Great Neck Record 3/27/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City Committed to Personalized Care

By John L. Gomes, MD

John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent, private practice providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.

He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through dif cult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/ GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.

Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University. He is both Board Certi ed and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

All tests are conveniently done on the premises and a dedicated, compassionate staff is on call 24/7.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City. Call 516-222-8883 or visit online at DrGomes.com

Local World’s Fair Enthusiast Displays Memorabilia Collection

Sixth-grader presents The New York World’s Fairs of 1939-1949 and 1964-1965 Exhibit

JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

Jack Murphy, a sixth-grade student at Great Neck South Middle School, has become a World’s Fair enthusiast over the past couple of years.

According to a press release from Jack’s mom, Jennifer Murphy, “World’s Fairs are special events. Vast resources must be brought to bear in the design, building and operations of something very transitory in nature. There is great excitement when the fairs are announced. However, when they close, there is very little left to mark their existence.”

Jack’s interest in the World’s Fairs has led him to research and learn about the World’s Fairs through articles and documentaries and amass a collection of World’s Fair memorabilia. His collection of The New York World’s Fairs of 1939-1940 and 1964-1965 is currency on display at the Great Neck Library.

Jack shared that his introduction to the World’s Fairs began in May of 2022 when he was in fourth-grade.

“I was sitting down at a table, and my grandma said, ‘The globe in Queens was called the Unisphere, and the Terrace on the Park used to spin and was called the Port Authority Heliport.’ She told me all of that and sparked my interest,” said Jack. “I started search-

ing up The New York World’s Fair and it led me down a rabbit hole that led me to the point that I am at today.”

Jack’s grandma attended The New York World’s Fair 1964-1965, and while she didn’t remember much of it, the few pieces of information she did share sparked Jack’s interest in learning more.

“I started searching up articles online and started reading the articles. After about a week and a half, my interest had gotten to the point where I had openly started talking about facts and information about The World’s Fair and eventually I started looking at movies of The World’s Fair too,” said Jack.

According to information from the Murphy family, “The 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair began as a way to generate economic growth and leave the Great Depression behind. Many residents of Queens had been complaining there was no large public park for their enjoyment – the largest open area was a miserable ash heap for incinerators and furnaces. The City’s leading businessmen and government leaders announced the theme would be “Building a better tomorrow with the tools of today”, a fair that would showcase the best American industry could offer, with examples of a life of ease and luxury that could be attained by the average American. The 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, whose theme was “Peace Through

Understanding”, was one of the biggest international extravaganzas and set records for size and cost. More than 51 million visitors enjoyed the sights, sounds and tastes of the Fair.”

Jack’s growing interest in The World’s Fair led him to attend museum exhibits and meet other enthusiasts.

“I did meet other World’s Fair enthusiasts and started learning things from them. I first met other enthusiasts at the Queens Museum. It was the first real event that I had ever gone to that was World’s Fair related,” said Jack. “I am currently friends with some of The World’s Fair enthusiasts and met some of them.”

Jack is now on an email list with other World’s Fair enthusiasts, who share facts and photos of memorabilia from The World’s Fairs.

Jack has collected some memorabilia from The New York World’s Fair on his own. But his collection of memorabilia grew tremendously from a generous donation from the Bordonaro Family.

“Robert Bordonaro went to the World’s Fair (1964-1965) as a child and collected some of the stuff from the World’s Fair. And he did go to other World’s Fair expos and collect stuff from the expos,” said Jack.

Robert’s wife, Michelle, shared that “Robert loved the 1964-65 World’s Fair in Flushing, Queens. His mother, Martha, brother Bill, and he visited the Fair many times. His favorite part was the Ford Pavilion, where he could ride different Ford convertibles. It was called the

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Jack’s collection of World’s Fair memorabilia (Photos from Jennifer Murphy)

Jack presenting his World’s Fair collection

Jack wearing a Greyhound Bus Driver’s uniform from the fair while giving a tour of his exhibit

Rabbi Megan Brumer To Be Installed At Summer Camp–Style Celebration

Rabbi Megan Brumer will be installed at Temple Beth-El during a Camp Shabbat Installation Weekend on Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6. The entire community is welcome to join this meaningful and fun-filled celebration.

“Rabbi Megan has been such a wonderful addition to Temple Beth-El’s clergy team,” said Senior Rabbi A. Brian Stoller. “Given her extensive experience in the summer camp arena, it’s fitting to mark her installation with a camp-style ceremony. Her enthusiasm for education and her fresh ideas for religious education will invigorate our youth programs well into the future.”

For Erev Shabbat on Friday, dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the musical campstyle service will follow at 7 p.m. Attendees will move to the beat and sing along with Rabbi Megan’s childhood song leader Chava Mirel and camp director and mentor David Berkman. The evening will conclude with a festive oneg offering sweet treats.

Saturday’s Campfire Havdalah will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Temple Beth-El Brotherhood will sponsor a complimentary barbecue and participants will experience the warmth of summer camp as a community while eating dinner and making s’mores around the campfire with Rabbi Megan and Chava Mirel.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“Magic Skyway Ride.” He enjoyed the boat ride featuring the animated dolls that sang the song “It’s a Small World.” Michelangelos’ Pieta with the statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding her son’s body in her lap, was a beautiful addition to the Fair. He enjoyed an occasional Belgian waffle while he visited all the sites. Throughout his life, he would go to World’s Fairs exhibits to obtain objects from collectors. He saw many international World’s Fairs such as China, Japan, Germany, Spain and Canada. In his mind, the 1964-65 World’s Fair was the best of all.”

Robert passed away in 2022, and his wife, Michelle, didn’t know what to do with his incredible collection.

“She was thinking about giving it to a museum, but she didn’t really know what to do with it all,” said Jack. “Michelle works with my Aunt, and when she shared that her nephew is a World’s Fair enthusiast, she decided to give me his collection.”

“I know my husband is very happy that Jack has his World’s Fair collection. Jack will take very good care of it so that future generations can appreciate it,” Michelle shared. “I wish we would have another World’s Fair in the United States. It was an extremely important piece of history that we should always cherish.”

With Jack’s large collection of informational cards, license plates, flags, cups and other trinkets, he said its hard to choose what he thinks the most interesting piece is.

The entire community is welcome to join Rabbi Megan Brumer’s Camp Shabbat Installation Weekend at Temple Beth-El on Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6.

(Contributed photo)

“I am excited to ritualize the start of my time here at Temple Beth-El and for it to be official,” said Rabbi Megan. “I am also excited for the opportunities ahead, including the creation of our new religious school.”

Rabbi Megan moved across the country to become Temple Beth-El’s assistant

“I definitely know the rarest thing in my collection is the roof ornament of the RCA Pavilion and there were only a couple in existence,” said Jack. “Even other World’s Fair enthusiasts eye it when they look at my collection.”

According to the World’s Fair Photos website (worldsfairphotos.com), “The RCA pavilion, looking from the outside like a cluster of white and copper drums, has several exhibit sections and a TV studio that serves as the Fair’s official Color Television Communications Center. The Center is linked via a closed circuit to over 250 color TV sets located around the fairgrounds; a completely equipped color mobile unit supplies coverage of news and special events.”

Something Jack doesn’t have in his collection yet but is looking forward to obtaining soon is a mini-figure resembling the US Royal tire-shaped Ferris wheel.

“Some of these things are pretty cool. They are basically little action mini-figures and they have a switch, and if you turn on the switch, it would spin like a real Ferris wheel,” said Jack.

When researching and learning about The New York World’s Fairs, Jack found one of the most interesting he learned was “that the area where the fair was held was converted from an ash dump for the World’s Fair in 1939.”

Jack’s exhibit of The New York World’s Fair memorabilia will be on display at the Great Neck Library through Sunday, March 31. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

rabbi on July 1. Growing up, she loved attending Friday night services at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, Washington, and watching song leader Chava Mirel play guitar and lead prayer. She was a huge role model for Rabbi Megan, who wanted to be just like her.

“It’s been such an honor to get to witness Rabbi Megan’s many achievements! I have been blessed to know her throughout her entire life, from a young student to a youth leader with maturity beyond her years, and now as an accomplished rabbi and leader in the Jewish community,” said Rabbi Megan’s childhood song leader Chava Mirel. “I’m so looking forward to celebrating Rabbi Megan’s installation at Temple Beth El of Great Neck. The community is so lucky to have her!”

The spiritual leader’s connection to summer camp developed when she began attending her synagogue’s Jewish overnight camp in third grade.

Rabbi Megan’s connection to Jewish summer camp was strengthened even further when her family volunteered time and energy to help develop URJ Camp Kalsman in Bellevue.

Since its opening in 2007, she attended every summer—first as a camper, then as a counselor in training and eventually as

staff, holding positions as music specialist, unit head and director of Jewish education.

“I met Megan 18 years ago when she was a first-time camper!” noted camp director and mentor David Berkman. “I’m thrilled for Megan and Temple Beth-El. It is truly amazing to have been witness to her journey. I can’t wait to help celebrate!”

Rabbi Megan also attended URJ Kutz Camp, a high school leadership program, as a participant in the song-leading track which enhanced her skills and love of song leading.

“I am so excited to bring a camp feel to Temple Beth-El for the weekend,” beamed Rabbi Megan. “I am looking forward to leading with my childhood song leader Chava Mirel. When I was little that was a dream of mine.”

Friday’s dinner costs $18 per adult; kids are free. Saturday night’s dinner is free for children and adults. Register at tinyurl. com/RabbiMegan.

Temple Beth-El, the peninsula’s oldest synagogue which has been serving the community for more than 95 years, is located at 5 Old Mill Road in Great Neck. Learn more by visiting www.tbegreatneck. org, calling 516-487-0900 or emailing info@ tbegreatneck.org.

—Submitted by Temple Beth-El

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS

The Rotary Club Of Great Neck’s Shoe Drive

The Rotary Club of Great Neck is once again participating in a shoe drive, Souls4Shoes. The Rotary Club will be collecting sneakers, boots and shoes for men, women and children. Have the shoes paired and rubber banded together.

According to The Rotary Club of Great Neck shoe drive flier, “All the shoes collected in the drives are provided to micro-entrepreneurs through micro finance for them to refurbish and resell at

small markups. Not only do people in great need get shoes but the sellers establish a sustainable source of income to feed their families and dig their way out of poverty.”

There are several drop-off sites, including the Daniel Gale Office at 42B Middle Neck Rd. For more information on drop-off sites, contact the Rotary Club at contact@ rotaryclubgreatneck.org or call 516-487-9392.

—Information from The Rotary Club of Great Neck Facebook

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

NYSUT, Assemblywoman Sillitti Release Statements On Proposed Budget

After the state legislature’s house budgets affirmed the Foundation Aid formula in its current form, both the New York State United Teachers and Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti released statements.

“The New York State United Teachers applauds the state Legislature for showing commitment to students and schools in their one-house budgets.

Both Senate and Assembly proposals fully fund the state’s Foundation Aid formula as written, a promise the state made last year after a more than 30-year fight.

Since the release of the executive budget in January that proposed underfunding the formula by $419 million, NYSUT officers have been traveling the state to highlight the devastating effects the capricious cuts would have on every large, small, urban, rural and suburban district in New York.

These visits allowed lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum to witness the harsh effects the executive

proposal would have on schools, as well as the families and communities that rely on them.

“We thank the Senate and Assembly for making it clear that our students, educators and schools are a top priority,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Great things are happening in our public schools, and in New York we are united across party lines and legislative chambers to support them with the resources they need.”

NYSUT will continue to advocate for the resources our schools are owed as negotiations continue in Albany. The state budget is due before April 1.

Gina Sillitti also affirmed the Legislature’s offering. “The Assembly’s proposed budget was released yesterday, and I’m proud that several priorities I fought for were included. The biggest victory for our district was the rejection of the Governor’s education funding plan, which would have meant less money for our schools.

“Reinstating the ‘hold harmless’ provision and rejecting the proposed inflationary factor changes to ensure that our school districts do not receive less Foundation Aid than they did the prior year was my top priority. After three years of historic investments in state funding for our school districts, we should not settle for anything less for our children’s education.”

“Our proposal increases Foundation Aid by $818.6 million over the Governor’s proposal, a $1.3 billion increase over the 2023-24 school year.

“Additionally, the Assembly proposal would provide $125 million towards universal prekindergarten and allocate an additional $120 million to ensure every student gets free school meals.

“As we continue budget negotiations in Albany, I’m optimistic that the final budget will support our schools and ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive.”

—Information compiled by Amanda Olsen

See more of NYSUT’s fight for a fully funded Foundation Aid this year

Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti

(Photo by the office of Gina Sillitti)

(Getty Images)

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TEAM KNOELL President’s Circle Award

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THE FAZZALARICAGGIANO TEAM President’s Circle Award SHERRI GHODSI President’s Circle Award

DIANE ANDERSEN President’s Circle Award

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Introduction to Computers for Adults

11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Great Neck Library, Station Branch Community Room) This is a slow-paced, user-friendly class for first-time computer users. Using Windows computers, this unique class covers the basics in a way that even the most inexperienced user will understand. Call 516-466-8055 to register.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

Easter Sunday

MONDAY, APRIL 1

April Fools Fun

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Station Branch Community Room, 26 Great Neck Rd.) Children will learn about the origins of April Fools, learn some funny riddles and

jokes and play an interesting game of April Fools Bingo. The craft will be a silly prank to bring home. This program is for children in preschool and up with a parent and/or caretaker. No registration required. Visit greatnecklibrary.org to learn more.

Great Neck Library Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. (Great Neck Library Main Branch, 159 Bayview Ave.) The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees Budget Hearing and Adoption meeting. Please refer to the library’s website at greatnecklibrary.org for any changes or updates before coming to the meeting.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

Blood Pressure Screenings

12 p.m.-2 p.m. (Station Branch Small Room, 26 Great Neck Rd.) Blood pressure screenings with St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. Have your blood pressure checked by a clinical nurse, free of charge. Healthcare proxy information is also available.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

International Women’s Day Celebration

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Station Branch Community Room, 26 Great Neck Rd.) This program has been rescheduled from March 7 to April 3. Girl power will be highlighted in this yearly celebration. Famous women will be discussed, books will be explored and an art project worthy of any strong girl will be presented. This program is recommended for children in preschool and up with a parent and/or caretaker. No registration required. Visit greatnecklibrary.org to learn more

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Golden Hearts Bingo

12 p.m.-1 p.m. (Roslyn Community Center, 53 Orchard St.) The Town of North Hempstead presents Project Independence for senior residents. Play bingo and receive a free blood pressure screening. Call 311 for more information.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Winter Movie Screenings

Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. (Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave.) Rescheduled from March 22-March 24. The Great Neck Park District presents: The Covenant (2023 | R) During the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his own life to carry an injured sergeant across miles of grueling terrain. Visit gnparks.org for more information.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Sunflower Totes

1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd.) Create your custom Sunflower tote by learning easy techniques to paint big, bold sunflowers in this popular workshop. Makes a great gift! Tuition: $60/Member: $40. Visit goldcoastarts.org/oneday-workshops/ to register.

Blakeman Sued By Roller Derby, Hosts Celebrity Press Event

The Nassau County Executive is keeping busy on the girls and women’s sports front

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has remained in the news over the past couple of weeks after being sued by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) over his controversial February 22 executive order, then hosting Caitlyn Jenner at the Legislature for a semi-private press event a week later.

The plaintiff in the lawsuit, filed against Nassau County on March 11, is the Long Island Roller Rebels, a Nassau Countybased recreational women’s flat track roller derby league, which welcomes trans women. According to the team and their attorneys, the group is now barred from using Nassau County’s facilities under the broad-ranging new order, which immediately went into effect on Feb. 22.

“This cruel policy sends the dangerous message that trans people don’t belong in Nassau County,” said Curly Fry, a member of Roller Rebels, in a statement.

“As a league committed to building community and providing a safe space for everybody, we reject this policy, which bars us from public-run venues where we would otherwise play and practice just because we believe in inclusion and stand against transphobia. We hope the court sees this policy for what it is—transphobic and unjust—and makes sure Nassau County is a safe space for trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people.”

Gabriella Larios, staff attorney at the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement, “Nassau County’s cynical attempt to shut them out of public spaces is a blatant violation of our state’s civil and human rights laws. It also speaks to growing, nationwide attacks against LGBTQ+ rights, and we won’t stand for this hatred here in New York. As promised the day this executive order was issued, we’re taking action so that the courts relegate this harmful, transphobic policy to the dustbin of history, where it belongs.”

Larios, one of three NYCLU attorneys officially handling the case, said in a phone interview with Anton Media Group. “This is an order that discriminates against trans women and girls solely on the basis of their gender identity, and that is quintessential discrimination under our state’s anti-discrimination laws.”

“The Long Island Roller Rebels brought this lawsuit to ensure that they, as a team which welcomes trans women, can use

county facilities without any limitation, as is their right. The team feels it is very important to fight this executive order because the longer it is in effect, the longer that trans people in Nassau County receive the message that they are not welcome there.

Larios also called Blakeman’s order particularly “egregious” against the backdrop of New York State established law, adding that it “up-ends the status quo as we know

it with no real justification or reasoning that it’s legitimate.”

To that end, Blakeman has “repeatedly confirmed that he’s not aware of any examples in Nassau County of trans women or girls having a competitive advantage over any particular individuals,” Larios noted. Instead, by way of local explanation, Blakeman has pointed to the busy permit-issuing season for local recreation

facilities being underway, she said.

“This applies to recreational teams as well as competitive ones, from a youth softball league, to a women’s roller derby team, to a charity organization holding a one-off tournament. We think this is an order where the real message is that trans people shouldn’t have a full life and participate in sports, that it’s not really grounded in any real, defensible justification.”

A week later, Executive Blakeman held a semi-private press conference on Monday, March 18 alongside Olympic gold-medalist Caitlyn Jenner at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola.

“My executive order has one goal, and that is to make sure competition is fair and safe here in Nassau County and that we protect women and girls,” said Blakeman.

He introduced the former Olympian decathlete as an American hero not only in athletic competition, but also for standing up for principles she believes in and not being afraid to say how she feels.

“I have empathy for all LGBT people, and I have a thorough understanding of all the struggles no matter how different our circumstances may be,” said Jenner.

“This is not anti-trans. This is protecting women and girls, who are a protected class under federal law and the United States constitution,” said Blakeman.

The pair emphasized their disappointment in Nassau County having received a cease-and-desist order from New York Attorney General Letitia James, demanding Blakeman rescind the order, which she called “discriminatory and transphobic.”

Jenner accused James of thinking her office to be above U.S. law and using LGBT people for political gain.

Regarding that joint press event, Larios commented, “We feel that the press conference was yet another disgraceful attempt to target and villainize trans women and girls by sending the message that they’re not worthy of the same benefits as their peers in sports ... We don’t support platforming that kind of rhetoric anywhere.”

“None of these groups that are subject to this order knew that it was coming. They all found out at the same press conference on February 22,” she went on.

“In order to comply with this order, they’re now going to have to make very invasive inquiries about cis-gendered women [who identify as the gender they were assigned at birth] and trans women alike. Groups like the Roller Rebels don’t want to do that, and this [order] is going to turn away a lot of women from sports.”

Members of the Long Island Roller Rebels are shown posing together in this photo from their homepage. (Credit: Long Island Roller Rebels)

Caitlyn Jenner spoke alongside County Executive Bruce Blakeman at the Nassau County Legislature complex on March 18. (Via Bruce Blakeman’s Facebook page)

Elegance Embodied: Unveiling The Opulence

CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Tucked neatly and unassumingly into the crux of the Great Neck peninsula is the newest luxury clothier to arrive on the Gold Coast, MSA Haute Couture. Although not new to the industry by any means, MSA Haute Couture is heartily established with nearly four decades of experience and an elite following of who’s who from across the country, originating first in Manhattan. The company has since closed its city location to focus on the Great Neck boutique; the word is catching on like wildfire, while also maintaining some renowned discretion.

“We are the best-kept secret, just like we were in New York,” MSA Haute Couture spokesman Rob Feinberg said. “We have built a store that we love, from the ground up and it is an entirely different luxury experience here than it was in Manhattan; long-time customers come to the Great Neck store and are amazed.”

The store’s deals on luxury items are too good to reveal. If you know your luxury brands, their quality and value, this is definitely the store for you.

“The experience is intimate,” said Feinberg. “People expect to stop in for an hour and stay for three or four hours.”

It is not uncommon to find personal shopping professionals on assignment or chauffeured shoppers frequenting the boutique, on excursions from the city.

“We have regular clients come over from New Jersey and Connecticut and several who fly in from California quarterly,” Feinberg said. “It’s all about luxury here.”

Most of the boutique’s business is by appointment and every thread in the boutique is certainly impressive.

“A lot of our clients are looking for gorgeous gowns, for weddings, galas or other high-end events,” Feinberg said. “If we know a client is coming, we will bring things over from our warehouse and prepare a personalized experience based on their preferences and size.”

Gowns run from approximately 25” to 34” in length, varying in styles, prints, sleeve design

Sara embodies her store’s elegance.

(Photos by Christy Hinko)

The boutique is dressed for spring.

Of An Exquisite Luxury Fashion Emporium

and price. The boutique also caters to all demographics.

“We are a destination for anyone who wants to buy something nice, whether that is a bag, shoes, a dress or a jacket,” Feinberg said. “Younger shoppers love this place as much as the more refined client.”

The boutique staff are excited to meet new clients, especially those who have never experienced the store while it had been established in the city.

“Our new clients cannot believe the prices on some of the items that at full price might not have been as desirable,” Feinberg said. “Ten years ago, I might have said that only 85 percent of Americans wanted to buy at a discount, but today, I would say more like 98 percent of Americans want to buy things at a discount, no matter what their variable spending budget allows.”

MSA Haute Couture is the perfect place to shop, especially if you aspire to begin building a luxury wardrobe, or supplement an existing one. “There is no other

shopping experience like this in the area, “Feinberg said. “In addition to the shopping experience, we host charity shopping events with a percentage of the day’s sale going to nonprofit organizations.”

MSA Haute Couture has the capacity for a private shopping experience with friends, family and colleagues, bringing in photographers, setting up the special runways and backdrops for a “private fashion show” event.

“We love private parties too; they are fun,” Feinberg said. “People come in with their friends and have this beautiful place to try on clothing, have their pictures taken by a professional and have a great time.”

The boutique stocks sizes from zero to 14, but does offer some size 16 items that regularly sell out quickly.

Street and municipal parking are available. Shoppers with reservations can make arrangements to park in the boutique’s private parking lot behind the store, with access to the private rear entrance.

MSA Haute Couture is located at 8 Hicks Ln., just east of Middle Neck Rd. in Great Neck. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www. msahautecouture.com to shop online or call 212-730-0788 for an appointment and more details.

Shop the boutique for the top luxury brands.

My wife noticed that the small sconce light in the dining room was out.

“Maybe you can take care of this today?” She asked, knowing that my days in retirement had resulted in a surplus of free time.

Not a problem. I vowed to take on the challenge while she was out for the day.

We maintain a variety of different bulbs for the various light fixtures around our house. I grabbed the shoebox dedicated to the smaller ones for the sconce fixtures and did a quick inventory check.

For some unknown reason (poor planning, maybe), we have different-sized and shaped lights populating the sconce lights in different rooms. As luck would have it, I was out of replacement lights for the dining room. Suddenly, this was turning into a project.

Before the advent of LED bulbs, purchasing replacement incandescent bulbs used to be easy. I’m not getting into a “good ole’ days” argument here; I’m just pointing out reality. You only needed to know the watts and the base type (regular or candelabra). Easy Peasy.

I guess saving the planet requires making things more complicated, as the discontinuance of incandescent lights proves. The last time I ventured

I Saw The Light, I Think

LONG ISLAND LIVING

Paul DiSclafani pdisco23@aol.com

into the light bulb aisle at a hardware store, I felt transported to another dimension.

Trying to be proactive, I previously made a list of the specific identifying details for the various LED lights I used to replace old incandescent bulbs after they burned out. The tried and true simplicity of 100W, 75W, or 60W was a thing of the past. I noted that the 5w LED mini-spiral S7264 had replaced the original 25w bulbs (candelabra base) for the dining room sconces. I was so proud of myself!

I jumped on the ACE Hardware website to see if they carried the bulb I needed. When I typed “S7264” in the search bar, it came up with a house key, so much for that valuable piece of information.

Besides being better for the planet, an advantage of LED

bulbs is they last longer than your average incandescent bulb. The problem is that each time you need to replace one, there are more options than previously. For example, there are too many shades and intensities of white to choose from.

Amber White (not to be confused with plain amber or amber soft white), Soft, Warm, or Bright White, Cool White (as opposed to uncool white?), or Neutral White (What color is that?). Not enough for you? How about Daylight, Smoke Daylight, Natural light, or Sunlight?

Although I narrowed the search to the candelabra base, there were still many different styles to choose from. I knew I needed an equivalent to a 25-watt bulb, which apparently translates to the LED code E26. Why they would choose E26 instead of E25 to represent a 25W bulb is beyond me.

LED codes were also assigned for bulb shapes, like A15, A19, B11, E12, and CA 10, each slightly different from the others. Thank goodness ACE had

pictures that helped narrow it down to the E12 (rounded tip) or the CA 10 (flame tip).

I wasn’t sure if I needed the flame tip, so I decided to check the bulb and bring it with me to ACE.

Grabbing my trusty stepstool, I removed the sconce cover, revealing the bulb had a rounded tip, which would have been my first guess. As soon as I touched it, it miraculously came on! Problem solved.

I decided to spend the rest of my afternoon watching TV.

When my wife came home later, I couldn’t wait to show her I fixed our dead bulb problem. I proudly pointed to the previously dead light fixture and said, “Here we go!”

Switching on the sconce lights, I said, “Ta Da!” only to watch in horror as the bulb flashed on for a nanosecond, followed by an audible “bink,” and then went out again, this time for good.

I guess I’m headed to ACE tomorrow looking for an E12 E26 Candelabra base. I better write that down…

Karl

Even though I have served in government in some capacity for over 30 years, I don’t consider myself the ultimate expert on all things government. But I can lay claim to the fact that I am an expert on aging, having reached my mid-eighties. That stage in life gives me the right to claim that I know a great deal about what happens to your mind and body at that stage.

To start with, my age makes me older than President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Despite the passage of time I still work five days a week, practice law, do government relations and write multiple opinion columns on a variety of subjects. A few times a week I force myself to go to the gym where I do some cardio work and many stretches.

INSIDE POLITICS

Jerry Kremer

I pay close attention to the subtle changes that are taking place in the lives of former President Trump and our current President Joe Biden. Even though Mr. Trump looks to be more active, he has aged dramatically over the past eight

years. He is unquestionably obese and he admits that his diet is mostly fast food and occasional soft drinks.

Joe Biden has changed dramatically over the past four years, primarily due to the fact that he has the toughest job in America. The stresses of being a president are monumental and there is no way to cover up the fact that he has reached age 81.

Even though these two gentlemen are now old men, there are stark differences in how the two live their lives. Mr. Biden is on the job seven days a week and when you wrestle with so many challenges, it keeps your mind sharp which is critical to avoiding mental decay.

Mr. Trump has little in his life to keep him healthy other than the periodic trips around the country. Political rallies may be

great for our ego, but they do nothing to make you mentally sharper. Trump has no briefing books to scan nor does he admittedly have any reading habits. Following a teleprompter may be a good exercise, but Trump has a tendency to go off script and that is when he shows that his skills are slowly diminishing.

President Biden tends to walk slowly due to a long standing back problem and his lifetime stuttering habit makes him prone to verbal glitches. Mr. Trump shows daily signs of mental slippages, which he claims are planned mistakes.

The next seven months will determine who has the stamina to get to the finish line, but regardless of who you like, Biden has more mental and physical pluses going for him than his Republican challenger.

COLUMNS Apologies To The Bunny

Starting in the middle of this month a variety of municipalities, restaurants and other shops were advertising that people could come over for a photo with the Easter Bunny. I always found it odd that people didn’t wait til Easter – a celebration that lasts 50 days. But I suspect that the “breakfasts with Santa” in December primed the early visits with Mr. Rabbit.

I also suspect that the Easter Bunny confuses non-Christians. As one Jewish friend of mine asked, “I thought your Easter was about Jesus rising from the dead. What does the bunny have to do with that?”

And, with all respects to Sir Cottontail, actually nothing! The bunny-thing is tied into the new life of Spring. Lots of bunnies start appearing in our suburban yards. And while Easter is indeed a time for new life, it’s not about hare-raising.

In fact for Christians, Easter is the most important feast of the year. While the real meaning of Christmas can be obscured by marketing and the push to buy stuff, Easter is really the more significant moment in our faith history. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. And who of us came into the world without being born? Being born isn’t the remarkable thing. But rising from the dead? Well that’s something earth shattering!

Christians believe that Jesus, after being horribly tortured to death by Roman crucifixion, died and was buried. His disciples scattered out of fear. But since Jesus was not only human like us, but also the presence of God in the world, he couldn’t stay dead. So he is raised and appears to his disciples to offer them peace, reconciliation, healing and a mission.

The mission was to let everyone know that eternal life is not a fantasy, but it is a real outcome for us. Following Jesus is the way to the new life that we encounter after death. Where Jesus went, we can follow.

This is indeed good

news for anyone who is having their own form of crucifixion – whether it be a minor hurdle or a significant hurt. We are assured that our illnesses, our broken relationships, our failed endeavors, etc. are not the end of the story. There is new life ahead. Often we glimpse and experience it here and now. But sometimes we need faith that something better lies ahead.

So while Easter is a chance to market chocolate bunnies and Peeps and jelly beans, it is profoundly more important that increasing our sugar intake. While there’s nothing wrong with searching for hidden eggs, our real search over the fifty days of the Easter season ought to be about seeking where God is affirming our lives and offering us new opportunities to grow in love, in hope and in faith.

WE LOVE OUR PETS Spring Into Joy

Springtime breathes new life into the world around us, casting a verdant blanket over the landscape and inviting both humans and pets to revel in the burgeoning warmth. For pet parents, the season ushers in a unique set of opportunities and challenges, from navigating the nuances of allergy season to ensuring the safety and happiness of their furry companions during outdoor adventures. As we peel away the layers of winter and step into the freshness of spring, here are comprehensive tips to help pet parents navigate the season with ease and joy.

1Addressing Seasonal Allergies

Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies, which can manifest as skin irritation, sneezing, or watery eyes. Monitor your pet for signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching, licking, or shaking their head. Regular baths can help remove allergens from your pet’s coat, while air purifiers in the home can reduce airborne allergens. Consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, as they may recommend specific treatments or medications to alleviate their symptoms.

2 Safe Outdoor Adventures

With the weather warming up, outdoor activities become a daily routine. Ensure your pet’s safety by keeping them leashed in unfamiliar or open areas to prevent

them from getting lost or wandering into dangerous territory. Check local parks for pet-friendly trails and remember to carry water for both you and your pet to prevent dehydration.

3Parasite Prevention

Spring is prime time for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, which can pose serious health risks to your pets. Before the season is in full swing, visit your veterinarian to discuss preventive measures. There are a variety of options available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars, designed to protect your pet from these pests.

hazards to curious pets.

4Grooming Essentials

As your pet sheds their winter coat, regular grooming becomes crucial to their comfort and health. Brushing your pet not only helps to remove excess fur but also stimulates their skin and helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat. Consider professional grooming services if your pet has a thick coat that is prone to matting.

6SpringCleaning Safety

Spring cleaning is a seasonal ritual for many, but it’s important to keep pet safety in mind. Cleaning products can contain chemicals that are harmful to pets if ingested or inhaled. Use pet-safe cleaners whenever possible, and ensure that your pet is kept away from freshly cleaned areas until they are completely dry. Additionally, when tidying up, be mindful of small objects that could pose choking

5Diet and Exercise

The transition from winter to spring is an excellent time to reassess your pet’s diet and exercise routine. With more opportunities for outdoor activities, your pet may require additional calories to fuel their adventures. Consult with a veterinarian to ensure their diet meets their nutritional needs and adjust portion sizes as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

7Garden and Plant Safety

For those with a green thumb, spring is a time of planting and garden rejuvenation. However, many common plants and fertilizers can be toxic to

Unleashing a season of adventure and wellness for your furry friends

pets. Research the safety of plants before adding them to your garden, and opt for pet-safe alternatives when possible. Keep fertilizers, pesticides, and other garden chemicals out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

8Hydration and Shade

As temperatures rise, ensure your pet has constant access to fresh water and a shady spot to rest, whether indoors or out. Pets can become dehydrated quickly in warm weather, and breeds with thick coats or short noses are particularly susceptible to overheating.

9Microchipping and ID Tags

With the increased likelihood of spending time outdoors, there’s also an increased risk of pets getting lost. Ensure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags. This simple step can be instrumental in reuniting you with your pet should they wander off.

10Enjoying the Season Together

Finally, spring is a time to create lasting memories with your pet. From leisurely walks in the blooming park to adventurous hikes in the countryside, take the time to enjoy the season’s beauty together. Capture these moments with photos, and embrace the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives.

Spring is a season of renewal, offering pet parents a chance to refresh and strengthen the bond with their furry family members. By taking proactive steps to ensure their health, safety, and happiness, you can look forward to a season filled with adventure, growth, and shared moments of joy.

Photo Getty Images

Recently Sold HOMES

This lovely expanded split level home with three bedrooms and many updates located at 1 Wood Ave. in Massapequa, in the Plainedge School District, sold on March 12 for $850,000. A major renovation was completed in 2006 to expand the third level to a large primary suite, a garage conversion to office space with separate entrance, an expanded den to great room with a gas fireplace, change to the main floor rooms to open concept, installed central air, new siding, a 30-year roof and Andersen windows. The front entry opens to a light and bright living room with wood floors open to the dining room with sliders to the backyard and patio area. Adjacent is the beautifully updated eat-in-kitchen with many special features including Kraftmaid cabinetry with custom drawers and organizers, silestone countertops, a new range with convection and air fryer setting, a peninsula with seating for four guests with additional storage space below, and radiant heating. The lower level offers a great room with vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace, slider to backyard patio and skylights. A pantry space, full bath and separate office space with outside entrance complete this floor. Upstairs are two large bedrooms with wood floors and newly renovated full hall bathroom. The large primary suite on the third level offers a large bedroom with sitting area, walk-in closet with organizer and updated ensuite bath with large stand up shower, two separate vanities and radiant heat. Storage space, laundry, utilities and ample additional space can be found in the basement. Additional features include: PVC fenced flat yard, 200 amp electric, oil heat recently serviced, hot water heater 2015, two pull down attic storage spaces, freshly painted rooms, a seven-zone in-ground sprinkler system, gas line in home by fireplace, paver front walkway with pvc railing, security system and more.

This prestigious Nassau Shores neighborhood home at 148 Nassau Rd. in Massapequa sold on March 12 for $1,029,500. It is a diamond-condition expanded colonial with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It has an open floor plan and a detached garage. This home has a rare first floor layout and has possibility for a mother-daughter with proper permits. The main floor has a fabulous chef’s eat-inkitchen featuring custom wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, a center island, granite countertops, a tumbled marble backsplash and a pantry closet. The king-sized second floor has a vaulted primary suite that has a recently updated full bathroom and walk-in closet. The home has gleaming stained oak floors, filtered water, an encapsulated crawlspace, some motorized

window treatments, gas hot water with three-zone heat, hi-hat lighting and crown molding. The home was expanded and updated between 2006 and 2021. The home does not require flood insurance. It is located within the award-winning school district of Massapequa and is truly one of a kind.

HOME & DESIGN

How To Get Rid Of Crabgrass

BY VALERIE SMITH specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Weeds can be unsightly in an otherwise perfect, healthy lawn. Not only are they sometimes ugly, but they also compete with your lawn for space, sunlight, water and other nutrients! One of the most notorious weeds known for its difficulty to control is crabgrass. If you’re one of the unlucky homeowners who have crabgrass in their lawn—not to worry.

seed, prepare to begin fighting it again in warmer weather.

Appropriately named, crabgrass grows close to the ground and has branching stems resembling crab legs. Large crabgrass tends to have a dense coating of hair while smooth crabgrass does not. In smooth crabgrass, you can occasionally spot a pinkish red center where the grass is growing from.

Crabgrass (Sod Solutions)

Along with goosegrass, crabgrass is a pervasive weed found throughout the continental United States that many lawn owners struggle to control.

As an annual weed, crabgrass remains present in the landscape for one growing season, which usually begins in the late spring and early summer after the soil temperature has reached a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees for over five days.

Once the plants germinate, they will continue to grow until the days begin to shorten, causing them to enter a reproductive stage. During this time, plants produce seed (up to 150,000 per plant!) until the first frosts of the fall hit and knock them out.

Even if crabgrass isn’t visible in your lawn during the fall and winter, if the plant was able to set

If you’ve identified crabgrass early on and only a few weeds are present, it can be pulled by hand and may not grow back again. However, if crabgrass turns into a recurring problem or is too extensive to pull by hand, many chemical options serve as crabgrass killers. Some methods for controlling crabgrass are by using an herbicide.

Chemical control is often the best approach if crabgrass has spread throughout your lawn. As previously mentioned, crabgrass produces up to 150,000 seeds per plant, so chemical control may be more effective.

While there are many herbicide options available, they will typically fall under one of the following categories: pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides. Both types are necessary for controlling crabgrass since it’s such a tricky weed.

—Valerie Smith is a content stragetist for Sod Solutions. growing from.

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor.

Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.

Old Westbury Gardens Celebrates Landmark Anniversary Season

Since its inception 65 years ago, Old Westbury Gardens has captivated visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and enchanting gardens. This season, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone as we showcase the beauty and splendor that have defined Old Westbury Gardens for generations.

“As I begin my first full season leading Old Westbury Gardens, I am filled with anticipation for our opening,” said Maura Brush, President and CEO. “The winter months, during which we were closed, afforded us the opportunity to complete many restoration projects both inside Westbury House and in the gardens. Now, I am eager for our visitors to enjoy all that Old Westbury Gardens has to offer during our landmark anniversary year.”

Throughout the month of April, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of fun-filled events and activities, including the season’s first Storybook Stroll (April 6), the 4-week Early Spring Tiny Gardeners program for children ages 2-3 (beginning April 8), Poetica Musica: A Thousand Years of French Music concert (April 13), and the always popular “Dog Days” weekend (April 20-21), just to name a few. From guided tours of the

historic home to a child/adult tea, a book signing and talk, and spring recess activities for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in April and throughout the entire season. Access our Calendar of Events for the latest information on upcoming events.

Old Westbury Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Monday, April 1. Last entry for non-members is 4pm; last entry for members is 5 p.m. Last entry into Westbury House is 5:15pm. Ticket prices are as follows: Admission, $15; Ages 62 and older, $13; Full-time students with valid ID,

(Photo by Alex Nuñez)

COLUMNS

I Should Have Taken More Pictures

I am not entirely sure that there are not some photos circulating the universe that will definitely ruin my chances at ever being a politician in the future. But to be clear, I am thankful every day that social media and cellphones did not exist during my days on the high seas and that is all I will say about that.

Nostalgia is a curious emotion, weaving through the fabric of our memories, tugging gently at the threads of my past. It’s a bittersweet longing for moments of the past, a yearning to relive moments of my life that have quietly slipped away. Amidst nostalgic reverie, there’s a particular pang that often strikes—the realization that we should have taken more pictures.

I was just sharing some old photos from my deployments with a dear shipmate and we could not agree more, there should have been more pictures. At the time though, cameras were not allowed, both in the military spaces that we frequented nor while in uniform, not to mention, it just wasn’t plain cool, especially while operating at the business end of things.

In the digital age, where smartphones are ubiquitous extensions of our beings, capturing moments has become almost second nature, specially for me, a true photog at heart. In fact, I am sure I am pushing 11,000 photos on my own smartphone right now. Despite how easy it is to just snap a photo nowadays, there are still countless instances where I find myself disappointed about the scarcity of tangible memories. It’s in those moments of reflection that the weight of my oversight settles in, a gentle but persistent ache in my heart.

I have my memories though, revisiting cherished moments like scenes from a beloved film. There’s are the spontaneous trips to Tijuana with fellow crewmembers, the lazy summer afternoons spent lounging on Coronado or last-minute scuba diving excursions in Hanama Bay and in La Jolla, the impromptu dance parties in the barracks and in the ship’s berthing. Each memory is vivid, almost tangible in its clarity, yet tinged with a sense of regret for not having immortalized it in a photograph.

As I navigate my own nostalgia, grappling with the realization that I should have taken more pictures, let me also cherish the great memories of all of the best times and all of the best people during my Navy service. As the years pass, the edges of my recollections are blurring, leaving behind only snippets of the times that I hold dear. Memories have a funny way, sometimes.

$13; Children, ages 7 to 17, $8; Children, ages 6 and under, Free. Old Westbury Gardens is open daily except Tuesdays.

General admission tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.oldwestburygardens.org.

About Old Westbury Gardens

Built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former home of John S. Phipps; his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps;

LONG ISLAND VETERANS

Christy Hinko

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, April 1—Dress For Success clothing drive for veterans with Senator Steve Rhoads (www.rhoads. nysenate.gov for details)

Saturday, April 6—Long Island Warriors Hockey fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Green Turtle, East Meadow

Sunday, April 7—Nassau County Firefighter’s 9th Annual Operation Wounded Warrior Tournament from noon at Levittown Lanes (56 Tanners Ln.)

Friday, April 12—Long Island Cares veterans resources fair and food distribution from 2 to 6 p.m. in Hauppauge S aturday, April 13— Bingo fundraiser from 6 p.m. at Joseph Loeffler American Legion Post 1006, Brentwood

Saturday, April 13— Garage sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Blue Star Mothers at Marine Corps League, Massapequa

Sunday, April 14—Team Eva Marathon (www.goteameva.org for details)

Sunday, April 14—VFW District 11 Testimonial Dinner from 2 p.m. at Wade-Burns Post 7279 in Lindehurst

Saturday, April 20—Williston Auxiliary Unit 144 Chinese Auction from 2 p.m. at Williston Park American Legion (730 Willis Ave.)

Saturday, April 20—Vets’ legal assistance from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hofstra Law Atrium, Hempstead

Satuturday, April 20—22 Push Up Challenge and Out of the Darkness walk from 9 a.m. at Suffolk Community College Ammerman Campus

Saturday, April 27— Country Western Dance Party from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Baldwin American Legion (2754 Grand Ave.)

Saturday, May 11—Post 94 Poker Run from 9 a.m. at American Legion Post 94 in Babylon

Saturday, May 18—Vet Fest resource sharing event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Farmingdale Village Green (361 Main St.)

–Christy Hinko is a managing editor at Anton Media Group and U.S. Navy veteran

and their children. Today, as a not-forprofit organization, Old Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for a wide range of historical, cultural, artistic, educational, horticultural events, and more. Old Westbury Gardens seeks to inspire appreciation of the early 20th century American country estate through faithful preservation and interpretation of its landscape, gardens, architecture and collections. For more information, visit https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/

—Submitted by Old Westbury Gardens

The Five Steps to an Elder Law Estate Plan

Elder law estate planning provides for (1) your care in the event you become disabled as you age, and who will be in charge of that care, and (2) the passing of your assets on death to whom you want, when you want, the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. These are the five steps to creating such a plan.

Step One: Understanding the Family Dynamics. Clients often overlook the inestimable value of getting to know the family dynamic. We are firm believers that the social goes first and the legal should serve the social. Too often it is the other way around. Once we understand who’s who and everyone’s interpersonal relations with each other, we are far better able to craft a plan that will work socially as well as legally. The failure to address the social aspects has led to many a plan tearing the family apart.

Step Two: Reviewing the Client’s Assets. IRA’s and other “qualified” assets (i.e. tax deferred) are treated quite differently, on death or disability, from “non-qualified” assets. The determination of the amount and value of all assets, who owns them, and whether they have named beneficiaries are of the utmost importance in planning correctly, including saving legal fees and taxes.

Step Three: Reviewing Existing Estate Planning Documents: Not having been prepared by an elder law estate planning attorney, clients’ documents rarely have adequate provisions to take advantage of the many benefits the law provides for our aging population. Wills instead of trusts have often been prepared either because the client was considerably younger and a trust was not needed or a trust was needed but the general practice lawyer was unfamiliar with the specifics of preparing a trust.

Step Four: Developing the Elder Law Estate Plan. We are now in a position to determine which persons are best suited to handle your legal, financial and medical affairs on disability or death, what type of plan should be used and how the estate should be distributed -- keeping in mind the preservation of harmony in the family.

Step Five: Executing and Maintaining the Plan. Legal documents are explained and executed, assets are retitled and beneficiaries on assets changed in keeping with planning objectives. The client is called in to the law firm every three years to ensure the plan meets the client’s current wishes and conforms with any law changes.

HOROSCOPES By Holiday

Mathis

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19). ere’s work to be done, all of which counts toward your improvement. In the same way that lifting weights builds muscle mass, processing information builds intellectual capability. As for strength of character, that comes either through enduring hardship or via your e orts to help, elevate and celebrate others.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You see the deals to be made and are extremely adept at negotiating and sensing the bargain to be struck. But even as you maximize your prospects, you acknowledge the truth of the matter -- the best opportunities are never transactional, rather it’s what happens in the exchange of emotion that matters.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). In every ending is a new beginning. Even so, getting through the passage takes a lot of energy. Transitions can look deceptively easy from the outside, but they require a combination of surrender and strength that can be tricky to muster. Fuel yourself with the rest, nutrition and compassion to assist the best possible outcome.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re learning! It is better to get these lessons early on in a process. When everything is new, you can be excused for not knowing. Also, gather up your rst impressions and keep track of them because they will be meaningful to you later and important to your education.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’d be perfectly happy to go along with things the way they are, but something is preventing you from doing so. It’s as though the universe just doesn’t like a particular direction for you and is steering you di erently. And though it may not be clear for several weeks, you can trust how these subtle nudges are shaping a beautiful future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It takes a certain boldness to ask for what you want. Children often have the nerve before they’ve been discouraged or told it’s impolite. is week, you’ll overcome your reservations and speak up to express a desire. You also realize that everyone juggles their own obligations and commitments, so you release expectations.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Sophistication allows you to simultaneously hold con icting facets of a situation within your being. For instance, you may doubt the correctness of a methodology and still respect the ones who follow it. You may carry out a tradition that, logically speaking, makes no sense. It is love that often makes such things possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). In the same way the wing of the bird evolved to launch into the wind, you are changing and growing to nd new ways to support yourself and get where you want to go. is week, it’s a matter of adjusting your position to nd the angles that will make use of resistance and turn it into lift.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). While it will be strategic to bring a friend or entourage to the occasion where others are doing the same, it will be equally helpful to venture out alone to key events. You’ll sense when it’s better for you to show up in the fullness of your individuality so you have exibility to move toward opportunity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Don’t use approval as a guidance system. Even at its best, from someone you admire, approval is still a eeting and precarious measure of success. Come up with your own measures by which to determine success -- principles that will not change according to things like mood or trends.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). To focus on what’s new, di erent or dangerous is a natural function of human thought that has kept the species alive for thousands of years. Even so, you’ll go deeper this week, be more aware of nuance and have the kind of insights about the mundane world that elevate your experience and contributions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ve lived your life as a passionate person. You’ve earned certain badges of emotional development. You’re not too worried about what will happen if you love too much, get hurt or appear foolish because you’ve been there so many times before and have felt the love, adventure and wonder that make a risk worthwhile.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

e year brings a pattern -- you grow and let go, grow and let go, becoming stronger and lighter at once. You have a timeless understanding of the complexities of life. Your wisdom extends beyond your years, and you’ll have a profound impact on others as you live and love to your own code. e relationships you nurture will be the start of a network that will sustain you and others for years. Fitness endeavors will build your mind and body simultaneously. Work with people of di erent generations will be ful lling. COPYRIGHT

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND WORD FIND

Adopted english

Solution: 20 Letters

WORD FIND

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

Adopted english

Solution: 20 Letters

The

Ad hoc

Ad lib

Angst

Attache

Au fait

Au pair

Avant garde

Bravura

Clique

Czar

Double entendre

Elan

En masse

En route

Ergo

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by

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

In situ

In vitro

Fatwa

Faux pas

Fiasco Gateau

Ad hoc Ad lib Angst Attache Au fait Au pair

Avant garde

Gemütlich

Gestalt

Gulag

Bravura Clique Czar Double entendre

Guru

Halal

Karaoke Kitsch

Layette

Layette

Elan En masse En route Ergo Fatwa Faux pas Fiasco Gateau Gemütlich Gestalt Gulag Guru Halal In situ In vitro Karaoke Kitsch

Persona non grata

Pro bono

Persona non grata Pro bono

Rigor mortis

Rigor mortis

Safari

Safari Uber

Uber

Solution: We have made them our own

Creators Syndicate

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

Date: 3/31/24

Solution: We have made them our own

Creators Syndicate

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

works like a charm

Date: 3/31/24

appears to have two unassailable trump tricks, and defeat seems inevitable.

But faint heart ne’er won fair lady, so South continues on, hoping for a miracle. Abandoning further trump leads, he cashes four spade tricks, on which he discards two clubs as East follows suit throughout. Declarer next cashes the ace of clubs, bringing about this position:

North

♥ 10 3

♣ J 9

West East

Immaterial ♥ Q 9 8 7

South ♥ A J 6 4

Declarer now leads a club from dummy, and when East ruffs with the seven, South underruffs with the four! As a result, East must resign since he cannot win another trick no matter which heart he returns. One of his two “certain” trump tricks simply vanishes.

East

the Q-A and plays a third diamond, won by South with the jack.

The contract might seem ironclad to declarer at this point, but when he next leads a low trump to dummy’s king and West shows out, the prognosis changes drastically. East

You might say that declarer was lucky to find East with precisely four spades and a singleton club. However, this moderate amount of good fortune was more than offset by the 5-0 trump split and the fact that East also had the A-Q of diamonds sitting over dummy’s king. Then, too, South’s perseverance in the face of adversity had more than a little to do with the outcome.

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

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Girl Scouts Of Nassau County Honors Great Neck Resident Katherine Sun At Annual Legacy Brunch

Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) recently held its third annual Legacy Brunch on Friday, March 15 at The Heritage Club in Farmingdale. The event honored Katherin Sun among four other Girl Scout champions who are making an impact in their community. This event brought together generations of Girl Scouts and their supporters to celebrate the impact the organization has had over the last 112 years. All proceeds from the event are going toward ensuring all girls have the opportunity to fully experience Girl Scouts and continuing the legacy of building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

“112 years ago, Juliette Gordon Low started building her legacy for the girls of America when she started the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia. It has since developed into a leadership experience that builds courage, confidence, and character, and blazes trails and redefines what’s possible for girls everywhere,” said Rande Bynum, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Girl Scout Volunteers like Katherine Sun are making a lasting impact and helping shape the future of Girl Scouts for the next generation of girls through their service and dedication to Girl Scouts of Nassau County. The Legacy Brunch honors

those individuals who believe in the Girl Scout mission and are going above and beyond to impact their communities.”

The Impact Award recognizes emerging leaders under 40 who are currently giving back and making contributions to the Girl Scout mission and the larger Nassau County community. These emerging leaders represent the future of leadership in Nassau County.

Katherin Sun is currently pursuing her studies at the University of Rochester,

majoring in biomedical engineering, and complementing her studies with a minor in economics; she aspires to leverage her interdisciplinary skills to address healthcare challenges and contribute meaningfully to the field. In the seven years she has been a Girl Scout, Katherine has been an active member of the Girl Leadership Committee of the board, spearheading various outreach initiatives that aim to inspire and mentor young girls. Katherine also served as a national delegate, representing Girl Scouts of Nassau County at Girl Scouts’ National Council Session in 2023.

The Legacy Award was presented to Dr. Sandra Lindsay, of Port Washington, Vice President of Public Health Advocacy at Northwell Health. Dr. Lindsay was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, which is the highest honor given to a U.S. citizen by the President of the United States. Also, three additional Impact Awards were presented to Gabrielle Fidis, of West Hempstead, Creative Arts Therapist at Bellevue Hospital, Girl Scout Lifetime Member and National Delegate, LaTonja Lee, of Rockville Center, dedicated member of the New York State Athletic Trainers Association DEI committee, Girl Scout Lifetime Member and Gold Award Girl Scout,

and Allie McCormick, of Jericho, Girl Scout Lifetime Member, National Delegate, past member of the Girl Scout Girl Leadership Committee, past member of Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Board of Directors and Gold Award Girl Scout.

The Legacy Award is for change-makers in Nassau County who give back to the community by elevating and supporting the Girl Scout mission through their career or volunteer work. They are true leaders working to pave the way for a positive future for Girl Scouts and their families.

For more than a century, Girl Scouts has championed changemakers—helping girls develop leadership skills to make a tangible, positive difference in the community. Throughout the event, guests will learn more about some of the most enriching traditions and programs available to all Girl Scouts. Attendees will learn about the life-changing experience of spending time at Camp Blue Bay, the passion and vision it takes to carry out one of the Highest Award Projects Girl Scouts can earn and join in a few other Girl Scout traditions.

To learn more about the Legacy Brunch, please visit www.gsnc.org/legacy.

—Submitted

by the Girl Scouts of Nassau County

School District Budget Events

The Great Neck School District Election and Budget Vote will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Please note the new voting hours for this year’s election.

Budget Presentations & Adoption Dates

Budget presentations are scheduled during Board of Education meetings. Residents are encouraged to attend the budget presentations or view the meetings online and to respond to the preliminary budget. Final decisions on the budget will not be made until the Board listens to the community’s comments.

Upcoming meeting dates, times, and locations are listed below. Please note that budget presentations follow student recognitions, which begin approximately at 7:45 p.m. Budget presentations will be available on the district website after each meeting (www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings).

• Thursday, April 18 at 7:45 p.m., Budget Presentation and Adoption of Proposed Budget at North High School

• Wednesday, May 8 at 7:45 p.m., Official Public Budget Hearing at South Middle School

Voter Registration

Residents who have voted in any school or general election between 2020 and 2023 are automatically registered to vote in the

school election on May 21, 2024. Residents can confirm their registration status using the online Registration Verification tool on the district website (www.greatneck.k12. ny.us/voting) or by calling the District Clerk (516-441-4007). If you are not registered, you may register if you are 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, and have lived in the district for at least 30 days.

Voter registration is available through the Nassau County Board of Elections (www. nassaucountyny.gov/580/Voting-Info-Services or 516-571-VOTE) or by appointment at the Office of the District Clerk (Phipps Admin. Bldg., 345 Lakeville Rd.) on school days from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Please note that registration with the District Clerk only registers an individual to vote in Great Neck School District elections. Residents must be registered by Thursday, May 16, to vote on Tuesday, May 21.

Applications for Early Mail and Absentee Ballots

Recent New York State legislation has established early voting by mail, which allows eligible voters to cast a ballot by mail in advance of an election. Qualified, registered voters can obtain applications for early mail and absentee ballots by contacting the Office of the District Clerk on school days from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Applications for early mail

and absentee ballots cannot be accepted until Monday, April 22.

Residents who are qualified voters and whose registration records have been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections will automatically receive absentee ballots.

Completed early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21.

Polling Locations

There are four polling locations for school district elections: E.M. Baker School, Lakeville School, Saddle Rock School, and South High School. Residents who are unsure of their polling location can use the online Poll Place Finder tool on the district website (www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/voting) or contact the District Clerk.

Voting Rights Act

Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act requires school districts in Nassau

County to provide election information in English and Spanish. In accordance with this Act, print materials produced by the Great Neck Public Schools pertaining to the School District Election and Budget Vote will be distributed in both languages.

Residents who prefer to review budget and voting information in languages other than English and Spanish are encouraged to visit the district website and use the translation feature at the top of the page, which offers more than 100 different language options. Additional information may also be obtained by calling the District Clerk.

For Further Information

For more information about the 2024–25 school budget, voter registration, early mail and absentee ballots, and polling locations, please call the District Clerk on school days at 516-441-4007.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

Katherine Sun (Contributed photo)

Hillside Islamic Center Files Suit Over Construction Plans

Hillside Islamic Center Files Suit Over Construction Plans

Town of North Hempstead hires attorney to defend board’s decision

Town of North Hempstead hires attorney to defend board’s decision

JANET BURNS

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

AAfter months of consideration and back-and-forth discussion, the Town of North Hempstead’s town board recently voted against a revised proposal by the Hillside Islamic Center to expand its facilities, having previously rejected the Center’s prior proposal in January.

fter months of consideration and back-and-forth discussion, the Town of North Hempstead’s town board recently voted against a revised proposal by the Hillside Islamic Center to expand its facilities, having previously rejected the Center’s prior proposal in January.

In response, the Hillside Islamic Center has now filed suit against the Town, arguing that the Town of North Hempstead board “exceeded its power” in denying the Center’s site plan, including a three-story building addition and several dozen parking spaces, for its current site and the three adjacent lots it purchased.

In response, the Hillside Islamic Center has now filed suit against the Town, arguing that the Town of North Hempstead board “exceeded its power” in denying the Center’s site plan, including a three-story building addition and several dozen parking spaces, for its current site and the three adjacent lots it purchased.

In response to the lawsuit by the Hillside Islamic Center, which is located at 300 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park, the Town has retained legal representation for this matter.

In response to the lawsuit by the Hillside Islamic Center, which is located at 300 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park, the Town has retained legal representation for this matter.

Umberto Mignardi, Public Information Officer for the Town of North Hempstead, commented by email, “The town board voted against the proposal for public safety concerns and the Finding of Facts document makes it clear that the expansion would indeed have a detrimental impact on traffic safety as well as the safety of congregants.”

Umberto Mignardi, Public Information Officer for the Town of North Hempstead, commented by email, “The town board voted against the proposal for public safety concerns and the Finding of Facts document makes it clear that the expansion would indeed have a detrimental impact on traffic safety as well as the safety of congregants.”

“In light of the Center’s lawsuit challenging the decision, the town board voted to hire outside counsel to defend the town. The Uniondale-based law firm of Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC was selected for their expertise in land use litigation. The matter is now with the courts, so we’re not able to comment further, at this time.”

“In light of the Center’s lawsuit challenging the decision, the town board voted to hire outside counsel to defend the town. The Uniondale-based law firm of Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC was selected for their expertise in land use litigation. The matter is now with the courts, so we’re not able to comment further, at this time.”

treatment in land use determinations, pursuant to which municipalities must strive to exercise greater flexibility when considering an application for religious use and make every effort to accommodate religious use ... Respondent’s Resolution failed to comply with, or even acknowledge, the presumption and preference that should have been afforded to Petitioner’s religious use, and therefore must be reversed.”

treatment in land use determinations, pursuant to which municipalities must strive to exercise greater flexibility when considering an application for religious use and make every effort to accommodate religious use ... Respondent’s Resolution failed to comply with, or even acknowledge, the presumption and preference that should have been afforded to Petitioner’s religious use, and therefore must be reversed.”

The Town Board’s most recent decision, delivered in early March, noted that current state law “does not mandate that the board approve an application made by a religious institution, as the general presumption that religious institutions are beneficial, and are entitled to accommodation, can be rebutted with evidence of a significant impact on traffic congestion, property values, municipal services and other similar negative impacts.”

The Town Board’s most recent decision, delivered in early March, noted that current state law “does not mandate that the board approve an application made by a religious institution, as the general presumption that religious institutions are beneficial, and are entitled to accommodation, can be rebutted with evidence of a significant impact on traffic congestion, property values, municipal services and other similar negative impacts.”

“For all these reasons,” the board wrote in its March 5 decision, “and as shown in the testimony and evidence, the Board finds that the size, scale, scope, and design of the Site Plan is incompatible with the community and neighborhood, and the general welfare of the public.”

“For all these reasons,” the board wrote in its March 5 decision, “and as shown in the testimony and evidence, the Board finds that the size, scale, scope, and design of the Site Plan is incompatible with the community and neighborhood, and the general welfare of the public.”

The decision has split Town of North Hempstead board members along party lines, with Democrats consistently voting to approve the plan.

The decision has split Town of North Hempstead board members along party lines, with Democrats consistently voting to approve the plan.

Last October, the Town’s building department halted construction at the mosque and community center over concerns about steel work early on in the expansion process. According to Island Now, Hillside Islamic Center President Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan said the main change in the plans was the removal of a column in the center’s main hall on the first floor.

Last October, the Town’s building department halted construction at the mosque and community center over concerns about steel work early on in the expansion process. According to Island Now, Hillside Islamic Center President Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan said the main change in the plans was the removal of a column in the center’s main hall on the first floor.

According to the Town’s November 14 minutes on the matter, the Center’s plan is “to construct a three-story 6,600 s.f. addition to an existing two-story 5,428 s.f. religious building, including expansion of the parking lot into two adjoining parcels and the installation of two new curb cuts, on a 0.9-acre lot located at 300 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park and identified on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 8, Block 3, Lots 6, 11 and 13.”

According to the Town’s November 14 minutes on the matter, the Center’s plan is “to construct a three-story 6,600 s.f. addition to an existing two-story 5,428 s.f. religious building, including expansion of the parking lot into two adjoining parcels and the installation of two new curb cuts, on a 0.9-acre lot located at 300 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park and identified on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 8, Block 3, Lots 6, 11 and 13.”

According to the Center’s Article 78 lawsuit, “Under New York law, religious use of property is presumptively beneficial to the community and is entitled to preferential

According to the Center’s Article 78 lawsuit, “Under New York law, religious use of property is presumptively beneficial to the community and is entitled to preferential

Bhuiyan told Island Now in February, “We wanted to get the plan with the amendments changed. The building department suggested since we’re making that change, to submit them and then they would inspect the work.”

Bhuiyan told Island Now in February, “We wanted to get the plan with the amendments changed. The building department suggested since we’re making that change, to submit them and then they would inspect the work.”

The Hillside Islamic Center has cited its growing congregation in its efforts to expand, and has argued that the additional parking spaces would help reduce traffic congestion in the area during popular services and events.

The Hillside Islamic Center has cited its growing congregation in its efforts to expand, and has argued that the additional parking spaces would help reduce traffic congestion in the area during popular services and events.

Opponents of the plan have argued that the plan would increase traffic congestion in the area, and generally wasn’t to scale for the neighborhood.

Opponents of the plan have argued that the plan would increase traffic congestion in the area, and generally wasn’t to scale for the neighborhood.

Prior to the lawsuit, and the Town’s most recent decision, the issue had been a frequent topic at Town of North Hempstead board meetings in recent months.

Prior to the lawsuit, and the Town’s most recent decision, the issue had been a frequent topic at Town of North Hempstead board meetings in recent months.

The Hillside Islamic Center on Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park, photographed on a Monday in mid-March, with a police officer stationed outside.

The Hillside Islamic Center shown from the side, where seasonal canopies have been set up on the patio.

One of the adjacent lots to Hillside Islamic Center, which was intended for more parking spaces, is currently vacant. (Photos by Joe Morreale)

The Hillside Islamic Center on Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park, photographed on a Monday in mid-March, with a police officer stationed outside.

The Hillside Islamic Center shown from the side, where seasonal canopies have been set up on the patio.

One of the adjacent lots to Hillside Islamic Center, which was intended for more parking spaces, is currently vacant. (Photos by Joe Morreale)

SCHOOL NEWS

LONG ISLAND SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

A total of 11 science research students from North High School and South High School were selected to compete in the final round of the 2024 Long Island Science and Engineering Fair (LISEF) on March 5. This regional competition is for the most advanced high school projects and gives students the opportunity to present to professionals in their subject areas from local universities, scientific institutions, and professionals in the field.

Great Neck students who presented their research were Nicole Kiaei, Lillian Wu, and Nicole Yeroushalmi from North High School; and Caden Li, Michelle Luo, Sarah Sun, Aman Thawani, Erin Wong, Alexander Xu, and Tiffany Zhang from South High School.

Grand Awards

Grand Awards—first place, second place, third place, and honorable mention—are awarded to the top presenters in each of 15 research categories.

Michelle Luo from South High won first place in the engineering and energy sustainability category for her project, “Anisotropic Ion Transport Properties of Thin-Film Solid Polymer Electrolytes.” As a first-place winner at LISEF,

Michelle will automatically advance as a finalist in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), to be held in Los Angeles, CA, in May.

Two students were awarded second place in their respective categories: North High’s Nicole Yeroushalmi won second-place in the animal biology category for her project, “The Effect of Diet on Galleria mellonella Larvae’s Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis,” and South High’s Caden Li won second place in the translational medicine category for his project, “Automated Volumetric Biomarker Segmentation and Combination for Superior ADPKD Progression Prediction using Machine Learning.”

A third-place award in the intelligent machines and software category was presented to South High’s Alexander Xu for his project, “CARe-BERT: BERT-Powered Graph Augmentation for Context-Aware Radiology Report Retrieval.”

Five students received honorable mentions in their respective categories: Nicole Kiaei, North High, molecular chemistry category; Aman Thawani, South High, chemistry and material science; Erin Wong, South High, computational biology

and bioinformatics; Lillian Wu, North High, biomedical research; and Tiffany Zhang, South High, math, physics and astronomy.

Special Awards

Four Great Neck students were named as recipients of Special Awards, which are presented by various science associations, government agencies, and private companies in recognition of outstanding research in specific areas.

North High senior Nicole Kiaei was presented with an award from the United States Metric Association for the best use of the Interna-

LISEF THERMO MASTERS MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

On March 5, students from North Middle School and South Middle School presented their experiments and findings at the LISEF Thermo MASTERS Middle School Science Fair. This fair is the preeminent Middle School Science fair on Long Island.

At this year’s fair, hundreds of students from across Long Island presented their research to science specialists through display boards and oral presentations. After compiling scoring feedback from the judges, the Great Neck Middle School teams earned a full sweep of awards including three firstplace awards, five second-place awards, two third-place awards and an honorable mention award.

First Place

Students who win first place at the LISEF Thermo MASTERS Middle School Science Fair earn an invitation to compete in the Thermo Fisher JIC National Competition in Washington D.C. Three projects from GNPS received this honor and will advance to the National Competition.

First place winners and the titles of their projects are: Shayaan Khan, Brandon Li, and Charles Yu

from North Middle, “War of the Wings”; Hailey Cheung and Danei Kalash from South Middle, “The Effect of Music on Memory”; and Andy Zhuang and Eric Zhuang from South Middle, “Gene Expression Analysis of the Impact of Febrile Seizures on Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy”.

Second Place

Second-place winners from North Middle School are: Max Hendizadeh and Misha Mehrfar, “Pop that Pimple: A Look at Acne Medicines”; Jocelyn Morley and Jicheng Xie, “Keeping it Together: A Look at Soil Erosion”; and Ian Tong and Gavin Zhao, “Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Roads”.

Second-place winners from South Middle School are: Evelyn Wu and Yasemin Ozel, “The Effect of Different Sports on the Lung Capacity of a Teen”; and Emmett Yeung and Jake Liu, “The Effect of Chunking on Memorization”.

Third Place

Two projects received thirdplace honors: Benjamin Amir, Ian Bloom, and Brian Mayer from North Middle, “Radiation Quantify: Decoding Emissions”; and Joshua Goldberg from South Middle,

“Which kills E. coli more effectively: mouthwash or toothpaste?”

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention was awarded to Ivy Li and Linzi Yeung from South Middle for their project, “The Effect of Natural Antibiotics on the Growth of Sporosarcina uraea bacteria”.

Over the course of this year, these students designed and conducted experiments and effectively communicated their discoveries with support and guidance from their teachers. Students went above and beyond to produce presentations that were among the best from all of Long Island. Great Neck middle school science research students are led by teachers Elizabeth Leone, Brian Pernice, Kristi Willis, and research mentor Tobias Hatten.

The LISEF-Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovation Challenge (JIC) is a competition for Long Island students in grades 6-8. It is presented through a partnership with Society for Science and the Public (SSP) and Thermo Fisher.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

tional System of Units in this year’s competition.

South High senior Tiffany Zhang received the NASA Earth System Science Award, which is presented for projects that best demonstrate insight into Earth’s interconnected spheres.

South High senior Michelle Luo was presented the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award (RSDA) Certificate for an outstanding project that addresses social and environmental challenges as well as a meaningful solution for a more sustainable future.

Caden Li and Erin Wong from South High were both presented the Yale Science and Engineering Association Award, which recognizes the most outstanding eleventh-grade projects exhibiting in the areas of STEM.

Great Neck’s high school science research programs are led by advisors Christopher Bambino, Alison Widawsky, and Jessica York at North High, and advisors Nicole Spinelli and Dr. James Truglio at South High.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

First Place winners

LISEF Thermo MASTERS Middle School Science Fair Winners (Contributed photos)

From the left: Honorable mention recipient Lillian Wu, honorable mention and special award recipient Nicole Kiaei, and second-place winner Nicole Yeroushalmi from North High were among nine LISEF award winners from the Great Neck Public Schools. (Contributed photo)

BOARD OF EDUCATION APPLAUDS E.M. BAKER STUDENTS

During the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Feb. 27, Board trustees recognized fifth-grade leaders of “Baker Gives Back,” a student-led service-oriented club at E.M. Baker Elementary School. The club, which spans several grade levels at Baker, is led by kindergarten teacher Lauren Banyon and school counselor Kaitlin Frangella. During a presentation to the Board, Baker Principal Dr. Michael Grimaldi and Assistant Principal Dr. Heather SweetLazos shared several projects organized

by club members to spread kindness and make a positive difference in their school community, including a kindness-themed art installation in the school cafeteria and appreciation cards that were delivered to staff members.

“These young leaders have shown dedication to helping others and improving our school while also strengthening priceless life skills such as teamwork, empathy, and taking initiative,” praised Dr. Grimaldi.

—Submitted by the Great Neck School District

NORTH HIGH JUNIOR ELECTED NEW YORK DECA PRESIDENT

Nina Goldstein, a junior at North High School, has been elected to serve as president of New York DECA for the 2024–25 school year. New York DECA’s executive officers represent more than 7,000 members, serve as ambassadors for DECA programs, and organize the State Career Conference where thousands of students compete at the state level.

Nina launched her state officer campaign at the start of this school year with her campaign manager, fellow North High junior Jessica Ong. Nina was one of 15 candidates running for a position on the state officer board.

During the New York State DECA Conference in Rochester on March 6-8, Nina campaigned in-person to win votes from delegates across the state. On the final night of the conference, it was announced that Nina won the popular vote and was elected DECA State President.

Nina joined the North High DECA Chapter as a sophomore and immediately showed her leadership ability. At the end of her first year, she was accepted to the school’s DECA officer team. This year, Nina has served as a role play officer, which is a leadership position that helps students practice role plays in preparation for competitions, and she ran a marketing bootcamp for North High DECA members.

In addition to her participation in DECA, Nina is president of the North High Debate Team, an officer for Model UN, and a threeyear member of the varsity cheerleading team.

The North High DECA Chapter has more than 200 student members and is one of the

largest chapters in New York State. DECA advisors at North High are Richard Marchese and Paul Rodriguez.

DECA is a global organization that prepares students for college and careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Members develop leadership abilities through rigorous project-based activities and demonstrate their knowledge through business partnerships and competitions.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

GNPS REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND LI REGIONAL STUDENT FORUM

Student representatives from North High School and South High School attended the 2024 Long Island Regional Student Forum, held at Western Suffolk BOCES on Feb. 29.

North High was represented by Student Organization treasurer Jayden Haghani and speaker Matthew Ghodsi, and South High was represented by Student Government president Robin Varughese and treasurer David Feng.

This year’s Regional Student Forum brought together more than 100 students representing over 40 school districts. The theme was “Your Pathway, Your Voice,” and

the program featured student-facilitated discussions about important topics such as mental health, school/life balance, school environment, and real-world learning.

This Island-wide event was co-sponsored by Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Nassau BOCES, and Western Suffolk BOCES. Great Neck students were accompanied by North High Student Organization advisor Alison Silk and South High Student Government advisor Jane Callaghan.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

VILLAGE SCHOOL STUDENT RECOGNITION

On Feb. 27, Village School students were recognized by the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education for contributing to the quality of life at their high school. Award recipients (standing front row center; left to right) with their area of achievement are Val Lubetsky, Most Improved; Gwendolyn Hart, Community Service; Emma Martin, Quintessential Student; Zay Seltz, Rookie of the Year; and Haruka Ishi, Academic Performance. Joining them

—Information and photo from the Great Neck Public School District

Pictured here, fifth-graders Sophie Buger, Cara Chan, Katelyn Dong, Aiden Farhadian, Kayla Lee, Leah Lewis, Julia Lin, Charles Qian, Victoria Xu, and Aria Yao hold their Board certificates in front of their kindness art installation, along with faculty advisors Ms. Banyon and Ms. Frangella. (Contributed photo)

North High junior Nina Goldstein has been elected to serve as President of New York State DECA for the 2024–25 school year. (Contributed photo)

From the left: Robin Varughese, Jayden Haghani, Matthew Ghodsi, and David Feng represented the Great Neck Public Schools at the 2024 Long Island Regional Student Forum. (Contributed photo)

are Board of Education President Rebecca Sassouni, Vice President Grant Toch, and Trustees Joanne Chan, Steven Chen, and Donna Peirez; Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Bossert; Village School Principal Stephen Goldberg; and Village School staff Lisa DiRosa, Ronni Graf, Lisa Holz, Halina Panariello, Cindy Pavlic, Lauren Sullivan, and Samuel Yellis.

CRIME & SAFETY Arrest Update From January Attempted Burglary

In mid-January, the Nassau County Police Department Public Information Office reported on the arrest of three Newark, New Jersey men for a Burglary that occurred on Saturday, Jan.13, 2024 at 2:50 a.m. in Lake Success.

According to Police, Lake Success Officers responded to a residence located on Meadow Woods Road for an attempted burglary. While in route to the scene, a Lake Success RMP was involved in a collision with a blue 2021 BMW sedan that was fleeing the scene of the incident. After the collision, three subjects exited the car and fled on foot. A canvass was conducted with the assistance of the Nassau County Police Department which resulted in the three subjects being

LEGALGREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Plaintiff

AGAINST

Mehdi Gabyzadeh a/k/a Mehdi Gabayzadeh; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 21, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 5 Pheasant Run, Kings Point, NY 11024. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Kings Point, New York, in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 1 Block 178 Lot 48. Approximate amount of judgment $2,848,401.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003161/2007. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Malachy Lyons, Jr., Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: February 12, 2024 4-3; 3-27-20-13-2024-4T#246553-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT -

located and placed under arrest without further incident. During the investigation, it was discovered that the three subjects had also attempted to commit a burglary at a residence located on Fox Lane immediately prior to the incident and a loaded Glock 19 that was modified to be fully automatic was located inside of the blue 2021 BMW.

Defendants Jawaun Whitted (22), Furquan Ahmad (20), and Raquil Hayes (21) were all charged with two counts of Attempted Burglary first degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree.

On March, 14, the Nassau County Police Department released an update on the burglary. Upon further investigation defendant

COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF BEHALF OF AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEB LOAN TRUST VII, Plaintiff - againstYEFIM ARANBAYEV, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 13, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 18th day of April, 2024 at 2:30 PM. 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 Great Neck, Town of North Hempstead, State of New York.

Premises known as 35 West Terrace Road, Great Neck, NY 11021.

(Section: 2, Block: 289, Lot: 1 and 10)

Approximate amount of lien $1,177,876.89 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 010727/2014. Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: February 8, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and

Fazon Farrington (19) was also responsible for the above crimes. In addition, he is being charged for multiple other residential Burglaries and Larcenies at the following dates and locations:

Dec. 23, 2023-Attempted Burglary-Lake Drive, New Hyde Park

Dec. 23, 2023- Burglary-Magnolia Drive, Franklin Square

Dec. 26, 2023-Burglary–Church Street, Syosset

Dec. 26, 2023-Burglary–Saville Road, Mineola

Jan. 2, 2024-Burglary–Falmouth Avenue, North New Hyde Park

Jan. 8, 2024-Burglary–Stuart Road,

Valley Stream

Jan. 8, 2024-Burglary–Park Lane, Woodmere

The proceeds of these burglaries included the theft of keys belonging to high-end vehicles in which defendant Fazon Farrington would then use to remove the cars from the scene.

Defendant Fazon Farrington is being charged with six counts of Burglary second degree, two counts of Attempted Burglary first degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree, six counts of Grand Larceny second degree and one count of Attempted Burglary second degree.

—Information from the Nassau County Police Department (pdnc.org)

LEGAL NOTICES

COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246706-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PROBATE CITATION

File No. 2022-2857

SURROGATE’S COURT –NASSAU COUNTY SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

By the Grace of God Free and Independent

TO: Jacqueline Silver

A petition having been duly filed by DANIEL AKERIB, who is domiciled at 1535 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road Mineola, New York 11501, on May 22, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Josephine Akerib lately domiciled at 38 Knightsbridge Road, Apt. 3i, Great Neck Village, NY, 11021, United States admitting to probate a Will dated September 17, 1980 (and Codicil(s), if any, dated N/A), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Josephine Akerib deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that:

[ ] Letters Testamentary issue to [ ] Letters of Trusteeship issue to [X] Letters of Administration c.t.a. to DANIEL AKERIB

[ ] Further relief requested (if any):

NOTICE: THIS CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. A Dated, Attested and Sealed, 3/11/24

Seal Surrogate Hon. Margaret C. Reilly

Chief Clerk Debra Keller Leimbach

Donna Furey, Esq.

Print Name of Attorney Law Office of Donna Furey Firm Name

44-14 Broadway, New York, New York 11103

Address (347) 448-2549 Telephone dfurey@fureylaw.net

Email (optional) PROOF OF SERVICE SHALL BE FILED ON OR BEFORE THE SECOND DAY PRECEDING THE RETURN DATE. IN COMPUTING SUCH PERIOD TWO DAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND LEGAL HOLIDAYS SHALL NOT BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246737-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK ESTATES ASSESSMENT ROLL

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Final Assessment Roll for the Village of Great Neck Estates for the fiscal year June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 has been completed and will be filed in the office of the Village Administrator at Village Hall, Atwater Plaza, 4 Gateway Drive, Great Neck Estates, New York, on April 1, 2024 where the same will remain open to public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm for fifteen days after the date of this notice or may be viewed on the Village website www. vgne.com.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Kathleen L Santelli Village Clerk-Treasurer

Dated: March 27, 2024

3-27-2024-1T-#246848-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of North Hempstead on the 2nd day of April, 2024, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening for the pur-

pose of considering the adoption of the following ordinance:

CUMBERLAND AVENUE, GREAT NECK, NEW YORK

l. All motor or other vehicles of any kind shall comply with the following:

PROPOSAL: ADOPT:

1. CUMBERLAND AVENUE – ALLEN DRIVE –FULL STOP

All Traffic eastbound on Cumberland Avenue shall come to a Full Stop at its intersection with Allen Drive.

2. ALLEN DRIVE – CUMBERLAND AVENUE –FULL STOP

All Traffic southbound on Allen Drive shall come to a Full Stop at its intersection with Cumberland Avenue.

Section 2. All ordinances or regulations heretofore adopted in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 3. PENALTIES: “A violation of this ordinance shall be punishable by a fine not in excess of Thirty ($30.00) Dollars, plus any surcharge payable to other governmental entities.”

Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect ten days from the date of its publication and posting pursuant to Section 133 of the Town Law of the State of New York.

Section 5. This ordinance shall be incorporated in the Uniform Traffic Code of the Town of North Hempstead.

Dated: March 5, 2024 Manhasset, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD RAGINI SRIVASTAVA TOWN CLERK 3-27-2024-1T-#246910-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice

Architectural Review Board

PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Architectural Review Board of the Village of Kensington will hold a public

hearing on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall located at 2 Nassau Drive, Great Neck, NY to discuss the following application:

61 ARLEIGH RD., also known as Section 2, Block 229, Lot 328 (REPLACE ALL CEDAR SHAKE SIDING).

All persons will be heard at the time and place above stated. Copies of the application are available at the Village Hall for inspection during regular business hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Andrea Dennett, Chairperson Joyce Cheung, Co-Chairperson

Architectural Review Board

Dated: March 13, 2024 3-27-2024-1T-#246950-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Russell Gardens will hold its Public Regular Meeting on the 4th day of April 2024 at 8:00 P.M. at Village Hall, located at 6 Tain Drive, Great Neck, New York.

A Public Hearing will be held on this date on the proposal of Local Law 2-2024, to amend Russell Gardens Code Chapter 45, “Streets and Sidewalks”, Article 1, entitled “Excavations and Openings”, subsection 45-2 (A) and a hearing on the proposal to amend Russell Gardens Code Chapter 55, “Vehicles and Traffic”, subsection 55-4, “Notice of Removal”, new subparagraph G. All people interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at said public hearing. Copies of the law described above are on file in the Clerk’s office and are available for inspection during regular village office hours. Please check the Village website for updates.

Dated: 3/27/2024

By Order of the Board of Trustees Inc. Village of Russell Gardens David M. Miller, Mayor Danielle Pennise, Village Clerk Treasurer 3-27-2024-1T-#246965-GN

From The Desk Of Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte: Stop The Partisan Bickering And Get On With The People’s Business

At the March 5, 2024, Town Board meeting I offered a resolution to install oyster gardens at Town Dock, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, to help demonstrate to residents and organizations with docks how they can also get involved to help improve the water quality of Manhasset Bay. The resolution passed unanimously with bipartisan support. Yet despite their favorable votes, Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Councilman Dennis Walsh then complained I did not do enough to work with the Supervisor and her administration. This was not the first time the two of them have publicly scolded me about how hard I work for the residents of District 6. But now is the time that I set the record straight about just how difficult it is to work with an administration more interested in partisan bickering than actually working together to conduct the people’s business.

A few examples of the working environment (or lack thereof) at Town Hall:

1. In January 2022, I emailed Supervisor DeSena a detailed

list of twenty-six issues I was actively working on in District 6, and I invited her to discuss any of them with me at any time that was convenient for her. It’s now been over two years, some twenty-seven months, and I have yet to receive any acknowledgment from the Supervisor regarding any of those issues.

2. As elected officials, every Council Member may add items to the Town Board agenda using a program called Novus

Agenda. Many items placed on the agenda are repeated and simply updated from past years. For this reason, it is helpful for Council Members and their Legislative Aides to be able to see past items when attempting to add new and similar items to the agenda. For months I have been asking the Supervisor and her administration to update Novus Agenda so that every Council Member and Aide have the ability to see past agenda items. For months this request has gone unanswered.

3. Each spring when boats are taken out of winter storage their protective shrink wrapping is removed. This plastic shrink wrapping is recyclable. Last year local boaters deposited over three tons of shrink wrap into dumpsters at Manorhaven Beach Park for recycling. I contacted the Supervisor and her office about coordinating the shrink wrap recycling effort again this year. While I am still waiting for a response, I am determined to move forward with this incredible program which was so successful last year.

4. Years ago residents were able to swim at Manorhaven Beach. I have asked the Supervisor to meet with me to explore the feasibility of reopening Manorhaven Beach for swimming. Then I asked her again. And again. And then again. Four meeting requests on this topic alone have gone completely unanswered.

5. Most recently, Supervisor DeSena and I were invited to an official meeting with the Port Washington Police District to discuss their recent purchase of the Knowles Funeral Home property for their new headquarters. I was shocked, though hardly surprised, to learn that Supervisor DeSena asked that I be disinvited from this important meeting affecting the district and residents I represent. When I asked Supervisor DeSena about this she responded that she is entitled to her own meeting without me present. Not only is this wrong, but it could also cost the taxpayers more money for the Police District’s attorney to be present for two meetings as opposed to one.

‘The Future Is Girl’ Empowerment Event At “Yes We Can” Community Center

During public comment at nearly every Town Board meeting for the last year or so a resident has approached the microphone to say that their emails and phone calls to the Supervisor and her office have not been returned or addressed. Based on my own experiences trying to work with the Supervisor’s office I believe what these residents are saying is true. This is shameful and not how good government works.

Several times during Town Board meetings the Supervisor has publicly accused me of not working with or informing her about issues I am working on, when the reality is that she does not respond to my meeting requests and actively cuts me out of important meetings affecting my district. She can’t have it both ways and this petty political game she is playing needs to stop, for all our constituents’ sake. I will always remain willing to work with Supervisor DeSena on anything which improves the quality of life for the residents of District 6 and the Town of North Hempstead.

—Submitted by Counciloman Mariann Dalimonte

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently participated in ‘The Future is Girl’ empowerment event at the “Yes We Can” Community Center on Friday, March 15. Supervisor DeSena was one of seven panelists that spoke to an auditorium

of young women about issues including self-esteem, positive self-talk, peer pressure, and leadership skills.

“Part of our jobs as women is to help shape the minds of the younger women who will follow in our footsteps,” DeSena said. “I’m

grateful to the Yes We Can Community Center for this opportunity and equally appreciative of my fellow panelists for sharing their stories. We each have valuable personal experiences that can help these girls break barriers and achieve their goals.”

Other panelists included Tyronza Murray, Executive Director of the “Yes We Can” Community Center; Robin Bolling, President of the NAACP Westbury/New Cassel Chapter; Michele Capizzuto, an NYPD Police Officer; Michelle Mallay, an expert on early child-

hood development; Hollyann Anglin, School Counselor in the East Meadow School District; and Ashley Santana, Executive Manager of Human Resources at Target.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte (Contributed photo)

From the left: Ashely Santana, NYPD Officer Michele Capizzuto and her K9, Yogi, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Robin Bolling, Tyronza Murray, Hollyann Anglin, and Michelle Mallay.

‘The Future is Girl’ Empowerment Event (Contributed photo)

ABY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

rt, such as sculptures and paintings, has always been viewed and appreciated in galleries or museums. Today, viewers are not just looking at the art but are being a part of the art.

Immersive experiences can vary in the medium. However, some of the most popular are digital art projected all around the viewer. They also vary in theme, as some take on the classic art of Vincent van Gogh or Claude Monet. Others, such as New York City art center INTER_, encourage interacting with the art.

“We have a digital projection show and a big dome and, unlike other places where you’d just sit on the floor and watch it, we actually have tracking technology so that you can interact with the show,” explained Ryan Nelson, the co-founder of INTER_. “The walls react to your presence, and you’re basically helping to shape the show that everybody else is seeing.”

currently partnering with some weavers to create an immersive net that incorporates a sacred geometry pattern in the netting and a hanging light garden underneath. So this upcoming exhibit will be one of a kind and bring the interactive nature of INTER_ to the next level.”

The mission of INTER_, Jones said, is to spark joy and interconnection through “INTERmersive,” or immersive, experiences.

At ARTECHOUSE NYC, Afrocentricity and Afrofuterism are explored in their latest exhibit.

The exhibition, according to ARTECHOUSE NYC’s press release, features the work of Londonbased Afro-surrealist digital artist Vince Fraser along with evocative poetry by Ursula Rucker. It aims to honor the legacy, struggles, and complexities of the Black experience with creativity, courage, and imagination.

INTER_ Creative Director Stanton Jones, who has been working with interactive and immersive art experiences since 2017, explained that creating an INTER_ exhibit involves meticulous planning and innovative technology.

“I collaborate with our broader team to help develop and fine-tune the concept, which is then brought to light by technologists, artists, fabricators,” Jones said. “For example, INTER_ is

WHERE THE STARS ARE

IMMERSED IN ART

Immersive experiences increase in popularity

The centerpiece of the exhibition, Vision of the Black Experience, features seamless megapixel count projections with Hyperreal sound technology in a four-part journey. The exhibition also includes interactive auxiliary galleries exploring themes of rebirth, community and spiritual connection.

Josh Feldman, ARTECHOUSE’s director of marketing and sales, explained that the exhibits are really cinematic experiences.

“The stories that we’re telling have an arc to it, but it’s a non-linear story because you’re encouraged to go into the side galleries or explore

an interactive installation or get a drink at the bar and zig and zag between the experience,” Feldman said, later adding “In addition to that storytelling element, we hope that we’re educating, inspiring and empowering visitors of all ages, that this is the future of creativity.”

Many viewers enjoy using the immersive exhibits as a backdrop for photos they take of themselves, in a sense becoming the art.

“I think the movement primarily stems from the rise of social media,” Jones said. “It kind of parallels that and the desire to share aesthetically pleasing photos within dynamic, conceptual environments.”

Jones continued to explain that the trend of taking photos in these types of environments can be seen worldwide.

“There are projections on the wall, to more tactile, interactive engagements,” Jones said.

It could also be the case that some people are searching for new experiences after COVID shutdowns.

“Coming out of COVID we saw it was even more important to give people a reason to try to come together and really foster a sense of INTERconnection, and to be a place where we can spark a little joy in people’s lives,” Nelson said.

Feldman explained that the ARTECHOUSE team wants guests to be exposed to 21st-century tools like artificial intelligence.

“We want to send visitors off to far-off places,” Feldman said. “Visitors are looking for what’s next.”

WHERE THE STARS ARE STALLERCENTER FOR THE

Patti LuPone/Broadway Wynton Marsalis/Jazz Itzhak Perlman/Classical Vic Dibitetto/Comedy Leslie Odom, Jr./Broadway @ Follow @stallercenter

(Photo courtesy INTER_)

Patti LuPone/Broadway Wynton Marsalis/Jazz Itzhak Perlman/Classical Vic Dibitetto/Comedy Leslie Odom, Jr./Broadway