The Roslyn News 3/20/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

right,

at the Bryant Library. (Photo by

Live Music Highlights Composer’s Return To Roslyn Library

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

Leonard Lehrman’s long and productive career was on full display last Sunday as the Bryant Library hosted a concert celebrating his 75th birthday. Lehrman, a longtime Roslyn resident, was joined by an impressive array of musical talents as they presented a concert of Lehrmancomposed tunes.

The man, who has performed and recorded in stages and studios worldwide, was master of ceremonies. Wearing his trademark black cap, Lehrman manned the piano, playing his original compositions, arrangements, and translations.

The concert featured sopranos Helene Williams (Mrs. Lehrman) and Perri Sussman. Instrumentalists included Link Rossano on flute, Craig Lindsey on clarinet, Daniel Hyman on violin, Peter Howard on cello, Daniel Barna as both tenor and conductor and Beth Jucovy, who performed several dance numbers.

All these artists perfectly complimented Lehrman’s compositions. Special rounds of applause, including many “bravos” went to Perri

Sussman, especially for a knockout solo on the “Princess’s Aria” from Rusalka, a composition Lehrman wrote after the 2015 passing of his mother.

Most of the compositions were autobiographical in their inspiration. A few tunes, such as “Reflectively, But Not Slowly” and “If I Can’t Dance,” a song about labor activist Emma Goldman, contained music and lyrics by Lehrman. Most tunes were those where the prolific Lehrman added music to existing lyrics.

And those lyrics came from an eclectic array of artists, many of them famous. For instance, “Why Do They Shut Me Out Of Heaven,”

featured lyrics by the great American poet Emily Dickinson, the reclusive New Englander back in the news following revelations that Taylor Swift, currently the most famous person on the planet, is related to her.

“Gather Ye Rosebuds” was music set to poetry by Robert Herrick. “I Wait For A Ship” featured piano music for a Jacques Deval/Kurt Weill production. On it went. The lyrics for “Dawn In New York” was poetry originally composed by Federico Garcia Lorca, the famed Spanish poet who found refuge in Gotham during the 1920s and ‘30s. Lorca was a tragic figure. When World War I broke out, the man was so distraught that he could not write a line of poetry for the war’s duration. In 1936, the poet was assassinated during Spain’s Civil War.

“The Rabbi & The Rich Man” had two great sources: Lyrics came from both “The Dybbuk” by the Russian artist S. Ansky and the short story “Suppose A Wedding” by Bernard Malamud, the Brooklyn native and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and short story writer.

Most famous was the duet of “Empty Chairs/Killing Me Softly.”

The former tune was composed by upstate New York native Don McLean of “American Pie” fame.

“Killing Me Softly,” composed by

Lori Lieberman, Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, was a monster hit in the early 1970s for Roberta Flack. For that duet, Lehrman provided the arrangement.

Lehrman described the inspiration behind many of the live performances.

“Why Do They Shut Me Out Of Heaven?” was the composer’s response to an unhappy ending as president of the Long Island Composers Alliance (LICA). The composer joined LICA in 1979. From 1991 to 1998, Lehrman was named president. He said that under his tenure, membership doubled, while concert attendance tripled. In time, however, he was forced out of a position he cherished.

Before performing the “Princess’s Aria,” Lehrman told of his first encounter with Perri Sussman. “People told me that I would be crazy not to hire her,” the composer recalled. The enthusiastic response to Sussman’s soaring vocals proved, once again, that Lehrman made the right call.

The composer jokingly referred to “The Hereafter” as a journey from “Judaism to Buddhism to nudism.” “If I Can’t Dance,” was, as noted, a tribute to Emma Goldman. The tune was inspired by a comment attributed to Goldman: “If I can’t dance, it’s not my

revolution.” The song also featured Peter Howard on cello, a boffo performance that earned another loud round of applause. Visits to Switzerland, Russia, and Romania inspired such tunes as “Nightingale In A Dream,” “Mi Shebeirach,” and “Two Romanian Songs.”

The program was co-sponsored by The Professor Edgar H. Lehrman Memorial Foundation, founded in 1986 by Leonard’s father, Nathaniel S. Lehrman (1923-2020). It marked Lehrman’s first return to his hometown library in nearly a decade.

Lehrman earned his Bachelor’s degree at Harvard in 1971 and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Cornell in 1975 and 1977. In 1979, he served as Assistant Chorus Master at the Metropolitan Opera; and then seven years at theaters in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Berlin, where he became the first Jew to conduct Fiddler on the Roof in that city and founded the Jewish Music Theater Association there.

Throughout all these travels, Roslyn remained close to the composer’s heart. Hopefully, this return concert will be the start of more such appearances at the Bryant Library.

For those who were unable to attend Lehrman’s concert, it is now available by visiting https://tinyurl. com/20240310BryantLib

Leonard Lehrman (Courtesy of Alchetron.com)

(L-R) Daniel Hyman, Peter Howard, Amanda Bernocco, Michele Lipson, Leonard J. Lehrman, Helene Williams, Perri Sussman, Craig Lindsay, Link Rossano, Daniel Barna, and Beth Jucovy. (Photo by Arlene Papier-Brickman)

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation Gives $10,000 Grant To Guidance Center

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Long Island’s leading not-for-profit children’s mental health center, is honored to announce that The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation has donated $10,000 towards supporting the Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court.

The Children’s Center at Nassau Family Court is a program of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center that offers a place of respite for children whose families have business in court. More than a babysitting service, the Children’s Center is an early-learning environment that fosters developmental skills through age-appropriate play, activities, and free books for the children to take home. Every aspect of the Children’s Center is designed with kids in mind, allowing them to explore new things in a structured, professionally supervised way.

“Many of the organizations we support involve children in many different situations,” said Robert Brull, President of the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation. “As a former investigator, I’ve seen what trauma can fall upon children from court cases, especially cases involving divorce and/or child abuse. Giving a child the ability to feel safe and comfortable while parents or guardians go through the court’s justice system is a positive step in reducing emotional damage to the child.”

Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, Director of the Leeds Place — Serving Young People, expressed immense gratitude towards the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation’s generous donation. “Our goal at the Children’s Center is to keep kids out of the courtroom and provide a safe place for them to grow,” said Dr. Taylor-Walthrust. “The Center is free for any family with business at Nassau County Family Court, so this grant will

allow us to continue and expand upon this important program. Thank you to Robert and the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for caring about our children.”

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation honors the legacy of Marilyn Lichtman through philanthropic contributions to those in need throughout our community, aiming to enhance the lives of future generations.

For more information on the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation, visit https:// marilynlichtmanfoundation.org/. To learn more about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call 516-626-1971.

About North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research, and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps

Temple Sinai Celebrates The Art Of Purim

Though it dates to the fifth century BCE, the story of Purim is a perennial inspiration for artists who address biblical subject matter.

Told in the Book of Esther (Megillah Esther), the Purim story commemorates the deliverance of Jews in Persia from the annihilation planned by Haman, the trusted yet evil advisor of King Ahasuerus. The heroes of the story are Esther, a member of the King’s harem, and her uncle Mordecai, who refused to bow down to Haman, thus incurring his wrath. King Ahasuerus favored Esther and made her queen, unaware she was Jewish. Upon learning of Haman’s evil plot to destroy the Jews, Mordecai entreated Esther to speak to the king on behalf of her people. After three days of fasting, Esther went to the king unsummoned — a brazen act punishable

by death — and in so doing, saved the Jewish people from annihilation. King Ahasuerus sentenced Haman and his ten sons to death.

Here are a few examples of contemporary artists who have created works of art about Purim. With its powerful narrative about bravery in the face of persecution, the Purim story continues to resonate deeply today. May we all be inspired by Esther’s example.

—Submitted by Adrianne Rubin, Ph.D, of Temple Sinai.

children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma, and divorce. For nearly 70 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-197.

—Submitted by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

(Contributed photo)

Purim: The Four Faces of Esther By Robert Indiana, 1967.

(Photo credit: The Jewish Museum, New York)

Purim Mask: Wicked Haman, Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus. By Mimi Gross, 1964.

(Photo credit: The Jewish Museum, New York)

Events Offered At

The Nassau County Museum Of Art

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

Mansion Tours

Take a walk through history as we explore the Neo – Georgian Mansion once the home of the Frick family from 1919 – 1965. Docents will share photographs and stories about life in the early 20th century when it was a family home and lead visitors throughout this grand building to discover the spectacular classical architectural features throughout the building. Saturdays in the Mansion at 1 pm. Tours are free with museum admission.

Docent Exhibition Tours

Embark on an hour-long tour of NCMA’s current exhibitions with one of our amazing Museum – trained Docents. Share a memorable afternoon with other art lovers as you learn about an array of artists, their inspiration, artistic process, and their place in the history of art. Tuesdays through Sundays in the Mansion at 2 pm.

NCMA Sculpture Garden: A Virtual Tour

With Museum director Charles Riley, Director of Education Laura Lynch and Senior Museum Educator Jean Henning. Join us as we stroll and savor the outdoor sculpture collection in the company of

expert educators Laura Lynch and Jean Henning along with museum director Charles Riley. Monumental works by such historically important figures as Richard Serra, Mark di Suvero, Tom Otterness and so many others make the Nassau Museum sculpture garden the premier destination for lovers of public art on Long Island.

Upcoming Classes

Eco Printing Workshop — Friday, April 12 from 10 am–1pm — Discover the process of Eco Printing with imprints of flowers and leaves on naturally dyed fabric in this hands-on, textile workshop with textile designer and artist, Oksana Danziger. Participants will create their own unique designs on fabric, while learning the process of this traditional dyeing method. Materials are included.

All levels welcome. Location: The Manes Art Education Center. Pre-registration required, $81 for members and $90 for non-members. For inquiries about this workshop, please email artclasses@ nassaumuseum.org.

Acrylic Painting Workshop — Saturday, April 6 from 12pm – 2:30pm — Fine Artist and instructor at the Manes Center for Art Education Jim Minet will lead a hands-on materials workshop. The guided workshop will feature a full line of professional products, of selected colors and mediums from Holbein’s various acrylic color lines. Workshop attendees will have the chance to experiment with Holbein acrylics, matte acrylics, acrylic ink, and acrylic gauche. All materials will be provided for attendees. For ages: adults & teens 16 +. Pre-Registration required, $10 members and $20 for non-members.

Upcoming Exhibit

To learn about the upcoming exhibit at the Museum, Urban Art Evolution, check out this week’s LIW.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

The Bryant Library is at 2 Paper Mill Rd. Call 516-621-2240.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Tech for Fun Cricut One-on One 2 p.m. Make an appointment with our Tech team to learn how to use Cricut’s design software: Design Space to create your craft and other creative projects. Our Tech Staff will help you with your design and print them using the Library’s Cricut Maker. Please note: The Library can only provide some regular cardstock for your card design and printing. For other projects such as t-shirts, mugs etc, you have to bring your own materials such as t-shirts, mugs, iron on vinyls. Please call the library at 6212240 or email the Tech Team at technology@bryantlibrary.org for more information. Taking place at the Bryant Library.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Women’s History Month: Marion Pearsall

a wife, mother, and woman business owner of Black and Indigeous origin. Learn about her life through the amazing photographs provided by her son, Bryan Pearsall, and moving stories told by her husband, Arrell. Presentation screening at 6PM in the Helen Glannon Room with Live Q&A and reception to follow. Taking place at the Bryant Library.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

6 p.m. Join the Local History Collection for a celebration of Women’s History Month with a program on former Roslyn resident Marion Pearsall. A 1927 graduate of Roslyn High School, Marion was born into the Peters Family of Roslyn before marrying E. Arrell Pearsall, author of the Collection’s treasured autobiography This Is My Life. She was a registered nurse,

Holi Hai!

2 p.m. All Are Welcome! Rain

Date: Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. Celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring with our colorful Holi celebration. Wear white clothes that you don’t mind getting messy! Online registration required. Photographs and video footage taken during programs may be used for library publicity. Please tell library staff if you do not want a photo taken of you or your child. Taking place at the Bryant Library.

..............

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Happy Purim!

Palm Sunday

Temple Sinai Purim Carnival

The sweetest Purim celebration ever! Games, prizes, face painting, photo booth and more. Come in costume. 10-11 a.m. carnival for kids up to age 5, 11-11:30 a.m. megillah reading, 11:30 a.m. brunch, 12-2 p.m. carnival for kids ages 6 and up. Suggested donations of $36 per family or $18 per person. RSVP at mysinai.org/purim2024

..............

MONDAY, MARCH 25

Happy Holi!

Zumbini with Mrs. J

10:30 a.m. Zumbini is an early childhood education program.

Created by Zumba and BabyFirst, our program uses music from around the world and movement to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skill development, all masked behind a fun and engaging class! What makes this program stand out more, is the intentional, yet not forced engagement with the parent/caregiver and children throughout each class which enriches bonding and joy. Online registration required. Photographs and video footage taken

during programs may be used for library publicity. Please tell library staff if you do not want a photo taken of you or your child. Taking place at the Bryant Library.

..............

ONGOING

Elements of Picture Book Writing

11:30 a.m. Picture books are magic, and they are our first love in literature. Do you have a story you want to tell? Join us as we discuss what goes into writing a picture book. Bring your work-in-progress (please bring 5 copies to share). If you don’t have a WIP, no worries! We learn from each other! We will go over characters, pacing, first lines, satisfying endings, pitches, voice, story arcs, illustrations, revisions & more. We will be reading current books as mentor texts. This class is interactive and participatory. Please register to reserve your space in the class. No fee required. Meeting dates: March 26 & April 2, 9, 16, 23.

(Photo credit The Bryant Library)

ROOKIE

- New York Yankees T-shirt

$59.95

- Two (2) Main Level tickets to a select 2024 regular-season home game*

- 2024 Yankees Universe member card

- Two (2) Terrace Level Outfield tickets to a select 2024 regular-season home game*

MEMBERSHIP TIERS AVAILABLE 245611 M

FDo It For Flaco: Preserving Owls

Tips on being owl-friendly AMANDA OLSEN

laco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who spent a year of freedom in Central Park after someone released him from his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo, died last month in a collision with a building. This bird, born and raised in captivity, unexpectedly capable of caring for himself in the wider world, became something of a celebrity. In the final months of his life he began to venture farther afield, peering in windows and exploring a sculpture garden on the lower East Side. One of these forays led to his demise.

As we have previously reported, tall buildings with reflective surfaces are dangerous for birds, who don’t see the world the same way we do. Flaco’s death brought additional scrutiny to the issue of building standards for windows that reduce the likelihood of bird collisions and deaths. New York City itself set tough standards in 2019; a bill in the New York Legislature to require more bird-friendly design in buildings statewide was renamed the FLACO Act on February 26, the Monday after Flaco’s death.

Owls hold a particular fascination for people. Their unique features, including large, forward-facing eyes, and the fact that the majority of species are nocturnal all give owls their mysterious, almost mystical reputation. In the past, these silent predators have been omens of death, companions of witches, and infinitely wise. Their call was even said to ward off evil.

According to the International Owl Center, there are established guidelines for observing owls. It’s important to give owls space. Owls, like most wild animals, do not like being around people. They recognize humans as a source of danger and will become stressed if you are too close or linger.

Another important point is not trying to feed them. This practice, called “baiting,” leads to owls associating people with food, and actually puts them in greater danger. Owls do not need help finding or securing food.

Do not use artificial light. Owls’ night vision is impacted by artificial light and it will affect their ability to fly. Arrive at your observation site early if you can, and keep flashlights and phones off.

As much as you might love your dog,

leave them at home if you want to see owls. The presence of a dog is likely to scare them off, and if they do stay put, it will certainly cause the owls stress.

Move slowly and keep your voice down. Fast movements and noises can stress owls, especially during the day when they are trying to sleep. If you want to observe or photograph owls, move slowly and keep quiet to

While Flaco was not a native bird, his bid for freedom captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He got to live his final year as he was meant to, by wing and by talon. He will be missed.

avoid scaring them. Owls are often more tolerant of vehicles than people, so you can use your car as a blind when it is safe to do so. Be sure to park in a safe place and turn your engine off.

Do not use drones to observe owls, as they will perceive the drone as an intruder, especially around a nest. Owls have

attacked drones for coming too close, which can hurt the owl and damage the drone.

Do not use owl calls to draw owls to you. This is useful for research purposes but overuse can stress owls. They are expending their energy to investigate the call, using resources that could have gone towards survival and reproduction.

There are a number of threats to owls besides windows. A major problem is a loss of roosting and nesting sites. Many species of owls in our area prefer dead trees. Humans think of dead trees as unsightly and dangerous, so they are usually removed. Whenever possible, leave dead trees standing. If you have to cut down or severely prune a dead tree, wait until early winter to avoid displacing, injuring or killing owls and other animals nesting in its cavities.

Rodenticides are a common threat for wild animals, especially owls. Poisoned mice and rats do not die right away, and impaired rodents are easier to kill than health ones. Owls accumulate this poison in their bodies and feed it to their young. Rather than using poison to manage vermin populations, create a rodent-hostile environment by keeping food and garbage secure. This will allow the owls to be a healthy partner in pest control.

Another way to help owls is to not litter. While this may seem strange, littering attracts rodents, which in turn attracts owls. Owls who hunt for the mice munching on your discarded garbage by the roadside are more likely to get struck by a vehicle.

Take down netting and cover cavities in your home. Owls often get tangled in nets and die before they can be rescued. Even if they are found, struggling in the net results in injuries. Cavities in your home, such as chimneys and bathroom vents, look like attractive places to nest to small owls. The birds become trapped and die because they can’t escape.

While Flaco was not a native bird, his bid for freedom captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He got to live his final year as he was meant to, by wing and by talon. He will be missed.

A Eurasian Eagle Owl (not Flaco) (Photo by Diana Parkhouse via Unsplash)

Baby owls resting in a tree cavity. (Photo by Chirag Saini on Unsplash)

Flaco roosting in Central Park. (Photo by Rhododendrites on wikimedia commons)

Levittowner Named As FOX News Host

Jimmy Failla finds humor in all things culture, politics, lifestyles

CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

He does it all, folks. While continuing as the host of a nationally syndicated radio program, FOX Across America (weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.), Jimmy Failla has been named the new host of FOX News Saturday Night (Saturdays, 10 p.m.), in addition to releasing the book, Cancel Culture Dictionary, which earned a spot on The New York Times bestsellers’ list and having a one-hour stand-up comedy performance recorded, Jimmy Failla: They’re Just Jokes. All of this, credited to the funny guy from Levittown.

Since joining the FOX network as a writer in 2016, Failla has brought his signature comedic take across FOX News Media’s platforms during daytime and primetime programming. His nationally syndicated talk radio show, FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla, launched in March of 2020 on 27 radio stations and can now be heard on over 150 stations across the country. Prior to his role on television and as a stand-up comedian, Failla was a New York City cab driver.

We spoke with Failla amid of all of these career achievements, here’s what he had to share.

CHDid you always know that you were funny?

JF

I guess I did, because everyone around me was funny; my family told a lot of jokes. I had an Uncle Sonny who was a socially dominant figure. He knew street jokes, ‘two guys walk into a bar…’ and it was silly. My dad, my brothers, my uncles, my cousins, everyone was a cop in the family except me. It was a lot of tough love because cops like to pick on each other. Their affection is shown through a put-down. I didn’t know any different; I thought everyone was fun and funny and always had a good time. It was one of my teachers [Mrs. Pascana] who told me to go home and watch The Tonight Show . She said, ‘You’re kind of a talk show host; you don’t realize that; you should watch it and see.” I loved The Tonight Show . She encouraged me and said I could do that one day. I was in fifth grade. As a kid, you believe authority figures like that. I took it with me the rest of the way; it took me 40 years, but here we are.

CHTell me about the new book, Cancel Culture Dictionary.

JFI might be the first community college graduate to get on [The

New York Times] bestseller list, so I want credit for that. I went to Nassau Community College “Turnpike Tech”. The thing about community college is

one of the dudes that was enrolled just to stay on his parents’ health insurance. The whole hook of the book, Cancel Culture Dictionary, is that I believe in the age of social media and incentivized outrage. I say it’s a guide to winning the war on fun, like a call to chill out.

CHTell me about growing up in Levittown.

JF

that it’s no nonsense. If you’re there to do something great, you can really help yourself. When I was there, I was exactly the opposite. I was

I graduated from Division Avenue High School. I was known for heckling in baseball games. This is a very important part of my story. The late and great Doug Robbins, baseball coach at Division, won a bunch of state titles as coach. He had two sons, Dougie and Steve. I graduated in 1995 with Steve, who is a coach at Division now. From my freshman year through my senior year, I would sit in the bleachers at every home game and heckle the other teams to the point that it was comedic; it was disruptive. It was so effective that [Coach Robbins] used to take me out of eighth period class and give me the dirt on who we were playing. Dennis Schneider won the Diamond Award that year for being the best player on Long Island as a pitcher. He went on to C.W. Post. Dennis threw a no-hitter on Memorial Day, but I got the game ball from the coach because of how rattled the other team. It was so silly. That’s kind of how I got my start as a performer, by sitting in the bleachers and ragging on the other team. When this goes to print there are going to be hundreds of people who say, “I remember that guy!”

CHWho are some of the most memorable people from growing up in Levittown?

JFT

hat was Mrs. Pascana at Abbey Lane. Sadly, she is sadly no longer with us. I wanted to find her when the show launched. I have connected with one of my fourth-grade teachers though and had her as a guest at my stand-up special. At Division Avenue High School, my biggest influences were the coaches like Coach Robbins (late) and the principal John Allen, who was the Division Avenue principal through the late ’80s, he’s probably retired now. He was a no-nonsense guy, but he had a sense of humor. He had real authority, almost a military vibe, but I could get a thunderous laugh out of him. I am sure he wanted to kick my ass most of the time.

Check out Failla on the new show FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla for cultural, political and lifestyle issues airing weekly from 10 to 11 p.m. on FOX. Visit www.longislandweekly.com for more of our interview with Failla.

Jimmy Failla on set. (FOX)

Jimmy Failla (FOX)

Shine A LIGHT For Charity On Paws Of War

In this new column of L.I.G.H.T.

For Charity (‘Long Island Giving Help Together For Charity’), I shine a light on a Long Islandbased charity named Paws Of War. This is a charity that my younger sister Jenna is now working with.

Paws Of War was formed 10 years ago and provides veterans, first responders and Gold Star families (people who sadly lost an immediate family member during military service) with a wide variety of important services through the power of love and support of rescued animals. The charity has a mission “To honor and support our veterans, active military members, firefighters and other first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of

LIGHT for Charity

Kayla Donnenfeld

overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need.”

If a veteran or first responder adopts an appropriate dog, Paws Of War will train the dog to become a service dog to suit the owner’s needs. This is an extremely important and meaningful service because many veterans return from combat with

life-changing physical injuries, anxiety, depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. These service dogs improve the quality of life for our returning soldiers, allowing them to sleep more peacefully and engage in day-to-day activities they otherwise couldn’t.

In addition to service dog training (which includes training the dog, pairing the dog with a hero in need and teaching the two how to interact together), Paws Of War also provides the following additional services: (1) providing companion animals; (2) animal rescue for deployed military, including transporting pets across war borders; (3) no cost mobile veterinary clinic; (4) housing assistance for veterans with pets; (5) lifetime care for retired military working dogs; (6) therapy dog program for veterans and seniors;

(7) Ukraine animal rescue and care; (8) disaster response and animal rescue; and (9) emergency foster and temporary pet placement services for veterans during hospital stays. Because Paws Of War helps both dogs and the heros in need of dogs, Paws Of War is proud to help on “both ends of the leash”.

All of the services provided by Paws Of War are provided to veterans, first responders and Gold Star families free of charge. Paws Of War therefore relies upon charitable donations to fund its operations. To help support Paws Of War, you can visit its website at www.pawsofwar.org.

Special thanks to Jodie Cohen, who serves as a volunteer and Adoption Coordinator for Paws Of War, for taking the time to speak with me to teach me so much about this important cause.

NY MTA $11.6 Billion East Side Access To Grand Central Madison Update

There is still much to do one year after the opening of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road

$11.6 Billion Manhattan East Side Access to Grand Central Madison. A soft opening was held on January 10, 2023 with limited shuttle service between Grand Central Madison and Jamaica, Queens Station. The real opening took place on February 26, 2023 when full time direct service on multiple branches began. Thirteen months later, NY MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, LIRR past President Catherine Rinaldi and current Acting LIRR President Richard Free still never seem to acknowledge or address a number of outstanding project related issues.

Those responsible for design, engineering and bid specifications to support procurement of duel mode locomotives and double decker passenger cars failed to take into consideration height clearances for the 63rd Street tunnel between Manhattan and Queens. Construction on this tunnel began in 1969. It was designed to be used at a future date to provide the LIRR with a direct connection to Grand Central Terminal. As a result, the LIRR fleet of 23 diesel-electric and 23 duel-mode locomotives along with 134 double decker passenger cars are unable to

PENNER STATION

Larry Penner

utilize Grand Central Madison. This includes the ability of diesel or duel mode locomotives to rescue stalled electric trains in the tunnels or station. Now one year later, Acting LIRR President Free has announced plans to purchase a battery powered locomotive to rescue any disabled trains in the 63rd Street tunnel connecting Queens to Grand Central Madison. Remember that this equipment could also serve the same purpose for any trains stuck in the East River or Atlantic (Jamaica to Brooklyn) branch tunnels.

The same applies to several hundred million more in debt service payments that financed $4 billion worth of LIRR readiness projects to support start of full service in February 2023. They are

carried off line from the official project budget. These include the $2.6 billion Main Line Third Track, $450 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements, $387 million Ronkonkoma Double Track, $120 million Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion, $44 million Great Neck Pocket Track, $423 million for rail car fleet expansion. Without these, the LIRR would lack the expanded operational capabilities to support promised 24 rush hour train service to GCM and 40 percent increase in reverse peak rush hour service.

Grand Central Madison still has only two men’s bathrooms with a total of 18 urinals and 13 toilets, two women’s bathrooms with a total of 25 toilets, one lactation room and two gender neutral bathrooms, each with a single capacity, all on the Madison Concourse. There are none on the lower or upper level platforms and mezzanine.

There is still only one waiting room located on the Madison Concourse. It has only 29 seats and seven stools for Wi-Fi connections to serve riders. There are no other seating options on the platform and mezzanine levels while waiting.

Options for recycling newspapers or beverage containers, disposal of garbage or other waste continues to be nonexistent except

for a handful of garbage cans at the platform level. There are few options to dispose of waste at either the mezzanine or Madison concourse levels. This conflicts with MTA’s claim to be environmentally friendly. There are still no open newsstands. These services are readily available in Metro North Grand Central Terminal, Penn and Jamaica Stations. There are 11 Ticket Vending Machines still waiting to be installed. It appears that the designed space is not wide enough to accommodate standard LIRR TVMs.

All the facility storefronts are still vacant. Full time service began in February 2023. MTA Real Estate had years to find tenants for the 32 vacant storefronts. MTA Real Estate will not issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a master tenant to manage the storefronts until March 2024. It will probably require several months more before a contract will be awarded. Who knows how many more months to a year will be required before all 32 storefronts are subsequently leased, occupied and open for business.

Transparency on the part of Governor Hochul, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Acting LIRR President Richard Free in dealing with these remaining issues is required.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

Blakeman Gives State Of The County Address

JOE MORREALE

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered his State of the County Address on Wednesday March 6. Blakeman touted 2023 as a success for the county, highlighted by a surplus budget, an increase in police officers, and no change in property taxes.

“There will be no tax increase for the next three years,” said Blakeman.

Blakeman boasted of his administration’s prudent financial management, citing that Nassau and Suffolk County residents sent over $14 billion in taxes more than they received in state aid. The county executive used Wednesday as an opportunity to critique New York state officials.

“We are the piggy bank for the State of New York, and it would be nice if the state would join us in some of the things that are important to our residents and not things that are important to other regions in the state,” Blakeman said.

He called the New York State Excelsior healthcare plan, “another blow against Nassau County from the state,” and criticized the state’s drastic reduction of aid to Nassau University Medical Center in 2023.

“The state has defunded our only hospital that is a safety net for our most vulnerable,” said Blakeman.

The county executive also used the State of the County as an opportunity to knock the sanctuary policies for migrants in New York.

“Nassau County is not a sanctuary county,” said Blakeman. “There is no migrant program in Nassau County. Unfortunately, Nassau County has become a border county because of the misguided policies in the state and city of New York, who are a sanctuary state and a sanctuary city. We don’t want that here in Nassau County— the homelessness and the crime.”

Blakeman assured county residents that the police department is working closely with federal partners including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border control to fight back against what he called, a “foreign invasion”.

The county executive proudly boasted about increasing the number of police officers on county streets, noting that he has sworn in over two hundred new police officers since taking office in 2022.

“In Nassau County we back the blue, and we fund our police,” said Blakeman.

He claimed a reduction in major crime by 6 percent in 2023, but added that cashless bail policies, “continue to make our residents less safe.”

Despite this, Blakeman called Nassau County one of the best places to live in America, and among his ambitious plans for 2024 are a successful casino bid at the Nassau Coliseum site, as well as numerous events at Eisenhower Park, Mitchel Field, and Belmont Park.

“We’re very happy that the Elmont community will continue to host premiere racing because of the investment being made at Belmont racetrack,” Blakeman said regarding the $400 million renovations in progress.

The county executive was also excited to promote the International Cricket Council World Cup, a tournament that is being finalized to take place at Eisenhower Park this June. A temporary, modular stadium is already under construction and will host a match between India and Pakistan, which Blakeman called the “premiere event” of the tournament.

The State of the County speech ended with Blakeman addressing his polarizing executive order from earlier this month banning transgender athletes from competing for local high schools.

“We are not anti-transgender. We are not transphobic here in Nassau County,” said Blakeman.

He defended his executive order as a deterrent to unsafe environments and unfair competition within high school sports.

“If they want, our great Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Commissioner Belyea, and I will sit down if they want to start a transgender league or transgender team,” Blakeman said. “We are a loving county. We are home to every race, religion and ethnic group, and every lifestyle, but the bullying of women is something we cannot accept here in Nassau County.”

As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.

Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves - by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.

We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.

“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.

Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients, because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the client’s two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivering his State of the County Address. (Image from the Office of the Nassau County Executive)

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Responds To State Of The County Address

What follows is a transcript of Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s State of the County address.

Good evening.

I’m Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Democratic Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature, and it’s my honor to discuss the current state of our county. Having dedicated nearly two decades to public service, I’ve experienced a wide range of leadership approaches. While some leaders prioritize their constituents, addressing their needs and challenges head-on, others seem more concerned with their own self-promotion.

Regrettably, I find the Blakeman administration is one that has strayed from the highest ideals.

Nassau County is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that demand action, not just words.

million in tax cuts, this and many others have yet to materialize.

Last year, the Democratic Minority proposed a balanced budget that would have delivered these tax cuts while boosting funding for essential services like policing. Unfortunately, this plan was rejected by the Blakeman administration and the Republican Legislative Majority.

The county’s assessment system is another critical issue that has been left unaddressed. Nassau County has approximately 1.4 million people –a population larger than ten states – yet the Blakeman Administration has yet to appoint a qualified assessor. This has led to a widespread imbalance of residents’ tax burdens and, consequently, over-taxation of many residents.

Instead of focusing on these substantial issues, the Blakeman Administration has chosen to pro-

celebrating Nassau’s 125th anniversary through frivolous pursuits like swanky galas and self-promotional parades.

Sadly, this is only one part of the Blakeman Administration’s mismanagement of nearly $400 million in federal pandemic relief funds that went to Nassau County, and it underscores a disturbing trend of prioritizing partisan political grandstanding over the well-being of our residents.

These essential funds could have supported important programs like education, infrastructure, and healthcare, but instead have been redirected into a nebulous black hole by the Blakeman Administration that leaves crucial projects, programs, and needs unaddressed.

Take for example Nassau University Medical Center, a critical healthcare facility and safety net for our most vulnerable residents. Despite the hard work

and dedication of NUMC’s staff, the hospital is teetering on the brink of financial ruin due to leadership that prioritizes political allies over competent management. This both threatens the hospital’s future and places a significant financial burden on Nassau’s taxpayers, who are on the hook for paying nearly $120 million in hospital debt due to the county’s loan guarantees.

And let’s not forget the Blakeman Administration and Republican Legislative Majority’s refusal to support the County’s independent inspector general – whose job is to ensure county contracts are free from waste, fraud, and abuse.

Following the arrest, conviction, and incarceration of former County Executive Ed Mangano for public corruption, we worked tirelessly to establish an independent inspector general’s office, which has enhanced transparency and saved millions in taxpayer dollars.

The partisan efforts to stall the

reappointment of the Inspector General and starve this office of funding are both baffling and counterproductive.

We must also treat the County’s opioid crisis with the urgency it deserves. Under the leadership of former County Executive Laura Curran, the County pursued lawsuits to help hold the manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of addictive opioid drugs responsible for the countless lives they destroyed and families they tore apart. That fund, which must be used for treatment, prevention, and recovery services, has now grown to over $90 million. So, it’s shameful that the Blakeman Administration has spent less than 1 percent of these funds to combat this epidemic

Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton

Navigating The Real Estate Landscape

Unveiling the best real estate apps for homebuyers and sellers

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

In the digital age, real estate apps have become indispensable tools for both seasoned investors and rst-time homebuyers. ese applications o er a wealth of information, streamline property searches, and provide valuable insights into the dynamic real estate market. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the realm of real estate apps, highlighting some of the best options available for those looking to buy, sell, or invest in properties.

ZILLOW

Zillow stands out as a real estate app giant, offering a user-friendly interface and a vast database of homes for sale and rent. One of its standout features is the Zestimate tool, providing estimated property values based on various factors. Users can explore detailed property listings, neighborhood information, and even connect with local real estate agents. Zillow’s additional tools, such as mortgage calculators and affordability calculators, make it an all-encompassing platform for homebuyers and sellers alike.

REALTOR.COM

Realtor.com is a robust real estate app that prides itself on providing accurate and up-to-date listings. It offers comprehensive property details, including information on property taxes, school ratings, and neighborhood insights. The “Draw on Map” feature allows users to define specific search areas, providing a

more tailored home-hunting experience. Realtor.com is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable and precise information during their property search.

TRULIA

Trulia, a part of the Zillow Group, distinguishes itself by offering valuable insights into neighborhoods and communities. The app includes information on crime rates, school ratings, and local amenities, empowering users to make informed decisions. Trulia’s user-friendly interface and personalized search options make it easy for individuals to find their ideal homes. Additionally, the Rent vs. Buy calculator assists users in making well-informed housing decisions.

HOMESNAP

Homesnap takes a unique approach to real estate with its augmented reality (AR) technology. Users can point their smartphones at properties to access detailed information, including home

values, school district boundaries, and recent sales. The app also facilitates collaborative home searching, allowing users to share listings with family and friends. Homesnap’s interactive features and simplicity make it a standout in the competitive real estate app market.

LOOPNET

For those interested in commercial real estate, LoopNet is an essential app. Specializing in commercial property listings, including office spaces, retail units, and industrial properties, LoopNet provides detailed property information, financials, and contact details for property owners and brokers. Investors, business owners, and real estate professionals looking for commercial opportunities will find LoopNet to be an invaluable resource.

REDFIN

Redfin is renowned for its user-friendly interface and unique features. The app provides detailed property information, including high-quality photos and virtual tours. What sets Redfin apart is its pricing algorithm, offering users a more accurate estimate of a home’s market value. Redfin users can also schedule home tours and make offers directly through the app, streamlining the home-buying process. The world of real estate apps is diverse, with each application offering its own set of features and advantages. Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, Homesnap, and LoopNet stand out as some of the

best options available, catering to the varied needs of users in the real estate market. Whether you are a prospective homebuyer, seller, or investor, the right app can significantly enhance your real estate experience. As technology continues to shape the future of the industry, these apps will likely play an increasingly pivotal role in connecting buyers with their dream homes and assisting sellers in reaching their real estate goals

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Auction.com—has more than 25,000 exclusive listings and have more than $42B in sales in foreclosures and bankowned residential properties, many below market value; great for finding investment properties.

USHUD Foreclosures—offers millions of luxury, residential, foreclosure and HUD homes listings.

Fundrise Investments—build a portfolio of private market investments, including real estate, venture capital and private credit.

MarketWatch News—delivers the latest business news, financial information and market data.

Xome Auctions—one of the largest collections of foreclosure, bank-owned, 2nd Chance Foreclosure, Short Sale, and luxury properties available online. Apartments.com—best for real-time apartment availability.

—Christy Hinko contributed to this article.

Photo Getty Images

State Of Office And Industrial Markets On Long Island

Colliers analyst shares insight

BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Commercial and industrial real estate constitute vital sectors within the property market, serving distinct purposes. Commercial real estate encompasses retail spaces, o ce buildings, and hospitality establishments, providing venues for business activities. Investors often seek stable returns through leasing arrangements. Industrial real estate, on the other hand, involves facilities like warehouses and manufacturing plants, crucial for production and distribution. e demand for industrial spaces has surged with the rise of e-commerce, prompting strategic location considerations. Both sectors share a common reliance on economic trends and market dynamics, in uencing investment decisions. Understanding the nuanced characteristics of commercial and industrial real estate is paramount for successful investment and development strategies.

We spoke with Lars Remole, a senior research analyst at Colliers, the investment management company, about the state of the commercial market on Long Island. Here’s what he had to share.

CH: Tell me about the present leasing activity on Long Island, specifically in Nassau County. Is there much of a difference between North and South shore preferences? What are buyers looking for in a leasing opportunity? Who is leasing and for what reasons?

LR: Nassau County witnessed significant leasing activity, with 576,814-square foot of office space and 211,475-square foot of industrial space leased. Across Long Island, total industrial leasing activity amounted to 918,481-square foot , while office leasing activity reached 960,445-square foot.

The office and industrial markets are not divided by North Shore and South Shore, though there are very few office properties in Northern Nassau. Primary leasing locations are Western, Eastern, and Central Nassau with the largest office lease in Nassau County done by Gus Nuzzolese, Colliers executive vice president, for Catholic Health. This was a 247,145-square foot renewal and expansion at 2200 Northern Blvd. in East Hills (Western Nassau). A majority of industrial properties, on the other hand, are located in the middle between the

North and South Shores, close to thoroughfares and highways and further from the coast where land prices are higher.

New office tenants tend to favor newer, higher-amenity Class A buildings, although there are exceptions, such as tenants renewing their leases, government-occupied space, and tenants occupying entire buildings. Conversely, new industrial tenants prioritize easy access to major transportation arteries and spaces that meet their specific requirements. Office tenants notably include healthcare companies, which drive a significant portion of leasing, as well as government entities, the FIRE industry, and educational institutions. In the industrial sector, while there has been a slight slowdown in e-commerce activity, considerable engagement persists among food occupiers and standard industrial users, including freight/bulk storage and building supplies.

One transaction of note in Q4 2023 was the sale of a 155,471 square-foot office building at 1200 Franklin Ave. in Garden City for $92.3 million, which was purchased by NYU from a joint venture partnership between Simon Property Group & LT Garden City LLC.

CH: What are the hot market trends right now? How has this differed in years past? What is affecting the market right now?

LR: In the office market, we’re noticing a rise in distressed assets—buildings on watchlists, special servicing, or in receivership. Additionally, we’re seeing a trend of market right-sizing as tenants adjust their space requirements. As for the industrial sector, it’s gradually returning to normalcy following the e-commerce surge prompted by COVID-19.

CH: How are vacancy rates across Nassau County? Why? What’s the forecast on this number? What will help it or hurt it?

LR: The office availability rate reported in Q4 stood at 13.3 percent, with a vacancy rate of 11.3 percent. While these rates have maintained relative stability within the range of 9 to 12 percent availability, there was a slight uptick in 2023. I would anticipate they will continue this trend as tenants right-size, and the market adjusts accordingly. Regardless, Nassau County office remains appealing to tenants, and I don’t foresee rates increasing drastically based on current market conditions.

As for the industrial sector, the availability rate reported in Q4 was five percent, with a vacancy rate of 4.6 percent. With availability already relatively low and limited construction pipelines, I don’t anticipate significant changes in rates.

Interest rates holding steady or increasing could pose challenges for the

office market. As certain properties face financial distress, building owners may struggle with refinancing, which could deter both potential and current tenants. The looming possibility of a recession also remains. Conversely, municipal and government incentives, along with the increased adoption of back-to-office policies, offer support for the office market. Additionally, conversion efforts could have a multifaceted impact, reducing overall supply while also decreasing vacancy and availability rates, particularly in buildings with historically high vacancy rates. Some buildings may find new life through conversion into alternative uses, such as residential spaces.

On the other hand, a potential slowdown in e-commerce could adversely affect the industrial market, as the waning demand follows the decline in e-commerce activity spurred by COVID-19. Furthermore, community opposition to industrial buildings and occupiers (NIMBY) presents another potential hurdle. Nonetheless, the ongoing demand for bulk storage and industrial uses, combined with the relatively limited supply, offers support for the industrial market. Unlike Suffolk County, Nassau County has less available space for new construction of industrial buildings, which could also bolster the market’s stability.

Lars Remole

Photo by Alex Nuñez

Things To Consider When Buying A Multigenerational Home

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Buying a multigenerational home, where family members across two or more generations live under one roof, is becoming an increasingly popular option. This living arrangement can offer numerous benefits, including shared living expenses, easier childcare, and enhanced opportunities for family bonding. However, selecting the right home to suit the needs of everyone involved requires careful consideration. Here are several key factors to keep in mind:

1. Privacy and Personal Space

Each family member will have different needs for privacy and personal space. Look for homes with multiple living areas, en-suite bathrooms, and possibly even separate entrances. The layout should allow for communal living

without sacrificing the privacy that individuals or nuclear family units may sometimes need.

2. Accessibility for Elderly Family Members

If elderly parents or grandparents will be living in the home, consider features that make the home more accessible for them. This could include single-story living options, walk-in showers, grab bars in the bathrooms, and minimal thresholds. Homes that can be easily modified for accessibility should also be prioritized.

3. Bedroom and Bathroom Adequacy

Ensure the home has enough bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably accommodate everyone. Waiting for a bathroom can cause daily friction, and having enough bedrooms can provide everyone with their much-needed personal retreat.

4. Shared and Separate Living Areas

While shared living spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas are where the family can come together, separate living areas or dens can provide space for individual activities or downtime. A home that offers a balance of both is ideal.

5. Financial Considerations

Discuss and decide on how household expenses will be shared. This includes the mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and any necessary modifications to the home.

6. Location

The home’s location should be convenient for all generations. Consider proximity to work, schools, healthcare facilities, and amenities like parks and shopping areas. Consider the neighborhood’s safety and the quality of local schools if you have children.

7. Future Flexibility

Life changes, and the home you choose should be able to adapt to those changes. This might mean having spaces that can be easily converted for different uses, such as turning a home office into a bedroom or vice versa.

8. Legal and Zoning Considerations

In some areas, zoning laws may restrict the ability to have certain types of modifications, such as adding accessory dwelling units or separate entrances.

9. Kitchen Layout and Amenities

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially in a multigenerational setup. Consider a layout that allows for multiple people to cook and prepare meals together.

Buying a multigenerational home is a significant decision that involves more than just financial investment; it’s about creating an environment that fosters harmony, respect, and togetherness among family members. By considering these factors, families can find a home that not only meets their needs but also enhances their lives together.

Photo Getty Images

Breaking Ground: Empty Lots Are Hot Investment Hempstead identified as promising return

Over the past decade, the American cityscape has evolved dramatically. e speed of this transformation isn’t just seen in towering skylines or burgeoning populations but more so in the economic prosperity of its residents. Some cities, like Enterprise in Nevada and Kirkland in Washington, have rapidly climbed the ladder of growth due to their strategic locations, job opportunities, and unparalleled quality of life.

Empty plots of land across the Town of Hempstead are identified as having the most promising return on investment (ROI), as surveyed by 3,000 real estate investors.

The real question for savvy investors is identifying the next real estate hotspots. To shed light on this, Moving Feedback surveyed 3,000 prospective real estate investors with a hypothetical question:

“Which city would you stake your savings on an undeveloped one-acre plot?”

Their findings, dubbed the ‘Empty Plot Index’, spotlighted the top 200 U.S. real estate gems. Notably, Florida and Texas cities held a strong presence in the top 10.

#1 TAMPA, FL

Earning the top spot, Tampa is more than a city in expansion; it’s one sculpting its future. Investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, premier public services, and community endeavors make land in Tampa more than just a purchase; it’s a golden ticket to a city on the rise.

#2 AUSTIN, TX

Dubbed the world’s live music mecca, Austin’s allure extends beyond tunes. A potent blend of technological advancements, healthcare growth, and vibrant entertainment scenes make it a magnet for settlers and investors alike.

#3 KNOXVILLE, TN

As East Tennessee’s crown jewel, Knoxville, which clinched third place, prides itself on top-tier educational establishments, cultural hubs, and an elevated standard of living, promising multifaceted development prospects for vacant land.

#4 KISSIMMEE, FL

Holding the fourth spot, Kissimmee isn’t merely a tourist’s paradise. The city’s enticing climate and commitment to progress beckon many to establish lasting roots, presenting a ripe landscape for real estate visionaries.

#5 NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV

Tied closely to the growth of the larger Las Vegas area, North Las Vegas promises lucrative land investment avenues,

courtesy of its diverse economy and dedication to quality living.

#6 CHARLOTTE, NC

Christened the “Queen City,” Charlotte’s soaring population and robust economy promise potential investors not just land but a foothold in a dynamically advancing city.

#7 HEMPSTEAD, NY

The lone northern city in the top 10, Hempstead isn’t just about New York City proximity. Its multi-sectoral economy and focus on infrastructure position it as a hotbed for innovative real estate projects. Hempstead is a vibrant and diverse township in Nassau County, known for its rich history and significant role in the early development of Long Island. As one of the three townships in Nassau County, Hempstead boasts a mix of bustling residential communities, commercial developments, and picturesque parks, which encompasses the majority of towns and villages from the eastern border of Queens to the western border of Suffolk counties and everything from the ocean’s edge to a spillover on Hempstead Turnpike. The town’s combined population was 793,409 at the 2020 census, which is the majority of Nassau County’s population and makes it, by far, the largest population of any town in the United States. It is home to Hofstra University, a major driver of cultural and educational activities in the region. The township boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the serene, beachfront settings of Point Lookout to the historic streets of Old Hempstead. With its convenient access to New York City and comprehensive public services, Hempstead offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility.

#8 PHOENIX, AZ

Overcoming its water challenges, Phoenix, an emergent economic powerhouse, beckons investors with its vast developmental potential across residential and commercial segments.

#9 SAN ANTONIO, TX

Marked ninth, San Antonio, a fast-growing urban behemoth, promises

#107 UTICA

#10 EDINBURG, TX

Positioned in the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg entices with its diversified economy and continuous efforts in enhancing infrastructure and community offerings.

“Our research sheds light on the dynamic nature of the real estate market” Harrison Gough of Moving Feedback said, reflecting on the findings. “It’s noteworthy to see how different cities are shaping up as potential hubs. These patterns could be instrumental in understanding broader economic and societal shifts across the nation.”

NEW YORK HAD FOUR OTHER ENTRIES IN THE ‘EMPTY PLOT INDEX’:

#87 BUFFALO

Buffalo, situated in western New York along the Great Lakes, has been in the midst of a transformation with substantial investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and community development. The city’s economy is well-diversified, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics, providing a stable economic foundation and a range of job opportunities. Buffalo boasts a mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. It has been focusing on revitalizing neighborhoods, enhancing its waterfront, and fostering a lively arts and dining scene. Investing in land in Buffalo opens doors to various development prospects, including residential projects in revitalized neighborhoods, commercial spaces to support local businesses and startups, and recreational facilities to leverage the city’s scenic location along Lake Erie.

Investing in a 1-acre vacant lot in Utica offers a promising opportunity due to the city’s affordability, potential for revitalization, and strategic location in Central New York. Utica, situated in the Mohawk Valley, has been actively working on revitalizing its economy and urban areas. Its diverse economy, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology, provides a stable foundation and employment opportunities. The city’s investments in infrastructure, public services, and community development enhance its overall appeal to residents and businesses.

#114 MOUNT VERNON

Located just north of the Bronx in Westchester County, Mount Vernon provides suburban living with easy city access. Its economy spans healthcare, education, and retail, offering stability and job opportunities. Mount Vernon’s unique blend of culture, historic architecture, and green spaces is complemented by ongoing revitalization efforts and infrastructure improvements. The land is versatile and suitable for residential, commercial, or revitalization projects.

#123 SCHENECTADY

Situated in upstate New York, Schenectady’s recent resurgence, driven by investments in technology, healthcare, and higher education, has diversified its economy. Key sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy, offering stability and employment prospects. Schenectady boasts cultural amenities, historic sites, and proximity to institutions like Union College.

—Moving Feedback (www.movingfeedback.com) with additional reporting by Christy Hinko

investors a blend of robust economic growth and cultural vitality.

Town Of Hempstead (Photo Getty Images)

What’s The Talk About Town?

Top three things that are trending in real estate market

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

e real estate market has been dynamic, in uenced by various global and local factors since the COVID pandemic. While speci c trends can vary by location, three broad topics were widely discussed in the real estate sector:

1Market Shifts Toward Buyers

After a prolonged period where sellers had the upper hand due to low inventory and high demand, there were signs of the market shifting. Interest rates had risen, cooling down some of the frenzied buying and slowing home price increases. This shift was beginning to give buyers more negotiating power, more options to choose from, and a bit more time to make decisions. Discussions were centered on how buyers and sellers need to adjust their strategies in this evolving market landscape.

2 The Impact of Remote Work on Housing Preferences

The pandemic accelerated the trend of remote work, leading to a sustained impact on housing preferences. People were no longer bound to live near their workplaces, prompting a migration to suburbs, smaller cities, or even rural areas in search of more space and better affordability. This shift was significantly affecting urban real estate markets, rental markets, and the types of

amenities that homebuyers and renters were prioritizing. The long-term effects of this trend on commercial real estate, particularly office spaces, were also a hot topic of discussion.

3Sustainability and Green Homes

Sustainability became a growing concern among homebuyers, investors, and developers. The demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes was rising, driven by a mix of environmental awareness, increasing energy costs, and in some cases, government incentives. Discussions in the real estate community focused on the integration of green technologies, sustainable building materials, and designs that minimize environmental impact. This trend was not only about new construction but also about retrofitting existing homes to make them more energy-efficient.

These topics reflect the evolving nature of the real estate market, influenced by economic factors, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. As the market continues to adapt to these changes, the conversations around these topics are likely to evolve as well.

Photo Getty Images

Is A Fixer Upper Right For You?

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Deciding whether to buy a new home or a fixer-upper is a significant decision that prospective homeowners face. Each option presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and the right choice depends on a variety of factors including budget, timeline, personal skills, and long-term goals. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to navigate this decision, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

Your Financial Situation

Budget: New homes typically command a higher price but come with fewer immediate repair and maintenance issues. Fixer-uppers are often less expensive upfront but require a budget for renovations. Assess your financial situation meticulously, considering not only the purchase price but also the potential costs of renovations, which often exceed initial estimates.

change, and renovation costs can escalate.

Energy Efficiency and Maintenance: New homes are often more energy-efficient and come with newer appliances and systems, reducing maintenance costs and utility bills. Fixer-uppers, depending on their age and condition, might require substantial updates to heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems to become energy-efficient.

Financing: Mortgage options vary between new homes and fixer-uppers. Some loans, like the FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle, are specifically designed for homebuyers looking to finance both the purchase of a property and the renovations it needs. Understanding these options can help you make a more informed decision

Lifestyle and Preferences

Timeline: If you need to move in immediately, a new home is likely your best bet. Fixer-uppers require time for renovations, which can be unpredictable and extend beyond initial timelines.

Tolerance for Disruption: Living in a home while renovating can be stressful and disruptive. Consider your tolerance for this disruption against the appeal of moving into a ready-to-live-in new home.

Evaluating the Market

Availability: In some real estate markets, the choice between a new home and a fixer-upper may be made for you based on what’s available in your desired area and within your budget.

Resale Value: Consider the future resale value of the property. A well-chosen fixer-upper in a desirable neighborhood can appreciate significantly. Conversely, new homes in growing communities can also be a good investment, though they might not offer the same level of uniqueness as a renovated older home.

Making the RIGHT Decision

Personal Skills: Do you have the skills to take on some of the renovations, or are you willing to learn? If you relish the idea of DIY projects, a fixer-upper can be a rewarding project. If not, the convenience of a new home may be more appealing.

Long-Term Goals

Customization: Fixer-uppers allow for customization. You can create a space that truly reflects your personal taste and needs. New homes might offer some level of customization, but options are often limited to what the builder offers.

Investment Potential: Fixer-uppers can offer great investment potential. Homes that are bought at a lower price and then renovated can sometimes be sold for a significant profit, depending on the market and the extent of the renovations. This is not without risk, as market conditions can

Home Inspection: Before making a decision, invest in a thorough home inspection for any property you’re seriously considering. For fixer-uppers, this can help you understand the scope of work needed and whether the home is a good investment. For new homes, it ensures that everything is up to code and constructed properly.

Consult with Professionals: Speak with real estate agents, contractors, and financial advisors who can provide insights into the local market, renovation costs, and financing options. Their expertise can help guide your decision.

Reflect on Your Commitment: Finally, reflect on your commitment to the project. A fixer-upper can be a years-long commitment that requires not just financial investment but time and emotional energy. Ensure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

Choosing between a new home and a fixer-upper involves a careful assessment of your financial situation, lifestyle, personal preferences, and long-term goals. While new homes offer convenience and modern features, fixer-uppers provide an opportunity for customization and potentially greater investment returns. By thoroughly evaluating each option against your unique circumstances and with the help of professionals, you can make a decision that best suits your needs, aspirations, and capabilities, setting the stage for a happy and fulfilling home life.

Photo Getty Images

Getting your home prepped and

interest requires a strategy. With an eye for staging, high-quality photography that stands out, and the ability to determine the right pricing, I ensure buyers see your home’s greatest potential. Contact me today to see your home in my portfolio.

“Beth was an outstanding agent and we would recommend her wholeheartedly. She made a stressful process feel like a breeze. Her attentiveness to detail, thoughtfulness, and tireless work ethic helped us achieve the best result possible for our home sale. Not only was she an excellent agent but by the end of the sale, she truly felt like a friend. Anyone who works with Beth is truly lucky. She is the best of the best!” -

c.516.647.1729

For Such An Amazing Start to 2024

As

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Pave The Way To Homeownership

Saving for a down payment can be challenging. If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 38 percent of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need as much as you think.

Median down payments may be lower than you think. Data from NAR shows the median down payment hasn’t been more than 20 percent since 2005. In fact, the median down payment for all homebuyers today is only 15 percent. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers—eight percent. Because that’s the median, it implies that you don’t have to put that much down. Some qualified buyers put down even less.

For example, there are certain loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5 percent, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. There are also many down payment assistance programs that may be able to help you with your down payment.

First-Time and repeat buyers are often eligible for down payment assistance.

According to Down Payment Resource, there are thousands of programs available for homebuyers—and 75 percent of these are down payment assistance programs. First-time buyers are not the only ones eligible for down payment assistance either. No matter where you are in your homebuying journey, there could be an option available for you.

Your local real estate professional is the best person to begin searching for more information about down payment assistance programs that you may be eligible for. They’ll be able to share more information about available programs, including additional programs for specific professions or communities.

OneKeyMLS.com makes finding down payment assistance easy.

When searching listings on

OneKeyMLS.com, as of Dec. 2023, 74 percent of all OneKey MLS listings are eligible for at least one type of down payment assistance program.

Additional Resources

Here are a few down payment assist ance programs that are helping many of today’s buyers achieve their dream of homeownership:

• Teacher Next Door is designed to help teachers, first responders, health providers, government employees, active-duty military personnel and veterans reach their down payment goals.

• Fannie Mae provides down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers living in majority-Latino communities.

• Freddie Mac also has options designed specifically for homebuyers with modest credit scores and limited funds for a down payment.

• The 3By30 program lays out actionable strategies to add three million new Black homeowners by 2030. These programs offer valuable resources for potential buyers, making it easier for them to secure down payments and realize their dream of homeownership.

• For Native Americans, Down Payment Resource highlights 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs across 14 states that ease the path to homeownership by providing support with down payments and other associated costs.

Achieving the dream of homeownership may be more within reach than you think, especially when you know where to find the right support. Direct your questions to a local real estate expert who can guide you through the search process as you learn what you may be eligible for.

—Courtesy of OneKeyMLS, adapted from Keeping Current Matters

Photo Getty Images

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s Home From Work We Go Buying a home and your commute

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

When house hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of a potential new home—the layout, the yard, the neighborhood. However, one critical factor that can signi cantly impact your daily life is often overlooked until after the keys are handed over: the commute.

e daily journey to and from work can a ect your quality of life, your nancial situation, and even your physical and mental health. Here are several considerations to weigh regarding your commute when purchasing a home.

The Length of the Commute

Research has consistently shown that longer commutes are associated with higher levels of stress, lower satisfaction with life, and even poorer health. Before making an offer on a house, simulate the commute during rush hour, not just on a relaxed weekend day. Understand what you’re committing to on a daily basis. Is the extra bedroom worth an additional 30 minutes on the road? Only you can decide, but be aware of the trade-off.

Mode of Transportation

Consider how you’ll be getting to work. If you’re driving, assess the traffic patterns and parking availability. For public transit users, identify the nearest stations or bus stops, the frequency of service, and the total travel time including transfers. If you’re considering cycling or walking, check the safety and availability of bike lanes or sidewalks. Each mode of transportation has its own set of costs, benefits, and considerations.

Commuting Costs

The expenses associated with commuting can add up quickly. For car owners, factor in fuel, parking, tolls, and increased maintenance costs. Public transit users should account for fares and possibly the cost of getting to and from the station. If you’re moving further out to get more home for your money, ensure that the commuting costs don’t eat into those savings. Remember, these expenses will recur monthly, affecting your overall budget.

Work Flexibility

With the rise of remote work, consider how often you’ll actually need to commute. If you have the flexibility to work from home part or most of the time, a longer commute might be more tolerable. However, it’s also important to consider the possibility of future changes in work policy or even job changes

that might require a return to the office full-time.

Time Investment

Time is a finite resource, and hours spent commuting are hours not spent elsewhere—be it with family, hobbies, exercising, or relaxing. Consider the impact of the commute on your work-life balance. Are you okay with leaving earlier in the morning and getting home later in the evening? The answer might change depending on your life stage and priorities.

Stress and Well-being

The stress of a long or difficult commute can take a toll on your well-being. Traffic congestion, unreliable public transportation, or unsafe cycling conditions can start or end your workday on a sour note. Consider the stress level associated with the commute and its potential impact on your mental health.

Environmental Impact

For those concerned with their environmental footprint, the mode and length of your commute matter. Living further out often means relying more on personal vehicles, which typically contribute to greater carbon emissions. On the other hand, using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking can lessen your environmental impact.

Future Commute Changes

Consider potential changes to your commute in the future. Are there planned infrastructure projects that might improve or worsen commuting conditions? Could your workplace relocate? While you can’t predict every possibility, being aware of planned developments in the area can help you make a more informed decision.

Impact on Property Value

Finally, the ease of commute from a particular location can influence property values. Areas with shorter commutes or better access to public transportation often have higher property values and may retain their value better over time. This can be an important consideration for your investment in the long run.

When buying a home, the commute is a crucial factor that warrants careful consideration. It’s not just about the distance but the quality of life, the cost, the time, and the impact on your well-being. A home that fits your needs is important, but so is ensuring that the journey to and from that home doesn’t detract from your overall happiness and satisfaction. By thoroughly evaluating the commute before making a purchase, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term satisfaction.

Photo Getty Images

BONNIE’S WATERFRONT LISTINGS

Sands Point, NY – “Serenity by the Sound”

Stunning, sophisticated, richly detailed, this magni cent contemporary residence sits on over 2 acres, with 300 ft. of sandy beach on Long Island Sound. The home itself is a mid-century marvel with oor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide dazzling water views no matter where you are in the house. The spacious patio o ers an impeccable entertainment space, and a private outdoor shower marries function with luxury for this waterfront oasis. A charming pergola replete with outdoor seating is ideal for enjoying the gorgeous panorama. The mid-century modern lines, elegant curves, and expansive windows make this home a true architectural treasure and the epitome of an idyllic retreat. A Masterpiece Collection Listing.

MLS# 3397349 | $8,800,000

Sands Point, NY – “The Lindens”

Exceptional opportunity to rent this spectacular unfurnished waterfront estate. Experience timeless elegance at The Lindens, a gracious estate nestled on 5.86 acres of meticulously landscaped Long Island Sound waterfront. With 187 feet of sandy beachfront and breathtaking water vistas, this distinguished residence is beautifully and practically designed. O ering a light lled kitchen with custom cabinetry, and top of the line appliances. Enjoy leisurely days by the sparkling swimming pool or on the all-weather tennis court, seamlessly integrated into the enchanting gardens.

MLS# 3531590 | $38,000/month

TAKING THE HELM

THROUGH THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

My treasure throughout the past 50 years is BECAUSE OF YOU. I am grateful for the special relationships we’ve shared along the way.

Bonnie Doran Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Circle of Excellence

Port Washington O ce 516.883.2900, c.516.729.5663 bonniedoran@danielgale.com

From Farmhouse To Cottage

Here are the most Instagrammable kitchen styles

Modern kitchens have been named the most Instagrammable kitchen style, according to a new study.

The experts at CabinetSelect analyzed the biggest kitchen styles on Instagram to reveal which design proved most popular on the platform. Variations of hashtags related to each style were identified and posts totaled to reveal the most Instagrammable kitchen style.

The number one kitchen trend on Instagram is modern, accumulating 1,340,692 posts on the platform. Renowned for sleek flat surfaces, angular designs, and clean lines, modern kitchens are the calm centerpiece of many homes due to their open space and simple color palettes.

Farmhouse ranked as the second most popular kitchen trend on Instagram with 1,109,765 posts. This classic look has blown up on social media over the last few years, with homeowners choosing to bring the natural, cozy look of a farmhouse into the kitchen with quality hardwood counter tops, wooden tables, paneling, beams and various extra accessories.

Country is the third most Instagrammable kitchen style. Users on the platform have shared 471,611 posts related to the style, more than almost every other trend. Much like farmhouse, country-style kitchens embrace natural materials and bright neutral colors. Whether you want a modern country kitchen with white cabinets or a classically designed kitchen featuring wooden fixtures, this trend can be styled to your preference.

More and more people are opting for a rustic kitchen, with the trend placing fourth among the most popular kitchen styles on Instagram. Posts related to rustic kitchens totaled 178,603, with users on the platform showcasing inspiration for beautifully designed, vintage spaces. Rustic embraces classic design choices like open shelving, and authentic, aged wooden counter tops alongside earthy tones and colors to make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming.

Shaker-style kitchens are the fifth most popular kitchen style on Instagram with 178,017 posts. The trend gets its name from the type of kitchen cabinet which is found in spaces styled with this simple design. Shaker cabinets are designed to make your kitchen a more functional space without comprising on your decor. Featuring symmetrical cabinets with a flat center panel and square edges, shaker style kitchens are minimal in design with very little decoration.

Cottage is the sixth most Instagrammable kitchen style, accumulating 163,180 posts on the platform. Creating a cozy, warm cottage-style kitchen is a popular choice among decor enthusiasts.

The style has become synonymous with floral patterns, rustic finishes, warm wood, wicker baskets, kitchen islands, and more. Decorators use natural colors and decorative accessories to bring the cozy cottage feel to your kitchen.

With approximately 131,338 posts on Instagram, contemporary is the seventh most popular kitchen style on the platform. Contemporary kitchens adopt the sleek flat surfaces associated with the modern style. But rather than using these types of fixtures to create a simple, clean environment, contemporary kitchens often feature more homely elements along with contrasting counter and cabinet colors to make the space that little bit more distinctive.

Industrial is the eighth most popular kitchen style, according to Instagram. Users have shared 92,599 posts with hashtags related to industrial kitchens. Focusing on form and functionality, industrial style kitchens normally feature minimal decor and open floors to capture the practical appeal of commercial spaces. When styling an industrial kitchen, people tend to avoid traditional decorative elements for a clean, efficient kitchen area.

Despite new and exciting trends catching the eye of homeowners, traditional still remains one of the most popular kitchen styles. Ranking ninth on the study with 84,934 posts on Instagram, traditional kitchens incorporate many of the classic designs to create timeless spaces. From beautifully painted cabinets to granite counter tops, hardwood floors, muted color palettes, and more, traditional kitchens ooze warmth and elegance.

French is the final trend to feature among the 10 most popular kitchen styles on Instagram with 74,322 total posts. French-style kitchens are heralded for combining rustic and chic decor, using neutral colors and natural materials to bring a timeless kitchen space to life. These spaces typically have the aura of a farmhouse kitchen with an extra level of sophistication inspired by the styles and designs of Paris.

Chris Alexakis, Co-Founder of CabinetSelect, commented on the study: “While modern-style kitchens were named the most popular on Instagram, six of the 10 most popular styles embrace natural decor.

“Despite kitchens mainly serving as a functional cooking space, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for more homely, classic designs that combine coziness with functionality. It will be interesting to see if modern, minimal designs surge in popularity over the coming years or whether warm, cozy kitchens remain ever popular among social media users.”

—CabinetSelect (cabinetselect.com) with sources from Instagram

Photos from Getty Images

Property Investing

New research reveals the states most interested expanding their investment portfolios

Is it any surprise that New York tops the list for state where the most people are interested in real estate investing?

The research, conducted by Premier DSCR Lender Visio Lending, analyzed Google search data to determine which states are most interested in investing in property. The study combined 11 common search terms related to property and real estate to reveal the average monthly search volume in each state. The states were then ranked from ‘most interested’ to ‘least interested’ based on searches per 100,000 of their population.

With an average of 123 searches per 100,000 people each month, New York is the state most interested in investing in property. The Empire State averaged over 24,000 (24,313) monthly searches over the past year, with 7,475 of those being for the term ‘real estate investment trusts’.

“The study found that the

national monthly search volume for terms related to property and real estate averaged more than 268,000 over the past year, which suggests that thousands of people are interested in investing in property,” said Jeff Ball, CEO of Visio Lending. “The results allow us to visualize where large proportions of those searches are coming from, which is both fascinating as well as important for anyone connected to the industry.”

the state averaged just over 7,500 average monthly searches over the past year, there were 108 searches per 100,000 population.

Like New York, ‘real estate investment trusts’ was the phrase most searched for (2,442).

New Jersey ranked in third.

investment’.

California ranked in fourth for states most interested in investing in property. The Golden State had the highest average monthly search volume of any of the states in the top 10 but fell just short of 100 (99) searches per 100,000 people.

Massachusetts ranked in second for the states most interested in investing in property. Although

The Garden State was the only other state to average 100 or more searches per 100,000 people. 1,250 of the 9,258 average monthly searches in New Jersey were for the term ‘real estate

With 98 average monthly searches per 100,000 people, Maryland ranked in fifth. More than 1,800 (1,803) of the 6,035 average monthly searches in the entire state were for the term ‘real estate investment trusts.’

One less search per 100,000 people (97) meant that Georgia ranked in sixth for the states most interested in investing in property. 1,525 of the 10,580 average monthly searches in the state were for the

phrase ‘real estate investment’. Meanwhile, Hawaii ranked in seventh with an average of 94 searches per 100,000 people.

Similarly to Hawaii, Virginia and Colorado also averaged 94 searches per 100,000 people. Like most of the top 10, the most searched-for for term in both states was ‘real estate investment trusts.’

With an average of 90 searches per 100,000 people, Washington rounded off the 10 states most interested in investing in property.

On the opposite end of the scale, West Virginia is the state least interested in investing in property with an average of 31 searches per 100,000 people. It is also the only state to average fewer than 40 searches per 100,000 people.

Mississippi (42), South Dakota (44), Kentucky (44) and Iowa (45) all averaged 45 or less searches per 100,000 people.

—Visio Lending, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

Photo Getty Images

Home Maintenance Checklist

Following an annual maintenance routine helps homeowners avoid costly repairs, property damage, and keeps home a happy, healthy, and safe place for family and visitors alike.

In New York, some March days are perfect for outdoor adventures, while other March days practically demand cozy indoor activities. Take advantage of the unpredictable weather we can always rely on to tackle home maintenance tasks both indoors and out to ensure your home stays in top shape as we spring forward this month.

Make the most of the variations in weather patterns to complete the transition from winter to spring. You may have completed some of these tasks in February—so feel free to check them off your list now.

Inside Tasks

❏ Inspect and Service HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and systems ensures they’re operating efficiently and helps prevent costly breakdowns or interruptions in service. This is also the time to clean or change out air and water filters.

❏ Check and Replace Batteries: Change smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries to ensure they’re functioning properly to alert you to potential dangers. This is crucial for home safety. A good rule of thumb is to check the batteries when you change your clocks 2x yearly.

❏ Windows: Inspect windows and window screens. Patch any holes and reattach loose mesh. Check that the frames are undamaged and securely attached and that the hardware is tightened appropriately.

❏ Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Seal any gaps or cracks to improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems.

❏ FCI Outlets: Test and reset the GFCI outlets to ensure they’re operating properly. GFCI outlets are typically installed in close proximity to water sources to protect against electric shock hazards. They’re designed to shut off power to the outlet if they detect that electricity is flowing along an unintended path and

potentially creating a dangerous environment. These outlets contain a reset button which must be manually engaged once the safety mechanism is engaged.

❏ Ceiling Fans: Inspect and clean ceiling fans from dust build-up over the wintertime. Clean and replace the bulbs as needed. Switch the direction of the blades to improve air quality and circulate warm air up and away from living spaces.

Outside Tasks

❏ Gutters: Inspect and repair any damage that’s occurred to the rain gutters over the winter. Clean out any debris that has fallen or clogged up the water channel to ensure that water is draining properly away from the foundation of the home.

❏ Trees and Shrubs: Trim back any tree branches or shrub overgrowth that could cause roof, siding or foundation damage before the spring thaw. It’s healthy for most, not all, trees and shrubs to be pruned back now prior to the warmer weather when they begin to store nutrients in their branches and leaves again. Do your homework to ensure you’re pruning safely. Note any tree roots that have begun to disrupt walkways and any plants that have been uprooted in the inclement weather.

❏ Lawn Care: Remove debris,

aerate and overseed the lawn now to prepare for healthy spring growth. For professional lawn care, this is the time to schedule your first seasonal appointment to plan out your yardscape for the coming months.

❏ Lighting: Check outdoor lighting fixtures for damage, including the bulbs, wirings, and casings. Replace burnt-out bulbs and add fixtures where necessary. Solar-powered outdoor lighting has evolved greatly in the last few years, which allows lighting to be added to fences, landscape, and other parts of property, where battery-operated lights may have been unreliable and where exterior electric lines weren’t feasible.

❏ Wooden Structures: Inspect all wooden surfaces for signs of rot and weathering. Replace the boards as needed. Apply a fresh coat of sealant or paint to protect against further damage.

Final Thoughts

Sump pump maintenance often gets overlooked, but it is a critical task which homeowners must be vigilant about completing. Sump pumps remove excess water that accumulates due to inclement weather or through regular sewage removal. If a sump pump fails or malfunctions, the basement may flood, the home’s foundation may lose structural integrity due to moisture damage, and the air quality of the home can suffer due to mold growth and bacterial infiltration. Ensure the sump pump turns on— pour water down the drain and listen for the activation and the removal of water. It’s usually very apparent when a sump pump is working properly. Clean the sump pit and remove any debris that could interfere with the pump’s operation. Inspect the pump and replace any parts that may have worn down over time.

Call a professional to conduct a thorough inspection and complete maintenance annually. Like many other home maintenance tasks, you will save money by investing in maintenance regularly instead of waiting for disaster to strike.

—Courtesy of OneKeyMLS (onekeymls.com)

Photo Getty Images

om ou initial consultation to the success ul closing, my o en system consistently eli e s outstan ing esults, e en in the most com le t ansactions, always with my clients est inte ests at hea t you e consi e ing selling o sim ly want to stay in o me a out the ma ket, m he e to o i e e e t

Fair Housing Campaign Focuses On Disabilities

Long Island Board of REALTORS (LIBOR) launched the next phase of its Home For All Of Us fair housing initiative, with a new focus on ensuring fair housing access for people with disabilities. LIBOR released a suite of resources to help its members and others in the real estate sector understand and follow relevant laws and regulations so they can best serve people with disabilities.

According to the 2023 National Fair Housing Trends Report, disability discrimination was the most reported form of housing discrimination in the country, by a wide margin. This is a trend LIBOR and its REALTOR members are working hard to reverse.

“REALTORS, property owners, real estate brokers and property managers are central to delivering fair access to housing for people with disabilities,” said Doreen

Chris Heller, a real estate expert, has identified the interior decor choices likely to put off prospective homebuyers—with pastel colors named the biggest offender. The findings, compiled by real estate experts Agent Advice, follow an analysis of decor-related Google searches made nationwide and across each state last year to identify the most and least popular home features and design elements.

“When listing your home for sale, those that are decorated well are more visually appealing and therefore more likely to stick in buyers’ minds,” Heller, co-founder of Agent Advice said. “Many buyers will even be willing to pay more for an aesthetically pleasing property as it requires less immediate renovation or redecoration.”

Anyone looking to list their property for sale may want to consider making simple changes to better suit buyers’ preferences over the next few months, as spring (March through May) is generally considered the best time to sell your home.

“This gives you an advantage in the competitive real estate market, particularly during peak periods like March, April, and May,” Heller said. “Staging your rooms in a way that feels inviting and comfortable makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the property, whether viewing it in person or online. Hence, the

Spagnuolo, LIBOR Interim CEO. “We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to playing our part to ensure Long Island REALTORS understand how best to serve all members of our community.”

The new LIBOR resources, which are available to homebuyers and renters, as well as the general public, cover critical topics such as reasonable modifications and accommodations; service and support animals; and real estate office and websites accessibility. These resources build on the first set released earlier this year, which focused on source of income.

“By ensuring that everyone can choose where they live, those of us who call Long Island home have an opportunity to build stronger communities, support more stable neighborhoods and create a more attractive environment for businesses to relocate and grow here,” continued Spagnuolo. “This is our message to our fair housing partners, public officials and anyone with a stake in making Long Island home for all of us.”

—Long Island Board of REALTORS, Inc. (LIBOR)

Following as the third most offputting choice is antique farmhouse decor, which includes things like wall paneling, hardwood flooring, and rustic brass hardware.

Similarly, the fourth least popular decor decision is upcycled furniture, with many fans of a farmhouse aesthetic thrifting and repurposing vintage pieces for their home.

decor is really key.”

No Deal Interior design choices that are keeping you from selling your home

And it turns out that sellers who incorporated pastel colors into their decor after they rose in popularity early last year may want to redecorate, as they’re the least appealing color palette to prospective buyers right now.

Pastel colors—especially pink, baby blue, and lilac—dominated social media over the last year due to things like the

Barbie film release and an appreciation for retro hues, but their popularity has clearly waned as we head into the peak 2024 season.

The second design choice that’s likely to turn buyers off your home came out as scalloped furniture, which also saw a rise in demand last year, especially among homeowners who favor a vintage, doll-like or ‘mermaid-core’ aesthetic.

Revamping old furniture proved especially popular on social media in the last year, as creators share their passion projects, but it seems many buyers may struggle to see the appeal—especially if they prefer a modern or sleek aesthetic.

Rounding out the five design choices that sellers should rectify is incorporating industrial elements, the middle point between modern and farmhouse aesthetics.

However, the use of exposed metal, minimalist features, and bare bricks inspired by industrial spaces like factories may prove offputting to some who see it as ‘cold.’

Also among the least desirable decor choices are Scandinavian elements—characterized by a minimalist approach and blend of textures—followed by botanical wallpaper, vintage decor, gold cabinet hardware, and geometric wallpaper.

—Submitted by Agent Advice (agentadvice.com); data gathered from Google Keyword Planner.

Photo Getty Images

Step

A Comprehensive Guide To Obtaining Your Real Estate License: From Aspiration To Achievement

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Venturing into the world of real estate can be an exciting and lucrative career path, but the rst critical milestone on this journey is obtaining your real estate license. Navigating the licensing process requires a blend of education, preparation, and adherence to state-speci c requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you successfully obtain your real estate license and embark on a ful lling career in real estate.

Research State Requirements

Begin by researching the specific requirements outlined by the real estate licensing authority in the state where you plan to practice. State regulations regarding age eligibility, pre-licensing education, and examination criteria can vary significantly.

Visit the official website of the state’s real estate commission or licensing board to access accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, you can contact these entities directly for clarification on any queries.

Pre-Licensing Education

Most states mandate completion of pre-licensing education as a prerequisite for obtaining a real estate license. These courses cover fundamental aspects of real estate, including legal principles, property valuation, and transaction procedures.

Choose a reputable and state-approved educational provider. Options include

in-person classes, online courses, or a hybrid approach. Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your state’s requirements and provides comprehensive coverage of key topics.

Prepare for the Licensing Exam

The real estate licensing exam is a pivotal step in the process, assessing your knowledge of both national and state-specific real estate concepts.

Utilize study materials, practice exams, and review courses to thoroughly prepare for the exam. Many states provide detailed exam content outlines and study guides to help you focus your preparation on essential areas.

Take and Pass the Licensing Exam

Schedule the licensing exam with a state-approved testing service. The exam typically consists of two parts: a national section covering general real estate principles and a state-specific section focusing

on local regulations.

On the exam day, arrive well-prepared and confident. Upon successful completion, your state’s real estate commission will provide you with your exam results. Aim for a passing score to proceed to the next phase of obtaining your license.

Submit Your License Application

Once you have successfully passed the licensing exam, it’s time to submit your license application to the state’s real estate commission.

Prepare the necessary documentation, including proof of completed education, exam results, and any additional requirements specified by your state. Some states may necessitate background checks and fingerprinting as part of the application process.

Associate with a Real Estate Broker

In most states, newly licensed real estate professionals are required to work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Choosing the right broker is a crucial decision that can profoundly impact your early career experiences.

Research potential brokers, considering factors such as reputation, training programs, commission structures, and the level of support offered to new agents. Aligning yourself with an experienced and supportive broker can accelerate your learning curve and pave the way for success.

Join a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Enhance your effectiveness as a real

estate professional by joining a local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a powerful tool providing comprehensive information on available properties, recent sales, and market trends.

Access to an MLS equips you with valuable insights, enabling you to stay informed about property availability, pricing strategies, and market dynamics. This knowledge is instrumental in offering superior service to your clients.

Fulfill Post-Licensing Requirements

Some states impose post-licensing education requirements that must be completed within a specified timeframe after obtaining your license. These courses aim to deepen your understanding of real estate practices and ensure ongoing professional development.

Obtaining your real estate license is a transformative journey that requires dedication, education, and meticulous adherence to state regulations. By meticulously following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the licensing process with confidence. Once licensed, you’ll be equipped to embark on a fulfilling career, helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and contributing to the vibrant and ever-evolving real estate industry. Remember, success in real estate often hinges on continuous learning, client-focused service, and a passion for the intricacies of the property market.

Photo Getty Images

Real Estate Is My Passion. I Love To Introduce Buyers To Many Of The Beautiful Communities That Make Up Long Island. For The Past 20 Years My Mission Has Been To Imagine, Create, & Celebrate Your Home. I Would Be Honored To Help You With All Your Real Estate Needs.

PSEG Long Island Prepares For Ospreys’ Return

Company removes garbage, debris from nests in anticipation of the raptors’ breeding season

As World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3, PSEG Long Island was busy preparing for osprey breeding season by inspecting known nesting areas and cleaning out debris and garbage in the nests located near company-installed webcams in Oyster Bay and Patchogue.

This year, crews retrieved manmade garbage including plastic bags, fishing line and prescription pill bottles, from the osprey nests, helping to ensure the birds and their chicks do not get tangled as nesting season begins.

“PSEG Long Island is proud to play a small role in the multi-decade, collaborative effort to bring back Long Island’s osprey population,” said Dave Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “Because good environmental stewardship is part of being strongly involved in the community, and also because protecting these birds from high-voltage equipment improves reliability for customers.”

Osprey build their nests on the tallest structure near a body of water. To proactively monitor its utility poles for osprey nests, PSEG Long Island partners closely with Group for the East End, a nonprofit organization that has advocated for the protection and preservation of nature on the East End since 1972. Volunteers with the nonprofit conduct their own surveys of the area and share osprey data with the company, which maintains a team dedicated to mitigating risks and relocating nests safely and in accordance with all regulations protecting the wildlife.

According to a report issued by the Group for the East End last year, osprey breeding activity on the East End increased by 200 percent in eight years, with 199 active nests in

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

– neglecting the desperate needs of recovery, treatment, and prevention services.

Yet, when the same Blakeman Administration asked for $10 million to promote unnecessary anniversary galas, golf outings and parades, it was rubber-stamped by the Republican Majority in a New York minute.

This never-ending pattern of political self-promotion over meaningful government action is unacceptable. Nassau County deserves real leadership that is fully committed to the well-being of all its residents, not just those who benefit from black tie events and public relations stunts. All nineteen legislative districts must be served equally.

As the leader of the Minority Caucus,

2014 growing to 477 in the summer of 2022. In balancing its commitment to the consistent, safe delivery of power for its customers with its commitment to being a good environmental steward, PSEG Long Island has installed dozens of new osprey nesting platforms to deter the returning birds from nesting on electrical equipment, which puts both the raptors and the electrical system in danger.

PSEG Long Island has installed 24-hour webcams at two of these nesting platforms, in Oyster Bay and Patchogue. Late last month, crews cleared debris and garbage from these platforms to make them safe for the osprey as they return to breed.

For more information about osprey and to view live webcam feed of the nests, visit psegliny.com/wildlife/ ospreycam.

When osprey build a nest on electrical equipment, it puts the nest in danger of catching fire, which can cause significant damage and outages to customers, as well has harm to the osprey. The birds are at high risk of electrocution, as their large wingspan can complete the circuit between closely spaced energized equipment or between an energized wire and a neutral ground wire.

Long Island is home to more than 400 species of birds, including the majestic osprey. Osprey are large beautiful birds and a popular sight on Long Island. From the 1950s through the 1970s, Long Island’s osprey population decreased and became endangered. The effort to build safe nesting sites on or near waterways has contributed to the rise in the population of osprey.

—Submitted by PSEGLI

our message is clear: Let’s work together on the important issues facing our County. It’s time for the Blakeman Administration to embrace a more collaborative approach that is focused on the real needs of our constituents instead of self-serving political endeavors.

We can do better. By respecting each other’s ideas, we can learn from one another and find ways to improve life for everyone. The residents of Nassau County deserve a government that works together. I understand that it can be a long road, but when we do this, residents will have a real reason to celebrate.

May God bless our active military personnel, veterans, first responders, and all our Nassau County residents. Thank you.

Crews cleaning up opsrey nests in Oyster Bay.

(Photo by PSEG Long Island)

Share The Shore With Seals In New England/Mid-Atlantic

Seals are a common sight throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

It is important for beachgoers to share the shore with seals so everyone can enjoy the shore in a natural and safe way.

Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which means it is illegal to harm or harass them. Following these viewing tips can help you respectfully enjoy sharing the shore with seals without disturbing them.

Give Them Space

Enjoy photographing seals—but from a distance. Seals are sensitive to being disturbed and approaching more closely can cause them to become stressed or leave the area. How do you know if you are too close? If the seals start to vocalize more, start looking at you, moving away, waving flippers or increasing their yawning they are telling you to back away.

Call for Help

If you think a seal needs help, the most important thing you can do is give the animal space and call your local trained, authorized responders to come and assess the situation. If the animal needs help the responders will know what to do. In New England and Mid-Atlantic, you can call NOAA’s hotline, or locate your local responder.

Mom and Pups Need Extra Space

Touching wild animals is never a good idea. On top of being a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, touching, or attempting to touch seals can scare and stress them out. Seals also have large canine teeth and will bite if they feel threatened. They can transmit diseases to pets, so always make sure dogs are leashed if seals are in the area.

Leave Pups Alone

Sometimes moms will leave their pups

alone on the beach while they go off to feed. Mom will likely be back soon, but if she sees you close to her pup, or if her pup is not where she left it, the pup can be abandoned. Sometimes beachgoers think pups need to go back into the water—that is not the case. Making seal pups go into the water can put them at risk of over-exhaustion or expose them to predators. If the pup has been abandoned or is injured, allow trained responders to assess the situation and find the

appropriate ways to help.

The two most common types of seals in the Atlantic are gray seals and harbor seals.

Gray Seals

Males are typically larger than females, reaching 7–8 feet long. Adult gray seals can weigh between 550 and 850 pounds. Gray seals may stand their ground and can be aggressive. Their heads have a distinct horse-like shape. They pup between December–February in Maine and Massachusetts. Pups are nursed for about 16 days. There were an estimated 425,000 gray seals in 2016. They move up and down the Atlantic coast between the United States and Canada, where their abundance is increasing at a rate of 4–5 percent per year.

Harbor Seals

Harbor seals average 4–5 feet long and 220–250 pounds. Their faces have a doglike resemblance. Adults will typically retreat to the water, though juveniles may remain on the beach. Pupping in New England occurs between May-June. Pups are nursed for 4–6 weeks. There are an estimated 75,000 harbor seals from eastern Canada to North Carolina.

—From the NOAA fisheries website via NYS DEC

North Shore Land Alliance To Present Private Land Conservation Workshop

If you love your land and would like to see it protected for future generations, then a conservation easement might be something to consider. To learn more about the benefits of private conservation, please join The North Shore Land Alliance in conjunction with the Nassau County Bar Association for a seminar on Thursday, April 18th. The Seminar will be offered in two parts targeted toward landowners and professionals involved in conservation transactions (like lawyers, realtors, accountants, wealth managers and appraisers).

The Professional session will be held in the Barn at Old Westbury Gardens from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Topics will include the fundamentals and drafting of conservation easements, evaluating advanced tax issues, including the deductibility of charitable contributions

and structuring, negotiating, and closing purchase, sale, bargain-sale, and donation transactions. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits will be available through the Nassau County Bar Association.

The Landowner session will be held at the Land Alliance’s Tavern House Headquarters in Mill Neck at 4:00 p.m. Featured information will include the basics of the conservation process, the potential for state and federal tax incentives and the reasons why protecting land is critical to conserving the health of our community, its natural beauty and habitat for plants and animals.

Both sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required: northshorelandalliance.org/events There will be a charge of $250 for three CLE credits.

Ellen Fred, a nationally recognized expert in the field of conservation and

principal with Conservation Partners LLP, will be the lead presenter for the seminar. Ellen’s experience in the fields of tax, real estate, nonprofit governance, and alternative dispute resolution allows her to counsel her clients in all aspects of their work. The culmination of their work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of acres being conserved. In addition to her legal work, she has been a frequent presenter on myriad conservation law topics since 2004, including for the Land Trust Alliance and the California Council of Land Trusts.

The Alliance holds conservation easements on 26 properties that will be protected in perpetuity. Here’s what Caroline S. DuBois said after her family decided to donate a conservation easement on their property, “While each case is different, I can report that for us,

having the conservation easement on the family land has brought us substantial emotional and economic rewards, and was a strong selling point for our nature loving buyer. But most importantly, we are happy there will never be buildings on our soccer field.”

Landowner and professional outreach are core components of successful conservation. The Land Alliance sees expert presentations as an opportunity to further the knowledge of our community about solutions surrounding conservation-oriented land transactions.

We are sure Ellen’s wealth of legal and transactional knowledge as well as her love for the land will be a valuable educational resource for all who attend. The Land Alliance looks forward to welcoming you to the event.

—Submitted by North Shore Land Alliance

Harbor Seals on the shore in Long Island, near Jones Beach. (Photo Getty Images)

HMTC Announces Photographer Daniel G. Weiss To Release New Series Featuring Holocaust Survivors

Daniel Weiss was deeply moved after hearing the late Irving Roth speak to a group of students from the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore in 2016. Irving Roth, a Holocaust survivor and renowned Holocaust educator was the first director of education of The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) in Glen Cove. Inspired by Roth’s vitality and energy, Daniel wanted to take his portrait. He reached out to Dinah Kramer, a retired teacher and daughter of Holocaust survivors, who was working with Roth at the time. In the course of their conversation, the germ of the idea to photograph Holocaust survivors was born. After three years, the completed exhibit of 18 local Holocaust survivors was on display at the Port Washington Library in January 2020.

Plans for the exhibit to travel to other locations were stalled by the pandemic. Since May 2022, the exhibit has been displayed at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, the Suffolk Y JCC, the Sid Jacobson JCC, the Merrick Library, and the Bryant Library. It will be on display at HMTC in May 2024 with the official opening on Sunday, May 5 at 2 pm. And, in the Fall of 2024, the photos will

be on display at the Peninsula Library in Lawrence. Student groups have come to see these photos and it has become a wonderful vehicle to teach the history of the Holocaust. “This project has not only given a voice to those who have lived through unimaginable horrors but also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and bias in these challenging times,” stated Weiss.

Teachers who have seen the exhibit have requested the photos to use as a way to teach this important history in their classrooms. The photos are printed on 30” by 40” canvases and are not portable. Donna Rosenblum, Workshop Educator at HMTC, together with the help of Dinah Kramer, docent educator and 2G presenter, and Bernie Furshpan, board member and Marketing Director at HMTC, created portable versions. HMTC has been using Weiss’ photos and survivor stories as part of their traveling presentation at schools. Through this presentation, they hope to inspire the next generation to be compassionate, and empathetic, and make a difference in the world. Recently, Bernie Furshpan printed larger-than-life banners displayed on the front exterior at HMTC as part of their “Our Stories. Our Voices.”

campaign.

Daniel has become more passionate and dedicated to keeping these stories alive, considering it a moral obligation. With his new series, he hopes to shed light on the unique experiences of each survivor and inspire others to preserve the stories of those who have been through unimaginable hardships. Unlike his previous work, which celebrated their resilience and positive outlook on life, this series takes a more direct approach with tighter shots and direct eye contact. The message is clear: “Remember me,” or “Don’t forget us.” Through these poignant images, Weiss aims to remind us of the horrors of the past and the importance of never forgetting the survivors and their stories. This series will be a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Holocaust.

Weiss believes that his photographs can convey a powerful message, one that can help people understand the true horrors of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit. His work is a testament to the importance of preserving history and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.

—Submitted by The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center

Weiss standing in front of an image of Holocaust survivor Ron Unger. (Photos by HMTC)

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). e good thing about connecting with people from your past is that they knew you before these trials and victories shaped you. ey will help you to meet yourself as you were and understand what’s essential to you. ey also show you how you’ve developed. You’ll take stock this week, knowing there’s much more to come.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). ose who assess interactions at face value are at a disadvantage. You’re wiser. You realize that what’s asked of you is more implied than stated. It requires awareness to understand. Also, there will be some guessing involved. You’re ahead in this game because, unlike others, you realize there’s something to gure out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve a certain idiosyncratic charm. ose who get you really get you right away and want to be your good friend. ose who don’t may never -- so you needn’t to put too much energy or time in that direction. is week, you’ll connect with many people and quickly turn them into friends and fans.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In the past, you were discouraged from a pursuit that didn’t suit others. Now you can and should go for it. Desire is both an engine and the engineer, motivating you to get what you want while simultaneously creating the mechanisms necessary for attainment. By wanting what you want badly enough, you are creating it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Ideas come together in your mind this week and get brighter with each connection you make. Talk about the vision to anyone who will listen because this is how you’ll hone it. When your words hit the air, they illuminate new pathways, regardless of the reaction you get. Also, you’ll scout potential team members.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Keep the love owing. Love takes you further than other motivations, and it requires less energy, too. Get on your own side and stay there. When you look back, be kind. Your former self didn’t have your current standards. Love them anyway and appreciate the courage and e ort it took to transform.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What if you are now needlessly concerned? It’s happened before! e things you were so worried about didn’t happen, and you really could have spent those hours enjoying yourself and the outcome would have been the same. Bank on the current dynamic as a repeat. Have fun and let everything resolve itself. It most certainly will!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Like the innocent and fanciful imaginings of a child, your ideas about what to expect from an experience may be initially quite far- ung. is is normal and wonderful. Unbiased expectations are essentially a creative exercise. Once you learn what to expect, you’ll aim di erently. Don’t forget these purely inspired ideas, though; they’ll be useful later.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll bene t from a new perspective, preferably the sort of bird’s-eye view you can get from an airplane ride. ere’s no perspective shift quite so enlightening as the one that comes from travel and from experiencing the daily lives of people in di erent places. If you can’t travel physically, do it through research.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Of all the things that constitute a private life, there is none more private than your thoughts and fantasies. ese belong solely to you, and you are not obligated to share with anyone. If you do decide to bring someone in, you are granting a privilege, not a right. To own your privacy is to own your power.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). is week, there are many appointments worth keeping; disappointment isn’t one of them. You can avoid it entirely by lowering your expectations, dropping them entirely or setting them accurately through awareness and research. How well do you know a person? What patterns have you observed?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your projects and relationships are getting something very special and unique from you this week. e attention you dedicate will be delivered with great care and speci city. ose who do not regard your work with the sensitivity and awareness be tting it may not understand you well enough to bene t your team.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You’ll set your sights on a lofty aim, and your wings will grow strong enough to lift you into the vision. You’ll embark on a series of trainings. Your instinct will lead you to the people and arrangements that most suit your creative sensibility. More highlights: A physical challenge keeps you in shape and introduces you to fun people, too. You’ll bene t many by selling a useful, informative and time-saving tool. e events you organize will bring about warmth and family connectedness.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Learner driver

Solution: 16 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 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Learner driver

Solution: 16 Letters

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Fear Flat

Solution:

Solution: Studying the rules

Creators Syndicate

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

Not all roads lead to Rome

call and West’s one-spade bid but might disagree with what happened from then on. Many players would bid only two hearts with the North hand, and some would not carry on to four hearts with the South hand.

Be that as it may, let’s say declarer ducks West’s jack-of-diamonds lead and wins the next diamond with the ace. He then successfully finesses the queen of spades, cashes the ace, and ruffs a spade in dummy.

Date: 3/20/24

Next comes a low heart to the eight, taken by West with the ace.

West is now forced to return a club, since a spade would yield a ruff-and-discard. When he leads the five, South plays the nine from dummy and captures East’s king with the ace. Declarer cashes the queen of trump and then leads a club toward dummy’s J-2. West goes up with the queen, and South makes four hearts after parking his diamond loser on dummy’s jack of clubs.

A good workmanlike job by declarer, you might say, ducking the first diamond and then tackling spades at trick three instead of leading a trump first. It was this sequence of plays that eventually forced West to lead a club at trick seven and enabled South to avoid losing a second diamond trick.

But if you analyze the situation more closely, you find that there were two ways West could have defeated the contract. First, if he had cashed the ace of hearts at trick two before leading his second diamond, he could not have been forced to break the clubs later.

Failing that, however, all he had to do was to return the queen of clubs rather than the five at trick seven! There would have been nothing declarer could do to overcome this extraordinary play, and South would have to go down one.

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 Crossword Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

FINANCE

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

AUTO / MOTORCYCLE

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

•Nurse’s

•Childcare

•Housekeeping •

HEALTH / WELLNESS

framework.

Salary is $68,000. Reqts: BS in Comp. Sci or Eng, or IT. 2 yrs. of exp. as a Sftwr Devplr. or Front-End Devplr. Exp. with Jenkins, AngularJS, MongoDB, conversion-based algo creation, direct user targeting, and analysis.

Mail CV: Grazia Marino, Modaramo Media, Inc. 2 Seaview Blvd, STE 100, Port Washington, NY 11050.

HOME SERVICES

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY!

DIRECTV Sports Pack – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

VACATION & TRAVEL

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

DEC Announces 2024 I Bird NY Challenge

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the start of the 2024 ‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities. The challenge provides opportunities to identify birds and learn about birdlife and awards program finishers with a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and the chance to win birding equipment.

“New York State’s wide-ranging habitat types, from the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches to majestic Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between, create a birder’s paradise for residents and visitors year-round,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage birdwatchers to get outside and check out the 450 different bird species that call New York home.”

New York has more than 350 Birding Trail locations and new locations are added often, making it even easier for New Yorkers to get started with this fun activity. Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife watchers generated $10.8 billion in New York State in 2022. This is up from an estimated four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion annually in 2016.

Backyard birding, or watching birds close to home, is the most common way people engage in birding. As a birder’s skill and interest develop, there are several opportunities to contribute to scientific knowledge about birds and the natural world. Programs like eBird, New York’s Breeding Bird Atlas, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch, and the Great Backyard Bird Count rely on volunteer birders to contribute sightings to a centralized database.

The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017 to build on the State’s efforts to increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities

to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. The annual birding challenge saw a 745 percent increase in participation in 2023, with 1,226 birding enthusiasts completing this fun challenge.

I BIRD NY is just one of DEC’s ongoing efforts to engage New Yorkers in nature-based activities that provide a fun opportunity for the entire family to learn about the natural world. Because people can observe birds wherever they live, work, or recreate, birding is an accessible activity that does not require transportation or the purchase of specialized equipment. Birdwatching can be enjoyed by people from all economic backgrounds and

education levels. While binoculars can help, many birds can be identified without them.

The 2024 I BIRD NY Challenge is open to all ages and ends on Nov. 1, 2024. To complete the Challenge, participants must identify 10 bird species of their choosing and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. Challenge sheets may be submitted online via Survey Monkey or sent via email or mail. Entries must be received by Nov. 15. Entry forms are also available in Spanish. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo documenting their challenge experience. As an extra bonus, the first 50 participants will receive a special goodie bag of birding swag items.

Birding enthusiasts can visit I BIRD NY to access this year’s challenge sheet, as well as find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming birding events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish), and additional resources. Those interested may also opt to sign up for DEC’s monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, to have birding tips and tricks, New York State Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more delivered right to one’s inbox.

—Submitted by NYS DEC

Photo Getty Images

SCHOOL NEWS

HERRICKS STUDENTS BRING MOVIE TUNES TO THE STAGE WITH KID FLIX MUSICAL REVUE

Students at Herricks’ Center Street School staged a sensational musical revue that brought audiences of all ages to their feet and had them singing along to their favorite movie melodies.

Kid Flix featured the talented fifth-grade Drama Club students performing dazzling song and dance routines and bringing to life songs from six popular films, including The Polar Express, Monsters, Inc., Spider Man and others.

The club presented two morning performances for their fellow students and one evening performance for parents before taking the show on the road for a performance for the students at the Henry Viscardi School.

Congratulations to the cast and crew for putting on four flawless performances complete with creative costumes and an exquisite stage design, decorations and lights.

—Submitted by Herricks Public Schools

NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY AT HARBOR HILL

Harbor Hill Elementary School recently hosted National Read Across America Day. More than two dozen administrators and staff from across the district participated as guest readers. They visited classrooms to read aloud the book, The Monster Who Lost His Mean, by Tiffany Strelitz Haber.

—Submitted by Cynthia Younker for the Roslyn School District

(L-R): Luke Tam-Han, Mrs. Sia Philippou, Sophia Wang, Maria Alina Woods, Ms. Nicole Fortanasce, Clelia Moline and Claire Pollin. (Contributed photos)

Center Street fifth-graders perform “The Theme from Spider Man” as part of their Kid Flix musical review.

Sophia Wang (left) and Maria Alina Woods (right) serve as emcees.

Fifth-graders sing and dance to the song “Try Everything” from Zootopia

Emcees Sophia and Maria engage the audience during one of the student performances of Kid Flix, asking attendees about their favorite films.

Administrators visit Harbor Hill Elementary School for National Read Across America Day. (Contributed photos)

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Karina Baez reading to a class.

ROSLYN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, NA, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LASALLE BANK NA, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE WAMU MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007HY3, Plaintiff, vs. MIRIAM WARSHAW, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 23, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 2, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 53 Tara Drive, Roslyn, NY 11576. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Hills, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 19, Block 37 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,723,970.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613641/2017. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee

Eckert Seamans Cherin Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 3-20-13-6; 2-28-2024-4T#245726-ROS

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. MARSHALL GREENBERG AS ADMINISTRATOR AND NEXT OF KIN TO THE ESTATE OF MARILYN GREENBERG, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 12, 2017 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on January 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY

11501 on April 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 86 Sugar Maple Drive, Roslyn, NY 11576. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Herricks, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 9, Block 645 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $344,975.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index 009188/2008. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Christine Grillo, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 192244-3 3-20-13-6; 2-28-2024-4T#245878-ROS

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of MARTIN PAOLILLO LLC, a domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on JANUARY 24, 2024. Office location: NASSAU. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 24 SHEPPARD ST, GLEN HEAD, NY 11545. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 4-3, 3-27-20-13-6; 2-282024-6T-#245971-ROS

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST DANIEL L. SHARON, SHARON BARBERER AKA BARBERER

SHARON, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 31, 2024, 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 April 15, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 199 SALEM ROAD, EAST HILLS, NY 11577. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Hills, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 7, Block 122, Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment $1,956,384.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment

LEGAL NOTICES

Index #007337/2015. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols 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”. Cary D. Kessler, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 15-001414 79798 4-3; 3-27-20-13-2024-4T#246234-ROS

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Meeting

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT on April 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM the Architectural Review Board of the Inc. Village of East Hills will hold a regular meeting at the Village Hall, 209 Harbor Hill Road, East Hills, NY to consider the following applications regarding construction and/or tree removal: 8 Grove Court (Jordan Elisabeth Karlik, Section 7, Block 249, Lot 74), 251 Locust Lane (Emmanuel Elaine Hirakis, Section 7, Block 142, Lot 249), 340 Locust Lane (Rachel Goldstein, Section 7, Block 201, Lot 7), 66 Midwood Cross (Rebecca Levy Justin Beere, Section 7, Block 249, Lot 27) and 75 Peach Drive (Craig Amy Silverstein, Section 7, Block 288, Lot 15). Written comments on the applications may be submitted no later than 12:00 PM on the day of the meeting by email to evaidya@villageofeasthills. org. Maps and plans regarding this application are available for inspection on the Village’s website at www.villageofeasthills.org/meetings.

BY ORDER OF THE A RCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD INC. VILLAGE OF EAST HILLS

Spencer Kanis, Chairman

Dated: March 20, 2024

3-20-2024-1T-#246771-ROS

LEGAL NOTICE SPECIAL MEETING VILLAGE OF FLOWER HILL PRESENTATION OF BUDGET TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Flower Hill will be held on the 26th day of March, 2024 at 6:30 pm. The purpose of this meeting is for the presentation of the 2024-25 tentative budget to the Board of Trustees and any other business that may rightfully be brought before the Board.

By Order of the Board of Trustees Ronnie Shatzkamer,

Village Administrator Flower Hill, New York

Dated: March 20, 2024

3-20-2024-1T-#246824-ROS

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS of the INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF EAST HILLS has scheduled a meeting and public hearings for April 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, 209 Harbor Hill Road, East Hills, NY 11576 to consider the following:

JONATHAN COHN requests ONE VARIANCE for the property known as 70 Village Road, designated as Section 7 Block 128 Lot 19 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map and in the R-2 district of the Village. Pursuant to Village of East Hills Code 271-233, Side yard limitations, the R-2 residential zone utilizes a side yard height setback ratio of 1.8. The proposal indicates a violation of this zoning code requirement. Therefore, a variance is requested for 4 feet 6 inches of side yard height setback.

ANNEMARIE PERRO O’BRIEN 2015 GST TRUST requests a SPECIAL EXCEPTION AND SEVEN VARIANCES for the property known as 24 BEECHWOOD ROAD, designated as Section 7 Block 232 Lot 10 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map and in the R-1 District of the Village. Pursuant to East Hills Code §271143(A), pools of permanent construction require a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Pursuant to East Hills Code 271-14 (A), the maximum allowable fence height is 4 feet. Pursuant to East Hills Code 271-143(A)(1) and (3), pool enclosure fences must be 5 feet in height, of the chain link type, and must be erected completely enclosing the pool at least five feet from the edge of the pool and at least 15 feet from any property line. The application is for a 5-foot fence, on the property line and partially of the metal estate-type (front only, chain link on sides and rear). Therefore, variances are requested for fence height, fence location and fence type. Pursuant to East Hills Code §271-30, Lot Coverage, all buildings, including accessory structures and equipment, may not occupy more than 25 percent of the total lot (4,346.25 sf for this property). The proposed total lot coverage is 5,423 sf. Therefore, a variance is requested for 1,076.75 sf of total lot coverage. Pursuant to East Hills Code §271-142(B), Pools of a permanent structure shall not be located less than 20 feet to any drywell. The proposal indicates the existing drywell to be feet from the pool. Therefore, a variance is requested for 11 feet of drywell setback from the pool. East Hills Code §271-143(A)(6) states that separate drywells are required

for pool drainage/backwash operation. The proposal lacks such a drywell and therefore must be added to the plan or a variance sought for not providing a separate drywell for pool drainage and backwash. East Hills Code §271-143(A) (10)(i) requires that all heaters and pool equipment must be located immediately adjacent to the residence or no closer than 75 feet from the nearest residence. The proposal indicates the pool equipment is not immediately adjacent to the residence. Therefore, a variance is requested for the pool equipment location within 75 feet of the neighboring residence.

MARINA YU requests

THREE VARIANCES for the property known as 147 WOODBINE ROAD designated as Section 7 Block 109 Lot 18 on the Nassau County Land and Tax map and in the R2 district of the Village. Pursuant to Village of East Hills Code 271-234, Rear yard limitations, the R-2 residential zone utilizes a rear yard height setback ratio of 0.85. The proposal indicates a violation of this zoning code requirement. Therefore, a variance is requested for 2 feet 3 inches of rear yard height setback. Pursuant to Village of East Hills Code §27147(A), Accessory buildings and uses, accessory buildings or structures, including accessory equipment, shall not occupy more than 15% of the rear yard, or 306.32 sf for this property. The proposal indicates a total rear yard lot coverage of 633 sf. Therefore, a variance is requested for 326.68 sf of rear yard lot

coverage. Pursuant to Village of East Hills Code §271-44, Lot coverage, all buildings and structures, including accessory equipment, shall not cover more than 25 of the area of the lot, or 2,749.25 sf for this property. The proposal indicates a total lot coverage of 3,049.85 sf. Therefore, a variance is requested for 300.6 sf of total lot coverage.

SCOTT PRINCER requests ONE VARIANCE for the property known as 30 CEDAR DRIVE, designated as Section 7 Block 303 Lot 3 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map and in the R-1 District of the Village. The Zoning Board of Appeals at their October 26, 2016 meeting approved the application for a Special Exception for a swimming pool and associated variances for fencing for your pool enclosure. No variances were issued for the pool location. Pursuant to Village of East Hills Code 271-143(A) (2), no part of any pool shall be located within 20 feet of any property line. The pool as-built is located 18 feet 8 inches from the property line. Therefore, a variance is requested for 16 inches of side yard setback for the as-built swimming pool location.

AARON ARONOFF requests a SPECIAL EXCEPTION and THREE VARIANCES for the property known as 85 Hemlock Drive, designated as Section 7 Block 274 Lot 19 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map and in the R-1District of the Village. Pursuant to East Hills Code §271-143(A), pools of permanent construction require a Special Exception

from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Pursuant to East Hills Code 271-14 (A), the maximum allowable fence height is 4 feet. Pursuant to East Hills Code 271-143(A)(1) and (3), pool enclosure fences must be 5 feet in height, of the chain link type, and must be erected completely enclosing the pool at least five feet from the edge of the pool and at least 15 feet from any property line. The application is for a 5 foot fence, on the property line and partially of the estate type (metal estate-type in front, chain link sides and rear). Therefore, variances are requested for fence height, fence location and fence type.

SUSHIL PAI requests ONE VARIANCE for the property known as 107 WESTWOOD CIRCLE, designated as Section 7 Block 207 Lot 15 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map and in the R2 District of the Village. Village of East Hills Code 271-232, Front yard limitations, stipulates that a height setback ratio of 0.7:1 be maintained in the front yard for the R-2 Zone. The proposal indicates a violation of this code provision for the front yard. Therefore, a variance is requested for 8 feet 5 inches of front yard height setback ratio. Maps and plans regarding the above applications are available for inspection on the Village’s website at www.villageofeasthills.org/meetings.

Town Of North Hempstead Sustainability Programs

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

The Town of North Hempstead offers a variety of sustainability programs. With spring around the corner, consider taking part in these programs, which aim to engage and inspire residents, businesses, and municipalities, throughout the Town of North Hempstead, to participate in actions that will foster ecological balance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help North Hempstead adapt to a changing climate, ensuring a healthy, resilient community now and in the future.

Native Plants

Native plants are those that historically and naturally occur in an area and tolerate the climate of the local environment. They also have important evolutionary relationships with the wildlife in that area. This section provides resources on planting with native plants in any type of landscape.

Climate Action

The Town of North Hempstead recognizes the detrimental impact of climate change on our community. In an effort to do our part, Supervisor DeSena and the Town Board are committed to implementing policies to reduce the Town’s carbon footprint in its own operations and increase resiliency, as well as to assist residents and businesses in their sustainability efforts through education, legislation, and other measures.

Protecting Pollinators

Did you know that native insects are vital to the pollination and reproduction (producing fruit and seeds) of flowering plants, including wildflowers, trees, garden plants and cultivated crops? Many native pollinator species worldwide have been in decline over the last few decades and several species of bumble bees. Pollinators need plants that they evolved with, meaning that they need the plants that historically lived in this geographic area and can tolerate our climate, weather and soils. Planting a pollinator garden or even a container (if you’re short on space) with native plants that contain nectar and pollen will provide resources that bees, butterflies, flies and other pollinators need to feed themselves and their young. Invasive plant species are those that are not native to our area and harm the environment or human health in some way. These plants often out-compete native species and take over so that humans and wildlife can’t utilize the benefits of the native plants that should be there. Take the Pollinator Pledge

and help protect local pollinators!

Rain Barrel and Composter Sales

Composting involves the breaking down of yard and kitchen waste into a nutrient rich soil amendment. It provides many benefits including reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or combustion facilities, providing valuable plant nutrients, improving soil structure, adding beneficial soil organisms, suppressing plant diseases, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and helping to prevent soil erosion and nutrient runoff.

Rain barrels are containers that collect rainwater from roofs that can be used for irrigation of lawns and gardens. One of their main benefits is conserving water that comes from Long Island’s underground aquifers, which provide 100 percent of Long Island’s potable water. They also allow users to save money and reduce stormwater pollution.

Composting and using a rain barrel are two great ways to help the environment in

your own backyard. The Town of North Hempstead provides compost bins and rain barrels at a discount to Town residents.

Tree Conservation

The Town has taken many actions to conserve and increase trees as well as educate its residents about their value. The Town was first designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2011 and has been designated one every year since. This designation is given out to towns and cities that have a viable tree management plan and program. The Town also recently amended and strengthened its Tree Code, which includes updated legislative intent detailing the importance of preserving existing trees, including environmental and aesthetic benefits trees provide, the establishment of a Tree Preservation Fund to be spent on tree plantings and other tree related initiatives and the re-establishment of the Tree Advisory Committee that will include members of the public and an arborist.

Long Island Green Homes

The Town of North Hempstead is a proud partner of the Long Island Green Homes Initiative, a non-profit collaborative partnership of Long Island Towns, community-based organizations and Molloy College. Long Island Green Homes makes it easy for homeowners to accomplish the goal of energy efficiency and lower energy bills by offering a free home energy assessment that helps to make affordable improvements to their homes. Join thousands of Long Islanders and homeowners around the state who have lowered their energy bills and enjoy year-round comfort in their homes.

Stormwater Management

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a program for the control of stormwater discharges entering to the ground waters and surface waters of the United States; this program is known as the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or SPDES.

The Town of North Hempstead is required to comply with the Phase II SPDES General Permit for discharges from small municipal separate storm sewer systems, which is known as the MS4 Storm Water Discharge permit. In simpler terms, in order to operate the storm water drainage system we must make every effort to reduce and control the amount and type of pollutants which end up discharging into our waterways.

The Town has developed a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) which includes both local laws contained in the Town code as well as other steps to reduce pollutants in our daily operations. This may drastically reduce the amount of pollutants which enter into our storm drains and ultimately the creeks, streams and coastal waterways.

For more information on any of these topics — and more — visit https://www. northhempsteadny.gov/sustainability.

(Image credit Town of North Hempstead)

(Image credit Town of North Hempstead)

(Image credit Long Island Green Homes)

Urban Art Evolution

Nassau County Museum of Art exhibit focuses on NYC art of the 1980s

BY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

On March 23, the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn will open the Urban Art Evolution exhibit, curated by art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey of Port Washington.

The exhibition will offer artwork from the 1980s to the present by creators based in the downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and surrounding neighborhoods.

The exhibit’s timing is influenced by the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop music and the 40th anniversary of the documentary on the graffiti art movement Wild Style. Pusey, growing up in an artistic household, received a degree from Stony Brook University focusing on printmaking and he spent a summer in Europe.

“I came back and quickly realized I was better at talking about art than making a living out of creating art,” Pusey said. “I eventually found my way to SoHo in the 1980s to work in a gallery and I thrived in that environment.”

As a young art dealer, Pusey said he witnessed a creative shift.

“That part of the city was very affordable, it was very hard-scrabble,” Pusey said. “It was a neighborhood that had completely fallen into chaos on many levels. There were abandoned buildings. The drug trade had a firm foothold, if you would, in the East Village, in the Lower East Side.”

Because the neighborhood was

affordable, artists could have larger spaces with relatively affordable overhead.

“I found myself drawn to this creativity that was coming out of there,” Pusey said. “Everything we were dealing with in the ‘80s, in the gallery I was working with in SoHo, we kept looking east for what was next, what was new, what was fresh, what was controversial.”

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring were among the artists who emerged from the “[Andy] Warhol-tutelage,” as Pusey put it.

And it wasn’t just pop art; it was also performance art, photography, theater and other mediums that made up the “cauldron of creativity” in the East Village.

In the 1990s, Pusey pivoted from the resale gallery business to become a private dealer and advisor. But Pusey would return to the “art world,” in 2010 opening his own gallery Dorian Gray Projects in the East Village.

“When I was in the East Village, I had a lot of time to reconnect with the artists that were part of the fabric of East Village, the downtown art scene,” Pusey said. “This is a decade and a half later after the peak of the East Village, but a lot of artists were still there working and doing their business and their craft and their creativity.”

The gallery displayed the work of these artists until it closed in 2017, and Pusey held summer pop-ups in the Hamptons and participated in art fairs. In 2017, he partnered

with an investor and art collector to operate the Chase Contemporary gallery in Chelsea, and he moved to a 10,000 square foot space in SoHo after the pandemic.

Over time, Pusey gained a reputation as an art dealer and collector with a niche in art from the 1980s, particularly graffiti art.

Pusey was approached by Nassau County Museum of Art board members, asking what he would curate if he could curate a museum installation.

“I went with what I know, which is urban art and art from the downtown art scene,” Pusey said.

Preparing this show was an education, as museum shows typically take years to arrange. Though a challenge with the quick turnaround, he was able to pull together 135 pieces for the Urban Art Evolution exhibition from over 35 artists and artist estates through the connections and relationships he built throughout his career.

“With its roots in street graffiti, Urban Art Evolution encompasses the progression of works through this period that began furtively on exterior surfaces, then moved inside city apartments and art studios, then into exhibition contexts in galleries and museums, and back outside as commissions for public spaces - this fascinating and rarely-told story is at the heart of NCMA’s next exhibition,” said Beth Horn, the executive director of the Nassau County Museum of Art.

Untitled (Fun Fridge)

Jean Michel-Basquiat collaboration with Keith Haring, ERO (Dominique Philbert), Fab 5 Freddy Freddy (Fred Brathwaite), Futura (Leonard McGurr), Keith Haring, Lady Pink (Sandra Fabara), Eric Haze, LA II (Angel Ortiz), Tseng Kwong Chi, Kenny Scharf, and Rammellzee

Art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey. (Photo courtesy Christopher Pusey)

(Photo by Alex Nuñez)