Syosset–Jericho Tribune 10/11/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group

Lawsuit Filed Against Woodbury Methodist Church

Former parishioner seeks justice for alleged abuse

strung last worked, with news coverage on the case.

sick. He did not tell his mother until he was 23.

The website of the United Methodist Church of Woodbury states “We are all God’s beloved. Our mission is to show our faith and we will show our faith by our acts.”

But three brothers allege that they were abused by Russell Hullstrung, the son of former pastor Robert Hullstrung. The youngest brother, Kristian Chestnut, an attorney from Florida, filed a lawsuit in 2021 after the passing of the Child Victim’s Act, which extended the statute of limitations for a survivor of child sexual abuse in criminal and civil cases. Chestnut filed the suit against the United Methodist Church of Woodbury, the United Methodist Church and it’s various divisions. His brothers Scott and Gregory Chestnut, according to Newsday, each signed $60,000 settlements with the church in 2017.

“It’s very stressful to go through and recount the horrible things that were done to me at the United Methodist Church as a child,” Chestnut said. “But at the same time, I believe by being able to bring a case, I have also been able to benefit a lot in terms of recovery from gaining a far better understanding of what happened to me as a child.”

Chestnut was allegedly abused by Russell Hullstrung from 1983 to 1986, when he was about three to seven years old.

In 1994, Hullstrung had been arrested at age 27 for the rape of a blind and deaf man at the Helen Keller Center in Sands Point. His family attorney adamantly denied the allegation in an article written at the time, but the Nassau County District Attorney’s office told Newsday he plead guilty and was sentenced to one year of probation and time served.

Chestnut said his attorney Dr. Jef McAllister has reached out to the Yale New Haven health care system, where Hull-

“It’s my understanding that they are now taking that on advisement,” Chestnut said. “We are now waiting to see how Yale New Haven responds to this information, and should the hospital not do the right thing by at least putting this man on administrative leave, suspending him while investigation takes place, [I will join activists] to hold demonstrations outside the hospital and protest his presence there.”

Yale New Haven health care system issued the following statement to the Syosset Jericho Tribune:

“Although we do not comment on personnel matters, we can confirm that Mr. Hullstrung is no longer employed by the health system.”

Hullstrung, now 55, was over the age of 18 during the abuse of Chestnut. The alleged abuse included molestation and rape. The abuse took place in the nursery, shed, on a grave and in the minister’s house. When Chestnut told Hullstrung, according to court documents, that he no longer wanted to be abused and assaulted, Hullstrung allegedly threatened to kill Chestnut’s family if he did not comply. Chestnut said his brother Scott was the first to come forward in 1994 after watching an episode of Oprah discussing sexual abuse with his mother, Irene Chestnut, who then drove from Dutchess County to Woodbury to confront the Hullstrung family in person.

Chestnut said his brother Gregory came forward in support of Scott. During that time, Chestnut said he froze. He told his brother Gregory when he was 15, but decided to not tell his parents because his father was very

“I was afraid it could kill my father,” Chestnut said.

Chestnut said that his mother was destroyed by learning that all three of her sons had been abused at church.

“My mother immigrated to the United States [from the Netherlands] in 1965 and she met my father on the beach, Jones Beach,” Chestnut said. “They got married six months later, they had kids and bought a nice house that they saved for.”

But the “storybook” life would never be the same after his mother found out her children were abused by the church and family she had faith in.

“My mother was a very religious woman, a protestant from Amsterdam, where she grew up in the Netherlands,” Chestnut said. “She believed in these people, the United Methodist Church and the Hullstrungs who were the supervisors of the church, the minister and the Sunday School director and the youth minister. She believed these people were good, and they turned out to be the worst that maybe Long Island has ever seen.”

The court documents state that Hullstrung participated in youth-serving activities, and he’d often remove Chestnut from the nursery in plain view of care givers.

“I certainly will always remember the anxiety and fear I went through,” Chestnut said. “I had nightmares every single night and I suffered medically. I began falling apart by the time I was 11-years-old. I was very sick and was unable to go to school. It was very taxing on me.”

The suit also alleges that the church and the church divisions knew that Hullstrung had a propensity to engage in child sexual abuse, and still allowed him to serve as staff member with access to children. It alleges that the church failed to warn parents; supervise Hullstrung’s contact with children; correct his behavior; and establish policies and procedures that would protect children from abuse and failed to train employees, administrators and staff in the prevention of child sexual abuse.

According to the documents, Chestnut continues to suffer severe and permanent psychological, emotional and physical injuries, shame, humiliation and inability to lead a normal life.

“I think what a lot of people don’t understand about sexual abuse is that it’s not reasonable to ask a child to be able to rationalize what had happened at such a young age...,” Chestnut said. “I was groomed to believe that we were playing games. Until he began raping me and pain became an element, I didn’t even know we were doing anything wrong to tell anyone about. When I told him I didn’t want to do these things anymore, he threatened to kill me, my family. Living with that stress and anxiety, I can’t recount the thoughts, exact thoughts, what was going through my mind, but I do recall living in great fear for my life.”

The United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church Conference motioned to dismiss the suit against them because they argued that they are not jural entities susceptible to a suit in New York or elsewhere, rather a religious denomination.

“This lawsuit is about accountability,” Chestnut said. “It makes me feel so much better to know just that the people who did me wrong, the organizations that did me wrong, are not going to get away with it.”

The Syosset Jericho Tribune reached out to the attorneys of the United Methodist Church and its divisions and Hullstrung for comment and received no response.

‘‘ I certainly will always remember the anxiety and fear I went through. I had nightmares every single night and I suffered medically. I began falling apart by the time I was 11 years old.’’

—Kristian Chestnut

Making Sure Every Student Thrives

Syosset Board of Education discusses multi-tiered system of support

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

During the Oct. 3 Syosset Central School District Board of Education meeting, the board saw a presentation about the Multi-Tiered System of Support, or MTSS.

According to the New York State Department of Education, MTSS focuses on evidence-based practices, relies on student progress data to inform instructional decisions and ensures that each student, based on their unique needs, receives the level and type of support necessary to be successful.

“Every student is an individual,” said Syosset Central School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers. “Every student has strengths and opportunities for growth, so what we do is meet students where they are, support them if needed and get them to their fullest potential possible. We do that by trying to individualize wherever possible and individualize especially when we see a student starting to struggle a little bit.”

Erin Goldthwaite, the assistant superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Dr. Raymond Loverso, the assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and Jeanette Wojcik, the director of Elementary Pupil Personnel Services, Universal Pre-K and Committee on Preschool Special Education, led the presentation to the board.

“Syosset’s model has become something other districts follow,” Dr. Rogers said. “I was in the Albany area for a superintendents conference this past weekend, and I had several colleagues come to me and remark on how they used our MTSS plan as a framework for their own work in their district. I’m proud to get compliments like that, but I can’t take those compliments for myself because it was the hard work of the team that’s going to share with you shortly.”

Dr. Loverso stated that last year the board learned the innovative curriculum changes made across multiple areas including the arts, physical education, technology, computer science, mathematics and English Language Arts.

“We also discussed the strategic shifts we’ve made in our instruction and during last month’s meeting, we showcased student achievement data, which demonstrated the success of our innovative curriculum design and our instructional shifts,” Dr. Loverso said. “In order to complete our conversation on ways we amplify learning for all students, we wanted to highlight our targeted intervention and support service, which we call Multi-Tiered System of Support, or MTSS.”

According to the presentation, under MTSS, the district creates a proactive identification of students in need, has just right interventions that are matched to student need, monitors progress overtime, tapers off interventions once skill deficits are remediated, makes decisions based on data and leads scientific, research-based instruction.

“Each of our 10 buildings implemented the MTSS process,” Goldthwaite said. “Within each of our buildings, our MTSS teams consist of multi-disciplinary educators. This can include our building adminis-

“MTSS focuses on a continuous monitoring of students,” Goldthwaite said. “Students can move both up and down the tiers depending on how they respond to the interventions we provide.”

trators, school psychologists, developmental learning specialists on the elementary level, social workers, special educators, guidance counselors, related service providers or, if appropriate, [English as a New Language] teachers, in order to provide a multi-faceted approach to exploring our students needs. Our teams meet weekly for referrals as well as during data meetings that take place at least three times a year.”

The universal image of MTSS is a triangle, or pyramid. Tier 1 provides universal support and curriculum for all students. Tier 2 targets support for small groups, which can include academic support, speech, occupational therapy, counseling and social skills groups. Tier 3 practices intensive support for individual students.

For example, the presentation demonstrated the story of a character named “Arthur Reed,” based on the literary protagonist in the book series Arthur. Arthur is a fourth grader whose interests include sports, playing his saxophone and spending time with his friends skateboarding. He shows great enthusiasm for reading, he answers most questions correctly when it comes to literal understanding of text and his teacher reaches out to Arthur’s family for review of his progress.

However, when probed with questions that dig a bit deeper, he struggles with understanding the character’s motivation and making inferences. And during reading workshop, his teacher notices that he does not participate in discussions about the text.

Goldthwaite explained that under MTSS, the teacher would share Arthur’s strengths and concerns with his family, and begin to reflect in the entrance criteria for Tier 1 by analyzing data, which includes test scores and reading levels.

Under the Tier 1 intervention, the teacher would begin to focus on Arthur’s area of need, which would be reading comprehension. During a reading workshop block, his

teacher would deliver small group instruction to target skill remediation in the area of inferential comprehension and character analysis. This is done in addition to the individual conferencing and whole group instruction that the entire class receives. After the first intervention cycle, the teacher would review the data she collects and look at Arthur’s reading level. If she notices the reading level stagnating and falling behind grade level expectations, she would consider referring to the school’s MTSS team.

“Arthur’s teacher feels that a referral is the next best step,” Wojcik said. “She reaches out to Arthur’s family to share her concerns and begins the referral process. As the team meets, Arthur’s teacher shares the data she has collected and the Tier 1 intervention she has implemented within the classroom setting. As the team discusses Arthur and his profile, each member’s unique perspective within their discipline allows for detailed discussions. For example, the speech therapist may ask about Arthur’s ability to understand spoken language, as there can be sometimes a correlation with understanding written language. Based upon the data, and the classroom teacher’s report, the team decides that Arthur would benefit from Tier 2 intervention.”

The Tier 2 intervention includes small group instruction inside or outside the classroom three times a week for 40 minutes, developed goals to monitor progress, grouping the students with similar levels and needs and sharing the information with his family.

If Arthur continued to not show improvement, he’d be recommended to Tier 3 intervention, where he’d meet for small group instruction five times a week for 40 minutes. Plans and goals would be updated, and the information would be shared with his family. An intervention program would be determined.

“Sometimes what a student may need is more time with the program that is determined at Tier 2,” Wojcik said. “Other times, based on data collected by the interventionist, we may recommend that a change in program is necessary to appropriately target increasing areas of need.”

If a child, receiving Tier 3 intervention, continues to not show progress, the MTSS team may decide to refer the child to special education. But in this presentation, Arthur’s reading levels began to improve, and he returned to Tier 2 intervention.

“Students have a variety of needs and we focus on the whole child during our MTSS process,” Dr. Loverso said. “Addressing their academic, social and emotional, as well as behavioral needs, we have a variety of tools and we use them purposely to accommodate the needs of students.”

To see the entire presentation, visit www. syossetschools.org/domain/120.

The Multi-Tiered System of Support. (Chart used in a presentation from the Syosset Central School District)

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Late September Flooding Crosses Nassau

SYOSSET-JERICHO TRIBUNE STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County and its neighbors are still recovering from record flooding late last month.

On Friday, September 29, the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia brought several inches of rain to the tri-state area, causing flash flooding that filled roadways, soaked basements, snarled public transit, and led to a number of evacuations and rescues.

Jericho Fire Department crews were notified at 4:09 p.m. on September 29 that multiple cars were stuck under the overpass on Jericho Turnpike on Route 106/107, along with on the Jericho Turnpike in the vicinity of 200 Jericho Quadrangle.

ued on a mostly lighter basis into Saturday, but the majority of rainfall and major flooding had occurred in NYC and Nassau by Friday afternoon.

Numerous roads were reported closed or impassible across Nassau County that Friday, as were portions of highways in and around Nassau, such as the Long Island Expressway, the Belt Parkway, and multiple parkways in the Bronx, where some motorists were left stranded in their cars. In Brooklyn, Woodhull Hospital also had to be evacuated on Saturday after Friday’s weather damaged the hospital’s electrical systems and left the hospital running on backup generators for more than a day.

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Engine 943 and Heavy Rescue 949 put operators in the water and rescued 11 people. Units on scene include Engine 943, Engine 944, Heavy Rescue 949, Medic 9499, Ambulance 946 and Fire Police unit 9411. Operations were under the command of Chief of Department Foresto and Assistant Chief Ketsoglou. That morning, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley, where an estimated four to six inches of rain fell. On Twitter, the National Weather Service’s New York account advised drivers to “Turn Around Don’t Drown” as conditions worsened.

Some locations even reported rainfall of seven inches or more, such as at John F. Kennedy Airport, setting the all-time record there with over eight inches. Rain contin-

In Nassau County, some of the biggest disruptions to Long Island life happened in Baldwin and in Elmont, where sewers were overwhelmed by flood waters, and where hundreds of seniors were safely evacuated from the Elmont Senior Center, respectively. Villages across our area also reported flooded roads and basements and in some cases outages to power or internet service. In New Hyde Park, Ridder’s Pond overflowed into the park and onto Marcus Avenue, where emergency crews also worked to remove downed power lines. In Garden City Park, flooding on Hillside Ave. between Herricks and Moore Street stopped traffic back to Mineola Blvd. at one point, according to social media. In Old Westbury, Post Rd. between Wheatley Rd. and the North Service Road was closed, as was the westbound North Service Road at Jericho Turnpike.

On Saturday, September 30, Gov. Hochul said that 28 people were rescued from flood waters the previous day. No deaths have yet been reported.

Flooding on the Jericho Turnpike. (Photos courtesy the Jericho Fire Department)

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18

Pumpkin Fun

Join A Time for Kids, Inc. for this preschool program about pumpkins at the Syosset Public Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. This program is designed for kids 18 months to 5 years old (not yet in kindergarten). Register at syossetlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

In-Person: Seniors of Syosset Drop-In

Funded through the New York State Office for the Aging, the Seniors of Syosset is a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program. The program, which will take place at the Syosset Public Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., offers social work support, community health nursing, assistance with transportation to medical appointments and a shopping bus, and other activities and services, including some at the library. Drop

in and get involved!

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

Halloween Book-To-Film Discussion

Ninety years ago, H.G. Wells’ classic 1987 novel The Invisible Man was adapted for a film of the same name starring renowned actor Claude Rains. Read the book, then see how it is interpreted for the screen. A short discussion will follow the 1933 film led by Kaye Spurrel, Readers’ Services Librarian. Books available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration. The discussion will take place at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road in Syosset, at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

Local Author Showcase

Meet Syosset and Woodbury authors at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, at 1 p.m. as they share their books with you at the 2023 Local Author Showcase. Enjoy a presentation by each author, followed by a meet and greet. Books will be available for sale and signing courtesy of the Friends of Syosset Library. All attendees will be entered to win a raffle prize.

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If you have been considering a Tummy Tuck (post-pregnancy or for weight loss), this procedure can have you in great shape in a very short period of time, and you can show off that terrific figure well before the Holiday Season. SmartLipo is ideal for the neck, jaw line, arms, breasts, “bra fat”, abdomen, “love handles”, “saddlebags,” inner and outer thighs and knees. You may also consider CoolSculpting®, a body sculpting, fat freezing; non-surgical procedure that reduces inches quickly!

CoolSculpting® can freeze fat from the abdomen, love handles, buttocks, thighs, arms and chin with no downtime. This new non-invasive procedure can make significant improvements in your appearance by reducing inches quickly. Most people see results after just one treatment. CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared and studies show an average

Third Annual Butterfly Gala

Enjoy a magical night at the Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. and raise awareness and funds for kids with cancer. The evening will include a cocktail hour, sit down dinner, open bar, live music, extravagant raffles and oneof-a-kind silent auction. Attendees will leave feeling inspired, knowing more kids fighting cancer and their families will be encouraged to never give up hope and will be reminded they are not alone in their fight.

In Person Cooking Demonstration: Tastes from the Middle East with Naela Zeidan Naela returns to teach Jericho Public

Library, 1 Merry Lane, patrons about how to make beef and veggie pies. She will also put together baba ganoush (eggplant dip) and make a salad. The demonstration will end with date cookies. There will be lots to taste and recipes to take home. Register at the circulation desk by Oct. 16. Cost is $3 per registrant. Register at jericholibrary. org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 24

Afternoon Book Discussion

Join Lisa Hollander, the reader services librarian, at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, at 2 p.m. for an in-person discussion of the bestselling novel, Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the program. No registration needed.

Virtual: Horror Shows on Broadway with Stephen Nachamie, Stage & Film Director

In this virtual program from the Jericho Public Library, Stephen will take a look at how horror and suspense translate on stage. He will explore Stephen King’s Carrie, Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, Dracula, Misery and some infamous flops like Lestat, Dance of the Vampires. It will be a chillingly fun afternoon. Register at jericholibrary. org.

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Dr. Greenberg invented the Modern Mommy Make Over to address the changes that pregnancy makes on the body. As many women elect to start a family at an older age, pregnancy, and especially repeated pregnancies, can stretch and distort the breasts and abdomen and cause spider veins, stretch marks, broken capillaries, acne and more. If childbirth has made some changes to your body that you would like to correct, the Modern Mommy Make Over provides the right combination of tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift with or without implants and vaginal rejuvenation to restore your body and regain confidence.

Diet and exercise are the best ways to help stay healthy and keep in shape, but supplementing a healthy lifestyle with cosmetic surgery procedures will leave you in the best shape that you can be in…healthy and beautiful, both inside and out! It’s time to feel comfortable and show off that terrific figure this fall!

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(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg offers complimentary

Restoring More Than Just Appearances

Areola restoration through tattooing

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

One in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. It is the second most common cancer in women. Approximately 64 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, before cancer has spread outside of the breast, when it is easiest to treat. Prognosis for early stage cancers is good, with an average 5-year relative survival rate in the U.S. of localized and regional breast cancer at 93 percent.

Treatment for breast cancer often involves surgery on the affected area, including mastectomy, or the removal of the breast. For these patients, reconstructing their anatomy can be an important step to feeling normal again. This includes not just the shape of their body, but also aesthetic characteristics. Patients may be surprised to learn that this can include restoring their areolas with a tattoo that gives appearance of a more natural breast.

Tara Rose Smith is a tattoo artist specializing in areola restoration. She is one of only a handful of artists offering this service on Long Island. She primarily works out of her home shop, House of Color in Bay Shore, but is affiliated with spaces as far east as Montauk and west into Nassau County as well. She is specially trained in creating a tattoo that gives the three-dimensional illusion of an areola. She was certified two years ago at a workshop at Ink Boutique Houston.

For Smith, areola restoration is a personal mission. She decided to do this work because her aunt is a breast cancer survivor. “It inspired me to use my skill set to do something positive.”

Prospective clients must be completely healed and cleared by their doctor in order to proceed. “Since each person’s medical history is a little different, and their surgery is a little different, their scars are going to be different. So they need to be fully healed and cleared by the doctor. Super important,” said Smith.

The first step is the consultation. If they live too far away to come into the shop, Smith will meet with them over video

chat. She views the area to see the level of scarring and any other features that will affect the outcome. Then she maps where the new areola will be placed. If there is a reconstructed mount, she can work with that.

The tattoo itself takes between one to two hours. Sometimes there will be a second session to touch up and deepen the tones, which is included in the price. Medical insurance will often cover the

restoration. “A lot of insurance companies do cover it. What I do right now is that we have an NPI number. So if someone wants to ask their insurance company and submit that invoice, they totally can.” Smith said.

Many of her clients come in with a previous attempt at restoration by a medical professional. These tattoos are not executed to the level of realism a trained tattoo artist is able to provide. “When someone comes in from the area with tattoos from a doctor or nurse practitioner, it’s often just one flat color. But you know, unfortunately, sometimes, I’ve had situations where, because the person isn’t familiar with the tattoo machine, it’s almost created a little bit more scar tissue there that we then have to work over,” said Smith.

There are advantages to having a tattoo artist do the restoration, rather than a medical professional. The level of training and practice an artist brings to the work allows them to create the depth of field that makes the areola look realistic. Additionally, they are comfortable using the tattoo machine and know how to

move it to get exactly the effect they are l ooking for. “We’re trained in color theory, we’re trained in value. We’re trained with using a tattoo machine, so we’re tattooing all the time, we’re used to tattooing on skin. I am used to tattooing over scar tissue. We’re just familiar with the practice of tattooing. Their intentions are in the right spot. It’s just that they’re not as practiced as we are,” Smith said. For someone who is unfamiliar with getting tattooed, one of the number one concerns is the pain. Smith puts their minds at ease. “About 90 percent of the patients don’t have much or any feeling in that area at all. That’s been my experience; people generally don’t feel much because their nerves have been affected by the surgeries. It’s usually a very relaxing experience.”

There is an option for numbing if people are uncomfortable, however. “If someone does feel some discomfort or pain, what I would do is use the tattoo machine for about 30 seconds, open their skin up, and then I put a solution that is lidocaine and epinephrine. It sits on them for a couple of minutes. Then I tattoo them and they don’t feel anything. It works amazingly.”

Helping women to feel like themselves again after such a traumatic experience is hugely rewarding for Smith. “It’s super rewarding for me. I got into tattooing because I’ve always loved art, but I’ve also always wanted to help people. To be able to use my skills to do that feels really amazing. It’s a way that I could give back and that feels great.”

The women often find the experience transformative and emotional. After going through so much manipulation of this part of their bodies, seeing their breasts restored helps them feel like themselves. Smith recounts one story: “I had a woman go through like 11 or 13 surgeries, and she said, ‘I couldn’t go through anything else,’ but once she did, she said, ‘I wish I did this sooner. I didn’t know this was going to be so easy.’”

Contact Tara Rose Smith through her Instagram, @tararosetattoos or her website, tararosetattoos.com.

Tara Rose Smith, tattoo artist. (photo by Tara Rose Smith)

I got into tattooing because I’ve always loved art, but I’ve also always wanted to help people. To be able to use my skills to do that feels really amazing. It’s a way that I could give back and that feels great.”

—Tara Rose Smith, tattoo artist

(Photo by Rebekah Vos via Unsplash)

Let your life speak.

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Daphne Rubin-Vega’s

BY DAVE GIL DE RUBIO editorial@antonmediagroup.com

When Daphne Rubin-Vega was nine, the aspiring performer saw an ad in Backstage magazine looking for actors to audition for roles in an upcoming production of The Princess and The Pea. The cattle call was being held not too far from where she was growing up in Hell’s Kitchen while living on 44th Street between The Actor’s Studio and what became The New Dramatists. While the outcome was not ideal, it forged in her a tenacity that later led to greater successes, first playing a Tony-nominated role as Mimi in the original 1996 Broadway production of Rent. And more recently, playing Daniela, the beauty shop owner in the 2021 film adaptation of In the Heights. “I didn’t even know what The Princess and the Pea was,” she recalled. “I went on the audition

and I was the only kid there. They said, ‘Oh honey, this isn’t with children, it’s for children.’ And they were laughing. They thought it was so amusing and I was devastated. They asked how old I was and when I said I was nine, they told me to come back in nine more years. To me, that was like saying come back in a whole other lifetime, you know what I’m saying? I forgot how devastated I was.”

The perseverance the Panamanian immigrant showed yielded a hard-fought career that’s found her showing up in everything from the Apple TV+ series The Changeling and starring opposite the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the 2010 film Jack Goes Boating to starring in her own one-woman show Empanada Loca and currently preparing to star opposite Tim Daly in an Off-Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ Night of

the Iguana. It’s a creative résumé that led CUNY’s Medgar Evers College to award Rubin-Vega the 2023 Latina Trailblazer of the Year Award. It’s an honor she doesn’t take lightly.

“This award means that people who look like me are paying attention and that there’s an optic on what I do that can serve to remind you that you’re here too,” Rubin-Vega said. “It also reminds me that I did not roll off a log and get here. I have been really fortunate. You can even say blessed and highly favored. Using the hands that were dealt me and really making the best out of them. I can’t tell you how I feel about it. It’s corny when people thank their agent, parents or higher power. First of all, I thank mi gente that are paying attention. And the fact that an institution with the name Medgar Evers on it [is honoring me] is particularly powerful because Medgar Evers

Daphne Rubin-Vega

(Photo by Michael Mansfield)

LIW IW

Fave Latina Influences

was a solid example of someone who walked his talk and it cost him his life. Just the proximity is a high honor. I don’t risk my life. God knows, speaking the truth these days means it might become a life risk that things are less democratic than I thought they were.”

Born in Panama City, Panama, Rubin-Vega is the daughter of Daphne Corona, a nurse, and Jose Mercedes Vega, a carpenter. Her stepfather Leonard Rubin was a writer. Her mother moved from Panama to the United States with her children when Daphne was only two years old, and died eight years later. Suffice it say, it was a rough go for the tween

Rubin-Vega, who was grieving while trying to figure her identity through creative pursuits.

“I lost my mom and New York City was cracked in the ‘80s,” she said. “I’d always been into dance and I always took dance classes. When I was little, my mom put me in a dance class when I started to live here. It was a ballet school and I didn’t have the body, so I started taking AfroCaribbean, Afro-Cuban, Afrojazz—Charles and Ella Moore were these earliest teachers that were so supportive. They said I was good and that this fits you and works. There was something about competition, excellence and perfection that I could never measure up to in the ballet environment. But when it came to Afro-Caribbean dance, it was in my bones. I didn’t have to have the perfect neck. My legs didn’t have to be a certain way. I could be there and it was in my gut and

my soul. So it was more informed by soul rather than angle and technique. I was just thinking of Charles and Ella Moore today because I didn’t have all these teachers who were so supportive... It’s good to remember the people with the voices of empowerment.”

In grasping the gravity of being a role model, Rubin-Vega is quick to recognize whose shoulders she’s standing on while proving to be a role model for the next generation.

“When I was coming around, there was Rita, Chita and a lot of other women that changed their names and you couldn’t be sure,” she said. “Thank God for Irene Cara. And there are more and they should be recognized, but that’s just to name a few.”

Daphne Rubin-Vega accepted the 2023 Latina Trailblazer of the Year Award on Friday, October 6 at CUNY Medgar Evers College.

Here are a few more of those Latinas who inspired a young Daphne Rubin-Vega.

Irene Cara (March 18, 1959 to November 22, 2022)

“Thank God for Irene Cara. I was going to P.S. 51 and went on a field trip and saw her in a production of The Me Nobody Knows when I was in fifth grade. I saw Irene and never forget her because I could see me in her.”

Bianca Jagger (May 2, 1945 to present)

“I loved her because she was gorgeous and married to a rockstar!! (My ambitions and virtue weren’t always that clear...”

La Lupe (December 23, 1936 to February 29, 1992)

“She was unapologetically committed to drama in her performance. My character of Mimi in Rent got a lot from La Lupe.”

Bianca Jagger circa 2014 (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

La Lupe circa 1970 performing in New York City (Public domain/Photo by Charlotte Brooks) Apply online atmptrg.com/anton or call 516.715.1208 Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC 483 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

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Words have the power to be an instrument of peace—or to cut like a knife.

There are many incidents in the Bible that illustrate the power of speech to either damage or heal. The serpent in the Garden of Eden causes temptation through speech; Miriam develops leprosy after speaking lashon hara – gossip – about her brother; and Korach’s rebellious army is consumed inside the “mouth of the earth” after speaking out against Moses. On a more positive note, in the Song of Songs, King Solomon describes how a woman’s virtue manifests through her words, saying: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.”

The Torah repeatedly demonstrates the value of effective communication and reinforces the tenet that every toastmaster graduate knows – it’s all in the presentation. While leading the Jewish people toward the promised land of Israel in his final days, Moses eloquently delivers one of the most stirring orations in the Torah. He encourages the Jewish nation to overcome their difficulties and wisely guides them towards the future.

Our sages relay that Moses developed a speech impediment in childhood. To spare him embarrassment, his brother,

The practice of acceptance involves acknowledging what is as it is rather than trying to change it. For example, in practicing acceptance of emotions, you acknowledge and allow yourself to feel the emotion, whether it be happiness, sadness, anger, etc. You may also practice acceptance of a situation or environmental state, such as accepting the role you have at work and the prospects you have for the future with that company. Practicing acceptance doesn’t mean that you necessarily enjoy the emotion or situation, or that you welcome it, as you may practice acceptance of the pain you are in or the grief you are experiencing. However, by practicing acceptance, you are open and responsive to your feelings, thoughts, and circumstances. Practicing acceptance

RABBI MOSHE WEISBLUM

Aaron, delivered many of Moses’ discourses. For his farewell address, however, Moses spoke directly to the Israelites. His words were fierce and poetic, so that they would be remembered and ensure that the Israelites fully understood their covenant with G-d. In his speech, Moses recapped the first four books of the Torah. Through this recounting, he retraced the steps of his personal life journey, displayed his tremendous spiritual growth, and showed that it is never too late to improve oneself. Reflection, repentance, improvement and change can occur, even at the very end of life.

From his early years as a stuttering toddler, to the moral tests of his youth in Pharaoh’s palace, to his trials as the leader of a wandering people, to his

ultimate, inspiring address to the nation at the threshold of the Holy Land, Moses demonstrates that a human being can climb mountains, overcome obstacles, and master fears. How is this accomplished? As Moses himself stresses in his final speech, one can conquer hardships and achieve self-mastery through connecting to the Creator and striving to live according to Torah values.

What we say and how we say it matters. Good communication — choosing the right words and using proper inflection — brings people together and allows them to live and work in harmony. When people cannot communicate well, chaos ensues, as it did at the Tower of Babel, when the Creator caused the people to speak countless different languages in order to thwart their mission against Him. During the time of the supreme rabbinical court, judges were expected to know numerous languages, so as to ensure that justice reigned and peace prevailed among a variety of people.

Communication can go beyond words. We communicate non-verbally by using our facial features, body language, and tone of voice. Today communication is

Effective Communication Acceptance In Relationships

instantaneous, thanks to e-mail and text messaging. We are never out of reach or out of touch. Many Jews look forward to Shabbat, the weekly day of rest, so that they can turn off their electronic gadgets and enjoy privacy and quiet.

During the High Holidays, Jews initiated a marathon of spiritual communication with the Almighty. We confessed our sins out loud and promised to improve our behavior and refine our souls. To ensure another chapter in the Book of Life, we asked forgiveness from those we may have wronged, intentionally or not, and forgave those who mistreated us. We searched for the courage to change our ways.

Through his words and actions, Moses, one of the greatest leaders of the Jewish people, gave his nation the strength to surmount difficulties, real or imagined. Trusting that the Almighty wants the best for everyone, we can rise to the temporary challenges for they are ultimately for the good.

As the Jewish people emerge from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, ready to make the transition from the deep introspection of those holidays to the outward joy shown on the following one, Sukkot, may their communication with G-d have strengthened them spiritually and allowed their prayers to be fulfilled.

LOVE LESSONS

Marisa T. Cohen, PhD

can also be beneficial to your relationship in that by accepting yourself and your partner, you reduce the desire to want to change one another.

Let’s examine Emma and Josh who have been together for two years. Josh is up for a major promotion at work, and because of that has been saying “yes” every

time his manager asks him to take on a new project. Emma’s disappointment has spilled over, and she has accused Josh of choosing work over their relationship even though she knows deep down that this isn’t really the case. Emma is frustrated with herself for getting angry with Josh, who she knows is just trying to get ahead at work; a work ethic that she really respects (and in fact was one of the reasons why she was initially attracted to him).

By practicing acceptance, Emma would acknowledge her sadness when it comes to missing out on quality time spent with Josh and the frustration she is feeling due to this temporary challenge that they are facing with their schedules. Additionally, she would accept the difficult situation Josh is in, both knowing that he wants to spend time with

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her but is trying to do what he needs to in order to secure the promotion. By doing this, she will not fight her internal emotional experience. This can also shift her perspective of the choices he is making, and in turn the way she interacts with him. Of course, it is still important for Emma to express her emotions and for the two of them to engage in conversation about ways to prioritize quality time together.

By practicing acceptance, Emma may come to realize that while she can’t control what Josh’s manager asks of him, she can control the way in which she engages in conversation with Josh about it. Practicing acceptance is an ongoing process and can be challenging, but if you and your partner embark on this journey together you are likely to improve your relationship.

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COLUMNS Go With Courage

I have learned valuable new lessons every time I write an article for L.I.G.H.T. FOR CHARITY (which stands for Long Island Gives Help Together For Charity). One such lesson is that it only takes one person to start a charity, and any one of us can make a meaningful difference. In this article I shine a LIGHT on a Long Island based charity named GO WITH COURAGE, which is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer and helping families who have loved ones with cancer.

Go With Courage, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity that was founded in 2011 by Roslyn resident Robyn Jaslow. Robyn has unfortunately witnessed the effects of cancer from several different perspectives. She herself is a breast cancer survivor, her father battled gallbladder cancer, and her brother Craig died from pancreatic cancer. Instead of focusing on negatives, Robyn turned her experiences into incredible positives by forming Go With Courage to help

others facing similar challenges.

Go With Courage focuses on two different, but equally important, missions. One mission is to raise money, which then funds critical cancer research at facilities including The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Dana Farber, in addition to supporting national charities dedicated to finding cures for cancer, such as The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Go With Courage

also has a family support program, We’ve Got Your Back. Run out of Robyn’s home office, this program supports families while a parent or child is in cancer treatment by helping with meals, childcare, homework, tutoring, entertainment and transportation so that relatives of cancer patients can get the attention they need through difficult times. Robyn partners with Jill Scherer, Ltd. in Roslyn Village to send support packages to those currently affected by cancer.

Go With Courage holds several fun charitable social events throughout the year, including card parties, shopping events, golf outings all involving Roslyn students, who earn community service credit for their volunteer hours. Next up is A Day of Courage in Roslyn Village, scheduled for Friday, October 13th. This community-based shopping day succeeds because of the generous support of most Roslyn Village retailers, who generously donate a percentage of their business

sales on that day. Please visit Go With Courage’s website at GoWithCourage.org to learn more about how you can help families being impacted by cancer.

Robyn Jaslow has a meaningful quote on the Go With Courage website: “I implore you to be strong in the face of adversity and to try your best to . . . GO WITH COURAGE!!!”.

website:

Kayla Donnenfeld

LIGHT for Charity

Voices For Truth And Humanity

Establishing a standard for Holocaust education

Lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

It was a hopeful evening on Wednesday, Sept. 27 as many gathered for the annual Voices for Truth and Humanity Remembrance Awards Ceremony. The organization has been a key player in efforts to standardize and protect education on the Holocaust — and other genocides — in the State of New York.

New York, like many states, has a mandate in place requiring the teaching of the Holocaust in schools. However, there is no formal established curriculum currently in place. This means that each school district across the state is at liberty to determine what an adequate Holocaust education looks like, rendering the mandate functionally useless.

While hope would be that New York offers a plethora of knowledge on the topic, Roger Tilles, NYS Education Deptartment Regent for the Tenth Judicial District, explained that his in-depth analysis into the curriculum revealed otherwise. “All it said in [state] law was that [schools need to]

teach Holocaust education. What we found out was that some districts were teaching five minutes, and others were teaching five months. The disparity was so great,” he acknowledged. “You can tell, with what’s going on in our schools nowadays, the incidences of intolerance and bigotry have

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gone way up. And I think that the lack of Holocaust education is one of the factors.”

Tilles noted that Governor Kathy Hochul recently agreed to devote $4 million to antisemitism studies in different areas of the state. The goal of this endeavor is, according to Tilles, to take the best practices

of Holocaust education and make them available for every school district across the state. “Until we do that, until we have districts that really do Holocaust education — not just a periphery job of it — we’re not going to get to where we need to be.”

Rabbi Charles Klein, Rabbi-Emeritus of the Merrick Jewish Centre, also spoke at the ceremony. He called special attention to the “truth” aspect of the host organization’s name. “The Hebrew word for truth, emet (phonetic spelling) is composed of three Hebrew letters. And those letters happen to be the beginning, middle and end letters of the Hebrew alphabet. And that fact signals to us that truth must be spoken to the widest possible spectrum of people. First, middle, and last. People all together must create the chorus of truth.”

“Tonight, all of us together come here to speak the truth,” he continued. “The truth that you shall not hate your neighbor in your heart, the truth that you cannot turn away in the face of something that is wrong... We stand together tonight because we believe in truth. We stand together because we believe we must fight the big lies, which must be contended with. We

see VOICES on page 11A

Members of the Jewish War Veterans, including centenarian Murray Steinberg (seated, center). (Photos courtesy of Lauren Feldman)

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Advances In Breast Cancer Screening: Revolutionizing Early Detection

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of cancer affecting women worldwide. Over the years, significant advances in breast cancer screening have played a pivotal role in early detection, improving outcomes and saving lives.

Mammography: The Gold Standard

For decades, mammography has been the cornerstone of breast cancer screening. This X-ray imaging technique captures detailed images of breast tissue, enabling the early detection of tumors long before they become palpable. Traditional 2D mammography has been instrumental in reducing breast cancer mortality rates.

3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

Recent advancements have led to the widespread adoption of 3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis. This technology captures multiple X-ray images from various angles, reconstructing a 3D image of the breast. It offers several advantages over traditional 2D mammography:

Improved Accuracy: 3D mammography reduces false positives and false negatives, resulting in fewer unnecessary follow-up tests and a higher rate of early cancer detection.

Enhanced Visualization: It provides clearer images, particularly for women with dense breast tissue, making it easier to detect small tumors.

Reduced Callbacks: With improved accuracy, fewer women are called back for additional imaging, reducing anxiety and healthcare costs.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT)

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is a refinement of 3D mammography that further enhances image quality. DBT captures images in thinner sections, offering even better visibility and reducing the potential for overlapping tissues that can obscure tumors. This technology has become a standard in breast cancer screening, particularly for women at higher risk.

Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Breast MRI is another powerful tool in breast cancer screening, especially for women at high risk or those with dense breast tissue. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the breast. While MRIs can be

expensive and require contrast agents, they excel in detecting small tumors and providing valuable information about the extent of disease.

Ultrasound Imaging

Breast ultrasound is often used as a supplementary screening tool, especially for women with dense breasts or those with inconclusive mammograms. It uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. Advancements in ultrasound technology, such as elastography, which assesses tissue stiffness, have improved its diagnostic accuracy.

AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are game-changers in breast cancer screening. AI algorithms can analyze mammograms and other imaging data with incredible speed and accuracy. They can assist radiologists in identifying potential abnormalities, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Models

Advances in risk assessment models allow healthcare providers to tailor screening

recommendations based on a woman’s individual risk factors. These models consider factors like family history, genetics and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate screening approach. High-risk women may benefit from more frequent or intensive screening, such as MRIs or genetic testing.

Liquid Biopsies and Biomarkers

Researchers are continually exploring innovative ways to detect breast cancer through blood tests and biomarkers. Liquid biopsies, which analyze circulating tumor DNA, RNA or proteins, offer a less invasive and potentially more accurate method for detecting cancer and monitoring treatment response.

Thermography

Thermography is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures the heat emitted by breast tissue. Although it’s not a primary screening tool, it has gained attention as a complementary approach for early detection. Some advocates suggest that it can identify temperature changes associated with breast cancer. Its role in breast cancer screening is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Patient-Centered Care and Shared Decision-Making

There has been a shift toward patient-centered care and shared decision-making in breast cancer screening. Women are encouraged to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, discussing their preferences and risk factors with their healthcare providers. This approach ensures that screening recommendations align with each woman’s unique needs and values.

Challenges and Future Directions

While these advances in breast cancer screening have significantly improved early detection and outcomes, challenges persist. Issues like overdiagnosis, false positives and healthcare disparities continue to be areas of concern. Researchers are also exploring emerging technologies like molecular breast imaging and contrast-enhanced mammography to further enhance screening capabilities.

The landscape of breast cancer screening has evolved dramatically, with technological innovations, risk assessment models, and patient-centered care taking center stage. These advances empower women and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions, detect cancer at earlier stages, and ultimately save lives. As research continues and technology evolves, the future of breast cancer screening holds the promise of even greater precision and effectiveness in the fight against this disease. Regular screening and early detection remain crucial, offering the best chance for successful treatment and improved outcomes.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

It’s Flu Season

Weighing the pros and cons of the influenza vaccine

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Vaccine fatigue refers to a weariness or reduced enthusiasm among individuals or communities regarding vaccination efforts, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. It often arises after extended periods of coping with the pandemic’s challenges, including lockdowns, social distancing and ongoing vaccination campaigns. The answer to whether the waning enthusiasm for COVID vaccines affects how people respond to other vaccination efforts is of curiosity. In the meantime, here are some pros and cons of receiving the influenza vaccine this season.

PROS of the Influenza Vaccine

Disease Prevention: The primary advantage of the influenza vaccine is its ability to prevent or reduce the severity of the flu. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect individuals, especially those at higher risk, such as the elderly, young children and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Herd Immunity: Widespread vaccination helps create herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of the virus within communities. This indirectly protects those

who are unable to receive the vaccine, such as infants under six months old, through collective immunity.

Reduced Hospitalizations and Deaths: Influenza vaccination has been proven to lower hospitalization rates and mortality associated with the flu. It lessens the burden on healthcare systems, particularly during peak flu seasons.

Updated Seasonally: The influenza vaccine is updated annually to match the most prevalent flu strains, increasing its effectiveness and adaptability to changing viral strains.

Minimal Side Effects: The majority of individuals who receive the vaccine experience only mild, temporary side effects such as soreness at the injection site

or a low-grade fever. Severe reactions are extremely rare.

Cons of the Influenza Vaccine

Effectiveness Fluctuation: The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year depending on the match between the vaccine and the circulating flu strains. Some seasons, the vaccine may be less effective due to antigenic drift or shift.

Vaccine Supply and Accessibility: In some regions, the supply of flu vaccine may be limited, or access to vaccination clinics may be a challenge, particularly in underserved communities.

Allergic Reactions: While uncommon, some individuals may experience allergic

reactions to components of the vaccine, such as egg proteins. Those with known allergies should consult their healthcare provider before vaccination.

Misconceptions and Myths: Misinformation and misconceptions about the flu vaccine can deter some people from getting vaccinated. These include concerns about vaccine safety and the mistaken belief that the vaccine can give you the flu (it cannot).

Limited Duration of Protection: The flu vaccine provides protection for a limited duration, typically about six to eight months. This means individuals need annual vaccinations to maintain immunity.

As vaccination rates typically increase and immediate threats seem to diminish, some people may become complacent or hesitant about getting subsequent vaccinations. This phenomenon can hinder achieving widespread immunity and prolong the pandemic. Effective communication, education and addressing concerns are vital in combating vaccine fatigue, encouraging vaccination and maintaining public health measures until the pandemic is under control. Discuss your options with your healthcard provider to make the best decision for yourself and others in your care.

HEALTHY SMILES START HERE!

(Getty Images)

Most Liver Disease Is Preventable

How can we keep our livers healthy?

For most of the population, this is easy, as most do not have any underlying chronic liver problems. The key to a healthy liver is a healthy diet. What is a considered a healthy diet? A good healthy diet requires common sense. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, minimizing fatty foods, drinking plenty of water and watching alcohol intake can keep the liver healthy. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be highly effective in preventing both the occurrence and progression of liver disease. I also believe in portion control. Sodas are out, even diet ones. Water is truly the best fluid.

Many people ask about all these health food store products that fall under the category of “liver cleanser”? There is no such thing as a liver cleanser. The short version on “liver cleansers”: a dreadful waste of money.

What can people with liver disease do to keep the liver healthy? The answer is also simple. Diet and exercise are the keys to health. Since the most common liver conditions are fatty liver and alcohol-associated liver disease, and the incidence of complications of these conditions are on the rise, weight loss, following a good diet and exercise may prevent disease progression and actually lead to disease regression.

What can people with liver diseases other than fatty liver or alcohol-associated liver disease do to help their livers? The answer again comes down to diet and exercise. In addition, alcohol should be taken judiciously and in limited quantities. Coffee has been shown to protect the liver from injury so drinking about three cups a day may also help prevent further injury. It is important to point out that this is coffee perhaps with a little milk, not the highly caloric lattes and coffees with significant other ingredients. Avoidance of health food store products and herbal products may also help prevent liver injury. Although 99 percent of these products are safe, some may still cause problems. Before starting any of these products, make sure to discuss it with the doctor.

Most liver disease in the United States can be prevented. Following a healthy diet, exercising, minimizing alcohol intake, and using common sense will keep the liver healthy and may help prevent disease progression in livers affected by chronic disease.

David Bernstein, MD, MACG, FAASLD, AGAF, FACP, is a professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Ambulatory Network-Long Island for NYU Langone Health.

New App Reduces ACL Injuries In Young Athletes

It’s a young athlete’s worst nightmare—a dreaded popping sound followed by sharp pain in the knee. If it’s a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, it could sideline the player for the rest of the season...or longer.

“Serious knee injury involving the ACL is a major problem among high school sports participants,” explained Stephen Fealy, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at HSS Long Island, the Uniondale location of Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “Adolescents playing team sports that require cutting or a sudden change of direction, such as soccer, basketball, football and lacrosse, are at greatest risk of an ACL injury.”

“There has been a 300 percent increase in ACL injuries and reconstructive surgeries in young people over the past 20 years,” explained Peter Fabricant, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the care of children and adolescents with sports-related injuries at HSS Long Island. “An ACL tear can be devastating to a young athlete who needs reconstructive surgery with a subsequent recovery that takes about a year.”

Research suggests that the risk of non-contact ACL injury can be

RIIP Reps app HSS Long Island

dramatically reduced through neuromuscular training – the adoption of various exercise and conditioning strategies that improve movement and allow athletes to change speed and direction with greater strength and body control.

HSS has launched RIIP REPS, a new app that enables schools, clubs and leagues to easily implement neuromuscular training programs to reduce sports injuries and improve performance. For ages 13 and up, the program builds athletic strength, agility and control when accelerating, stopping on a dime, cutting, jumping and landing. Sports organizations are invited to sign up for access at www.riipreps.com. Once they sign up, they can invite their athletes to download the free app.

—HSS Long Island

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Ashwagandha Tops Most Googled Supplement

Anew study seeking to answer “what are the top five most Googled vitamins and supplements in America?” reveals that ashwagandha is the most searched-for supplement in the nation.

The data also reveals the top five in each state; here are New York’s:

• Ashwagandha

• Creatine

• Magnesium

• Melatonin

• Vitamin D

Online fitness resource Total Shape analyzed Google searches for 193 vitamins and supplements, by combining four search variations for each: ‘supplement name’, ‘what is supplement name,’ ‘buy supplement name,’ and ‘supplement name supplement.’

Ashwagandha came in first place and took the crown as America’s most popular supplement, receiving more than 919,742 combined searches each month. Used for its stress-reducing properties, it is believed that ashwagandha helps to moderate the body’s stress response system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) to lower the stress hormone cortisol.

The herb, commonly grown in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, is currently the second best-selling herbal supplement on Amazon and has also grown a following on social media with TikTok videos tagged with #ashwagandha receiving more than 305M views in the past year alone.

Creatine was found to be the second most popular supplement. It is one of

the most researched in the world and is commonly used by athletes to enhance physical performance and strength, receiving more than 770,292 searches across America each month.

Creatine is the best-selling amino acid supplement on Amazon, but those looking for creatine-rich foods can also find the amino acid derivative in red meat, pork, poultry, and fish such as tuna and salmon.

In third place was magnesium, receiving more than 511,588 searches each month. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in energy production, protein formation, and genetic maintenance.

Magnesium, the best-selling mineral supplement on Amazon, is naturally present in many foods, such as almonds, spinach, whole grains, and legumes. Melatonin came fourth. This supplement is commonly known for its role in regulating sleep and was the subject of more than 455,202 searches each month nationally. Melatonin is not typically obtained from food in significant amounts, but foods like cherries, almonds, and bananas are believed to boost melatonin levels.

Vitamin D secured the fifth spot with more than 373,200 monthly searches. Vitamin D is required by your body to absorb calcium, regulate cell growth, as well as supporting immune function.

Most people can produce the necessary amount of Vitamin D with either 10-25 minutes of daily sunlight, longer depending on how dark your skin is, or through foods such as oily fish, red meat, liver, or egg yolks.

—Total Shape (totalshape.com)

Cobwebs Versus Spiderwebs

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Cobwebs and spider webs, though often used interchangeably, have distinct characteristics in their formation and appearance. Understanding the differences between the two and learning how to manage them can provide insights into the fascinating world of arachnids while maintaining clean living environments.

Spider webs are meticulously designed structures crafted by spiders primarily for hunting. These intricate creations are formed from silk produced by specialized glands in a spider’s abdomen. The silk is extruded through spinnerets and solidifies upon exposure to air. Spiders use different types of silk for various purposes, such as creating the framework of the web, crafting sticky capture spirals, or constructing safe retreats.

Cobwebs, on the other hand, are the abandoned remnants of spider webs or the accumulation of spider silk and dust. They often appear messy and irregular, forming in neglected or undisturbed areas. While spiders may contribute initial threads, cobwebs primarily result from airborne dust particles adhering to silk threads. Cobwebs lack the precision and purpose of functional spider webs.

Managing spider webs and cobwebs requires distinct approaches.

Spider Webs

To manage spider webs,

consider the following steps:

• Identify and remove spider webs in and around your living spaces using a broom, duster, or vacuum cleaner attachment.

• Keep outdoor spaces well-lit and tidy to discourage spiders from building webs near entrances.

• Encourage the presence of spider predators like birds or certain insects to help control spider populations.

Cobwebs

Managing cobwebs involves dealing with accumulated dust and silk.

• Regularly dust corners, ceilings, and hidden areas to prevent the buildup of cobwebs.

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove cobwebs and accumulated dust from surfaces.

• Employ air purifiers with HEPA filters to minimize airborne dust particles that contribute to cobweb formation.

Spider webs are purposeful structures designed by spiders for hunting, while cobwebs are the remnants or accumulation of spider silk and dust. Understanding the differences between the two and adopting appropriate management strategies, such as regular cleaning, outdoor maintenance, and the use of natural predators, can help strike a balance between appreciating nature’s artistry and maintaining a tidy living environment.

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Photos Getty Images

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Animal Fact!

Kangaroo Rat

KIDS CORNER!

Did You Know: What‛s A Strike?

Recently, you might have heard about some people leaving their jobs in a kind of organized action known as a strike. They might be writers from your favorite streaming show or workers who make cars. They might also be nurses or hotel workers. These people have stopped working to get their bosses to pay attention to their needs.

A strike is when a group of workers all stop doing their jobs at the same time. They use it as a tactic to get their employer to give them better conditions. A strike is normally used by workers who believe nothing else will achieve their goals, which may include wage increases, shorter work hours, benefits, and job security. Strikes are typically organized by labor unions, but the right to form a union is a goal of some strikes.

Employers use a lot of approaches to combat strikes. Sometimes they have called on the police or hired

private firms to stop strikes with force. Occasionally employers have been assisted by government officials who sent state or federal troops to put down strikes. Companies have also hired nonunion workers to replace those on strike.

According to the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum, kangaroo rats have long tails and big hind feet with four toes. They have large heads with big eyes and small ears. They are a sandy brown cooler with a white underbelly. The kangaroo rat is almost perfectly adapted to life in the desert, and they can survive without ever drinking any water by getting needed moisture from their seed diet. They have amazing hearing, and can detect the silent sound of an owl approaching. They can jump up to nine feet in order to escape predators.

Kangaroo rats are found in the drier regions of the western and southwestern United States,

and they generally live in burrows. They spend most of their day underground and sleeping, and they come out at night to feed when its color. Unfortunately, they have many predators, including owls, snakes, bobcats, foxes, badgers, coyotes, ringtail and a cat or dog, just to name a few. They generally live two to five years.

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Nov 18th - DEC 31 st argyletheatre.com 631.230.3500 242549 M

Female tailors on strike, New York City, February 1910.

(Photo via the Library of Congress)

have come here tonight to join our voices against hatred.”

Honored at the Ceremony were five recipients of the Voices for Truth and Humanity 2023 scholarship. This scholarship is awarded for pertinent Holocaustrelated essays written by students from both Nassau and Suffolk. Recipients included Aidan Caplan from Commack High School, Brayden Dilmanian from Great Neck High School, Alexis Sarris from Half Hollow Hills East High School, Nickolas Mascary from Sanford H. Calhoun High School, and Evan Weinstein from East Meadow High School.

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik was the recipient of the Mark S. Golub Man of the Year Award. Golub, a trailblazing rabbi and founding president of the Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) passed away on January 31 of this year. In his memory, an award was presented to Rabbi Potasnik, the Executive Vice President of The New York Board of Rabbis. Potasnik had a long friendship with Golub, and was even interviewed by him for a JBS broadcast.

“Friday night, we begin our festival of Sukkot,” Potasnik said. “And during the festival, we have an unusual custom. We walk down the synagogue carrying a lulav — a palm branch. Someone once asked why we do this with a lulav, but not the shofar? The answer is that the shofar, you can hide. You can put it in your pocket. The lulav, you can’t hide. You want to be a Jew? You cannot hide. Be like that lulav; stand tall, walk proudly.”

Also at the podium was Martin Bloch, one of the youngest remaining Holocaust Survivors. Bloch was born in Ivje, Poland in 1935. In 1941, he escaped the Ivje ghetto with his mother and brother, and joined the Bielski Artrad Jewish Partisan group. After surviving the Holocaust, he lived in the Bergen-Belsen displaced persons camp until 1951, when his family left to come the United States.

That he would live was highly unlikely for the time. “Many children did not survive,” Bloch explained, “Because they could not work. If you were too young, or too old, they would send you to the gas chambers, because you could not work in the camps.” Among the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, 1.5 million were

children. “I’m here because my Mom, in early December of ‘41, decided to dig a hole underneath the barbed wires, and take me and my older brother under them.” Bloch, his mother, and brother, were housed by a Christian family who did not believe in the atrocities occurring around them.

It is imperative, as year after year we lose the living memory of this travesty, to hold on to the truth, to the stories and voices of those who experienced the Holocaust, either as victims, or warriors, or civilians who fought in their own ways to help the Jewish people, as well as the 5 million others who were targeted over the course of the 1930s and 40s.

Bloch ended his speech by acknowledging the only truth he has known and lived by his entire life. “In order for evil to triumph, the good people must do nothing.”

VOICES from page 8A

The scholarship winners were welcomed on stage and congratulated.

Holocaust survivor Martin Bloch shared his thoughts.

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik was the recipient of the Mark S. Golub Man of the Year Award.

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES

HOROSCOPES

By Holiday Mathis

By Holiday Mathis

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 17 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Night at the opera

Solution: 17 Letters

WORD FIND

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll take many approaches to a knotty problem. You’ll be intellectual about it, imaginative, intuitive, kinesthetic -- sometimes all at once. Don’t forget to try the tactic of doing nothing at all. It doesn’t often work, but when it does, it is remarkable how much energy you have for other things.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Love requires versatility, but loving someone also gives you strong motivation to adapt. You’re happy to nd new ways of tting together. It will require some stretching, some change-ups of rhythm and ow, and, of course, compromises. is will be the most satisfying work of the week.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You won’t need to be loud to be heard. ere are people tuned into your nuances, and it will feel good to have their attention. When you are not working too hard to be understood, it’s easier to accomplish things together. You’ll enjoy a certain kind of informality and seamlessness in your teamwork.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Sharing stories will be a key part of the success of this week. It’s especially helpful to allow your communication due process. It would be miraculous to convey an experience perfectly the rst time you tried. Instead, enjoy the process of guring out the story you need to tell, then re ning and re-telling it until it lands right.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It is usual for birds of a feather to ock together, but it won’t be nearly as interesting or fun. Friendship is the highlight, and being adventurous and diverse in this regard will bring you the best outcomes. You’ll experience things with people who will have a take-away that is di erent from and very much enhanced by yours.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You don’t walk around assuming that you’re di erent on the inside than anyone else, and yet there de nitely are unique aspects to your inner world that you’d be smart to pay attention to this week. Your experience has made you stronger and more compassionate and imaginative. Seize the chance to use these gifts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Change can be di cult. Change knows this about itself. at’s why it always brings gifts. Trust that when things move, they are moving to something better for you. In the same way you don’t realize you’re dreaming until you start coming out of it, you may not realize how odd a real-life scenario is until you’re backing away.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You, like most people, tend to express yourself in certain tones. Your mood typically hits certain set-points, varying a few degrees one way or the other. is week, the intensity level may turn up a bit, with a wider range. e highs and lows can both be funneled into creating beautiful depth in work and relationships.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll help someone make progress on the projects they care about. You’ll lessen someone’s load and see their mood brighten before your eyes. You won’t see anything you contribute as sel ess service because doing such things forwards every desire you have for the development of your soul.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll hit a point in the decision-making process in which the intellectual machinations end. Analyzing past that point feels pointless, since somewhere inside you the decision has already been made. e wisdom or foolhardiness then seems irrelevant. e move is inevitable, arising from who you are at the time.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re so close at achieving what you set out to do. is is no time to look around at the other teams. Also, there’s no need to overhaul your approach. Make only small improvements now. Change in increments. If you alter too much at once, you will lose sight of what is working and what isn’t.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You’re excellent at preparing for life and will be surprised when your preparations will make you ready for so much more delight than you bargained for. You’ll receive comforts including the sweetness of caring relationships. You’ll increase your in uence as you focus on what others need. You’ll pick up knowledge from a wide range of educators including the natural world, and translate what you learn. Your teachings will transform someone, but not until after they transform you rst.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 17 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Night at the opera

Solution: 17 Letters

© 2023 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Aida

Alto Aria Awards

Bass

Black tie

Cahill

Carmen Changes Choir Clap

Comedy Concert

Cough

Design

Domingo

Dramatic Drinks

Duet

Encore Halls Lift

Masterpiece Melba Mezzo

Mozart Note

Opera house Orchestra

Comedy Concert Cough Design Domingo Dramatic Drinks Duet Encore Halls Lift Pits Saga

Masterpiece Melba Mezzo Mozart Note Opera house Orchestra Photographs Seats Solo Song Soprano Studio Sydney Symbol Tenor

Seats Solo Song Soprano

Studio Sydney Symbol Tenor

Photographs Pits Saga

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

Solution: Wagner or Beethoven?

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

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER

Solution: Wagner or Beethoven?

Creators Syndicate

FOR RELEASE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023

1

CONTRACT BRIDGE

By Steve Becker

Date: 10/11/23

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

Never say die

North raised to four spades, South decided to bid a slam, a distinct overbid. There was almost no chance that 12 high-card points opposite 15 to 17 would produce enough tricks to make a slam.

West led a club — lucky break No.1 — and South then had to put all his expertise to work to make the slam despite his two diamond losers. He won the club with the king, played the A-Q of spades and then cashed the A-Q of clubs, taking care to discard a heart from his hand instead of one of his diamond losers.

4

Even the best players occasionally get to bad contracts — usually because of overbidding. When this occurs, declarer should not spend his time trying to allocate blame but should do all he can to try to make the contract. Here is a case of this sort.

North opened one notrump, and South, not playing transfers, responded three spades. But after

The rest of the play was easy enough. South cashed the A-K of hearts and ruffed the seven of hearts. When the suit divided 3-3 — lucky break No.2 — dummy’s nine of hearts became a trick. A trump to the ten then allowed South to discard a diamond on the nine of hearts, and the slam was home.

Maybe it’s true that crime does not pay, but the fact is that in bridge it sometimes does. And while it’s easy to condemn South for his optimistic bidding, it’s hard to say he was wrong when the result proved he was right.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

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

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

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Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability in connection with the rental, sale or financing of real estate. Nassau also prohibits source of income discrimination. Anton Community Newspapers does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800660-6920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)

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Television Legend Tony Danza Performs At Benefit Concert With Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Malverne’s own Tony Danza, best known for his legendary television roles on Taxi and Who’s the Boss, will be accompanied by the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 at a benefit concert that will give all proceeds to United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County.

The event will be held at 3 p.m. at The Tilles Center located on the campus of LIU-Post in Brookville, NY. Tickets can be reserved online at www.npso.org/tickets.

“It is thrilling to have Tony Danza perform with the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra,” said music director and conductor Lou Panacciulli. “Tony is a national

CRIME & SAFETY

The Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad reported the details of a serious auto accident that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at 5:59 p.m. in Woodbury.

According to detectives, a 47-year-old female operating a 2021 grey Lincoln Corsair, with a 51-year-old female passenger, was traveling eastbound on Syosset-Woodbury Road where she was in a collision with a Utility Vehicle (UTV) mini gas-powered golf cart occupied by two male juveniles traveling southbound on Turret Lane. As a result

SYOSSET

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-AR

12, Mortgage Pass-Through

Certificates Series 2005-AR

12, Plaintiff

AGAINST

John Joseph Broderick a/k/a

John J. Broderick a/k/a John Broderick a/k/a John T. Broderick; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 1, 2023

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 31, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 32 Pine Road, Syosset, NY 11791. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Syosset in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 15 Block F Lot 1381. Approximate amount of judgment $1,040,333.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to

celebrity who was born and raised on Long Island. We’re proud to perform for the Long Island community as we raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County.”

Performing songs from “The Great American Song Book”, Danza will dance, sing, perform on ukulele, and present stories of his life and connection to the music.

The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1984 by managing director Dawn Simmons-Manuel and Music Director Louis Panacciulli. The orchestra performs a full summer concert series in many parks in Nassau County featuring classical overtures, Broadway medlies and marches.

Based in the village of Mineola, the orchestra has been featured with many prestigious entertainers and maintains affiliations with Nassau Community College and the Mineola Choral Society with seasonal performances at Chaminade High School. The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra has been a member of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce since 1996.

—Submitted by the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Traffic And Safety Update

of the collision both males were transported to local area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. One male juvenile is listed in serious condition and the other male juvenile is listed in stable condition. The driver remained at scene. No other injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

The Nassau County Police Department Second Squad reports on a Grand Larceny that occurred on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 3:10 a.m. in Syosset.

According to Detectives, two unknown

provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608576/2020. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

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

Dated: September 12, 2023 10-18-11-4; 9-27-2023-4T#242793-SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that license number 1367411 for liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor at retail in a restaurant under the alcoholic beverage control law at 637 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, New York, 11791 in Nassau County for on-premises consumption.

Flora’s Pizza Cafe 637 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY, 11791 10-11-4-2023-2T-#242978SYO/JER

subjects entered a Westbury Jeep dealership lot located behind 150 Miller Place. The subjects located a white 2023 Dodge Durango and a black 2023 Dodge Durango and were able to gain access inside. They activated the vehicles and fled the scene heading westbound on the Long Island Expressway. The investigation is ongoing.

The first subject is described as an adult male wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, white sneakers and black face mask. No further description available. No description of the second subject is

LEGAL NOTICES

MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 24612 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on OCTOBER 19, 2023, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 23-521

WOODBURY

BACCALA REALTY: (A)

Variance to install 90 degree parking spaces without two-way traffic access. (B) Variance to install parking lot expansion without landscape buffer and 6 ft. setback to parking spaces. (C) Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 58 when 79 parking spaces are required.

W/s/o Crossways Park Dr. W., S/o Media Crossways, a/k/a 220 Crossways Park W., Woodbury, NY APPEAL NO. 23-398

SYOSSET EVA ANTHONY CAM-

PO: (A) Variance to allow existing pizza oven chimney

exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance.

(B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 21240 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated June 3, 2021.

W/s/o Candy Ln., 90 ft. S/o Milton Ln., a/k/a 45 Candy Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-476

SYOSSET PAUL YOUN: (A) Variance to allow existing rear dormer exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to install egress window well having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

(C) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 12353 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated October 4, 2012.

W/s/o Woodbury Way, 60 ft.

N/o East St., a/k/a 29 Woodbury Way, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-518

SYOSSET ASHOK K. AGRAWAL :

(A) Variance to allow existing one story addition for storage closet at rear exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 22-223 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated May 19, 2022.

E/s/o Southwood Cir., 245 ft.

S/o James St., a/k/a 183 South-

currently available.

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

Police told News 12 that a car crashed into the Chopt restaurant on Sept. 28 at the Woodbury Shopping Center off Jericho Turnpike. No one was injured.

—Information provided by the Nassau County Police Department

wood Circle, Syosset, NY OCTOBER 9, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 10-11-2023-1T-#242869SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, V.

ALTHEA TRAVIS, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 30, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and ALTHEA TRAVIS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on November 14, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 66 HUMPHREY DRIVE, SYOSSET NY 11791: Section 15, Block 23, Lot 53:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SYOSSET, (UNINCORPORATED AREA) TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 019162/2010. Rita Solomon, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 11-1; 10-25-18-11-2023-4T#243049-SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE

SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

OCTOBER 18, 2023

By Order of the Board of Education of the Syosset Central School District, there will be a Special Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York. At that time, the Board of Education will determine whether to go into Executive Session. If there is a need for an Executive Session, the Board will vote to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters regarding collective bargaining negotiations, the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person and to obtain legal advice regarding proposed, pending or current litigation. If no Executive Session is needed, the Board will recess until the public portion of the Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The Board of Education will reconvene for the public portion of the Special Board of Edu-cation Meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. for the sole purpose of discussing facilities. The meeting will adjourn immediately after the discussion.

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

10-11-2023-1T-#243063SYO/JER

Tony Danza

(Photo courtesy the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra)

TOWN NEWS Chambers Hit The Green

Multi-chamber golf outing held at Woodside Club in Syosset

Members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage, Westbury-Carle Place and Syosset-Woodbury chambers of commerce enjoyed a full day of golfing, lunch, dinner and networking at the Woodside Club.

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

Wednesday, Oct. 4 was the perfect day to play golf.

After a series of rain storms over the past couple of weeks that led to many event cancellations, the Multi-Chamber Golf Outing & Dinner at the Woodside Club in Syosset was met with beautiful, summer-like weather.

“We got very lucky with the weather, especially in October, you never know what to expect,” said Andy Lamkin, board member and past president of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce. “This is a golf and networking event. The Westbury-Carle Place Chamber of Commerce, the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and the Plain-

view-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, we’ve had this event for about four years now. We call it a golf and networking event, because it’s not just to come out and golf, it’s an opportunity for small business owners to bring clients, colleagues, associates out and network and generate some business and have a good time.”

Lamkin explained that over the years he became friends with members of the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and the Westbury-Carle Place Chamber of Commerce.

“Many years ago we brought the people

together that we knew and said ‘do you guys want to have an outing? Let’s do this,’” Lamkin said. “It was really just through our years of networking we’ve met each other and we stuck together.”

Overall, Lamkin said this event has been worthwhile for everyone involved.

Money raised from the event will go towards the chambers.

“Any chamber is going to spend their money in different ways, but it helps each chamber throw different events that foster various types of networking,” Lamkin said.

A perfect day at Woodside Club in Syosset. (Photos by Jennifer Corr)

Trees were showing fall colors on this warm day.

Chamber members enjoyed chatting while playing a game of golf.

Golf carts were the mode of transportation around the Woodside Club.

Andy Lamkin, board member and past president of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, enjoyed playing golf while networking with other professionals.

Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce members enjoying a game of golf.

Syosset Man Indicted For High-Speed DWI Crash That Killed Husband And Wife

Sotirios Spanos was allegedly intoxicated and driving at approximately 100 mph

Nassau County District Attorney

Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Syosset man was arraigned today on Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Manslaughter, and related charges for an August high-speed crash in Laurel Hollow that killed a husband and wife. Sotirios Spanos, 33, was arraigned recently before Judge Howard Sturim on charges of:

• Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony)

• Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (a C felony)

• Two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a D felony)

• Two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a C felony) Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony)

• Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor)

• Reckless Driving (an unclassified misdemeanor)

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was remanded. The case is due back in court on Oct. 17, 2023. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years in prison.

“Ismenia and Odalis Urena had two young daughters. Ismenia was a recently published author and worked as a certified life coach. Her husband, Odalis, owned a successful construction company. The couple was in the prime of their lives, and in an instant, this defendant allegedly took it all away while speeding down Northern Boulevard at 100 miles an hour, ” said DA Donnelly. “Now, the Urenas’ children are without their mother and father and a community is in mourning. Drunk and reckless driving have cost too many innocent lives on Long Island. Our thoughts are with all those who loved Ismenia and Odalis Urena

as we prosecute this case.”

DA Donnelly said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on Aug. 12, 2023, at approximately 12:31 a.m., Odalis and Ismenia Urena, both 37, were traveling in a convertible heading westbound on Northern Boulevard approaching Moores Hill Road in Laurel Hollow.

The defendant was allegedly traveling in a 2023 Acura MDX eastbound on Northern Boulevard at a high rate of speed and intoxicated. At that time Spanos allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic, struck the front passenger side of the Urenas’ vehicle head-on, and drove over the vehicle.

According to the event data recorder inside the Acura, the defendant was driving approximately 100 miles per hour only 2.5 seconds before the collision. He allegedly began braking 1.5 seconds before impact and struck the victims’ vehicle at approxi-

mately 84.5 miles per hour.

Ismenia Urena was pronounced dead at the scene. Odalis Urena was taken to Huntington Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:32 a.m.

The defendant was allegedly twice the legal limit for alcohol more than three hours after the collision.

Spanos was arrested by members of the Oyster Bay Cove Police Department and Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad on August 12, 2023.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Katie Zizza of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau. The defendant is represented by Steven Epstein, Esq.

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.

—Submitted by the Office of the Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly

Town Seeks Volunteers To Assist In Shell Recycling At Oyster Festival

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents looking to help the environment and preserve our waterways to take part in the town’s shell recycling initiative at the upcoming Oyster Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 and 15 in Oyster Bay.

“We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a vital part of our environmental mission to help protect our harbor and improve our waterways,” explained Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “As a Shell Collection Station Attendant, volunteers will contribute their time to help divert oyster and clam shells from landfills, which will instead be recycled and used for habitat restoration and growing new oysters.”

Volunteers at this year’s festival will be asked to commit to working in three-hour shifts. Available time slots will be from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. on both Saturday, Oct.

14 and Sunday, October 15. Responsibilities will include identifying oyster and clam shells, overseeing a shell collection station with separate bins for general trash and for shells, guiding festival goers in correctly sorting their waste, and answering questions about the shell recycling program and educating attendees about its environmental benefits. Those interested in participating will be asked to participate in a zoom session to become familiar with the program and will receive a t-shirt, as well as community service hours for their participation. “This wonderful initiative helps us restore the populations in our harbor while improving water quality,” said Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “After the festival, the shells are transported by Town aqua-culturists to a curing facility, where they remain for several months prior to being strategically returned to the harbor to assist

in the growth of new shellfish. This great program not only helps ensure the shells don’t go to waste, they provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow and mature, offering protection from weather conditions and predators.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for the

shellfish recycling program can contact the Department of Environmental Resources at 516-677-5943 or by emailing Environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov. For more information about the program, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/shellrecycling.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Town officials, including Receiver Jeff Pravato, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Councilwoman Laura Maier and Councilwoman Michele Johnson, show a sampling of the more than three tons of oyster shells collected at last year’s Oyster Festival, which are recycled back into the waterways to improve water quality and help with growth of new shellfish.

(Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

Town Awards $50,000 In Grant Funding To Syosset-Woodbury Chamber Of Commerce

Town of Oyster Bay officials recently joined with members of the SyossetWoodbury Chamber of Commerce and the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce to present a $50,000 grant check to the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber. The funds are part of a $600,000 grant program being administered by the town to help support local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations that were negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic. The funding, which is being distributed to up to 12 chambers of commerce and business associations through the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, is being provided through the American Rescue Plan Act and at no cost to Town taxpayers.

“We recognize the crucial role that local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations play in supporting small businesses, fostering commerce and establishing connections with potential customers. Unfortunately, so many of these organizations were significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic, leading to financial hardships,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “As part of the town’s commitment to supporting our local communities and aiding in the economic recovery of our town, we are pleased

One-Stop Passport Weekend From The Town Of

Oyster Bay Looking to get away? Make an appointment today

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for applying for a passport include:

•One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.

•Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth,

Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

•Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).

•This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5 plus years.

Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call 516-624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call 516-797-7962.

For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www. travel.state.gov.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

to offer this grant opportunity.”

Grant funding will be administered by

the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce to chambers and business associations in the Town of Oyster Bay. Entities are eligible to receive up to $50,000, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including operations and maintenance expenses and community investments. Additionally, individual businesses and non-profits who have not yet applied for the Town’s $5,000 ‘Oyster Bay Forward’ grant program can still receive funding. The program is available to businesses that employ up to 50 full-time equivalent W-2 employees as well as sole proprietors. Additional eligibility criteria and application information can be found at TOBforward.com.

“Local businesses are the heart of our communities, and we want them to thrive as they keep local dollars on the economy, provide local jobs, build a strong tax base and invest in the local community,” said Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “We stand by our small businesses, and we thank all of our Chambers of Commerce for their assistance in helping local businesses through the good times and the bad.”

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Town Of Oyster Bay Joins Syosset Volunteer Fire Department To Dedicate New Fleet

Town of Oyster Bay officials joined the Syosset Volunteer Fire Department to dedicate a fleet of six new firetrucks, including five new engines and one new rescue. Fire Departments from both Nassau and Suffolk Counties participated in the ceremonial wetdown, a fire department tradition to officially “bless” the new equipment as neighboring firefighters douse the trucks using a fire hose.

Supervisor Joseph Saladino thanked the

heroes of the Syosset Volunteer Fire Department for putting the lives of others above their own and recognized their outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Councilwoman Vicki Walsh also recognized the commitment of these first responders and shared how this new equipment will further the department’s goal of answering the call of service in neighbors’ time of need.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Town of Oyster Bay officials presented a $50,000 grant check to the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. (Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

The Town of Oyster Bay and the Syosset Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the new fleet of six trucks. (Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

Jericho High School Students Earn Honors In National Merit Scholarship Program

The Jericho School District is pleased to announce that 24 Jericho High School students were recently named Semifinalists and 39 students were named Commended Students in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Jericho High School students Sean Chae, Edward Chen, Ethan Chen, Kaitlyn Choi, Anahita Chowdhary, Dylan Fei, Keira He, Stephanie Hsu, Arush Khisti, Vivek

Kirpalani, Weijie Li, Kevin Paik, Ranya Parekh, Jordan Perlman, Brendan Shek, Evan Sun, Alison Tae, Victoria Tan, Junwei Tang, Joshua Tchou, Jocelyn Wang, Junxi Wang, Matthew Wang, and Parik Yan were named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These scholastically talented students now have the opportunity to compete for many scholarships that will be offered next spring.

Thirty-nine Jericho High School students were named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. They are: Vikram Bajaj, Arjun Bindra, Alex Boyarski, Ethan Brown, Olivia Cai, Lucas Chacko, Jonathan Chen, Malvina Chen, Jonathan Cheng, Matthew Cohen, Shivesh Goyal, Sia Han, Jiayi Huang, Sophia Jin, Neha Kamath, Anisha Kandula, Maansi Kandula, Emily Kawaka-

mi, Brandon Klein, Natasha Kulviwat, Angelina Kwong, Vivian Lee, Catherine Li, Alvina Lin, Eric Liu, Hanyuan Liu, Sophia Liu, Seth Margolin, Noha Myreen, Junkyoung Park, Khushi Patel, Tiffany Qiu, Veera Ravichandran, Sophia Saed, Sahaj Sharma, Arush Vermaaz, Aslan Wang, Audrey Yang, and Haocheng Zhang.

—Submitted by the Jericho Union Free School District

Wang, Matthew Wang, and Parik Yan were named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Denise Nash)

Syosset Central School District Awarded NYSSMA

Syosset Central School District is proud to announce that it has received the Presidential Citation Award from the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).

The Presidential Citation Award is NYSSMA’s highest honor bestowed on K-12 Districts for their support of and excellence in Music Education. The application is an extensive review of concert recordings, school enrollment, ensemble rehearsal minutes, budgetary support and curriculum. No more than two of New York’s almost 700 school districts may receive this award in any given year. In some years, NYSSMA chooses not to bestow the award to anyone.

“We are honored to be the recipients of the Presidential Citation Award,” said Dr.

Christopher Hale, Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts. “This recognition is a result of the hard work of our faculty and the long-term commitment district leadership

Jericho Middle School Student Takes Second Prize In Prestigious Competition

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) has awarded over $20,000 in cash prizes to elementary, middle and high school students in the 2023 Discovery Award competition.

The second project winning the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project was submitted by Jay Patel, an eighth-grader at Jericho Middle School. His documentary recognizes Pearl Kendrick, who developed the first effective pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in the 1930s. Kendrick’s groundbreaking work

has saved countless lives and has become a model for vaccine development.

The annual international competition inspires students to develop primary and secondary research projects which share the stories of Unsung Heroes from history whose accomplishments remain largely unknown to the public.

—Submitted by the Jericho Union Free School District

Presidential Citation

has made to music education.”

For the first time since 1991, Syosset Central School District will receive the NYSSMA Presidential Citation. The award

will be presented at the association’s Winter Conference.

—Submitted by the Syosset Central School District

Jericho High School students Sean Chae, Edward Chen, Ethan Chen, Kaitlyn Choi, Anahita Chowdhary, Dylan Fei, Keira He, Stephanie Hsu, Arush Khisti, Vivek Kirpalani, Weijie Li, Kevin Paik, Ranya Parekh, Jordan Perlman, Brendan Shek, Evan Sun, Alison Tae, Victoria Tan, Junwei Tang, Joshua Tchou, Jocelyn Wang, Junxi

(Photos by

Vikram Bajaj, Arjun Bindra, Alex Boyarski, Ethan Brown, Olivia Cai, Lucas Chacko, Jonathan Chen, Malvina Chen, Jonathan Cheng, Matthew Cohen, Shivesh Goyal, Sia Han, Jiayi Huang, Sophia Jin, Neha Kamath, Anisha Kandula, Maansi Kandula, Emily Kawakami, Brandon Klein, Natasha Kulviwat, Angelina Kwong, Vivian Lee, Catherine Li, Alvina Lin, Eric Liu, Hanyuan Liu, Sophia Liu, Seth Margolin, Noha Myreen, Junkyoung Park, Khushi Patel, Tiffany Qiu, Veera Ravichandran, Sophia Saed, Sahaj Sharma, Arush Vermaaz, Aslan Wang, Audrey Yang, and Haocheng Zhang were named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Pictured left to right are Jericho Superintendent Hank Grishman; Curriculum Associate for Social Studies, Business and Libraries Eric Sundberg; Middle School Assistant Principal Sara Ballute; Middle School Teacher Theresa Cantwell; Middle School Teacher Sarah Espinal; Jay Patel; Middle School Librarian Valerie Conklin; Middle School Teacher Matt Silva; Middle School Principal Chad Gleason; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ivy Sherman; and Jericho Middle School Teacher Michelle Vevante. (Photo courtesy the Jericho Union Free School District)

Syosset Central School District fine and performing arts faculty. (Photo courtesy of Syosset Central School District)