Great Neck Record 7/26/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group

Break In The Case

Police arrest suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders

The Pickleball Hype

(See page 8)

Neighbors:

Thomaston mayor sworn into county village association

(See page 3)

Calendar:

Plaza concert series continues on Aug. 1 (See page 6)

North Hempstead: Town hosts successful composting class exhibit (See page 7)

Kids: Park district to host kids dance party (See page 9)

(Photo from the SPORTIME instagram, @sportimeportwashington)

(Photo by Jennifer Corr)

What’s our greatest asset at The Bristal Assisted Living communities? It’s the lifetime of interests and experiences you bring to it. After all, that’s what makes you special. A caring team that spends the time getting to know you so you can continue nurturing, sharing and exploring those interests? Well, that’s what makes us special, too.

See for yourself. Explore all of our locations in the tri-state area. thebristal.com

Opioid Overdose Prevention

Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (District 10) recently hosted an Opioid Overdose Prevention session at Great Neck House. Legislator Pilip has been very active in the fight against fentanyl and sponsors NARCAN training for residents throughout District 10. Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena joined Legislator Pilip in the most recent session to share her expertise on issues related to drugs, impact on families and awareness. Legislator Pilip thanks our local fire departments, Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company Great Neck Alert Fire Company, who promoted this training session. Pictured from the left:

Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip.

(Information and photo from Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip’s Facebook)

North Hempstead Celebrates Lee Ielpi

North Hempstead Town Supervisor

Jennifer DeSena and Council Member

Veronica Lurvey joined with Great Neck North High School on May 25 to celebrate the life and work of Lee Ielpi. Lee has been a long-standing and valued member of the Great Neck and greater North Hempstead community, and is a highly decorated retired member of FDNY. He tragically lost

Thomaston Mayor Sworn Into Nassau County Village Officials Association

his son Jonathan during the September 11th terror attack at the World Trade Center. In honor of his late son’s memory, he helped develop the activities of the September 11th Families’ Association and co-founded the Tribute WTC Visitor Center. Town officials presented a proclamation to Lee’s family in recognition of his work.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

On June 29, 2023, former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (left) swore in Thomaston Mayor Weinberg (right) as Treasurer, and Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane (center) as Second Vice President of the Nassau County Village Officials Association (NCVOA). Founded in 1925, the NCVOA is a not-for-profit organization comprising and representing all of Nassau County’s 64 villages. The NCVOA was created for the purpose of encouraging and stimulating cooperation among its member villages for their mutual benefit and welfare. (Photo and information from the Village of Thomaston website | villageofthomaston.org)

Read-A-Thon

Earlier this month, Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti joined the Great Neck Library to kick off the read-a-thon. Children up to 12 years old came together in the main library children’s room to hear Assemblywoman Sillitti read some books. In addition, the library hosted a special raffle for kids to win prizes. Visit greatnecklibrary. org to learn about upcoming children events. Pictured: Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti reading to children at the Great Neck Library.

(Information and photo from Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti’s Facebook)

Supervisor DeSena and Council Member Lurvey join local elected officials and Great Neck North administrators to honor Lee Ielpi and present his family with a proclamation of recognition. (Contributed photo)

Massapequa Park Resident Arrested In Gilgo Beach Murders

Suffolk County DA releases evidence that led to arrest

BY JENNIFER CORR, AMANDA OLSEN AND JANET BURNS editors@antonnews.com

On July 14, reporters and camera operators packed the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in Yaphank amid a press conference that would discuss the details of an investigation by the Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force that led to the July 13 arrest of Massapequa Park resident Rex Heuermann, 59.

He is charged in the first degree and second degree for the 2009 murder of 24-yearold Melissa Barthelemy, the 2010 murder of 22-year-old Megan Waterman and the 2009 murder of 27-year-old Amber Lynn Costello. While the defendant is not yet charged with any crimes related to the 2007 disappearance and murder of 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes, he is the prime suspect in her death and the investigation, which is continuing and is expected to be resolved soon.

Present at the press conference was Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., as well as representatives from the New York State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder was also present, as well as members of the victim’s families.

“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman,” Harrison said. “I could only imagine what you had to endure over the last decade regarding knowing that your killer was still loose. God bless you.”

He then hugged each of the family members present.

Tierney explained that when he took office in January of 2022, he sought to make the Gilgo investigation his priority, and he met with the victim’s families, some of whom were at the press conference. The Gilgo Beach Homicide Task Force of investigators, analysts, prosecutors and law enforcement were formed, utilizing the Grand Jury for its power and reach in obtaining documents, interviewing witnesses and keeping secrecy.

“We knew that when we were investigating this case and when we were dealing with the media... we were playing before a party of one,” Tierney said. “We knew that the person responsible for these murders would be looking at us. We were very careful how we handled the investigation.”

Gilgo Beach Becomes a Crime Scene

On Dec. 11, 2010, according to a Bail Application Form provided by the Suffolk

County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Police Officer John Malia was conducting a training exercise with his K9 partner along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach when the K9 located a set of human remains that were identified to be those of Barthelemy’s.

On Dec. 13, 2010, the Suffolk County Police Department continued to search in the proximity, and found three additional sets of human remains, identified to be those of Waterman’s, Costello’s and Brainard-Barnes’ within one quarter mile of the first discovery. They each appeared to have been placed in close proximity of each other, 22 to 33 feet off the parkway.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department’s website about the case, the initial search took place eight months after the search began for 23-year-old Shannan

Gilbert, who was last seen running through the community of Oak Beach after leaving a client’s house. She had made a haunting call to a 911 dispatcher which is now available to the public, stating “somebody’s after me,” asking the dispatcher to trace where she was and speaking in a frightful tone to her driver and client. Two residents also called the police after she knocked on their door.

Gilbert’s remains were found on Dec. 13, 2011 in a marshland near Oak Beach. The Suffolk County Police Department currently believes her death is an unfortunate accident, but is still evaluating any information the public may have.

Additional remains of victims found along Ocean Parkway were Jessica Taylor (partial remains were also discovered in a wooded area of Manorville in 2003), Valerie

Mack (partial remains were also discovered in a wooded area of Manorville in 2000), an unidentified person and an unidentified toddler which DNA analysis confirmed to be the child of an unidentified woman whose remains were found in Nassau County.

“And then there was nothing, absolutely nothing,” Tierney said. “For the next 13 years, their cases went unsolved until today.”

Currently, the focus of the investigation is on the “Gilgo Four,” Barthelemy, Waterman, Costello and Brainard-Barnes. All of the women had advertised as escorts in the New York City area on Craigslist and other websites.

The Victims

An obituary for Waterman, born in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, described her as a loving and devoted mother, daughter, granddaughter and sister.

“She loved music, dancing, beaches and spending time with the love of her life, her daughter Lily with whom she spent time doing things with such as reading stories together, watching movies, playing games and just snuggling,” the obituary read. “Megan put family first and all else next.”

Melissa Barthelemy, as described in a Newsday article covering her memorial service in West Seneca, was remembered as a smiling young woman whose life came to an incomprehensible end. More than 200 friends and family had gathered to pay their respects. She really cared about people, one family member had said.

Costello’s sister told Newsday in 2011 that she was born in Charlotte and raised in Wilmington, N.C., Costello was twice married and divorced, battled drug addiction and found faith later in life. She had four nieces she doted on, and Christmas was her favorite time because she enjoyed giving presents. Rev. Wayne Griffiths, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Babylon, said she had understanding and empathy, and used those characteristics to help people.

Brainard-Barnes, of Connecticut, was described as a wonderful mother, a beautiful daughter and a caring sister.

A friend of Brainard-Barnes told The Bulletin, a newspaper that covers Eastern Connecticut, that she “had a lot of energy” and “thought everyone was her friend.”

News Coverage and Delays in the Investigation

At the time of the victim’s disappearance,

page 10

At a press conference, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison gave details of the investigation that led to defendant Rex Heuermann’s arrest. (Photo by Jennifer Corr)

Amber Lynn Costello, 27, of West Babylon.

(Photo courtesy Amber Lynn Costello’s family)

Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, of Norwich, Conn.

(Photo courtesy Maureen Brainard-Barnes’ family)

Megan Waterman, 22, of Scarborough, Maine.

(Photo courtesy Megan Waterman’s family)

Melissa Barthelemy, 24, of Bronx, NY.

(Photo courtesy Melissa Barthelemy’s family) see GILGO on

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

THURSDAY, JULY 27

MYXD Order

7 p.m. (Gerry Pond Park) Town of North Hempstead free summer event. MYXD Order. Call 311 for more information.

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Recycled Garden Art

11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Station Branch Community Room) Using various recycled materials including aluminum cans, plastic lids and natural resources, you can create garden treasures that will last for years to come. This program is appropriate for children entering K-5. Registration is required, visit greatnecklibrary.org

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Performance Poets Association

1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Main Library Community Room) Join us for readings from the Performance Poets Association, hosted by

George Pafitis, and share your own poetry as well. No registration required.

Shakespeare in the Park

6 p.m. (Mary Jane Davies Park) Town of North Hempstead free summer event. Shakespeare in the Park: The Merry Wives of Windsor. Call 311 for more information.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Great Neck Farmers Market

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Firefighters Park) Deep Roots Farmers Market, in collaboration with the Great Neck Park District. Twenty-plus vendors featuring locally grown vegetables, fresh baked breads and sweets, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, honey, prepared foods, jams, coffees, and much more. Weekly guest art and craft vendors. Social media: @greatneckfarmersmarket | www. deeprootsfarmersmarket.com

Arena Rock Tribute (Classic Rock Bands)

6 p.m. (North Hempstead Beach Park) Town of North Hempstead free summer event. Arena Rock Tribute (Classic Rock Bands). Call 311 for more information.

TUESDAY. AUG. 1

Blood Pressure Screenings

12 p.m.-2 p.m. (Station Branch Small Room) Blood Pressure Screenings with St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. Have your blood pressure checked by a clinical nurse, free of charge. Healthcare proxy information is also available. Visit greatnecklibrary. org for more information.

Jr. Levels Nature in Art

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Main Library Small Multipurpose Room) Create ephemeral works of art by gathering natural materials such as twigs, leaves, bark, etc. We will also sketch and paint from observation, based on our environment, to create stunning landscapes. For rising fifth and sixth graders only. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

Summer Concert Series

8 p.m. (Firefighters Park) Great Neck Plaza 2023 Summer Concert Series. Liverpool Shuffle “Fabulous Beatles Tribute Band”. Free concert.

THURSDAY, AUG. 3

Family Movie

6 p.m. (The Village Green) Great Neck Park District events for kids

and families. Family movie: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Theieves (PG-13 | 2023)

August Concerts

7 p.m. (Clark Botanic Gardens) Town of North Hempstead free summer event. The Hambones (Country, roots and rock). Call 311 for more information.

SATURDAY, AUG. 5

Defensive Driving

10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Main Library Community Room) Complete your Defensive Driving course with the Empire Safety Council. Register in person at the Main Library’s Circulation Desk. Please bring a $30 check or money order payable to “Empire Safety Council” to reserve your spot.

KIDS CORNER!

Let‛s Get Crafty: Ice Cream In A Bag

There might be nothing better than a cold, creamy dish of ice cream on a hot day. Whether you like a chocolate hot fudge sundae or a plain vanilla cone, summer just isn‛t the same without these chilly treats. Here‛s a fun way to make ice cream at home, no fancy mixer required! (For those of you who might not be able to have dairy, see the alternative below.)

You will need:

1-gallon resealable plastic bag

1 quart resealable plastic bag

1 cup measure two tablespoons

A teaspoon

Vanilla

Sugar

Milk (or juice, for non-dairy)

Ice Salt

Fill the gallon bag 1/3 to 1/2 full of ice. Add three tablespoons of salt to the ice. Now, place the one quart bag inside. Fill this with one cup milk, two tablespoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla. (if you are making dairy-free, leave out the sugar and vanilla and just add one cup of your favorite juice.) Now seal up that inside bag REALLY, REALLY WELL. Once you get the inside bag closed, do the same for the big bag. Now you should have a little bag with your milk mixture (or juice) and an outside bag with the ice and salt. The salt is there to help the

Animal Fact!

Dingo

According to the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science, the dingo, Australia‛s only native canid, descended from South Asian wolves.

The are eye-catching, curious and something dangerous, and can be found across Australia. They play an important role in the natural environment.

They serve as an apex predator and play a role in keeping natural systems in balance. They also hold a significant place in the spiritual and cultural practices of some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

size of the prey, they may hunt alone or in packs. Did you know that dingoes have social ranks in their packs? Sometimes, wild dingoes may appear in poor condition due to naturally occurring health issues or because they have been denied food by dominant members of the pack.

Lowest ranking dingo

ice melt and make the inside of the bag get cold faster.

Now comes the fun part: shake that bag! Shake gently in many different directions to help the ingredients mix and freeze evenly. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes of shaking for the ice cream to freeze, so the more people to pass the baggie, the better. Nobody wants to get cold fingers! When the mixture is firm to the touch, your sweet frozen treats are ready to eat.

Dingoes are social pack animals. From harsh deserts to lush rainforests, the highly adaptable dingo is found in every habitat and state of Australia except Tasmania. They are Australia‛s largest meat-eater, and mainly hunt at night. Depending on the

pack members receive few privileges, including limited access to food when it‛s available.

directions

Question: Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?

Answer: Because he was stuffed! — David, age 10

Experiment with adding different flavors, like cocoa powder or mint. Top your ice cream with sprinkles or chocolate sauce. If you have a juice slushy, make more than one flavor and see how they go together. Most of all, Enjoy!

COLOR ME

30+ PROGRAMS FOR GRADES K-12

THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR A GREAT SUMMER! HOFSTRA.EDU/CAMP

(Photo source Getty Images)

(Photo by Dovile Ramoskaite on unsplash)

EDUCATION, BASEBALL, CUB CAMP, PICKLEBALL, STEM, AND MORE!

Shelter Rock Library Speaker Draws Criticism

talks with the library’s Board of Trustees, the event continued as scheduled.

DANIEL GREILSHEIMER editors@antonmediagroup.com

On the heels of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the U.S., a discussion of India’s democracy made its way to the Shelter Rock Public Library in Albertson.

On the evening of Tuesday, July 18, Salvatore Babones, an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, delivered a lecture at Shelter Rock Public Library entitled “Relationship with India should be driven by DATA not DRAMA.” The event, held in the Community Room, was followed by a question and answer session.

Babones’ invitation to speak by event organizers was of concern to numerous area residents, especially in the wake of the online publication of his recent paper, “Two Nations and a Common Problem Called Islam.” The piece was released on the website Quadrant, a journal known for its right-wing slant and sometimes trending toward extremism. Some residents described Babones’ work as “hateful” and “propaganda.”

“[Babones] doesn’t say ‘Two Nations and the Common Problem Called Muslims.’ He said Islam… [and] there are 2 billion followers of Islam right now in the world,” said Habeeb Ahmed, a member of the library who was born in India, and a nearly 35-year resident of Albertson, in a press conference on Sunday, July 16. “And he’s talking about all those 2 billion people, so this should be concerning to everybody, especially for minorities, but as human beings, we all should be concerned about these kinds of things. Indian Christians and Muslims are being humiliated, intimidated [and] terrorized as if they are not Indian citizens.”

The press conference, organized by Ahmed, was attended by a multi-ethnic, racial, religious and generational coalition, which included several Nassau County legislators and minority community leaders. It was held outside the library, where many attendees questioned why the tax-funded public library was being used for such an event.

“We are not the arbiters of right and wrong here, and we support free speech, but tell me how [are your tax dollars] being served by allowing somebody who spews hate to come into our community?” said Josh Lafazan, the representative for District 18 in the Nassau County Legislature. “There is nothing more fundamental to a community than a library. A library is a place where no matter where you come from, what religion you practice, who you love, your education level, your

age, you can come here to learn, and to be together, and to be in peace.”

Arnold Drucker, the representative for District 16 in the Nassau County Legislature, added to this sentiment. “The moment we allow our taxpayer dollars to support and give voice and give a platform to purveyors of this hatred and this discrimination, we are in deep trouble,” said Drucker.

Districts 16 and 18 share many of the residents affiliated with the Shelter Rock Public Library.

The phrase “Not In Our Town” emerged as a rallying cry for those united against the event. Peter Zuckerman, the Town of North Hempstead Councilman for the 2nd District, led a chant of this line during the press

“The Shelter Rock Public Library, as all public libraries, is committed to supporting freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The Library has been assured that the subject program is a non-partisan event. The Library will continue to support the first amendment,” wrote President of the Board of Trustees Louise Sobin in a statement.

Two days after the press conference, much of the group stood outside the library’s entrance prior to the event with signs, featuring the “Not In Our Town” slogan and headlines from reports of Islamophobic acts in India. They also distributed sheets with information on the mistreatment of Muslims in India and the potential bias Babones holds toward Modi’s government. A truck with rotating digital images, parked outside the library, further illustrated these sentiments.

Nassau County Police Department officers were present both in the parking lot and just outside of the Community Room.

Babones’ lecture focused on the democracy rankings for India. Taking his audience through the methodology for the Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem) index, he argued that the model, although the best available in his opinion, is fundamentally flawed; as a result, in his opinion, India is ranked lower than it should be.

Of the ranking’s five sub-indices, two are more objective — Elected Officials and Universal Suffrage — and three are more subjective — Clean Elections, Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression. Babones feels that India is not given enough credit for the functioning of its government, which he claimed in his lecture is “the world’s most extraordinarily successful democracy” to mixed reactions.

conference. The Not In Our Town program was founded by then-North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth in 2017 in response to a rise in hate crimes on Long Island. The program aims to “stop hate, racism and bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all,” according to its website.

“And so whether you’re Asian, whether you’re Jewish, whether you’re Muslim, whether you’re African American, we all unite together because we love this community. And as [Zuckerman] eloquently spoke, ‘Not In Our Town’ — never, right?” said Christine Liu, a board member of the Chinese American Association of North Hempstead.

Despite the concerns of the group and

“So, let’s say the experts are right. Let’s say it is true that freedoms of expression in India are on par with some of the worst regimes in the world. Even if that were true, a good democracy index would show India having genuine elections, where people can express their views at the ballot box, balanced by a perceived lack of freedom of expression, which would give a middling democracy score,” said Babones.

The ensuing question and answer session was more testy, demonstrating the delicate nature of Indian politics and religious relations. Strictly written questions were permitted. Interruptions from the audience were prevalent, especially when Babones spoke on the treatment of Muslims in India with a heavy emphasis on statistics. At times, questions were skipped in an effort to keep the event non-partisan.

“Overall, I thought he was mindful that we were there,” said Ahmed after the event. “But they call it democracy… [in India] I think it’s a flawed democracy.”

Protesters with “Not In Our Town” signs outside the entrance to the library.

Salvatore Babones speaks in the Community Room of the Shelter Rock Library.

Dozens gathered to protest the Babones event at a press conference, including Ali Z. Mohammed, Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, Israr Ahmed, and Imran Pasha. (Photos by Daniel Greilsheimer)

Nassau County Police officers were present for the event, where demonstrators brought a truck mounted with digital signage.

Moriches Field Brewing Company received $18,750 to revitalize an empty downtown space. (Cheers to that.)

Revitalization grants are just one of the ways we help businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways. For Moriches Field Brewing Company, a grant from our economic development program was a perfect fit to help them renovate a previously vacant property. A discount through our Vacant Space Revival Program saved them more than $4,000 on their electric bills, and rebates for upgrading to LED lighting are keeping them saving month after month.

Helping revitalize our Island, one business at a time, is something we’re proud to be part of and something definitely worth celebrating.

Grants | Rebates | Incentives | Assessments | Community Support

For more information, visit PSEGLINY.com/EcoDev

Free Summer Meals For Kids Are Just A Text Away

Use No Kid Hungry’s service by texting “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find your nearest Free Summer Meals site providing meals to kids all summer long No Kid Hungry’s national Free Meals Finder texting hotline is now live and can connect families to a site near them providing no cost meals to kids in every corner of New York State. To find a Summer Meals program near you, just text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” (for Spanish language service) to 304-304.

When school lets out for summer, kids lose access to two healthy meals each day. The summer meals program ensures they have the nutrition they need to return to school in the fall nourished and ready to learn. More than 2,500 sites are open across New York. Anyone ages 18 years and under is eligible. Meals will be available for pick-up in many areas. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a meal.

Inflation and expiring pandemic era-relief programs are making it harder for many families to make ends meet. A

recent No Kid Hungry poll found 73 percent of families across New York were finding it harder to afford groceries this year than last, making the summer meal program critical to ensuring families can put food on the table this year.

“Summer is the hungriest time of year for many kids. And we know that for hundreds of thousands of families, free summer meals are the difference between kids getting healthy meals, or going hungry,” said No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella.

“We’re proud to partner with school districts and community groups across the state to make it easy and seamless to find a free summer meals site close to home.”

About No Kid Hungry

No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids could face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

—Submitted by No Kid Hungry

Hochul Announces More Than $516 Million In Bridge NY Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of more than $516 million in enhanced assistance for 141 local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts while supporting resiliency and sustainability in every region of the state. This funding, provided through the State’s BRIDGE NY initiative, is aimed at helping local governments across the state harden their existing infrastructure while boosting the resiliency of bridges and culverts in the state. The State’s BRIDGE NY initiative supports projects that combat climate change by reducing the risk of flooding, improves the resiliency of structures, facilitates regional economic competitiveness and prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities.

“New York State is making historic investments to modernize our infrastructure and we are committed to working with our partners in local government to help ensure that their bridges and culverts are ready to meet the challenges of global climate change,”

Governor Hochul said. “The BRIDGE NY program provides essential funding directly to local governments to enhance the safety,

resiliency, sustainability and reliability of local infrastructure, allowing more than 140 bridges to better withstand extreme weather events and keep New Yorkers safe.”

Today’s announcement builds upon the more than $716 million that has previously been awarded to local governments under the BRIDGE NY initiative. As part of the State’s historic, $32.8 billion capital plan adopted last year, $1 billion was committed to BRIDGE NY, effectively doubling the size of the program. The awards announced today were selected based on input from Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the funding will support all phases of project delivery, including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction.

The awards for the Long Island Region totaled $73.5 million, including $8.702 million to Nassau County for the superstructure replacement of the Hempstead Avenue bridge over Pine Brook and $12.35 million to Nassau County for the rehabilitation of the Merrick Road bridge over Whale Neck Creek.

—Submitted by the Office of Governor Cathy Hochul

PUBLIC STATEMENT HEARINGS TO BE HELD IN PSC CASES 23-G-0225, 23G-0226 - NATIONAL GRID NY AND NATIONAL GRID FOR GAS SERVICE

On April 28, 2023, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (KEDNY) and KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (KEDLI)(collectively, the Companies) led amendments to their gas tari schedules proposing to increase their annual gas delivery revenues e ective March 31, 2024. KEDNY proposes to increase its revenues by $414 million (a 28 percent increase in base delivery revenues or a 17 percent increase in total revenues). KEDLI proposes to increase its revenues by $228 million (a 24 percent increase in base delivery revenues or a 14 percent increase in total revenues). Although the actual bill impacts of these proposed changes on any particular customer class will vary based upon revenue allocation and rate design, the Companies state that a typical KEDNY residential heating customer will have a $30.95 average monthly bill increase and a typical KEDLI residential heating customer will have a $28.52 average monthly bill increase.

The Companies state that the rate increases are largely due to the need to invest in critical infrastructure to comply with Federal and State pipeline safety mandates, increased costs to deliver expanded energy e ciency and other demand reduction o erings, and economic factors such as rising cost of material due to in ation, increased contractor costs, and increases in property taxes. The Companies state that their rate lings are focused on delivering safe and reliable service, meeting the needs of customers, and advancing the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The Companies propose to e ectively maintain the current pace of leak prone pipe replacements through a more targeted replacement strategy; aggressively repair gas leaks and target the repair of high-emitting leaks through the use of advanced leak detection technology; continue or expand customer oriented initiatives to ensure energy a ordability, improve customer experience and maintain customer satisfaction; improve the resiliency of the distribution system by investing in automation, safety valves, and storm hardening projects; and continue or expand many CLCPA-supporting initiatives such as non-pipe alternatives, energy e ciency and demand response programs.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that virtual public statement hearings will be held before Administrative Law Judges

James A. Costello and Maureen F. Leary on:

DATE:Tuesday, August 1, 2023

TIME: 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

DATE:Wednesday, August 2, 2023

TIME: 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

A more comprehensive notice that contains further information on how to attend the hearings electronically is available at https://dps.ny.gov/ask-psc.

Any person wishing to provide a public statement must register by 4:30 P.M. Monday, July 31, 2023, for the August 1 hearings and Tuesday, August 1, 2023, for the August 2 hearings.

To register electronically: Registration information for participants who would like to provide a statement and will login to a hearing electronically may be found in the notice available at https://dps.ny.gov/ask-psc.

To register by phone: Any participant who is not able to login to a hearing electronically may participate by phone. Call-in participants who would like to provide a statement must register to do so in advance by calling 1-800-342-3330, where they should follow prompts to the appropriate hearing and provide their rst and last name, address, and phone number.

On the appropriate date and time of a hearing, all call-in users should dial 1-518-549-0500 and enter:

Access Code [2338 061 1494] and Password [28410176] for the 1:00 p.m. hearing on August 1

Access Code [2348 462 8182] and Password [28410676] for the 6:00 p.m. hearing on August 1

Access Code [2334 693 7249] and Password [28420176] for the 1:00 p.m. hearing on August 2

Access Code [2336 515 1615] and Password [28420676] for the 6:00 p.m. hearing on August 2

Each public statement hearing will be held open until everyone who has registered to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements to submit comments have been made.

COLUMNS

7.4: The Magic Number To Live By

When we say it’s all in a number, this magic number really reflects keeping our body in perfect balance. Eating well has come down to a perfect science.

7.4 is the ideal pH level for our bodies to function in a harmonious way. As it turns out, the single measurement most important to your health is the pH level of your blood and tissues- how acidic or alkaline they are.

Just as your body temperature is rigidly regulated, the blood must be kept in a very narrow pH range – mildly basic or alkaline. The body will go to great lengths to preserve that, including robbing minerals from our teeth and bones to buffer our blood chemistry. Ever notice that people are shrinking and we have such rampant tooth decay?

The pH level of our internal fluids affects every cell in our body. The entire metabolism depends on an alkaline environment. Chronic over-acidity can lead to weight gain, fatigue, diabetes, and other illnesses. When our pH level is too acidic, certain mechanisms race to the rescue.

Now how does this affect weight loss? In order to protect itself from

ALL ARROWS POINT BACK TO NUTRITION

a high acidic level it stores acid in the adipose tissue (fat stores), giving you those love handles you just can’t get rid of. This mechanism is how the body protects our tissue from danger and results in holding on to fat stores longer than needed and causes fatigue daily.

Let’s go over the American diet and review what foods are acidic. The western diet consists of 70 percent acid foods and 30 percent alkaline foods. The problem is on a whole, the average western diet is acid-forming and when

acid accumulates, they can cause organs to malfunction. For starters fried foods, processed foods, burgers, sugar, artificial sweeteners, drugs, chemicals, tobacco, and even air pollution are all acidifying components. Yes, even the air we breathe is damaging. This involves a powerful chain reaction of mutually reinforcing metabolic processes and can lead to insulin resistance.

Soda, a very popular beverage in our western culture, rates high on the acidic level, water being neutral. It takes thirty-three glasses of water to alkalize one glass of soda, that will make you think next time you feel like a soda with your next meal. Even stress and certain negative emotions can act as an acidifier. To give you an idea of what foods are acidic and which foods are alkaline, vinegar rates high on the ratio of acidity, along with protein. Vegetables are very alkaline.

Fortunately, there’s a powerful and simple solution to this health-damaging problem.

Begin by eliminating the foods that create such havoc in the body and by adding more alkalizing foods such as vegetables, along

with drinking pure water, to aid all cellular and bodily functions (digestion, perspiration, elimination just to name a few). Ordinary foods, greens to be specific, can be the life force of our longevity.

When your body is more alkalized, we have stronger immune systems, increased energy, and even look younger, all because our red blood cells are delivering more oxygen.

I believe we can make a conscious effort to eliminate the foods that our body struggles to maintain balance and add more foods to help utilize in the conversion of energy; this provides the body with more readily available energy and will increase your longevity, while speeding up your metabolism, resulting in weight loss.

Alkalizing your plate with nutrient dense vegetables can also provide minerals and enzymes which can have a cleansing effect. We now Americans eat 70 percent acid forming foods and 30 percent alkaline foods, resulting in disease and obesity. Let’s try to reverse those numbers to 70 percent alkaline foods and 30 percent acid foods Perhaps we can reverse the statistics in our country.

John Theissen Children’s Foundation

Welcome to the first column of my series called LIGHT FOR CHARITY™ (Long Island Giving Help Together For Charity™). Through each of my columns, I will shine a light on a particular Long Island-based charity. All of the charities I select for my columns will be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. I have no affiliation with any of the charities and I am not responsible for any of their operations.

For today, I am shining our LIGHT on the John Theissen Children’s Foundation (“JTCF”). JTCF is headquartered in Wantagh, and has been helping sick and underprivileged children across Long Island since 1992. JTCF’s mission is to (1) provide Long Island hospitals and child-care facilities with therapeutic and recreational equipment; (2) support local families with financial assistance to help with their childrens’ medical expenses; (3) offer sick and needy children toys throughout the holiday season; (4) fulfill sick children’s

LIGHT for Charity

wishlists throughout the year; and (5) assist sick and underprivileged children in other ways as well.

JTCF is in the process of building a new “Family Fun Center” in Wantagh, that will provide endless hours of fun for sick and underprivileged children and their siblings at no cost to their families. The center will be open year-round and seven days a week. The Family Fun Center will have an arcade room, an arts and crafts room, a movie room with theater chairs, and ice cream and popcorn

stations. It will also have a Wish Room stocked with new gifts year-round.

John Theissen is the charity’s Founder and Executive Director. He started JTCF after having a brain tumor when he was 17 years old and was hospitalized in a children’s hospital. After John’s hospital stay, he wanted to create a foundation to help

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

Publishers of

Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot

Great Neck Record

Manhasset Press

Nassau Illustrated News

Port Washington News

Syosset-Jericho Tribune

The Nassau Observer

The Roslyn News

Editor and Publisher

Angela Susan Anton President

Frank A. Virga

Vice President of Operations/CFO

Iris Picone

Director of Sales

Administration

Shari Egnasko

Editors

Janet Burns, Jennifer Corr, Lauren Feldman, Christy Hinko, Amanda Olsen, Julie Prisco, Joe Scotchie

Advertising Sales

Ally Deane, Mary Mallon, Sal Massa, Maria Pruyn, Jeryl Sletteland

Director of Circulation

Joy DiDonato

Director of Production

Robin Carter

Creative Director

Alex Nuñez

Art Director

Catherine Bongiorno

Senior Page Designer

Donna Duffy

Page Designer

Christina Dieguez

Director of Business

Administration

Linda Baccoli

For circulation inquiries, email: subscribe@antonmediagroup.com

Publication Office: 132 East Second St., Mineola, NY 11501

Phone: (516) 747-8282

Fax: (516) 742-5867

© 2023 Long Island Community Newspapers, Inc.

Celebrating 39 YEARS IN BUSINESS

1984-2023

sick and underprivileged children in any way possible. JTCF has been voted Best Charity on Long Island for ten years in a row through the Long Island Press and Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Best of Long Island Contest.

For more information on how you can help JTCF, please visit www.JTCF.org.

Letters to the editor are welcomed by Anton Media Group. We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. All material contributed to Anton Media Group in any form becomes the property of the newspapers to use, modify and distribute as the newspaper staff assigns or sees fit. Letters to the editor can be mailed to: editors@antonmediagroup.com

Additional copies of this and other issues are available for purchase by calling 516-403-5120.

Nutritionist Maria Dello

Kayla Donnenfeld

The New JTCF Family Fun Center in Wantagh. (Photo source Jtcf.org)

COLUMNS

The State Of Veteran Service Organizations

Veteran service organizations (VSOs) play a crucial role in supporting and advocating for the needs of veterans. These organizations, such as AMVETS, American Legion, Marine Corps League and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), have a long-standing history of providing vital services and resources to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, healthcare access, employment opportunities and camaraderie. However, in recent years, VSOs have faced various challenges that have affected their state and necessitated significant survival efforts to continue their important mission. This issue was already a major concern before COVID compounded the issues that face our local organizations.

One of the primary challenges confronting VSOs is the changing demographics of the veteran population. With many World War II and Korean War veterans passing away and fewer Vietnam War veterans requiring support as they age, VSOs are experiencing a shift in their membership base. Newer generations of veterans, primarily from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, have different needs and preferences in terms of the services and resources they seek. Adapting to the evolving needs of this diverse veteran population is essential for VSOs to remain relevant and effective.

The advancement of technology and the rise of digital communication have impacted VSOs’ outreach and engagement strategies. Younger veterans are more accustomed to using online platforms and social media to connect and access information. VSOs have had to make a drastic pivot in modernizing their communication methods and digital presence to reach and engage with the younger generation effectively.

Financial sustainability is another concern, not only for our local organizations here on Long Island, but nationwide. As traditional members age and pass away, there is often a decline in membership dues and contributions. Attracting new members and donors becomes critical to maintaining the financial resources needed to support their programs and initiatives. To address this issue, some VSOs have focused on diversifying their funding sources by partnering with corporate sponsors, seeking government grants, organizing fundraising events and hall rentals to community members, other organizations and to private events.

Competition among veteran service organizations for limited resources and public attention can also be challenging. With numerous VSOs working towards similar goals, there is a risk of duplication of efforts and a diluted impact on the veteran community. Collaborative efforts and

LONG ISLAND VETERANS

Christy Hinko

coordination among VSOs have become essential to maximize their effectiveness and make the most efficient use of available resources. As a member of several local veteran organizations, it is difficult to give meaningful time and service to each oganization. I often find myself weighing out which event or meeting I will attend, as many membership events fall on similar rotations in a calendar month.

To enhance survival efforts, some VSOs have expanded their services to cater to a broader range of veterans’ needs. For instance, they may include family support programs, mental health initiatives, educational assistance and entrepreneurship opportunities. By diversifying offerings, VSOs can address the challenges veterans face beyond the traditional focus on benefits and medical care.

Several veteran service organizations have focused on improving their advocacy efforts to influence legislative and policy changes. By actively engaging with lawmakers and government agencies, VSOs can better represent the interests of veterans and push for legislation that benefits the veteran community.

Creating strong connections and partnerships with other community organizations, businesses and academic institutions can help VSOs expand their reach and impact. By collaborating with these entities, VSOs can tap into additional resources and expertise, creating a more comprehensive support network for veterans.

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

American Legion Post 304 in Manhasset (Photo credit Christy Hinko)

LAUREN FELDMAN

lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

Very few softball teams can claim to have had as stellar a year as Levittown’s Douglas MacArthur High School. The Generals finished their season nearly undefeated, only losing twice, and eventually winning the County title. For pitcher Taylor Brunn, this was a dream five years in the making, and a stellar way to finish her last season with

SPONSORED BY ORLIN & COHEN SPORTS &

RECREATION

MacArthur Senior Finishes Amazing Softball Season

Pitcher reflects on her almost undefeated year

Levittown. “This was my first [counties] win. Playing on the varsity team since eighth grade, there were years that we thought we were going to go all the way… This was something that was five years in the making; the fact that we achieved it, and I got to go out on that note was like a fairytale ending.”

Brunn found her way to softball at age eight, when a friend joined the local team. From then on, Brunn was in love with the game. She’s played different positions throughout her career, including third-baseman / left-fielder, but has been a pitcher since age 12. According to Brunn, it took some serious training. “I always wanted to pitch, but when I was younger, I wasn’t good at it. But I found a pitching coach that seriously helped me… It just took my game from zero to a hundred,” she says.

This season was the culmination of her hard work, as the team won game after game. “We don’t set out to go undefeated. We just set out to win the one game we’re playing that day,” says Coach Bob Fehrenbach. “When they want to be there, that adds to the magic.”

Fehrenbach was also thrilled to win Counties. “It’s a good feeling, it’s pretty much what [teams] set out to do at the beginning of the year, and then try to take the next step after that. [Counties] are always the goal. Sometimes you achieve it and sometimes you don’t. I think that was the highlight of my career.” The last time the team won Counties was in 2017.

The team was eventually defeated; a heartbreaker loss during

extra innings in the Long Island Championship. Taylor finished the season with a 24-2 record as she pitched 180 innings. She allowed only 25 earned runs and had a .97 ERA while striking out 278 batters. Brunn plans to attend Ithaca College upstate in the Fall, and will be continuing her softball career as well. “I’m very excited to contribute to the program.”

Orlin & Cohen is proud to support our community’s best high school athletes, just as we support all athletes’ orthopedic needs.

Long Island’s premier orthopedic group, we provide sideline team physician coverage and athletic training services to more than 20 high school sports programs – and offer Walk-in Sunday Sports Medicine and Recovery Clinics for young athletes.

Taylor Brunn

(Images courtesy of Coach Bob Fehrenbach)

Taylor was recognized by the Nassau County Softball Coaches Association as a Player of the Year.

(Photo courtesy of the macarthur_hs on Instagram)

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

“The Long Island Retro Gaming Expo is where gamers, new and old, can experience the joy and history of videogames in an environment that encapsulates the golden eras of gaming but re-imagined for today’s player,” Long Island Retro Gaming’s website explained. “Held annually every August at our home venue The Cradle of Aviation, LI Retro houses over three levels of arcades, hundreds of console and PC gaming events, exclusive exhibits, engaging panels, curated vendors, live performances and more.”

If you’ve been to the Cradle of Aviation’s events, including Cradle Con or the Long Island Table Top Gaming Expo, you probably walked through an arcade of retro games and saw a passionate group of gamers called LI Retro.

But the expo, which started in 2015, is certainly their flagship event. The idea behind the expo, according to the website, is to create an event that volunteers of LI Retro would want to go to themselves.

“Right now that is most of what we do,” Joel Albino, the operations coordinator at LI Retro, said. “We are always on the lookout for rare or interesting pieces of video game history, many of which often need repair. I guess you can say we spend the year searching and preparing for the yearly convention where we can share it all with the

At The Cradle

Long Island Retro Gaming Expo begins Aug. 11

New York’s premier video game convention will be soaring to new heights from Aug. 11-13 at the Cradle of Aviation in Uniondale.

public.”

And it’s not easy to gather and repair these vintage games, which can range in age from 10 to almost 50 years old.

“In addition, some systems were made with cheaper components (like capacitors) which need changing to continue to operate and be future-proof,” Albino said. “Arcade machines are an entire separate subject as well, as they weren’t really made to last forever. Our Chief Preservationist George Portugal leads our repair and restoration efforts.

Seamus Keane from the Cradle of Aviation also runs

the museum’s Arcade Age Exhibit and he has been instrumental in helping to keep these old arcades running.”

It’s important to preserve these games, because simply put, they aren’t being made anymore. Because any gaming from the past is no longer mainstream, LI Retro aims to provide an experience of history to current and future generations through gaming. Albino called it, “fun history.”

According to Albino, LI Retro originally started as an idea for a community meetup.

“There was a Facebook group with a lot of members and activity and we started

with the idea of a swap meet or something similar at a bar,” Albino said. “That idea turned into the first Expo in 2015 which was held at the then-UpSky hotel in Hauppauge. We originally started it as a meetup but it has since become so much more.”

Over the years, a core group of almost 20 people has formed, They are extremely passionate about the hobby and sharing it with others.

“I know it may sound cliché but we really are a family now. Heck, I talk to these people more than I talk to my own family,” Albino said. “I believe our culture is also top notch, as we have a very caring one. Everyone is there for one another and if someone needs help or is stuck with something they are working on, there is no shortage of people willing to jump in and help.”

When asked if LI Retro Expo attendees could expect anything different this year, Albino said that a small “History of Tetris” exhibit is in the works, as well as the ever expanding Retro Gaming Museum.

“You will also have all of the rest of the parts of the show that everyone knows and loves – the arcade machines, High Score Challenge, Indie Game area, vendor marketplace, freeplay console and PC gaming, tournaments and more,” Albino said.

To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit liretro.com.

LI Retro Gaming Expo attendees enjoy playing arcade games. (Photos courtesy LI Retro Gaming)

HOMES

Recently Sold

HOME & DESIGN Gardening In July

In July, the garden is in full swing with lush growth and vibrant blooms. As the heat of summer settles in, there are several essential tasks and activities to keep your garden thriving and looking its best. Here are some of the best things to do for your garden in July:

Watering: With the hot temperatures, it’s crucial to keep your garden adequately watered. Deep watering is essential to encourage strong root growth. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and prevent water stress on plants.

fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.

Pests and Disease

Management: Keep a close eye on your plants for any signs of pest infestations or diseases. Early detection and intervention are crucial to preventing further damage.

Harvesting: July is a time of bountiful harvests for many fruits and vegetables. Regularly pick ripe produce to encourage further growth and prevent overripening.

This charming three-bedroom English brick colonial in the heart of Munsey Park at 75 Manhasset Woods Rd. sold on July 14 for $1,800,000. It offers beautifully appointed entertaining spaces including an updated gourmet kitchen overlooking a sun-drenched family room with fireplace and French doors which lead to charming gardens and a patio. It has a formal living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room and a lovely screened porch, a perfect spot for mornings in the summer. The home has a spacious primary suite with fireplace and dramatic vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet and a beautiful classic primary bathroom. Two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom complete the second floor. The lower level is finished with recreational space, a suite, a full bathroom and a tandem garage. The home has a new generator, new windows and a water filtration system.

This beautiful colonial at 26 Cove Dr. in the Village of Plandome Heights sold on July 17 for $1,878,000. It has four wellsized bedrooms and three bathrooms. The primary bedroom has a cathedral ceiling and skylights. The modern kitchen has silestone countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is a sunny large bonus room off of the kitchen with plenty of windows. The charming dining room has an abundance of natural light. The living room has a wood burning fireplace with access to a side porch. The landscaped backyard

with mature plantings has an oversized brick patio that is perfect for entertaining. The home has two-zone heating and central

air conditioning. It is located near the train station, highways, the hospital, restaurants and plenty of shopping.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Deadheading redirects energy from seed production to new flower growth, resulting in a more vibrant and prolonged display.

Pruning: Prune any overgrown or unruly shrubs and perennials. This helps maintain a neat appearance and enhances air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases.

Fertilizing: If your plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies, consider fertilizing them. Use a balanced, slow-release

Support for Climbing Plants: Check and reinforce the support structures for climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. This ensures they can grow and produce fruit without collapsing under their weight.

Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees: If you have fruit trees, perform any necessary summer pruning to remove dead or diseased wood and improve fruit production.

Start Planning for Fall: As summer progresses, start planning and preparing for your fall garden. Consider planting cool-season crops, such as lettuce, spinach, and carrots, later in the month. By following these tips, your garden will flourish throughout July and into the rest of the summer. Taking proactive measures to care for your plants will result in a healthy and beautiful garden that you can enjoy and take pride in.

—Anton Media Staff

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.

WE LOVE OUR PETS Six Tips To Keep Pets Safe During Storm Season

While no one is immune from the devastation of a natural disaster, preparing before a storm hits is key to keeping everyone in your family— including your pets—safe. Here are six ideas to help you include pet safety when mapping out a disaster preparedness plan.

Have pets microchipped

In the event of an emergency—natural or otherwise—you want to ensure your pet can get back to you if you’re separated. Collars and ID tags, though important, can break or detach. Microchips—computerized and scannable implants about the size of a grain of rice—are more fool-proof since they’re inserted under your pet’s skin.

Bring pets inside at the first sign of danger

Disasters can be disorienting for pets, and they could run away or hurt themselves reacting to loud noises and strange changes to their landscape. Also, rain, flying debris and high winds pose a danger.

If you have to leave, keep pets with you

Leaving your pets behind during a natural disaster is never a good idea because they could escape or become exposed to a number of life-threatening hazards. Keep them on a leash or in a pet carrier so they don’t escape, even if you are in a “familiar” neighborhood.

Determine where you’ll go

You need a Plan B if you are advised by government officials to leave your home. Not all emergency shelters will accept pets and physical distancing

guidelines may reduce capacity in public shelters. Make a plan and develop a list of pet-friendly hotels open for business and outside your immediate area that you might evacuate to.

Create a pet-friendly resource list

Research a list of veterinarians in the area should your pet need medical care (your regular vet may have some recommendations). Also, figure out which boarding facilities are nearby in case you need to separate from your pet for a time.

Pack an emergency bag

Pack emergency provisions for pets well in advance of a catastrophe so you can evacuate your home quickly if needed. Choose an easy-to-carry bag, label it and keep it where everyone in the family can find it quickly. The bag should include a pet first aid kit; enough food and bottled water for a week (rotate this every couple of months to keep it from going bad); medications (check periodically to ensure medicines in your emergency bag don’t expire); cleanup supplies; food and water dishes; bags (or litter for cats) for collecting waste; an extra collar and leash; photocopies of medical records; towels; recent photos of your pets; and a favorite toy or chewy for comfort. It’s also a good idea to have a sturdy carrier or crate for each pet. By keeping these ideas in mind, pet preparedness plans can be put into action ahead of a storm instead of spending valuable time trying to determine what needs to be done to best protect pets.

—TuffMutt Foundation

Despite her size as a full-grown Great Pyrenees, Loretta Lynn becomes panicked during over-stimulating situations. She spooks easily and often needs extra guidance during thunderstorms and in chaotic environments. A restrictive chest wrap and ear muffs help her calm down and focus. (Photo by Christy Hinko)

Nassau County Needs Primaries For Our Politicians

BY MATTHEW ADARICHEV

In Cuba, all Parliamentary candidates are members of the Communist Party, and local party committees nominate candidates from amongst themselves. Those selected are then vetoed or approved by a National Candidacy Commission. Cubans have one candidate on the ballot, with no option to vote against, which may be why no candidate in Cuba’s parliamentary history has ever lost election.

It’s easy to scoff at this undemocratic system. But don’t laugh too hard—it’s practically identical to how Long Island elects its Legislators, and its a system that desperately needs change.

2023 is another local election year for Nassau. Since 1989, Nassau County residents have headed to the polls every two years to elect members of the County Legislature and their municipal leaders and every four years to elect county-wide offices like the County Executive.

Chances are you’ve voted for a candidate nominated by the Democratic or Republican Party, or one of the fusion parties, such as the Working Families or Conservative Party. But have you ever wondered how a candidate receives a party nomination in Nassau? Why is it

one candidate representing my party, and not another?

The reason why is because party nominations are notoriously opaque and undemocratic in Nassau. Neither the Democratic nor Republican Party in Nassau runs primaries except in ultra-rare circumstances; instead, incumbents are simply renominated, and candidates for open seats send résumés to their respective county party committees to be vetoed or approved by top party members.

Because Nassau voters have no say in the selection of their party candidates, Nassau voters end up with just two options on Election Day: vote for a candidate they dislike from the party they like, or hold their nose and vote for the other party. Neither option is preferable.

This situation has led to a County Legislature that is insulated from the Nassau voter and legislative elections that are laughably uncompetitive. In the 2021 Nassau elections, 14 out of 19 Legislators got more than 60% of the vote, and 10 legislators won 70 percent or more. In comparison, just two out of nineteen Legislators were re-elected by margins of less than 5Percent.

And 2021 was not just an anomalous “red wave”. Out of 190 Legislator

elections in Nassau dating back to 2001, only 8 saw an incumbent party lose. If you’re a Nassau County incumbent, you have a 95 percent chance of being re-elected.

Democrat, Republican, and other party voters should be able to choose which candidate represents their party in a primary. We choose the candidates representing our party in federal and state elections; why not extend the same courtesy to county elections?

We already have county-level primaries elsewhere: in the neighboring Big Apple, borough presidents (equivalent to county executive) must run the gauntlet of a primary before being elected in the

general. In Maryland, all county executives must undergo challenges from within their respective parties. In fact, Nassau County had primaries for our legislators at the beginning of its history.

The elections later this year should be the last without competitive primaries. Whether through an act of the Legislature, or by ballot initiative, Nassau voters, and then the voters of county governments beyond, should take the nomination of all County-level representatives into their own hands, or risk the continued sheltering of our County governments from the needs, desires, or even opinions of the people.

Low Attendance, Maintenance Concerns Shut Down Christopher Morley Pool

Residents lament closure

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

Summer’s here and the time is right for jumping into the pool. But not at Christopher Morley Park. The venerable Roslyn area institution, famous for a variety of outdoor amenities, will not be operating its public pool this summer. In fact, the pool may be closed for good.

“The pool needs extensive repairs, and the usage has continually gone down,” said Darcy Belyea, the Nassau County Parks Commissioner. “The Parks Department is currently re-evaluating whether to continue to use the pool or to put other recreational attractions there instead.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said that the county is looking into another function for the pool in case needed capital investments will not be used for the pool’s future re-opening.

“If we don’t [use the funds] we will find another attraction to take its place. It may be some of these spray pads that seem to be very popular with younger kids,” the county executive said in a statement.

High maintenance costs combined with surprisingly low attendance numbers contributed to this summer’s closing.

The problem with low attendance, Blakeman said, began in the summer of 2020 and has continued into this year. In 2022, about 1,000 local residents used the pool.

Despite that, the pool has long been a favorite destination for North Shore area residents, especially youngsters attending day camps.

“It was about a week ago they informed me that they would not be opening,” said Rabbi Yaakov Reiter. “I was thinking that’s pretty sad. We hope there’s still a chance maybe they can open up - it would be great.”

Sean Johnson, of New Hyde Park, is disappointed that a place that has many memories for him will potentially not come back.

“I definitely think it’s going to make an impact on the community,” added New Hyde Park resident Sean Johnson. “I know I have a lot of friends that come here and now they have kids and they come here.”

On it went.

“I used to work at a summer camp in this

park, it was really special to bring the kids to the pool,” said Barry Hott, of Great Neck.

“The local kids we would bring to the pool every day, and we’d use the little kiddie pool, the big pool, diving pool and it was just the memories that they would have created.”

Anton Bartul, also of Great Neck, was also surprised to see an empty pool.

“I was thinking to myself - why is there not water in the pool yet?” Bartul said.

“My goodness - as a kid, I remember the platforms that they had, and the really high platform - the Olympic three-meter

platform. You would crawl up to that, and it’d take all the courage in the world to jump off,” he said.

It wasn’t just Nassau residents who lamented the closure.

“We still come here because there’s no good pool in the Queens area,” said Gabriel Khaimov, who lives in Forest Hills.

Politicians also had their say.

“I really feel terrible because I know a lot of different groups use the pool,” said Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton (D-Glen Cove). “It’s a shame to see it happen. I know it’s a tremendous amount

of money but I really do like to see things for kids to keep them busy… it’s a loss.”

Christopher Morley Park is a public, Nassau County-owned park. It opened in 1961 and occupies 98 acres of land in its location on Searingtown Road.

As with many parcels of land, both residential and commercial, the park was once home to the huge estates that defined the North Shore, in this case, the Nelly Ryan Estate. During the flush times of the early 1960s, the county purchased the park for $700,000. In today’s dollars, that would be about $7,120,030. Among its many amenities are a dog park, walking paths, a nine-hole golf course, three baseball and softball fields, four basketball courts, two pickleball courts, paddleball courts, a shuffle board, a picnic area, and a fitness trail. The park is named for Christopher Morley, a Roslyn resident who was also a popular 20th-century author.

The grounds are home to “The Knothole,” Morley’s writing studio. When Morley’s house was razed, the writing quarters were moved to a county park in North Hills.

In 1966, the Knothole was transferred to the park. The renovated Knothole, historians have noted, includes built-in bookshelves, a fireplace, and a bunkbed. The Knothole’s “dymaxion” bathroom was designed in 1936 by Morley’s friend, Buckminster Fuller, the renowned scientist and inventor.

---Information from various media outlets

The legendary diving boards. (Photo courtesy of ABC-7 New York)

The Christopher Morley Park pool will be empty this summer. (Photo credit Christina Dieguez)

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

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

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND HOROSCOPES By

By Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Even though it pleases you to know that you make someone’s life easier, you can’t be everything to another person. Relationships bene t from a sense of pacing and a little more space. Don’t be afraid to let others miss you at times this week. It’s a form of appreciation!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). ough a cash ow opens to you, keep in mind that meaningful lifestyle upgrades won’t be bought with money. e most signicant improvements will be born of compassion. You’ll direct a warm and caring spirit toward yourself and to everyone around you, and things get immediately better.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Attention is not a one-size- ts-all situation. You’ll t yourself like a key to another person’s preferences. It may take time and experimentation to gure out what ts, but when you get it just right, the heart door swings open. is will come with various advantages, though the other person’s well-being is all that matters to you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When others around you don’t acknowledge what you are experiencing, it makes you question your reality. Try not to fall for this. ere are people with a similar resonance to yours and you will nd them. A sense of relatability and belonging like this doesn’t happen every day, which is why you’ll cherish those relationships.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). What you once considered important will fade into the priorities of the group. Working toward common goals lends stability beyond what you, or any individual, could achieve alone. You’ll put your e ort into things like fostering trust, economic integration and shared prosperity, and build a shared success story.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re well aware of the e ect you have on others and of your power to stir up feelings and cultivate vibes. And though you can’t control everything about how you are perceived, you can absolutely go for a particular reaction. You’re capable of creating a speci c experience for others, and you’ll thrive in thrust of this challenge.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll nd that the concept of “deserving” is problematic in general, and rife with moral implications and complexities. It won’t help to speculate about what is fair for anyone else. Such a thing is unknowable. Focus on you this week, and not on what you deserve but on what works for you or doesn’t.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A feeling cannot be wrong or right; it just is. Emotional balance is achievable when you welcome whatever feelings come up for you, even the ones that are disruptive and unwieldy. If you accept them without judgment, they will calm down and settle in. Overall, you will be stronger.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Everyone is seeing something di erent. Experiencing another perspective takes work. You’ll move to try and deepen your understanding, which could involve stooping, climbing or assuming uncomfortable positions. Empathy is always a worthy endeavor.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). e path of destiny is not always smooth, but rocky roads aren’t designed to trip you up. is terrain provides an opportunity to be a little more careful. Success is a function of sturdy shoes, steady company and the tenacity to keep stepping forward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Intense emotions burble to the surface this week. e feeling may seem out of step with the win or loss that triggered it. e mismatch of intensity is a sign. is is really about something that happened long ago -- a feeling that’s been trapped all this time. Historical emotions need release and expression, too!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be attracted to people who are worth the extra e ort it takes to get to know them. Trust will be earned and given in its own mysterious timing. Be patient. Relationships change the ways in which you are powerful. You will lose control in one area to gain more in another.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You’re not the sort of person who waits to see what’s in it for you. You’re a giver who brings a sharp intellect and keen curiosity to each new circumstance. Life serves up beautiful happenings to entertain and delight you. You’ll spend a good deal of time on projects, and you’ll creating an aesthetic around you as you make, design or embody your ideas. More highlights: an excellent reason to shed some possessions or property to trade up, celebratory news from afar and an ancestral bestowment.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Aussie barbecue

Solution: 24 Letters

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 24 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Aussie barbecue

Solution: 24 Letters

Beer Bench Bikes

Bins

Birds Buns

Burn Buses

Cask Chops Cook Deet

Eggs Embers Enjoyment Family Fields

Fire Fish Games

Beer Bench Bikes Bins

Garages Gates Grass Gutter

Hall Hat Hose Kennel Light

Pests Prepare Relax Salad

Shrubs Spade Sport

Steak

Sunbake Table Tomato sauce

Tongs Trees

Utensils

Washing line

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

Solution: An open invitation for flies

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

Date: 7/26/23 Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com

Solution: An open invitation for flies

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER FOR

Creators Syndicate

CONTRACT BRIDGE

By Steve Becker

Date: 7/26/23

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

Lay that pistol down

notrump if West has the king of clubs. Indeed, in that case a successful finesse would net you 11 or 12 tricks.

But if you begin by attacking clubs and East has the king, you might not make the contract. This could occur if West started with five or six hearts and the ace of spades.

Once you recognize the nature of the threat posed by West, it is not difficult to find the right countermeasure. So at trick two you lead the queen (or jack) of spades instead of attacking clubs. This play virtually eliminates any chance of going down.

If someone points a gun at your head, it is a good idea — as a matter of self-preservation — to disarm him if you can safely do so. An analogous situation arises at the bridge table when a particular opponent threatens your chances of making the contract. In such a case, you should do all you can to eliminate the threat.

Consider this deal where West leads a heart and you win East’s ten with the queen. Obviously, you’ll have no trouble making three

If West has the ace and takes it, you plan to duck his heart return and win the next heart. When you then try the club finesse, you’re on safe ground. Even if the finesse loses, either East will not have a heart to lead (because West had five originally), or East will have a heart (because he started with four, which means that West had only four).

Of course, if West does not take the first spade, you can then turn your attention to the club suit to guarantee making nine tricks. Thus, whatever West does when you lead the first spade, the contract is assured by attacking spades first.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

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

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

To Advertise here call 516-403-5170 • Email your ad to: mmallon@antonmediagroup.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS EMPLOYMENT

A Nassau County nonpro t organization is seeking sealed bids for purchase and installation of security related enhancements. The project includes installation of smart entry system alerts, surveillance cameras, fencing, bollards, and door hardening. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security technology, provision and installation of equipment within our time constraints, prior experience and references, and cost. MWBE certi cation a plus. Speci cations and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at ykysecquotes@gmail.com. All interested rms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and to provide a primary contact, telephone, fax, and email address. Bids will be accepted until 5 pm on July 27, 2023. Work is to commence by July 31, 2023 and to be completed no later than August 31, 2023.

AUTO / MOTORCYCLE

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h

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

Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

COMPANIONS / ELDERCARE

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM!

Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now!

Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

HOME SERVICES

DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles.

$84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING!

Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361

(Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

HEALTH / WELLNESS

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574

North Hempstead Housing Authority BBQ Event

North Hempstead Council Member Veronica Lurvey attended a special barbecue event held by the North Hempstead Housing Authority at Whitney Pond Park in Manhasset on July 13. The event allowed residents to gather together to enjoy delicious food and the company of neighbors and friends.

Town Hosts Composting 101 Class For Residents

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Councilmembers Peter Zuckerman and Mariann Dalimonte, along with Meagan Fastuca the Town’s Environmental Control Specialist hosted Home Composting 101 at Clark Botanic Garden on July 14. The event was part of a month-long celebration of Parks and Recreation month which is held annually in July. This year’s theme, Where Community Grows, high-

lights the role that parks play in bringing people together, providing services, and fostering community outdoor enjoyment while promoting healthy living.

For a complete list of the Parks and Recreation Month events including times and locations, visit: www.northhempsteadny. gov/summer.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

From the left: Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte, Councilmember Peter Zuckerman, Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, and North Hempstead’s Environmental Control Specialist Meagan Fastuca at the Composting 101 class. (Contributed photo)

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Councilmember Veronica Lurvey at the North Hempstead Housing Authority barbecue event.

Councilmember Veronica Lurvey with Maddox Rosado and Desiree Woodson preparing food for residents at the North Hempstead Housing Authority barbecue event. (Contributed photos)

The Pickleball Takeover Part One

younger players as they tend to hit smarter not harder.”

With more than 36 million players nationwide, pickleball has raced across the U.S., quickly becoming its fastest growing sport. In Great Neck, there are several locations to play, including the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Great Neck and Allenwood Park.

The game, which is a combination of badminton, tennis and ping pong, is uniquely accessible for people of all ages and skill levels. The small dimensions of a pickleball court — one-fourth the size of a tennis court — are appealing to older crowds.

“The beauty of pickleball is that people can learn and play quickly. While skill levels vary, the game is so popular now that people can always find others to play with at their same level” said David Radisch, the Director of Pickleball at SPORTIME Port Washington.

“Pickleball is about angles and strategy, not necessarily about how hard you can hit the ball. This is the reason why many older people can play competitively against

In addition, paddles are affordable — the cheapest wooden options are $10 — and wiffle balls can be used, furthering the game’s inclusivity. The most expensive professional paddles can sell for more than $150. The sport can be enjoyed in a singles or doubles format.

The only indoor pickleball courts in Great Neck are found at the JCC. The program offers six-week pickleball clinics for first-time players and advanced beginners, as well as court rentals — $15 for a 90-minute slot — for those wishing to play.

The social aspects of the sport are especially appealing.

“You can go to any outdoor public court, with friends or by yourself, and just put your paddle into a rack or bucket, and wait to play the next game.” said Radisch. “The culture of pickleball is to play with lots of different people, which creates new friendships, rivalries and overall camaraderie. In just 90 minutes, you can play with and against dozens of new people from a variety of different backgrounds.”

At Allenwood Park, there are lines taped over existing tennis courts to allow for pickleball play. This location is free to use

with a Great Neck Park District park card. Pickleball was invented by congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell in Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965. Following a summer golf outing, the two men returned to Pritchard’s house, only to find their families with nothing to do. There was an old badminton court on the property, but with no available badminton equipment, they instead played with ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. They initially played with the net at the standard badminton height of 60 inches. However, the net was lowered to 36 inches, with the ball bouncing nicely over it on the asphalt. The following weekend, Barney McCallum was introduced to pickleball at Pritchard’s house, and the three men created the rules for the game.

Since then, pickleball has exploded in popularity. Membership in USA Pickleball, the governing body for the sport founded in 2013, grew to 70,000 people in only 10 years.

“This sport was originally associated with senior citizens and was played predominantly in retirement communities. As

younger people started playing, the game started catching on,” said Radisch. “Over [the] past several years, as more people started playing, more people became addicted to it. I have never seen such demand for an activity like I’ve seen for pickleball over the past 2-3 years.”

Part two of The Pickleball Takeover will cover how to prevent common Pickleball injuries. Part two will be featured in the Aug. 2 issue of the Great Neck Record.

Pickleball match. (Photo from the Great Neck Park District Facebook)

Franklin Pickleball Jet Paddle and Ball Set ($49.99), Dicks Sporting Goods. (Product photo from Dicks Sporting Goods, dickssportinggoods.com)

Women’s doubles match.

(Photo from the SPORTIME instagram, @sportimeportwashington)

KerboomKidz Comes To Great Neck

As part of the Great Neck Park Districts’ summer events for kids and families, KerboomKidz is coming to Firefighters Park on Monday, July 31 at 6 p.m. The events are free for Great Neck Park District residents. For more information about the Great Neck Park Districts’ summer events for kids and families, visit gnparks.org

KerboomKidz is an energetic and challenging dance exercise program that is specially designed for students (grades Pre K-12) and special needs students. KerboomKidz is a great way for students to engage in a high-energy dance fitness class while improving their physical coordination and focus, developing cognitive skills, gaining rhythm, building self-esteem and confi-

LEGALGREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank N.A., successor trustee to Bank of America, N.A. successor in interest to LaSalle Bank, N.A. as trustee on behalf of the holder of the WAMU Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-AR12, Plaintiff

AGAINST

Nir Slepack; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 6, 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 August 9, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 17 Magnolia Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Great Neck Estates, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 2 Block Lot 279. Approximate amount of judgment $1,190,009.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 600455/2020. 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.”

John G. Marks, 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: June 23, 2023

7-26-19-12-5-2023-4T#241638-GN

Children following along with KerboomKidz dance program. (Photos from KerboomKidz)

dence and offering positive affirmations to build student’s mental and emotional state. For more information about KerboomKidz, visit kerboomkidz.com

—Information compiled from the Great Neck Park District and KerboomKidz

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation, Plaintiff AGAINST

Mordechay Movtady a/k/a

Mordechy Movtady; et al.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 16, 2017 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 August 15, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 17 Fir Drive, Great Neck/Kings Point, NY 11024. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Kings Point, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 1 Block 152 Lot 13. Approximate amount of judgment $2,362,980.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003168/2011. 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.”

Peter M. Rubin, 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: June 23, 2023

8-2; 7-26-19-12-2023-4T#241738-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SU-

PREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU PNC Bank, National Association, successor by merger to National City Bank, Plaintiff AGAINST Saeed Rouhani, Jacklin Rouhani, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of

Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 12, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 22, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 8 Preston Road, Great Neck, NY 11023. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Great Neck, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Block 111, Lot 45, 142. Approximate amount of judgment $218,869.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605463/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. George P. Esernio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-002488 76772

8-9-2; 7-26-19-2023-4T#241743-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall, Two Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Phyllis Tan to operate a business to be known as Golf Joy Inc. located at 25 Cuttermill Rd.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that all persons interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLAZA

Ted Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byme, Clerk-Treasurer

7-26-2023-1T-#241887-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: 2023 Water Main Replacement H2M Project No.: WAGN2351 will be received by the Board of Directors of the Water Authority of Great Neck North (Owner) at the Authority’s office, attention Gregory C. Graziano, Authority Superintendent, 50 Watermill Lane, Great Neck, NY 11021, until 10:30 a.m., Prevailing Time on Thursday, August 10, 2023, and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:30 a.m.

Complete sets of Hard Copy Bidding Documents, available Thursday, July 27, 2023, may be obtained from REV, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, New York 10990, Tel: 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to H2M architects engineers. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Information for Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.

As a convenience to the Contractor, Digital Bidding Documents may be obtained from the following website: www.h2mplanroom.com as an online download for a non-refundable fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), paid by credit card. Please note www.h2mplanroom.com is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. All bidders are urged to register to ensure receipt of all nec-

essary information, including bid addenda. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at www. h2mplanroom.com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with REV for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the Water Authority of Great Neck North, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informalities and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, is in the best interests of the Owner.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WATER AUTHORITY OF GREAT NECK NORTH

DATED: JULY 26, 2023/ JULY 28, 2023

7-26-2023-1T-#241917-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall, Two Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Xin Xin Zeng to operate a restaurant to be known as Yahao located at 6 Bond St.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that all persons interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public meeting. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF

GREAT NECK PLAZA

Ted Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer 7-26-2023-1T-#241929-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Board of Education of the Great Neck Union Free School District, Great Neck, New York, (hereinafter the “School District”), in accordance with Section 103 of Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, hereby invites reputable and qualified bidders to submit sealed bids for the provision of supplies and materials for the following:

BID 2023-2024-15

HVAC Supplies

Bid specifications may be obtained from the following website: https://www.bidnetdirect. com/new-york/greatneckschools

Bid submissions will be received by the School District until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023. Bids must be submitted online via the website referenced above. Vendors in need of assistance with this website should contact BidNet Vendor Support, (800) 835-4603, option 2. Bids will be opened and read aloud at the time and date stated above, at the Phipps Administration Building, 345 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, NY 11020. There will be no discussion at the time of bid opening. Bids submitted after this time and date will not be considered. Incomplete bids may not be considered. The names of the bidders shall be available following the bid opening.

The School District reserves the right to: waive any informalities in the bids, reject any or all bids, and/or make a full or partial award. The School District further reserves the right to consider experience, service, and reputation in connection with the services to be rendered. In addition, the School District reserves the right to consider the financial responsibility and specific qualifications as set forth in the bid specifications, of the

prospective bidder in its evaluation of the bids and award of the contracts.

By: Jason Martin, Purchasing Agent 7-26-2023-1T-#241955-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall, Two Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, New York to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Carlos Axilot to operate a restaurant to be known as Mama Rosa formerly known as Senor Nacho located at 31 South Middle Neck Rd.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all persons interested in this matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLAZA Ted Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byme, Clerk-Treasurer 7-26-2023-1T-#241960-GN

To Submit Legal Notices for LLPs, LLCs, Summonses, Orders to Show Cause, Citations, Name Changes, Bankruptcy Notices, Trustees Sales, Auction Sales, Foundation Notices Visit our website at antonmediagroup.com or call Legal Advertising at (516) 403-5143 Fax us at (516) 742-6376 or email us at legals@ antonnews.com

KerboomKidz program leaders.

KerboomKidz visits schools for fun and energetic programs.

headlines like “Cops say four Craiglist hookers killed by same psycho” (from the Daily News) appeared on newsstands.

Over a decade later, language around sex workers has improved.

“I have seen improvements, but just because there’s improvements doesn’t mean it’s time to ‘rest on our laurels’ kind of thing,” said Phoenix Calida, the Co-Executive Director of Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA. “There’s still a lot of stigma, still a lot of dehumanization. I’ve seen that some outlets who are covering this are still using the term ‘prostitute,’ instead of the preferred term, ‘sex worker’ ... also victim-blaming. So yes, there’s been some progress, but not nearly enough, and not nearly enough in general to make sex workers feel safe in society.”

And while the narrative around sex work is improving, it’s still far too late.

“If sex workers were able to talk about this more publicly years ago [without fear of criminalization], maybe some of it could have been averted,” Calida said. “There’s just something really heartbreaking about that, because it’s unnecessary damage, collateral damage.”

Along with society’s view of sex workers, the investigation was also hindered by a scandal that hit the Suffolk County Police Department that led to the jailing of the former chief of the Suffolk County Police Department James Burke, who was caught brutalizing a suspect in custody who stole private items from Burke in late 2012 and pressuring detectives to cover it up. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas J. Spota and Christopher McPartland, the former Chief of Investigations and Chief of the Government Corruption Bureau of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, were also jailed for covering up Burke’s crimes.

The Evidence

Approximately two months into the renewed joint investigation, according to the Bail Application Form, a comprehensive review of evidence led to the discovery of a Chevrolet Avalanche registered to Heuermann. A witness to the disappearance of Costello had identified the vehicle, as well as a description of a man that matches Heuermann’s features.

(The FBI has seized that vehicle from South Carolina, and it’s been returned to Suffolk County.)

This discovery led to a comprehensive investigation of Heuermann which consisted of over 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence.

Among the evidence that was found were cellphone billing records corresponding to cell site locations for the burner cellphones used to arrange meetings with three of the four victims, calls checking Brainard-Barnes’ voicemail after her disappearance, a call made by a detective to Barthelemy’s cellphone after her disappearance and taunting calls to a relative of Barthelemy. Additionally, Heuermann lived in Massapequa Park where the victims were believed to have disappeared from, and he worked in Midtown Manhattan, as an architect, in the vicinity where the taunting

calls were made.

Investigators have located a number of online accounts and burner cellphones linked to Heuermann, but were held by him in fictitious names and used for illicit activities, including contacting sex workers and massage parlors and conducting thousands of searches related to sex workers, sadistic, torture-related pornography and child pornography.

“I’ve seen reports that police actually knew he was seeing sex workers while he was under investigation, and just sort of let that happen, which seems incredibly harmful and somewhat disrespectful to the sex work community,” Calida said. “Who would have been there to protect sex workers had he chosen to make them his next set of victims?”

He also used a burner email account to conduct over 200 searches between March 2022 and June 2023 related to active and known serial killers, the disappearances and murders of Brainard-Barnes, Barthelemy, Waterman and Costello and the investigation into their murders.

Investigators believe, using modern day DNA analysis, that hairs that were found on Brainard-Barnes, Waterman and Costello belong to Heuermann and his wife. Travel records confirm she was out of state during three of the murders (cellular billing records and travel/financial records of his wife from 2007 could not be obtained because they were no longer available due to retention policies. Therefore it is undetermined if his wife was out-of-state during Brainard-Barnes’ disappearance and murder.)

It is likely that the burlap, tape, vehicles and other instrumentalities utilized in the murders came from Heuermann’s residences, where his wife resides, or was transferred from his clothing. The DNA was obtained by an undercover Suffolk County Police Officer taking bottles left out for collection at the Heuermanns’ residence and a surveillance team taking a pizza box that contained leftover pizza crust thrown out by Heuermann into a garbage can in Manhattan.

Heuermann faces multiple sentences of life without parole.

Heuermann pleaded not guilty to all the charges. “We just got appointed on this case. There’s not much I can tell you folks at this point in time,” his attorney, Michael Brown, told NBC. “I will say to you folks that it’s extremely circumstantial in nature. In terms of speaking to my client, the only thing I can tell you that he did say, as he was in tears, was ‘I didn’t do this.’”

Heuermann’s wife has reportedly filed for divorce.

Massapequa Park, The Center of a National News Story

Massapequa Park has approximately 7000 residents with about 6000 homes in the village. It’s a typical small town, with numerous parks and a quaint downtown. Mayor Daniel Pearl has been living in the Massapequas his whole life, moving to the village of Massapequa Park 22 years ago when he got married. He has been serving in the village government for nearly half that time.

“It’s a quiet place. All the neighbors know each other,” he said.

Pearl remembered the unease that surrounded the start of the case in 2010, since the bodies were discovered nearby. The news that Heuermann was the main suspect in these murders was certainly a shock to him and his constituents. “The way this whole thing started breaking out 10 plus years ago, over a decade ago, it was unbelievable to hear and everybody was scared. You know, serial killer and all that. Then to get up Friday morning (July 14) and find out that we have a possible serial killer living in the heart of the village. It was a total shock, not just to me, but to the majority of the community, especially the folks that live on that street.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Tierney said. “I know we have more to accomplish. But I’m also thankful for the partnership of the task force. Because certainly, without the participation of the task force, I know we wouldn’t be standing here.”

At the time of Heuermann’s arrest, he had the burner cellphone that was linked to the email used to conduct the online searches. Searches of his residence and other locations are currently ongoing.

Based on the serious and heinous nature of the offense, the strength of the case, the life sentence Heuermann faces, the measures he took to avoid apprehension, his recent online searches and his history of possessing firearms, the Bail Application Form requested that he be held without bail.

“While we did our part in this investigation, we continue because we have to house this individual,” Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said at the press conference. “We have already designated, or talked about, certain locations where we will house him, and in addition, the security measures we will implement in our facility to make sure this individual is brought to justice the way he should be.”

If convicted of the current charges,

Practical matters are also a concern, but Pearl wanted residents to know that municipal services and other concerns were being addressed by the village and law enforcement.

Going forward, Pearl stated that they would be watching the situation closely to help address residents’ concerns about gawkers, who are already trying to visit the home. “One of the things that we’re hearing a lot of now is people don’t want to live next to this home. They would like the home to be knocked down. We would love nothing more than to bring back the peace of the community or the neighborhood, of any memory of this incident. We’re not looking for an Amityville Horror type situation with people that are coming up to the house,” Pearl said.

The message from the village of Massapequa Park as a whole is one of empathy and respect: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved and affected by these horrific crimes. We thank all levels of law enforcement for their tenacity in bringing this case to justice. While we understand the intrigue surrounding this situation, we ask everyone to please be respectful of the community and the residents.”

The defendant has not yet been sentenced for these crimes.

In May 2023, Defendant Heuermann was observed by law enforcement via video and field surveillance, at a cellphone store in Midtown Manhattan, and purchased additional minutes which were added to this burner cellphone.

(Photo courtesy the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office)

This pizza box was sent to the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory for analysis, where a swab was taken from the leftover pizza crust.

(Photo courtesy the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office)