Great Neck Record 8/23/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group

Major Capital Projects In Great Neck Begin

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

Great Neck’s roads and bridges have been in need of repair. Some of the main areas of concern are the Cutter Mill Road/ Bayview Avenue Bridge that goes over the Long Island Rail Road tracks (LIRR) and portions of Northern Boulevard

Rehabilitation of the Cutter Mill Road/ Bayview Avenue Bridge

Due to the complexity of the project, the rehabilitation of the bridge will be done in several phases. In mid-July, phase one began for the Cutter Mill Road/ Bayview Bridge project. The first step involved the assessment of work to be done by contractors. And soon after that, construction will begin.

The project is estimated to cost over $7 million, with federal, state and county funding. According to Nassau County Legislator Mazi Meleza Pilip (District 10), $3.05 million is being funded by the Federal government and $582,000 from the State. She was able to help secure the balance of approximately $3.75 million from the County as part of the Capital Plan.

According to Mary Studdert, Director of Communications for the Nassau County Legislature majority, “This Federally funded project will rehabilitate the existing threespan Cutter Mill Road Bridge over the Long Island Railroad in the Village of Great Neck Plaza. The project limits are between Great Neck Road to the south and Ascot Ridge to the north.”

The 2023-2026 Nassau County Capital Improvement Plans details the work to be done in the rehabilitation of the Cutter Mill/ Bayview Bridge. “The work includes the replacement of the bridge deck overlay, replacement of approach slabs, repairs to abutments, and replacement of abutment bearings and other incidental work. The middle span is over the existing Long Island Railroad tracks (Port Washington Branch).”

Studdert shared that “In addition, sections of the approach roadways and sidewalks will be reconstructed.”

According to the Budget of the U.S. Government (Fiscal Year 2023), “The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for ensuring that the United States has the safest, most equitable, reliable, and modern transportation system in the world.” Therefore, the Federal Government’s 2023 Budget requested “$26.8 billion in discretionary budget authority for 2023, a $1.5 billion or six-percent increase from the 2021 enacted level.”

As part of the Federal Government’s Budget plan, modernizing and upgrading roads and bridges is high priority to improve the safety and efficiency of the nation’s network of roads and bridges. According to the Budget of the U.S. Government (Fiscal Year 2023), “the Budget provides $68.9 billion for the Federal-aid Highway program, a $19.8 billion increase from the 2021 enacted level.” Legislator Pilip shared on Facebook that she will continue to update the community as work begins and progresses. “The Cutter Mill Road-Bayview Avenue bridge project is a critical and important infrastructure project that is long overdue.”

The Cutter Mill Road/Bayview Avenue Bridge project is currently planned to “potentially begin work early winter,” shared Studdert.

In addition to the Cutter Mill Road/ Bayview Avenue project, Legislator Mazi shared that Middle Neck Road Bridge is slated for similar improvements, with more details to come later in the year.

Northern Boulevard

Another area of concern for Great Neck residents, the Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County as a whole is Northern Boulevard. Northern Boulevard is a state road, not a county road, so Legislator Pilip’s office has been in contact with the state to ensure that paving and infrastructure improvements are beginning.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, work is progressing to repave nearly 80 miles of roadway along parts of Northern State Parkway and Northern Boulevard. The two projects undertaken by the NYS Department of Transportation are a $25.8 million investment into Long Island’s transportation network.

State Senator Jack M. Martins (District 7) said, “Long Island’s infrastructure is our lifeblood. Ensuring our residents and busi-

nesses have high quality and safe roads is critical to our quality of life and our economic viability. This investment is a bold, strong statement that our roads are important and play a critical role in the economic health of New York State.”

New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (District 16) has been checking in and monitoring the progress of the Northern Boulevard work. Assemblywoman Sillitti has posted some clips to Facebook showing the work done by the Department of Transportation on Northern Boulevard. “It’s not just milling and then paving; there are so many steps in between,” she said. “One other thing that is really important is when you see the construction, slow down.”

The construction on Northern Boulevard is taking place overnight as to ensure as little disruption to everyday travel as possible. Due to the work being done, there are some overnight lane closures on Northern Boulevard.

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that one lane in either direction of Northern Boulevard is subject to closure between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is operative from the New York City line to Old Northern Boulevard in the villages of Russell Gardens, Lake Success, Flower Hill, Munsey Park, and Roslyn Estates, and areas of the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, for approximately two more weeks, weather permitting, to facilitate a pavement renewal project. The NYS Department of Transportation said, “Electronic message signs have been posted in the area to relay additional travel information to motorists. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.”

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. Follow NYSDOT on Twitter at @NYSDOT and @NYSDOTLI. Find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/ NYSDOT.

Bayview Avenue Bridge facing Great Neck Road. (Photo from Google Earth 2023)

Assemblywoman Sillitti on Northern Boulevard in Great Neck to observe the repaving. (Screengrab from Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti’s Facebook)

IN THE

Mike DelGuidice At Steppingstone Park

DANIEL GREILSHEIMER

editors@antonmediagroup.com

With the sun setting behind his openbacked stage, Long Island native Mike DelGuidice dazzled the crowd with hit-after-hit on Sunday, Aug. 13, as part of the Great Neck Park District Summer Concert Series at Steppingstone Park.

DelGuidice, who is currently on tour with Billy Joel — and has been since 2013 — and plays annually at Steppingstone, performed an array of covers and original music with his band, Big Shot. The songs ranged from Joel classics, Vienna, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, New York State of Mind and Piano Man, to John Denver’s country anthem, Take Me Home, Country Roads, to rock hits, Dream On by Aerosmith and Jump by Van Halen. The setlist further included singalongs Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and Elton John’s Tiny Dancer.

On piano the entire night, DelGuidice

stunned vocally with Nessun dorma, an aria from Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot. He has performed the song on tour with Joel since 2016, including at Madison Square Garden each month.

Spotted Lanternfly Seen In Great Neck

According to the Village of Great Neck Estates website, the Spotted Lanternfly has been seen in the village.

The village reminds residents that the Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper that feeds on over 70 plant species. The insects commonly feed on species such as the Tree of Heaven, grapevines, hops, apple, blueberry and stone fruits.

According to Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County, they feed on these plants by using their mouth parts to pierce and suck the sap from the plant which weakens the plant and causes it to excrete honeydew during infestation which can cause sooty mold growth.

The insects can be identified by their red hind wings with black spots and yellow abdomens with a black banding pattern. To manage Spotted Lanternfly populations, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Nassau County suggests using traps such as sticky band traps and circle traps.

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, they lay their eggs on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, stone, which are inadvertently transported to new areas, causing the insect to spread. To remove eggs, Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County suggests the eggs to be scraped into a resealable bag that contains rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and dispose of them properly.

If you believe that you have encountered a Spotted Lanternfly, please take a photo of the insect, egg masses, or the infestation and email it to spottedlanternfly@ agriculture.ny.gov or call the DEC’s Forest Health information line at 1-866-640-0652.

—Information compiled by Julie Prisco

Several elected officials were in attendance, including North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Mazi Melesa Pilip, the Nassau County Legislator for District 10.

The Great Neck Park District Summer Concert Series continues on Saturday, Sept. 2 with Grammy award-winning, critically acclaimed R&B star Ne-Yo. In addition, Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway follows on Sunday, Sept. 3. More information about the concert series line-up can be found at https://www.gnparks.org/421/Summer-Concert-Series.

Safety Seminar

In early August, the Mashadi Central Board and Sisterhood organized an informative program to teach Great Neck residents important lessons about the dangers of the internet, social media, and substance use and abuse.

The Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Pat Ryder, Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (District 10), Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Village officials, and members of the NCPD 6th Precinct in Great Neck joined the event.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor DeSena wrote on Facebook, “This important program was attended by hundreds of parents concerned about safety, and I applaud all in attendance as we seek to protect our children. Parents standing together can prevent tragedies.”

—Information compiled by Julie Prisco

(Graphic from the Town of North Hempstead)

Safety seminar in Great Neck.

Legislator Pilip, Supervisor DeSena and members of the Nassau County Police Department at the safety seminar. (Photos form Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena’s Facebook)

The crowd at Steppingstone Park for Mike DelGuidice.

DelGuidice greeting fans on stage. (Photos by Daniel Greilsheimer)

Please call to schedule an appointment and have the opportunity to meet her yourself! 242124

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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SATURDAY, AUG. 26

E-Waste Recycling

8 a.m.-12 p.m. (Michael J. Tully Park, New Hyde Park) Town of North Hempstead is hosting an electronic waste drop-off event for residents. For more information call 311 or visit northhempsteadny.gov/residentdropoff

Music at the Boatyard

2 p.m.-6 p.m. (Steppingstone Park) The Great Neck Park District 2023 Summer Concert Series: Music at the Boatyard. Visit gnparks.org for more information.

Dave Matthews Tribute Band

7:30 p.m. (North Hempstead Beach Park)

summer concert series: Daves Matthews Tribute Band. Call 311 for more information.

SUNDAY, AUG. 27

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

TUESDAY, AUG. 29

Jeopardy

10:30-11:30 a.m. (Great Neck Social Center)

Join the Great Neck Social Center for an exciting game of Jeopardy. Trivia is a great exercise for your brain. Registration required, call 516-487-0025.

End of Summer Bingo

4:30-5:30 p.m. (Station Branch Community Room) Join the Station Branch community for a fun evening

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

Kindergarten Meet-Up

11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Main Library Community Room) Come to the Library for a playdate, where you will make some new friends who are also starting school. This program is for children entering Kindergarten (5 years old) with an accompanying adult and will take place at the Main Building. No registration is necessary. For Great Neck resident children only.

Room) Join the conversation or just come and listen when Marla Matthews, social worker and television talk show host, facilitates this growing discussion, social and support group meetup. If you are divorced, widowed, single, or an empty nester age 50+ who would like a new beginning, come and be inspired to make new friends, network and learn new skills. No registration required.

SPONSORED BY ORLIN & COHEN

SPORTS & RECREATION

Athlete Of The Month: Shai Altman

BY JULIE PRISCO

Shai Altman is a basketball player beginning his senior year at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School.

Altman has been playing basketball since he could remember. “I grew up on the basketball court and I still love to play with the same kids from preschool,” he said. While growing up, Altman played basketball for fun with friends and competitively on community leagues.

“I played for the best coaches on community leagues and AAU teams (Amateur Athletic Union),” he said. Being a fan of the sport and an avid player, Altman appreciates the strategy and mechanics involved in the game. As a player, he feels a good coach is the best inspiration. “They teach leadership, confidence and sportsmanship,” said Altman.

Although this was Coach Shalom Babayev’s first season coaching Altman on the North Shore Hebrew Academy basketball team, he recognized Altman’s commitment to the game and his teammates.

“Shai is a hardworker who brings leadership and grit to the team,” said Coach Babayev. “He really stepped in when a few guys were injured.”

When thinking back on his basketball career so far, Altman recalls when the North Shore Hebrew Academy basketball team won the junior varsity championship in his sophomore year of high school.

“It was a big responsibility to be the starting point guard of the team,” said Altman. “The entire team was dedicated to winning. It was an amazing experience with my teammates.”

Similar to Altman’s own fond

memories of the championship basketball game, North Shore Hebrew Academy Basketball Coach Billy Muir recalled that season as his greatest memory of Altman’s high school basketball career.

“My greatest memory is of Shai playing as point guard throughout the 2021-22 championship season. He played with calm determination and never let the pressure get to him,” said Coach Muir.

With senior year just beginning for Altman, he is starting to think about the next academic and athletic steps. While contemplating future plans, Altman is sure basketball will always be a constant.

“I will always play basketball. I will always be a fan,” said Altman. “I love the strategy and mechanics involved. I would love to become a coach one day and make a difference in someone’s life.”

Shai Altman

(Photo from North Shore Hebrew Academy High School)

MTA Fare Increases Resume Riders will pay more

railroad zones, Monthly ticket fares will not exceed $500.

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

After a pause to ride out the tumultuous pandemic years, the MTA is once again implementing scheduled fare increases to keep up with operating costs, ridership deficits, and inflation. In addition to raising the cost per ride, the MTA is also eliminating some pilot programs, while modifying or creating others.

Larry Penner, former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management, provided some insight into these changes. This information has been edited for length and clarity.

History of the fare increase

“Fare increases for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority NYC transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, along with Long Island Rail Road and Metro North Rail Road, were already assumed in 2019 as part of the approval process for the $51 billion 2020 - 2024 Five Year Capital Plan. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and members of the New York State Legislature and New York City Council were all in on this financial arrangement before signing on board. This included 4 percent increase in 2021 and 2023.”

Additional Funding

“Albany provides the MTA significant annual funding under the Statewide Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA) program. Washington via Federal Transit Administration grants, riders via farebox and motorists via tolls continue to pay their fair share. In 2023, the Federal Transit Administration will provide the MTA with annual $1.8 billion in formula funding under various grant programs. This will grow by several hundred million more annually in coming years.”

Reason for the increase

“Fare hikes are periodically required if the MTA and operating agencies such as the NYC Transit bus and subway, MTA Bus, LIRR and Metro North are to provide the services millions of New Yorkers count on daily. They are inevitable, due to increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, upgrades to stations, yards and shops as well as system expansion projects necessary to run any transit system and inflation.”

Pandemic pause

“Receipt of $16 billion in CARE COVID-19 funding from Washington under Federal Transit Administration grants was never intended to support cancellation of

future fare increases. It was made available to make up for lost revenues during this period and maintain service levels. In any case, most of these funds have already been spent.”

Affordability of the service

“MTA services continue to be one of the best bargains in town. Since the 1950s, the average cost of riding either the bus, subway or commuter rail has gone up at a lower rate than either the consumer price index or inflation. The Metro Card introduced in 1996 affords a free transfer between bus and subway. Prior to this, riders had to pay two full fares. Many residents purchase either a weekly or monthly NYC Transit bus/subway Metro or OMNY Card, LIRR or Metro North ticket to further reduces the cost per ride.”

Eliminating 20-ride pass

“The MTA made a mistake in abolishing the 20 ticket pass. In a post COVID-19 era, fewer people need a full-blown monthly

pass when they are only going into the city three times a week.”

The bottom line

“In the end, quality and frequency of service is dependent upon secure revenue streams. We all will have to contribute — be it at the fare box or tax revenues generated by different levels of government redistributed back to the MTA. Like it or not, MTA fare increases are justified in 2023.”

Changes to MTA fares in 2023

Changes to LIRR fares

• Monthly and Weekly tickets will increase by up to 4.5 percent.

• Thanks to the additional 10 percent discount implemented in March 2022, monthly fares will remain lower than they were pre-COVID.

• Recognizing the high fares in the farthest

• The discount for traveling off-peak will be standardized to 26 percent across both railroads. (Until now, LIRR’s discount was 27.5 percent.)

• This will lead to slightly higher increases of 6 to 7 percent on LIRR Off-Peak tickets and slightly lower increases of 2 to 3 percent on Metro-North Off-Peak tickets.

• All other ticket types will increase by as much as 10 percent; however, any ticket increase greater than 6 percent will be held to a maximum increase of $0.50 per trip.

• LIRR and Metro-North will continue to offer UniTicket fares to travel on both commuter rail and connecting bus and ferry services. Changes in those fares will be based in part on changes to weekly and monthly transit fares. One-way tickets for MTA-managed connecting services will also change.

• Policies regarding the calculation of onboard fares and refunds will remain unchanged.

• All tickets purchased at the old fare will continue to be valid through their stated expiration dates.

Changes to NYCT, LIRR, and Metro-North fare pilots

A more flexible fare-capping pilot with OMNY

OMNY customers will continue to get the best weekly fare. Your first tap starts a new 7-day cap. If you spend $34 (or $17 for Reduced-Fare customers) within a seven-day period, you ride free for the rest of that week. If you spend less, you only pay for the rides you take. The cap resets every seven days. Group trips, express bus taps, and transfers do not count toward the weekly cap.

More

CityTicket pilot options

CityTicket currently offers customers a $5 flat-fare ticket to travel within New York City limits during all off-peak hours. MTA is introducing a Peak CityTicket for travel during weekday peak hours for $7.

MTA is also introducing a special ticket for customers traveling to Far Rockaway on the LIRR at the same price as the typical CityTicket.

Atlantic Ticket and 20-Trip Peak ticket pilots discontinued

As the MTA adopts new CityTicket pilots, and in the interest of standardizing and simplifying commuter railroad fares, both the $5 One-Way Atlantic Ticket and $60 Weekly Atlantic Ticket will be discontinued. The 20-Trip Peak ticket, introduced in 2022 to encourage infrequent customers to commute more regularly, will be discontinued as post-COVID travel patterns continue to return to normal.

—Information compiled by Amanda Olsen

per ride after Aug. 20

(Photo by Alex Nuñez)

(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

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LAKESIDE THEATRE

Hochul Announces NY State Parks Centennial Celebration

Governor Kathy Hochul recently previewed a year-long celebration of the centennial anniversary of the founding of New York’s statewide park and historic site system to take place in 2024. The celebration will both highlight and build upon one of New York State’s greatest environmental legacies. In 1924, Governor Alfred E. Smith and the State Legislature created the New York State Council of Parks while voters approved a $15 million bond act to build and enlarge a network of State parks, forging the New York State park and historic site system that New York State residents and visitors know and cherish today.

“New York State led the nation in creating a State park system for our citizens 100 years ago,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate through next year, New York will continue to invest in our park system to support the State’s outdoor recreation economy, expand access to underserved communities, address the impacts of climate change, and position New York State as a top recreation destination.”

Across the state through 2024, New York will commemorate the state park centennial with hundreds of community celebrations, performances and special events led by the state park and historic site staff, the State Council of Parks and Park and Historic Site Friends Groups. There will be a new Centennial Challenge to encourage visitors to try a variety of new activities as they enjoy the parks and historic sites, special discounts on park admission fees and new opportunities to volunteer and promote park stewardship. A traveling exhibit on the history of New York State parks will go on display at parks and historic sites throughout the state. State parks will collect and share stories and photographs from the public to celebrate the memories made during the last century, as well as a new line of Centennial-themed New York State Parks merchandise from the parks store. New Yorkers can visit parks.ny.gov/100 to learn more about the Centennial.

While New York State had established a number of state parks and historic sites prior to 1924 to protect scenic and

historic resources – such as Niagara Falls, George Washington’s Revolutionary War Headquarters, and Bear Mountain – the State Park Act was intended to directly connect citizens to outdoor recreation. When these limited preserves proved to be overwhelmingly popular, state leaders recognized the need to create more parks in proximity to urban centers. In 1923, Governor Alfred E. Smith endorsed an ambitious plan for a statewide system of parks connected by scenic parkways and boulevards. In 1924, New York State established the State Council of Parks and voters approved a $15 million bond to put the plan in action. Over the next decade, 55 new state parks were established.

In addition, New York State will prioritize investments and programs to preserve the park system as a model for the nation in the next century by restoring and expanding visitor capacity. State parks will continue the ongoing transformation of New York’s flagship parks and embark on critical infrastructure improvement projects. The state budget includes $200 million for capital improvement projects annually for five years, for a total of $1 billion through fiscal year 2028. The funding will help improve parks and restore facilities at such heavily visited parks as Bear Mountain, Heckscher, Jones Beach, and Riverbank State Park.

—Submitted by the office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Watkins Glen State Park

Photos by Alex Nuñez

COLUMNS

What Is The Right Age To Give Your Kid An iPhone?

My second grader comes home from school, and says a girl in his class has an iPhone, and can he have one. At first, I was in shock, why does an 8-year-old kid have an iPhone at school?

Then my reaction went to “absolutely not, no way.”

This is not the only person in my son’s second grade class last year that had their own iPhone. It’s surprising and yet not, as devices are so prevalent in our lives, it’s hard to keep them away from kids.

And as we approach Tween-age years, having a phone is almost a given, and not having a phone can be viewed as socially awkward, or create feelings of being left out.

Many kids these days communicate and coordinate on their phones to get together, share stories, and connect. I’ve heard from many mothers who worry about this, especially when it comes to kids feeling left out. As a parent of elementary age kids, I know I am going to soon reach a point where it will be harder and harder to say no to giving my kids a phone.

Our kids have had access to phones, whether it’s Facetime with

ADVENTURES IN PARENTING

grandparents, watching videos, or even playing games, since they were toddlers. Living in a digital age, smartphones and being online have become an integral part of our lives. The big question is when is the right time to give them the device.

According to a study by Common Sense Media in 2021, 53 percent of children aged 11 and under have their own smartphone, and by the age of 12, that percentage jumps to 69 percent. Among

teenagers between aged 13-18, a staggering 84 percent have a smartphone.

“It can be a wonderful learning tool,” says Jill Garfunkel, parent of an eight-year-old daughter and also teaches high school students. “And during COVID, kids were able to Facetime with friends, so it combat loneliness.”

Garfunkel would prefer to delay for her elementary school-aged daughter. “I’m worried about kids becoming addicted, and not learning important social skills or being in the moment at school, because they are distracted by their phone.”

When COVID hit, having an iPhone for a kid in school almost became a necessity, as kids had to stay with their class and were often not allowed to go to the school office to call their parents.

“Many parents are using phones as tracking devices,” said Marissa Gregorio, mother of a second, sixth, seventh and tenth grader. “They are in sports, on buses going everywhere….things happen, the buses come early or later, they need a phone to get in touch with

us.”

For Falguni Patel, giving her 11-year-old a phone was a necessity, even though she would rather have waited. “We moved to a new area in COVID, and there was no way for me to get in touch with him,” she said. “It made me feel safer for him to have a phone, and know his GPS location.”

Ensuring connection and communication with parents are just a few benefits, giving us a sense of security, especially during emergencies.

“When our kids reached middle-school, we made an agreement with the parents of their friends to hold off until seventh grade in giving them iPhones,” said Tatiana Zarmehr, who has twins going into 7th grade and a daughter in high school. “That really helped our girls not feel they were missing out, as their friends didn’t have a phone either.”

Gregorio, who has one boy, and three girls, says they use their phones differently. “Boys are mostly into playing games and looking up sports, while girls want

Artificial Intelligence and the Jewish Perspective

It’s been a well established fact that human beings are the smartest creatures on earth– so smart, in fact, that they have now created an apparatus that’s just as smart as themselves. Computers that emit artificial intelligence (AI) have been in the works for a few years now, but they have gotten really refined in recent months, prompting concern from technological experts. AI bots are superintelligent and capable of writing in a highly convincing manner. Because of that, there’s no telling just how far-reaching their influence will be.

We see this already with the manipulative influence of web search and advertising directed to your preferences. It is now very plausible that AI technology will come to manipulate public opinion in a way that’s all-consuming, to the extent that it will control human behavior through its words. In the recent past, AI’s show absorbed bias, based on suggesting feelings e.g. connoted preferences for specific political candidates that entirely usurp the efforts of human beings. How long before these effects of AI become malignant and – disruptive rather than assistive? With the rate that AI is developing, it may soon morph into a force that determines

the future of the digital world, not to mention our national security and society as we know it.

For this reason, many professionals who are deeply immersed in the field believe that we should be cautious in regards to AI and ensure that there is continual government oversight of the concept. Only if we monitor the consequences of AI, take continuous stock of just how influential it is in altering human behaviors, do we have any hope of channeling AI’s benefits. AI has the potential to be productive or destructive.

AI has only come about because we’ve become such an affluent society, accumulating wealth

which can be a wonderful force for good, but it also can very quickly distort, disrupt, and denigrate the people under its sway. Access to bountiful opportunity has given Americans the ability to become technologically sophisticated and efficient. However, with this ease comes greed, complacency, and a lack of empathy. Affluent people are so accustomed to luxury and achieving their own ends that they become detached from the needs of others. This is precisely the sort of social slide that Judaism warns against.

Judaism is all for enjoying the fruits of this world but we strongly discourage chasing after the newest technological fads just to keep up with the Jones’. On the contrary, Jews are encouraged by their religion to remain grounded, centered, and beholden to a divine power which is more ethereal and benevolent than any accommodating computer. Because of AI, we are currently on the verge of a national crisis, but those adhering to Jewish principles know how to reign themselves in, distance themselves from a construct while

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only using AI for its benefits in moderation.

Let’s get on board with those pushing for the making of a security system that would protect and defend our foreseeable future. We must be frank with ourselves and acknowledge that AI, unchecked, could be dangerous. Civilians concerned with how it can help them may very well forget to help others. Let’s guard the fiber of our moral character and remember that there is much that the Creator enabled us to do for ourselves. Judaism wants us to use these gifts and employ our creativity, rather than leaving it all for a computer with AI to execute on our behalf. Under those parameters, just how genuine is our accomplishment? How far have we really advanced? How much of ourselves have we truly imprinted upon this world? Not very much – only as far as our voice can carry in instructing this computer to display its capabilities.

The question remains, what about our capabilities? What about our potential for growth and greatness? If we let AI continue to chart our future course, we will never truly discover just how much we have within ourselves to give.

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RABBI MOSHE WEISBLUM

to be interacting with their friends 24-7,” she said.

Experts say to begin with the basics with your kids and educate them on the pros and cons, no matter what age you decide to give them a phone.

Teaching your kids about the potential risks and dangers of the internet, including cyberbullying, online predators, and the importance of protecting personal information is crucial. Apps like Bark monitor text messages, YouTube, emails, and 30+ different social networks for potential safety concerns.

“I locked several things on the phone, as well as ensured we were screening how my son was using the phone,” said Patel. Setting clear rules and boundaries by establishing guidelines regarding usage is key, say parents.

For any screen time, my kids have to earn it after they do their chores at home, and we try to limit usage during the school week. We regularly communicate and reinforce the rules to ensure they know the boundaries.

Gregorio puts restrictions on when her kids can have their phones, and the apps they use, with shared passwords. “As a parent, you need to be tech savvy, and if you don’t know, you need to talk to someone that will teach you.”

Monitoring online activity by regularly checking your child’s phone is important. This helps ensure their safety, allows you to address any concerns immediately, and provides an opportunity to have ongoing conversations about responsible digital behavior.

We try to teach our kids to never share their

personal information online, never interact with anyone they don’t know or we haven’t approved, and why doing so can be harmful.

“I tell my girls I don’t want them to post about themselves on social media for security reasons,” said Gregorio.

You may know your followers, but you don’t know their followers, who they are and they could be strangers, and these days everyone is trackable, she said. Gregorio goes so far as to check all their followers and who they are following every few weeks.

“We always communicate about what he is looking at,” said Patel. “He comes to me with questions, we discuss things and we also have watched things together on TikTok and had a laugh.”

Patel said, by showing an interest in what her son was looking at really helped communication between them. Now her son is very comfortable going to her with questions about what he is seeing online, and social media, regardless of how controversial it might be. “It helps him not feel like he has to hide something from me,” said Patel.

As parents, we can help our children navigate the increasingly connected world they are growing up in. By developing healthy relationships with their smartphones, with regular communication, guidance,, and monitoring, we can ensure a safe and balanced smartphone experience for kids.

“Technology is here to stay and kids cannot be shielded from it, they, (as well as parents), have to learn to embrace it,” says Garfunkel. “Just being aware of what your kids are doing online, and educating them is what you can do.”

SEP 23Hermans Hermits starring Peter Noone

SEP 28YES: Classic Tales of YES

NOV 4Almost Queen - A Tribute to Queen

NOV 10Masters of Illusion

NOV 11Paul Anka

NOV 12Celebrating David Bowie featuring Peter Murphy, Adriant

HOME & DESIGN

How Much For The Keys To Barbie’s DreamHouse?

Anew report by Malibu brokerage, RubyHome, reveals the price tag attached to Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse.

For the valuation, RubyHome compared the average sale price for comparable Malibu homes with similar amenities, plus an additional premium of 10 percent to estimate the market price for the one-of-a-kind residence.

The DreamHouse is a real 3,500-square-foot, all-pink, single-family home featuring a swimming pool, Pacific Ocean views, and an interior designed by Jonathan Adler, complete with Barbie furniture.

According to Consolidated Multiple Listing (CMLS) data compiled by RubyHome, comparable homes in the area, such as those with a similar location, pool, and views, fetch $9.1 million.

“Barbie’s marketing has been everywhere this summer,” Tony Mariotti, CEO of RubyHome said. “This unique property appeared on Airbnb, leading eager

fans to rush to glimpse the real-life dollhouse, complete with a maximalist Barbie-themed interior. While it certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste, the views of the Pacific Ocean, private pool, and totally unique design result in a hefty price tag for the property.”

Considering the mansion’s iconic design and Barbie’s cultural value, it could bump the price of the doll’s DreamHouse to an eye-watering $10 million— almost three times the average home value in Malibu—or $2,880 per square foot.

If Barbie became a landlord, leasing the property would fetch an estimated $77,412 per month.

If sold, Barbie can expect to pay an estimated $780,000 in closing costs.

With a 20 percent down payment, Americans need to make a minimum of $2 million a year to afford the home.

Airbnb recently opened limited bookings of the home. Lucky guests got to experience a one-night stay at the property.

Recently Sold HOMES

This gated luxury waterfront compound at 357 Centre Island Rd. in Centre Island sold on Aug. 2 for $8,330,000. It is the epitome of Centre Island living and was designed by the renowned architects, Austin Patterson Disston, custom-built in 2005. This home offers every possible amenity, including 16 rooms, six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It has a luxurious pool, spa and pool house with its own bathroom and outdoor shower. There is a tennis court and pavillion on the nearly four-acre property. Centre Island is a unique community surrounded by water. The property entrance is only gained as you pass Centre Island police headquarters. This fabulous shingle-style colonial home is ideally situated on a knoll overlooking Oyster Bay and Cold Spring harbors. It is a direct-waterfront estate with more than 228-feet of sandy beach. The morning tide is enchanting, seductive and sublime.

This completely renovated “California-split” nestled on a private quarter-acre at 8 Sagamore Rd. in sought after East Norwich sold on Aug. 11 for $905,000. Everything is new in this spacious three-level open floor plan home. It has vaulted ceilings, four bedrooms and three full bathrooms with many upgrades. The home has hardwood floors and a wood burning fireplace that adds to the ambiance of this lovely home. The primary bedroom features en-suite bath with a huge custom shower and a marble

countertop. The lower level is an ideal guest suite or home office. The home has updated electric and new Andersen 400 series windows throughout. The washer and dryer are new and are

WiFi-equipped. The whole house is connected to the alarm system. This home is near the waterfront in the historic Oyster Bay hamlet. It is served by the Oyster Bay School District.

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.

JETHRO TULL: FAR FROM LIVING IN THE PAST

BY DAVE GIL DE RUBIO

Currently enjoying its seventh decade of an existence that finds the progfolk elder statesmen continuing to tour the globe and still releasing fulllength albums in the face of Spotify and iTunes (this year’s Rökflöte is the band’s 23rd studio album and follows on the heels of 2022’s Zealot Gene), Tull is making up for lost time coming out of the pandemic. Tours have been booked and re-booked (the band finally played Finland late last year after canceling three prior times. Some fans were using tickets purchased in 2019 for the originally scheduled shows) and ever since getting back on the road in August 2021, the current line-up, consisting of Dave Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (piano/keyboards/Hammond B-3 organ), Scott Hammond (drums) and Joe Parrish-James (electric and acoustic guitars/mandolin), has been criss-crossing Europe. Among the stops they’ve made are Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Iceland, Monaco, France, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Poland, Sweden, Portugal and Greece with dates in Ukraine and Russia being canceled for obvious reasons. For Anderson, maintaining momentum is crucial, whether it’s in the studio or on the road.

“My inspiration primarily these days, like everything I do when I wake up in the morning, is to pack it all in because I may not have long to go,” he said quite candidly. “And we often just get used to the idea that continuity is everything and it will be the same tomorrow as it was today and it will be the same next year as it was this year. I have to be realistic. So making a new album—and I have another new album in the works for 2024— that’s really just mostly a question of not letting things go by and finding yourself in a position where it’s too late. And the things you had planned to do, you can no longer do. That applies to booking tours, doing concerts and deciding where I’m going to have lunch tomorrow night when I get into a small German town at 10 o’clock at night. It’s that kind of thinking ahead, but realistically trying to take care of business as soon as you can.”

Ever the intellectual seeker, Anderson’s curiosity led to Tull’s latest albums being steeped in religion and mythology. And while The Zealot Gene features biblical references throughout and has each song starting with a passage from the Bible, Anderson turned his attention to Norse mythology for Rökflöte

It’s a creative turn he took quite seriously given the connections it’s had with fascist and far right movements in recent times.

“I thought it would be interesting to write something based on the texts about polytheistic beliefs,” he said. “I considered various Far Eastern beliefs and the possibility of Greek and Roman mythology. Then I thought, where did all that dissipate to? It was clear that it traveled through northwestern Europe and finally petered out in the

Norse religions—mostly around the eleventh and twelfth centuries when Christianity, which had been around for a while, supplanting the belief in the multitude of gods that in many cases do have some very close parallels in Roman and Greek mythology. It seemed like a fertile ground and something I would do with a light touch because Norse mythology has given rise to some dark fascinations by a number of people in not too-distant periods of history. Nowadays, it still holds a fascination for some Nordic heavy metal bands that fool around with that kind of a thing. But most worrisome, it was part of the inspiration in the dark and quite satanic activities of one Heinrich Himmler.”

“My inspiration primarily these days, like everything I do when I wake up in the morning, is to pack it all in because I may not have long to go. We often just get used to the idea that continuity is everything and it will be the same tomorrow as it was today and it will be the same next year as it was this year. I have to be realistic. So making a new album—and I have another new album in the works for 2024—that’s really just mostly a question of not letting things go by and finding yourself in a position where it’s too late.”

music of the church. Suddenly, I encountered the syncopated music of jazz, the flattened fifth and the scale, which was something which made a very easy attraction later as a teenager into black American folk music, which we call the blues.”

For Anderson, creatively pushing himself has been a constant dating back to early childhood memories of singing church hymns and folk songs in school. Yet it was not rock and roll that proved to be the musical disruptor for the young Anderson but rather the sway of his father’s own tastes.

“In terms of modern music and the days of pop music and rock and roll, the music that gave rise in its way to what eventually became the latter was what intrigued me,” he said. “It was the music of the big bands of the World War II era from people like Duke Ellington and so on who my father listened to and were the perpetrators of swing. It was far away from the very strict

In those early formative days, the now-septuagenarian rocker and classmates Jeffrey Hammond and John Evan started out as a five-piece blues and soul band, along with future Tull drummer Barriemore Barlow. The loose group evolved into becoming a blue-eyed soul sextet before eventually settling into the four-piece line-up that recorded the band’s 1968 debut This Was and was rounded out by guitarist Mick Abrahams (who left afterwards to form Blodwyn Pig), bassist Glenn Cornick and drummer Clive Bunker. Of course, part of Tull’s singularity is Anderson’s musical weapon of choice, a major pivot he made leading up to the band’s debut when he decided

Ian Anderson could have been a cop. Or a member of the Third Estate. This is what the erudite Scotsman would have you believe was his lot in life versus his current role as the longstanding frontman of Jethro Tull.

—Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson in the studio. (All photos courtesy of Anne Leighton unless otherwise noted)

Jethro Tull 2023

Jethro Tull live in Hamburg in 1973

(Photo by Heinrich Klaffs/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Ian Anderson performing with Jethro Tull at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada in March 1977

(Photo by Jean-Luc/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Continued from page 3B

to swap guitar for flute as his go-to instrument.

“I wanted to do something a bit more idiosyncratic,” he said.

“So in the summer of 1967, I quit playing electric guitar and exchanged my guitar for a flute and a Shure microphone made in Chicago.”

Fast forward to 2023 and Anderson is the sole founding member left. The current tour, “The Seven Decades,” marks the band’s return to American shores for the first time since 2019. Fans can expect a healthy cross-section from Jethro Tull’s extensive canon.

“The U.S. tour is very much pinned on the idea of how Jethro Tull have performed in seven decades,” Anderson said. “That doesn’t mean we’ve been playing for 70 years, but we started in the late ‘60s and now we’re in the 2020’s. We feature something from each one of those decades and there are a few songs that are among the heavy hitters that people will recognize. There are a few that our fans will know quite well. And there are a few that people won’t know because they are less well-visited, perhaps never played on stage before or in the case of the last two albums, two songs from Zealotry [The Zealot Gene] and two songs from Rökflöte, which is the new album. It’s a smattering really of this and that.”

With so much mileage under his belt, it’s hard to envision Anderson as being anything but the international rock star he jokingly refers to

himself as given how much music has always meant to him. It’s a mistress he counsels younger performers to always keep close.

“I’ve frequently said to young fiery musicians, particularly those in classical music, is to not ever be afraid to become an amateur musician because the word amateur comes from a Latin root that means ‘to love,’” he explained. “If you love music, it can be something that rewards you through your life, even if you’re not fortunate enough to be able to make a living out of it. So after a few years of study and learning to play the

While Anderson’s most known for singing and serenading fans with his flute playing as a member of Jethro Tull, he’s also been a longtime patron of smaller wild cats.

Ian Anderson playing with Jethro Tull in Jacksonville, FL circa 2007.

(Photo by Craig O’Neal/CC BY-SA 2.0)

IAN ANDERSON’SFAVE

SM A L L STAC

e are in the midst of the dog days of summer, everyone seeking refuge on the island’s pristine beaches and coastal areas, soaking up the sun and taking full advantage of the sights, sounds and good food that our region offers. We are fortunate to have the best of everything right here on Long Island, especially throughout Nassau County, the perfect blend of location and conditions for surfing, swimming, picnics and sightseeing; quite literally, something for everyone.

In this edition, we open with an exclusive interview with Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, perfectly crafted by award-winning writer Dave Gil de Rubio. Enjoy a late-summer cocktail with some delicious recipes from Cantera Negra Tequila.This year, Hicks Nurseries celebrates its anniversary. Take a walk through regional business history with the gardening mainstay.

One of our summer interns, Olivia Rainson, a St. John’s University English major, has compiled a visually appealing look at the latest in popular menswear fashion. Equally visually appealing, the Nassau County Museum of Art held its opening gala in honor of the newest exhibit, “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait”. Art lovers and donors gathered for the celebration.

In Section II of BLVD, TV chef Nick Stellino pays tribute to his mother in a heartfelt testament to his upbringing and inspiration. To follow in the heels of the noted chef, Anton’s Special Sections Managing Editor Christy Hinko recaps her recent dining experience at the long-time culinary gem, La Piccola Liguria in Port Washington. Christy recently had the chance to speak with Port Washington native Jeanine Tesori, the award-winning composer of the current Broadway smash hit, Kimberly Akimbo. Read about Jeanine’s musical journey and her newest achievement, a Tony award. And to round out the special, Christy also spoke with local artist Cori Forster, whose work is currently on display at the Barnes Gallery in Garden City.

Locals and tourists flock to renowned spots such as Jones Beach and Montauk for relaxation and cooling off. Ice cream parlors and seaside restaurants thrive during this time, offering sweet relief from the heat. Despite the recent hot weather, Long Island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture make it an inviting destination to savor the summer season to its fullest. And in the blink of an eye, we will soon be piling on the layers, enjoying soul-warming beverages and settling in with the brisk Long Island autumn.

Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT. Visit www.mohegunsun. com or call 888-226-7711 for more information. Tull will also be appearing on November 1 at the Beacon Theatre, @ the Beacon Theatre, 74th Street & Broadway, NYC. Visit www. beacontheatre.com or call 866858-0008 for more information. The Letter from the Publisher Published by Anton Media Group KARL V. ANTON, JR. Publisher, 1984-2000 Angela Susan Anton Editor and Publisher Frank A. Virga President Iris Picone Vice President of Operations/CFO Shari Egnasko Director of Sales Administration Christy Hinko Managing Editor, Special Sections Robin Carter Director of Production Alex Nuñez Creative Director Cathy Bongiorno Art Director Joy DiDonato Director of Circulation Linda Baccoli Director of Business Administration Contributing Writers Dave Gil de Rubio, Olivia Rainson, Eleni Roselli, Nick Stellino Advertising Sales Ally Deane, Sal Massa, Maria Pruyn, Jeryl Sletteland 132 East Second Street, Phone: 516-747-8282 Mineola, NY 11501 Fax: 516-742-5867 advertising inquiries advertising@antonmediagroup.com circulation inquiries subscribe@antonmediagroup.com editorial submissions specialsections@antonmediagroup.com Anton Media Group © 2023

With each new edition that our amazing BLVD editorial, advertising and design teams produce, the line up never ceases to amaze me with all the talent, richness and diversity of things that are happening right in our own backyard. I would be remiss if I did not mention the management and administrative sides of the house in their efforts toward all that we do at Anton Media Group also. It truly takes the whole team, every single person in our organization to devote their time, talents and experience to delivering amazing content, week after week, now for decades, all in the name of Anton. Community journalism continues to be a true gift. Karl would be proud. Be sure to catch our luxury issue of Gold Coast Magazine on October 12.

Angela Susan Anton Publisher

that is very arboreal. It has a very long tail. It’s a small, threatened species with big eyes. It’s like a smaller version of the ocelot. The margay is not limited to, but particularly found in South America in lush, relatively jungle environments.” (Photo courtesy of Anderson Christiano Hendgen/CC BY-SA 2.0) Caracal “The caracal is found from India through North Africa and the Middle East as an animal with a relatively short tail, but tufted ears, much bigger than a margay. It’s a savanna kind of cat. It’s a cat that lives in the

Serval “The serval is a short-tailed African small- to medium-sized wild cat that leaps into the air to catch birds particularly. For a savanna wild cat, a long tail is of no use because they don’t climb trees. They run through the grasslands.” (Photo courtesy of Big Cat Rescue/CC BY-SA 3.0) Margay

margay is a small wild cat species

hunts,

The Aqualung-era line-up of Jethro Tull.

Exceptional Experience, Extraordinary Resu s

As a luxury real estate broker, my goal is to provide you with exceptional guidance and expertise, ensuring that your property journey is not only successful but also an exquisite experience. Whether you’re seeking a lavish estate or your introductory home, I’m dedicated to helping you nd your dream property, and navigating the intricacies of the real estate market. A successful transaction relies on partnering with an expert who comprehends market dynamics, employs e ective marketing, and excels in negotiation. With a 20+ year track record, I have been delivering invaluable guidance and unmatched outcomes to my real estate clientele. Let’s have a productive conversation about your real estate goals.

SUMMER COCKTAILS

Still in time to round-out the summer, Cantera Negra Tequila is sharing new delicious cocktails. The premium Cantera Negra portfolio includes Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo and Café, with no additives (aside from the Café, of course) and with Reposado and Añejo aged longer than standard.

Approximately 40 years ago, Don Alberto Becherano began making tequila as a hobby, and he spent more than a decade perfecting his proprietary method for making what might be among the best tasting tequilas in the world.

Cantera Negra means “Black

Quarry,” inspired by the rich volcanic soil from where our agaves grow. Cantera Negra tequila is handcrafted in small-batch quantities using 100 percent fully mature Blue Weber agave.

The company does not believe in cutting corners and permits only time-honored tra-

ditional production methods, and unlike other brands, never adds sugars or colorings. Because of its proven approach, the outstanding quality of Cantera Negra’s all-natural product speaks for itself.

Check out these delicious cocktail recipes from Cantera Negra.

CANTERA SIESTA

Every sip of Cantera Siesta is a delicious escape into summer. This cocktail is a delightful blend of Campari, tangy grapefruit juice, and zesty lime juice, mixed with simple syrup for the perfect touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

1.5oz Cantera Negra Reposado Tequila

.75oz Fresh lime juice

.75oz Simple syrup

.5oz Fresh grapefruit juice

.25oz Campari

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish.

EL SOL

Let El Sol transport you to a sunny paradise. This drink has everything. A bit of sweetness, a bit of spiciness, and delicious fruit notes.

Ingredients:

1.5oz Cantera Negra Silver Tequila

.75oz Passion fruit liqueur

.75oz Fresh lime juice

.25oz Ancho chile liqueur

.25oz Agave syrup

Rim a chilled coupe glass with Tajín seasoning. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into prepped glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

NOCHE NEGRA

Let the Noche Negra take you to a world of sophisticated indulgence. The carefully balanced flavors of rich espresso and Cantera Negra Café Liqueur create a cocktail that is both bold and satisfying.

Ingredients:

1oz Cantera Negra Silver Tequila

1oz Espresso (or cold brew concentrate)

.75oz Cantera Negra Café

Coffee Liqueur

.25oz Simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. —Cantera Negra Tequila

El Sol—Cantera

A Remarkable Milestone

Get ready for the unveiling of a sensational transformation, Long Island. Hicks Nurseries, the region’s unrivaled haven for garden enthusiasts, has been busy this summer undergoing an extensive store renovation to mark its momentous 170th anniversary. Throughout this process, Hicks Nurseries remained fully operational, providing uninterrupted service to its loyal customers.

In a world where trends come and go, and businesses rise and fall, there are rare gems that stand the test of time. The journey for Hicks Nurseries began in 1853, when Isaac Hicks began selling trees to his neighbors in Westbury. Since that first sale, across each succeeding generation, Hicks Nurseries has maintained its reputation for top-quality while helping transform the landscape of Long Island through continuous innovation and evolution.

At the turn of the century, Hicks Nurseries invented and patented the equipment for moving big trees that were desired by Long Island’s new Gold Coast estate owners. Many of

those trees still flourish today on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion, JP Morgan Estate and Phipps Estate, which is currently Old Westbury Gardens. Photo and catalog archives from as early as 1900 can be viewed on the Hicks Nurseries website.

In another innovative move in the 1930s, Hicks Nurseries made pre-dug plants available for customers, marking the beginning of what is now called a retail garden center. After western Long Island shifted from a rural to a suburban community in the 1960s, they refocused the business in order to keep pace with the new generation of Long Island-

ers. Over the next ten years, the nursery was converted into a family-oriented retailing and growing operation that served hundreds of thousands of people each year. Seasonal experiences were introduced such as the Fall Festival and the Flower & Garden Show, which are now highly anticipated annual events. Today, the sixth-generation business is operated by siblings Stephen Hicks, president, and Karen Hicks Courts, vice president of human sesources. Hicks Nurseries has overcome many obstacles such as the Civil War, Great Depression, two World Wars and a global pandemic. It has been

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

170 YEARS OF HORTICULTURAL EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUED INNOVATION

able to not only survive but thrive.

“From the very beginning, we’ve built our reputation on offering the best products along with expert advice and service,” said Stephen Hicks. “We’ve also been committed to elevating our customers’ shopping experience and have continuously reinvested back into the business.

In 2018 we transformed the nursery yard with paved walkways, so our customers didn’t have to walk in mud to select trees and shrubs. Last year we added a newly expanded 20,000-square foot greenhouse for additional products and wider aisle space. And in this 170th milestone year, we are undergoing the most extensive renovation to date by creating an entirely new store experience. We continue to evolve and improve to ensure customer satisfaction and the future of the next generation.”

In fact, the stunning glass façade of the new storefront is a showstopper as you enter from Jericho Turnpike bringing a fresh, modern look to the legacy that is Hicks Nurseries. The revitalized interior will feature a seamless fl ow, making it easier than ever to explore their vast section of plants, fl owers, gardening tools, seasonal décor, and outdoor living essentials. Shoppers can also look forward to updated fi xtures, improved signage and lighting, and an all-new checkout for effi ciency and convenience. Amidst the modern transformations, a piece of history remains preserved. Behind one of the walls, the original storefront stands as a testament to the past, kept for posterity.

“We often hear from our customers that we are their happy place. We think that feeling will translate to an entirely new level of happiness once they come through the doors on opening day,” said Karen Hicks Courts. “As we embark on this new chapter in the history of Hicks Nurseries, we embrace the future knowing our legacy that began 170 years ago will continue to fl ourish for generations to come.”

—Written by Eleni Roselli, director of marketing for Hicks Nurseries.

Herbert L. Pratt estate, c. 1925, also known as the Braes, is currently the campus of the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Here, workers from Hicks Nurseries plant trees on the estate. (Photos courtesy of Hicks Nurseries)

Fashion

Trending Men’s Fashion

Top five summer fashion trends for men

New research reveals this summer’s most sought-after menswear items in America.

The study, conducted by clothing experts boohooMAN, analyzed Google search data to determine the most in-demand menswear items across the country.

Classic men’s fashion trends over the past few years have included distressed vintage T-shirts

and clean stylish sneakers. This summer, funky shorts to dress up a simple T-shirt and classic accessories are on the rise to add a bit of flare to the effortless look. Below are some examples of men’s fashion trends to try out this season.

—Compiled by Olivia Rainson

Bracelets

Men’s bracelets are the second most searched for menswear item. The accessory has 15,0893 average monthly searches across America. Illinois is searching for this item 6,567 times a month, New Jersey 5,708 times a month, and Pennsylvania 5,608 times a month. A simple chain bracelet is the perfect accessory for men of any age. (Men’s 7.2mm Solid Cuban Curb Chain Bracelet in Sterling Silver | $329 | Zales)

Men’s sunglasses are the third most in-demand menswear item, with 14,4597 average monthly searches nationally. Georgia, Michigan, and Arizona show some of the highest interest in men’s sunglasses—with 5,208 monthly searches in Georgia, 4,058 monthly searches in Michigan, and 3,050 monthly searches in Arizona. The hexagonal shape of these glasses is the new trending shape and the lenses come in 13 colors. (Hexagonal Flat Lenses, polished gold frame with blue lenses | $186 | Ray-Ban)

Sandals

Men’s sandals are the fifth most searched for menswear item. This summertime shoe has 10,2978 average monthly searches across America. Massachusetts, Washington, and Tennessee are among the states searching for men’s bracelets the most—with 2,773 monthly searches in Massachusetts, 2,050 monthly searches in Washington, and 1,992 monthly searches in Tennessee. Classic, velvety suede gives the laid-back look that every season, any style appeal. (Arizona, suede leather in taupe | $130 | Birkenstock)

Earrings

Men’s shorts have been named this summer’s most sought-after menswear item, with 17,7442 average monthly searches across the country. California, New York, and Florida are searching for men’s shorts the most—with 21,958 searches in California, 15,508 in New York, and 12,233 in Florida per month. Wear them with a patterned button-down for a cool warm-weather look.

(5 1/2” Corduroy Everywear Shorts | $75 | Madewell)

Men’s earrings are this summer’s fourth most sought-after menswear item. This accessory is searched for 13,9767 times per month. Among the states looking up men’s earrings the most, Ohio has 4,208 monthly searches, North Carolina has 4,067 monthly searches, and Virginia has 3,458 monthly searches. A simple hoop that sits close to the ear is subtle and stylish. (Hex Sterling Silver Hoop Earring | $39 | AllSaints)

1 2 3 4 5

Modigliani Blockbuster Opening

The champagne corks were flying (but not near the multi-million dollar paintings) and the live music was jumping as a select group of invitees celebrated the opening of Modigliani and the Modern Portrait, the spectacular new show on view at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor.

The stylish crowd, which included several prominent art world figures who had loaned their valuable works not just by Modigliani but Picasso, Matisse, Hockney and others, sipped cocktails and enjoyed a sumptuous spread. They were addressed by Angela Susan Anton as well as Juliana Terian, chairman of Rallye Motor Company, the exhibition sponsor.

Among the high-profile attendees were James Watson, who discovered DNA and loaned works from his art collection, as well as Rick Friedman, who runs the Hamptons Fine Art Fair and Carol Wolowitz, one of the premier art collectors in the nation.

The show, which is on view until Nov. 5, is a major coup for the museum, bringing together masterpieces by Modigliani, including one of Greta Garbo’s favorite paintings, on loan from her family.

— Nassau County Museum of Art

Lydia Duanmu, Charles Riley, Emma Liu, Cui Qiao

Museum president Angela Susan Anton and Charles Riley, director

Arthur and Arlene Levine, Juliana Terian of Rallye Motor Company, Jack Donohue and Charles Riley

Charles Riley, Trustee Harvey Manes and his Picasso, Meryl Dee

Maurice Sedaka, CJ Bennett and Jeryl Sletteland

Artist Marybeth Rothman and family toast her Nassau Museum debut.

Mark Simone and Angela Susan Anton

Natalie Comfort, Letitia Thayer, CJ and Fernanda Bennett, Deputy Director

Charles Riley with Arlene and Arthur Levine

Liana Xu, Kathy Yang, Keming Liu-Riley, Rita Castagna, Theresia Lian, Charles Riley

Rey Castillo, Kate Weseley-Jones, Alex Maccaro, Galen Deane and Fernanda Bennett

Nassau Museum hosted a gala preview party for Modigliani, showcasing

Rallye Motor cars anking the red carpet. Photos by Tab Hauser

Jasmine and Martin Rios

The Secret Ingredient To A Great Meal… Is In You!

BY NICK STELLINO

For more than three decades, Nick Stellino has been one of public television’s most popular celebrity chefs and is an accomplished cookbook author with an exciting new edition coming soon. Stellino’s secret ingredient? See below about the passion and encouragement he was raised with that you too can discover to help you prepare meals for your friends and loved ones to enjoy...a mother’s love and her zest for life.

Massimiliana, my mother, like my dad, came from a family of farmers. She met my father in Rome where he attended university, and she was pursuing fame and fortune with a modeling career.

My mom possessed an inherent elegance. She could make a dish rag look like a couture piece from Dior. She was adventurous and the fi ercest of warriors. She protected me and my brother Mario from all evils, and she groomed us into the men we are today.

I know that being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. I suspect being my parent was especially diffi cult. I was enthusiastic about life, unafraid and often irresponsible. To my mother’s chagrin, I seldom backed down from a fi ght. I always welcomed a tussle, no matter how physical it got. She might have looked like a refined star of the silver screen, but Massimiliana was no prima donna. She got things done; she was the glue that held the Stellino

family together and she did so looking like a goddess descending from a heavenly fashion runway.

My mother singlehandedly engineered the historic reunion of my dad and his father after years of being estranged over matters long since forgotten. She did it so gracefully and skillfully, to this very day it’s still regarded as a feat of logistics that are still considered legendary within the Stellino family.

She once told me I looked like my paternal grandfather, my namesake, which she confi rmed to be fi tting because I also inherited his attitude, resilience, and rebelliousness.

What I inherited from my mother was a love for food and a zest for life. She taught me how to peel potatoes and make pasta. She constantly had me in the kitchen with her because, unlike the other boys my age, the kitchen was way better than the football (soccer) fi eld. I’ve always honored my mother’s gifts because they remain with me to this very day, deep within my soul and all throughout my heart.

From Our Hearts To Your Kitchen

In my early years in business, through a series of missteps, I found myself in fi nancial trouble, worried and, even worse, discouraged. I was in my mid-twenties and on my knees crying like a little boy because I didn’t know what my next move was going to be. I lost all my money, I put myself and my wife Nanci at severe fi nancial risk, and even worse, I was ready to give up.

Of course, never the slouch, my mother’s approach was, simply, tough love. Massimiliana gave me a stern reminder of who I was and the promises I made to her when I begged to go to America to seek my fortune.

Yet, despite her steely resolve, instead of petting me like a baby, she sat me down and told me stories I had never heard. At the end of it all, she chose to punctuate it with such incredible encouragement. I’ll never forget her words to me:

“…and when you are dead, then it is over. You are young, strong and my son, this crying thing you are doing is not who we are. This is not what we do. You are a Stellino. Do you understand? There is a way, you will fi nd the purpose, and you will face up to whatever needs doing. If you run away from this now, you will always be running away. When trouble comes, you run right into it and fi ght. We do not cower, and we do not beg. Capisce?”

I take very little credit for my successes. This was my training—I just didn’t know it at the time. I suppose love

comes in many forms, some created as a result of making diffi cult choices. In her refusal to be pushed around, my mother always made the diffi cult choices. She was the general leading the charge—while decked out in a Dior dress.

I often wonder how I might’ve turned out had she not given me those stern reminders; if she had coddled me like a baby my entire life. What would I be today?

I am, first and foremost, the byproduct of my family who was instrumental in shaping my mindset, ultimately to become a far better version of myself.

One day, just like me, you’ll happen upon a dusty old box of old photographs. You’ll open it up and be transported back in time. Then you’ll realize how far you progressed despite your worries.

Don’t let today’s troubles trump your tomorrow. Give your mom a hug or a call. Do it today and tomorrow because the day will come when all you have left is a yellowed photo from a box and the wish that you had done more.

To all the mothers in the world—especially Massimiliana, my mom, I love you!

Old World Values Are Time-Tested Secret Of Port Restaurateur

Food and service done right at La Piccola Liguria

BY CHRISTY HINKO

Old-fashioned restaurant ownership and management hold significant value in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. These traditional approaches emphasize personalized customer service, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Owners actively engage with patrons, creating a sense of community and loyalty. Time-tested management styles prioritize quality and consistency in food and service, ensuring customer satisfaction. The personal touch and attention to detail set these establishments apart, attracting customers seeking genuine experiences.

All of this and more is what you will get at La Piccola Liguria Restaurant on the famed waterfront in Port Washington. Its intimate and unassuming, yet upscale locale packs a mighty punch, satisfying any true foodie.

The owner, Victor Raimondo, is originally from Liguria, in Northern Italy on the Riviera. La Piccola Liguria has been a mainstay in Port for 33 years. Many of the kitchen and waitstaff have been with the restaurant since it opened.

Start your experience off with refreshing Aperol, an Italian bitter apéritif, and Prosecco wine spritzer, or any cocktail of your choice. The polenta in a creamy tomato sauce is complimentary, but you should consider several of the appetizers to entice your taste buds.

Some of the appetizers are seasonal and on the specials menu, but are equally delicious, such as the ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers, tripe stew, antipasto and fresh

sardines. The soups are varied and satisfying, such as lobster bisque, gazpacho and asparagus cream.

The pasta doubles as a meal itself such as orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage; gnocchi with ricotta and spinach; tortellini with peas and prosciutto in a cream sauce; and pappardelle with wild mushrooms and grated summer truffles. You will be wowed with choices, but it does not stop at the pasta.

Choose from dinner specials such as the roasted leg of pork in a mushroom and au jus, whole, from the oven and sliced fresh to order. Some of the menu entree favorites

include veal osso buco, veal or chicken scaloppine, breast of chicken, cacciatore, soft shell crabs (seasonal), halibut with clams and mussels and roasted branzino.

You will already be dreaming of dessert before you finish your appetizer. Throughout the meal, as other guests are nearing the end of their meal, the dessert cart will be passed through the dining room, enticing you, leading you to a tougher choice to make than selecting an entree from the menu earlier.

On the cart, choose from cheesecake, fresh fruit, tarts, red velvet cake, lemon layer cake and gelato. It is dessert heaven. And no Italian meal would be complete without a refreshing shot of limoncello, Italian moonshine.

The dining room is calm, intimate and a little reminiscent of Northern Italy. The staff is impeccably attentive with oldschool service values. You will feel welcome and well-tend-

ed to from the moment you pass through the doors. Old-fashioned methods often embrace family recipes and culinary traditions, preserving cultural heritage. In an era of constant change, these restaurants offer a nostalgic and comforting haven, proving that timeless values remain vital in the hospitality industry.

Reservations are highly encouraged at La Piccola Liguria, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Regular hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays the restaurant is open from noon to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m.

La Piccola Liguria is located at 47 Shore Rd. in Port Washington. Valet service is available at the restaurant. Call 516-767-6490 for seating and more information.

Fresh mussels and clams in pesto sauce Photos by Christy Hinko

Tripe done right, in a creamy peas and carrot sauce

Polenta in a creamy tomato sauce Tender, fall-off-the-bone osso buco over mashed potatoes

The owner, Victor, shaves fresh truf es over the pasta.

Bringing Kimberly Akimbo To Life With Music

Composer Jeanine Tesori shares her journey

BY CHRISTY HINKO

Kimberly Akimbo is the newest musical from Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire and composer Jeanine Tesori that follows Kim, a bright and funny Jersey teen, who happens to look like a 72-year-old lady. And yet her aging disease may be the least of her problems. Forced to maneuver family secrets, borderline personalities, and possible felony charges, Kim is determined to find happiness in a world where not even time is on her side.

Jeanine Tesori, a graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School, has written a diverse catalog for Broadway, opera, film, and television. Leading up to the Tony

nominations, which were to be announced on May 2, we had a chance to speak with Tesori about her musical journey with the show.

Q. What’s the process for developing music around a Broadway show?

“David [Lindsay-Abaire] and I had written another musical together; we wrote Shrek

the Musical. We meet all the time to come up with ideas. I suggested to him that we do one of his own plays. We knew Kimberly Akimbo was the one and immediately began writing the music for it.

“We [David and I] were inspired by our wonderful dysfunctional families, holiday dinners and everyone has an Aunt Deborah who says the wrong thing at the wrong time or has done some time in jail. We put all our ideas up on a giant board and we start planning, this scene and song might go together here and what would this song sound

like, it could go here.

“It takes years of meetings and then you have to put it before an audience, does anyone relate to this. Is it funny enough? Is it moving enough. Our first meeting for Kimberly Akimbo was in 2012. We opened in 2022.

“For me they take that long because I think it’s how you make something that lasts.

“My nona lived with us on Long Island. She was, forever for me, like a 12-year-old because that was the age she was pulled from school in Italy before she came here to the United States. She came here

when she was in her 20s. She always had this incredible twinkle in her eye and a playful spirit. She told me something once, she said she would look in the mirror and be so surprised to see someone in their 80s; she always thought she would see a 12-year-old looking back at her. That always stayed with me.

“When David and I were talking about things once, about how life is. Life can be short or long, but it has a timeline. You’re born, you live and the then you are no longer alive, and people go on after you, but the joy that

Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway

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you can be who you were even who you were as a kid even as you mature, you can keep that spirit alive even though the world sees you as an older person.”

Q. How do you create something that accurately complements a screenplay?

“I think I liken it to parenting a kid. The kid is born and then you think, huh…it doesn’t come with any operating instructions, let’s see what this kid needs. Oh, this kid is shy; this kid needs braces. What are the bones of this play? What is this play about? What has happened in our own lives that is like this?

“My job is to find out why they [the audience] are bored in that spot. Is it the cut? Is the song in the wrong place?”

My father was a doctor on Long Island; he was a scientist, so we used to talk about science a lot. It’s sort of the method of [deduction] and figuring things out. I listen for the queues that the audience is not connecting with the scene, shifting in their chairs, coughing, things like that.”

Q. How did you get involved in composing?

“I started playing piano when I was three. Long Island is a center for the arts. I studied with this incredible music teacher, Richard Benda (of Long Island). I did not even see a real musical until maybe high school, but certainly when I attended Weber. I went to Barnard to study science and medicine. I discovered theater by working at a theater camp.”

When she was 19, she answered an ad in the local newspaper for John Philip Sousa Elementary School for a musical director for the school’s play, Bye Bye Birdie. “I got the job. It paid $300. I thought my ship had come in. That started everything for me.”

Q. Who has influenced your career?

“There are two women that

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were incredible influences on my career as a musician.“ Joe Popoleo was my fifth and sixth grade music teacher at Flower Hill School (approximately 1971). She was a strong teacher. I did the Sound of Music with her and I remember that I didn’t like turning pages so I memorized the score; I had it in my head. Nick Denver wrote a review of Bye Bye Birdie for the Port Washington News back then (approximately 1981) and I remember him remarking about that. She said then it didn’t seem like such a big deal, but now in hindsight it confirms her talent for the craft.

“There was also another music teacher at Flower Hill who I would love to find. I cannot remember her name off the top of my head right now, but she was there around 1968 or 1969. [Lee] Aschenbrenner was the principal then. I would love to find her and acknowledge the gift that she gave me; she was one of the most gifted music teachers ever.”

Q. What’s the best part of composing?

“It’s a doorway, walking in the shoes of others. I don’t write words, that’s not my gift. Because of my training and it’s been passed down through my family, my grandfather was a composer. I love it to try to make people feel something. It sounds so simple minded. It’s one thing to read something and to have words with it; as soon as you put it to music you hear a chord and it makes you cry. There’s a scientific reason behind it. You can translate what’s happening in the world. As soon as you put strings underneath someone talking and you instantly feel sad. It’s very powerful.

“I did not know that you could do music for anything other than doing it just to do it.” It never occurred to her that you could make a living playing music, even as she began entering the career field.

“My dad said, ‘my gift to you is to is to graduate debt-free, but now you are on your own and you have to make your own way,’ and I did.”

Q. How are you feeling leading up to the Tony nominations?

“Awards are incredibly helpful, but they are not a reflection. It’s all very subjective, but the awards help us get the word out.

“I come from a family that values humility above all, and civic duty, decency, owning up to your own stuff.

“My dad used to say, ‘You look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and you have to reckon with that.’”

Jeanine credits her father’s work ethic to his upbringing and working for his father who owned a fruit store in Great Neck in the 1960s.

Q. What do you hope for in the audience take-away?

South Boston and comes from a working-class family. The characters reflect the people he knew. The story feels very true.”

Tesori is one of the first female composers commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera. Her musicals include Fun Home (Tony Award, Pulitzer finalist); Soft Power (Pulitzer finalist); Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award); Violet; Shrek; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Twelfth Night. Her operas include Blue (Libretto, Tazewell Thompson); A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck (Tony Kushner); The Lion, The Unicorn and Me (J.D. McClatchy); and the upcoming Grounded (George Brant).

In addition to her work as a composer, Tesori is the founding artistic director of New York City Center’s Encores! Off Center Series, a lecturer at Yale University, and most recently the supervising vocal producer for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story

“My parents were completely supportive of my decision to leave pre-med and pursue music.

Kimberly Akimbo is like the experience of having a great full meal; it’s great big belly laughs; it’s a cry; it’s a full experience.

“David is writing about what he knows. He grew up in

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Kimberly Akimbo opened in November and is playing at Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St. in Manhattan. The show runs

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FROM BLANK CANVAS EMERGES A WORLD OF IMAGINATION

BY CHRISTY HINKO

For many, like local artist Cori Forster, it is a lifelong devotion to creativity and self-expression. We recently had an opportunity to chat with Forster about her talent and creations. Here’s what she had to share.

Q. Describe your work.

A I mainly paint in oils, focusing on traditional representational techniques. I devote most of my time to painting landscapes, nature, still life and portraiture.

Q. What inspires your work?

A My passion for painting is greatly inspired by the world around me. When I am intrigued by an image, I feel compelled to express it on canvas. It may be to provoke an emotion, or it could be to capture a moment in time. I am fascinated with color, texture, and how shapes interact with each other. The subject matter is equally important to me; the composition and how light falls against the subject all play a role in my creative process. Whether I’m painting a landscape, still life, figure or portrait, I am always revealing the beauty and awe of nature.

Q. What makes your work unique?

A. My uniqueness is revealed by people who have appreciated my work over the years. Searching through my social media archives, I found testimonials that depict the individualism of my paintings.

“Your paintings are fantastic. You share your emotions funneled directly into your paintbrush. You speak a language of love and happiness.”

“Your eyes and your hand are like a camera. Absolutely amazing!”

“Looks like if you touch it, it will move. Unbelievable.”

“They make you feel like you are actually sitting right there.”

“It’s the way you catch the light. I have seen Monets in every country in Europe, and you catch the light the way he did, in the moment.”

“Many artists find inspiration by focusing on their memories and sense of values. Those personal statements can make an artist’s paintbrush paint something

serious and dramatic, but you paint beautiful, serene, sometimes playful, and fun scenes...a reflection of you.”

Q. Why do you create art?

A. Everyone is born with an innate talent. Getting in touch with that inner knowing and realizing that it is part of one’s purpose is where the magic happens.

Q. How did you get started creating?

A. I began my journey as an undergraduate student at Queens College, majoring in fine art. I then transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I majored in fashion Illustration, to complete my degree. Over the years I earned my living as a freelance artist, where I worked in various design houses and companies. Taking time off to raise a family, and a change of career, I eventually found my way back to my true love—art. Once moving to Long Island, I changed my focus from illustration to fine art. I have taken art classes all over Long Island, as well as workshops and Zoom classes with instructors internationally.

Q. Is art learned or instinct?

A. Art always comes from within. It starts off instinctually and then gets developed through learning and countless hours of doing.

Q. Where can we see more of your work?

A. My paintings have been juried and exhibited all over Long Island and New York City; The Salmagundi Club, NYC, The Art Guild of Port Washington, Huntington Arts Council, Mills Pond Gallery, Trapani Art, Planting Fields Arboretum, and featured in Newsday, and The Observer In 2019, I had my first solo exhibition at Yasha Gallery, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and this past May, a two woman show, at Barnes Gallery. Currently, you can view my work at Barnes Gallery, and the Firefly Artist Gallery, Northport. I am excited to announce that I just became a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club. Forster is a member of the Art League of Nassau County, with work currently on display at Barnes Galley through August. The gallery is located at 2 Nassau Blvd. in Garden City South and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.barnesgalleryframing.com or call 516-538-4503 for details about the art show. Visit www.coriforsterart.com to check out more of Forster’s work or on her social media pages (@CoriForster_Art on Facebook and Instagram).

Being a painter is an exhilarating journey of pursuing a passion. With every brushstroke, emotions come alive and colors dance in harmony. The canvas becomes a sacred space where ideas flow freely, transcending boundaries.

Cori Forster

The Lemon Twigs Return Home

BY ROY ABRAMS editors@antonnews.com

Elton John raves about them. Todd Rundgren raves, writes, and records with them. The list of musical luminaries who sing their praises seems to grow by the day.

The Lemon Twigs, fronted by Hicksville’s own Brian and Michael D’Addario, are preparing for their long-awaited return to Long Island at The Space at Westbury on October 13th.Their journey has been a long and winding one since the time of their humble live debut at the Hicksville Street Fair in 2014. The Lemon Twigs have become one of the torchbearers of writing, recording, and performing song-based pop/rock music in the tradition of their iconic influences (think Beatles, Beach Boys, The Byrds, Big Star) with a quirky, refreshing originality, and have gained a devoted international following in the process.

Having last crossed paths with the D’Addario brothers in 2019, a recent phone call with Brian and Michael offered the opportunity to catch up. I wondered what was behind the wait to do a homecoming gig until now. According to Brian, ”Most of our fan base, when we started out, was in Brooklyn. Those were our first shows where anybody really came, it wasn’t just [those who were] invited. So it always seemed a little bit scary to play on Long Island because we thought most of our fan base in this area was from the city.”

were practicing. [We were working on] a very delicate-sounding album, and we were hitting our heads against the wall trying to figure out how to do this record. Brian’s trying to do good guitar takes and there’s sirens ruining takes. We finally reached a point where we said we had to take the album somewhere else. We took it to a studio in San Francisco that was a pretty decent rate and some really legendary albums and recordings were made there; they did Spirit in the Sky and American Beauty.”

Brian discussed his journey as a songwriter during the past few years. “I was really able to work with my strengths on this album. I’ve always found it easier to write a ballad than a faster song. (With) “Ghosts Run Free,” it came about very spontaneously and I was very influenced by songs that Michael was writing at the time like “In My Head,” which was written before “Ghosts Run Free.” It was cool, because I knew that I could write ballads well for years, but I was never able to put a lot on a record, and then, I didn’t know that I could write a fun, sort of flippant thing! It’s nice to know that you’re not just bound by whatever your influences are. You can choose to write any kind of song you want to write.”

wasn’t to

and

The band’s fourth album, Everything Harmony, was released in May and has since charted internationally, garnering fans exponentially and earning wide critical acclaim. The journey wasn’t easy, as Michael explained. ”When the album started, we moved out of our parents’ house to the city, and we got space in Manhattan right at the height of Covid; it was getting a lot cheaper. We were in a space in midtown called the Music Building and it was so raucous and loud [with] all of the sirens and metal bands that

The upcoming Long Island show is sure to be a special event. Fans and critics alike say that the band has never sounded better onstage. To this regard, longtime followers of The Lemon Twigs will welcome the return of Danny Ayala to the touring band lineup. A Hicksville native and close friend of the brothers, Danny’s formidable abilities as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist are a perfect addition to the mix. His voice blends seamlessly with the other two, creating pitch-perfect three-part harmonies that can send chills up the spine.

Michael agreed, stating, “We felt like we had a lot of different members who were so talented in different areas but we never had anybody who was able to do a third harmony quite so well as Danny had when we first started out.” Signing off, Brian added, “We’re really happy about this band, too. We’re really excited to get back on the road and play!”

The Lemon Twigs are fronted by Hicksville’s own Brian and Michael D’Addario.

(Photo by Stephanie Pia)

Album cover art for The Lemon Twigs’ Everything Harmony. (Image courtesy of the Lemon Twigs)

Furby Returns For 25th Anniversary

Interactive toy gets a new look, features

a variation of Furby models being sold with new patterns, more personality and higher resolution eyes.

However, when the personalities are titled “angry” or “crazy,” it certainly leads people to wonder what kind of toy their

child is playing with.

Conspiracies surrounding the toy were a large part of its rise to fame. Being a toy without an off button raised many concerns for consumers and led to a variety of horror stories circulating the internet.

Due to the rumors of Furbies listening to conversations and understanding commands, the NSA banned them from being in their premises.

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Arguably one of the most controversial and unique toys of the 2000s, the Furby has been rebranded and is returning with a new look.

Furby is an interactive animatronic toy that makes various facial expressions and communicates in a gibberish language called “Furbish.”

The original Furby, produced by Tiger Electronics, was sold from 1998 through 2002 — then Hasbro bought the rights of Furby and the other toys of Tiger Electronics. The first edition of the Furby was quite basic, and its main kitsch was a tilt sensor and light-sensored, realistic eyes.

Furby was revamped from there, with Hasbro releasing an advanced version of the toy in 2005 with emotions and voice recognition. Since then, there has been

The U.S. National Security Agency, for example, banned the toy from its headquarters in 1999. Photography and audio-visual recording equipment are prohibited in NSA headquarters, and the agency was worried that the toy might unintentionally record and repeat classified information.

This only increased fascination with the toy and led Tiger Electronics to affirm that their toy is simply a toy — not a spy. In a statement released by Hasbro about the new version of Furby, the questionable past of the toy was mentioned:

“It sparked a collector craze which drove auction prices above retail prices and was even banned from the National Security Agency (NSA) premises in Maryland. Furby was cool, cute, and loveably weird – a combination that kids and the world needed. Over the years, Furby has remained a unique symbol of self-expression for fans across the globe due to the immense and growing fandom

New Furbies in Purple and Coral. (Photo by Business Wire)

that has taken Furby from just a toy to an imaginative brand and lifestyle. Early reads from consumers and retailers on this newest iteration of Furby are very positive and show us that fans are just as excited as we are!”

Many consumers also questioned if Furby was based on the film series Gremlins . Director Joe Dante raised

the comparison of Gizmo to the Furby, and this actually led to the creation of a Gizmo Furby. Warner Bros. sued Hasbro for an undisclosed seven-figure sum, but after reaching the settlement, both parties joined forces to create the limited edition Gizmo toy — which was voiced by Howie Mandell, Gizmo’s actor. Featuring a completely new look

— along with new safety features — the newest Furby has been on the shelves for about a month. Whether or not the toy will be a success is still largely unknown, but at a steep $69.99, is it worth it?

Many customers leaving reviews about the revamped toy are actually collectors or parents, not kids. Is the Furby for this generation’s children or is it a nostalgic collectible for previous owners of the original model? Being a collectable toy, the new edition is being marketed to not just kids but their parents as well in an attempt to stir up nostalgia.

This Furby comes in only two colors, purple and coral, but it has far more features than the original. With 600 phrases, five voice activated modes and new dance moves, the new Furby is largely upgraded. The most exciting new feature, however, is the off switch.

Starting as one of the first few animatronic toys to later becoming a national security threat, Furbies have come a long way

since their debut in 1998. Whether the world needs a new Furby edition is still up for debate, especially in a world full of artificial intelligence and newer robotic toys. Will this new version of Furby cause more horror stories being posted on Reddit threads? Or does Furby deserve a second chance despite its creepy past? There is only one way to find out!

The five new modes for Furby in 2023. (Photo by Hasbro)

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES

HOROSCOPES

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

By Holiday Mathis

By Holiday Mathis

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 22 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

ARIES (March 21-April 19). e heart-sore nd their way to the balm of your attention. You do not have to do much more than be a loving presence. Listening will be better than talking. Silence will be better than stories. Short visits that include hugs are better than long ones that don’t.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll go out of your way for someone this week and you’ll never be sorry you made the e ort. It ts your creed to deliver beyond expectation. Endeavors of generosity will release a rush of feel-good serotonin to your brain -- an unexpected perk, and one of many reasons you don’t care if kindness is ever repaid. Giving is getting.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). An interest strikes a deep but unresolved chord in you that you aim to bring into better harmony. ere’s a tendency to obsess, ruminate or think in loops. e persistent thoughts are a sign that you care. Don’t try to manage thoughts too much; let action order them instead. ey will sort themselves as you keep moving forward.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Love is not a game you can watch and learn. No simulation can do it justice. No study will improve you. You might nd out what works for others, but to know what works for you, you must be the one in the game. Also, know that what you do to guard or share your heart will be unpredictable. e only way to play is to play.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Deliberate action isn’t always slow, but it will be this week. You’ll avoid mistakes by taking things one step at a time, then checking your work after every 10 steps. You may talk to yourself as you carry out the actions to be extra mindful of staying on track. Your careful, methodical approach will deliver you far beyond your goal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Emotional labor is the work you do to appear appropriate and serviceable on the outside when your insides have di erent suggestions, such as: run, hide, shout, cry, spill your guts or take a nap. It’s a week to acknowledge the di erent ways you work and give yourself credit, reward and rest when you need it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). ere’s a price to pay for everything you want, and the big wishes require not just what you can easily a ord but also some kind of meaningful sacri ce. Maybe it’s sugar or television or spending money one place that could be applied to your dream. It’s a week to determine what you’re willing to give up that will make the di erence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you’ve even the slightest suspicion that there might be a better way to do what you’re doing, go ahead and ask around. New insights will amaze you or, at the very least, make your life easier. ose from a di erent background and/or generation will approach your problems di erently than you would.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). For some reason you will hesitate to dive into your joy. Maybe there’s an inequality to shore up, or an issue of timing or responsibility. Ultimately, living by your own standards of character will be the most satisfying choice in the end. And any delay in grati cation will only serve to increase your enjoyment later.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ve been known to be logical, sometimes to a fault, but this week brings a di erent mood. When the voice of reason rings out, you won’t necessarily feel like responding. e heart answers to destiny, not logic. ere are many in uences a ecting your scene, but you only feel like bending to one -- the sway of your heart.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Remember that you’re not wrong to feel as you do -- and you’re not right either. Feelings are involuntary responses that don’t adhere to a moral code. ey are signals that call for a response. Which response is up to you. is week, you’ll respond di erently to what you feel. Your emotions will inform you instead of command you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You thought a promotion or rise in status would make you feel more con dent, but it did the opposite because now you’re charged with meeting a higher expectation. ere are skills and knowledge you lack, but this will always be the case. e trick is to get comfortable with what you lack. en you’ll be unstoppable.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

An intriguing option becomes available with the luck of your solar return. You’ll take the small step that puts you on a scenic and breezy path. e climb is a slow and roundabout grade, so you hardly notice the e ort it takes to get to the top. Sometimes you’ll hold hands, sometimes you’ll love the freedom of running solo. More highlights: You’ll prioritize your physical strength and be inspired to reach your goals. You’ll be a part of an exciting joint venture; friends share the risks and rewards.

It’s a digital world

Solution: 22 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 22 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

It’s a digital world

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

Solution: Rapidly changing society

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

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER

FOR RELEASE THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

CONTRACT BRIDGE

Date: 8/23/23

By Steve Becker

A question of probabilities

intentions, be guilty of an error in judgment rather than one of percentages.

In the present case, it might be argued that South made the wrong percentage bid in undertaking a slam after his partner had shown a very weak hand initially. But South had no way of determining whether his partner had the queen of hearts, which was all he needed to make the slam.

When dummy appeared, South realized he had misjudged, but this did not stop him from making the contract. He won the opening diamond lead and, after just a brief pause for thought, returned the king of trump! When East turned up with the singleton queen, declarer was home.

*strong, artificial **negative Opening lead — ten of diamonds.

Bridge is a game of percentages. The player who makes the best percentage bid or play at every turn will come out ahead in the long run, even though some of those bids or plays might not produce the best result.

Of course, the best percentage bid or play is sometimes strictly a matter of judgment, and the player who thinks he is making the right bid or play might, despite his good

The king play was eminently correct. With no entry in dummy to lead toward his hand, South had no chance for the slam if the trumps were divided 2-2 or 4-0. In either case, he would lose two trump tricks no matter how he played. His only hope was to find the trumps divided 3-1, with the singleton specifically the queen — about a 13% chance. The king play was therefore right for the best of all reasons — it was the only play that could make the contract, and at the same time could not be the cause of losing it.

Tomorrow: Bidding quiz. ©2023

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

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District Gives Officials And Environmental Advocates Tour Of Plant

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) recently welcomed the Town of North Hempstead Climate Smart Communities Committee and Reach Out America for a tour of its facility. The tour group consisted of approximately 20 environmental advocates and Town elected officials.

“It is always exciting to bring leaders of our community into our facility,” said GNWPCD Commissioner Patty Katz. “Our District’s practices are always evolving, something which becomes apparent when you are able to see them up close. We love to share information on everything that goes on at our plant every day, and it was a privilege to do so with our elected officials and neighbors who are just as passionate about our environment as we are.”

A presentation highlighted recent improvements and the expansions to its operations that allow the District to remain on the forefront of wastewater treatment technology and environmental conservation. Commissioner Katz also discussed the ways in which the District’s newest projects help save millions of gallons of drinking water and hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars every year.

“The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District provides an invaluable service to our community, and it was incredible to be given an up close look at everything they do to protect the health of our environment and, in turn, our residents,” said Supervisor

Jennifer DeSena. “The systems the District has in place display a unique commitment to advancing the ways in which sewer districts are able to service their communities, and it is wonderful to see such a dedicated group of people make these tremendous strides in our own backyard.”

Following the presentation, the guests were provided with a firsthand look across the entirety of the GNWPCD plant and everything that goes into treating more than 3 million gallons of wastewater every day. The GNWPCD provides residents with the most advanced wastewater treatment practices available, and the District is thankful to have been given the opportunity to put them on display for these environmentally-conscious community leaders.

“A tour of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District facility is truly eye-opening,” said Town Councilmember Veronica Lurvey. “As a representative of the Town’s Climate Smart Communities task force, I was impressed with the innovative and sustainable practices in place. Learning about their operations to convert grease into methane, powering turbines to generate electricity, I realized that even a sewer district can play a significant role in reducing our carbon footprint. It’s not just about efficiency; they’ve embraced environmentally friendly practices that should serve as a model for other communities. This experience has reinforced my belief that our commitment to a greener future begins with every small step we take.”

About the GNWPCD

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is a special commissioner-run district within the Town of North Hempstead. The GNWPCD has provided sewage services for the Great Neck area since 1914, and currently serves more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the villages of Great Neck, Saddle Rock,

Kensington, and those parts of Thomaston and Great Neck Plaza east of Middle Neck Road; as well as all unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Railroad and a part of Manhasset. The GNWPCD’s mission is to protect human health, our bays and the environment.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District

Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Patty Katz, far left, and Plant Supervisor John Keating led the tour showcasing the GNWPCD’s operations to environmental advocates and elected officials, including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, eighth from left; Town Council Member Veronica Lurvey, ninth from right; and Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain, fourth from right. (Contributed photo)

Bicycle, E-Bike And Electronic Scooter Safety Tips

Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (District 10) wants to remind residents to follow the rules of the road and stay safe while biking.

“As we see more and more electric bikes and scooters, we have to be more vigilant to promote safety,” wrote Legislator Pilip on Facebook. “And for those using these scooters and bikes, you have a responsibility to follow the laws and be safe in your usage. Safety happens with personal responsibility.”

Safety tips:

• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.

• Always ride your bike with the flow of traffic, not against it.

• Keep both hands ready to brake.

• Use lights at night and make sure the bike has reflectors.

• Wear reflective materials so motorists can see you.

• Use proper hand signals when turning

• Don’t ride bikes while wearing headphones, talking on the cell phone or texting.

NYS E-bike and electric scooter laws:

• Rider must be over the age of 16 years old.

• E-bike speed limit is 20-25 miles per hour, depending on E-bike class.

• Electric scooter speed limit is 15 miles per hour.

• E-bikes are not permitted on roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour.

• Rider must ride on bike lane or street-no sidewalks.

• Rider must wear a helmet if e-bike can exceed 20 miles per hour, or if they are under 18.

Nassau County Bike Safety Helmet Law: Nassau County requires children up to age 18 to wear bike helmets while riding their bike,

scooter, motorized scooter or motorized bicycle. The law is aimed at protecting children and motorists alike. Parents can be ticketed for children’s failure to wear a helmet.

—Information from the office of Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip

LEGALGREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice

Architectural Review Board

PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Architectural Review Board of the Village of Kensington will hold a public hearing on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 at p.m. at the Village Hall located at 2 Nassau Drive, Great Neck, NY on the following application:

46 ARLEIGH RD., PARADISO also known as Section 2, Block 225, Lot 107 (Remove asphalt driveway and replace all with pavers).

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

Andrea Dennett, Chairperson Joyce Cheung, Co-Chairperson

Architectural Review Board

Dated: July 27, 2023

8-30-23-2023-1T-#242207GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Town of North HempsteadBoard of Zoning Appeals

Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of North Hempstead, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Zoning Appeals of said Town will meet at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, New York, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 to consider any matters that may properly be heard by said Board, and will hold a public hearing on said date to consider applications and appeals.

The following cases will be called at said public hearing starting at 10:00am.

APPEAL #21434 - John Roggendorf; 255-19 East

Pembroke Avenue, Great Neck; Section 2, Block 55, Lot 218; Zoned: Resi-

dence-C

Variances from §§70100.2(A)(2) and 70-100.2(A)

(4) to legalize and to replace fencing located beyond the front building line (in the front yard) and legalize and replace fencing that is too tall.

APPEAL #21435 - Yaron Levy; 38 Hawthorne Lane; Great Neck; Section 2, Block 367, Lot 57; Zoned: Residence-A

Variances from §§70-29.C, 70-30.C and 70-208.F to

construct additions and alterations that will make the home too big, will be located too close to the street and will increase the non-conformity of a pre-existing non-conforming home.

Plans are available for public viewing at https://northhempsteadny.gov/bzs.Persons interested in viewing the full file may do so by any time before the scheduled hearing by contacting the BZA department via e-mail at BZAdept@northhempsteadny.gov.

Additionally, the public may view the live stream of this meeting athttps:// northhempsteadny.gov/ townboardlive.

Any member of the public is able to attend and participate in a BZA hearing by appearing on the scheduled date and time. Comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Written comments are accepted by email up to 60 minutes prior to the hearing. Timely comment submissions will be made part of the record.

DAVID MAMMINA, R.A., Chairman; Board of Zoning Appeals

8-23-2023-1T-#242281-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF THOMASTON BOARD OF

TRUSTEES PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that the Village of Thomaston Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting and public hearing, as follows:

Date and Time: September 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Place: Village Hall, 100 E. Shore Road, Great Neck

The meeting will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/5237127553?pwd=YkswTVg3Y3NPbjFpdkllUGlsdnFwUT09

To listen to the meeting: Dial (646) 558-8656 and enter the Meeting ID: 842 9555 2792 Passcode: 877952

At the designated time and place, all interested persons attending in-person, will be heard with respect to review of the June 13, 2023 determination of the Village Landmarks Commission to designate premises 46 S. Middle Neck Road, Thomaston, New York, as a landmark property, pursuant to Chapter 120 of the Village Code. Written comments may be submitted to the Board of Trustees prior to the public hearing. All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 100 E.

Dated:

(Courtesy of Getty Images)

Great Neck Educator Recognized As A Pioneering Educator

This past June, Jennifer Greenspoon, an elementary-level teacher in the Great Neck UFSD, was recognized by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Association of School Technologists (NASTECH) as a pioneering educator who has contributed significantly to the advancement of technology in education. Ms. Greenspoon was honored at the fifth annual Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient (NASTAR) awards ceremony, held at the Nassau BOCES Brookville Outdoor and Environmental Education Center.

Ms. Greenspoon has been an integral part of the technology program at the Baker School since its inception. She leverages tech tools to increase student engagement, enhance active inquiry and improve learning. She is also committed to expanding her own knowledge base, and proactively shares her expertise with other educators. To that end, she serves on the district’s In-service Institute Committee, where she helps guide the selection of professional development offerings to her fellow educators.

“Ms. Greenspoon engages and empowers learners through her innovative use of technology in the classroom,” said Great Neck Technology Director Justin Lander, her award nominator. “She is a pioneer who has made significant contributions to the advancement of educational technology in our district. Through her technological expertise, willingness to try new things and openness to share with others, Jennifer truly embodies what it means to be a NASTAR.”

The NASTAR awards were created by the Nassau BOCES NASTECH Service to honor educators for their innovation, leadership and support of technology initia-

GNPS Community Ed Fall Registration Open

It’s back-to-school season, and Community Ed is pleased to offer a full array of learning opportunities for adults this fall! Registration for the fall session is currently open and classes will begin on Monday, Sept. 11.

The Fall 2023 Catalog is available in a digital format on the Community Ed website at www. greatneck.k12.ny.us/ce. Residents are encouraged to flip through the digital catalog to learn about course offerings and register with just a click of a button. With more than 100 classes available, there’s something for everyone!

Courses include a mix of in-person and online classes in the areas of creative arts and crafts, fitness and movement, games and hobbies, literature and writing, history, performing arts and entertainment, personal development, and world languages.

In-person classes meet at 30 Cumberland Ave., Great Neck, one block south of Northern Blvd., off Lakeville Rd. Online classes are conducted via Zoom.

(Contributed graphic)

pleted over the phone, via email at gncontinuinged@greatneck. k12.ny.us, or online at https:// apm.activecommunities.com/ gnpscommunityed. Links and instructions for online registration are also available on the Community Ed website.

tives in their school districts. Each recipient is selected by their district based on this criterion. This year, a total of 27 Nassau County educators were acknowledged for their achievements in a ceremony conducted by Nassau BOCES NASTECH and Data Privacy and Security Service Supervisor Laura Pollak and Program Specialist Barbara Deal.

About Nassau BOCES

A vital regional resource, Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities. We empower students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative,

artistic, outdoor, special education, career and technical, and virtual educational environments. We offer adult education programs and a variety of programs that are vital to improving the Long Island regional economy. Our professional development advances teaching and learning on Long Island. In addition, our technology services form the backbone of many school districts’ infrastructure. As the county’s educational leader in implementing the state’s reform efforts, we are helping to shape the future of education. To learn more, visit www.nassauboces.org and like us at www.facebook.com/ nassauboces.

—Submitted by Nassau BOCES

Additional information is available by calling Community Ed at 516-441-4949 or visiting the website at www.greatneck.k12. ny.us/ce. Registration can be com-

Join us for another exciting season at Community Ed! Be sure to follow Great Neck Community Ed on Facebook for the latest program updates.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District

Great Neck National Guard Soldier Receives New Rank, New Responsibilities

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Michael Strachan from Great Neck, N.Y., and assigned to the Company C, 101st Expedition-

ary Signal Battalion, received a promotion July 8, 2023 to the rank of sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for

a career in the New York Army National Guard.

Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards

retirement programs similar to a 401(k).

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state’s executive agency responsible to the Governor for

managing New York’s Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

—Submitted by the New York Army National Guard

Jennifer Greenspoon (left), an elementary-level teacher in the Great Neck UFSD, is congratulated on being a Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient by District Technology Director Dr. Justin Lander. (Contributed photo)

FunDay Monday

North Hempstead Town Council

Member Peter Zuckerman recently attended FunDay Monday at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington on Monday, Aug. 1.

FunDay Monday is an exciting summer program that provides entertainment and fitness classes to seniors for free. Hundreds of senior residents attended the most recent event, which featured an exciting performance by Beat-A-Likes, a Beatles tribute band.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

11th Annual Car-Free Day Long Island

The 11th Annual Car-Free Day Long Island will take place on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. The Town’s participation in the daylong global initiative is part of the Town’s effort to go green and to reduce its carbon footprint.

Over recent years, the Town has provided information and infrastructure to make walking, biking and transit more accessible. North Hempstead has a bike rack outside of Town Hall to encourage the use of bicycle transportation. The rack is not only for Town employees to use, but it can be used by anyone needing to lock up their bike for a trip into town or to the railroad station. The rack is located near the side door of Town Hall on Andrew Street.

In 2021, the Town partnered with PedalShare for a bike share program in Port Washington. PedalShare is a bike share program on Long Island with over 200 bikes and 50 stations across the Island. As part of the program in North Hempstead, stations are located at Town Dock, Manorhaven Beach Park, and the Port Washington Long Island Rail Road Station. PedalShare maintains the bikes and the program will be offered at no cost to the Town.

The Town also hosted a presentation of local transit options and created five, ten and fifteen-minute shop, dine and stroll routes to help residents to experience downtowns by foot. All of this information can be found at northhempsteadny.gov/climateeducation

Town officials hope that Car-Free Day will inspire residents to try out a more sustain-

able mode of travel than single-occupancy vehicles. Last year, North Hempstead employees took the pledge and earned the gold award for the highest number of pledges of any town on Long Island. This resulted in resulting in the avoidance of 59,536 miles of driving and 30 tons of CO2 emissions. The Town encourages residents to take the pledge so we can make an even larger impact.

To participate in this event, all you have to do is pledge to be car free or car-light on Sept. 22, 2023 by filling out the pledge form on www.CarFreeDayLI.com. Those who take the pledge will automatically be entered for a chance to win great prizes.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Town Of North Hempstead September 11th Memorial Service

On Monday, September 11th, 2023, the Town of North Hempstead will host a 9/11 Memorial Service at 8:15 a.m. at Manhasset Valley Park, located on East Shore Road and Northern Blvd. All are welcome to the ceremony.

“This year marks the 22nd Anniversary of these tragic attacks on America, and we will once again commemorate the day and honor those we have lost with this special ceremony at the Town’s 9/11 Memorial at Manhasset Valley Park,” Supervisor Jennifer DeSena stated. “56 North Hempstead residents lost their lives in the attacks, so it is especially significant that we come together as a community each year to honor their memory. The passage of time does not diminish the tragedy that our nation suffered, so please join us as we remember these loved ones and the brave heroism of

our first responders who answered the call that day.”

“Once again we gather to commemorate those we lost in the tragic events of September 11th twenty-two years ago. Our somber reflection may be a public expression, a celebration and tribute or an immensely private and personal moment of grief and resolution. May we continue to heal and rededicate ourselves to a better world and share in the promise to “Never Forget”, said Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava.

The Town of North Hempstead September 11th Memorial at Manhasset Valley Park features a stately 19-foot-long steel beam from the World Trade Center.

If you have any questions, please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 516-869-7610.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

(Contributed graphic)

Councilmember Peter Zuckerman joins the Beat-A-Likes ahead of their performance at FunDay Monday.

Councilmember Peter Zuckerman with residents at FunDay Monday. (Contributed photo)

A 19-foot-long steel beam from the World Trade Center at the Town’s September 11th memorial located at Manhasset Valley Park. (Contributed photo)

The Next Move Is Yours

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THE MAYFAIR | Great Neck | 25 Canterbury Road # 3T | $338,000 Web# 3487539 | Top floor co-op. 1 bedroom Junior 4 Layout. Immediate, indoor parking.

DEEPDALE GARDENS | Little Neck | 60-14 Little Neck Parkway | $399,000 Web# 3494917 | Stunning 2 bedroom upper corner unit in private cul-de-sac. Features open concept kitchen and so much more.

DEEPDALE GARDENS | Little Neck | 61-21 255th Street | $376,000 Web# 3490494 | Beautiful 2 bedroom lower unit located in lovely courtyard. Features a completely renovated opened kitchen and much more.

TWO-FAMILY | Woodhaven | 82-83 94th Street | $1,099,000 Web# 3496435 | Briarwood at Forest Park, in the heart of Woodhaven, 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom two-family home in a private cul-de-sac.