05/0824 Great Neck Record

North Hempstead Town Hall (Photo by Alex Nuñez)

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TOP STORY

Meet Christine Liu, Newly Elected Councilwoman For District Four

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

We sat down recently with Councilmember Christine Liu, representative for District Four on the Town of North Hempstead Board, to discuss public service, family and diversity. is interview has been edited for length and clarity.

AO: Please introduce yourself.

CL: I am the newly elected town council person for District Four, and the first Asian American town council person, I believe, not just for our town, or Nassau County, but for all of Long Island. So it’s quite historic in many, many respects, I think.

I grew up in Queens. I went to school in the city, then went to NYU, and then went to law school. I got an Assistant Chief Counsel position with the Department of Justice, but then in 2003, that’s when Homeland Security was formed, and immigration/naturalization services moved from the Department of Justice to Homeland Security. So that’s where I was for most of my legal career.

And then, when I was pregnant with my second, I decided I was going to take a break. We were living in Forest Hills at the time, and we were kind of outgrowing our apartment, so we decided to move out east.

AO: How did you get started with public service?

CL: I just immersed myself in the school district and started with the PTA. I think for a lot of parents that’s where their second career begins. That branched out to Girl Scouts and Little League and all the other community activities.

The Office of Asian affairs was getting started (at that time) and I guess they were looking for community leaders to help join an advisory council there. So somebody had given my name to somebody at the county. They reached out and said, ‘Would you be willing to come and join? It’s a volunteer position, but we need eyes and ears of the community. When we have things that we roll out that you can share and if you have concerns in the community, you share with us.’ I enjoyed that role I think since 2017, 2018. Then in the town of North Hempstead, former Town Supervisor Judy Bosworth found me somehow and asked if I could join the Asian American Advisory Committee there. So I did that as well.

Then Gina Sillitti got elected and she was looking for a liaison. Somebody introduced us and she asked to interview me, and we got along really great. Because I was still very involved in the community and my kids were still kind of young, she let me come on

part time. And I said, ‘Okay, this is great, get my feet back into the work world.’ And it was good because I was the community liaison, so it was still working with the community and whatever issues or events they had. It was a very good fit.

AO: What made you decide to run for office?

CL: They asked me very early on, maybe July of that year, and I gave them my answer about four months later, I decided not to, and my husband was not on board, because I was already out of the house a lot. A number of people started talking to us about how important this seat was and how important it was to have Asian representation; the Town of North Hempstead is almost 30 percent Asian, and this district, I think it was about 40 percent Asian. So they said it would be great for the community and for the town. So we thought about it some more and things kind of lined up. My mom moved into our place. She was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m here now you don’t have to worry about cooking. You don’t have to worry about shopping or anything. I can drive the kids.’ I was a lot more comforted. They were very well taken care of. My kids were very supportive. ‘Why don’t you try this? I think you’ve been supporting us so it’s now our turn to support you.’ My husband seems to be on board now. So this probably was the right time. I had a lot of support from the community. And so I said yes.

AO: Please share more about your heritage.

CL: My grandparents are from China. They went to Taiwan during the civil unrest. Then my parents: my father was born in China, but my mom was born in Taiwan. They got married in Taiwan, and I was born in Taiwan. But I emigrated here when I was one and then moved straight to Queens and I’ve been here ever since.

AO: Do you find yourself bridging the two cultures?

CL: So you have a lot of your values, your upbringing, even though I was brought up here but my parents grew up in Taiwan, so they’re bringing their traditions and cultures here with them. So I have that. But then I also grew up here so I have all the values and cultures and when I was raised here and schooling and education, and then my kids are on a totally separate level. So I am in that bridge, especially since I can speak Chinese, even though I’ve been here most of my life.

AO: What was that like for you, being bilingual?

CL: Everybody is so impressed by that actually. My mom is in all of her glory. So every time people say, ‘Why you don’t have an accent? How do you know how to do that?’ And my mom, she says, ‘It’s all because of me,’ because we had to speak Chinese at home. I would say because of that, I don’t have to translate what I’m going to say in either language. It just comes very naturally.

The high school that I went to had Chinese, so I took Chinese and French. Then in college I kept that up and one of my majors was East Asian studies. Then I actually went to this church, it was a mainly Chinese speaking congregation. So all of those aunties and uncles were all speaking to me in Chinese. So I was developing my Chinese even further.

AO: What is it like representing such a diverse district?

CL: We have so many celebrations, which is great, and it’s beautiful. We had lots of celebrations for Lunar New Year. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a parade, and I remember last year we did Italian Heritage Month. Then the Korean community also has their festivals, so I think it’s beautiful. We have Christmas, Easter and everything else in between.

What’s important is people feel validated. They feel a sense of belonging and identity and something that it’s not just to be aware. My new movement is we don’t want to just promote Asian culture and awareness. You want to be proud to be Asian American. You want to be proud to be Italian American, Irish American. Moving from a simple event and awareness to actually being proud and owning it and sharing it with everybody. That’s the transition I would like to see. We’re trying, we’re making strides, and I want to say during the pandemic, it was hard with a lot of the Asian hate. We’re seeing a lot of hate and all forms kind of everywhere across the country. We’re not going to see that here in Long Island. But I would say that in the Town of North Hempstead, every time it rears its ugly head, we stomp it out right away. We call our press conferences. We get our police to investigate.

AO: How does it feel to be making history while serving your community?

CL: I’ve made so many wonderful friends during this time. That is how this community came about and became supportive. I can’t tell you how many people were saying you should do this. This is how you should help our community. To the fact that running for student council because [they were inspired by the campaign.] One mom reached out and she showed me a speech that her daughter was making. She was running for student government in fourth grade. And her mom was like, ‘Why do you want to do this?’ and she said, ‘It’s because I see all the signs. So maybe they could be for me too.’ I kind of choked up, actually. Grace Meng and Shawn Liu, they opened up the door for people like me. I feel like I can open up doors for all of the community and Long Island, too.

Christine Liu (center) with her family.

Christine Liu

Christine Liu and her pup Sunny.

(Photos by Christine Liu)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Defensive Driving Classes

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Clinton G. Martin Park, 1601 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park) The Town of North Hempstead is hosting an AARP Defensive Driving Class. To register for the class or receive more information call 311 or visit northhempsteadny.gov

Annual National Miniature Golf Day

11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Great Neck Main Library, Large Multipurpose Room 34) The Great Neck Library is hosting its Fourth Annual National Miniature Golf Day with Sphero. Play a round of miniature golf with your family using the library’s Sphero coding robots. No golf club will be used! Instead, you will be able to either code Sphero to navigate our outdoor course or use Sphero as a remote-controlled ball. Email stemlab@greatnecklibrary. org to reserve a time slot.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Mother’s Day

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Free Health Screenings

10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave.) The Town of North Hempstead is hosting the St. Francis Hospital Outreach Bus to supply free health screenings to senior residents. Call 311 for more information.

The Arab-Israeli War Of 1948

2 p.m. (Zoom) The Great Neck Library to host The Arab-Israeli War of 1948 presented by Jeffrey Herf and Benny Morris. This talk recalls the international political context in which the state of Israel was established contrasts sharply with that of today. Registration is required. Contact the library at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramming@ greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

Great Neck Library Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. (Second level of the Station Branch, 26 Great Neck Rd.) The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees Meeting. Please refer to

the library’s website at greatnecklibrary. org for any changes or updates before coming to the meeting.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

The Jewish Legacy of Broadway

2 p.m. (Zoom) The Great Neck Library to host The Jewish Legacy of Broadway presented by Stephen Nachamie in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month. From the Jewish Immigrants and the Yiddish Theatre to Fiddler on the Roof, award-winning stage and film director Stephen Nachamie continues his Beyond the Footlights series with the library. Registration is required. Contact the library at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Golden Hearts Bingo and Blood Pressure Screenings

12 p.m.-1 p.m. (Roslyn Community Center, 53 Orchard St.) The Town of North Hempstead hosts Project Independence for senior residents. At Golden Hearts Bingo and Blood Pressure Screenings, residents can

have fun with bingo and have their blood pressure checked by a registered nurse. Call 311 for more information.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Asian-American Festival

11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (North Hempstead Beach Park, West Shore Road, Port Washington) The Town of North Hempstead is hosting its annual Asian-American Festival. The town encourages residents to come enjoy cultural performances and a lively market filled with arts, crafts, shopping and delicious cuisine. Call 311 for more information.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Broadway and American Standards

3 p.m. (Great Neck House,14 Arrandale Ave.) The Great Neck Park District is hosting Marcie Passley for her performance of Broadway and American Standards. Registration is required. Visit gnparks.org to register.

This Mother’s Day!

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THE

KICKOFF PARTY OF THE SUMMER

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2024

Southampton Arts Center

25 Jobs Lane, Southampton NY 11968

Toast to your Hamptons summer season in style as we raise many a rosy-hued glass to the official libation of summer: Rosé!

Unlimited rosé wine from the top local and worldwide wineries

Pair your flowing rosé with food from the great chefs on the East End Dance to DJs and live music

Strong Signals

IAward-winning broadcast journalism student set to shine

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

t’s not every day that you encounter someone who truly seems poised to change the world. At 23 years old, two-time Gracie Award winner Fatima Moien of Valley Stream is such a person. Originally she thought she would pursue a career in law enforcement, but midway through her bachelor’s degree program, the murder of George Floyd triggered a pivot. She graduated from John Jay College of criminal justice with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in journalism and immediately began researching graduate programs.

“I realized that I’m not meant to be a field agent in the FBI. My dreams of being a police officer really aren’t meant for me. I’m meant to serve justice and the public in a different way, which is through journalism. So I researched graduate programs and found Hofstra right in my backyard. I was accepted into the Lawrence Herbert School of Communications for my master’s in journalism, and I’m graduating in a couple of weeks with that degree,” Moien said.

Moien is first-generation Pakistani American. She moved to the US with her family from Pakistan in 2002, when she was 2 years old. “I came over with my mom and my older brother. My dad had already settled in America. So we were just waiting to come over. Obviously, since we came over post-9/11, it took some time.”

It was while studying at John Jay College that Moien was urged to try being in front of the camera. She knew she wanted to be in broadcast rather than trying to make a go of it in print, but it wasn’t until another student suggested it that she gave it serious thought. “Someone told me, ‘I don’t know why you’re going to do criminal justice. You can be a lawyer. You can be a diplomat. You can be a reporter on camera,’ and that’s where my mind started shifting, and I started thinking to myself, ‘Okay, maybe I should take my time in graduate school to get on camera.’”

A professor learned of her ambitions and asked her to moderate a live show. Moien came up with her own questions and took the opportunity. She was surprised at how far her reputation had taken her. She was also dealing with the death of her grandmother, making the

experience even more challenging. “I jumped to the opportunity. And obviously, months later, I didn’t realize it then but I was a nervous wreck. Every time I watch it back I cringe; that was really my first time on camera. I’m looking down at my cards. I don’t know how to look at a teleprompter and read. It was very, very new,”

Just a few short months later, she learned she had been nominated for the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Awards, the Gracies. Moien was surprised on ABC’s The View with the Gracie with her parents by her side. The View did a whole story on her start in journalism with that first gig. “That will always be my favorite moment. I mean, there’s no other better catalysts as to making me feel all the confidence and stepping into being on air; that experience proved that it was a possibility. The fact that it aired on national television and reached all those people, I got so many messages after that about how we need more girls like me out there.”

The best part of the recognition and success she has experienced so far has been seeing her parents come around. They did not have confidence in her chosen career at first. “They were like, ‘It’s hard work. You’re going into a master’s, you’re taking out loans. This is a middle class job. Are you really sure that you

want to invest in this?’ and I said, ‘yeah, let me please give me shot, give me a year. I’ll prove you wrong.’ I wanted to prove them wrong with my grades. I didn’t really think of it in this extreme. but to be given such a recognition so early on... Professionals win Gracies as well…I mean if you watch it, my dad’s voice is so shaky. My mom’s crying. They’re really feeling the feels.”

One of the highlights of her time at Hofstra was an eye-opening ten-day trip to Cuba. She was struck by how different the situation on the ground was from her preconceived ideas. They were there to learn and interview the people, and she came away with a new understanding. “As journalists, we have to push buttons and get people to answer questions. But every single question I asked, they would look back like, ‘do you think we’re dumb? Do you think we hate America? Because we don’t,’ and that was just obviously my education slapping me back in the face… We didn’t hold back in our questions, but for the most part, I will say we came back very humbled. We were told to our faces that the world is much broader and bigger than what we read in our American textbooks.”

Moien was also nominated for a Fulbright scholarship. She spent a little over a year preparing her application to go to the West Bank to teach and

report. Moien cites police brutality and Palestinian identity as catalysts for her foray into journalism. Her application was submitted a week before the war broke out. She recently found out that it has been rejected. Moien speculated that it was out of protection. “I was applying for the Palestinian territories or the West Bank. I was told from the get go, ‘Are you sure you want to apply to this location in particular?’ I said, ‘I would not apply to a Fulbright anywhere else.’ Obviously it broke my heart because my hope was to literally be in the West Bank, in either Jerusalem or in one of those cities out there, and I’d be teaching English to Jewish, Arab and Muslim Palestinian students, while also reporting. That was going to be my whole plan, that’s what I pitched to the Fulbright board at Hofstra.”

Most recently, Moien completed an academic year internship at NBC New York with Doreen Geiger and Lynda Baquero of the Better Get Baquero team. She also went on to win a second Gracie.

Moien hopes to take the growth she has experienced and be a force for justice and change in the world. “I mean, all of these moments are wins, right? It’s been very cool to see how my two years panned out. I feel so much more well-rounded given the storytelling that I’ve been able to immerse myself in, in this country and elsewhere.”

Fatima Moien (center) with Doreen Geiger and Lynda Baquero of the Better Get Baquero team.

Fatima Moien on the set at NBC New York. (Photos by Fatima Moien)

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THE JONES FUND FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE POOR 2024 GRANT PROGRAM NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)

Introduction: The Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor are requesting applications for its 2024 Grant Program from eligible and quali ed IRC 501(c)(3) approved charitable organizations to further its mission of a ording support to the poor, in the form of food, shelter, clothing and warmth, and providing support for educational programs striving to prevent the transmission of generational poverty among the underserved and underprivileged, exclusively in the Towns of North Hempstead, New York and Oyster Bay, New York as intended by the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Jones dated February 23, 1836, and as approved by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor.

Eligible Applicants: Charitable organizations who have quali ed for Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) status and are not aligned or a liated with any governmental body or public bene t entity (or any agency, department or subdivision of either of them) and who, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor, have satis ed the Rules and Requirements of the Grant Program shall be eligible to apply.

Ineligible Applicants: The following projects/organizations/programs are not eligible to apply: a) programs that do not further, promote and advance the mission of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor; b) projects sponsored by a for pro t organization; c) organizations that practice discrimination of any kind; d) contributions to capital campaigns; e) contributions to operating de cits or retirement of debt; f) contributions to endowment programs; g) contributions to construction projects or real estate acquisitions; h) those who have quali ed for Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) status and are aligned or a liated with any governmental body or public bene t entity (or any agency, department or subdivision of either of them including, but not limited to, IRC §501 (c)(3) approved organizations with any such alignment and/or a liation);and (i) any other projects/organizations/entities/programs that are not approved by or which have been deemed unquali ed by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor, in its sole and absolute discretion.

Eligible Uses of Program Funds: Program funds must be utilized only to further the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor’s mission of a ording support to the poor, in the form of food, shelter, clothing and warmth, and providing support for educational programs striving to prevent the transmission of generational poverty among the underserved and underprivileged, exclusively in the Towns of North Hempstead, New York and Oyster Bay, New York as intended by the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Jones dated February 23, 1836, and as approved by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor. Program Funds: Program funds for the 2024 grant year will be in the form of grants totaling up to the maximum amount of $150,000.00, collectively, or such greater amount, if any, as may be determined by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor, in their sole and absolute discretion. This and any future grant program o ered by the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor is and shall be subject to the availability of funds and resources. Program funds will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Agreement and Method of Disbursement of Program Funds: Approved applicants will be required to enter into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor specifying, without limitation, procedures for the receipt, use, application and disbursement of such funds.

This is a reimbursement based and paid on invoice based grant program. All requests for the disbursement of Program Funds must be in writing and made pursuant to either the “Reimbursement” Method or the Paid on Invoice” Method described in the Agreement. All Applicants are respectfully referred to the Agreement for a more in depth description of each such method of requesting disbursement of Program Funds and the conditions and requirements associated therewith. All requests for the disbursement of Program Funds must be received on or before the one (1) year anniversary date of the date of the fully executed Agreement.

Application: Applicants seeking program assistance must apply by completing an o cial Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor Grant Program application form as developed by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor. All applications must be received by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor at PO Box 350, Jericho, New York 11753 or by email at TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com on or before June 30, 2024.

All submitted applications must be completed in full, signed by a duly authorized representative of the Applicant and acknowledged before a Notary Public. The decision of the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor as to all submitted applications shall be nal and non-appealable.

World War II Weekend At The Museum Of American Armor

The Museum of American Armor will conduct their award winning World War II Encampment Weekend on Saturday, May 18th, and Sunday May 19th between 10 am and 3:30 pm in cooperation with the Office of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, the Long Island Living History Association (LIHA) and co-sponsored by PSEG Long Island, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, B2K, BDG, Ltd., RIPCO, and Newsday

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the fateful D-Day invasion that began the liberation of Europe during World War II and the museum will mark it with vehicles representing both Allied and enemy forces. The annual encampment will include military re-enactments, a parade of operational armor vehicles from the museum’s extensive collection, and interactive exhibits that highlight tactics, strategies, and equipment from the period.

The Armor Museum’s founder and president Lawrence Kadish stated, “As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Armor Museum’s role to keep alive the legacy of freedom offered by our nation’s military, we have become a powerful educational destination for a new generation of Americans. Our World War II Weekend program is an important chapter in that `living’ textbook.”

Fellow Armor Museum trustee Jason Halloren, Colonel (Ret.) and the former Deputy Commandant of West Point, observed, “The Armor Museum and the Long Island Living History Association have created a series of programs that open the door to a period of history that still directs many of today’s headlines. These immersion activities are unique, powerful, and memorable. And equally important, they serve as a lasting tribute to those who have served. It is no surprise that this annual event brings visitors from throughout the region and from overseas.”

Admission is $15 adults; $12 children 512 (under 5 are free); and $12 seniors, (60+) volunteer firefighters and veterans (Please provide ID). Tickets will be available at the gate or online a week before the May event. —Submitted by the Museum of American Armor

Application packages can be obtained from the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor c/o James M. McGahan, Esq., PO Box 350, Jericho, New York 11753. To obtain an application please contact James McGahan or Dina Selearis at (516) 681-3100 or send an e-mail to TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com

to 10:30am

A tank demonstration. (Photos by the Museum of American Armor)

Formerly Solomon’s Jewelers

In a month, lawn signs will be popping up all over town touting the graduations of children from kindergarten to high school. There will be lots of posing going on as families take photo records of these moments of passage.

But before the graduation pix, if you look out your window at the neighbors who are headed off for church, you might see your neighbor’s boys dressed in suits and girls in white dresses. Countless photos are taken in front of the flowering shrubs and parking spots on the block are in short supply as all sorts of relatives arrive for the day. So what is this all about? Each Sunday when Catholics come to church they have the opportunity to receive communion, a tradition that goes back to the night before Jesus died when he took bread and said, “Take this and eat: this is my body.” When parents bring their very little children to church, the young ones look on as their parents receive communion. Sometimes the kids say out loud what they are thinking: “I want one!” But until they are old enough to understand the belief that the host is really the way Jesus is present

COLUMNS

Checking Out The Neighbors

THE SPIRIT OF OUR TOWN

in this food, they are not yet able to receive communion.

When they are old enough to understand, and after two years of participation in a religious formation program, they can join the rest of the community in receiving communion each week. “First” communion is just that -- the first time they are fed with communion. This of course is followed by second communion, third communion, etc. as the children now join their parents in receiving communion each week.

Years ago it was prescribed what children had to wear for

t heir first communion. It often involved white suits for the boys and white dresses with veils for the girls. These days it is up to each family to decide what special outfit to wear and many parents and grandparents recall their own first communion day and want to recreate something of that experience as they dress their children for the day. Why dress up? It’s like any other first experience. For example, parents take care to dress their children for their first day of school in a new school outfit.

Yet communion is ultimately not about what a child wears, but how a child grows in faith. The saying, “you are what you eat” holds true here. Parents are concerned about feeding their children a healthy diet each day. Spiritually, Catholics feed on a weekly diet of the Divine. I know for myself, each time I receive communion, I have to seriously consider how I care for others and how loving I am. Ultimately this is why parents receive communion each week and why they are so thrilled to bring their children to the Eucharistic table. More care. More love. Just what the world needs these days.

Just Breathe

You’re having a heated ex change with your partner during which your heart is racing, your hands feel sweaty, and your thoughts start to spiral. You want to get your point across, but your physiological arousal level is so high that the conversation with your partner has now become unproductive and tense. You have been told to take a break by your therapist, self-help articles, and well-intentioned friends, enabling you to cool off. However, what seems to happen more often than not is that you pace around the room and further amp yourself up about the argument, leading to an even greater amount of stress. While there are many different approaches you can take, allowing your body to return to a calmer state, one of the best is to breathe. While this may seem overly simplistic, there is a specific

LOVE LESSONS

Marisa T. Cohen, PhD

method that can leave you feeling calm and collected, enabling you to rejoin the conversation in a more relaxed and focused manner.

The Science

Our autonomic nervous system acts unconsciously to regulate body functions. It is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic is what accounts for the racing

You might also see older neighborhood children posing in robes at this time of the year. These are not graduation robes, but the robes worn for Confirmation. Indeed the Sacrament of Confirmation is about joining the church community more deeply, not graduating from it. When these teens were babies, their parents brought them to belong to the church community through the Sacrament of Baptism. Obviously the infants had no say in this matter. But as they grew and came to their own understanding of faith and developed their own relationship with God, through their participation in their church, they arrived at an opportunity to choose for themselves to have their baptism confirmed and to make a permanent commitment to belonging to the church.

Just as we might confirm an airline reservation, we confirm the presence of faith in the sacrament. And just as an airline flight will take us to a different place, so too the confirmation of faith takes us to a place where God’s gifts can grow exponentially in our lives.

heart, rapid breath, and quickened pace when the fight or flight response kicks in during a stressful or fear-provoking situation. If you remain at this level of increased autonomic arousal for a prolonged period of time, your resources will get depleted leaving you feeling tired and overwhelmed. The parasympathetic nervous system is what kicks in to bring our arousal or alertness back down.

Now, when a difficult situation (i.e., an argument with your partner) occurs, both the stressor (the situation) and your response (the heightened level of arousal/alertness) must be resolved before being able to complete that stress cycle. While there are many different ways to complete that cycle, one of the most effective is through breathing.

Breath Activity

One technique that many

people use is the box method, or square breathing, in which you take slow and even breaths to the count of four. You would:

• Breathe in for four

• Hold for four

• Breathe out for four

• Hold for four

• Repeat Even more effective is when you are able to focus and slow down your out breath. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the body. Here’s how to approach it:

• Breath in through the nose for a count of four

• Hold for four

• Breathe out through the mouth for a count of six

• Repeat Try this for four complete cycles so that you can return to a calmer stare. This will enable you to have a more relaxed and productive conversation with your partner.

Fr. Ralph Sommer

COLUMNS

Why Are LIRR Jamaica Capacity Improvements Incomplete?

Why was the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road $168 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements

Phase 2 not completed prior to initiation of full-time service for the $11.6 billion LIRR East Side Access to Grand Central Madison in February 2023? Completion of Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. The scope of work would raise maximum allowable train speeds, increase train throughput and parallel routing capabilities, implement universal 12-car platform capacity and implement a full state-of-good repair throughout the entire Jamaica Station complex. It includes critical work on bridges carrying trains and expansion of the Hall Interlocking.

Prior to this, there was the $450 million Phase One Jamaica Capacity Improvements. Funding was approved for Phase One in 2010 under grants from the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

Jamaica Capacity Phase One project included capital

improvements to operational areas in and adjacent to the station. The scope of work included track, signals, third rail power and interlockings. These improvements were designed to support increased operational capacity necessary to support future Grand Central Madison service. At the time of Federal Transit Administration grant approval, this proposed new service was many years away. Thirteen years later, there was ample time to complete both Phase One and Two. This was one of many support

projects in related LIRR readiness projects, including carried off line from the official East Side Access project budget. This also included the $2.6 billion Main Line Third Track, $387 million Ronkonkoma Double Track, $120 million Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion, $44 million Great Neck Pocket Track, $423 million for rail car fleet expansion and others that were necessary for full implementation of East Side Access. Without these projects, the LIRR would have lacked the expanded operational capabilities to support both promised 24 rush hour train service to Grand Central Madison along with a 40 percent increase in reverse peak and off peak service. By 2023, East Side Access ended up costing $11.6 billion (plus $1 billion debt service payments and $4 billion in directly related LIRR readiness projects. This resulted in a real total project

Adults: $15

Children 5-12: $12

Seniorsandvets: $12

cost of $16.6 billion. Why weren’t Phase 2 of Jamaica Capacity

Improvements not completed in time to coincide with new LIRR Grand Central Madison service?

Will completion of Phase 2 project increase overall rush hour capacity, including additional Atlantic branch Brooklyn service

or reduce travel time between Jamaica and Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, Flatbush Avenue, Hunters Point or Long Island City? MTA Board members, MTA funding agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration, LIRR commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups, elected officials and transportation reporters deserve a detailed explanation for why this work was delayed so long from MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and LIRR President Robert Free.

PENNER STATION

Larry Penner

Photo Getty Images

HOME & DESIGN

A Smaller Home Could Be Your Next Best Step

Many people are reaching the point in their lives when they need to decide where they want to live when they retire. If you’re a homeowner approaching this stage, you have several options to explore.

“As we see the transition of the large Baby Boomer generation age into retirement, it will be interesting to see if they move in with their Millennial and Gen Z children or if they stay put in their own homes,”

Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) said.

Lautz lists two options: move into a multigenerational home with loved ones, or stay in your current house. Multigenerational living is rising in popularity, but it isn’t an option for everyone. And staying put may fit fewer and fewer of your needs.

There’s a third option though, and for some, it’s the best one: downsizing.

When you sell your house and purchase a smaller

one, it’s known as downsizing. Sometimes smaller homes are more suited to your changing needs, and moving means you can also land in your ideal location.

In addition to the personal benefits, downsizing might be more cost effective, too.

Being in a strong financial position is one of the most important parts of retirement, and downsizing can make a big difference.

A key part of why downsizing is still cost effective today, even when mortgage rates are higher than they were a year ago, is the record-high level of equity homeowners have. Leveraging your equity when you downsize can lower or maybe even eliminate the mortgage payment on your next home.

So, not only is the upkeep of a smaller home likely more affordable, but leveraging your home equity could make a big difference too. An NAR realtor is the best resource to help you understand how much equity you may have in your current home and what options it can provide for your next move.

—One Key MLS

This charming ranch on a tree-lined street at 82 Somerset Dr. in the Village of University Gardens section of Great Neck sold on April 19 for $1,350,000. It has a walkout, finished basement that features a family room, a recreation room and the home’s utilities. The first floor features include a beautiful living room with bay windows. This home has a formal dining room and an eat-in-kitchen. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property has a large backyard and in proximity to bus and train transportation. It is served by Great Neck South schools.

This two-story brick Tudor home at 46-15 Jayson Ave. in the University Gardens section of Great Neck sold on April 19 for $940,000. It has a vaulted living room ceiling and a beautiful fireplace. This home has a formal dining room and an eat-in-kitchen with gas cooking. This home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has a one-car detached garage and a beautiful backyard. The home is conveniently located near Northern Boulvard with easy access to transportation, shopping, and dining. This home is served by Great Neck South schools and has access to the Great Neck Park District’s pool, lazy river, ice skating rink, sporting courts and the waterfront at Steppingstone Park.

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.

Honoring Heroes In Scrubs

Celebrating Nurses Week with gratitude and appreciation

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Nurses Week is a time to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses to healthcare, communities, and society as a whole. From May 6 to May 12 each year, we take a moment to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of these healthcare heroes who work tirelessly to promote healing, comfort, and care for patients and families around the world.

The Heart of Healthcare

Nurses are often described as the heart of healthcare, and for good reason. They are the frontline caregivers who provide essential support and comfort to patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. From delivering babies to comforting the terminally ill, nurses are there every step of the way, offering not only medical expertise but also emotional support and empathy.

Compassionate Caregivers

Compassion is at the core of nursing. Nurses possess a unique ability to connect with patients on a human level, understanding their fears, concerns, and needs. Whether holding a patient’s hand during a difficult procedure or listening attentively to their worries, nurses provide a sense of comfort and reassurance that goes beyond medical treatment.

Advocates for Health and Wellness

Nurses are not just caregivers; they are also advocates for health and wellness. They

educate patients and families about preventive care, disease management, and healthy lifestyle choices. Nurses work tirelessly to empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being.

Lifelong Learners

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, nurses are lifelong learners committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in medicine and patient care. They pursue continuing education, attend conferences, and engage in professional development activities to ensure they can provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

Leaders and Innovators

Nurses are leaders and innovators in their field, driving positive change and improvements in healthcare delivery. From implementing evidence-based practices to developing new protocols and technologies, nurses play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Team Players

Nursing is a collaborative profession, and nurses excel at working as part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. They collaborate with physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans that address the holistic needs of patients. Nurses contribute their unique perspective and expertise to these teams, helping to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

Resilient and Dedicated

Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring long hours, difficult decisions, and exposure to traumatic situations. Despite these challenges, nurses remain resilient and dedicated to their profession and their patients. They show up day after day, ready to provide compassionate care, even in the face of adversity.

Unsung Heroes

Nurses often work behind the scenes, their contributions going unnoticed by many. Yet, they are the unsung heroes of healthcare, making a profound difference in the lives of patients and families every single day. Whether comforting a scared child, advocating for a vulnerable patient, or providing end-of-life care with dignity and compassion, nurses are there, making a lasting impact on those they serve.

Celebrating Nurses Week

During Nurses Week, we take the time to honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses to our communities and society. It is a time to express gratitude for their unwavering commitment, selfless dedication, and tireless efforts to promote health, healing, and hope.

Ways to Celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate Nurses Week and show appreciation for the nurses in your life. Consider sending a heartfelt thank you note, organizing a recognition event, or simply taking the time to express your gratitude in person. Small gestures can go a long way in letting nurses know that their hard work and dedication are truly valued and appreciated.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Nurses Week, let us also look ahead to the future of nursing. Let us continue to support and invest in nurses, ensuring they have the resources, training, and support they need to thrive in their profession. Let us recognize the vital role nurses play in healthcare and society and commit to honoring and celebrating their contributions not just during Nurses Week but every day of the year.

(Getty Images)

Good Sam Employees Earn Nursing Scholarships

Good Samaritan University Hospital has provided $500,000 in nursing scholarships to hospital employees pursuing degrees in nursing thanks to the support of numerous donors. The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation made a $250,000 grant challenge match to catalyze local donors to start the fundraising drive. Local donors, including the Helen Hoffritz Charitable Trust and the Guilds of Good Samaritan University Hospital, matched the grant by making donations of $50,000 or more that provided an additional $250,000, bringing the total funding to $500,000.

Long recognized as a center of excellence in medical education, Good Samaritan University Hospital is committed to cultivating, retaining and strengthening it nursing workforce. The nursing scholarships will assist the south shore hospital’s nurses to sharpen their talents, deepen their skillsets and advance in their careers, all part of Catholic Health driving effort to reshape and enhance the future of health care on Long Island.

“The quality of nursing care is what ensures that our Catholic Health mission is fulfilled,” said Good Samaritan Chief Nursing Officer Susan Knoepffler. “We are privileged to serve the health care needs of our community. And we’re very thankful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and others who generously provided the funding for this innovative new scholarship program.”

At a time when health care organizations are suffering a shortage in the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce, Catholic Health is committed to assisting nurses through post baccalaureate nurse residency programs and innovative nursing initiatives to attract and retain the best nursing workforce in our region.

In 2021, The American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC) bestowed upon Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan University Hospital the most coveted and prestigious honor hospital nurses can achieve—Magnet® recognition for excellence in nursing care. This recognition highlights exceptional clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, as well as nursing

professionalism, collaboration and teamwork. Good Samaritan is the only hospital on the south shore of Suffolk County to earn this distinction, which is held by less than ten percent of hospitals nationwide. The Magnet Recognition Program® honors health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing philosophy and

practice, adhere to national standards for improving patient care, have an active research program, and display leadership and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity. Visit goodsamaritanuniversity.org to learn more about the programs and services at Good Samaritan University Hospital —Catholic Health

First In Neurosurgery

NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery (NSPC) has been ranked as first in neurosurgical practice in New York State and fourth for best neurosurgery practice group in the U.S. by Castle Connolly, a New York City research and information company. NSPC was one of the physician practice groups recognized in a new national awards survey called the Castle Connolly accolades.

“We are honored to have been ranked by Castle Connolly as one of the top neurosurgery practices in the nation and the top ranked neurosurgery physician practice in New

York State,” Michael H. Brisman M.D., F.A.C.S., the chief executive officer of Rockville Centre, NY-based NSPC said.

The NSPC Castle Connolly “Top Doctors” are: Jonathan L. Brisman, M.D. (cerebrovascular, spine and brain surgery), Benjamin R. Cohen, M.D (spine surgery), Vladimir Y. Dadashev, M.D. (spine surgery), Zachariah M. George, M.D (spine surgery), Yusef Imani, M.D. (spine surgery), Stephen T. Onesti, M.D. (spine surgery), Sachin N. Shah, M.D. (spine surgery), and Brian J. Snyder, M.D. (pain and parkinson’s surgery).

Northwell is New York State’s largest health care provider, with more than 900 locations. ProHEALTH Dental has a network of 16 state-of-the-art dental offices throughout the NY Metro Area. Together, we will treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health.

Good Samaritan nursing students earn scholarship honors (Catholic Health)

Michael H. Brisman M.D., F.A.C.S., attending neurosurgeon and CEO, NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery (NSPC)

DESIGNED FOR

The Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, Inc., offers the finest quality of care, state-of-the-art technology and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultra-modern setting.

The Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, Inc., offers the finest quality of care, state-of-the-art technology and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultra-modern setting.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF

Dialysis Patients

QLIRI provides:

• I n-Center Chronic Hemodialysis

• I n-Center Chronic Hemodialysis

• Home Dialysis

• Home Dialysis

• Experienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses

• Social Work Services

• Social Work Services

• Nutrition Counseling

• Experienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses

• Comfortable, State-of-the-Art, Private Treatment Stations

• Comfortable, State-of-the-Art, Private Treatment Stations

• Personal TV/DVD and Free Wireless Access

• Personal TV/DVD and Free Wireless Access

• Homelike Reception Area

• Homelike Reception Area

• Nutrition Counseling

• Individual and Family Health Education

• Individual and Family Health Education

• Stretcher Capability

• Stretcher Capability

• Valet Parking and Medical Transportation Available

• Valet Parking and Medical Transportation Available

• Quality Start

• Quality Start

Building Understanding Together

Embracing

mental health awareness for a compassionate community

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Mental health awareness has increasingly taken center stage in societal discourse, signaling a transformative shift in how mental health issues are perceived and addressed in communities around the world. This heightened awareness is crucial, not only for providing individuals with the necessary support and resources but also for dismantling the pervasive stigma associated with mental illness. The core of mental health awareness lies in understanding that mental well-being is as important as physical health and deserves the same quality of support and care. Historically, mental health has been shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma. Individuals suffering from mental health issues often faced ostracism and were subjected to harsh treatments. However, as societies have progressed, so too has the understanding of mental health. It is now recognized as a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Mental health disorders, from depression and anxiety to

schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, affect millions of people worldwide, cutting across age, race, and economic backgrounds.

The importance of mental health awareness can be seen in its potential to encourage early intervention. When people are educated about mental health, they can recognize the early signs of mental distress in themselves and others and seek help promptly. For example, recognizing early signs of depression—which can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns—can prompt an individual to consult a healthcare professional or seek support from trusted individuals. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, making it a key component in the treatment of mental health disorders.

Mental health awareness also plays a critical role in reducing stigma. Stigma acts as a formidable barrier, often preventing individuals from seeking help due to fear of judgment or discrimination. Awareness campaigns and education challenge these negative stereotypes and misconceptions by presenting facts and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Celebrities, public figures, and influencers sharing their own mental health challenges have also contributed to normalizing these discussions, showing that anyone can be affected and that it is okay to seek help.

Mental health awareness is vital in the workplace. Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental well-being in maintaining productivity and overall employee satisfaction. Initiatives such as mental health days, workshops on stress management, and providing access to mental health resources demonstrate a shift towards a more supportive work environment. These efforts not only help in reducing work-related stress but also in creating a more inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and understood.

Educational institutions are another critical arena for mental health awareness. Schools and universities are expanding their mental health curricula and services, helping young people to manage stress related to academics and personal growth. This education helps to equip young people with coping mechanisms and resilience strategies that serve them throughout life.

Mental health awareness leads to better

Breathing Easier

policy making. As awareness increases, so does advocacy for better mental health services and policies. This can result in increased funding for mental health services, better insurance coverage for mental health care, and more comprehensive community support systems.

Mental health awareness is not just about recognizing the prevalence of mental health issues but also about changing how society views and deals with these challenges. It is about providing hope, resources, and support to those affected and creating a society where mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical health. As we continue to advance in our understanding and resources, we pave the way for a healthier, more compassionate society.

Understanding the fundamentals of asthma and its management

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. Understanding the basics of asthma is crucial for those diagnosed with the condition, as well as for their families and caregivers, to manage it effectively and maintain a high quality of life.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is primarily an inflammatory disease of the airways—the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In people with asthma, these airways are typically hypersensitive to certain triggers. When exposed to such triggers, the airways become inflamed and narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe.

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:

• Allergens (such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites)

• Respiratory infections

• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)

• Cold air

• Air pollutants and irritants (such as smoke and strong odors)

• Certain medications (including beta-blockers and aspirin)

• Stress and strong emotions

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is a key step in managing asthma effectively.

Symptoms

The symptoms of asthma can range from mild to severe and vary in frequency. While some individuals may experience symptoms infrequently, others might have symptoms every day. Common symptoms include:

Wheezing: A squealing or whistling sound when breathing

Coughing: Particularly at night or early morning, which can disrupt sleep

Chest tightness: Feeling like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest

Shortness of breath: Not being able to catch your breath or speak in full sentences

It is important to note that asthma symptoms can be exacerbated during a flare-up or asthma attack, which can be

potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing asthma typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and lung function tests. The most common test used is spirometry, which measures the volume and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. This helps to assess the narrowing of bronchial tubes.

Treatment and Management

While there is no cure for asthma, there are effective treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. Treatment usually involves:

Long-term control medications: Such as inhaled corticosteroids, which help reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms.

Quick-relief (rescue) medications: Such as short-acting beta2-agonists, which are used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack.

Beyond medications, management includes monitoring asthma to recognize signs of worsening and knowing how and when to use medications. A written asthma action plan, developed with a healthcare

provider, can guide patients in managing their condition.

Living with Asthma

Living with asthma involves adjusting lifestyles to manage and mitigate symptoms. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers, sticking to treatment plans, and avoiding triggers are essential. Education about asthma and support from community resources or support groups can also empower individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives. While asthma can be a challenging condition, with proper treatment and management, individuals can lead healthy lives. Understanding asthma’s basics—its triggers, symptoms, and treatment options—is the first step towards effective management.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Smita Sihag, MD, MPH, FACS Thoracic Surgeon MSK in Nassau

Citizens Options Unlimited’s Premier Summer Camp Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Citizens Options Unlimited, a Nassau and Suffolk county-based disability service provider, is proud to announce that Camp Loyaltown, a summer camp located in the Catskill Mountains that serves children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/ DD), will begin its 50th season on June 16.

This significant milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching summer camp experience for adults and children with I/DD.

Camp Loyaltown offers our campers a wide array of amenities and activities, including a fully accessible ninehole golf course, a diverse range of animals to interact with, gardens, a heated swimming and activity pool, adaptive playgrounds, ballfields, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a sensory room, boating, arts & crafts, a performing art stage, and so much more while providing parents and caregivers with a much-needed respite from their 24/7 caregiving.

Camp Loyaltown provides campers with a break from their routine and schedules, offering a place to relax, unwind, make friends, and become more independent. Each year, Camp Loyaltown welcomes over 130 international counselors, who travel to Hunter, NY, year after year, to support campers while having a true cultural and learning experience.

The camp provides a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio and a 1:1 when needed. RNs staff the on-site, state-of-the-art health center with years of experience serving people with

I/DD. A doctor in the local community is on call if needed. Camp Loyaltown is accredited by the American Campers Association (ACA).

Most sessions this summer are already fully booked. However, there are two sessions with availability for 2024:

• Session 5A: Aug. 11 – Aug. 18 for campers who are 4 – 17.

• Session 6B: Sept. 1 – Sept. 8 for campers 18 and over.

We also welcome visits from parents and caregivers who would like to see the Camp “in action” toward planning for next summer.

For more information, please email camp@citizens-inc. org or visit www.citizens-inc.org/camployaltown/.

About Citizens Options Unlimited:

Citizens Options Unlimited (Citizens) fully supports people with I/DD to live the life they choose.

Citizens offers two types of residential support across Suffolk and Nassau counties:

• Individual Residential Alternative (IRA): A community-based home that provides individualized support based on needs identified in a person-centered planning process.

• Intermediate Care Facility (ICF): A community-based home that provides clinical and supportive care for people who require long-term care and a higher level of need related to medical or behavioral complexities.

Citizens also offers weekend respite services throughout Nassau County, which foster independence and provide support for families so they can rest from caring for loved ones. Arts and crafts, cooking, meditation, exercise, and karaoke are just some of the activities the respite program offers.

Citizens is one of four agencies designated as a COMPASS agency by the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for its commitment to centering the people it serves in their wants, needs, and goals.

In 2018, the Council on Quality and Leadership recognized Citizens with Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation with Distinction, its highest designation. Only nine organizations in the United States have achieved this accreditation.

For more information about Citizens, visit www.citizens-inc.org/.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CAMP EXPERIENCE @HOFSTRA

It’s not too late to register for summer camp!

A favorite of Long Island families for 40 years, Hofstra Summer Camps provides campers in grades K through 12 with an opportunity to participate in programs that inspire creativity, foster new friendships, and improve their skills in any of our Specialty Camps. From video game enthusiasts developing their own games to young scientists conducting experiments, and so much more, there is something for every interest and passion.

Learn more about Hofstra Summer Camps by visiting hofstra.edu/camp or call 516-463-CAMP.

Individuals with disabilities can participate in a variety of activities. (Photo by Camp LoyalTown)

Department Of Conservation Enforcement News

Thou Shall Not Dump – Nassau County

On April 7, ECO DeRose received a complaint from a dog walker reporting a driver dumping several five-gallon buckets and contractor bags of construction and demolition (C&D) debris next to a park in Levittown before entering a church less than 50 feet away. Officer DeRose responded to the location, documented the items dumped, and observed circular impressions in the rear carpet of the subject’s SUV consistent with five-gallon buckets. The ECO waited in the parking lot of the church until mass ended and then confronted the suspected dumper. The subject first denied the act but confessed after ECO DeRose notified her about a witness and other evidence. The illegal dumper claimed the local sanitation hauler refused to accept the material with her household trash, so she dumped it instead. Officer DeRose ticketed the subject for the unlawful disposal of solid waste, returnable to Nassau County First District Court. She was also directed to clean up the mess and supply a receipt for the proper disposal.

No Close-ups, Please – Nassau County On April 7, ECO DeRose received a call from a local wildlife rehabilitator reporting a group of photographers setting up close to the active nest of a great horned owl and her chicks, harassing the birds as they attempted to get photographs. Officer DeRose responded and observed the group on a bike trail with some of them pushing through the nearby brush toward the base of the tree to get closer to the owls. The ECO advised the photographers of regulations prohibiting harassment of wildlife, as well as the importance of observing them at a safe distance, and the group complied. Officer DeRose then taped off a barrier surrounding the tree as a reminder.

Striped Bass Busts – Nassau/Suffolk counties

ECOs on Long Island conducted a series of fishing compliance checks over the past several weeks that resulted in several striped bass busts:

• On the night of April 6, ECO McCarthy witnessed multiple people catching and keeping out-of-season striped bass near Caumsett State Park in Suffolk County ahead of the April 15 season opener. Officer McCarthy had difficulty finding the illegal catches due to the lack of moonlight and called in ECO DeRose and his K9 partner, Cramer, to assist. K9 Cramer

alerted ECOs to multiple fish buried in the sand and hidden behind logs and brush piles. ECOs recovered a total of 16 striped bass, measuring from 25 to 35 inches, and ticketed seven subjects for taking striped bass during the closed season, returnable to Lloyd Harbor Village Court.

• On April 7, ECO Pabes responded to a report of three anglers keeping out-ofseason striped bass from atop the Bayville Bridge in Bayville. Striped bass season begins April 15. Officer Pabes arrived with Brookville Police and confronted the group who denied possessing any fish. ECO Pabes searched the area and located seven striped bass hidden inside traffic cones spanning the bridge. The ECO issued tickets to the subjects for illegal possession of fish during the closed season and failure to carry marine registry.

• On the evenings of April 8 and 9, ECOs Cacciola, Hilton, and Day responded to several complaints in Suffolk and Nassau counties alleging individuals were keeping striped bass before the April 15 season opener. ECOs seized 10 striped bass over two nights, ticketed seven individuals for possession of out-of-season striped bass, and three for failing to possess a marine registry. Officers advised all subjects on season dates and possession limits for striped bass.

Unlawfully dumped material at park in Levittown, Nassau County. (Photos by New York State Department of Conservation)

Fish hidden inside construction cones in Nassau County.

247430 M

Dinapoli: Renewable Energy Projects Taking Years To Become Operational

Renewable energy projects have been taking more than three years to receive siting permits due to application delays, according to an audit released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The audit of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) found permit applications were often delayed due to missing or insufficient documentation. The audit suggests ORES should be more transparent about the timeliness of the application process and where delays occur, as these projects are meant to help the state meet its ambitious clean energy goals.

ORES was created in 2020 to streamline and expedite the environmental review and permitting of major renewable energy projects and associated transmission facilities to help the state meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s (Climate Act) goals and timelines. The Climate Act set targets to achieve 70 percent renewably sourced electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission electric grid by 2040, putting a high priority on projects like substations that move renewable energy from where it’s generated to where demand exists. Under current state law, ORES must

issue a final siting permit for most projects within one year of a completed application, but there is no requirement for ORES to track or account for how long it takes to complete an application. DiNapoli’s audit reviewed 15 projects and found 14 took nearly four years to obtain a site permit, with the majority of time being spent on the permit application. On average, the permit application took most projects three years to complete.

During the audit, 50 more potential renewable energy projects were identified. These projects may experience similar delays if the permit process is not improved. To prevent delays, DiNapoli recommended ORES track the number of days from initial application to final sitting permit to identify time consuming areas of the process. A realistic accounting of the delays in the permitting process and the total time it takes will provide important information to the state, which will help improve planning for how it will successfully meet the Climate Act’s goals and timelines.

—Submitted by the Office of the New York State Comptroller

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MEDICAID ASSET PROTECTION TRUST

V. LIFE ESTATE DEED

Clients often ask whether the home should be deeded to the client’s adult children, while retaining a life estate in the parent or whether the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust should be used to protect the asset.

While the deed with a life estate will be less costly to the client, in most cases it offers significant disadvantages when compared to the trust. First, if the home is sold prior to the death of the Medicaid recipient, the life estate value of the home will be required to be paid towards their care. If the house is rented, the net rents are payable to the nursing facility since they belong to the life tenant. Finally, the client loses a significant portion of their capital gains tax exclusion for the sale of their primary residence as they will only be entitled to a pro rata share based on the value of the life estate to the home as a whole.

All of the foregoing may lead to a situation where the family finds they must maintain a vacant home for many years. Conversely, a properly drafted MAPT preserves the full capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of the primary residence and the home may be sold by the trust without obligation to make payment of any of the principal towards the client’s care, assuming we have passed the look-back period for facility care of five years.

It should be noted here that both the life estate and the MAPT will preserve the stepped-up basis in the property provided it is sold after the death of the parent who was the owner or grantor. Upon the death of the parent, the basis for calculating the capital gains tax is stepped up from what the parent paid, plus any improvements, to what it was worth on the parent’s date of death. This effectively eliminates payment of capital gains taxes on the sale of appreciated property, such as the home, after the parent dies.

There are instances where the life estate deed makes sense however. When the asset is a country house or a beach house that is intended to stay in the family for the next generation, then the life estate deed works perfectly well and may effect a significant savings to the family seeking to protect the asset.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com

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HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis INTERNATIONAL WORD

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

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Trials are teachers. Challenges will a rm your resourcefulness. It’s good to know you can trust yourself to come up with whatever the moment most requires. You’re a good person to have on your side. A rm it over and again. is is a golden takeaway if ever there were one.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are destiny’s agent, playing a role in the unfolding of events and outcomes, many of which won’t a ect you, but the ones that do will have an interesting and indelible imprint. You’ll bring people together on purpose and accidentally -- it works out well both ways. When two meet, the world is forever altered.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). ere are no bad positions this week, just some that are easier to navigate than others. Observe how folks observe. It guides your next move. ey may nod along when they really don’t know what’s happening. Assumptions are tricky because they either lead to mistakes or the right answer.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). What meets the eye is never the full reel. It’s the lmmaker’s creed, the magician’s rule and the marketer’s law. From all that’s ever graced the theatrical stage to the essence of courtship to the tapestry of general human interaction, it’s the plans and preparations that create the art of the seen.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your knack for jubilation is unrivaled. A hint of merriment is all you need to spring into action. Before risking rejection, conduct some reconnaissance. Familiarize yourself with the pathways to “yes.” Unorthodox methods have their charm, yet a bit of groundwork won’t hurt.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Accept the challenge. No matter how far into the endeavor you get, it’s better to have the experience than not. Setbacks are inevitable, but keep going. Tenacity will bring the result. Your attempts to make it look easy could actually make it so, or, at the very least, will strengthen your in uence.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve a gift for blending in when that’s the power move and standing out when it isn’t. You’ll assert yourself when it’s time, and others will add to your work and join with your e ort. Beautiful patterns will emerge. Later, it will seem as though you were always headed toward unmistakable beauty.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). We all live in a world of the potentials we know. To expand your knowledge of the possible is to expand your world. Creative work is featured. Anything that pushes on your imagination might be contributing to a new paradigm. Be mindful of the in uence; a little lightness and humor will go a long way to brightening your tomorrow.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It’s hard to say which feels better, giving or receiving. Acts of kindness elicit a natural high whichever role you ful ll. You’ll experience both roles this week. e way things come around can be very indirect and surprising indeed, which is part of the delight.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Over the course of a day, you deal with countless contraptions that do exactly as expected from the door to the phone, the television to the car ignition, and yet certain tasks are only really done right when executed by the human touch. In these matters you give your full attention and heart as only you can.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Sometimes, we don’t realize what we think until the words are on our lips. We have to hear them rst to realize a better thing to say or think, and certainly, many folks never even think to upgrade. Meanwhile, your improvements keep coming. Cut yourself a break. All the times you get it right should count, too.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Invent as you go. Re ne later. ere’s no polishing what hasn’t been forged. Because this is the natural order, it’s not always possible to make a thing wonderful before anyone sees it. Learning in public takes courage, and that’s why many people don’t do it. You’ll embrace vulnerability and, therefore, also connection.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

ere are so many forms of happiness you can experience because you’re at this age -- things you couldn’t do until now. Also things you don’t have to do anymore, all worthy of your embrace and celebration. You’ll be involving more people in your work and process and getting the quality feedback, resources and support that helps you create wins for yourself and your team. More highlights: romance-inspired creativity; dreams unbound, freedom feelings and the dances to match.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND WORD FIND

FIND

Weekend markets

CONTRACT BRIDGE By Steve Becker

Born of desperation

dealer.

lead — five of hearts.

Desperate situations call for desperate measures. And although a measure born of desperation is not very likely to succeed, it might offer the only chance for survival.

Today’s deal provides a case in point. There would have been no story if West had led a club against three notrump. South would have won with the jack and conceded a heart to secure nine tricks.

But West decided to lead a heart, explaining afterward that he had no side entry to his clubs even if they became established. Declarer

played low from dummy and won East’s nine with the king.

At this stage, South placed West with heart length, most likely including the ace. In that case, a ninth trick could be developed later by leading a heart toward the queen. In the meantime, South reasoned, little harm could come from trying to score a trick with the jack of clubs. So at trick two, he led a club to the king and returned a club toward the A-J, planning to finesse. One can only imagine his shock when East showed out, discarding a diamond. Since there was no point in playing the jack now — West would win and return a club to establish his suit — declarer put up the ace and mulled things over. If West had the ace of hearts, the contract could no longer be made, so South now had to assume that East held that card and could be endplayed. This would happen only if East could be forced into the lead with a spade without West winning a spade trick.

So after taking the ace of clubs, South cashed the ace of spades and four diamond tricks, East discarding a heart on the last diamond. Declarer then led a spade. East scored the K-Q-10 but had to lead a heart from the A-10 to dummy’s queen at the end, and the contract was home.

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

ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE! BRIMFIELD IS HERE – ALL SHOWS! May 14-19. New shows open daily! www.brimfieldantiqueweek. com. 2024 dates: May 14-19, July 9-14, September 3-8

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and

Great Neck Native Premieres New Play

Jana Robbins, the well-known Broadway actress and producer, plays a powerful Jewish mother with memory problems in A Final Toast, by Michele A Miller, a Great Neck native. The play explores the complex misunderstandings, secrets, and tensions in families when daughters must take charge of mothers who are entering dementia.

Miller is known for plays and screenplays which disarm dark subjects with comedy. Renaissance Now Theatre & Film, a producer of new works, films and innovative interpretations of classics, will present the play’s world premiere run May 10 to 26 at Chain Theatre, 312 West 36th St., 3rd Floor. The four-character play also features Jolie Curtsinger, Joy Franz and Sachi Parker. Kathy Curtiss directs.

A Final Toast takes us into the complex, intertwined lives of two older women who are helped by their adult daughters to clear out their homes before moving to a senior living center. Blanche (Jana Robbins), a vibrant, resilient and domineering secular Jewish woman is in an early stage of dementia. She must rely on her adult daughter, Ella (Jolie Curtsinger), to dispose of her house and estate. Ella is over-matched by her powerful mother, and must engage Alice (Sachi Parker), a professional home organizer of Irish heritage, to uncurl Blanche’s power-

ful fingers from her household curios and other possessions. The wrinkle is that Alice’s mother Carol (Joy Franz) is heading for the same senior living facility as Blanche. Once in their new home, with the pandemic raging, the two elderly women find themselves housed in proximity to each other. At the forceful initiative of Blanche, they become dear friends, only to uncover an inauspicious encounter they had years before--one with longstanding consequences for their

future lives, their relationships, their families and ultimately each other. It’s revealed that prejudice has infected both families, but it’s realized that long-standing hurts, betrayals, and accusations can be neutralized with humor and deep, abiding love.

The characters are complex and raise universal questions of identity and assimilation, family and tradition, survival and resilience, cultural identity and belonging, role reversal and care-giving. The families

confront unresolved issues from the past as they navigate the challenges of dementia, but Blanche and Ella grapple especially with the significance of family belongings within the context of their Jewish identity. Themes of responsibility and the duty to honor parents’ legacy also emerge.

Director Kathy Curtiss writes, “In working with several of Michele Miller’s works over the last two years, I have found she has a gift, perhaps born of her Jewish heritage, in coping with the irony in dark subjects with a poignant humor and resilience.”

Earlier drafts of the play had public readings by The Dramatist Guild, New Perspectives Theatre, Round the Bend Theatre and Bedford Playhouse. It was a finalist in seven national playwriting competitions.

Costume designer is Peter Fogel. Projection and sound designer is Rychard Curtiss. Set designer is Maya Alschuler-Pierce. Lighting designer is Spenser Giles. Voice/ Dialog Coach is Steven Rimke. Stage manager is Gabby Macallister.

Buy tickets at renaissancenow.com or call 917-225-7643. The shows on Thursdays through Saturdays are at 7:00 p.m., Sunday shows are at 3:00 p.m. and an added show on Wednesday, May 22 is at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35 general admission and $20 for students, seniors and groups.

—Submitted by Michele Miller

Casino Night To Celebrate Temple Beth-El Outgoing President

Temple Beth-El of Great Neck will celebrate outgoing president Gary Slobin for his dedicated service with a casino night and bourbon tasting on Sunday, May 19, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The community is welcome to enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres from W Kosher Events, an open bar and bourbon tasting, as well as casino games and prizes at Temple Beth-El.

Slobin, whose four-year term concludes at the end of May, has been involved in temple leadership for more than a decade and a half, previously serving in many roles, including as treasurer, vice president and a member of the board of trustees.

“I try to live my life by asking myself a simple question,” expressed Slobin. “Do my actions serve as a good example for my children? I think that giving time to your community and addressing the issues that impact your family are vital to one’s fulfillment as a well-rounded person.”

Gary and his wife, Melissa, joined Temple Beth-El more than 20 years ago when their oldest daughter started in TBE’s Early Childhood Education Center.

“We considered joining other temples,” noted Slobin, “But the energy and inviting

atmosphere for young families drew us to Beth-El.”

The attorney, in practice for nearly 30 years, is a trial lawyer specializing in representing plaintiffs in personal-injury matters.

He and Melissa have three daughters.

When Slobin was asked to become president, he knew it was time for someone from his generation to step up and lead.

“It was a hard decision, but even during the difficult times I didn’t regret it,” Slobin ruminated. “The role of temple president is challenging and time consuming, but it can also be a rewarding and transformational experience.”

When he took the helm, his goals included ensuring TBE’s future.

“I worked to secure the future financial stability of this historic congregation, cultivate the next generation of leadership and continue to grow our relevancy and participation in the Great Neck community,” he explained. “I am grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from everyone.”

Four years as Temple Beth-El president and 22 years as an involved member and

leader represent a life-altering journey.

“A prolonged leadership experience changes a person and can have a profound impact on one’s perspectives in so many aspects of life,” reflected Slobin. “Looking back on these years, the successes, challenges and changes that I have experienced as temple leader, and as a Jew, have certainly humbled me. What an honor it has been! Thank you for this opportunity and experience.”

Register to celebrate Slobin at www.tiny. cc/casino4gary. Guests can buy additional casino money throughout the night with cash, checks or a tap-to-pay device.

Founded in 1928, the peninsula’s first synagogue is located at 5 Old Mill Rd. in Great Neck. To learn more, call 516-487-0900, visit www.tbegreatneck.org or email info@ tbegreatneck.org.

—Submitted by the Temple Beth-El of Great Neck

From the left: Sachi Parker, Joy Franz, Jana Robbins, Jolie Curtsinger at rehearsal for A Final Toast by Michele A Miller. (Photo by Jonathan Slaff)

Outgoing Temple Beth-El President Gary Slobin will be celebrated at a casino night and bourbon tasting on Sunday, May 19. (Contributed photo)

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS

Shireinu Choir Of Long Island And Voices Of Victory Gospel Choir Perform To Raise Funds For Charities

The Shireinu Choir of Long Island and Voices of Victory, the St. John’s University Gospel Choir, recently joined voices to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All profits from the concert were earmarked for two area charities.

On behalf of both choirs, representatives of the Shireinu Choir of Long Island presented checks to members of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and St. John’s Bread & Life in Brooklyn. Each donation will be used to face pressing needs in the community.

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County is dedicated to educating students and the community about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance and respect for all people. The center serves as a valuable resource for school programs, lectures, training and other educational opportunities. “We believe that by learning about the Holocaust we can work towards creating a better world,” comments Moji Pourmoradi, executive director. “The Center’s message of tolerance and acceptance is more important than ever in today’s world as we work to eradicate hate and prejudice,” she concludes.

For more than 40 years, St.

Shireinu Choir of Long Island presents a check to representatives of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Pictured from the left: Shireinu Board Member Jemi Goldstein; Shireinu Founding Musical Director Deborah Tartell; Shireinu Choir of Long Island Co-President Sherry Husney; Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center Executive Director Moji Pourmoradi; Director of Events and Fundraising Bali Lerner.

John’s Bread & Life has been addressing the needs of individuals and their families living in the Bedford Stuyvesant community who face multiple challenges. Among the many services they provide are shelf stable groceries, bread, milk and fresh produce for residents locally as well as to 22 communities across Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. “Since March 2020, many New Yorkers have been faced with challenges that often strained their ability to afford food. At St. John’s

Bread & Life our mission continues to meet the increasing need for emergency food in New York,” shares Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM, Executive Director.

On March 17, the Shireinu Choir of Long Island was the guest performer at the 81st Anniversary of the Liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto, an event that raised money for Beit Halochem and Magen David Adom, two charities to aid Israel during their current crisis.

The Shireinu Choir of Long

School Superintendent To Speak at Temple Beth-El

Kenneth R. Bossert, EdD, superintendent of Great Neck Public Schools (GNPS), will be the guest speaker at Temple Beth-El’s Shabbat service on Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m.

The entire community is welcome to attend as Dr. Bossert discusses his vision for public education in Great Neck and shares how temple members can help him realize that vision.

Dr. Bossert began as superintendent of GNPS on August 1, 2023, after serving as superintendent of the Port Jefferson and Elwood UFSD for the previous 12 years.

His prior experience includes being an elementary classroom teacher, elementary school principal and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. He serves as both an officer in the New York State Council of

School Superintendents and treasurer of SCOPE and was past president of the Suffolk County Council of School Superintendents.

The adjunct professor at Long Island University and Stony Brook University received his doctorate in Educational Administration and Technology in 2008. His dissertation focused on The Harmful Effects of High-Stakes Standardized Testing on the Elementary Student. Dr. Bossert has been married for 25 years and has two college-age daughters.

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 Rd. in Great Neck. Learn more by visiting www.tbegreatneck. org, by calling 516-487-0900 or by emailing info@tbegreatneck.org.

—Submitted by Temple Beth-El

Board members of Shireinu Choir of Long Island present a check to representatives from St. John’s Bread & Life in Brooklyn. Pictured from the left: St. John’s Bread & Life Director of Development James Poisal, Shireinu Choir of Long Island Founding Board Members Alise Kreditor, Amy David and Lori Freudman, and St. John’s Bread & Life Executive Director Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM. (Contributed photos)

Island, under the direction of Deborah Tartell, was formed in 2017 as a mixed voice choir to celebrate Jewish culture through music and song. Part of the mission of the choir is to give back to the community through performance and the raising of funds for select charities. For more information about Shireinu Choir of Long Island, visit www.shireinuchoirli.org. Their an-

nual concert will be held on June 9, 2024, at LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College. Ticket information is available on their website. Voices of Victory, Nigel Gretton conductor, was established in 1988. Their unique brand of gospel music is flavored with touches of world music, classical, jazz and R&B.

—Submitted by the Shireinu Choir of Long Island

Opening Day Of the Great Neck Farmers Market

Dr. Kenneth Bossert, superintendent of Great Neck Public Schools, will be the guest speaker at Temple Beth-El’s Shabbat service on Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m. (Contributed photo)

The Great Neck Farmers Market returns to Firefighters Park Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Sunday, June 2. With 15+ vendors each week, Deep Roots Farmers Market features locally grown vegetables, fresh baked breads and sweets, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, honey, prepared foods, jams, coffees, and much more. Weekly guest art and craft vendors and live music, too! The Great Neck Farmers Market is a collaborative project

of the Deep Roots Farmers Market and the Great Neck Park District.

Firefighters Park is located at 30 Grace Ave. Great Neck. The farmers market runs from June 2 to October 27, rain or shine. Follow the Great Neck Farmers Market on Facebook or Instagram at @greatneckfarmersmarket Visit www.deeprootsfarmersmarket.com for more details.

—Submitted by Deep Roots Farmers Market

OBITUARY

HELENE SUSMAN

Helene Susman,103, died on April 23, 2024 after a brief illness. Earlier, she taught guitar, played tennis and bridge, and was active in the Great Neck Forum, Women Strike for Peace, and civil rights before becoming an assistant film editor on Harlem County, USA and American Dream. Widowed in 2003, she survived pancreatic cancer (age 95) and other physical indignities, but was steadfast in supporting social justice. She is survived by her children Susan and Paul Susman, their spouses Sekhar and Libby, their children Janak, Rebecca, Shantha and Sasha and their partners, and Helene’s great-grandchildren Levi, Archana, and Theo. —Submitted by the Susman Famil y

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

Bucking Bulls

On April 11, the New York Mavericks, one of two new teams joining the PBR (Professional Bull Riders)

Camping World Team Series, chose four talented Brazilian bull riders and a gritty Texan in the league’s first expansion draft, assembling an initial roster of riders ahead of their inaugural homestand in August at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

With the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the Expansion Draft’s opening round, the New York Mavericks selected World Finals qualifier Vitor Losnake (Bauru, Brazil) and member of the 2023 PBR Teams regular-season No. 2 Kansas City Outlaws Leonardo Castro (Cassilandia, Brazil). The Mavericks secured Braidy Randolph (Stephenville, TX), Leandro Zampollo (Pirassununga, Brazil), Ederson Santos (Ilha Solteira, Brazil) and Romario Leite (Brotas, Brazil), setting the stage for the debut of New York’s first bull riding team to compete together, beginning in July.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the selection of our inaugural riders for the New York Mavericks. We believe each individual embodies the spirit of determination, skill, and passion that will define our team,” said New York Mavericks General Manager Chris Pantani. “The New York Mavericks are poised to make a significant impact in our community and in the world of bull riding, and we couldn’t be more excited to have these talented riders leading the charge.”

The drafted riders join the New York Mavericks roster led by head coach, 2009 PBR World Champion and Ring of Honor inductee, Kody Lostroh along with assistant coach and 2002 PBR World Champion, Ednei Caminhas.

As the first bull riding team to represent

New York and the Northeast, the New York Mavericks builds upon a rich legacy of bull riding in the region, epitomized by the 17-year tenure of PBR’s Unleash The Beast premier series event at Madison Square Garden and annual events spanning from Virginia to Maine.

The Northeast boasts vibrant international communities from Brazil, Mexico, and Central America, where bull riding holds deep cultural significance and widespread popularity.

The New York Mavericks roster now includes:

• No. 2 Overall Pick: Vitor Losnake

• No. 3 Overall Pick: Leonardo Castro

• No. 6 Overall Pick: Braidy Randolph

• No. 7 Overall Pick: Leandro Zampollo

• No. 10 Overall Pick: Ederson Santos

• No. 11 Overall Pick: Romario Leite

Saddle up for the ride of your life with the New York Mavericks

At the conclusion of the expansion draft, the league held the lottery for the New Rider Draft to be held on May 29 in Nashville. After the Florida Freedom earned the No. 1 overall pick, the New York Mavericks and Oklahoma Wildcatters engaged in a league-administered coin flip for the No. 2 and No. 3 picks. Following the flip, the New York Mavericks will hold the No. 3 overall pick in the New Rider Draft, anticipated to be headlined by riders including teenage phenom John Crimber (Decatur, TX), and fellow young guns Clay Guiton (Cherryville, NC) and Marco Rizzo (Quitman, GA).

For the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series, the league has expanded to 10 teams, including the newly added New York Mavericks and Oklahoma Wildcatters. These teams will compete in five-on-five bull riding games throughout the 12-event season starting on July 12 through 14 in Oklahoma City. The bull riding action for the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series’ New York Mavericks Days at Barclays Center begins at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, and 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com, at the Barclays Center box office, or by calling PBR customer service (800-732-1727). Two-day ticket packages are available, offering fans a 15 percent discount on select price levels. Stay tuned to PBR.com for more information on the New York Mavericks and the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series season. For more information about New York Mavericks, www.pbr.com/teams/ new-york-mavericks, @nymavericks on Facebook, or @NY_Mavericks on X and Instagram.

PBR is part of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.

—PBR and Christy Hinko

The Expansion Draft Courtesy of Todd Brewer/Bull Stock Media