenate your skin.

Whether you want to look younger or simply pamper yourself, my state-of-the-art treatments provide the most technologically advanced and effective options available. To look and feel your best, call 516-364-4200 or request your complimentary consultation at www.GreenbergCosmeticSurgery.com

F.A.C.S. offers complimentary consultations at his state-of-the-art Woodbury, Southampton, Park Avenue, Smithtown and Boca Raton offices. To schedule an appointment, or request additional information, call 516-364-4200 or visit www.GreenbergCosmeticSurgery.com

Stephen

T. Greenberg, M.D.,

Personalized advice that fits

your

portfolio.

A financial planning strategy is only right if it’s right for you and your needs. I take the time to get to know each of my clients and their unique goals. Together, we can create a plan that works to help you make the most of today and still be prepared for tomorrow.

Philip P. Andriola, JD

Private Wealth Advisor

Chief Executive Officer of

Halcyon Financial Partners

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2019-2022

Halcyon Financial Partners , Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023

516.345.2600

401 Franklin Ave, Suite 101, Garden City, NY 11530 philip.p.andriola@ampf.com www.philippandriola.com

The 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list is developed by SHOOK Research and is created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. This ranking is based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, is not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and is based on data from the previous calendar year. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

The Forbes Top Women, Best-in-State Women and Best-in-State Wealth Advisor rankings are developed by SHOOK Research and are created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. These rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and are based on data from the previous calendar year. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information: http://www.shookresearch.com/ . SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

What Will You Do with Your Tax Refund?

The average refund in 2022 (for the 2021 tax year) was $3,176 for individual income taxpayers, according to the IRS.1 If you expect to receive a refund in 2023 after ling your 2022 tax return, will you save or spend it? While you may be tempted to indulge, consider using the money to solidify your long-term nancial position. No matter your stage in life or the size of your refund, there are ways you can use it to help reach your current and future nancial goals. Here are a few: For people starting out in their careers:

• Add to your emergency fund. Consider saving enough to have the equivalent of at least three-to-six months’ worth of income in an emergency fund. This could come in handy if you experience a sudden interruption to your income or a major unexpected expense.

• Pay off student loans. If you are carrying college debt or other loans, applying your refund to the balance can help reduce the total interest you pay or eliminate the debt entirely. Once you pay off your loans, allocate the amount you spent each month on student loans to another nancial goal to keep building your nancial foundation.

• Invest in an IRA. Think about starting a habit of investing your tax refund each year into an IRA, where any earnings can accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. While you are limited to contributing $6,500 annually ($7,500 for those age 50 and older), the savings can add up. For example, investing a $3,000 refund each year from age 26 to 65 earning seven percent annually would build to more than $640,000. For those starting families:

• Save for a down payment on a home. A tax refund can make a meaningful impact as you accumulate enough to purchase your rst home. Consider saving enough to cover at least 20 percent of the home’s

value. Doing so will eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance, which will cost you extra in interest payments.

• Start or add to a college fund for your children. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, starting early and saving often can help you make funding tuition a reality. Certain options may provide tax advantages, so work with your nancial and tax professionals to nd the best strategy for you.

• Invest your refund. Consider adding your refund to your portfolio, using it to accelerate progress toward your longterm goals. Your refund could be used to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investments that are aligned with your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Create or update your legacy plan. Developing a will, trust, or other estate documents is important so that your wishes are clear in the event of your death. If you need to create or update legal matters, use your refund as a reason to take the next step. For those who have a solid financial foundation:

• Apply to home improvements. If you are planning to remodel your home, you may want to use the money to fund speci c upgrades, or to keep as a contingency fund throughout the project.

• Save for starting a new business. If you want to start your own business now or in retirement, the refund can provide a cash buffer to help you get started. It can either replace some of your regular income or be used to fund expenditures required to get the business up-andrunning.

For those approaching retirement:

• Increase your retirement savings. As your retirement date and goals get clearer, maximizing your retirement savings should take priority. Your

refund can help you make an additional investment towards your nancial future. If you are 50 or older and have earned income, current tax laws allow you to invest extra dollars in your IRA and workplace retirement plan. Work with your tax professional to learn about the opportunities and limitations that apply to your situation.

• Pay down your mortgage. Consider using your refund to make an additional principal payment to your home mortgage. Erasing debt prior to retirement can minimize a major nancial burden. For retirees:

• Spend it on your retirement dream. If you plan to travel or pursue a hobby in retirement, use the refund as a trigger to make it happen. Allow yourself to spend the money without guilt – after all, you’ve earned and planned for this opportunity.

• Invest in a Roth IRA. If you have any earned income that allows you to make retirement contributions, your tax refund can likely be placed into a Roth IRA. This vehicle provides potential tax-free growth of any earnings.

• Pay health care expenses. Today’s rising health care costs are often one of the biggest expenses for retirees. Consider applying the funds to Medicare or long-term care policy premiums. If your health care expenses are manageable, save the refund to pay for future expenses.

Review your tax withholding

If you regularly receive a large tax refund, you may want to adjust the withholding on your paycheck. Decreasing your refund may increase your monthly net pay, allowing you to allocate extra income each month to your nancial goals. This strategy isn’t right for everyone. Consult with your tax professional and nancial advisor before making adjustments or deciding how to manage your refund.

Philip P. Andriola, JD, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Chief Executive Of cer with Halcyon Financial Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. He offers fee-based nancial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 25 years. To contact him, www.philippandriola.com 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 101 Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 345-2600

Ameriprise Financial and its af liates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their speci c situation.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

A Roth IRA is tax free as long as investors leave money in the account for at least 5 years and are 59 ½ or older when they take distributions or meet another qualifying event, such as death, disability or purchase of a rst home.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

Member FINRA and SIPC.

©2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Fly Fishing: Fun, Not Fiddly Casting lessons build confidence quickly

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

It’s no surprise that saltwater fishing is productive and abundant on Long Island, since it is surrounded by salt water. What may be unexpected is that, despite our suburban surroundings, there are opportunities for freshwater fishing here as well. Most people would probably reach for a spinning rod, since they can be inexpensive and easy to use. Fly fishing, to the lay person, seems fiddly and expensive. However, the meditative and relaxing practice of fly fishing is both affordable and accessible, and few could guide you better than Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters of Baldwin, NY.

“People have a misconception about fly fishing when they think expensive, and too they think it’s difficult. And it’s not expensive, not any more than any other fishing, right? And it’s not difficult. It’s different. Once you get the basic mechanics down, you’ll find that it’s just incredibly enjoyable, in my opinion.” McCain said.

Fly fishing is different from other types of fishing because it’s the weight of the line that carries the fly out to the target spot. In spin and bait fishing, the weight of the lure or an added sinker provides casting distance.

Some flies imitate an insect, others a small fish or crustacean, and some attract fish without resembling anything. Flies range in size from a fraction of an inch to more than a foot long, but most are between a half inch to 2 inches. Flies are made by tying hair, fur, feathers, or other materials, both natural and synthetic, onto a hook.

McCain conducts several classes, lessons, and guided trips throughout the year. For one-on-one casting lessons, McCain sets up a set of exercises in the grass at Baldwin Park, just down the road from his fly fishing shop. The first is a length of bright twine where the participant practices keeping the line in the air, moving it forwards and backwards smoothly without tangling it. There are cones to show the range that the rod should move, and the end of the line has a small piece of brightly colored marabou attached to make it visible. The back-andforth motion of keeping the line in the air should be smooth and balanced. The next step is transferring this side-to-side motion into a backward-forward motion that loads the rod with energy and then releases the energy to propel the line (and your fly)

forward.

McCain puts it this way: “So basically this, it’s not muscle. This is all about the casting the line. The flies are weightless. So you have the end of the line is tapered. You can feel how this line is split here and it gets thicker, thicker, thicker. This is what is transferring the energy. It’s all about timing. You want this rod to load it and release.”

In other words, you are using your arm to load the rod with potential energy in the first part of your cast, then releasing it

as kinetic energy to move the line in the second part. The timing of the motion is critical to get a cast that lands straight out and not in a tangled heap. McCain is not above tying your wrist to the rod if it will help your form.

Next is a test of placement; three hoops are set up on the ground, each one measured to be 15 feet apart. The goal is to land the marabou in each hoop. It isn’t difficult to imagine a fish at those distances and needing to place your fly at just those spots.

Timing and patience are key here as well, but nothing helps so much as practice. Be prepared to try, and try, and keep trying.

Finally, there is a hoop suspended from a frame and a line on the ground about thirty feet apart. With your feet on the line, the goal is to put the marabou exactly where you want it, this time through the hoop. By this time the “feel” has developed; rather than a series of separate steps, the cast seems more like one continuous movement. The hands are working in tandem rather than each performing their part. Here also, be prepared to make a number of attempts. Just reaching the hoop feels like an accomplishment.

River Bay Outfitters is located at 980 Church St, Baldwin, NY. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-4.

Attempting to get the “ y” through the hoop. (Photo by Cory Olsen)

The author discussing casting mechanics with Paul McCain. (Photo by Cory Olsen)

Tying the rod to the author’s arm to improve form. (Photo by Cory Olsen)

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All Of Those Voices

JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

In late March, Louis Tomlinson’s documentary, All Of These Voices premiered and brought fangirls flocking to the theaters. Tomlinson is one of the five members of the world-famous boy band One Direction, which went on hiatus in 2015. The film takes you on a journey through Tomlinson’s emotional story of self-discovery.

We travel back in time for the opening of the documentary, which shows us Tomlinson’s audition and One Direction’s formation on The X-Factor. Although One Direction placed third place on The X-Factor, the band quickly became one of the most successful boy bands in history with popular hits like What Makes You Beautiful and Night Changes. The group released five albums and performed sold-out stadium world tours in the five years together. On March 25, 2015, Zayn Malik announced he was leaving One Direction. The band continued as a foursome for a few months, releasing one album post-Malik, and then

announced a ‘hiatus.’ Since then, each of the five members has gone on to have successful solo careers, most notably Harry Styles, who recently won ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2023 Grammys for his album Harry’s House.

The opening of the film was a heartbreaking reminder of the last performance of One Direction in December of 2015 when they sang their song History on The X-Factor. We got behind-the-scenes footage of that performance, witnessing the melancholic backstage banter and last group hug. While people may think the band was itching to go their separate ways, Tomlinson expressed how he couldn’t imagine a musical career without the band.

Tomlinson explained how it took a while to find his footing in the band. At the start his solo verses were often cut from songs, which led him to contribute to the band through writing, earning more writing credits than anyone else in the band. After the band’s break-up, Tomlinson had to discover his musical path again, this time navigating it without his four bandmates to support him.

Unfortunately, while trying to figure himself out, Tomlinson’s mother, Johanna Deakin, passed away in 2016 after struggling with leukemia. Tomlinson persevered, performing a tribute for his mother and first

solo performance days after she had passed. About three years later, his younger sister Félicité passed away at the age of 18. Still trying to find his path with a solo career, these brutal hits kept setting Tomlinson back.

Hearing Tomlinson’s raw honesty in the film was a shock to fans as One Direction had always been private about their personal lives. Finding the strength to have a successful career through memories of his mother encouraging him to always move forward and dedicated fans, Tomlinson released his first solo album in 2020 called Walls.

Tomlinson’s fan base gave him much-needed confidence and motivation. He recalled reading supportive tweets and doing performances where fans were lined up for hours and days just to get tickets.

Like many artists, Tomlinson’s tour was postponed due to the pandemic. During this time, Tomlinson bonded with his family. His maternal grandparents, his five siblings and close friends all were featured in the documentary talking about his personal life and career experiences. Fans got to see touching moments between Tomlinson and his son, Freddie, who was born in 2016.

When shows began getting rescheduled in 2022, Tomlinson was lucky to get back to his tour. The relationship Tomlinson has with his fans didn’t dwindle, and he got back

on stage to do what he loves. At each show, Tomlinson has a quote he says to his fans, “I need you and you need me.” The quote perfectly captures the relationship he has formed with the fans that have helped him thrive in his solo career.

By the end of the film, Tomlinson has completed his first world tour, formed a family-like bond with his band and tour staff, and released his second album, Faith In The Future.

For all of those who doubted the members of One Direction would be able to make it on their own, Tomlinson’s documentary is just one example of the hundreds of ways the boys have continued their successful careers.

Louis Tomlinson at his documentary premiere (Photo from Louis Tomlinson’s Instagram | @louist91)

Gold Coast Arts Center Joins The Long Island Arts Education Coalition

Gold Coast Arts is pleased to announce their participation in the newly-formed Long Island Arts Education Coalition (LIAEC), an initiative of Long Island Arts Alliance. LIAEC is comprised of a network of individuals from Nassau and Suffolk counties dedicated to advancing arts education on Long Island and in New York State.

Gold Coast Arts is proud to join the impressive group of arts administrators, arts educators, college and university leaders, and state agency representatives aimed at building capacity within and across the arts education field. Chaired by Regent Roger Tilles, LIAEC will advocate to advance policy change in ways that benefit all youth on Long Island.

The LIAEC has been established to join the growing number of regional and statewide coalitions designed to ensure that our legislators and Governor are aware of the essential need for every school to provide opportunities for kids to express themselves through study in the arts. Where arts programs thrive, students are learning in the arts with high engagement, expressing ideas in a variety of arts languages, and engaging in creative and reflective work. We also see students learning through the arts—meeting objectives in both an art form and another subject area and constructing and demonstrating understanding in highly creative and personal ways.

But quality arts programs don’t thrive on their own. One of the keys to their success has been the active involvement of arts advocates with a powerful and strategic message. “I believe in grass roots advocacy” says Hon. Roger Tilles, Long Island’s representative on the Board of Regents, Founder of Long Island Arts Alliance, and Chairman of LIAEC. “The most effective tool for action is to galvanize leading citizens to affect change as advocates of a common mission. And I have seen in Albany that the loudest voices are those best positioned to win the day. At this crucial time, when our representatives are setting educational policy with long term implications, it is our intent to join with counties across New York to guarantee that children will continue to enjoy the peace and fulfillment that the arts can bring to their lives. We can do no less.”

The LIAEC will work to develop systems and infrastructure that expand and sustain accessible arts education for all students, of all ages, within all 125 public school districts. It will focus on building and strengthening partnerships and collaborations between schools and arts and culture programs led by local arts organizations

and artists.

“For over 25 years, Gold Coast Arts has been dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts and artists through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach” says Regina Gil, Executive Director, and Founder of Gold Coast Arts. “We have seen

first-hand the positive impact that quality exposure to and education in the arts has had on the lives of thousands of children and adults of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities – including an increase in self-confidence, creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to work cooperatively

with others.

Engagement in the arts helps prepare students for jobs that have yet to be imagined. But due to cutbacks in funding and diminished respect for arts education in too many schools, not every child has access to a quality education in the arts. We look forward to working with so many influential arts leaders throughout our region to ensure that the arts remain a priority in the classrooms for all students throughout New York State.”

—Submitted by Gold Coast Arts Center

1199SEIU Members And Allies Arrested Protesting Healthcare Cuts

Hundreds of 1199SEIU healthcare workers and community supporters held a funeral procession through the streets of New York City. Mourners, dressed in black and carrying coffins and tombstones, were accompanied by a brass band in the style of a New Orleans second-line funeral.

Then, a group of 1199SEIU members and allies engaged in an act of non-violent civil disobedience in the street in front of the Governor’s office, holding tombstones illustrating what will happen if New York doesn’t invest in healthcare.

“In the spirt of Dr. King, who recognized that injustice in healthcare is the most ‘shocking and inhumane’ form of inequality, we are prepared to put our bodies on the line to protect access to healthcare in New York,” said 1199SEIU President George Gresham. “Cutting funding to safety-net hospitals, reducing wages of low-income homecare workers, and failing to close the Medicaid coverage gap would be disastrous for our healthcare system still reeling from three years of the pandemic. We need Gov. Hochul to recognize the gravity of New York’s healthcare crisis and the life-anddeath issues at stake.”

Three years to the month that the first COVID case was confirmed in New York, patients and workers continue to face the pandemic’s aftershocks. Safety-net hospitals are on the brink of closure, emergency rooms are overflowing, nursing home residents face interminably long wait times for bedside care, and homecare services are becoming ever harder to come by.

—Submitted by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

1199SEIU healthcare workers were arrested at the protest.

1199SEIU healthcare workers held a New Orleans-style funeral march. (Photos by Kim Wessels)

PSEGLI Celebrates National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day with $1 Million Milestone

Company increases funding for 2023 grants to support small business owners

PSEG Long Island announced that it has granted $1.09 million over the past five years to help local businesses thrive. The company also said these economic development grants will continue to be funded in 2023 with an additional half a million dollars available. The announcement coincided with National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day (March 29) and was held at the office of a customer who received three sources of funding through PSEG Long Island programs.

“We are proud to announce that PSEG Long Island’s economic development grants have provided more than a million dollars to local businesses in the past five years, and we will continue to fund these very popular programs in 2023,” said John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development for PSEG Long Island. “We support mom and pop shops and businesses that are enhancing downtowns and shopping districts because they are the backbone of Long Island’s economy. They create jobs and increase commerce. On this day before National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, we encourage the public to support our local economy and our entrepreneurial neighbors.”

The announcement took place at the official grand opening of the law offices of Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh, P.C. in Smithtown, which recently moved into their completely renovated new building on East Main Street. The construction project earned them an $18,750 PSEG Long Island Main Street Revitalization grant.

Main Street Revitalization grants are available for businesses that complete projects to help improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality.

often financially difficult. Since 2018, nearly $204,000 has been provided to more than 100 new businesses under this program.

Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh also received energy efficiency rebates totaling more than $8,500 for installing new LED lighting and sensors in their new building.

The pandemic restrictions have set these small shops back and grants and resources from PSEG Long Island and other institutions can aid in the recovery of our downtown business districts.

Over the past five years, the grants have helped business owners create more than 900 local jobs. For the Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh building, the grant supported the interior infrastructure renovation, outside façade improvements and landscaping. Since 2018, Main Street Revitalization grants have supported renovation projects for 44 local businesses.

The law firm also qualified for another PSEG Long Island small business incentive because they renovated a building that had been vacant for more than a year. PSEG Long Island’s Vacant Space Revival program provides up to $10,000 in electric bill discounts for a new business’ first year, which is

“Congratulations to Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh for saving money while reducing your carbon footprint,” said Michael Voltz, director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables for PSEG Long Island. “You’re not only saving money and energy for your business; you are also doing your part to reduce the energy load for all of Long Island and beyond. We appreciate your commitment to the environment and we’re happy your renovations will help your bottom line.”

“I am so grateful to receive PSEG Long Island’s energy efficient rebates, Vacant Space Revival grant, and Main Street Revitalization grant,” said Timothy Wan, Esq., chief executive officer, Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh, P.C. “The discounts, grants and rebates helped with our renovation costs, allowing us to take our building from ‘safe and clean’ to ‘awesome!’”

“We are happy to help this new business launch in the Town of Smithtown,” said Barbara Franco, executive director of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce. “We are great partners with PSEG Long Island. They

have provided many grants to the chamber and local businesses here in our main street and neighboring areas, and were very influential in helping us get through COVID-19.”

“It’s great to see an expression of support for local businesses, which are the backbone of Long Island communities,” said Eric Alexander, founder of the LI Main Street Alliance. “The pandemic restrictions have set these small shops back and grants and resources from PSEG Long Island and other institutions can aid in the recovery of our downtown business districts.”

PSEG Long Island’s Outdoor Commerce and Beautification grants, created in 2020 as a direct response to the pandemic, are being combined into one grant this year;

and the maximum amount of the grant has been increased to $10,000. Local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts can use the funding for beautification and downtown improvement projects to help their members.

In the last three years, PSEG Long Island has given out nearly $290,000 under these popular grant programs, including $4,759 granted to Smithtown Chamber of Commerce last year to purchase outdoor patio heaters and umbrellas.

To learn more about the small business support offered by PSEG Long Island, visit https://www.psegliny.com/ inthecommunity/revitalization.

—Submitted by PSEG Long Island

— Eric Alexander, founder of the LI Main Street Alliance

Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh also received energy efficiency rebates totaling more than $8,500.

(Photo by Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh)

Twisted Cow Distillery of East Northport was one of the businesses that took advantage of the Main Street Revitalization and Vacant Space programs. (Photo by PSEGLI)

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

April is a great month for stargazing. There are a number of events taking place, and most are observable without a telescope. Nighttime is still chilly, so be sure to dress appropriately.

April 11: Mercury reaches both

Look Up

its greatest eastern elongation of 19.5 degrees from the Sun and its highest point in the sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.

April 15-16: Saturn. There will be an opportunity to view Saturn overnight. The Moon and Saturn will appear close together. You can observe the planet with the naked eye, but a telescope or binoculars will give you the best chance to differentiate the rings.

April 20: New Moon April 16-25: Lyrids Meteor Shower. The Lyrids meteor shower produces about 20 meteors per hour at its peak on the night of the night of the 22nd into the morning of the 23rd. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. The best viewing will be from

COLUMNS The Passover Story

In a short time, during the holiday of Passover, we will celebrate the Exodus of the enslaved Israelites from Egypt. We will retell an enduring story about the Jewish people’s quintessential quest for freedom and redemption. It’s a story that has brought solace and a sense of promise to Jewish communities throughout their history, as they endured acts of persecution, pogroms, and even genocide. Its also a story that has inspired and empowered oppressed people everywhere who, even in their deepest despair, sensed that their own liberation was not beyond reach.

We Jews have always been storytellers. After all, the onset of Judaism does not begin with Shema Yisrael, (“Hear O Israel”) or “You shall have no other Almighty before me.” It starts with a story: “In the beginning, the Creator created heaven and earth. On Passover, too, we are regaled with tales, namely one that begins “I am the Creator who took you out of Egypt.”

The Zohar, the basic text of Jewish mysticism, suggests that when we tell the story of the Exodus on the eve of Passover, we adorn our Creator with jewels and beautify the Almighty. Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel reminds us: “Our Creator created human beings because He

loves stories…”

Stories help us to figure out who we are and what we should be. They reassure us – that life does not end at the grave, and that a part of us lives on in the stories others tell about us.

Isaac Bashevis Singer put it this way: “When a day passes, it is no longer there. What remains of it? Nothing more than a story. If stories weren’t told and books weren’t written, human beings would live like beasts, only for a day. The whole world, all human life, is one long story.”

Stories are more than entertainment: they are the language with which we come to understand our place in the world. The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of Britain, writes: “As we sit

around the Seder table on Pesach rehearsing the journey from the bread of affliction to the wine of freedom, we commit ourselves to a momentous proposition: that history has meaning.” Passover isn’t so much about history as it is about memory. Rabbi Sacks puts it this way: “History is ‘his/her story.’ Memory is ‘my story.’” As it’s written in the Passover Hagadah, “Each person is obligated to see himself or herself as if he or she personally left Egypt.” We’re not supposed to just retell the story of our liberation, but to attempt to experience it and personally identify with it so that it becomes part of our consciousness. As the Torah repeats no less than thirty-six times, we must be kind to the stranger in our midst, because “[we] were strangers in the land of Egypt.” As such, our story should affect not only how we see ourselves, but how we treat others.

The story of our departure from Egypt is not a pretty one. We were slaves; we suffered, we were humiliated, and we were nearly lost. But our history as a people did not end that way. We are still here because we’ve persevered.

The Koran refers to the Jewish

a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

April 30: Asteroid 7 Iris. The asteroid will be in the constellation Libra, well above the horizon for most of the night. Here in New York, it will be visible between 11:33 P.M. and 02:59 A.M., reaching its highest point in the sky at 12:46 A.M., just above the southern horizon.

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

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people as the “People of the Book,” but I think a more apt moniker would be “People of the Story.” We are part of a great narrative that began with our ancestors and continues to this day. In some ways, we are currently creating the greatest chapter of all – the continuance of our Jewish homeland and the flourishing of a nation reborn. It is a complicated narrative, unpredictable in nature, but we have not really fulfilled our duty as Jews unless we contribute to it somehow.

At this very moment, we are also writing our own personal narrative. What will our children say about us? Will our stories be worthy of repetition to future generations? How will others remember us? Will it be with laughter, with pride, with love? Just something to think about as we get ready to tell over the most ageless story of them all.

Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy Passover.

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COLUMNS

Is Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Worth $7.69 Billion?

In April 2019, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Office of Capital Construction President Janno Lieber claimed that the MTA could save between $500 million to $1 billion in costs for the proposed Second Avenue Subway Phase 2. This would have reduced the overall tab down to almost $5 billion. Promised cost savings were based upon reduction in excavation for the 125th Street Station and building the 116th Street Station in space no longer needed for other project work. Fast forward to February 2022, and instead the cost increased to $6.9 billion, Under the $51 billion 2020 - 2024 Five Year Capital Plan, the cost increased by $1 billion. The previous federal share of $2 billion or 33 percent has now been assumed to be 50 percent or $3.4 billion. There is no guarantee that the final cost could not end up billions more. This is based upon future advancement of design and engineering, construction contractors responses to the procurement process for contract(s) award followed by change orders during construction due to unforeseen site conditions or last minute changes in scope.

The March Federal Transit Administration Annual Report on

PENNER STATION

Larry

Penner

Funding Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024 now estimates the project cost of $7.69 billion. A significant portion of this cost increase is attributable to financing debt service costs and programming of contingency funding to deal with unforeseen costs. The MTA has a history of lowballing project costs by hiding both financing and debt service payments under the agency operating rather than capital budget. They also frequently program insufficient contingency funding. These funds are needed to cover costs when contractor bids come in higher than the engineer’s cost estimate. They also pay for contract change orders during the course of construction

due to unforeseen site conditions or scope changes requested by various maintenance, operations and other user groups.

New York Senator Charles Schumer claim that the $496 million under this bill can quickly be used to start construction once the FTA and MTA come to terms on a Capital Investment Grant Full Funding Grant Agreement is wishful thinking on his part. A legal Federal Transit Administration Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) to fund Second Ave Subway Phase 2 which would cap federal participation at $3.4 billion still remains an open question. The FTA has yet to identify the remaining $2.9 billion balance which would make up the full federal commitment. The MTA would be legally responsible to pay for any cost increases above $7.69 billion. The FFGA for Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 remains one to two years away from approval. All the FTA has provided to the MTA is permission to advance final design and engineering. The project still faces a myriad of hurdles. It will cost hundreds of millions per block to advance the subway from 96th to 125th Street. Is this a sound investment for commuters and taxpayers? MTA Chairman

Janno

Lieber has made clear that without both the proposed $3.5 billion new financial bailout from New York State plus implementation of Congestion Pricing, the money is just not there to begin work on the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2. Fully funding the $51 billion MTA 2020 - 2024 Five Year Capital Plan is dependent upon receipt of $15 billion generated by Congestion Toll Pricing. There is no guarantee that this will be implemented by June 2024, which would be 4 1/2 years later than previously assumed. The Federal Highway Administration has yet to complete the National Environmental Protect Act (NEPA) project review process. It will be finished when FHWA issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The MTA Traffic Mobility Review Board has yet to meet. They will determine who will pay how much in tolls for those driving south of 60th Street in Manhattan. Various constituencies will be lobbying for exemptions or reductions. The current Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 budget is still evolving. The most critical issue to be resolved is identifying and securing the $4.35 billion local share toward the total project cost. It is a basic legal requirement to leverage

Birds And Native Plants, Part 2

If you want to help birds survive use native plants. Also if you want to observe birds go where there are native plants. You should visit Planting Fields Arboretum’s extensive native plant garden called a bird garden. It’s also worth a visit to one of the best native plant gardens, the NY Botanical Garden in the Bronx, which has a large stunning native plant section. On Long Island there are native plant gardens at Science Museum of Long Island, The Manes center at Nassau County Museum of Art, Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, Cow Neck Peninsula Historic society, Dodge House in Port Washington, TR Bird Sanctuary in Oyster Bay and Manorhaven Preserve. Visit in each different season to see what plants you like. That will help you decide what native plants you want to grow to help birds. April is a good time to plant which is why I am writing about it now. Birds and insects such as bees and butterflies depend on native plants for many reasons and discussing native plants now may be helpful for

ALL ABOUT BIRDS

readers who want to remove some lawn or non-native, invasive plants and replace them.

You also need to know what conditions the plants you choose prefer. Do they want a wet or dry area, sun or shade or partial sun or shade? You also want to spread the blooming season over three months so you want plants that bloom in Spring, Summer or Autumn. Some native plants are better for birds than others. The best plants are oak trees, which support over 500 insects. The next

best is a very under-appreciated wild or black cherry tree. The best perennials are goldenrod and aster because they support many insects. To get more help in choosing plants you can go to a professional such Anthony Marinello, who lives and works on Long Island, and can be contacted at anthony@ dropseednativelandscapesli.com. Two other organizations that have volunteers who are glad to help you choose plants are Rewild and North Shore Audubon Society.

Native plants are sold at Bayles Garden Center in Port Washington and there are several plant sales run by non-profit organizations such as Rewild at Dodge house and other locations, North Shore Audubon Society at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve and at TR Bird Sanctuary in Oyster Bay. Check their websites soon because the plant sales are in April or the beginning of May. The Town of North Hempstead is offering to give a stipend of at least $300 to purchase native plants. Contact them for more information.

Lawn grass is not native and

future FTA capital funding under an approved FFGA to support advancement of the project. The MTA must also demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to pay for any unanticipated cost increases or funding shortfalls. How do they do this when the agency continues to face a multi year multi billion dollar financial shortfall? The MTA must also demonstrate that they will have sufficient operating and maintenance funds to support the next phase of proposed new subway service.

The MTA $51 billion 2020 - 2024 Five Year Capital Plan was adopted in late 2019 under the assumption that $15 billion would come from Congestion Price Tolling. Not a dime will appear until June 2024 or the last six months of the current MTA Capital Program. How will the MTA raise $15 billion over six months rather than five years? Will the MTA still be able to provide $4.35 billion in local funding to leverage $3.4 billion or more from Washington to pay for the $7.9 billion Second Avenue Subway Phase 2?

The odds continue to grow favoring Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 being postponed until the next MTA 2025 - 2029 Five Year Capital Plan is adopted.

not beneficial at all for insects and birds. If you want to remove part of your lawn there are techniques to do this before you plant. You can put cardboard over a section of lawn and cover with mulch or wood chips. You can plant right in that area after a few weeks. I also have a huge list of invasive , non-native plants that you should remove such as English ivy, vinca, mugwort, Norway maples, burning

bush, barberry and garlic mustard.

To read why you should plant native plants go to NorthShoreAudubon.org but there are many other resources as well.

A great facebook page is Long Island Native Plant Gardening Group with thousands of members, all very helpful. Contact me at nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com if you want to read more or have questions.

Native plants at the Guggenheim Preserve. The preserve is one of the last undisturbed patches of the original Hempstead Plains.

(photo by Alex Nuñez)

Peggy Maslow North Shore Audubon Society

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

In his first time performing on Long Island, Davide Cerreta, a world renown jazz singer, will be performing traditional jazz standards, swing, hard bop melodies and contemporary original compositions. He will be performing in a duo at Oulala Café & Lounge in Lynbrook with guitarist James Zitto. The performance will be held on April 8 at 7:30 p.m.

According to his publicist: “Cerreta was born and raised in Roma, Italy and for the past 13 years has toured throughout Europe, North America, South America, and Central America. He moved to the United States to continue his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, in which he won a fellowship to teach at the Danilo Perez Foundation. Soon after, Cerreta went on to lead collegiate level workshops and become an Assistant Professor for the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music. In November 2023, he married Long Island native, Chastity Seda, which later then resulted in him discovering Oulala Cafe in Lynbrook, Long Island. Oulala Café is one of the very few jazz clubs in Nassau county. Oulala Café not only offers live entertainment, but also has exquisite dishes and drinks from the Caribbean.

Cerreta is currently based in New York City, performing, composing, and arranging for an upcoming project. His sound has evolved as he continues to be inspired by Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks, and Frank Sinatra.”

Long Island Weekly spoke with Cerreta ahead of his performance about his experiences performing around the world and what attracted him to jazz in the first place.

Long Island Weekly: Can you tell me what attracted you to jazz in the first place?

Cerreta: It’s a funny story. I was looking at The Jungle Book when I was little. There are these little monkeys that scatting and

Bringing The New York City Jazz Scene To Long Island

improvising vocally, and that was my first approach to jazz and when I first fell in love with it without even being able to name it. I didn’t know it was jazz, I didn’t know they were scatting and I thought that it was really cool, and I wanted to do that. Later on, I discovered that was jazz by listening to all the greatest: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, to earlier Christmas albums my parents were listening to. And slowly I got more into jazz.

Long Island Weekly: Can you tell me about touring all these different countries throughout the world. It must be amazing to know that your love of music has taken you to so many amazing places.

Cerreta: It’s amazing that music brought my so far. I would have never imagined that as a kid. It was always my dream to travel the world through music and I would have never had imagined that I would have gotten me so far. I have so many other projects and ideas and dreams I would like to do. I started

in Avellino, which is close to Napoli. which is where I lived when I was 15. I moved there from Roma, where I was born. And I moved to Napoli. That’s where I started to sing around bars, cafes, little clubs. And then I studied at the [Domenico Cimarosa] Conservatory and during that time I had the opportunity to perform on a television show called Rai Uno Mattina In Famiglia. It’s a variety morning show that’s very famous in Italy. I performed there in my quartet. From there, I started to perform more and more around Italy, and then I moved to Germany where I worked and traveled back and forth between Italy and Germany playing in festivals, jazz clubs, theaters. Then I went back to Rome for a while, where I owned a jazz club called The Wolf Tree. And after that, I traveled to South America where I sang and played piano all over South America. I was in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil. Then I went back to Germany where I did X-Factor Germany. And I got to the top nine of X-Factor

Long Island Weekly: You’ve been to so many places and have met so many people. Would you say this has impacted your music?

Cerreta: I sing in Spanish, French, German, Italian and in English. And when I was living in Paris, that’s where I started to sing French... All those cultures I’ve experienced have influenced my music to this day. My own compositions are a mix of all these cultures, sounds and experiences.

Long Island Weekly: What stands out to you about the iconic New York jazz scene?

Cerreta: It is amazing. It’s beautiful to be a part of this jazz scene because it’s unique in the world. It’s where everything started, in a way. It has such a huge history and this is the real sound. That’s where you really meet the people that created this music and keep on expanding the meaning of jazz.

To learn more about Cerreta, hear his music and find out how you can see him live, visit www.davidecerreta.com.

Davide Cerreta performing on X-Factor Germany. (Photo courtesy Davide Cerreta)

Casino

Seasonal gardening

Ellis Island by boat

The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage Is On View Through April 23

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

The 20th annual Orchid Show returns to The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) with landscape artist Lily Kwong as the guest designer. Featuring immersive installations of thousands of orchids, Kwong’s design of the exhibition transports guests to ethereal, reverent landscapes inspired by ancient Chinese garden design and artistic principles. The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage is on view through April 23, in NYBG’s historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage by Kwong explores the diversity, adaptability, and worldwide cultural significance of these formidable flowers. Inspired by classic paintings of Chinese mountainscapes passed down through her family from Shanghai, Kwong utilizes an extraordinary array of orchids—including iconic and rare specimens—enveloping visitors

in towering mountainous forms that blend ecology, culture, and fantasy. Influenced by Kwong’s own heritage, medicinal traditions, and her artistic interpretation of nature as a healing force, the resulting experience beckons visitors into an immersive world in which humanity and nature coexist peacefully.

Working in collaboration with Kwong to bring her vision to life,

horticulturists and exhibitions

staff at NYBG have identified and assembled spectacular selections of orchids that are native to Asian countries and companion plantings. These flowers have been assembled to create dynamic displays that are not only visually dramatic and striking, but emotionally evocative, inspiring see ORCHID SHOW on page 5B

BY VALERIE SMITH specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

With the first day of spring approaching, warmer weather signals plants to come out of dormancy and start flourishing again. The time for spring lawn care tips is right around the corner. Even if your lawn and garden never went fully dormant, you can still expect your home landscape to begin thriving with warmer temperatures.

1Mow your lawn at the proper height again

The timing for which the first mow of the spring for your mature, established turfgrass widely varies depending on the area you live in. Grasses come out of dormancy differently depending on the environment and temperatures your area encounters. Generally speaking, however, mid-March is about the time for you to begin your regimen for spring green-up and

Spring Lawn Care Tips

mowing. It’s important to note that the first mow of the spring shouldn’t take place while warm season grass is dormant.

2Start with the appropriate fertilizer

Spring is one of the most important times of the year to use fertilizer. Warm season grasses are coming out of dormancy, so you will want to promote healthy roots and the return of green leaf blades. Be careful when making your first fertilizer application of the year. A lot of homeowners see their grass green up and immediately pull out the fertilizer and lawn mower. Wait until the last frost has hit.

3Set up a spring irrigation schedule

Dormant, warm season turfgrass

doesn’t need much water until the active growing season kicks in and your grass starts to green up. If you have a dormant, warm season lawn, it is not dead—it’s just “sleeping”.

in the spring.

Apply post-emergent herbicides throughout the spring as needed to control summer annual and perennial broadleaf weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, chickweed, white clover and knotweed.

6Prevent disease as temperatures warm up

4Control

weeds with a pre- or post-emergent herbicide

Pre-emergents should be applied during the spring when ground temperatures reach about 55 degrees. A pre-emergent herbicide functions to prevent weeds from emerging from the surface of the soil, as its name suggests. The exact dates for these applications differ depending on the area you live in, but generally speaking, pre-emergents should be applied between the beginning and middle of March

5Watch out for insects that may begin coming out

If your lawn has suffered from insect damage around this time in the past, it is a good idea to apply a broad-spectrum insecticide at this time to prevent them from coming back again.

If the insecticide is a granular product, be sure to water it in so that it soaks into your soil. On the other hand, if it’s a liquid product, you will either need to attach it to the end of your garden hose or tank mix it.

As previously mentioned, if you have a warm season lawn, circular brown or yellow spots, also known as spring dead spot, may start to show up as it comes out of dormancy.

Other potential disease outbreaks include brown patch and gray leaf spot. If you notice any disease outbreaks, you may need to make applications of a systemic fungicide. Even if you don’t have disease in your lawn, it’s still good practice to apply it preventively to keep disease from taking over— especially if you’ve had disease in the past around this time.

—Valerie Smith is a content strategist for Sod Solutions (www. sodsolutions.com)

It is time to wake the garden.

ORCHID SHOW from page 3B

visitors to reflect on their own plant heritage and ancestry. The exhibition’s varied installations evoking ancient mountainous topographies invite visitors to experience the boundlessness of nature’s creativity and imagine a future where environmental harmony is restored.

“I am deeply honored by the invitation to be the guest designer of NYBG’s historic, 20th annual Orchid Show. The garden’s conservatory, greenhouses, and educational programs inspired my early career. This exhibition’s design is my most autobiographical work to date, and the piece took shape through meditation and exploration of my ancestral roots stretching back generations to Shanghai,” said Kwong. “As the first woman of color to step into the role as guest designer, it felt urgent to celebrate an Asian-centered perspective in the midst of this charged and precarious moment,” she said. “The piece is meant to offer a bridge of cultural understanding across the valley between us, and act as an invitation to celebrate the diverse lineages that make up our country.”

“At a time when we are all starved for connection, the prayer of this installation is to offer a sense of community, reciprocity, and grounding into ancient wisdom and traditions that have guided us for millennia,” Kwong continued. “In traditional Chinese culture, flowers are the carriers of rich cultural information and have been revered by scholars for representing integrity, peace, and refinement. These beautiful and often elusive flowers invoke poetry and admiration, inspire entire scientific careers, and are a critical part of our ecosystems. Orchids are the perfect plant to draw people into the complexities of our relationships with the natural world and our vital roles nourishing those connections.”

Kwong tapped acclaimed composer, Gary Gunn, to create a 30-minute soundscape which plays on a continual loop throughout the Haupt Conservatory’s Seasonal Exhibition Galleries. Consisting of field

recordings interspersed with subtle musical moments created by traditional acoustic instruments native to areas in which orchids are most closely associated, these elements are interwoven to induce the feeling of traveling these natural terrains: footsteps wandering the forest of the Himalayas, the shakuhachi flute imitating the sound of wind blowing through bamboo, the guqin instrument evoking the sound of flowing water, children playing in a field adjacent to a nearby temple. While these aspects capture the external environments, abstract elements are also introduced to help convey an imagined inner-world of the orchid itself. Visitors will hear sporadic, and at times unfamiliar sound beds and spatial accents that play on the “otherworldly” qualities of the provocative plant.

Guests will also hear melodic/rhythmic structures composed of whispers and breathing, and vocal pads inspired by the “divine feminine energy” notions associated with orchids across many mythological/mystical traditions.

“We are thrilled to have Lily Kwong join us as the guest designer for The Orchid Show, sharing her artistic insight and perspective with our audiences,” said Jennifer Bernstein, chief executive officer and The William C. Steere Sr. president of The New York Botanical Garden. “Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants and the second most diverse plant family in the world. Lily’s meditative and captivating designs will reveal the importance of plants in reconnecting people to nature and as a powerful source of healing and self-discovery.”

On select evenings during the show, adults 21 and over can experience the exhibition through Orchid Nights, with music, cash bars, and food available for purchase. At NYBG Shop, visitors to The Orchid Show may browse thousands of top-quality orchids, from exotic, hard-to-find specimens for connoisseurs to elegant yet easy-togrow varieties for beginners, along with orchid products and books.

The New York Botanical Garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. Visit nybg.org for details.

Show artist Lily Kwong Gesi Schilling

New York Explorers:

BY LAUREN FELDMAN lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

Spring is a chance for intrepid explorers to once again venture from their homes into the wide world. Long Island residents are particularly lucky, being so close to a plethora of exciting events, opportunities, and travel destinations. Whether you’re a family on spring break, a newcomer to the area, or are looking to get more in touch with the history of New York, the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Island tour offers something for you.

This editor, a lifelong Long Island resident, recently embarked with Statue City Cruises, the only authorized ferry service to visit these islands, for the very first time. Tours recently reopened to the public for Spring and Summer. Departing straight from The Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan—or Liberty State Park in Jersey City—a quick ferry ride delivers visitors to the shores of Lady Liberty. Perhaps the most popular and

sought after experience is the ability to climb up the Statue of Liberty. In recent years, much of the statue has been closed due to maintenance and safety concerns. Visitors will be pleased to note that this season currently allows visitors to ascend Lady Liberty’s pedestal, as well as her crown. Pedestal and crown climbs offer visitors a unique and exciting view of both the New York City and New Jersey shorelines. These

tickets must be purchased online in advance, and often sell quickly. Interested visitors should be sure to book their pedestal climbing tickets as soon as possible to ensure they can partake in this experience. For those who are unable to climb the statue, however, do not suppose that your trip will be lacking. There is much to do on the island besides.

This island, while small, offers an in depth, dynamic, and interactive exploration of the history of New York’s famous statue. From its conception by French designer Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi to the complicated scaling process and several construction challenges, visitors to the Statue of Liberty Museum can follow along all stages of Lady Liberty’s own immigration to the United states. Highlights from the museum include interactive models of the statue, many to scale with the real-life version—such as her foot, face, and ear—as well as a brief film on her history, and fun facts about aspects of her development.

Inside Lady Liberty’s crown

(Photo credit Alex Nuñez)

The Statue of Liberty as viewed from the island main level.

(Photo credit:Alex Nuñez)

Visit Ellis Island And Lady Liberty

This includes details on funding the statue, the trickiness of sending her overseas, and even how various citizens—themselves immigrants, working class, even poor—helped fund the completion of the statue.

Another brief ferry ride then carries visitors to the second element of the tour: Ellis Island. The nicknamed “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” passed 12 million immigrants through its halls between 1892 and 1954. It is common for visitors with immigrant histories to walk the halls of the Ellis Island Museum and seek out family names and dates of arrival. This is one of the most exciting elements for many. For those who do not have immigration history logged in Ellis Island, there is still much to explore. This beautiful island museum was given a fresh face in the 1980s to better preserve and capture the experiences of hopeful U.S. citizens. The museum’s three floors unveil a complicated and emotional history of individuals and families hoping for a better life.

The museum’s first floor features a walkthrough of the reality of

immigration to the United States and reasons why various groups found themselves here. This exhibit does not shy away from discussing complicated topics such as slavery or indentured servitude, but also acknowledges many of the hopes and dreams of immigrants to the United States prior to the opening of Ellis Island. A smaller exhibit to the side also explores immigration from 1945 to today, and what the process looks like for modern citizen applicants.

Mounting the stairs to floor two, visitors enter the registration room: a grand hall which truly captures the momentous occasion upon which many immigrants entered. This room allows visitors to experience what immigrants coming to the United States would have felt while they awaited clearance to enter the country. Two sets of museum exhibits on this floor break down the immigration process: health screening, education and wellness tests, as well as reasons why an individual or group might be turned away and sent back to their countries of origin. These

are touching displays which help demonstrate the challenges faced by immigrants in the early-to-mid 20th century, as well as the reality of how Ellis Island was able to operate such a large and successful facility for so many years.

For those who have taken this tour before, recent restorations to both islands have vastly improved and eased the experience and might

make another trip worth your while. For those who have never been, this editor can only encourage an expedition to two momentous staples of United States history which, while perhaps not as flashy as other destinations, offer a soulful and enlightening tale of the American dream and what it meant to so many. This tour is certainly a must do, and Spring is the perfect time to embark.

The Statue of Liberty Museum explores American ideals of free speech, independence, and suffrage. (Contributed photo)

The Wall of Passports, documents from a number of immigrants passing through Ellis Island. (Contributed photo)

The Ellis Island Museum allows visitors to explore the history of people immigrating to the United States, and even look for their own family records. (Photo credit: Marcia Levine)

HOMES

Recently Sold

This beautiful Flower Hill Ranch at 399 Stonytown Rd. offers a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet tucked away in your own private, beautifully landscaped oasis complete with luxurious in-ground pool with spa and imported marble pool deck. A true hidden gem, this four bedroom and four bathrooms home offers more than 5,000 square feet of total living space with a versatile layout. It sold on March 17 for $2,500,000. It has the potential for a fifth bedroom or an extended family room. The expansive full finished walk-out basement has a full bathroom, lockers, recreation area, wet bar and access to the pool. Other features include a stunning chef’s kitchen with new quartz countertops and Wolf and Sub Zero appliances. The bathrooms are updated. The primary suite is complete with light therapy, an aromatherapy steam shower and a spa bath. The home has new Pella windows, built-in blinds throughout, a water filtration system and security cameras.

HOME & DESIGN

New 363 Area Code Takes Effect In Nassau County

The New York State Department of Public Service announced that customers in the 516-area code region requesting new mobile or landline telephone service, an additional line, or a move in the location of their service, may be assigned a number in the new 363-area code. The new area code will provide additional much-needed phone numbers for residents and businesses in the existing 516-area code region.

The new 363-area code will be superimposed over the same geographical area as the existing 516-area code. The 516-area code is located within the boundaries of Nassau County and includes the city of Long Beach, and the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay.

The area code overlay requires consumers to continue to dial 10 digits for local calls (area code + 7-digit telephone number) in the 516/363 area or 1 + 10 digits for calls to other area code regions. Customers in the 516-area code have already been completing local calls by dialing 10 digits since the July 16, 2022, national implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Important facts to know about the new area code:

• Current phone numbers’ area codes will not change

• All calls within and between 516/363 must be dialed with 10 digits

• Consumers will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all calls to other area codes

• The price of a call, and the price of other telephone services, will not change due to the new overlay area code and what is a local call will remain a local call

• Calls to reach 911 Emergency Service will remain three digits

• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 services are currently available in the community, consumers will still dial these codes with just three digits

This sprawling ranch on a third of an acre of flat land at 20 Oaktree Lane in the Manhasset village of Flower Hill sold on Feb. 13 for $1,750,000. This four bedroom home features a ground floor primary suite with a full bathroom and two walk-in closets. The spacious living room has a fireplace. The large and sunny den has lots of windows and sliding doors that lead to the backyard. There is a screened in porch. The home has an eat-in-kitchen. There is a huge, walk-up attic and an additional bedroom. The two-car garage is attached. This home’s easy floor plan is ideal for modernizing. This home is in the Port Washington School District. It is conveniently located near the park, schools, shopping, train station and major highways.

• Numbers in the 363-area code will not be available for assignment until remaining numbers in the 516-area code are exhausted. Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment recognize the new 363-area code as a valid area code. Some examples include life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and personal or pet ID tags should be updated as necessary to ensure each includes the 363-area code. All automatically dialed calls within the 516/363 area must be programmed to dial using 10-digits and the digit prefix “1” must be included for all calls to other area codes.

—New York State Department of Public Services

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.

Dodgers Tried To Hide Clemente: They Couldn’t

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

Roberto Clemente was almost a Brooklyn Dodger. The man could have played in the same lineup as Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Carl Furillo, Roy Campanella and later, as a Los Angeles Dodger, with Frank Howard, Willie Davis, Maury Wills, and Tommy Davis.

It didn’t happen. In early 1954, Clemente, a native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, was signed as an unprotected bonus baby by the Brooklyn Dodgers. During the 1954 season, Clemente played for the Dodgers’ Triple-A farm team in Montreal. However, the youngster saw little action. The Pirates had an interest in Clemente. The Dodger brass knew it and Clemente played sparingly. He hit in batting practice with the pitchers and Dodger coaches ran down Clemente’s prospects when in conversation with scouts from rival teams. It didn’t work. Pirates scouts had already seen Clemente play in

fielding drills. They made him their first pick in the November 1954 rookie draft. For Clemente, it was off to Pittsburgh. He was a 12-time All Star, the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1966 and a fourtime batting champion, winning the title in 1961, 1964, 1965 and 1967. In the field, Clemente won 12 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Clemente was a top star in an era that included such greats as Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Henry Aaron.

Clemente played on the 1960 “Beat ‘Em Bucs” squad, which upset the New York Yankees in that year’s World Series, thanks to the dramatic game seven, ninth-inning home run by Bill Mazeroski. It would be another 11 years before the Pirates made it back into the Fall Classic. Clemente made the most of it. In 1971, the Pirates won the National League pennant. In the World Series, they were underdogs against the Baltimore Orioles, the defending World Champions who boasted a starting rotation with four 20-game winners. At age 37, Clemente stole the show. He batted .414, knocking out 12 hits in seven games and

homering in the decisive 2-1 Game Seven win at Baltimore over the Birds. Clemente was named Series MVP, accepting the award in an emotional, nationally-televised interview.

The next year, Clemente would cap his

Hall of Fame career by belting his 3,000th hit, a double on the last day of the regular season. Then tragedy struck. On New Year Eve’s 1972, Clemente organized a relief program for Nicaraguan residents victimized by an earthquake. Tragically, the cargo plane

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carrying Clemente crashed and a stunned Western Hemisphere mourned the passing of a baseball great, now dead at age 38.

Clemente’s legacy lives on. Following his untimely death, Clemente was immediately voted into the Hall of Fame as the directors bypassed the five-year waiting period rule. An annual Roberto Clemente Award is given to the big leaguer who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team.” Pittsburgh has a bridge named for Clemente and a monument to the man outside of PNC Stadium.

Clemente was about more than statistics. He was a terror on the base paths, stretching singles into doubles and galloping from first to third on base hits. Clemente had a cannon for an arm and he often snagged fly balls, basket-catch style, a la Willie Mays.

At the plate, Clemente hit all fields. For his career, he had 440 doubles and 166 triples. Four times he had over 200 hits in a season. In 1964, the Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies stopped off in bucolic Asheville, NC for a pre-season exhibition game. A Phillies hurler served an outside fastball to Clemente who promptly drilled it into the right field bleachers, the exact spot where Babe Ruth, in a 1925 exhibition in the same ballpark had hammered home run after home run. Why did they pitch Clemente outside? If a pitcher came inside, he would rifle it down the left field line for a double. Across the plate or on the outside, the same result. He was one of those ballplayers without a weak part in his game.

Espaillat To Honor Roberto Clemente

Espaillat urges Major League to retire the number 21 in honor of Clemente’s life and career

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) recently reintroduced his resolution recognizing the significant human rights activism and baseball stardom legacy of Roberto Clemente, the first Puerto Rican and first person of Latino heritage to win a World Series as a starter, be named Most Valuable Player Award (MVP), be named World Series MVP, and be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“Roberto Clemente was a trailblazer in the fight for Puerto Rican civil rights and utilized his stardom to advocate and defend the rights of Black and Brown communities around our nation,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Clemente was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visionary leadership, which spurred his own actions to demand equity for communities of color, better working conditions for MLB players, and his work to help level the playing field through training clinics for minority youth.

“Roberto Clemente was a model player

and social advocate, and I am proud to reintroduce a resolution to this Congress to honor his life’s work by urging the Major League Baseball (MLB) to permanently retire the number 21 and expand Roberto Clemente Day to include all ballparks requiring players, coaches, managers, and umpires to wear Clemente’s uniform number, 21, on that day.

“My legislation is a show of respect for the tremendous impact Roberto Clemente had on the lives of others through his humanitarian efforts around the world and his legacy that continues to inspire each of us,” Espaillat concluded.

Clemente became a union leader in the incipient Major League Baseball Players Association and defended players’ rights to demand better working conditions and benefits. In every city where the Pirates played, Clemente visited sick children in hospitals. He put his heart and soul into training clinics, providing baseball lessons and fun for boys and girls in Pittsburgh, his

home island of Puerto Rico, and throughout Latin America.

As the League did with Jackie Robinson’s iconic 42 in 1997 on the fiftieth anniversary of his breaking the color barrier in professional sports, the Espaillat Resolution is urging the MLB to retire the number 21 league-wide in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s tragic yet heroic death.

Since 1973, Major League Baseball has presented the Roberto Clemente Award to one player in the league who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team. In 2002, Major League Baseball declared the first annual Roberto Clemente Day and in 2021,the MLB announced September 15th would be the permanent date of Roberto Clemente Day to coincide with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month each year.

—Submitted by the Office of Adriano Espillat

Seal Season Is Here

Keep a safe distance away from seals

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is reminding New Yorkers to share the shore with seals. The height of seal season in New York is upon us, and that means there is an increase in the potential for seal and human interactions as well.

It is very normal to see a single seal, even quite young, on the beach alone. Seals are at home on land just as much as they are in the water and do not require any assistance from us—except maintaining a safe and legal distance.

Please always keep at least 50 yards away from seals. Remember, if the seal is aware of your presence, you’re too close. Other signs that a person or pet are too close include raising flippers, yawning, eating sand and/ or rocks, and showing their teeth, as the seal pictured here is doing.

Seals and other marine mammals are protected by federal and state law. Only federally permitted individuals may handle them. If a seal appears injured or sick, call the 24-hour New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829. Trained responders will administer any and all care the animal might require.

If you observe an individual harassing or endangering protected species like

seals, please contact DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) to report the incident by calling 1-844-DECECOS for 24-hour dispatch or emailing central.dispatch@dec.ny.gov (for non-urgent violations). For urgent violations involving physical interaction, please use the Stranding Hotline.

For more information on keeping a safe distance from marine mammals, visit DEC’s website (www.dec.ny.gov/press/126948. html).

—New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Invest In Our New York Members Removed From Capitol For Protesting Budget

After the Invest in Our New York Campaign’s sleep-in was disbanded by State Police and members were removed from the Capitol Building War Room, Carolyn Martinez-Class, IONY Campaign Manager, released the following statement:

“The Invest in Our New York Campaign, and our partner organizations and allies cannot buy influence the way billionaires like Michael Bloomberg can. What we can do, however, is use our collective people power to hold space so Governor Hochul and legislators are forced to look the very people who depend on their representation in the eye during budget negotiations.

“We are extremely frustrated that Governor Hochul has decided to remove us from “the people’s house.” It’s a wellknown fact that negotiations happen in the dead of night. The $230 billion budget will impact our members’ daily lives; lawmakers will decide who will thrive and who will continue struggling to make ends meet. We deserve to be here and

to remind them of their responsibility to enact a budget for the people, not ultra-rich donors.”

—Submitted by Invest In Our New York

Invest In Our NY protesters at the capitol protest. (Photo by Invest in Our NY)

CB American Homes Acquires Leading Real Estate Agency Little Bay Realty Minority Caucus Honors Corinne Kaufman’s Fentanyl Fighting Crusade

Coldwell Banker American Homes, one of the largest residential real estate brokerage firms in the New York metropolitan area, has announced the acquisition of Little Bay Realty, a leading real estate agency located at 6324 Rt. 25A in Wading River, NY.

The strategic merger adds the talented team of agents from Little Bay Realty to the Coldwell Banker American Homes family. The company is excited to welcome the experienced and skilled agents to their team, as they share the same values of “Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back!”.

The acquisition of Little Bay Realty extends Coldwell Banker American Homes’ market share and exposure towards the North Fork of Long Island, allowing them to better serve the real estate needs of clients in the region, providing them with a wider range of services and expertise.

Mike Litzner, Broker of Coldwell Banker American Homes, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Little Bay to our American Homes family. Their team of agents is well-respected in the industry,

and we look forward to working with them to deliver the best possible experience for our clients.”

The acquisition of Little Bay Realty is the latest example of Coldwell Banker American Homes’commitment to growth and expansion in the real estate market. The company continues to explore opportunities to extend its reach and provide its clients with the highest level of service.

Little Bay Realty was founded in 1974 by Belinda Bender, who was among the first to recognize the unique appeal of the North Fork and Shelter Island areas of Long Island. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the most respected real estate brokerages in the region, known for its deep knowledge of the local market, commitment to customer service, and dedication to ethical business practices. Under Belinda’s leadership, the company continued to thrive, helping clients navigate the complexities of buying or selling a home with confidence and ease.

—Submitted by Coldwell Banker

During the Nassau County Legislature’s annual Women’s History Month Trailblazers ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building on March 20, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) led the Minority Caucus in saluting Glen Cove resident Corinne Kaufman for her relentless advocacy in the fight to prevent fentanyl overdoses on Long Island.

Corinne and her family have first-hand knowledge of the devastation that is wrought by this deadly drug on a daily basis. Her granddaughter, Paige Gibbons, died on Nov. 20, 2022 – just four days after her 19th birthday – after she consumed a small piece of what she thought was a Percocet pill at a sleepover with friends. It turned out to be entirely fentanyl, and she died later that night.

In the aftermath of Paige’s tragic and sudden death, Kaufman has launched the Families Against Fentanyl campaign and is advocating for Narcan kits to be available in every middle and high school nurse’s office on Long Island. She is also urging Nassau County to distribute fentanyl test strips by bundling them with Narcan kits and distributing them directly to all who seek them; she

furthermore wants to increase awareness about fentanyl through campaigns in public schools and by asking the media to regularly publish fentanyl overdose death statistics.

“Four months ago, Corinne lost her beautiful granddaughter Paige to the scourge of fentanyl. Sometimes life puts you in a place that you never would have imagined, but what you’re doing in Paige’s memory is making such a difference,” Legislator DeRiggiWhitton told Kaufman during the ceremony. “I know the worst feeling for a mom or a grandma is not being able to do anything, but you are doing something extremely powerful.”

—Submitted by the Nassau County Minority Caucus

Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton pictured with Women’s History Month Trailblazer honoree Corinne Kaufman on Monday, March 20.

(Photo by Nassau County Minority Caucus)

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By

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

Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

RIES (March 21-April 19). Your days will be enhanced by a fresh ritual you stumble upon or create. e repetition will calm and center you, giving you one more thing to be certain about in an uncertain world. Simple rituals are best, like having the same morning, night or exercise routine.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your opinion of yourself will uctuate quite a lot over the course of the week, but don’t let it worry you. Self-esteem doesn’t determine self-worth, and it’s not necessarily healthier to have high self-esteem either. Your success-move is to get curious about your thoughts and determine which ones help or hinder you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may feel that someone is humoring you or not taking your work as seriously as they should. However, the joke is on them. ey’ll catch up to what you’re doing eventually. Until then, seek the company and feedback of the like-minded and the open-minded. Once you start looking for them, they’re everywhere.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Sure, you like to win, but you also know that winning all the time (or acting like you are) is neither useful nor fun. is week, you’ll take that pressure o yourself. You nd out what you’re capable of the same way everyone does: by trying and sometimes missing. You’ll progress joyfully.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll be in an existential mood, and you’ll think about the kind of person you want to be and what it will take to move toward that. You’ll have greater control over your time this week, which allows you to focus where you’d prefer to instead of reacting to the demands of others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People tend to think that anyone trying too hard is covering something up. e power move is to believe in your own inherent worth so you’re not overly concerned with pleasing anyone else. Do what it takes to feel con dent. Prove things to yourself so you don’t have to prove them to anyone else.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Staying on task and focusing on the priorities of the moment will be your forte this week. Being motivated to tend to the right thing is a gift you don’t take lightly. e ability to apply yourself in this way will bring you many rewards, including a lucrative o er and a fun social opportunity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Of course it would be weird and boring if everything went the way we wanted it to. While dissatisfaction is a normal part of life, chronic discontent brings everyone down. is week, you’ll gravitate to sunny personalities, and you’ll add to your network of easygoing types. ey’re usually more interesting, as they have better things to do than complain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Making mistakes doesn’t mean you are a mistake. Be careful not to overidentify with the things that happen this week. Problems are something you have, not something you are. Whether it’s good luck or bad luck, don’t assume you earned it, but do take your good fortune and run with it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ve a keen sense of the energy in people, places and things. You’ll immediately sense good and bad vibes. You’ll spend some of your week making this talent work for you by favorably arranging the elements of your environment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). ere are many reasons you might choose to x a thing -- for instance, a sense of responsibility, to satisfy your curiosity or to prove that you can. Beware of the fear-based reaction of “anxious xing.” Be willing to sit with a circumstance for a moment. You’ll nd felicitous success on the other side of acceptance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). In life and bu ets, your eyes can be bigger than your appetite, and not everything tastes as good as it looks. Processing events is easier when you do it in small bites. Too much too fast can be upsetting. Portion your week modestly. You can always return for more.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS ough you’ll see new places, not all adventures involve crossing rugged terrain or taking o in a plane. e greatest adventures of this season will be ights of the intellect. You’ll leap into new modes of thought. Experience will mature, teach, challenge and shape you. By this time next year, you’ll be a person with many more exciting options and a clear direction of which ones are right for you. More highlights: You’ll make a change working in a small group. You’ll be voted to a position. You’ll be embraced by a new family and show up strong at the requisite social events.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Big day out

Solution: 17 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 17 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Big day out

Baby Bait Ball

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CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER

FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

CONTRACT BRIDGE

Silence is golden

have gone down two.

Solution: Just a quick

By Steve Becker

Having gotten safely over the bidding hurdle, Doub now had to find a way to make 12 tricks. With only 11 winners and the A-Q of hearts certain to lie over the K-J, it was not immediately apparent where an extra trick might come from.

It didn’t take Doub long to work out the solution. He won the opening spade lead with the ace and cashed four more spades and four diamonds to produce this position with the lead in the South hand:

North

♥ 8 5 4 2 West East

♥ A Q Immaterial

♣ K J

South

♥ K

♦

9

Opening lead — seven of spades.

This deal arose in the New England final of the 1991 North American Open Pairs. It features excellent bidding and play by Doug Doub.

Doub held the South hand and opened two clubs, planning to rebid two notrump to show a 22-24 point balanced hand. But when his partner bid two spades after West’s twoheart overcall, Doub decided to raise spades and await further developments. When North next bid diamonds, Doub leaped to six notrump to protect his king of hearts on the opening lead. This proved a wise choice, as a slam in spades or diamonds with North as declarer would

♣ A Q

The lead of the diamond nine left West without recourse. If he discarded the heart queen, Doub would concede a heart to the ace to force a club lead into the A-Q. When West in fact discarded the club jack, Doub plunked down the club ace, caught the king and so made the slam.

Of course, if West had had the foresight to keep his mouth shut during the bidding, it is doubtful Doub would have found the winning line of play. West therefore had good reason to kick himself when the play was over. I know, because I was West.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

ANNOUNCEMENTS EMPLOYMENT

The Syosset Library is accepting bids for a 17-year old dark cherry color conference table and chair set. The particleboard table measures 12’ L X 3.5” W X 2.5’ H and has light damage. 12 gold/red upholstered chairs come with casters and arms. The set will be sold as-is, buyer must disassemble the table. Bids accepted by email only until noon, April 14th at spladministration@syossetlibrary.org. Bidders must include name, phone number, bid amount. The library reserves the right to reject any bid. Payment accepted by cash or money order only.

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COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM!

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

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Elder Scam Occurred In Woodbury

The Major Case Bureau reports the details of a Grand Larceny/Elder Scam that occurred on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 12:05 p.m. in Woodbury.

According to Detectives, a 71-year-old male victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be his girlfriend. An unknown male subject then got on the phone and stated the victim’s girlfriend had been in an auto accident and he would be receiving a phone call from Legal Aid regarding the situation. Shortly after the victim received a call from an unknown female instructing the victim he would need to provide money for his girlfriend’s bail. The victim was told to retrieve the money

and a courier would be sent to his residence to pick up the money. A male Hispanic arrived at the victim’s residence and took the money and left the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The Nassau County Police Department urges the community to be on alert and to remind vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors about potential scams or frauds.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

—Submitted by the Nassau County Police Department

Oyster Bay Town Board Recognizes Regeneron Finalists From Jericho

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, center, and members of the Town Board honored Jericho High School Seniors Emily Kim, front row third from left, and Kevin Zhu, front row third from right. Both were recently recognized as Finalists in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Competition, which included a $25,000 prize for each of them. Winners in the competition typically spend weeks in university laboratories and work closely with adult faculty to develop complex and meaningful projects. Emily and Kevin were selected from 300 semifinalist scholars and a total applicant pool of nearly 2,000. Finalists are considered to be among America’s brightest students in science and math and represent some the area’s most outstanding schools.

(Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

LEGAL NOTICES

SYOSSET

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Office Loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 40 Oak Drive, Unit #1A, Syosset, NY 11791 Purpose:

Any lawful activity.

4-5; 3-29-22-15-8-1-20236T-#239272-SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

INFORMATION

MEETING AND MONTHLY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

APRIL 18, 2023

There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, April 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

At that time, the Board of Education will determine whether to go into Executive Session. If there is a need for an Executive Session, the Board will vote to go into

Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters regarding collective bargaining negotiations, the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person and to obtain legal advice regarding proposed, pending or current litigation.

If no Executive Session is needed, the Board will recess until the public portion of the Budget Information Meeting and Monthly Board of Education Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The Board of Education will reconvene for the Budget Information Meeting at approximately 8:00 p.m. followed by the public portion of the Monthly Board of Education Meeting at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

The Syosset Board of Education and Administration welcome you to observe the Board of Education Meeting via livestream broadcast on the District website.

Dated: March 24, 2023

Syosset, NY

4-5-2023-1T-#240116-SYO/

individually and as Trustee of Sondra Frank Revocable Trust Under Agreement dated October 31, 1994, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 13, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 8, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 46 Ivy Drive, Jericho, NY 11753.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Jericho, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION:

12, BLOCK: 616, LOT: 24. Approximate amount of judgment $1,199,046.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606673/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website ( https://ww2.nycourts.gov/ Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of

this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. JOSEPH TERINO, ESQ., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01062219-F01 75332 4-26-19-12-5-2023-4T#239995-SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee, in trust for registered Holders of Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-4, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-4, Plaintiff AGAINST Richard Greenhill; Anny Greenhill, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 11, 2023

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 9, 2023 at 2:30PM,

premises known as 8 Heather Lane, Muttontown, NY 11753. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Muttontown, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 15 Block A-00 Lot 2102. Approximate amount of judgment $1,593,686.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 002493/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Jeffrey Fox, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: March 27, 2023

4-26-19-12-5-2023-4T#240130-SYO/JER

with the Sec. of State of NY (“SSNY”) on 03/8/23. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail

a copy of any process to the LLC, 5 Aerial Way, Suite 100, Syosset, NY 11791. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

5-10-3; 4-26-19-12-5-20236T-#240216-SYO/JER

Be aware.

(Photo courtesy Pexels)

Closed Jericho Hampton Inn May Become NYIT Dorm

JENNIFER CORR

The now closed Hampton Inn is located at 120 Jericho Turnpike in Jericho, located at the intersection where the Jericho Turnpike runs under the Long Island Expressway and meets with the South Service Road, may be getting some new residents who will stay longer than just a weekend or so.

The hotel is located 12 minutes away from the New York Institute of Technology campus in Old Westbury, making it ideal housing for students. The building has 80 units and 81 parking spaces. Because it’s surrounded by busy highways, there’s no residential houses near it. Instead, you can find car dealerships, offices, fast food, retail and a Home Depot.

Counselor Jeff Forchelli of Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP went in front of the

Oyster Bay Town Board on March 21 to represent applicants Vesta Acquisitions LLC, a contract vendee of the property at 120 Jericho Turnpike, and New York Institute of Technology, the proposed tenant. The owner of the property is 120 West End LLC. The applicants were seeking a special use permit and site plan approval to replace the existing approvals on the property, as well as provide new covenants and restrictions to permit the use of the property as proposed, which is to make it a dorm for students of New York Tech.

“It will be in the best interest of the town, as well as New York Tech,” said Forchelli. “The 80 units will have a controlled entrance, where you come into the

building on the south side. It will be just like my dorm in college where there was a front desk there and the students will check in and go by. It regulates what comes in and out of the building. Dining will not be done on the facility. Dining will be done at New York Tech... There will be some resident parking. There will also be parking for vans that go back and forth from the facility to New York Tech. There will be shuttle service. On weekdays there will be two shuttles running back and forth between 7 and 11 a.m. and one shuttle running between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. On weekends, there will be various round-trips to the campus and to local shopping for the residents there without cars.”

There will be a mix between single and double occupancy of the rooms. Some of the students will have cars, but they must have a decal on their car.

There will also be security guards on the property, provided by New York Tech, who will be there seven days a week from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. There will be a full time residence hall director who will live there, as well as an associate director, a student resident assistant and staffing at the front desk on a regular basis. There will also be cameras.

“It will be a very secure facility where our students will be,” Forchelli said. “I think this will be a much more controlled use then what was there and what was proposed to be there. I think it will be in the best interest of the Town of Oyster Bay, of NYIT and the community in general. And we feel we have very little impact.”

The Town of Oyster Bay will leave the public record of the matter open for 30 days, meaning residents can write in their thoughts via letter or email.

You Can Help Keep Long Island Waters Clean

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier announce a new opportunity for residents interested in helping protect the environment and keep waterways clean. The Town recently joined with local environmental groups to unveil new floating litter trap technology – known as Collec’Thor – at Tappen Marina, and is seeking volunteers to assist in the equipment’s operation this spring and summer.

The Collec’Thor is a silent, motorized waste collector which attracts and engulfs all solid or liquid waste floating on the water surface. The Collec’Thor project has been a collaborative effort between the town and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE) Marine Program, as well as local environmental groups whose shared mission is to protect waterways. This year, when the Collec’Thor returns to local north shore waterways in April, CCE is seeking assistance from local volunteers looking to get involved in helping their environment.

“This is a great opportunity for high school and college students – as well as adults – to give back to our environment and serve as ‘Citizen Scientists’ in the collection of data,” said Councilwoman Maier. “There are also potential science projects, internships and analysis opportunities, as well as educational field trip opportunities, related to the Collec’Thor and how to protect from marine pollution.”

Specifically, CCE is conducting a study to measure how much debris is gathered by the Collec’Thor and determine what specific trash is found floating in the mari-

na. All volunteers will receive a certificate acknowledging their efforts in making a difference in their community and protecting the environment. The Town currently has two Collec’Thor traps which are installed at Harry Tappen Marina in Glenwood Land-

ing throughout the spring and summer. Oyster Bay was selected by CCE to receive the floating debris collector through a grant program awarded by the Long Island Sound Futures Fund through the National Fish and Wildlife Fund, and is monitored and

operated in partnership with Friends of the Bay, The Waterfront Center, the Oyster Bay/ Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee, and Oyster Bay High School.

To learn more, visit oysterbaytown.com.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Last summer, Town Councilwoman Laura Maier, Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Vanessa Lockel, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Town Councilman Lou Imbroto unveiled the hightech Collec’Thor at Tappen Marina. (Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

It will be a very secure facility where our students will be. I think this will be a much more controlled use than what was there and what was proposed to be there. I think it will be in the best interest of the Town of Oyster Bay, of NYIT and the community in general.

—Counselor Jeff Forchelli

Cantiague Students Receive Reflections Awards

Cantiague fifth grader, Ava Sacoulas was a NYS PTA Award of Merit Winner in this year’s PTA Reflections Contest.

Cherie Chen, Cantiague fifthgrade student, won the “Award of Merit” at the NYS PTA Reflection Visual Art Competition.

Jericho Middle School Student Advances To Next Round Of Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Helen Wang, the winner of the Jericho Middle School Spelling Bee back in October. Helen competed in a very challenging spelling and vocabulary round and placed 10th out of 150 students, which qualifies her to advance to the final round of the ScholarSkills/Scripps Regional Spelling Bee later in March.

—Submitted by the Jericho Union Free School District

JERECHO

BY LILLY MARK OF JERECHO editors@antonnews.com

Jericho’s newest female role model Dr. Micheala Finlay is taking on her newest role as the high school assistant principal with spirit and passion.

Dr. Finlay joined Jericho for its supportive community. She said, “The students, teachers, and community are amazing. It was a great match, and I was happy to bring my knowledge and ideas.”

Dr. Finlay is excited for the opportunity to mentor students as a member of the high school administration. She said, “I feel I am a strong role model as the woman on the team, and I feel I can be there for not only the young girls, but all students as they go through high school and their teenage years.”

Dr. Finlay has worked in education for 10 years, and was a curriculum associate in Jericho last year. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at Saint Joseph’s University, her master’s at Long Island University, and her doctorate at St. John’s.

Dr. Finlay started her career teaching at Comsewogue Elementary School. She later became the assistant director of Pupil Per-

Syosset High School Science Olympiad Team Takes First Place At States In Historic Win

The Syosset High School Science Olympiad Team took home First Place at the New York State competition last week. This is the first time in the High School’s history the team has ever placed first at the state level. The win earned them a spot at the National competition in Wichita, Kansas this coming May.

Earlier this year, 450 teams from around the state competed in regional competitions with only the top 60 advancing to the state level. Having placed within the top 60, Syosset traveled to Le Moyne College on

Just Who Jericho Needs

is still very new, but I am definitely proud to get to know the students and establish relationships with them.”

Co-principal David Cohen praised Dr. Finlay’s expertise. He said, “She comes with a tremendous amount of knowledge, specifically for special education, which is incredibly healthy. I think her most important contribution is her getting to know kids and really putting in the effort to make those connections, which is very essential.”

Cohen also explained that Dr. Finlay provides a great resource for students who require immediate support. “She spends many, many, many hours a week talking about the school, students, programs, leadership challenges and how to handle matters correctly,” Mr. Cohen added.

March 17th in Syracuse for the state competition where they completed 23 science-related events that ranged from building devices to conducting lab experiments. Only the top two finishers moved on to the National contest.

The last time Syosset’s team qualified for Nationals was in 1986 with a second-place win. The team’s score was also recorded as the second best score in the 37 years of the New York State competition.

—Submitted by Syosset Central School District

sonnel Services (PPS) which protects the health, safety, and education of students.

Jericho Administration was looking for someone with similar experience. Dr. Finlay said, “I am really proud of the work we did here with bringing new programs and expanding special education opportunities at the high school particularly.”

She added, “Being an assistant principal

Senior Ava T. appreciates her interactions with Dr. Finlay. “I think the new assistant principal is awesome. I always see her around school, and she helped me at the pep rally. She is such a great supporter and has a ton of Jayhawk spirit,” she said.

Dr. Finlay has impressed the student council as well. Senior and Student Council President Ruby S. said, “Dr. Finlay is trying to connect with students through social

media, collaborating with Student Council, and really is an active participant in Jericho. It is great to have young blood on the team.”

Dr. Finlay has gotten to know many students. Senior and Board of Education student representative Jenna T. said, “Dr. Finlay is very forward, willing, eager, and very helpful. I like her background, and it is great to have a young woman role model.”

Teachers feel Dr. Finlay fits perfectly in her new role. Chemistry teacher Mrs. Umile said, “Considering she has worked with a diverse population in the past, I believe she will be able to bring that in to make a great support system in her new role.”

Outside of school, Dr. Finlay loves spending time with her newly-born nephew. She also loves to travel, stay active, and watch sports, particularly hockey. She said, “I used to play field hockey and lacrosse, and I am so excited for the lacrosse season and to watch all the games.”

Dr. Finlay’s diverse experiences, determined attitude, and love of education are sure to transform Jericho High School for the better.

—Submitted by JerEcho

Meet Jericho High School’s Assistant Principal Dr. Micheala Finlay.

(Photo courtesy JerEcho)

(Photos courtesy the Jericho Union Free School District)

Helen Wang after winning the Jericho Middle School spelling bee.

(Photo courtesy the Jericho Union Free School District)

Syosset Science Olympiad team celebrates first place win at New York State competition. (Photo courtesy Syosset Central School District)

Stunning Raised Ranch with private property! Heated (natural gas) in ground vinyl swimming pool (pool liner & heater only 2 years old) and elaborate decking makes this an entertainers delight! Light & Bright EIK with gas cooking and a slider out to the deck. Newly finished hardwood flooring running throughout the large living room, dining room & den. Cozy den with fireplace. Lower level has a second den, bedroom & full bath with entry to garage and separate entry. 10 year old roof (completely new- only 1 layer), 3 year old backyard landscaping, 200 amp electric service and new LED lighting on dimmer switches. Jericho School District!

Taxes with STAR reduction is $16,232.65

Asking price: $1,178,000